MiaMi-dade Gay & lesbiaN CHaMber of CoMMerCe ......Holiday / New year ediTioN – 2015 MiaMi-dade Gay & lesbiaN CHaMber of CoMMerCe busiNess MaGaziNe COVER IMAGE BY JIM Bu C h A n

Holiday / New year ediTioN – 2015

MiaMi-dade Gay & lesbiaN CHaMber of CoMMerCe busiNess MaGaziNe

COVE

R IM

AGE

BY

JIM

Bu

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Convention Center reimagined

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The sustainable Kitchen

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No Place for Hate

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wake up Call

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believe in love

EDITIOn

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2 ClarityMag.com GoGayMiami.com GayBizMiami.comREAD US VISIT US JOIN US

The advent of Fall/Winter in south Florida announces the arrival of “The Season” as most of us have come to know it. The past few months have been so busy that we can no longer view summer as the quieter time of year where we can relax and take a break. November thru March in Miami however, brings visions of White Party followed by Basel followed by the Holidays followed by Art Deco…well, you get the picture. Not only do we have more world-class events to attend than any other place on the planet, we also have our own fascinating work to factor in between all the celebrating.

On top of all that fun, your Chamber is introducing several new programs this year (Young Professionals, Pink Flamingo Hospitality Affinity Group and the re-launch of our popular Women’s Empowerment Series). Interested? We want your participation! And, if this was not all enough, November brings another election. So, get out and VOTE, join a committee, and start filling in that calendar with great MDGLCC programs.

Enjoy CLARITY and Happy Holidays!

STEVE ADKINS

Miami Beach Arts Trust / Miamiartzine has been a member of MDGLCC for more years than I can remember. We find that being a member keeps us

informed about what is happening in Miami-Dade County. Going to the social mixers gives us the opportunity to meet business people and people in the arts. This has proven very useful in building our readership and also results in contributions for our events. When I am out and about, I always recommend that businesses join MDGLCC so they can receive the same benefits we have enjoyed for years.

— Harvey J. Burstein Publisher, Miamiartzine Chairman, Miami Beach Arts Trust, Inc. T: (305) 535-2448 MDGLCC NON-PROFIT MEMBER

PrESIDENT’S MESSAGE

3 President’s Message

4 a CoMMitMent to equal rights Hava L. Holzhauer, Anti-Defamation League Florida

6 rally around Madison! EXPO CCI

7 the sustainable kitChen IKEA Miami

8 sPotlight interview Bryce Goodwin, Bacardi USA

10 oPen for business today/reiMagined for toMorrow Matt Hollander, Miami Beach Convention Center

11 real estate – it’s all about tiMing Marjory Dressler, Gary Hennes Realty

11 iMMigration oPtions for saMe-sex sPouses Robert A. Kravitz, The Law Office of Kravitz & Guerra

13 feeling the holiday blues? Catherine Penrod, Switchboard Miami

14 don’t trust your wedding Photos to unCle fred James Buchanan, Affordable Pro Photo & Video

15 ChaMber networking

16 got your give-baCk Plan? Edwin Scharlau, Route 7 Productions


17 we believe in love Rodrigo Bellettini, South Florida Gay Wedding Corp.


20 your wake uP Call Chris Jackson, Unity on the Bay

23 MdglCC uPCoMing events

23 no better tiMe than now

Contents

COVER SHOOT: OCTOBER 7, 11:30 A.M. Professional photographer Jim Buchanan captures a remarkable group of movers and shakers: Matt Hollander, Jimmy Morales, Max Sklar, and Maria Hernandez gathered to celebrate the Center’s magnificent transformation! The Miami Beach Convention Center is being reimagined as a state-of-the-art LEED-certified facility accommodating and attracting new international and national events and conventions.

Jim Buchanan is Director of Photography at AP Photo & Video www.apphotovideo.com

For more photos, visit ClarityMag.com

on location

Holiday / New Year Edition CLARITY 3

... imagine a 2015 where dr. Martin luther King, Jr. is a champion of immigration reform. imagine a 2015 where anne frank is awarded a Nobel Prize for her 12th novel. imagine a 2015 where Harvey Milk expands lGbT equality globally. imagine a 2015 where yitzhak rabin is honored for two decades of israeli-Palestinian peace. imagine a 2015 where Matthew shepard leads an anti-bullying coalition.

What do Lady Gaga, a 101-year old predominantly Jewish civil rights organization, and more than one million students across the country – and thousands in South Florida – have in common? The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently awarded Lady Gaga with ADL’s No Place for Hate® Making a Difference Award for using her talent in the name of acceptance and fighting intolerance. She said that she created her foundation because she “met so many young people…who were going through the same struggles that she was going through growing up – bullying, trouble understanding one’s identity, finding a place in the world, feeling isolated.”

ADL imagines how a world would look without hate, and then plots the alternative route and work to get us there. Imagine a 2015 where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a champion of immigration reform. Imagine a 2015 where Anne Frank is awarded a Nobel Prize for her 12th novel. Imagine a 2015 where Harvey Milk expands LGBT equality globally. Imagine a 2015 where Yitzhak rabin is honored for two decades of Israeli-Palestinian peace. Imagine a 2015 where Matthew Shepard leads an anti-bullying coalition.

