The Pride Chamber

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❗️The Pride Chamber of Orlando Denounces Florida Tourism Removal of LGBTQ+ Travel Section❗️

The State's Latest Petty Attempt to Erase LGBTQ+ Floridians

Florida’s official tourism website quietly removed a landing page for the state’s LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations sometime in the past four months.

The website for the state’s tourism marketing corporation, VisitFlorida.com, had an “LGBTQ Travel” section that no longer exists, according to archived versions of the site viewable on the Internet Archive. The landing page previously featured blog posts and videos related to the state’s gay-friendly beaches, Pride events and LGBTQ road trip ideas.

“There’s a sense of freedom to Florida’s beaches, the warm weather and the myriad activities — a draw for people of all orientations, but especially appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance,” the landing page used to read. “Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway or a modern family searching for kid-friendly fun, here are some LGBTQ-friendly destinations for you, throughout the Sunshine State.”

“For years, the LGBTQ+ community in Florida has endured the extremist conservative policy making of this governor who now resorts to this kind of pettiness to continue his attempts at erasure,” said Gina Duncan, The Pride Chamber of Orlando's CEO and President. “The LGBTQ+ community in Florida and around the world contributes millions of dollars in travel and leisure economic dollars to the state. Gay tourism contributes millions of dollars in state tax revenue to the state. Apparently, our Governor’s obsession with demonizing and ostracizing the LGBTQ+ community is more important than the economic well being of the state of Florida,” Duncan said.

The link where the LGBTQ Travel page had been (https://www.visitflorida.com/things-to-do/cultural/lgbtq/) now directs users to a general “things to do” landing page. It is unclear exactly when the landing page was removed, but it was available as recently as April 19, according to the Internet Archive. It is also unclear why Visit Florida, a nonprofit created as a public-private partnership by the Florida Legislature in 1996, removed the landing page and who was behind the decision.

We are so happy to welcome Twisted Tails Escape Room to our Pride Chamber family. If you’d like to learn more about them please visit our member directory linked in our bio.

🌈🎉 A huge THANK YOU to our incredible Welcome Reception sponsors for this year's Pride In Business Awards & Gala! Your support helps us celebrate and uplift the amazing achievements within the LGBTQ+ business community. Together, we’re making strides toward a more inclusive and vibrant future. 🙌🏽🏆

✨ Exciting news—sponsorships and tickets are still available! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event. For more details, visit: https://thepridechamber.org/pride-in-business-awards-gala/ 🌟💖

Voting in the primary elections in Orlando and across Florida is an essential step in shaping the future of our community.

These elections determine which candidates will appear on the ballot in the general election, making your voice critical in selecting leaders who align with your values and priorities. As business professionals, it's vital to support candidates who understand and advocate for the local economy, job creation, and sustainable growth.

By participating in the primaries, you're not just voting for individuals; you're voting for policies that will directly impact our business environment and community.

Make your voice heard and contribute to a brighter future for Orlando and Florida. Let's lead by example—get out and vote in the primaries!

Mark your calendars for the 2024 State of the Chamber and LGBTQ+ Business Luncheon on Thursday, August 29, a premier networking and learning event hosted by Harmony Healthcare. Guest speakers will include Gina Duncan, President/CEO of the Orlando Pride Chamber, and Brennan McNeil, Vice President of Corporate Relations for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). These leaders have significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ community and business sector through their advocacy and transformative leadership.

Gina Duncan is celebrated for her advocacy, returning as President and CEO to lead The Pride Chamber of Greater Orlando with a track record of accolades for her contributions to equality, diversity, and community excellence. An expert in transgender dynamics, Gina has been a national and international beacon of inclusivity.

Brennan McNeil has played a pivotal role at the NGLCC, driving corporate partnerships and DEI initiatives with his extensive background in banking, financial services, and hospitality. His efforts underscore a commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and business success nationally.

Together, Gina and Brennan represent the spirit of leadership, advocacy, and community this luncheon aims to celebrate. Their shared insights and vision will inspire attendees, making this an event not to be missed for those eager to foster an inclusive business community that values diversity and equity.

REGISTER NOW!:https://lnkd.in/geB-Ve9k

🌈 Exciting Week Ahead at The Pride Chamber! 🌈

We’ve got two fantastic events lined up, and we can't wait to connect with you!

Wednesday, August 21 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Our Monthly Board of Directors Meeting will be in session! This meeting is open to Pride Chamber members in good standing. Join us at the National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL. Registration is required: Register here:
https://business.thepridechamber.org/ap/Events/Register/AnFBNkBFVCdCN

Thursday, August 22 | 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Looking to expand your business network? Our RED Group North, a category-exclusive networking group, is meeting! If you’d like to visit, please contact Collette Rance, Guest Coordinator, at [email protected].

We hope to see you there and wish you an amazing week ahead!

It is always great to meet and catch up with Chamber member and community partner Visit Orlando!

