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.”
 

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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

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 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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LIPTON TOYOTA GIVES BACK TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY ONE NON-PROFIT AT A TIME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lipton Toyota will make a $300 donation on behalf of any GFLGLCC member, member's family or friends.

Lipton Toyota, the award-winning Fort Lauderdale Toyota dealership, located at 1700 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, is an award-winning dealership for both sales and service. They have achieved this status over the years by putting the customer first. Taking it a step further, they are now giving back to the loyal LGBT community in Broward County Florida.

Steve Jensen, President of Lipton Toyota and Keith Blackburn, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC) have joined forces to create this unique and on-going promotion.

With Lipton Toyota’s exclusive cash-back to local charity program, customers receive invoice pricing and are able to select non-profit organizations to receive a $300 donation on their behalf. The GFLGLCC's non-profit Community Partners include South Florida Symphony Orchestra, Island City Stage, Poverello, Stonewall National Museum and Archives, The Pride Center at Equality Park, Sunserve, PYP Foundation, Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, Our Fund, Inc., and the World AIDS Museum.

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 GoGayFortLauderdale.com

For further information contact Keith Blackburn of the GFLGLCC at Keith@gflglcc.org

2012 Year-to-Date Highlights from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – GFLGLCC

2012 was a busy and highly productive year for the GLFGLCC – and we still have a month to go!  While our membership grew, we maintained 8 Media Partners and 9, 501 (c) 3 Community Partners.  Our unique relationship with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, NGLCC allowed us to offer many unique benefits and opportunities to our members.  Take a look below for a sampling of what we’ve accomplished:

January 2012:

·         Moved to our new office!

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn took part in a teleconference with senior Obama Administrations official, Export Import Bank Chairman, Fred Hochberg, and NGLCC Co-Founder & President, Justin Nelson after his meeting with Vice President Biden, to discuss major economic themes from the 2012 State of the Union address and what they mean for the LGBT and allied business community.

February 2012:

·         Sponsored the 2012 GLBT Travel Expo Tour Fort Lauderdale at the Pride Center. GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended and promoted our member businesses at our chamber booth.

March 2012:

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board member Alan Beck attended Palm Beach Pride, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses.

·          Board member Alan Beck represented us at his Fun Maps booth at the GLBT Expo in NYC -- promoting our chamber and distributing our Rainbow Hospitality Alliance brochures.

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn traveled to ITB in Berlin, Germany to promote LGBT travel to Greater Fort Lauderdale. We created a sponsored brochure, which was distributed in the “Pink Pavilion” in conjunction with the IGLTA and throughout Berlin.

April 2012:

·          The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) invited us to participate with them at the annual Cruise 3Sixty Trade Show, April 27-28, 2012 at the Broward County Convention Center. NGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn, along with FAB2GO-VIP2GO attended and promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our sponsor businesses at our booth.

  

May 2012:

·          NGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn took part in an NGLCC Real Estate Teleconference. On the call, diversity and industry experts from JPMorgan Chase, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae, discussed how businesses within the real estate industry can benefit through participation in the Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI).  Great insights were gained, which could greatly benefit those in the real estate industry. This includes Realtors, attorneys and any business which takes part in the real estate process.

·          We participated in a hand-delivered letter to President Obama -- with the NGLCC and other affiliate chambers, thanking him for his support of Marriage Equality.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the CVB Tourism Appreciation Luncheon with the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, County Commissioners, CVB President, Nicki Grossman and many others.

·         We sponsored “Beach Bear Weekend” which helped raise money for Sun Serve, while promoting our member businesses.

·          Board member Steve McAleer along with Roger Handevidt represented our members at Miami Beach Gay Pride, where they promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our booth.

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended Gay Days Orlando Expo, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our sponsor businesses at our booth.

June 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn, along with Roger Handevidt and Mago Sosa attended the St. Pete Pride event, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our booths.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn, along with Board member Alan Beck attended Stonewall Summer Pride, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our booth.

·         Hosted a packed launch party for SouthFloridaFun.com at Dapur

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn moderated a session, which discussed "Diversity Supplier Relationships and Creating a Strong Ally Culture." This was at the Florida Diversity Council’s Inaugural GLBT-Allies Diversity Summit, which took place at the Pride Center. 

July 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the July 4^th Tea Cruise for the Brian Neil Fitness and Health Foundation, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our business table.

August 2012:

·         Roger Handevidt represented the GFLGLCC and Rainbow Hospitality Alliance at the Poverello Bowl-A-Thon, where we promoted our member businesses at our booth.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board Members Steve McAleer, Alan Beck and Todd Bludworth attended the NGLCC National Business & Leadership Conference in Chicago.

September 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn took part in the historical, first LGBT Trade Mission and the inaugural LGBT Summit of the Americas in Bogotá Colombia.  GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn met with Michael McKinley, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia.

·          We presented the inaugural symposium, “Transitions Solutions for LGBT Seniors” at the Pride Center as a free informative event for the community. Board member Steve McAleer represented the GFLGLCC and our members.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the Gay Days Las Vegas Trade Expo, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our sponsor businesses at our booth.

October 2012:

·          Sponsored the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

·          Held a fund raiser and social, to benefit for the Stonewall National Museum and Archives at the iL Lugano Hotel and Residences.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board member Steve McAleer, along with Roger Handevidt promoted the GFLGLCC and our members at our booth at the annual Oktoberfest in Oakland Park.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the 13^th Annual Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) Conference in San Francisco with GFLGLCC Board Member, Alan Beck and Rickard Gray, newly appointed Managing Director of the LGBT Market for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). While there, we promoted the Greater Fort Lauderdale as THE LGBT travel destination.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn with Roger Handevidt and VIP2GO/FAB2GO participated with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s free Business Education Seminar, designed to help your business grow.  We displayed members’ business collateral in our booth space.

November 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board members Steve McAleer and Alan Beck attended the first-ever Federal Procurement Fair for LGBT businesses at the Department of Commerce in Washington, DC. Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank spoke to the attendees. 12 Federal agencies were represented -- all looking to do business with our LGBT Certified members. Met with the Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator, Eugene Cornelius Jr.  The Federal Procurement Fair is designed to connect LGBT-owned businesses with the over $400 billion the federal government spends annually on goods and services, of which nearly $100 billion is with small business suppliers. At the fair, NGLCC announced significant memorandums with federal agencies, deepening collaboration with government leaders to bring resources, access, and new opportunities to your business. 

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn along with Board members Todd Bludworth, Steve McAleer and Alan Beck attended the NGLCC's 10th Anniversary National Dinner: Beyond Expectations in Washington, DC at the National Building Museum. GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn met briefly with Congressman Elect Patrick Murphy. Board members Todd Bludworth, Steve McAleer and Alan Beck were present.

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board member Steve McAleer attended the official opening for the NGLCC Supplier Innovation Center, where U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills performed the ribbon cutting honors. 

·         Teamed up with the NGLCC and Small Business Saturday to promote our chamber and small business owners.

Announced that our inaugural “Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay Travel Guide,” which will have a circulation of 10,000 copies and a worldwide distribution.