This is a world I want to live in, but all these lives were cut short by hate. We can imagine all that they could have done. This is our starting point.

So how do we reach our destination? We continue the struggle for civil rights for all. We garner support for anti-discrimination laws that explicitly bar discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. We work with a coalition at the federal, state, and local levels to advocate for anti-discrimination statutes, inclusive hate crime and bullying prevention laws, and marriage equality. And there is work to do - five states still have no hate crime laws whatsoever. Here in Florida, we have no state hate crimes protection for gender and gender identity.

When LGBT rights are challenged in the courts, we work to ensure our voices are heard. We filed amicus (friend of the court) briefs on behalf of nearly two dozen religiously-affiliated civil rights groups, challenging the Federal DOMA and state laws, constitutional amendments, and ballot measures that defined marriage as exclusively between one man and one woman. It is up to us to lift the blindfold on the eyes of justice.

Though hate and bigotry can be learned at a very young age, we are committed to educating school-aged children to be allies, and educators to create bias-free learning environments. We work with pre-school age children, parents and educators to stop hate before it starts. LGBT youth are frequent targets of bullying and bias-motivated hate and violence. We work with schools from pre-K to college to foster environments of inclusivity. We create researched, detailed curricula about all forms of hate and bigotry, including programs and resources designed to counter homophobia and anti-LGBT bias.

So, what do Lady Gaga, ADL, and millions of students have in common? We are all human, and equal. We were born this way – let’s live that way too.

Hava L. Holzhauer ADL Florida Regional Director [email protected] T: (561) 988-2900 MDGLCC NON-PROFIT MEMBER

a Commitment to equal rights


A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence

THANK YOU, MIAMI BEACHAt Baptist Health South Florida, we feel truly humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from the Miami Beach community. The approval to develop our new healthcare facility at 709 Alton Road comes after months of insightful conversations with neighbors, businesses and civic leaders – a comprehensive process that truly improved our project. We look forward to bringing high-quality and convenient healthcare choices to the residents and visitors of this vibrant community when we open our doors in late 2017.

Healthcare that CaresBaptistHealth.net

Holiday / New Year Edition CLARITY 5 A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence

THANK YOU, MIAMI BEACHAt Baptist Health South Florida, we feel truly humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from the Miami Beach community. The approval to develop our new healthcare facility at 709 Alton Road comes after months of insightful conversations with neighbors, businesses and civic leaders – a comprehensive process that truly improved our project. We look forward to bringing high-quality and convenient healthcare choices to the residents and visitors of this vibrant community when we open our doors in late 2017.

Healthcare that CaresBaptistHealth.net

For the past eight years, EXPO has ran a charity golf tournament in support of a special little girl. Madison Smith was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy a little before her first birthday. Her family was told she had 1 year to live and her parents and family as a whole, we were all devastated. Her mother, Jennifer, did not take that as the final answer and immediately began researching this rare disease. There were not many sources at this time, but she refused to give up and accept this. At the time, Jennifer was a Sales Manager at EXPO. No only is Madison daughter to Jennifer, she is granddaughter to the Owner/ President richard J. Curran. This naturally made it a family crisis.

Madison’s uncle, richard P. Curran, Vice President of EXPO along with close family friend and EXPO General Manager, Keith Landberg, decided to launch a charity golf

tournament amongst trade show industry peers, family and friends. This was in response to the huge financial burden that Jennifer and Aaron, Madison’s father, we about to face. Although no cure for SMA exists yet, there are many things to increase the quality of life and longevity such as therapies, supplements and medical equipment. Which are mostly out of pocket expenses. The tournament has been a huge success with incredible support from vendors, clients, partners and friends of EXPO.

Jennifer has become the President of the South Florida Chapter of Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and now assists other families with newly diagnosed children of SMA. She also organizes the GALA of Hope which is a South Florida fundraising event with one goal: to fund a cure for SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). Proceeds from the Gala

of Hope benefit Cure SMA, the leading SMA research organization. Hosted by two mothers of children with SMA, the Gala of Hope will be held at Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 12, 2015. EXPO supports the Gala with decorations, furniture, signage and carpeting.

In addition to helping Madison, Expo donates services, signage, equipment, floor pans and manpower to the Cure SMA annual conference and all proceeds go towards funding research to find a treatment and a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Madison’s lifetime!

eXPo CCi and the Trade show industry rally around Madison!

For more information on Madison’s Wish 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, please contact Richard at [email protected] and for info on the Gala of Hope please contact Jennifer Miller-Smith at [email protected]

EXPO Convention Contractors, Inc. T: (305) 751-1234 15959 West 15th Avenue, Miami, FL 33169 www.expocci.com MDGLCC CORPORATE PARTNER MEMBER


There’s a reason everyone seems to gather in the kitchen when family and friends come together. It truly is the heart of the home; a place where meals are cooked, homework is done, late night conversations over a cup of tea or glass of wine are held.

Did you know that around 40% of a household’s entire electric consumption takes place in the kitchen? There are lots of small steps you can make and smart products to create a more sustainable kitchen.

replace your faucets with one that makes use of a water saving Pressure Compensating

Aerator (PCA). They reduce water waste by limiting water pressure and adding air to the water flow. Also replace

worn washers. One dripping faucet can waste up to 3.9 gallons a day or almost 1,453 gallons a year of precious water.

