LAGLCC Corporate Partners

The LAGLCC is proud to list sbe, Union Bank, Morgan Stanley, Equality Rewards and Longo Toyoto as our corporate partners!

Corporate Visionaries Sponsors

sbe - Founded in 2002, sbe has quickly emerged as one of the most transcendent forces in hospitality, real estate and entertainment. Helmed by its visionary Founder, Chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian, sbe has established a thriving collection of award-winning hospitality and lifestyle destinations that are developed and managed through its Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife and Real Estate groups. With the ability to speak to a wide array of lifestyle experiences, sbe has authored a refreshing new vocabulary in hospitality through a voice that's re-imagining an entire industry.

Union Bank- As part of its 10-year community commitment, Union Bank has pledged to annually distribute at least 2 percent of its annual after-tax net profit to charitable organizations, a commitment that has resulted in donations exceeding $96 million during the first eight years.

In 2012 the bank's charitable investment in our communities totaled $12.6 million in grants, contributions, and sponsorships to help finance the efforts of nonprofit organizations within the bank's marketplace.

The 2 percent charitable commitment is achieved through contributions and sponsorships made directly by the bank and through grants and investments made by the Union Bank Foundation. For a list of bank and Union Bank Foundation recipients, click here.

Inner Circle Sponsors

Morgan Stanley - Since its founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley and its people have helped redefine the meaning of financial services. The firm has continually broken new ground in advising our clients on strategic transactions, in pioneering the global expansion of finance and capital markets, and in providing new opportunities for individual and institutional investors. Click below to see a timeline of Morgan Stanley's growth, which parallels the history of modern finance.

Equality Rewards - Equality Rewards is a portable Rewards Currency that allows consumers to redeem and accrue awards, anytime, anywhere, while supporting LGBT rights and causes.

Longo Toyota - Founded in 1967, Longo Toyota is the #1 volume Toyota dealership in the U.S.A. Longo's mission is to build lifetime relationships with guests by delivering world-class experiences during the sale, service, parts ordering and collision repair interactions.

2013 Financial Services Diversity Leadership Awards

 

Presenting Sponsor

 

On Monday, January 14, the NGLCC will host the 6th Annual Financial Services Diversity Leadership Awards at the New York Stock Exchange, where leading advocates in the financial services sector will be recognized for their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in their industry.

The NGLCC will convene the National Business Inclusion Consortium, leaders from business advocacy organizations representing other diverse segments, including the following groups:

 

• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), 
• the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC),
• the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN), 
• the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC), and 
• the National Black Justice Coalition. 

 

For the third year in a row, this is the only cross-segment diversity event in the financial services sector. 

"We're proud to be collaborating with these outstanding organizations for a third year for our Financial Services Diversity Leadership Awards. These partners in supplier diversity and inclusion represent the many different faces of diversity in the business community, and we're thrilled that they have teamed up with us to recognize the leaders in the financial services industry."

-Justin Nelson, president and co-founder of the NGLCC.  

This year's event will again include a diversity roundtable discussion among corporations and the collaborating organizations in the afternoon, a reception on the trading floor of the NYSE, with the awards dinner following. 

Learn about NGLCC's more than 130 corporate partners.
For more information about NGLCC events, including the Financial Services Diversity Leadership Awards, please contact NGLCC Events at 202-234-9181.

Celebrating LGBT Equality Rights on the Global Stage

NGLCC Board member Steven Wozencraft; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; NGLCC President Justin Nelson; and Royal Asscher of America President Lita Asscher

Last Monday night, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Board member Steve Wozencraft, his partner John Evans, and NGLCC co-founder and president Justin Nelson joined a select group of LGBT and allied leaders and philanthropists for a special evening honoring U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sir Elton John and their work on global LGBT equality issues.

Wozencraft and Evans played a central role in the event presented by HRC and the Elton John AIDS Foundation; the elegant gala dinner's main purpose was to bring awareness to the Secretary's Global Equality Fund.

The Fund, announced by Secretary Clinton in Geneva at the United Nations Human Rights Council in December 2011, was created to support programs that advance the human rights of LGBT persons around the world. NGLCC leaders, including Wozencraft, Nelson, and NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell, were present in Geneva when Secretary Clinton gave her now historic speech on global LGBT rights, stating "Human rights are gay rights and gay rights are human rights, once and for all."

"It was an honor to be with Secretary Clinton, Sir Elton John, and so many committed individuals here in DC this week who are helping to make the vision a reality," said Nelson. 

The Fund and its message will play an important role in the NGLCC's work to help empower LGBT people around the globe through economics. "As the largest LGBT business advocacy voice in the world, NGLCC will continue to grow throughout Latin America, Europe, and eventually Asia," said Nelson.

Learn more about the upcoming September 2012 NGLCC Trade Mission to Colombia and how we will be bringing LGBT business to the region.

