THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES 2019 CHAMBER HERO AWARD WINNERS

Chamber Hero Awards to be presented by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla (August 21, 2019) - The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce has chosen 5 outstanding members to receive the inaugural Chamber Hero Award. The awards will be presented by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis at a luncheon event which takes place at the new Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery on September 5th. The event is sponsored by Capital One. Everyone is welcome, but advance registration is required. Details and registration links are located by clicking here.

The 2019 Chamber Hero Awards will be presented to:

• Jungle Queen Riverboats – Jeffrey Kaplan
• Northwestern Mutual Striano Financial Group – Linda Buccilli
• Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau – Richard Gray
• Freedom Travel – Richard Safaty
• Reyka Vodka – Paola London

"Jungle Queen Riverboats has shown support for our chamber and the LGBT+ community by hosting our annual holiday parties for the past 3 years in a row. The 4th one is scheduled for this December. Not only has Jungle Queen Riverboats donated the boat and crew, but Jeff and his team have always been there to greet our members and to personally assist" said Keith Blackburn, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"Linda and Northwestern Mutual has supported the chamber and is the exclusive presenting sponsor of our quarterly breakfast events. Linda has been an amazing ally to our community. In addition to the chamber, she has supported fundraisers, like the annual Bowling to Fight Hunger, Florida AIDS Walk and more said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"Our partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau - CVB is critical to our tourism-related efforts. The CVB partnership supports our chamber and our LGBT+ Visitor Center. With the CVB's partnership and Richard's personal commitment, along with the full support of his CEO, Stacy Ritter we have been able to make a huge impact" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"Soon after Freedom Travel joined the chamber, we were strategizing how to create a unique experience while raising money for the chamber.  Rich quickly got approval from Celebrity Cruises to host a Sunday lunch on the Celebrity Silhouette. This event was used to showcase our first chamber cruise, which sets sail on September 7th on the Celebrity Equinox" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"I first met Paola in 2015 when I was planning the Welcome Reception for the NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference, which took place in Fort Lauderdale. The event was huge with 1000+ expected attendees. Paola and her team donated the product and created an amazing and unforgettable Reyka Waterfall. That event led to our ongoing partnership, with Reyka Vodka as our monthly mixer sponsor" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

# # #

About the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce - GFLGLCC

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non-Profit independent organization affiliated with the NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. To be an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality and to promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

For more information, contact the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce at +1-954-523-3500 or visit www.GFLGLCC.org. Get social and engage with Greater Fort Lauderdale on social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

PRESS CONTACT:
Keith Blackburn, 954-523-3500 / Keith@gflglcc.org

NGLCC - NATIONAL LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE AS HOST DESTINATION FOR 2021 NGLCC INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

World’s Largest LGBT Business Event Brings Thought Leaders Together to Greater Fort Lauderdale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 14, 2019) – The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has chosen Greater Fort Lauderdale as the host destination for the 2021 NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference, the world’s largest LGBT business event. The event will take place on August 8-14, 2021 at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

“We are thrilled to bring our 2021 International Business & Leadership Conference to the cosmopolitan Greater Fort Lauderdale and the beautiful Diplomat Beach Resort,” said Justin Nelson, co-founder, and president of NGLCC. “The destination not only offers a thriving LGBT scene, but it also offers event organizers and attendees with stunning beaches and a variety of world-class museums, culinary experiences, and unique attractions.”

“We last hosted the NGLCC in 2015 and are extremely excited to be bringing them back again in 2021,” said Keith Blackburn, president, and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is the LGBT capital of Florida, has the highest concentration of same-sex couple households in the country and has hundreds of gay-owned and operated businesses. The destination also welcomes 1.5 million LGBT travelers annually and has been proactively targeting and welcoming the LGBT market since 1996.

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is very proud to be seen as one of the global leaders in welcoming LGBT travelers, and we are very much looking forward to hosting NGLCC attendees in our destination where diversity shines,” said Stacy Ritter, president, and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to the largest LGBT business organization in Broward County, the GFLGLCC – Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.  The GFLGLCC also operates an LGBT+ Visitor Center, located in the heart of Wilton Manors.

