RAINBOW ALLIANCE of GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN

Following a recent Call for Nominations, new leadership was ushered in at a Board Meeting of the Rainbow Alliance, with the appointment of Terry Hochmuth, proprietor of Villa Venice Resort as Chairman, Keith Blackburn, proprietor of Mary’s Resort and Ed Lugo, proprietor of Ed Lugo Resort as Board Members. Roger Handevidt, proprietor of the Orton Terrace Guesthouse, returns to the Board as immediate Past Chair and founding member Richard Gray of the Royal Palms Resort continues as Board Member Emeritus.

With newly appointed members to its Board of Directors, the Rainbow Alliance will continue to lead the Greater Fort Lauderdale GLBT hospitality and lodging industry by focusing their efforts on new strategies to build consumer awareness, maintain the strength of its membership base, and tap into the growing groups and events arena. “I look forward to working with everyone, Board Members and Members alike, in a cooperative effort in charting a new direction for the Rainbow Alliance” stated Chairman Terry Hochmuth, and “One of the primary goals is to promote and encourage a more cohesive feel within the group and to foster an improved mutual trust and cooperative atmosphere amongst Members. By doing this, we can all contribute in reaffirming Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premiere Gay travel destination in North America.”

To accomplish some of these goals, the Rainbow Alliance will continue to work closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau as it has for the past ten years, to promote Greater Fort Lauderdale in local, national and international gay media and publications. “We have been very fortunate to work with the Rainbow Alliance as we recognize the significance and economic value of the GLBT market,” commented Nicki Grossman, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. Grossman was recently recognized by the Rainbow Alliance for her tireless efforts in promoting Greater Fort Lauderdale as a gay friendly destination.

With their newly adopted internet portal “GoGayFortLauderdale.com” the 40+ member group is shifting gears to better facilitate a cooperative effort to represent and promote gay and gay friendly businesses to prospective gay visitors.