AMERICAN AIRLINES AND STARTUP AMERICA PARTNERSHIP LAUNCH SECOND ANNUAL “FLIGHTS.CAMERA.ACTION.” CONTEST

AMERICAN AIRLINES AND STARTUP AMERICA PARTNERSHIP LAUNCH
SECOND ANNUAL “FLIGHTS.CAMERA.ACTION.” CONTEST

Small- and Medium-Size Businesses Can Enter for a Chance to Win 80 Round-Trip Award Tickets* to Elevate the Success of Their Business

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines is teaming up with Startup America Partnership to launch the second annual “Flights.Camera.Action.” contest to support the growth of small- and medium-size businesses. Eligible businesses are encouraged to submit videos explaining how air travel facilitates important connections for their company through in-person meetings, onboard technology and Wi-Fi; as well as connections made through the travel experience. Video entries can be submitted at www.AA.com/FlightsCameraAction

.

To enter the contest, which runs from July 17 through Aug. 10, 2012, companies are encouraged to submit a one-minute video explaining the importance of connections made through air travel on the contest website. The first 400 businesses to enter the contest through the website, and in compliance with the Official Rules, will receive 300 American Airlines Business ExtrAA^® bonus points, equivalent to an Admirals Club^® One Day Pass. Terms and Conditions apply.

The top nine videos from each of the three contest categories will be displayed on the contest site for public voting from Aug. 28 through Sept. 14, 2012. Each of these 27 entrants will receive 10,000 Business ExtrAA points for their business, redeemable for up to five domestic round-trip Plan AAhead^® award Economy Class tickets. The three distinct categories for entry include:

·        Startups – companies with two to 500 employees that have been in operation for less than five years.

·        Established businesses – companies with two to 500 employees that have been in operation for five or more years.

·        Nonprofits – 501(c)(3) organizations with two to 500 employees with any operational term.

The top three videos from each category, as selected by public vote – for a total of nine finalists – will earn 20,000 Business ExtrAA points for their business, redeemable for up to 10 domestic round-trip Plan AAhead^® award Economy Class tickets, and two complimentary admission tickets to the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony in Phoenix, where the Grand Prize Winner will be announced.

The First Place Winners from each category, as selected by a panel of judges – for a total of three winners – will receive an additional 30,000 Business ExtrAA points for a total of 60,000 Business ExtrAA points (the equivalent of 30 domestic round-trip Plan AAhead^® award Economy Class tickets). They will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony, including exclusive networking opportunities with iconic startup leaders and various entrepreneurs, and an Admirals Club annual membership for up to two employees.

The Grand Prize winner will receive an additional 100,000 Business ExtrAA points – equivalent to 50 round-trip Economy Class tickets, AAdvantage^® Gold status for up to two employees for one year and exposure in a variety of American Airlines media channels including an inflight video and a feature in the American Way magazine.

“American understands the importance of keeping our customers connected throughout the travel experience, especially businesses that rely heavily on air travel to succeed,” said Derek DeCross, American’s Vice President – Global Sales. “We're excited to work with Startup America Partnership to boost entrepreneurs in their business efforts given their importance to the U.S. economy.”

“The American economy is driven by startups – young, high-growth companies that are the number one job creators,” said Scott Case, CEO, Startup America Partnership. “Travel is a critical component to these companies – it provides the opportunities to make connections with customers and investors that can be game changing. Our partnership with American Airlines, and the “Flights.Camera.Action.” contest, highlights the amazing startups around the country and provides them with a unique opportunity to grow faster.”

Startup America Partnership is dedicated to bringing together startups and local champions from around the country and focuses on creating successful networks for young, high-growth companies to succeed. American offers travel programs specifically designed to benefit small- and medium size businesses, such as Business ExtrAA

and the American Airlines Business Suite™ that includes the AAirpass^® program, which offers discounted fares on last-minute travel with immediate VIP benefits. Other programs include a cash-rebate credit card and discounts for group travel, and there is no cost to join. American’s relationship with Startup America is intended to provide additional value in the form of travel to hundreds of participating small- and medium size businesses.

For more information about the American Airlines suite of business products, visit www.AA.com/Business

. For more information on the “Flights.Camera.Action.” contest, visit www.AA.com/FlightsCameraAction.

Terms and Conditions

*All award ticket counts are based on Economy Plan AAhead ^® award valid for the Continental U.S., Canada and Mexico. All taxes and fees, including reservation fees, assessed at the time of ticketing are the responsibility of the passenger.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle^® and the AmericanConnection^® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,500 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com^®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld^® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

About The Startup America Partnership

The Startup America Partnership is a growing national movement of thousands of funders, experts and resources providing startups access to the corporations, investors, and services they need to grow. Launched at the White House in early 2011, the Partnership brings together startups and local champions from around the country focused on creating successful networks for young, high-growth companies to thrive. AOL co-founder Steve Case chairs the Partnership and the Kauffman and Case Foundations are its founding partners. American Airlines, American Express OPEN, Dell Inc., Intuit Inc., Microsoft and NYSE Euronext are corporate sponsors. For more information on the Partnership, visit www.s.co

 

and follow us@startupamerica and www.facebook.com/startupamerica.