More than 1,400 LGBT and allied business leaders will gather for innovative leadership programming, networking and engagement opportunities. Greater Fort Lauderdale served as the host destination for the 2015 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference.

“We are thrilled to welcome back NGLCC for another fantastic conference,” said Richard Gray, senior vice president of Diversity & Inclusion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We strongly value our partnership with NGLCC, and we look forward to wowing all the thought leaders and attendees at this globally recognized conference on our sunny shores.”

The NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference will include workshops, seminars, performances, panels, entertainment and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the destination.

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is world-renowned as a progressive destination and understands the importance of the LGBT traveler and LGBT business community,” said Chance Mitchell, co-founder, and CEO of NGLCC. “It is the perfect fit to bring our conference to Greater Fort Lauderdale, where attendees will learn about business success, make new connections, and hear from inspiring and unforgettable keynote speakers in a truly authentic, welcoming and inclusive destination.”
 

# # #

About the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce - GFLGLCC

GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce:
The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non-Profit independent organization affiliated with the NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. To be an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality and to promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

For more information, contact the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce at +1-954-523-3500 or visit www.GFLGLCC.org. Get social and engage with Greater Fort Lauderdale on social media channels including Facebook and Twitter

PRESS CONTACT:
Keith Blackburn, 954-523-3500 / Keith@gflglcc.org

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Rebrands as the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Date: January 20, 2018                                                                                                                

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media Contact:                                                              

Keith Blackburn                                          

954-534-3500

Keith@gflglcc.org

Name Change Fully Reflects the Community we Serve

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that as of today, we will shorten our name to its acronym “GFLGLCC” and be officially known as the “Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.” This change, which is accompanied by an organizational visual rebranding, moves to better include the bisexual and transgender members of the LGBT business community for which we've advocated over the past 6 years.

Since our founding, we have been dedicated to advancing economic opportunities for all members of the LGBT+ community, and it's time for our name to reflect that commitment. While our name may be changing, our mission always remains the same: securing economic opportunity and prosperity for the LGBT business community in Greater Fort Lauderdale and beyond.

We have already begun with our rebrand on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter.  Over the next few weeks, you can expect more updates. In the meantime, we encourage you to share our news with your networks and across social media. We're excited to embark on this new chapter together.

 “In an effort to show our inclusiveness, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce decided to change its name to fully reflect the valued participation of bisexual and transgender members of our community,” says Keith Blackburn, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “While our name has changed, the mission has not: The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce will continue to serve the needs of the LGBT-owned and LGBT-allied business community and to advocate for the economic interests of the LGBT community.”

Along with the name change, the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new logo and revamped website.

 The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce recently changed its name for similar reasons. It’s now known as the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
 

About GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce:

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non-Profit independent organization affiliated with the NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. To be an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality and to promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

About NGLCC - National LGBT Chamber of Commerce:

The NGLCC is the business advocate and direct link between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) business owners, corporations, and government, representing the interests of more than 1.4 million LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs. The NGLCC is committed to forming a broad-based coalition of LGBT owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and major corporations for the purpose of promoting economic growth and the prosperity of our members.

For more information about the GFLGLCC, or to become a member, please visit www.gogayfortlauderdale.com or contact Keith Blackburn at 954-523-3500 or via email at: Keith@gflglcc.org for media coverage, press kits, membership kits and live interview requests.

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The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is Moving to Wilton Manors, Florida

Date: January 10, 2018                                                                                                                

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media Contact:                                                              

Keith Blackburn                                          

954-534-3500

Keith@gflglcc.org

GoGayFortLauderdale@gmail.com

Expansion Plans Include a Visitor Center and Member Office Space

      

(Wilton Manors, Florida) – January 10, 2018– Six years after they moved into office space located at 4044 NE 7^th Avenue in Oakland Park, Florida, the chamber is excited to announce its expansion and move to Wilton Manors, Florida. 

The 1,200sf space at 2300 NE 7^th Avenue in Wilton Manors was previously occupied by J Miles and most recently, Al & Chuck Travel.  It is located behind Sun Serve and next to The Shoppes of Wilton Manors. The move will take place later this month.

