As we settle back in to our usual routine here at the GBBC, I wanted to take a moment to thank the many individuals, companies and organizations that contributed to the success of two very important events recently. 

The NGLCC LGBT Business Certification Program – May 2, 2012

On May 2, 2012, the GBBC, in conjunction with the NGLCC sponsored the NGLCC Supplied Diversity LGBT Certification Program.  This program also included a certification businesses owned and employing handicap individuals.  The certification roadshow offered businesses in the Greater Boston area the opportunity to learn more about the certification process and take the first steps to applying for this national recognized program.  In addition, individuals from the Greater Boston area who are active business members of the GBBC were offered the opportunity to apply this certification free of charge, waving the $400 registration fee.  Just another great benefit of being an active GBBC business member for $150 annually.

With approximately 100 people in attendance, the NGLCC Certification Roadshow could not have been as successful as it was without the hard work and dedication of many people.  First I wanted to thank Vivian Meranda, Vice President of the GBBC.  Vivian took control of the planning several months ago and orchestrated the planned and executed the logistics perfectly. Vivian has taken the lead role at the GBBC for the members who are interested in the certification program. She has worked closely with the NGLCC and local businesses that were already certified, attempting to deliver a smooth application process for our active members, with the hopes that they too will become LGBT certified businesses. It is our hope that becoming certified will result in increased revenue and increased business for our members. Right by Vivian’s side working on the Roadshow was Valerie Clark, Secretary of the GBBC. Valerie took on many tasks, too many to name, in assuring that the Roadshow unfolded exactly as it was intended.  I know Vivian and Valerie are sort of like the “ Dynamic Duo” with the GBBC, doing so much for the LGBT Community while still maintaining a full time careers and personal lives. My gratitude to them runs deep.

Next I would like to thank TD Bank, a corporate partner with the GBBC, and the individuals from their diversity team that continue to amaze the GBBC and LGBT Community with their unprecedented giving and support.  TD Bank hosted the location of the NGLCC Roadshow at non other  than the world famousBostonTDBankGarden.  A show place of great sportsmanship and a wonderful backdrop for our guest, local and visiting, to enjoy.  TD Bank’s diversity team managed by Rosalin Acosta and Marion Colombo were exceptional to work with.  Paula Warchol and Laura Gaito are the daily connections to the GBBC and couldn’t be happier to have such great people on our team. 

Next, Sean Driscoll  from Work Without Limits was a pivotal player in the communication of the NGLCC Roadshow for LGBT and Disability Certification.  Sean is a remarkable speaker and a highly valuable individual connected to all corners of the LGBT Community.  WWL is also a corporate partner with the GBBC. 

The Roadshow recognition continues with GBBC’s corporate media sponsor, Edge Boston Media.  Home grown right here in Boston (well Cambridge), Edge’s vast connection with electronic media connected the GBBC and the NGLCC Roadshow to thousands of people in the LGBT Community, allow for many to take advantage of this great program that could increase a businesses revenues. 

Last but not least, the GBBC could not produce any event or programming without the heroes of our volunteers.  They continue to amaze me with their unselfish means of giving to our events and being an important role in the success of any GBBC event.

Thank you to everyone that made this an amazing success.  The GBBC and I personally appreciate all you have done in producing one heck of an event for our members to benefit from. 

The 2012 NGLCC Northeast Regional Summit – May 2^nd to May 3, 2012

Directly following our successful Roadshow, the GBBC was the proud host city of the 2012 NGLCC Northeast Summit.  This is an annual gathering of LGBT Chamber heads from on the northeast coast of theUnited States.  Over the two and half days the GBBC welcomed approximately 45 delegates and their guest to the city ofBoston, the LGBT Community and to several business/corporate partners of the GBBC.  TheSummit, the BEST ever, as quoted by every attendee, was a huge success due to the contributions from many businesses, companies and organizations.  Proceeding in order of theSummitevents, the GBBC would like to thank the Top of the Hub for co-hosting the welcome reception for our delegates and guest.  The Top of the Hub venue was a perfect setting to say “welcome toBoston” as the birds eye view of our great city turned to sparkles of light as the sunset.  The views couldn’t have been more perfect than to look toward the west and see the world famous, 100 year oldFenwayParkilluminated during a Red Sox game.  It seems to say welcome toBostonin its own way.  The welcome reception was, as usual, over the “top at the Top of the Hub.  The Top of the Hub is also a corporate partner of the GBBC.

The next day theSummitnestled into our host hotel, the Sheraton Boston Back Bay.  The Sheraton Boston co-hosted theSummitalong with the GBBC and provided an awesome backdrop for a business summit.  In addition they kept our delegates well fed and with everything they might need.  The Sheraton service was impeccable and the GBBC thanks them for all their hard work over the past several months planning and executing a fabulousSummit.  The Sheraton Boston is a corporate partner of the GBBC.