NGLCC Trade Mission to Colombia: Global Opportunities

NGLCC Trade Mission to Colombia: Global Opportunities

As an entrepreneur, you're constantly looking for ways to expand your business to find new customers. For many businesses, moving onto the international stage is a natural step in the growth of a business. But as an LGBT business-owner, you might be concerned about working abroad. You might ask yourself: How accessible are international markets to LGBT-owned small businesses? Learn first-hand by participating in the first ever U.S. Government-certified LGBT trade mission. The NGLCC will lead LGBT entrepreneurs to the Colombian capital of Bogotá, September 11-16, allowing participants to benefit from the recently implemented U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. With the support of the Department of Commerce and many others collaborating partners, NGLCC delegates will work with the commercial attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá and have experts on hand to support your business as you make connections crucial to exporting. Trade mission participants will participate in the following programming throughout the week: U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key Programming, including a high-level economic briefing and pre-scheduled matchmaker meetings with end-users and potential partners; Launch of the Colombia LGBT chamber affiliate; Global workplace diversity panel of multinational corporate leaders; LGBT Summit of the Americas with business leaders representing Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil; Complimentary registration in Expogay, Sept. 15-16; and Exciting receptions and networking opportunities. To learn more about the trade mission and be part of LGBT business history, please contact Joanna Dees or 1-202-234-9181.

Allstate 5th annual Supplier Diversity Exchange

Dear Certified LGBTBE,

The NGLCC and LAGLCC are excited to share the following opportunity with you. Allstate is an exemplary NGLCC Corporate Partner who is committed to including certified LGBTBEs in its supply chain.

This October, Allstate will be hosting its 5^th annual Supplier Diversity Exchange.  

The purpose of the Allstate Supplier Diversity Exchange is to provide an opportunity for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender community to build relationships with Allstate and Allstate’s prime suppliers. The Exchange offers business owners a forum for networking, professional development, and one-on-one discussions with Allstate key influencers responsible for purchasing products and services.

Allstate would like to invite certified LGBT-, minority-, veteran- or women-owned businesses to complete an online application. Applications received by August 15 will be reviewed to determine which applicants will most benefit by attending the Exchange. All applicants will be notified no later than August 30 by email of their status. 

More details, including the application, can be found online. The deadline is August 15. For additional inquiries, please respond to allstate@aplusmeetings.com; our Allstate corporate representative is happy to answer your queries.

We look forward to continually bringing you these opportunities as a valued Certified LGBT Business Enterprise.

Nominate Your CIO Today- CIO/CTO Awards!

The Los Angeles Business Journal is proud to present the 1^st annual CIO/ CTO Awards.   The CIO Awards will honor Chief Information Officers, or more broadly, those in the top information technology positions within their organizations (VP, Director, etc.).  These important individuals and teams play vital roles in making Los Angeles businesses, institutions and nonprofit groups successful.

We are currently accepting nominations! Attached you will find the nomination form and the deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, May 9, 2012.  We will honor L.A.’s most deserving candidates at an awards reception to be held in June and all 2012 nominees will also be featured in a special supplement to be published in the June 18^th edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal.

We invite you to participate in this year’s awards by submitting nominations for those clients, vendors or even your own company’s CIO for consideration of this award.  Nominate Today! 

Should you have any questions or to submit your nomination, please complete the attached form and email this to Events Manager, Marissa De La Cruz at mdelacruz@labusinessjournal.com

or call 323-549-5225 ext. 213.

 To nominate someone, click HERE

Thank you,

Marissa De La Cruz

Special Events Manager

Los Angeles Business Journal

5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 170

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323.549.5225 ext. 213

323.549.5255 Fax

mdelacruz@labusinessjournal.com

 

NGLCC Supplier Diversity Panel 5/3

The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Lesbian & Gay Lawyers Association and National Gay & Lesbian Chamber encourage you to attend this educational panel to learn why supplier diversity can drive strategic growth opportunities for your business.

Experts will teach local business owners how to take full advantage of certification programs to access supply chains, state and federal procurement and business-to-business opportunities.

RSVP by May 2nd to rsvp@laglcc.org

LGBT and women business owners as well as persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend.

Presented by the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Plummer Park
8300 Santa Monica Blvd.
Art Room #1
West Hollywood, CA 90069

After Reception: LAGLCC First Thursday Networking Mixer with the Lesbian & Gay Lawyers Association @ The Abbey from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/289924874415511/

LAGLCC / West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Joint Mixer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.