Cooking in pots with the lid on saves about 30% of energy usage than cooking in a pot with the lid off. Make sure that your pots and pans fit the heating zones of your cooktop! Pots that are too small can increase consumption by as much as 20%.

The average household throws away almost 25% of all food purchased. That’s a lot of food AND wasted CO2 emissions from food production. Minimize waste by planning weekly menus, freezing leftovers and using extras for take-along lunches.

The refrigerator is a big consumer of electricity! Defrost regularly, dust the back of the cooling coils and keep the temperature only at the recommended temperature. Every degree below the recommended level increases consumption by around 5%!

Dishwashers use about 1/6th the amount

of water to wash a full load of dishes than washing by hand. To further conserve energy, turn off the heated drying cycle and use the light wash cycle. Look for appliances with an Energy Star rating.

reduce chemicals. Use an all-purpose micro-fiber cloth for cleaning. It doesn’t need a lot of cleaning products to get the job done, won’t leave lint behind, it’s washable and can be used over and over. Use natural products to clean. For example, using vinegar and newspaper to polish glass is a great cleaning alternative to ammonia.

Don’t forget to bring your own bag when shopping! Billions of plastic bags have been removed from the environment worldwide by consumers using re-usable bags on their shopping trips.

recycle kitchen trash in containers stored in the kitchen. Use a small container to save food scraps and use as compost in outside plants or in gardens. Use labels on the bins to help organize bottles, cans and paper.

With a little effort, we can all make a big difference in reducing waste and saving resources in the kitchen!

For inspiration and sustainable products, visit IKEA, the leader in life at home.

IKEA Miami T: (888) 888-IKEA 1801 NW 117 Ave., Miami, FL 33177 www.IKEA-USA.com/Miami MDGLCC CORPORATE PARTNER MEMBER

The sustainable Kitchen

With a little effort, We can all make a big difference in reducing Waste and saving resources in the kitchen!


spotlight interview BrYCE GOODWIN

we always start our interviews by asking you to tell us a bit about yourself and, if you have always lived in Miami?

I moved to Miami to work for Bacardi USA almost four years ago. Manhattan had been home for over 12 years but I’m actually a fourth-generation Californian. My passions tell you more about me than my work: I love tennis and am a 4.0 rated tennis player by the US Tennis Association; I can’t stop traveling (have visited 55 countries and studied in four); and I’ve volunteered for LGBT organizations ever since my college days at Georgetown.

you have been employed by bacardi for many years…tell us a bit about the organization and their support of the diversity movement?

As a company, Bacardi has supported LGBT organizations for decades; and community involvement is highly valued at the company. It thrills me to work for a company that is aligned with the same community causes and social values as I am. I couldn’t have it any other way.

you (and your partner victor lirio) have been very active with local lgbt organizations. why do you find activism important?

Yes, my fiancé Victor Lirio (we’re getting married in November!) and I actively support two main causes: LGBT activism, through several organizations; and eradicating poverty in Victor’s home country,

the Philippines, particularly through the Philippine Development Foundation. I started getting involved in LGBT causes because, simply, I’m impatient and wanted social and political equality right away. And that’s why activism is important: if you want progress, you have to help make it happen. A former boss once told me: If you wait to be invited to the dinner table, you’ll starve.

as a bacardi brand manager, you have a very active travel schedule. you have any tips you would like to share about how you keep your stamina?

Ah, you assume that I keep up my stamina! I strive for balance—even though I don’t always succeed—and that helps keep me sane. A wise professor taught me at Wharton to think of my life in four interlocking circles: family, community, self and work. And when those circles are balanced, you’ll have the energy to thrive. Victor helps keep my family unit solid; tennis relieves my stress, work excites my creativity and LGBT activism gives me a sense of purpose.

you have been a member of MdglCC for many years. what makes the Chamber worthy of that support?

The Chamber plays a vital role in unifying our diverse community. I’ve made connections through the Chamber I would have never made otherwise. It is these connections—professional and personal—that make us a stronger, more tightly knit community. And that makes life richer.

Bryce Goodwin Bacardi USA 2701 Le Jeune Road, #400, Coral Gables, FL 33134 T: (305) 573-8600 x 1230 www.bacardi.com MDGLCC CORPORATE PARTNER



the $500 Million faCeliftThrough municipal bonds, the Miami Beach Convention Center is amidst a magnificent $592 million transformation, being reimagined as a state-of-the-art LEED-certified facility accommodating and attracting new international and national events and conventions. Making the center even more attractive, all of Miami Beach will be invited to vote on a proposed adjacent 800 guest-room headquarter hotel.

The Center is open for business and will remain open throughout the entire process. renovations will complete in 2018 and bookings for the future are already filling up. Last year alone, more 857,000 delegates met in Greater Miami and the Beaches and as Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine says, the new facility will be a “center for creative collaboration.” Miami Beach is not only on a path keeping up with demands of a competitive national and international convention community – its new outdoor public spaces will improve walkability for everyone, connecting the Center and the city’s adjacent historic cultural district and resorts.

rooM for everyone and anyoneLarge or small, if you can imagine it, the Center can handle it. More than 190,000 square feet will

be dedicated to 81 breakout rooms featuring flexible arrangements for attendees. Known for their grand-scale iconic public spaces and leadership in sustainable design, the nationally acclaimed team at Fentress Architects is overseeing this renovation and will deliver meeting rooms with the latest in AV technology, sound proofing and attendee comfort.

