On behalf of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce we would like to wish our members and the community at large a prosperous New Year 2016 ahead. May this be a year of personal and professional growth where businesses continue to thrive in order to contribute to our economy and the progress of our city. $8 Billion – That is the estimated LGBT purchasing power in Miami-Dade County. We encourage the LGBT community to support those businesses that invest in our community needs. It is from this support that we thrive and have a voice in the policies that shape our nation, our state, and our local communities.

As an organization that has been the voice of the LGBT businesses and its allies in south Florida for more than a decade now, we begin our networking programming this year with the “5th Annual State of Our Community" Networking Luncheon & EXPO. This much anticipated event is sponsored this year by Morgan Stanley and media partner Miami Herald. We expect to count with the participation of the following leaders in our community including representatives of SAVE and Equality Florida: 

- State Representative David Richardson
- Mayor Carlos Gimenez (Miami-Dade County)
- Mayor Tomas Regalado (City of Miami)
- Mayor Philip Levine (City of Miami Beach)
- Mayor Jim Cason (City of Coral Gables)

Don’t miss the opportunity to network with fellow attendees and listen to our speakers talk about their 2016 plans & its impact to the LGBT community. The event will be taking place at Jungle Island (111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami) on Monday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
(lunch program from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.). Cost of admission for MDGLCC members is $45 and for non-members is $55.

To RSVP for the “5th Annual State of our Community" Networking Luncheon & EXPO or interest in joining the MDGLCC, please visit www.gaybizmiami.com or reach us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 305-673-4440.

Jorge Richa is Marketing & Programming Director; Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC)