LA Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

LAGLCC / West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Joint Mixer

2011-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

US Bank hosts the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce & the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce tomorrow, Wednesday September 21st. Join us for a night of art, drinks, and organic cuisine graciously hosted by US Bank and presenting the photography of Devin Ford.

A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will benefit the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center's Homeless Youth Program.

Devin Ford Photography will be showing a selection of travel images from Los Angeles to Alabama including a preview of her upcoming book and documentary, "Queens: Showgirls of the South." A story about how a drag queen changed her life and the story of that special lady, Ms. Venus Shante Davis.

Introducing our new Director of Development, Terry Garay

2010-06-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

The LAGLCC is pleased to announce that we have hired a Director of Development*, and this is your introduction to her.
Please help us welcome Terry Garay.

Teresa is a fundraising and marketing professional with over twelve years experience in the non-profit sector.

Terry has provided services to a number of high profile charities and civic organizations, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Easters Seals, and the Arthritis Foundation.

Her background includes event planning and membership, and she specializes in developing corporate partnerships. Her work also reflects a strong commitment to diversity.

Terry is an L.A. native and she worked in local television before moving into non-profit to do some "giving back." The Prop 8 decision is what motivated Terry to seek out a position that would benefit the LGBT community.

If you would like to contact Terry her email address is:
tgaray@laglcc.org

* Our Director of Development is responsible for all aspects of membership and sponsorship drives as well as member retention initiatives. As such, she will be our face to the community at large.

Terry will be reaching out to all of our members over time both to introduce herself and to help address any of your questions, comments, suggestions, etc.

Introducing our Newest Board Member, Michael Ferrara

2010-04-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure we present our newest addition to the LAGLCC Board of Directors, Michael Ferrera.

Currently, Michael serves as Director of LifeWorks, the LGBT youth
development and mentoring program at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center. Prior to July 1, 2009, he was the Executive Director and co-founder of LifeWorks Mentoring. Prior to LifeWorks, Michael worked as a social worker and Public Policy Director at Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services.

In 2004, he co-authored the Foster Care Non-Discrimination Act which was passed in to law that same year. He serves on the Child Welfare League of America's LGBT Youth Providers Network, the California Children's Roundtable, and Equality California's LGBT Human Services Network.

Michael lives with his husband of 17 years, Gregg Boyd. They were legally married on October 31, 2008.

Exclusive LGBT History Tour of LA

2010-03-23T15:36:00.001-07:00

Date: May 15, 2010
Departing from West Hollywood, CA

LAGLCC Member Business - Out & About Tours is excited to unveil the first and only gay bus tour in the Hollywood area that reveals, in an entertaining way, the culturally rich, vital and often hidden gay history in the city of Los Angeles and its relevance to our present-day gay experience. They promise to show us Hollywood like nobody has ever dared.

See a whole new side of the city where you work and play. This ride is not to be missed. Hop on board, grab a cocktail and hang on!

Price is $45 per person
Members May Pay Here

Out At Work - Career Fair and OUT Entrepreneurs Panel

2010-03-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

On April 10 and 11, OUT for Work is holding its Second Annual West Coast LGBTQA Student Career Conference at UCLA. They have asked that the LAGLCC provide panelists from our membership to take part in an OUT Entrepreneurs panel discussion.

Specifically, we are looking for entrepreneurs to share stories about the successes and challenges of being out and open when it's your own business. Also, to provide advice to those who want to be entrepreneurs.

The panel will be held on Saturday April 10 at approximately 2pm, and should last more than an hour.

The panel is being moderated by 2 time Emmy nominated producer,and LAGLCC board member, Steven Wishnoff.

To volunteer as a guest panelist for this exciting opportunity to "pay iot forward" please send an email to newsletter@laglcc.org - include your name, contact info, the kind of business you have and the number of employees you work with ( even if it is only you.)
*note: because we would like to present the strong diversity of our members we will not be able to have everyone who volunteers on the panel, so space on the panel will be limited to the first respondents in their field.

http://www.laglcc.org/common/profile-business.cfm?businessid=15&isgroup=2

LAGLCC Welcomes it's Most Recent New Board Member - Bridget Trumpet

2010-03-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Whenever there is vacant seat on the LAGLCC Board of Directors, our bylaws allow for the seated board members to bring in, by a majority vote, additional board members as may be deemed necessary. We are pleased to announce that we have taken this opportunity to bring you a new board member who we're sure will add immeasurably to all our chamber has to offer.