This 1.4-million-square-foot LEED-certified Convention Center is a dream come true for industries such as Medical Tourism, Insurance, Tech, Sports Marketing and Pharmaceutical. Its 500,000 square feet of forward-thinking renovated and versatile exhibit space, offering four massive halls, is set against a stunning backdrop of beaches, fine dining, art, shopping, luxury rooms and of course, sunshine. Not to mention a state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot grand ballroom, 20,000-square-foot glass rooftop junior ballroom, and the reimagined indoor/outdoor public spaces.

a ProjeCt that insPires Pride• 5.8-acrepublicparkwithopenlawnspaces,

shaded areas, a veterans’ memorial and a pavilion.

• Pedestrian-friendlywithart,createdbyglobally recognized artists, in public places.

• 800coveredrooftoppublicparkingspacesavailable to all.

Unveiling in 2018, but taking reservations today, the Miami Beach Convention Center – It’s So Miami. Learn more and order your free Meeting Planner Guide at MiamiMeetings.com or book your event at MiamiBeachConvention.com or (786) 276-2607.

open for business Today. reimagined for Tomorrow.THE MIAMI BE ACH CONVENTION CENTEr

MDGLCC members are no strangers to the phenomenal sun, surf and fine dining Miami Beach has to offer. An international and first-class destination, Miami Beach hosts world-recognized festivals such as Art Basel and Maison & Objet. What some might not know is that the Convention Center is about to reinvent itself right before our very eyes.

Matt Hollander Miami Beach Convention Center T: (786) 276-2607 www.miamimeetings.com www.miamibeachconvention.com MDGLCC CORPORATE MEMBER


immigration options for same-sex Marriage spouses

A US citizen or a permanent resident now has the right to sponsor his/her foreign-born spouse by filing a visa petition. The location of the marriage is of no significance, so long as the jurisdiction recognizes same-sex marriages as legal – it could have taken place either in one of many States in the United States, or abroad,

based on the country’s laws. Also, the petitioners must demonstrate that the marriage is based on a genuine relationship. The rules that apply to a traditional marriage also apply to a same-sex marriage.

You can also file for your same-sex Fiance’. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for guidance and assistance with your particular case. The Fiance’ visa holder may will be allowed to enter the U.S. and, if you choose, marry within 90 days of entry. After the marriage has taken place, the petitioner may file for a Green Card/Permanent residence through an adjustment of status process. Your immigration attorney will be able to lead you through the legal aspects of the procedure.

WHAT ARE OTHER SAME-SEx IMMIGRATION SOLuTIONS BESIDES THE PERMANENT RESIDENCE OPTION?

• AGreenCardwinnerthroughtheDiversityVisaLotteryisalso eligible to file for sponsorship for their spouse.

• ThespousesofgayandlesbianH-1Btemporaryvisaholders may apply for a H-4 visa, a derivative status, for the right to accompany their partners in the United States

• Same-SexSpousesofL-1Transferees,TreatyInvestors(E-2)orTreaty Traders (E-1) are eligible to apply for an E visa “derivative” status that grants one the right to obtain work a permit in the US.

Every case requires evaluation by a qualified lawyer, and is dependent on a variety of factors. Consult an experienced Immigration Attorney before making any final decisions.

Robert A. Kravitz The Law Office of Kravitz & Guerra T: (305) 372-0222 [email protected] www.kravitzlaw.com MDGLCC CORPORATE MEMBER

As the prices of Miami real estate have escalated to new highs, many lament the bargains they could’ve, should’ve taken advantage of. Of course, when those bargains were available, buyers were afraid to buy. And,

they were waiting for the market to plummet even more. But, to buyers’ chagrin, real estate sales here keep breaking records. On the plus side it is GrEAT NEWS FOr SELLErS!

Miami has become one of the “in” cities for the ultra-rich to invest their millions. A penthouse in Faena House on Miami Beach just set a record with a $60 million sale. In the more moderate areas, there have also been substantial price gains. A two bedroom condo on Belle Isle which sold for $520,000 in 2012, re-sold this year for $1,035,000.

ShOulD YOu BuY nOw? real estate will always have its ups and downs. But, it continues to be one of the best investments you can make. Here are some reasons to consider for buying here:

• MiamiisaveryspecialcitythatNewYorkersandforeignerslove.It is still much more affordable compared to other locales.

• MortgageRatesarelow-average30yr.fixed-3.81%&15yr.fixed 2.98% (these rates may go up in the future)

ShOulD YOu SEll nOw? • YES,ifyouwanttocashinonsomeofyour

profit to upsize or downsize.

Purchasing a home can be one of the most expensive and serious acquisitions, one can make. Dealing with an experienced realtor, who knows and understands the market, can be critical.

