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.

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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

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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Exclusive LGBT Wedding Resource Guide: Just Vows - Love is Love

For Immediate Release

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE LGBT WEDDING RESOURCE GUIDE: JUST VOWS - LOVE IS LOVE PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK-TIE PUBLISHING 

Today marks the 1st anniversary of the historic day when marriage equality became law in Florida. The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Black-Tie Publishing to produce our exclusive LGBT Wedding Resource Guide: Just Vows - Love is Love, focused on Broward County.


 

According to the latest US Census, Fort Lauderdale has the highest number of same-sex couple households in the U.S.  Neighboring cities of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park are in the top ten. contributing to our local demographic is a huge wedding destination industry.

Our Wedding Resource Guide will assist LGBT couples looking for “gay welcoming” companies as they plan their wedding.  Our guide is a perfect way for your business to connect with the LGBT demographic. The guide will feature reception sites, restaurants, photographers, event professionals, officiants, health and beauty,  realtors, attorneys, insurance companies, hotels, florists, caterers and more! 

Surveys say that 24,248 same sex couples living in Florida will opt to marry during the next 3 years. If you're interested in reaching this huge market, contact Nancy Feller or Stephanie Bosco-Luca of Black-Tie Publishing. You can reach them at 954-472-6003 or at nancy@justvows.com.

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 ANNOUNCES COMPLIMENTARY BEACH SHUTTLE

For Immediate Release        

                                                

Contact: Keith Blackburn

305-798-5455 Keith@gflglcc.org 

January 6, 2014

GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES COMPLIMENTARY BEACH SHUTTLE

From Fort Lauderdale Beach Resorts to Wilton Manors

Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents the newest way to combine the fun of Fort Lauderdale beach with the exciting nightlife on Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors.

Beginning Friday, January 10, 2014, visitors to Fort Lauderdale will be able to board a complimentary shuttle, powered by FAB2GO, from the Fort Lauderdale Beach Resorts to Wilton Manors. The Complimentary Shuttle will run continuously from 7:00pm to 1:00am every Friday and Saturday night.

Leave the hassles of commuting between Wilton Drive and the Beach Resorts by boarding a stunning Mercedes Benz Sprinter, powered by FAB2GO, a gay owned and operated luxury transportation company located in Wilton Manors.

The Complimentary Shuttle is another idea brought to you by the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and its participating member sponsors; Tito’s Handmade Vodka (produced in Austin at Texas’ first and oldest legal distillery) and Hotspots Media Group (the voice of the gay community in Florida).

Sponsored Shuttle Pick-up and Drop-off Locations:

Alcazar / Worthington Guesthouse, 543 North Birch Road.

Fort Lauderdale’s most popular and largest Gay Owned Resort.

W Hotel Fort Lauderdale, 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.

South Florida's hottest locale.

B Ocean Hotel, 999 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.

B Mesmerized!

Rumor's Bar and Grill, 2426 Wilton Drive.

Offering a full bar and your favorite food!

Courtyard Café, 2211 Wilton Drive.

Your neighborhood place to eat 7 days a week, 24-hours a day on weekends.

Media Sponsors include Hot Spots, Print Matters and Mark's List

The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote tourism with a unified approach by working with appropriate and related organizations. The GFLGLCC is a non-profit 501c(6).

For information please contact: 305-798-5455 | http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

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The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Named Collaborating Partner in the First Ever U.S. Government Certified LGBT Trade Mission

Date: August 30, 2012                                                                   

                                                   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            

Media Contact:

Keith Blackburn

305-798-5455

GoGayFortLauderdale@gmail.com

                                                                                                

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Named Collaborating Partner in the First Ever U.S. Government Certified LGBT Trade Mission

(Fort Lauderdale, Florida) –August 30, 2012–The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), is excited to announce they have been named a “Collaborating Partner” in the historic first ever U.S. Department of Commerce Certified LGBT Trade Mission to Colombia, taking place this September 11-15.

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) along with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC) is inviting its members to participate in the The NGLCC-led trade mission, made possible through the Memorandum of Understanding between the NGLCC and the Department of Commerce, signed last year.

GFLGLCC Chamber President/CEO Keith Blackburn will represent Greater Fort Lauderdale in Bogotá, where he will explore Colombian trade, along with travel and tourism opportunities to Greater Fort Lauderdale.  Blackburn will also participate as a delegate in the Inaugural LGBT Summit of the Americas. 

The Summit is happening in conjunction with the trade mission and will bring together LGBT business leaders from the U.S., Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Uruguay. Invited speakers include The Honorable Angelino Garzón - Vice President of Colombia, the Honorable Peter McKinley, Ambassador of the United States. 

"The support and backing of the U.S. Government gives the mission increased validation as we work with our Colombian counterparts and that's good for our members who will be attending and looking for new and expanded markets," said Justin Nelson, NGLCC Co-Founder and President. "The mission highlights the administration's commitment to a fully-inclusive economic recovery."

The trade mission presents an opportunity for LGBT-certified businesses to meet counterparts, including buyers and business leaders, and to work with the commerce attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota and the Department of Commerce to build connections crucial to international export and import trading.

Background:

The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

On May 15, 2012, The United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force.  The agreement immediately eliminates tariffs and duties on 80 percent of consumer and industrial products sold to Colombia and more than halves those remaining from 10.8 percent to 4.0 percent, making Colombia an incredibly lucrative market for U.S. exporters and providing them an advantage over exporters from non-free-trade countries.

"With the entry of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement into force, great things can happen for U.S. businesses. We're excited to support LGBT businesses abroad as well as at home, and we look forward to working with them to expand their customer base into Latin America," said NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell.

About Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC):

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, with the following Mission Statement:  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.  To promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

For more information about the GFLGLCC, or to become a member, please visit GoGayFortLauderdale.com. For media coverage, press kits, membership kits and live interview requests, please contact Keith Blackburn at 305-798-5455, or via email at: GoGayFortLauderdale@gmail.com ###