The Pride Chamber is proud to introduce Ambassador, Tyler Adams 😀

Hello! My name is Tyler Adams, and I am proud to serve as an Ambassador for The Pride Chamber. I work with J Meyers Insurance Agency, one of the largest independent, family- and woman-owned insurance agencies in Central Florida. This year, I obtained my insurance license and began my career at J Meyers, a company celebrating its 50th anniversary. My journey in the insurance industry began when I met my mentor, Cathy, at one of The Pride Chamber's RED Groups. Over the course of a year, we built a strong professional relationship, which led to her offering me a full-time position at J Meyers. Without RED, this opportunity would never have presented itself.

What I love most about The Pride Chamber and the RED Group is the endless possibilities they offer. The Chamber has exceeded my expectations and opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. It’s a place where I can truly support and be a part of our vibrant community and its allies. I first learned about The Pride Chamber through a friend who recommended I join, knowing I was seeking a place where I could belong and contribute meaningfully. The Chamber has become a cornerstone in my professional and personal life, and I am excited to continue supporting and growing within this amazing community.

🚨⏰ Time is running out—just 4 days left to snag Early Bird Pricing! ⏰🚨

Don’t miss out on the event of the year! The Pride In Business Awards & Gala is right around the corner, and this is your last chance to lock in those special rates. August 16th is the final deadline for Early Bird pricing on Gala & Awards tickets, Table with VIP Tickets Sponsorship, and Table Sponsorship.

The clock is ticking, and seats are filling fast. Secure your spot today for a night of celebration and connection like no other!

🎟️ Get more details and reserve your tickets now: https://thepridechamber.org/pride-in-business-awards-gala/

We can’t wait to celebrate with you—don’t miss out!

Get ready for another action-packed week with the Pride Chamber! All four of our RED groups are meeting this week, offering you the perfect chance to build a powerful sales team for your business. Don’t miss out—check the details below to find the right time and place to join us!

1️⃣ RED Group South Meeting
- 📆 Date: Aug 13th
- ⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
- 🌟 Curious about our South group? Reach out to Gabe Csizmadia at [email protected] for more info.

2️⃣ RED Group Central Meeting
- 📆 Date: Aug 13th
- ⏰ Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00pm
- 🤝 Guest Visit: Interested in joining? Secure your invite by emailing Stephen Burt at [email protected]

3️⃣ RED Group Downtown Meeting
- 📅 Date: Aug 14th
- ⏰ Time: 11:30pm - 1:00pm
- 🎾 Experience our downtown vibe! Contact Andrew Wells at [email protected] to be our special guest.

4️⃣ RED Group North
- 📆 Date: Aug 15th
- ⏰ 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
- 💫: Curious about our North group? Reach out to Denise Merritt at [email protected] for more info.

We hope to see you at one of our RED groups this week!

🚨⏰ Time is running out! Only 8 days left to grab Early Bird Pricing! ⏰🚨

Join us at the Pride In Business Awards & Gala, where we’ll celebrate the brilliance of our vibrant business community. The clock is ticking—August 16th is your final chance to lock in special rates for your Gala & Awards tickets, Table with VIP Tickets Sponsorship, or Table Sponsorship.

Don’t wait—secure your spot for an evening you won’t forget!

🎟️ Get more details and reserve your tickets now: https://thepridechamber.org/pride-in-business-awards-gala/

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) … Pride Chamber members, check your inbox! 📨 This past Wednesday afternoon, we sent out an exciting email with a special offer just for YOU!

We’re thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for our members, brought to you by one of our esteemed corporate sponsors, NASCAR. 🏁 Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway!

This exclusive offer is our way of saying thank you for being a valued member of the Pride Chamber community. Be sure to take advantage of this amazing deal and join us for an unforgettable event at one of the most iconic tracks in the world!

Not seeing the email? Reach out to us, and we’ll make sure you get all the details. See you at the races! 🏳️‍🌈✨

🚨⏰ Only 9 days left to secure your Early Bird Pricing! ⏰🚨

Don't miss out on the Pride In Business Awards & Gala! Our Early Bird Pricing deadline is fast approaching, with August 16th being the last day to secure your Gala & Awards tickets, Table with VIP Tickets Sponsorship, or Table Sponsorship. This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating our vibrant business community!

Act now and take advantage of these special rates before it's too late.

🎟️ For more information and to secure your tickets today, click here: https://thepridechamber.org/pride-in-business-awards-gala/

See you at the Gala!

🌈 Meet JoAnn Polley, Chair of the Ambassador Program!

We are thrilled to introduce JoAnn Polley, the esteemed Chair of our Ambassador Program at The Pride Chamber. JoAnn is the proud owner of Infinite Ideas & Designs, a full-service graphic design company founded in 1996.

JoAnn joined The Pride Chamber, formerly known as The Metropolitan Business Association, in April 2011. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, "At the time, Gina Duncan was President, and thirteen years later, it pleases me beyond measure that Gina has resumed that position."

JoAnn has always cherished The Pride Chamber for its commitment to welcome, acceptance, and diversity. "The Pride Chamber has always been a place of welcome, acceptance, and diversity, and I appreciate its strong sense of serving the community. Being an Ambassador provides me with the opportunity to promote the mission of the Chamber and make every member feel as welcome and valued as I felt when I joined thirteen years ago," she says.