"We are thrilled to be able to transition into office space that will bring real value to our business community," says Keith Blackburn, GFLGLCC President and CEO.  The new space will house the chambers offices, conference and meeting space where members can meet clients and more.

"Through an open floor design, we will provide our members with space to collaborate, connect and grow their business. By using the modern work environment we will reduce the footprint required for staff work and provide work, meeting and conference space for member programming and services."

Opening later this year, plans are underway for an LGBT focused Visitor Center, which will assist tourists and spur business in the community. Once open, the center will operate in front of the office space.  

About GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce:

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non-Profit independent organization affiliated with the NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. To be an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promotes equality and to promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

About NGLCC - National LGBT Chamber of Commerce:

The NGLCC is the business advocate and direct link between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) business owners, corporations, and government, representing the interests of more than 1.4 million LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs. The NGLCC is committed to forming a broad-based coalition of LGBT owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and major corporations for the purpose of promoting economic growth and the prosperity of our members.

For more information about the GFLGLCC, or to become a member please visit www.gogayfortlauderdale.com or contact Keith Blackburn at 954-523-3500 or via email at Keith@gflglcc.org for media coverage, press kits, membership kits, and live interview requests.

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Help The GFLGLCC Match $25,000 to Raise $50,000+ #OrlandoStrong

For Immediate Release THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA PLEDGES TO MATCH $25,000 TO RAISE $50,000 PLUS TO ASSIST THOSE EFFECTED BY THE ORLANDO TRAGEDY  The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce board and staff were shocked by the horrific event at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando early Sunday June 12.  On Monday morning, I received a phone call from Grant Portier, the Florida Market Manager of Tito's Handmade Vodka. Last Summer Tito's was one of our sponsors for the NGLCC Welcome Reception which we hosted. It was a great event with 900+ in attendance.  Monday's call was to offer condolences to the LGBTQ community and to ask how they could best help our neighbors in Orlando. Tito's Handmade Vodka proposed matching donations up to $25,000 to help those affected by Sunday's tragic shooting in Orlando.  Grant told me that he and the company recognize and appreciate the support they receive from the LGBTQ community. The one question they had was which organization would be best equipped to facilitate the donation. Without hesitation, I contacted our community partner Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. Within several hours, we had a solid commitment from Tito's Handmade Vodka. Amy Lukken, head of the philanthropic arm of Tito's stated "All of our family here at Tito's Handmade Vodka are heartbroken over the cowardly act that occurred at Pulse Night Club.  We are responding the only way our family, friends, and fans know how to and that is with love. We desire a world free of hate for all mankind and will continue to support our LGBTQ families. We are making a contribution to Equality Florida and are asking you to join us in donating to them as well.  Tito's will share the love and match dollar for dollar up to $25,000." It gets better. Southern Wine & Spirits (they are the local distributors of Tito's Handmade Vodka) has also committed to matching funds collected from their employees.  All employee contributions, as well as Southern's match, will go directly to help the victims and their families via Equality Florida. The GLFGLCC is proud to work with companies like Tito's Handmade Vodka and organizations like Equality Florida. Please join us and help those in need by clicking here . In the comment box, put "Tito's match", so they can be sure to double your dollar. The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, which promotes business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. They are an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality with a unified approach by working with appropriate organizations. Additional information can be found at GoGayFortLauderdale.com For further information, please contact Keith Blackburn at Keith@gflglcc.org   http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

GFLGLCC PARTNERSHIP WITH EQUALITY FLORIDA LAUNCHED

For Immediate Release

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES ANOTHER BUSINESS FOR EQUALITY PARTNERSHIP WITH EQUALITY FLORIDA                                        

Contact: Keith Blackburn
Keith@gflglcc.org

The GFLGLCC is proud to announce a new partnership with Equality Florida's Another Business For Equality initiative, which spotlights pro-equality businesses that maintain and promote LGBT inclusive nondiscrimination policies and that support local and statewide nondiscrimination laws. 

 

By doing so we will improve Florida's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and visit. All GFLGLCC members will have the $50 administration fee waived when they participate in the program.