Bridget Trumpet is a Certified Public Accountant with over 17 years of domestic and international experience in finance, accounting, internal auditing, SOX compliance, royalty audits and forensic investigative engagements. Prior to forming Trumpet Financial Group, LLC, Bridget was the Chief Audit Executive at Rentech, an alternative energy company. Preceding her term at Rentech, Bridget was a Director in KPMG's Risk Advisory Services practice and a Group Manager in Ernst & Young's Business Risk Services group where she served a variety of Fortune 1000 and private clients in the entertainment, real estate, technology, oil and gas, energy and manufacturing industries. Bridget was also an auditor in the Internal Audit department at Republic National Bank (now HSBC). She began her career in the Finance Dept. of the British Government before moving to the U.S.

Please join us in welcoming her. You may contact Bridget at btrumpet@laglcc.org

LAGLCC and LGLA Joint Mixer

2010-03-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

James Holchin, LAGLCC Treasurer and Chair of Community Outreach gave our members another example of how successful our mixer events are.

Obar, in West Hollywood, played host on Friday Feb 27. LAGLCC Membership and their guests were joined by members of the LGLA, as well as many members of the Long Beach Chamber for a night of mixing and networking.

This event, like the recent WIN Dinner event was packed to capacity. Our Community Outreach Mixers are traditionally one of our most successful events with many members making contacts, developing leads and forging strong business relationships. Keep an eye on our calendar so you don't mix the next event.
pictured above: LGLA and James Holchin, LAGLCC

LAGLCC and Long Beach CBN Form Membership Partnership

2010-03-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

We have forged a strategic partnership with The Long Beach Community Business Network (LBCBN). All LAGLCC members may now attend any of the LBCBN mixers and educational programs at the same rate their members pay, rather than a higher non-member rate.

The LBCBN is offering our members the opportunity to join them at the rate of $65 (for one year) rather than the usual $150, and we are offering LBCBN members the opportunity to join The LAGLCC as a VIP member at an introductory rate of $125 (for one year).

As a result of this alliance we expect to see increased attendance at our mixers and events as we welcome the LBCBN membership. Through this and other partnerships with increasing numbers of LGBT and allied business organizations we increase our reach, our strength and our voice in Southern California.

Over the next few weeks, we'll begin to include event information on both our website and in our e-mail newsletter, and they'll be providing the same in return.

Links: http://www.lbcbn.com/

A Word From The Board - Steven Wishnoff

2010-03-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

Last summer, I was introduced to the LAGLCC when I was asked if I would create and produce a Gala Award Show for the LAGLCC. I accepted that invitation and the rest is history. I was completely taken with the mission statement of this chamber. And the key phrase for me was "... GLBT and allied businesses."

In my work with the Television Academy's Diversity Committee, I strive to bring disparate people together all the time. We can learn from each other, and benefit from our shared knowledge base, experience and resources.

This Chamber has an amazing potential that I am proud to be a part of. As I bring together the elements for our newsletter each week, I am always struck by how much the Chamber does, and breadth of its reach.

Together we're a community that is a force to be reckoned with.

Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like to volunteer for our Marketing/Branding Committee, or if there is something I can do for you individually.

Steven Wishnoff
Board of Directors,
Chair of Marketing
Newsletter Editor

A Word From The Board - Doran Farnum

2010-02-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

When I first learned about the Chamber and the wonderful outreach it provides throughout the greater Los Angeles area for the LGBT business community, I couldn't help but get involved. Now in my second year on the Board, I've taken on the role of Corporate Partnership Committee Chair. Along with my fellow chamber members, we reach out to LGBT and LGBT-friendly corporations who support us in our efforts and our mission.

