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 and TWO Slams Fort Lauderdale Mayor for his Arrogant Sponsorship of Prayer Breakfast Featuring Anti-LGBT Hate Group Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Contact: Wayne Besen

Phone: 917-691-5118

Email: wbesen@gmail.com

Prayer Breakfast Promoter, the National Christian Foundation, is Key Funder for Anti-LGBT Right Wing Groups, says Truth Wins Out

FORT LAUDERDALE – Truth Wins Out slammed Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler today as “arrogant and disingenuous” for his refusal to back out of an offensive prayer breakfast where a notorious anti-LGBT activist, Focus on the Family’s president, Jim Daly, will be a featured speaker. The organization behind the event, the National Christian Foundation, is a primary source of funds for virulently anti-LGBT activity at home and abroad, according to Truth Wins Out’s research arm, The Center Against Religious Extremism (TWOCARE).

“Jack Seiler has hopped in bed with bigots and ignored the billions of dollars they spend to discriminate," said Keith Blackburn, President and CEO of the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Truth Wins Out Board President. “This reckless and self-serving move harms Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as a top LGBT tourist destination that celebrates diversity.”

“The pre-event media coverage will likely ensure that the Fort Lauderdale Prayer Breakfast is scrubbed of its most extreme rhetoric,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “Don’t be fooled by the Potemkin Village of Prayer designed to obscure that the group behind the event, National Christian Foundation, has long been the financial lifeblood of the anti-LGBT movement. It is outrageous and appalling that Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler has deliberately ignored this history and given these toxic people the benefit of the doubt.”   

Indeed, Truth Wins Out has meticulously catalogued an encyclopedia of the National Christian Foundation’s anti-LGBT giving history. Since its founding in 1982, the NCF has given out over $5 billion in grant money, and over $2.5 billion of that went out in a five year period, from 2009-2013. By 2013, based on its $603 million in grants in FY 2012, the National Christian Foundation was judged by the Chronicle of Philanthropy to be America’s 12th biggest private foundation. Any attempt by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler to sugarcoat this event as an effort to bring people together is nothing more than cynical spin.

Truth Wins Out is profoundly troubled by Seiler’s sophistic attempt to both embrace the prayer breakfast, yet distance himself from the invitation to Focus on the Family’s president Jim Daly. The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reports that Seiler actually claimed that he wasn’t involved in the decision to invite Daly, even though the April 28 event is billed as the “Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.”

  

“It is arrogant and disingenuous for Seiler to expect us to believe that he was not involved with the decision to invite Jim Daley,” said TWO Board President Keith Blackburn. “Even if that was the case, the event is held in his name and he had the ability to rescind the invitation once he learned of Daley’s history of anti-LGBT advocacy. This is a slap in the face to the LGBT community that will not be forgotten.” 

“We urge the media to hold Mayor Seiler and Jim Daley accountable,” says Truth Wins Out’s Wayne Besen. “This week, a group of 51 members of the House of Representatives asked President Trump to rescind an Obama executive order outlawing federal workforce discrimination against LGBT employees or contractors doing business with the federal government. Those in charge of the prayer breakfast should be asked where they stand on this issue. If they stand in favor of passing a ‘license to discriminate’ under the specious guise of ‘religious liberty,’ all their talk of hope and healing will be exposed as fraudulent.”  

Focus on the Family is a hate group best known for promoting “ex-gay” therapy, which encourages LGBT people to “pray away the gay.” The group had previously hosted “Love Won Out” conferences, where “ex-gay” activists told tales about how Jesus turned them heterosexual through a combination of prayer and quack therapy. Focus on the Family founder, James Dobson, once told TheDaily Oklahoman, “Homosexuals are not monogamous. They want to destroy the institution of marriage. It will destroy marriage. It will destroy the Earth.”

Truth Wins Out (TWO) is a non-profit organization that works to demolish the very foundation of anti-LGBT prejudice. We attack the underpinnings of homophobia by debunking harmful lies, discrediting hateful myths, and countering anti-LGBT organizations. By chipping away at the underlying ignorance that fuels anti-LGBT attitudes, we can ultimately win our fight for fairness and achieve full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people worldwide.

The GFLGLCC is the exclusive Broward County affiliate of the NGLCC - National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Their mission is to promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community; 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.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC) to Host Inaugural LGBT Wedding & Business Expo in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale – The GFLGLCC – Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization dedicated to personal, political, community, and economic diversity and inclusion, has scheduled its inaugural Wedding & Business Expo for Saturday, November 12 from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The event will be held on the campus of the Sanctuary at 1400 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale FL.

The Expo will include chamber businesses interested in earning the business of the LGBTQ community. They include both business focused businesses and those primarily in the wedding business. Vendors include florists, spas, hotels, catering, transportation, banking, photographers, financial planners and much more! GFLGLCC corporate partner Broward Health Imperial Point will be on hand to provide health screenings as well.

Keith Blackburn, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC) will be on hand to welcome the community at the event. To make it easier for everyone to attend, admission is free and there will be plenty of free parking. Hot Spots Media Group, South Florida Gay News and the Sanctuary are sponsoring this annual event.

About Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce:

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 http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com

The GLFLCC has limited vendor and sponsor opportunities remaining. Please contact Ronny Nadiv at Ronny@gflglcc.org for details.

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES JIM ALBRIGHT HAS JOINED THE STAFF

For Immediate Release

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES JIM ALBRIGHT HAS JOINED THE STAFF
Named Director of Marketing and Membership                                            

Jim Albright

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Jim Albright has joined the staff as the Director of Marketing and Membership. 

Jim was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio near Akron, Ohio.  He graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  Jim moved to Greater Fort Lauderdale in 1997. Prior to beginning career in Marketing and Advertising, he worked as Retail Manager for 10 plus years. For the past 15 years, he worked for local LGBT publications including Hotspots Magazine.  In 2014, Jim moved to San Diego California California for a year to assist a friend market her business. Missing South Florida, he returned several months ago. Currently, Jim lives in Pompano Beach, with his partner. Jim has been active in the LGBT community for many years and looks forward to expanding the GFLGLCC.

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 954-523-3500

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)

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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