Marjory Dressler, Realtor Gary Hennes Realty T: (305) 790-4243 [email protected] www.dresslermiami.com MDGLCC BuSINESS MEMBER

real estate it’s all about TimingBUT, WHEN IS THE BUYING/SELLING TIME RIGHT?



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THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS ArE GOING UP AS FESTIVE MUSIC FILLS THE AIr. EVErYONE MUST BE FEELING MErrY, rIGHT? Many view the winter holiday season as a special time filled with family, friends, parties, celebrations and social gatherings, but this isn’t the case for everyone. Instead, sadness, a sense of loss, self-reflection, loneliness, anxiety, and depression are what others experience. We call this the “holiday blues.” But why does this affect some and not others? Like everything in today’s world, it’s complicated.

The very expectation is to “be of good cheer.” Greeting cards, television commercials, internet ads, mall storefronts, grocery stores and even car dealerships are constant and relentless marketing efforts that tell us over and over again of this happy, joyful season. This causes guilt feelings for some, for not feeling as they “should.”

Memories of holidays past can also bring on the blues. Perhaps last year’s family holiday dinner didn’t go quite as planned. Extended families under the same roof bickered. Other loved ones lived too far away and couldn’t make it. Estrangement from family created a glaring absence. Financial difficulties made it difficult to celebrate. Alcohol or drug abuse under the guidance of holiday “spirits,” rendered someone unable to fully function. The loss of beloved friends and family members, including pets, who were likely integral to past holidays, can be acutely felt and new grief may surface.

There are ways to curb these holiday blues. First, never feel obligated to feel a certain way. There is no such thing as how you “should” feel. If you can’t spend the holidays with family (or can’t even THINK about doing so), get together with some good friends for a holiday dinner and start a new tradition, a la “Friendsgiving.” Another tip, get some sunlight! Holiday blues or sadness might be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Lack of sunlight during the winter months, even in Florida, can have a chemical effect on your mood. Try to exercise. It raises your endorphins,

which are peptides that activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect. This helps you feel better and fulfills those New Year’s resolutions as well! Shift your focus to your future goals – look forward to what life will bring in the coming year.

Another idea is to remove the focus from you. Consider a seasonal volunteer project – serve meals at a homeless shelter, wrap gifts for abused and neglected children, sing carols to seniors who live alone and more. Seeing what others are missing in their lives, can make us realize all that we have. Finally, and always, please consider speaking with a mental health professional. Sometimes there are issues hidden behind the “holiday blues” that require an expert’s guidance.

Catherine Penrod President & CEO, Switchboard of Miami LGBTQ HELPline: (305) 646-3600 24-Hour HELPline: (305) 358-HELP (4357) or 211 www.switchboardmiami.org MDGLCC NON-PROFIT MEMBER

feeling the Holiday blues?

A photograph captures the present moment to help us relive that experience in the future. We cannot replace time, but photographs have an almost magical ability to help us relive an event or remember a person and the emotion we felt at that very moment.

Nowadays everyone owns a phone with a camera. Photos have become so commonplace. We take pictures of our lunch, our pets, our kids, even strangers in the grocery store - just about anything! They are instantly posted on a social media site and shared with family, friends and possibly the world! And then they disappear into cyberspace and can be gone forever, if and/or when, a phone or computer crashes.

Years ago we had to purchase a separate camera, purchase film and then pay to have it developed. There was time involved and a certain value placed on the whole process. Today’s instant technology has almost devalued this process.

A professional photographer brings that value back to your photographs. He or she has devoted time to learn a skill and

develop an art. They must not only be technically capable, for example, being able to expose lighting in every situation or using an electronic flash instead of sunlight if it suddenly gets cloudy. They must also be

aesthetically talented, being able to place you in the perfect pose, while capturing the angle of sunlight when it crosses your face, seeing the shadows created when you stand a certain way, and capturing that special glance or touch at just the right moment. All the while developing a special, almost intimate relationship with you, where you feel comfortable and trusting.

While planning an event and trying to stay within budget, people sometimes don’t realize the true value in having beautiful photos. After all, Uncle Fred is invited and can bring his nice camera! They think about meals and decorations, but the photos will be one of the few real tangible items they will have after the celebration ends. The joy of seeing those special moments after your event is always exciting. You may not even remember parts of the day, but your photographer will have captured them for you (while Uncle Fred may be enjoying the hors d’oeuvres!)

Every picture really does tell a story and your photographer should be

able to tell your complete story in an artistic as well as technical way.

You are placing your most important event in the hands of an expert (and hopefully not an Uncle Fred!). Their experienced eye will be focused on you and will see you in a way no one else at your event will.

remember, when you hire a photographer you are really securing 3 separate events – coverage of the event itself, post production work and delivery of your product. Each of these steps involves hours of work – not an instant shoot and post. While Uncle Fred is trying to send photos in an e-mail, a photographer will be devoted to giving you beautiful memories.

Social media sites are great and lots of fun, but your special photos should always be considered real personal treasures. Their value can’t be measured monetarily, but their emotional value will be priceless for years to come.

