Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce forms to fill a void in LGBT and LGBT Friendly business needs in Fort Lauderdale

Fifteen years after the Rainbow Alliance was created to promote LGBT and LGBT friendly tourism in the Fort Lauderdale area, the Board members realized they needed to do more for the community. The Rainbow Alliance was bound by existing Bylaws and was unable to expand to include all LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

On April 26, 2011, the Rainbow Alliance membership unanimously voted to establish the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GFLGLCC) as a 501 c (6) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT friendly community in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.

The new Chamber was soon formed as an affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). This important affiliation will extend our reach beyond Greater Fort Lauderdale. As a result, members will have access to many more benefits, compared to the Rainbow Alliance. In addition to the NGLCC affiliation and benefits, the GFLGLCC intends to work with other affiliate chambers like the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) and MBA Orlando - Central Florida's LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Membership fees are also much lower. The Rainbow Alliance dues started at $330, where a standard Business Membership with the GFLGLCC is only $250. We are also waiving new member processing fees, said Keith Blackburn, President of the newly formed GFLGLCC.

The GFLGLCC’s affiliation with the NGLCC will allow the Chamber and its members more opportunities. As a national umbrella organization, the NGLCC is a clearinghouse of ideas and information for and between businesses and organizations. The NGLCC works with Federal, State and Affiliate Chambers and business groups on various issues. Most importantly, the NGLCC is the premier advocate on behalf of LGBT owned businesses, professionals, students of business, and corporations that share in our desire to expand the community's financial opportunities, economic growth, continued innovation, and equality.

The NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI) offers businesses a tool to make connections and open doors with America's top corporations and each other. The SDI certifies Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) and works to provide opportunities for LGBTBEs to gain exposure within corporate procurement processes. The NGLCC SDI offers certification to LGBTBEs, as well as a host of opportunities to enhance your business' visibility to corporations seeking to do business with LGBT suppliers. Each member of the GFLGLCC will have a membership to the NGLCC and if qualified, is eligible to apply for the SDI at no additional cost.

The GFLGLCC will begin to host and promote a variety of services and events to the community and its member,, including Networkers, Workshops, Breakfasts, Luncheons, Dinners, Evening Mixers, member to member discounts, business seminars, business tables and introductions, to name a few. For a full list of events and services available through the GFLGLCC please visit www.gogayfortlauderdale.com.

For more information about the GFLGLCC, or to become a member please visit www.gogayfortlauderdale.com or contact ARL Marketing & Public Relations at 954-600-3154 or via email at: andrew@arlmarketing.com for media coverage, press kits, membership kits and live interview requests.

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.

About National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC):
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.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

An Evening Under the Stars with Dabra Hampton


Vocalist and songwriter Debra Hampton, popular among the crowds of Wilton Manors, brings her sultry voice and smooth sound to Galanga Thai Kitchen and Sushi Bar every Thursday evening. Local fans now have the pleasure of relaxing to their favorite R&B, jazz and other easy-listening songs to compliment an extraordinary dining experience.
“Guests will not only have the great food, ambiance and service that they are used to, but they will have a great bonus,” said Edi Mulyanto, general manager of Galanga. “She’s a very well known singer in the community and her talent is amazing.” Mulyanto said the evening was an event that he has been waiting for since Hampton first performed at Galanga last Valentine’s day and received standing applaud from diners that came for a little romance created by a big voice.
Hampton considers herself versatile when it comes to her performance. From soft romance to disco to house music to show tunes, Hampton has a wide ability to cover all styles of music that showcase a diva talent and a passion to create soulful music.
“I’ve always been a singer because it’s what I was born with,” Hampton said. Growing-up in New Haven, CT, Hampton launched her first “big out” while in the sixth grade as the lead singer in a band of high school seniors. Indeed, her natural gift was just waiting for cultivation. Hampton recalled that there was only one time early in her career when she worked as a back-up singer that she was sent to a vocalist for training. But that was an easy graduation. There was little for the professional to teach, except perhaps provide a boost of confidence and say “I don’t even want to touch you because I don’t want to corrupt your voice,” according to Hampton. She continued through her career absorbing into her talent the sounds she recorded and performed with, including great legends such as Tina Turner, Tavares, Buddy Miles, The Hank Williams Jr. Band and James Brown.
Hampton hopes to create something special for diners at Galanga in its intimate atmosphere that will bring her music closer to her fans and diners alike. It will be a night of romance for lovers; a night to bring back old memories from songs put on dusty shelves and reminisce about good times among new faces and a night to savor the sensual tastes of Thai and sushi, Asian fusion.
Hampton debuts her musical styling this Thursday, April 8 at Galanga. Call to make your reservation in advance at 954-202-0000. Galanga is located at 2389 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors, FL. Check-out Hampton’s website and more information at www.debrahampton.com or visit www.galangarestaurant.com.

Monday, December 14, 2009

A Home for Christmas, The True Christmas Story with American Idol Winner Reuben Studdard, Marvin Winans Jr., and Delores Winans


Without Walls International Church and Senior Pastor Paula White welcome the Fine Arts Ministry as they present the original production “A Home For Christmas: The True Christmas Story” for one night only on Friday, December 18th, at 7:00PM! Featuring American Idol Winner Reuben Studdard, Marvin Winans Jr., and a special appearance by Delores “Mom” Winans!

Come and experience this once-in-a-lifetime performance. It will warm your heart and renew your spirit with the true meaning and significance of Christmas featuring American Idol Winner Reuben Studdard, Marvin Winans Jr., and a special appearance by Delores “Mom” Winans! This event will take place on Friday, December 18th, 2009 starting at 7:00PM inside Without Walls International Church located at 2511 North Grady Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33607.