 

"We are hopeful our partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce becomes a model statewide. We look forward to working together to increase the voices, visibility and influence of pro-equality business who share our commitment to ending LGBT discrimination." -Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida.

The Benefits of Another Business for Equality Membership:

Easy to Use Mobile Directory

Your business will be part of this smart phone friendly mobile directory - available free to the public and our more than 200,000 supporters.

Door-to-Door Map Features

A quick search will provide a list of pro-equality businesses with mapped directions to your front door.

Window Sticker

A handy window sticker displaying the GFLGLCC Logo along side the AB4E Logo gives you added visibility for locals and visitors.

Social Media Support

With more than 200,000 supporters, a huge email database and a huge social media presence, we are able to get the directory into the hands of a well-networked universe of motivated supporters.

 

We encourage all of our member businesses and corporate partners to participate in this initiative. Please click this link and register today: http://www.ab4e.org/AB4EBiz713

 

This is a GFLGLCC member benefit, so if you're not yet a member of the GFLGLCC, please contact us today!

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, which promotes business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. They are an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality with a unified approach by working with appropriate organizations. Additional information can be found at GoGayFortLauderdale.com

For further information, please contact Keith Blackburn atKeith@gflglcc.org  

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF 3 NEW BOARD MEMBERS

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Keith Blackburn
954-523-3500 Keith@gflglcc.org 


March 27, 2015


THE GFLGLCC- Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF 3 NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of 3 new board members.  They are Mark Budwig of S.MARK Graphics, Adam Alvarado of Edward Jones and Christopher Dunham of Dunham Insurance. Each has been appointed to a two year term. "I am very excited to have these three highly qualified additions to our board! Each one of them brings a unique talent to the chamber" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the GFLGLCC. 

Mark Budwig

Mark Budwig Mark Budwig is the owner and president of S.MARK Graphics since its founding 30 years ago. The boutique creative agency designs marketing materials for print, electronic and advertising media. Budwig is responsible for new business development, maintaining client relationships and developing project concepts. S.MARK works with a wide range of businesses on both a project-to-project and retainer basis. About his board appointment, Budwig stated "I'm am excited to be joining the board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. As an affiliate of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, I am happy to lend my leadership skills to these organizations to locally promote certified LGBT Business Enterprises. A great opportunity for gay-owned businesses to grow!"

Christopher Dunham

Dunham Insurance CEO Christopher Dunham began a successful career in 1989 with one of the top insurance companies in the country. In 1997—recognizing the need for a more personal approach to insurance and estate planning services—Christopher founded the agency that bears his name as a family business. About his board appointment, Dunham stated  "As a lifelong advocate of promoting equality through opportunity, it’s an honor to be chosen to serve on the Board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and to take my place among an outstanding group of business and community leaders who are committed to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly communities. "I am privileged to be working alongside Keith Blackburn and this dynamic organization".

Adam Alvarado

Adam Alvarado graduated from Florida International University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Certificate in Banking Studies. Adam spent 8 years as a Purchasing Manager for BE Aerospace Hardware company in Miami, FL and another 4 years as a Buyer at California Glass Company in the Bay Area. In 2012, Adam joined Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. Recently, Adam spearheaded and chairs the YPG - Young Professionals Group of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. About his board appointment, Alvarado stated "I look forward to working with this amazing Board to make GFLGLCC the first choice for LGBQT & Allied Businesses. Thanks for the opportunity!" 

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, which promotes business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. They are an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality with a unified approach by working with appropriate organizations. Additional information can be found at GoGayFortLauderdale.com

For further information, please contact Keith Blackburn 305-798-5455

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

URGENT ACTION: Business Amicus Brief for Marriage Equality

BE PART OF HISTORY!

We invite your business to join us in this historic opportunity!

As you probably know, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider marriage equality this term and this will have major implications for the business community. By June, it will likely decide definitively whether states must allow same-sex couples to marry, and whether states must recognize the marriages of same-sex couples who wed elsewhere.

 

Background: In 2013 the NGLCC and 300 other business organizations (including the GFLGLCC) and Fortune 500 corporations were amici on the Supreme Court case of the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013 that detailed burdens on employers due to inconsistencies in marriage. We anticipate that the business community will make an even stronger showing in this case. The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is very proud to partner with the NGLCC again.