James Buchanan Affordable Pro Photo & Video T: (954) 978-9776 [email protected] MDGLCC BuSINESS MEMBER

don’t Trust your wedding Photos to uncle fred


MaxiMizing your MeMbershiP benefits – networking breakfast: Sponsored by AHF, the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presented an information sharing and networking breakfast where new, existing or prospective member learn how to maximize all the Marketing tools and Programs available as part of a membership in the MDGLCC. Members also learn about the MDGLCC’s website gaybizmiami.com and access to new features as well as how to take advantage of all our networking opportunities available.

galla (gay & lesbian lawyers assoCiation) lunCheon at City hall, the restaurant: The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce & GALLA presented its monthly networking program tailored for attorneys, judges and legal professionals held on the middle Wednesday of each month. Guest Speaker was David L. Barkey, (Southeastern Area Counsel & religious Freedom Counsel with the Anti-Defamation League) providing CLE on “Hate Crimes: Laws, Features, and Trends”.

Chamber Networking


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When asked to write this column, I wasn’t quite sure what to talk about. I have a specialized business - we produce photo shoots and films. Hardly the type of business many of you will ever need. What could I write about that would be relevant to a general audience? Of course there are similarities between life and producing a shoot – tracking budgets, keeping everyone on schedule, and the most important of all, making sure everyone is well-fed. But today I’m going to write about something I think can be of benefit to everyone – being thankful and giving back. What better time of the year for that than the holiday season!

The end of the year is the perfect time for reflection. As the year draws to a close, I like to sit back and take stock of all the things I’m thankful for from the previous year. In fact, I make a list. Some things are on there year after year (I am thankful for my family), but many are specific things that happened in the previous year (I am thankful for catching up with high school friends during a trip to visit my parents). I urge you to take fifteen minutes and make your own list. Not only does it put life in perspective but it also can serve as a visual reminder in the year ahead. If you ever are feeling down or out-of-sorts, take out the list and you will quickly realize just how blessed you are.

The other thing I urge you to do at this time of year is make a give-back-plan. It is so important to give back for all that we have

been given. This is the time of the year when I make contributions to charities that I want to support. And I’ve extended that to my business. When we opened in 2004, we established the Give7 Initiative where we give 7% of our profits to charities in the regions where our clients live and work. Each year, we reach out to our top clients and ask them what charities they support in their own communities and then we make a donation on their behalf. We have donated to some amazing charities that are doing fantastic work all over the United States. But it doesn’t have to be monetary. There are so many incredible organizations in our community that could use your time. I love that about our community. We are very giving. But it only makes sense and I think we as the LGBT community get that – we are only as strong as we are as a community. And it takes all of us.

So this year as you get ready to ring in the New Year, take a minute and make your thankful list and put together a give-back plan. It will start the New Year off on a great foot and will serve you well throughout the coming year.

Edwin Scharlau Founder Route 7 Productions route7productions.com MDGLCC BuSINESS MEMBER

Got your Give-back Plan?

Chamber Networking

D A L E C A R N E G I E T R A I N I N G O N “ S A L E S ” AT S O y K A R E S TA u R A N T

The Miami-Dade Gay & lesbian Chamber of Commerce invited its Corporate & Corporate Partners members to a networking Breakfast with Dale Carnegie Training on “Sell More in 2015”. At this interactive and engaging seminar participants learned how to understand the power of following sales process, connect quickly and easily with prospects and customers, and sell with increased confidence. The featured speaker was Scott Garvis, CEO of Dale Carnegie South Florida, who is a trusted partner for driving results in the areas of Sales, leadership, and Employee Engagement.


ALEx AND ANTONIO’S relationship began over ten years ago, back in Cuba where they both worked at the same hospital.

They could not take their eyes off each other since the first day they met. They fell in love.

Two years later came the bittersweet news that Antonio’s family’s request to leave Cuba was approved by the Cuban government. Knowing that Miami was a better place for his parents Antonio left Cuba with the promise that him and Alex would reunite.

They never gave up on that promise. It took five long years, eight unsuccessful attempts to reach Miami by boat risking his life, jail time in Cuba for being caught trying to leave the island, and then on his ninth attempt the wind was in his favor and Alex was able to reach American soil and reunite with the love of his life.

Nothing could break this couple apart.

March 2015 they were able to say “I do” to each other in a beautiful wedding on the sands of Miami Beach, surrounded by their friends and family.

SONIA AND LISA were 16 years old when their parents noticed they were more than friends.

It was the 60’s and the idea of having two women together was too much for their parents to understand and accept.

The relationship had to end. They were lead to believe they had to marry men and build a family in order to pursue happiness, and their parents were fast finding the right husband believing it was the right thing to do for their daughters.

Sonia was able to change her parents mind and was sent to Spain to study and stay far away from Lisa.

Lisa got married to a man soon after Sonia left, and it wasn’t a surprise she found herself in a very unhappy marriage that ended after three years.

They both tried to build a life without each other.

However, after four decades apart destiny brought them back together.

Sonia moved to Miami where she met Lisa and it was the confirmation their love to each other never aged.

It was February of 2015, so many things have changed comparing to the 60’s, including their family’s believes as they were glad to witness and celebrate the union of two woman made for each other.

LOVE WON AF TEr ALL.

Rodrigo Bellettini President, South Florida Gay Wedding Corp. T: (305) 586-8610 [email protected] www.southfloridagaywedding.com MDGLCC BuSINESS MEMBER

we believe in loveMaRRIaGE EqUaLITY BECaME a REaLITY aND WE aRE HappY To SHaRE a CoUpLE of BEaUTIfUL LovE HISToRIES.