Pastor Paula White and Without Walls invite you, your family and friends to join them for this special free event; arrive early as seating is limited. Parking and childcare services are available onsite at the church. If you would like more information about this event or other services and events taking place at Without Walls International Church during the church’s a December to Remember stellar lineup please call 813-879-HOPE(4673) or visit them at www.withoutwalls.org or www.paulawhite.org.

About Without Walls International Church

Without Walls International Church is a thriving non-denominational mega church co-founded in 1991 by Senior Pastor Paula White. Without Walls is known for its diversity and inner city outreaches in Tampa, Florida and around the nation. Without Walls is dedicated to evangelism and restoration while tearing down the walls of racism and poverty and equipping men, women, and children with practical teachings that will position them to fulfill their God given vision and purpose.

About Reuben Studdard

Ruben Studdard, is an American pop, R&B, and gospel singer. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol. He received a Grammy Award nomination in December 2003 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Superstar." In the years following Idol, Studdard has released four studio albums, including his most recent disc, 2009's Love Is. In addition to appearing on various television shows he has toured with Robin Givens in the comedy-drama Heaven I Need a Hug and in 2008 accepted the role of Fats Waller in a national tour of Ain't Misbehavin'

About Marvin Winans Jr.

Marvin Winans Jr. born to Marvin L. Winans, Sr., leader of the famed gospel cross over group "The Winans", and songstress and gospel great, Vickie Winans, on December 28, 1979, Marvin began capturing the hearts of audiences at the early age of 5. Growing up, Marvin inherited musical prowess, and as a first-hand witness, he watched his family grow from small beginnings to international success.

About ARL Marketing & Public Relations, Inc.

ARL Marketing & Public Relations is a privately owned firm based in South Florida. The firm has clients across the US including New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. They also services clients in the United Kingdom. ARL Marketing | Public Relations is a firm that develops and executes programs that help companies achieve their sales and marketing objectives. For more information, please log on to www.arlmarketing.com

For more information please contact ARL Marketing & Public Relations, Inc at 954-323-6787 or via email at: andrew@arlmarketing.com for media coverage, press kits and live interview requests with Reuben Studdard and Marvin Winans Jr.

Thursday, December 10, 2009


On Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at 11:00AM Ruby Gettinger and the cast of “Ruby” will be finishing their road trip from Savannah, GA to Tampa, FL where they will be visiting Without Walls International Church for the day. They will be visiting to see Pastor Paula White give one of her life changing sermons to the congregation of Without Walls and shooting footage for an episode of Season 3 of “Ruby” on The Style Network after the service. This event will take place at Without Walls International Church located at 2511 North Grady Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33607.

Pastor Paula White and Without Walls invite you, your family and friends to join them for this special service; arrive early as seating is limited. Parking and childcare services are available onsite at the church. If you would like more information about this service or other services and events taking place at Without Walls International Church during the church’s a December to Remember stellar lineup please call 813-879-HOPE(4673) or visit them at www.withoutwalls.org or www.paulawhite.org.
About Without Walls International Church

Without Walls International Church is a thriving non-denominational mega church co-founded in 1991 by Senior Pastor Paula White. Without Walls is known for its diversity and inner city outreaches in Tampa, Florida and around the nation. Without Walls is dedicated to evangelism and restoration while tearing down the walls of racism and poverty and equipping men, women, and children with practical teachings that will position them to fulfill their God given vision and purpose.

About Ruby Gettinger

Ruby Gettinger of Savannah, Georgia is the star of Style Network's highest-ever rated show "Ruby," a reality show documenting her weight-loss journey to a goal weight of 150 pounds. At her heaviest, Gettinger was 715 pounds and morbidly obese in 1995 and has since fluctuated between 350 and 550. She signed on to do the reality show in 2008 hoping to "inspire others." She told In Touch magazine in November 2008 that her dream was "to help those who are on the same road."

About ARL Marketing & Public Relations, Inc.

ARL Marketing & Public Relations is a privately owned firm based in South Florida. The firm has clients across the US including New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. They also services clients in the United Kingdom. ARL Marketing | Public Relations is a firm that develops and executes programs that help companies achieve their sales and marketing objectives. For more information, please log on to www.arlmarketing.com

For more information please contact ARL Marketing & Public Relations, Inc at 954-323-6787 or via email at: andrew@arlmarketing.com for media coverage and interview requests.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Supreme Magazine & Tatis Entertainment Present the Official Memorial Weekend Grand Finale with Mario Live in Concert at Suite 181


Supreme Magazine the newest online publication focused on hip-hop culture, education, and entertainment in conjunction with Tatis Entertainment is proud to announce The Official Memorial Weekend Grand Finale hosted by RnB Sensation Mario and Nessa from San Francisco’s on WILD 94.9 on Sunday, May 24th, 2009 at Suite 181 in Downtown San Francisco.

The Platinum, Grammy Nominated Artist and Actor Mario will be live on stage at Suite 181 performing tracks from his New Album "And then there was me” as well some of his other tracks including “How Do I Breathe”, “Crying out for me”, and “Music for love”. This is a concert not to be missed this Memorial Day weekend come get up close and personal with Mario at Suite 181 located at 181 Eddy Street in Downtown San Francisco. Advance Tickets are only $15.00 and available at http://www.suprememag.com VIP Tables and Packages are also available. This is a 21+ event, doors open at 10pm so get there early. Dress code will be strictly enforced at the venue. For more information log on to http://www.suprememag.com.