Join us in celebrating JoAnn's dedication and passion as she continues to enrich our community and foster a sense of belonging for all members.

🚨⏰ Only 10 days left to secure your Early Bird Pricing! ⏰🚨

Don't miss out on the Pride In Business Awards & Gala! Our Early Bird Pricing deadline is fast approaching, with August 16th being the last day to secure your Gala & Awards tickets, Table with VIP Tickets Sponsorship, or Table Sponsorship. This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating our vibrant business community!

Act now and take advantage of these special rates before it's too late.

🎟️ For more information and to secure your tickets today, click here: https://thepridechamber.org/pride-in-business-awards-gala/

See you at the Gala!

Last week, our very own President & CEO Gina Duncan and Director of Membership & Events Vinnie Silber represented the Pride Chamber at the prestigious National Gay & Le***an Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) conference in Palm Springs!

The conference was an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside other leaders and innovators in the LGBTQ+ business community. Gina and Vinnie brought back invaluable insights and new ideas that will help us continue to champion diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment for our members.

We are so proud of their commitment to fostering a stronger, more vibrant LGBTQ+ business community. Stay tuned for exciting updates and initiatives inspired by their experiences at the NGLCC conference!

Congratulations to Denise Merritt and Merritt Business Solutions!

We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Board Chair, Denise Merritt, and Merritt Business Solutions have been recognized and awarded the NGLCC LGBT Supplier of the Year! This prestigious award recognizes an outstanding Certified LGBTBE® with a demonstrated commitment to LGBT supplier diversity and the LGBT business community.

Denise and her team at Merritt Business Solutions have consistently shown their dedication to promoting inclusivity and supporting minority businesses. Their exceptional work and unwavering commitment have set a high standard for others to follow.

Join us in celebrating this fantastic achievement and the positive impact Denise and Merritt Business Solutions have made within the LGBTQ+ business community. 🌈🏆

🚀🎉 Join us for the ultimate celebration! 🎉🚀

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website at our August Business Connect event this Wednesday, August 7th, from 6-8pm! 🌟 This exciting event will be held at the National Entrepreneur Center, located at 3201 East Colonial Drive, Orlando.

This is a can't-miss event with FREE entry for our beloved members and just $20 for guests. We've already got 50 amazing members and guests registered, so the energy is going to be off the charts! 🔥

Come network, celebrate, and be part of something extraordinary. Secure your spot now and be ready to embark on this new digital journey with us. Click the link to register:

https://business.thepridechamber.org/event-calendar

See you there! 🎊✨

🌈✨ Early Bird Alert! ✨🌈

The Pride in Business Awards & Gala is fast approaching, and our early bird ticket sale ends on August 16th! Don't miss out on your chance to secure your spot at our biggest fundraiser of the year! 🌟

🎟️ Early Bird Prices:

Awards & Gala: Members $175 | Non-Members $225
Sponsorships: Table with VIP Tickets $2,500 | Table $1,750
VIP Reception: Members $75 | Non-Members $125

Join us for an unforgettable night filled with incredible entertainment, a silent auction, and for the first time ever, an exclusive After Party with tickets at just $35! 🎉

This is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to support the Pride Chamber’s mission to enhance our members' experiences through impactful programming and initiatives. Your participation helps us create a vibrant and inclusive business community. 🌐

Let's make this a sold-out event! Secure your tickets now and be part of a night to remember. 🎊

📅 Early Bird Deadline: August 16th
💻 Get your tickets today: https://thepridechamber.org/pride-in-business-awards-gala/

🌟✨ Announcing the New Small Business Silver Sponsorship for the Pride in Business Awards & Gala! 🌈✨

We are excited to introduce our Small Business Silver Sponsorship, a new sponsorship level this year designed to provide more of our members with the opportunity to sponsor the gala and support our vibrant community.

Benefits of the Small Business Silver Sponsorship:
1 X Gala Tickets
Company on Digital Sponsorship Page
Logo on Small Business Banner
2 x Logo on Digital Screen

This is your chance to showcase your business, connect with influential leaders, and celebrate excellence within our LGBTQ and Ally business community. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the most anticipated event of the year!

Secure your sponsorship today and join us for an unforgettable night!

For more details and to secure your sponsorship, visit: https://thepridechamber.org/program/pride-in-business-awards/

🎉✨ You're Invited! Join us for The Pride Chamber's August Business Connect Event! 🎉✨

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website, and we want YOU to celebrate with us! 🥳

📅 Date: Wednesday August 7th
🕒 Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
📍 Location: National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial, Orlando, FL 32803

This is your chance to:
🌈 Connect with fellow LGBTQ+ and allied business professionals
💼 Explore exciting new business opportunities
📈 Learn more about The Pride Chamber's initiatives and how they can support your business

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate with Orlando's vibrant LGBTQ+ business community! Let's make this launch party unforgettable together! 🎊

RSVP today and be a part of something special. We can't wait to see you there! 💜

https://thepridechamberorlando.growthzoneapp.com/events