Networking Organization Offers Insights and Initiatives for Tapping into $8 Billion Purchasing Power of Miami-Dade’s LGBTQ Community
With the second largest LGBTQ-oriented Chamber of Commerce in the nation and an LGBTQ population with a reported purchasing power of $8 billion annually, businesses in South Florida should take advantage of membership in the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) to tap into that lucrative – and loyal – consumer, says Steve Adkins, president of the MDGLCC.
New and renewing membership in the MDGLCC is open now through November 15. While membership benefits are numerous, chief among these is inclusion in the “SOMA (Support Our Members Always) 2017 Directory & Resource Guide.” The SOMA Directory provides an invaluable resource for consumers and businesses to make informed purchases and like-minded business alliances, Adkins said. “We encourage our members to support those who support us.”
More than 20,000 copies of the SOMA Directory will be printed and mailed to members, government officials and business executives throughout the year. Additional distribution comes from 130 distribution points throughout the county as well as insertion in gift bags at major LGBTQ events.
Besides member listings, the SOMA Directory offers members the opportunity to advertise and get their brand’s message out to members in a more impactful way. Rates run from $1,500 for an inside half page to $5,000 for the full page outside cover.
Also paramount to membership benefits are the many networking opportunities afforded members throughout the year. For example, five times per year, at member locations, the Chamber hosts popular panel discussions on current topics of relevance to the community and business. The next EXPOsure Luncheon -- “Disruptors, Innovators, Influencers” – will take place November 10 at the 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach at 2377 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, and is sponsored by Baptist Health. “Disruptors, Innovators, Influencers” will feature a panel discussion with leading professionals from Baptist Health, Comcast, Tesla, FPL, and the New World Symphony who will discuss how the quality of life in Miami is being impacted by their respective industries. Are their companies or offerings recognized as disruptors, innovations, or influencers?
Currently, the MDGLCC has a roster of member companies than span 140 business categories and represent close to 600 companies and over 1,200 professionals. To become a member, or for more information on the Chamber, call 305-673-4440 or click www.gaybizmiami.com.
"Drinkhouse Fire & Ice has been a proud member of the MDGLCC for many years,” said Nicole Pritchett, Owner, Drinkhouse Fire & Ice. “At Fire & Ice, we've strived to create a business with strong and diverse community ties. We recognize how the LGBTQ community is an integral part of our community and our business. We are honored to work together and we are excited to see our partnership continue to grow and translate into strong relationships that benefit our business and community."
“GPS Security/P.I. Miami is a relatively new and proud member of MDGLCC. We look forward to networking within the business and professional community that the Chamber serves in order to show how we can serve specific security needs. We would like to thank the Chamber for assisting us with establishing an image and reputation in the community and help us stay on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within the community and local marketplace. We are very appreciative of all the assistance the chamber provides and look foreword to a long and continuing relationship,” said Jeffrey S Giordano,President, GPS Security/P.I. Miami.
Established in 1999, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) is the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses. The Chamber's mission is to promote a unified and thriving, gay and gay-friendly, business and professional community throughout Miami-Dade County. The Chamber’s goals are to promote networking within the existing gay and gay-friendly business and professional community; to promote business opportunities for Chamber members; to promote Miami as a year-round, gay and gay-friendly tourist destination; to provide resources for its members; and to provide outreach from the LGBTQ community to other organizations.
