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/

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/

THE GFLGLCC IS LOOKING FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO JOIN OUR NEWLY FORMED YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP (YPG)

The GFLGLCC is looking for young professionals to be a part of our newly formed group.

The Young Professionals Group (YPG) was developed to empower young LGBT professionals and their allies to preserve and grow a culture of diversity, service, leadership, advocacy and camaraderie among LGBT and allied GFLGLCC members. YPC collaborates with local business, organizations and community leaders to produce fun and dynamic networking and educational events. All GFLGLCC LGBT and allied professionals 21- 40 years-old are eligible and invited to participate.

For more information, please contact Keith Blackburn at Keith@gflglcc.org or Adam Alvarado at adam.alvarado@edwardjones.com 

Young Professionals Group (YPG)

FORT LAUDERDALE WINS BID TO HOST 2015 NGLCC CONFERENCE

August 11-14, 2015 at Marriott Harbor Beach, Fort Lauderdale Florida

Mark your calendars! The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has chosen Fort Lauderdale, FL as the host city for the 2015 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference. Next year's event will take place August 11-14, at the Marriott Resort Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Hotel. 

Building on this year's sold out conference, next year's event will seek to break the 700 attendee record that will be set next week in Las Vegas, NV.

"NGLCC is thrilled our annual conference will take place in Fort Lauderdale next year. We applaud our local affiliate chamber, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), for working so closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau to put together the winning bid," said NGLCC Co-Founder and President, Justin Nelson. 

"In addition to the many LGBT and allied business owners residing in South Florida, the NGLCC conference now attracts attendees from across the country and around the world. In addition, Fort Lauderdale offers a wealth of special event venues and unique experiences that have become the hallmark of the annual NGLCC conference," said NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell.

"We are thrilled that NGLCC chose Greater Fort Lauderdale as the host city for their August 2015 annual conference. Our destination's open and welcoming relationship with LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) residents, tourists and business has been gratifying for us with a resulting record breaking 1.3 million LGBT visitors in 2013, " said Richard Gray, Managing Director, LGBT market, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Individuals interested in the 2015 event should contact events@nglcc.org to receive regular updates about next year's conference. 

As the exclusive Broward County affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – (NGLCC), all GFLGLCC members receive full membership and benefits without having to pay extra dues. Through the NGLCC, we strive to keep you informed of trends, common practices and legislation that may affect you and your business.

The GFLGLCC’s mission is to promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community.  We are an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality. We promote tourism with a unified approach by working with appropriate and related organizations. For more information about the GFLGLCC, please contact Keith Blackburn at Keith@gflglcc.org

The NGLCC is the only global not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of LGBT people around the world. With more than 140 corporate partners and 52 local, state, and international affiliate chambers, NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world. Serving as the exclusive certifying organization of LGBT-owned businesses, the NGLCC is the direct link between corporations, government and one another. ​

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 

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The GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES MICHAEL VITA HAS JOINED THE STAFF

For Immediate Release

Contact: Keith Blackburn
305-798-5455 Keith@gflglcc.org


January10, 2014


THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES MICHAEL VITA HAS JOINED THE STAFF
Named Director of Marketing and Membership


Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Michael Vita has joined the staff as the Director of Marketing and Membership. Previously he was a Board Member and the Secretary/Treasurer of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Vita will oversee membership and facilitate networking events, quarterly luncheons, and the Annual Equality Awards Dinner.

Michael was the Executive Director of the Espanola Way Association – An Historic Village in the Heart of South Beach and a director of the Market Company – producer of Farmers Markets in Miami and the surrounding areas. He has held positions with the City of Miami Beach (Special Events Coordinator/Director of CiviCall) and Manhattan Towers and Morton Towers (Property Manager)

Prior to 1989, Michael enjoyed a successful career on the Broadway stage in New York City. He has appeared in the original productions of “Chicago,” “Sweet Charity,” and “42nd Street,” among others. His career highlights can be viewed at http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=78472.

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/

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