As we move further into 2010 and as the economy begins to show signs of recovery, the LAGLCC continues its mission - an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay-allied businesses, professionals, and individuals, who have joined together to effect positive growth in ourselves, our work, our community and our future.

With a new President at the helm of the LAGLCC as well as an innovative and forward thinking Board of Directors, we continue to bring the LGBT Business community the exposure it so deserves. Together, as an organization and collectively with our corporate allies, we are a strong and powerful consumer market here in Southern California.

Now is the time to show Southern California what it's like to do business with the LGBT community here in L.A.!

Doran Farnum
Board of Directors, LAGLCC

Board Member Highlight - JD DiSalvatore

2010-02-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

I joined the Board of Directors of this wonderful organization because I wanted to encourage our LGBT community here in SoCal to support local gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses - especially after the shock of learning how many companies gave money to take away our rights during the Prop 8 battle.

As we continue to fight for our rights to marry and serve in the military, it's as important as ever to take care of our own.

And The Chamber does so much more than just advertising our business members - there are wonderful programs for up-and-coming LGBT entrepreneurs, great educational panels for sharing a wealth of knowledge in all areas including brand building, social networking and small business issues; monthly networking mixers; business breakfasts; and the program I started - Getting To Know You - which brings LGBT non profit advocacy and support organization in SoCal to the attention of local business owners.

See you ALL at the next mixer.
Warmly,
jd DiSalvatore
Board of Directors, LAGLCC

Women's Counsel - New Name, New Chair

2010-02-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Andrea Meyerson, new Board Member of the LAGLCC, founder of Women On A Roll and President of All Out Films, is the Chair of the LAGLCC's newly created Women's Inspiration Network (WIN).

WIN provides the opportunity to meet, mingle and network with a group of dynamic women and hear from some inspiring speakers.

Maria's Italian Kitchen is the sponsor for the newly formed WIN! And this month our guest speaker will be Maddy Alfano, owner of the Maria's Italian Kitchen Chain. Maddy will share her incredible success story as a restaurateur and entrepreneur! Please join us at the launch and welcome Maria's to the Chamber!

The launch event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18th. There is a listing above in the Events at a Glance section of this newsletter, and more details can be found on the LAGLCC website.

WIN will meet for dinner the third Thursday of every month and alternate between three locations: West Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

click here for more information.

A Note From Your Vice President - Anthony Vulin

2010-02-11T11:19:00.001-08:00

It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors of the LAGLCC for 5 years. In 2008 I served as Vice President, 2009 as President and again this year as Vice President. I have watched our chamber evolve over the years and I am excited to see so much happening.

In 2010, I encourage you to join a committee and become more involved. The more you put into this organization, the more you will get out of it. I can attest to this by the many real estate referrals I have received through the Chamber.

The LAGLCC is growing rapidly but still needs your help. Help us all to spread word of the chamber. Invite your friends to attend our mixers, our educational programs, and to join our facebook group. Then take it a step further and encourage them to become members.

Last but not least, give business referrals to other members. After all, isn't that what the LAGLCC is all about?

A Note From Your Treasurer - James Holchin

2010-02-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

As your second term Treasurer for the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, I serve as the Chief Financial Officer and am responsible for both the safekeeping and the proper disbursement of all funds received by the Chamber.

Last year, I also served as Co-Chairperson for the Community Outreach Committee. This year I became the Chairperson of that committee.

In 2009, the Community Outreach Committee introduced a series of "Getting to Know You" mixers with several other non-profits and community organizations. To date, we've had these events with The Trevor Project, GLAAD, Lamdba Legal, Friends of Project 10, the Lesbian and Gay Lawyers of Los Angeles (LGLA) and more..

The purpose of these mixers is to proved an opportunity for chamber
members to meet members from other organizations and to learn more about them. Plus, these Getting to Know You mixers serve as excellent networking opportunities.

This year, you can look forward to networking with even more non-profits, including community organizations that serve our entire, diverse LGBT community.

If you are interested in serving on the Community Outreach Committee or in volunteering, please contact me at: jholchin@laglcc.org.

Our first "Getting to Know You" mixer of the year is listed in this newsletter, our website and on our Facebook Page.