 

As such, a broad coalition of Fortune 500 companies, business organizations, and other employers will be filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the Supreme Court, setting out the business case for marriage equality. In particular, the brief will explain to the Supreme Court how employers are burdened by the inability of certain employees to marry the spouse of their choice, and by the current patchwork of state laws applicable to same-sex marriage. Those burdens include:

 

* Recruiting/retention challenges in those jurisdictions that do not have marriage equality;

* Corporate administrative and financial burdens;

* Lack of certainty and business uniformity; and

* Requiring employers and HR departments to implement government-mandated regulations that undermine the corporate mission

 

Please click here for your review and consideration of the most current draft of the brief, and a summary of the cases can be found  here. While the draft will undoubtedly change somewhat between now and filing, the main arguments and topics are included. 

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is serving as pro bono counsel on the amicus brief. If your company would like to join the brief, please follow the link below to fill out a preliminary information sheet. The last day to join the brief is Tuesday, March 3, 2015 and the brief will be filed at the Supreme Court on Friday, March 6, 2015.

Please note that if your company is not already a Morgan Lewis client, they will need to ensure that there are no conflicts issues, and put in place their standard pro bono engagement agreement, which they can provide after you fill out the form linked to above.

 

Please Click Here to Sign on to the Amicus Brief 

GIVING BACK TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY ONE NON-PROFIT AT A TIME

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Michael Vita

786-586-4286

Michael Vita, Director of Membership/Marketing – GFLGLCC; Keith Blackburn, President – GFLGLCC; Siegi Constantine, Board Member – GFLGLCC; Jimmy Lagle, General Manager - Lipton Toyota; Chris MacLellan, Director of Senior Services – SunServe, at Dos Caminos Modern Mexican Cuisine & Lounge. Photo Credit: Steven Shires, Photography

“GIVING BACK TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY ONE NON-PROFIT AT A TIME”

By the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Lipton Toyota

Fort Lauderdale – February 26, 2014: At their Quarterly LGBT Networking Luncheon on Wednesday, February 25^th, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), together with Lipton Toyota, presented donations to two non-profit organizations. Jacqueline Lorber, President of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Chris MacLellan, Director of Senior Services at SunServe, were present to receive the donations at Dos Caminos Modern Mexican Cuisine & Lounge.

The presentation was part of a unique program resulting from a partnership with Keith Blackburn, President of the GFLGLCC, and Steve Jensen, President of Lipton Toyota. The program is a cash-back to local non-profit chamber member organizations. Lipton Toyota will make a $300 donation on behalf of any GFLGLCC member (or their family and friends), who purchases or leases a new vehicle from Lipton Toyota.

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the quality of life in the communities it serves through a commitment to the highest quality of symphonic performance and music education. “We are honored to have been selected to receive two donations resulting from collaboration with the GFLGLCC, Lipton Toyota, and two thoughtful patrons. It has helped us connect to people in our community,” said Jacqueline Lorber.

SunServe is a model 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service agency serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community in South Florida. Providing high-quality, compassionate, and progressive care for all, including those in financial need, minorities, youth, seniors, families, and those with life-challenging physical or emotional conditions. “Thank you for the kind donation to SunServe's Silver Serve program. I met a wonderful group of professionals in attendance and felt welcomed as soon as I entered the event area!” said Chris MacLellan.

GFLGLCC is a non-profit 501c(6), and part of its mission is to promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. “There was a lot of thought put into this unique collaboration.  Our newest Board member, Siegi Constantine was instrumental in making it happen.   We were all very excited to see everything come together,” said Keith Blackburn.

Lipton Toyota is an award-winning dealership for both Sales and Service, winning the President's Award as well as the Excellence Award for customer satisfaction in our Service Department. “Lipton Toyota doesn’t only want to sell cars, we want to help the LGBT community,” said Jimmy Lagle, General Manager - Lipton Toyota

For further information on this unique program please contact: Keith Blackburn at 305-798-5455 - keith@gflglcc.org 

~~~END~~~