We Care About Your Health, We Care About EqualityAt Jackson, we care. Your family – and your family’s

rights – take equal precedence to providing top-ranked

services, because we make every family that passes

through our doors our priority.

Our world-renowned care wouldn’t be anything without

the community that continues to choose us, year after

year. From specialist care to pediatric services from

internationally recognized physicians, every program

at Jackson has one goal: keeping you well, with your

needs top-of-mind.

Learn more about our services

at JacksonHealth.org.

Jackson Memorial Hospital • Jackson North Medical Center • Jackson South Community HospitalHoltz Children’s Hospital • Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital • Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital

Use on ads larger than 8.5x11 inches.

Use on ads smaller than 8.5x11 inches.



S P O T L I G H T M E G A - M I x E R AT B A C A R D I H E A D q u A R T E R S ( P H O T O S B y J u A N S A C O M I R O N O F F )

Chamber Networking

“LO C A L LG B T M A R K E T: FRO M E V E NT S TO G Ay W E D D I N G S” Lu N C H EO N & B uS I N E S S E x P O AT B I LTM O R E H OTE L (PH O T OS B y J uA N S ACO M I R O N O F F )

Food bites and cocktails were served courtesy of Bacardi with special showcase of the GREY GOOSE Vodka brand. Chamber member and guests mingled and networked leveraging off the MDGlCC’s Member Only “Business Cards Bulletin Board” where Membership Committee

Ambassadors assisted in making connections and answered inquiries on membership. Free drawing for great prizes courtesy of Chamber members. Spinning by DJ/Producer Maximus 3000 and photography by Juan Saco Mironoff.

At this interactive and engaging luncheon attendees heard from a panel of highly regarded professionals in the areas of; Events (Annual Miami-Dade lGBT), lGBT Market Sensitivity/Statistics, Same Sex weddings, Boutique hotel Advantages, Pink Flamingo hotel Certification Program, and the lGBT Restaurant Market. Panelists

were: wendy Kallergis (Greater Miami & Beaches hotel Association), George neary (Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau), Jeff leahman (The Betsy hotel), Tim nardi (Menin hospitality Group), Steve Adkins (Miami-Dade Gay & lesbian Chamber of Commerce), and Steve hass (City hall, The Restaurant).


We Care About Your Health, We Care About EqualityAt Jackson, we care. Your family – and your family’s

rights – take equal precedence to providing top-ranked

services, because we make every family that passes

through our doors our priority.

Our world-renowned care wouldn’t be anything without

the community that continues to choose us, year after

year. From specialist care to pediatric services from

internationally recognized physicians, every program

at Jackson has one goal: keeping you well, with your

needs top-of-mind.

Learn more about our services

at JacksonHealth.org.

Jackson Memorial Hospital • Jackson North Medical Center • Jackson South Community HospitalHoltz Children’s Hospital • Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital • Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital





For many of us, the sound of the morning alarm clock is a command to pull ourselves out of comfy bed linens toward the coffee maker and morning news – a necessary and often dreaded requirement to beginning another day.

Actually, the first waking moments of your day can make a tremendous, positive difference in the quality of your life. You can intentionally start your day on an affirmative note and set priorities before the demands of the day take hold. It’s the perfect time to design your day and your life.

Each new day is a true gift – a cause for celebration. Before you retire in the evening, plan your morning as though it was a truly special occasion. Set out your clothes, prepare the coffee maker and be ready to play some soothing music or light a candle.

Find an alarm clock that will awaken you with uplifting music or positive affirmations. The very first sensations you experience upon waking can impact your whole day. It has been said that something precious is lost if we rush headlong into the details of life without pausing a moment to pay homage to the mystery of life and the gift of another day.

A great day begins with a great mindset. When you awaken, take a moment to ponder the privilege of being alive and healthy.

Create a brief vision or mission statement for your life. Consider what you believe to

be your purpose in life and, specifically, how you fulfill that purpose. read your statement every morning.

Make time to articulate your values in life. Consider what is most important to you – peace of mind, physical health, loving relationships, your work, gratitude and generosity or joy. Consider intentions or goals for each of your values – ways in which you allow what you value to be reflected in your actions. review your written intentions each morning.

One of the most valuable early morning activities involves maintaining a gratitude list. Every morning, spend a few minutes pondering the people, things and situations you are thankful for. These could include everything from basic comforts, like running water and secure housing to great employment or a fulfilling partnership.

Greet the day with inspiring readings. Spend time in quiet meditation, prayer and reflection.

Our lives are fleeting moments in the passing of eternity. To awake each morning fully conscious of the gift of another day empowers you to treasure the gift of your existence and never take a single second for granted.

Chris Jackson Senior Minister Unity on the Bay [email protected]

MDGlCC nOn-PROFIT MEMBER

your wake up Call MA XIMIzING THE FIrST MOMENTS OF YOUr DAY

Jewish Community

Services of South Florida is very proud to be a member of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has been of great support to JCS as we continue our work in the LGBT community through our services to youth and adults. We are now working even more closely with the Chamber as we embark on the process of becoming a SAGE (Services and Advocacy to GLBT Elders) Affiliate. We value our partnership with the Chamber as we seek to reach a wider segment of the LGBT community and increase our services and advocacy efforts to this population. We all will benefit greatly from the expansion of our mission and we will continue to participate fully with the Chamber to bring about community awareness of our efforts. Thanks to the Chamber for our wonderful partnership.