Thursday evening, the GBBC and Club Café sponsored the Summit Dinner.  Club Café has been, if not is, the oldest business member of the GBBC and has supported the LGBT Community from the very beginning.  In a way, Club Café helped mold the LGBT Community of Greater Boston, contributing to what it is today…a world class collection of business and political minded LGBT members working and living in a great city like Boston.  TheSummitdinner was fantastic.  The delicious meal was preceded with a little cocktail reception and then followed with dancing in the club.  Club Café even provided great entertainment of song and ballads with a live group in our private dinning area.  Club Café is a corporate partner of the GBBC.

Lastly, the GBBC would like to thank the many companies and organizations that contributed to the Host City Gift Bags for our delegates.  There was lots of swag in those bags for our guest to dig through and enjoy.  From candy and chips made right inMassachusettsto coffee cups and duck quackers…the bag was filled with so many items.  The GBBC, as a welcome gift, provided a copy of the book, Improper Bostonian from the LGBT History Project.  A great gift for anyone to have and read about how the LGBT Community of Greater Boston started and evolved to what it is today.  Amazingly enough, this book actually tells the story of the LGBT history ofAmerica, since many of our LGBT rights were fought and won here inBoston, paving the road for many other cities and states to follow.  As our forefathers came to this great land to pursue happiness and freedom, the LGBT Community continues to do so today.

Thank you to all for making the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Roadshow and the 2012 NGLCC Northeast Summit huge successes.  We can’t begin to thank you enough for all your contributions to both these programs and your support throughout the year.  You all are giants in the community that live and breathe each day to help the LGBT Community gain the strength we need be all we can be.

The GBBC salutes each and everyone. 

With sincere gratitude,

Ed Travers II

President

GreaterBostonBusiness Council

Press Release

Greater Boston Business Council Announces New Media Corporate Partnership

“Media coverage for the GBBC and LGBT Community stronger and better than ever before for the GBBC and LGBT Community”

Boston, MA – May 1, 2012:  Ed Travers II, President of the Greater Boston Business Council (GBBC) along with the Executive Board is proud to announce the newly established Media Corporate Partnership with the EDGE Media Network.

“We are thrilled to make public our relationship with EDGE, the world’s largest LGBT news network.”, Ed Travers II, President stated, “It is the first time that the GBBC has entered into a relationship with a true media sponsor that delivers LGBT news to a vast group of people, with immediate delivery and live news.  We are very excited to make EDGE Media Network the Greater Boston Business Council Media Sponsor of choice.” 

“We are very excited to be partnering with GBBC,” said Todd Paschen, VP, Sales of EDGE. The GBBC is an unparalleled resource for the LGBT business community here in Boston!”

EDGE Media not only expands the GBBC audience here in Boston, through the EDGE Boston website, but also nationally, allowing us to create greater exposure for the GBBC and its membership. We are convinced that the GBBC’s success over the past 23 years has been its dedication to its membership. By partnering with EDGE, the GBBC continues its dedicated work for the LGBT business community. The EDGE Media Network was started right here in Boston, the partnership couldn’t be better suited.

In addition, the GBBC will be designing state of the art advertising options for our active members to take advantage of with a special discount.  The strength of both the GBBC and EDGE Media will create the strongest, most interactive connectivity to the LGBT Community using the media of choice for most people, the World Wide Web.  Individuals will be connected at a tap of their smart phone, a click of their computer or a read through an email. 

“The GBBC is proud of this relationship and couldn’t be happier to have a media sponsor with the greatest interest in the GBBC and the LGBT Community than any other media outlet”, said Ed Travers II, President – GBBC.

Stay connected to the GBBC…stay connected to the LGBT Community…when you want it…stay connected to EDGE Media.

Join the GBBC on the cutting “EDGE” of being in the know…visit our new Media Sponsor at www.edgeboston.com

The Greater Boston Business Council (GBBC) and TD Bank (TDB) co-sponsored the annual dinner dance cruise.  TDB is one of GBBC’s Platinum Corporate Sponsor and has made a great presence throughout New England over the past two years.  TDB has also connected with the neighborhoods throughout Greater Boston including the LGBT Community.

This year’s boat cruise was not only exceptionally special having co-sponsored this event with TDB, but also because the GBBC, for the first time, selected two non-profit organizations to be the benefactors of this year’s event.  All ticket sales and raffle donations were donated to AIDS Action Committee and Community Servings.  Two noteworthy organizations who work diligently to raise funds in order to give needed services to the LGBT Community.  The GBBC/TD Bank Dinner Dance Cruise raised $7,000 and will be split evenly between AIDS Actions Committee and Community Servicing.

Thank you TD Bank and to all who attended and made this event a Huge Success!!!

In November 2010, the GBBC present the second annual contribution to the Point Foundation, the nation’s largest GLBT scholarship program.  The GBBC feels the future of GLBT issues are set with the youth today and assisting GLBT youth to succeed is a responsibility of us all.  The GBBC is proud to be a sponsor of the Point Foundation and supporting the GLBT youth of Boston.  If you wish to join the GBBC and contribute further to the Point Foundation mission, please visit www.pointfoundation.com.