A Note From Your Secretary - Amanda Williams

2010-02-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

This January, it was with tremendous pride I accepted my second term as Secretary of the LAGLCC. Given our chamber's recent, rapid growth under former President Randy Malmud, the position of Secretary has grown to one of even greater importance. So now, along with my fellow board members, I move into 2010 with an eye on continued growth under the exciting leadership of our newest President, Matt Skallerud.

As Secretary, it is my responsibility to ensure that accurate documentation exists to meet all legal requirements in order to maintain our status as a not for profit chamber of commerce. This includes recording when, how, and by whom the board's business is conducted. These responsibilities are spelled out fully in our by-laws.

January 2010 Updates

2010-02-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

We start this new year and this new decade with an air of excitement and promise not seen in quite some time now… with our new board members in place, we have, as a team, put together some ideas which can take our association to a whole new level this year! These ideas and changes include hiring a new, full-time Director of Development this year, overhauling the look and feel of our website, and putting together a whole new business event which takes our annual gala and expands upon that with a business conference and expo as well. We'll also be sending out a survey to members and potential members, so that you all can tell us what we've done right, where we can improve, and how you would like to see the LAGLCC grow to best serve your business needs in 2010!

Matthew Skallerud
President, Board of Directors

Beloved Television Icons Help To Honor Los Angeles Gay Businesses at 2009 LAGLCC Gala

2009-09-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Eighty years after setting the stage for the first-ever Academy Awards, the Blossom Ballroom of Hollywood’s prestigious landmark, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (7000 Hollywood Blvd.), will now play host to another significant awards celebration, the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Gala, on Oct. 4.

The much-anticipated event will celebrate the achievements of L.A.-area businesses and organizations that have helped to garner or maintain a positive reputation as a member or ally of the LGBT (Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender) community.

Scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 p.m., attendees of the 2009 Gala will catch prized glimpses of numerous television personalities, including Desperate Housewives’ Kathryn Joosten, Dallas’ Charlene Tilton, The L Word’s Daniela Sea, and Jennifer Elise Cox, well known for her over-the-top, comedic portrayal of Jan Brady in the Brady Bunch movie series. Guests will also be invited to view exclusive live musical performances by American Idol’s Frenchie Davis, out Latin singing sensation Ben Roman and True Blood composer Nathan Barr and vocalist Lisbeth Scott.

Other appearances throughout the night include performances by the Bollywood Step dance troupe and the Balliamos Dance Studio, the country’s first same-sex dance studio; and a special presentation of the Raytheon Community Advancement Award by the founder of the NOH8 Campaign, Adam Bouska. Additional celebrity appearances will be announced at a later date.

In addition to a presentation of the Bud Light Young Business Professionals Scholarship, four major awards will be presented, including the Raytheon Community Advancement Award, Corporate Partner of the Year, Outstanding Fundraiser and Business of the Year. A cocktail reception will start at 5 p.m., with the dinner and awards ceremony scheduled to run from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost to attend is $100 per ticket, and tickets can be purchased on LAGLCC’s official Web site, www.laglcc.org.

The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (LAGLCC) is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay-allied businesses, professionals, and individuals, who have joined together to effect positive growth in ourselves, our work, our community and our future. Members are committed to supporting one another and building trusting, long-lasting relationships through attendance of evening mixers, networking breakfasts, educational workshops, quarterly dinners, joint activities with other organizations and community involvement. The LAGLCC strives to connect members of the community to strengthen LGBT spending and increase purchasing power of business owners.

US Govt Job Opening in LA Area: Partnership Specialist

2009-05-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

Ability to develop relationships and productive partnership agreements with leaders in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender community.

http://www.laglcc.org/pdf/PAR-06037-LGBT-09-78s-Ext-07May09.pdf

LAGLCC-IGLTA-GayTravelocity Reception @ Custom Hotel

2009-04-23T13:21:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful evening reception at the Custom Hotel in LA, hosted by an incredible staff. Over 75 people were in attendance for our first event bringing members together from LAGLCC (www.laglcc.org) and IGLTA (www.iglta.org) and sponsored by GayTravelocity.com

Links to photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattskal/sets/72157617138719277/

LAGLCC Updates for March 2009

2009-03-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

LAGLCC Breakfast
Thursday May 14, 2009, May Networking Breakfast - 7:30 a.m.
The French Market - 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046
Join the Chamber for our monthly Breakfast Networking Mixer. Only 20 spaces available. RSVP today: events@laglcc.com
$20 - Members; $30 Guests

Thursday March 12, 2009, March Networking Breakfast - 7:30 a.m.
Aroma Café - 4360 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA 91604
Join the Chamber for our monthly Breakfast Networking Mixer. Only 20 spaces available. RSVP today: events@laglcc.com
$20 - Members; $30 Guests

Educational Seminars:
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Plummer Park Community Bldg. 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. WEHO
ONLINE Gay Marketing and Web 2.0
Certainly, everyone is aware of the gay market - and also of the power of the Internet. But how to HARNESS that power to grow YOUR business? How can you use Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and other Internet Social Networking sites? Do you know how to use keywords and video to get your business or domain to the top of a Google search?
Then join us at this fun and informative seminar to learn just how to do all that, and take your business into the fastest part of 21st Century Marketing. Web 2.0 is where it's at. You should be too!
Presenter: Matt Skallerud - Pink Banana Media (www.pinkbananamedia.com)
Seating is Limited. RSVP to Julie at 323-874-5854. Cost: Members $10 Non-members $20
For more information, Click Here.

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Plummer Park Community Bldg. 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. WEHO
The Power of Email Marketing
Building relationships with your current customers is key to growing your business. Reach them with professional email communications that make you look great! And without using your personal email program/server & entering every email address separately each time…
This workshop covers the basics of what email marketing is, why it works so well, and how to use it in your business planning and strategy to achieve specific goals.
Presenter: Kelly Flint - Constant Contact's Regional Development Director, Los Angeles
Seating is Limited. RSVP to Julie at 323-874-5854. Cost: Members $10 Non-members $20
For more information, Click Here.

Professional Women's Luncheon
Date: March 26, 2009
Time: 11:45 am networking, 12:00 - 1:00 pm power lunch
Where: Isla Cantina, 8788 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
(Corner of Palm)
Come and network with other interesting successful women in our community. Learn to build a sales team to grow your business while helping each other. If you know powerful business women outside the chamber, please invite them to our lunch.
Chamber VIP's $20.00; General members and guests $25.00
RSVP to Maureen at moe225ste@msn.com

LAGLCC Updates for January 2009

2009-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

The LAGLCC has had a round of new board nominations and elections and there's a great new team on board, including Randy Malmud, the new Chamber President, Anthony Vulin, the new Chamber Vice President, James Holchin the new Treasurer and Amanda Williams the new Secretary. In addition, Doran Farnum of Frontiers News Magazine is also a new member of the board as well. JD DiSalvatore has also recently come on as a new board members, and other board members include Jason Miller, Financial Advisor with Prudential Securities,Maureen Steinberg, Realtor with Keller Williams, Julie Falen, Real Estate Solutions Entrepr

eneur/Owner, Big Fiddle Properties, Peggi Garvey, Frontiers Magazine, Kirkland Tibbels, Founder/President Funny Boy Films and Dawn Ackerman, Co-CEO OutSmart Office Solutions and Immediate Past President, LAGLCC.

For more information on this organization, including an update on all of the ways the LAGLCC can help you grow your business with education, networking and more, please check out and join us at http://www.laglcc.org/.

Also, be sure to attend our upcoming First Thursday Mixer, the premier GLBT business networking social event, at OBar, 8279 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, Thursday, February 5th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. $5.00 cover charge only, and the drink prices are fantastic!
To RSVP, Click Here.

:: Southern California GLBT Business Online Resources ::

LAGLCC.org Social Networking Site
Be sure to check this site out... it allows all of us in the Southern California GLBT Business Community to network amongst each other using some of the latest social networking and Web 2.0 tools available today.

Also, find the LAGLCC Online At:

LAGLCC launches new blog for posting photos, etc.

2008-09-15T12:30:00.000-07:00