— Joan L. Schaeffer, M.S.W. Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Inc. T: (305) 608-0937 www.jcsfl.org MDGlCC nOn-PROFIT MEMBER




MIAMI-DADE GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ClarityMag.com is maintained on a daily basis with the help of Robertson Martin Collaborative and is promoted consistently through MDGLCC events, the MDGLCC’s primary site (GayBizMiami.com), as well as print collateral and Chamber related materials.

Get results for your business with ClarityMag.com’s simple, affordable online advertising structure exclusively available to MDGLCC members in the following sizes:

LARGE DISPLAY AD 250 px w x 250 px h

HORIZONTAL DISPLAY AD 620 px w x 104 px h

SMART DISPLAY AD 125 px w x 125 px h

For more information and space availability contact Matt Leachman at (305) 798-8823 / [email protected] or visit www.claritymag.com/advertise

Advertise Today!

While traffic numbers may appear modest compared to other news portals, HIGHLY TARGETED DEMOGRAPHIC paired with strong advertiser/site content matching, yields QUALITY RESULTS.

ADVERTS ARE ROTATED AUTOMATICALLY EVERY TIME THE USER NAVIGATES TO ANOTHER PAGE AND ONLY A FEW ADVERTS APPEAR IN EACH AREA OF THE SITE SO... YOUR AD GETS NOTICED

All stats are completely trackable

Your ad is viewed along side articles that are constantly being read and commented on by a worldwide audience. MORE IMPRESSIONS FOR YOUR AD!

GALLA Luncheon (or) Networker Mixer (11/9, 12/9, 1/13)

Women’s Empowerment Series (11/10, 1/27)

Spotlight Mega-Mixer (11/12, 2/18)

“Maximizing your Membership Benefits” (12/3, 1/7, 2/4)

“Leverage gaybizmiami.com to Attract Customers & Build Brand” (12/3, 1/7, 2/4)

HoliGay Celebration & Toy Drive (12/10)

SOCAM (Support Our Cultural Arts Members) Events (12/17, 2/4)

“State of our Community” Luncheon & Business Expo (1/21)

CHECk GaYBIzMIaMI.CoM foR UpDaTES aND DETaILS

MdGlCC’s upcoming events

The Voice of LGBT Business & its Allies in Miami-Dade

1130 Washington Avenue 1st Floor North Miami Beach, Florida 33139

T: (305) 673-4440 F: (305) 673-8883 [email protected] www.gaybizmiami.com

organizational listing Steven N. Adkins / President + CEO

Jorge Richa / Marketing + Programming Director

Scott Bader / Membership Chair + Web Master

Michael Aller / Board Member

Marty Davis / Board Member

George Neary / Board Member

Three times a year, 15,000 copies total of Clarity Business Magazine are printed and distributed. Each issue has a theme, as well as subsequent information relevant to current interests and activities. Content is provided by members with the unique perspective of the community.

Acceptance of articles is based on space availability.

Clarity Business Magazine is produced with the design and editing expertise of robertson Martin Collaborative. (www.rmcollaborative.com)

looking for Professional or event space?You can rent space for events, meetings, etc. at the LGBT Visitor Center (home of the Chamber’s office).

Contact Lori at (305) 397-8914 or [email protected]

Every year the MDGLCC prints it’s S.O.M.A. Membership Directory & resource Guide; the most important LGBT & Allied community resource directory available in South Florida from which to plan, purchase and/or select service providers. Sponsored solely by Bacardi, the 2016 Guide contains the information of all Chamber members in good standing as of October 2015.

The estimated LGBT purchasing power in Miami-Dade County is $8 billion. As a means of directing that strength, the MDGLCC devised an easy way to track this support. S.O.M.A. stands for Support Our Members Always. It is from this support that our community thrives and has a voice in the policies that shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. Your Chamber reflects the needs and desires of the LGBT & Allied businesses that are OUr members. We ask that you refer to this resource Guide frequently when making recommendations to a friend, have a need for a service and/or, looking for that special item for yourself or business. We are strongest when we act as a community so let this book serve as an inspiration to S.O.M.A.

As with all printed material, this edition of S.O.M.A. reflects a snapshot in time. Here you will find over 600 companies & businesses representing more than 145 categories in various industries.

Be in “The Book!” Join MDGLCC TODAy

No better Time Than Now2016 S.O.M. A . DIrECTOrY


MIAMI-DADE GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ClarityMag.com is maintained on a daily basis with the help of Robertson Martin Collaborative and is promoted consistently through MDGLCC events, the MDGLCC’s primary site (GayBizMiami.com), as well as print collateral and Chamber related materials.

Get results for your business with ClarityMag.com’s simple, affordable online advertising structure exclusively available to MDGLCC members in the following sizes:

LARGE DISPLAY AD 250 px w x 250 px h

HORIZONTAL DISPLAY AD 620 px w x 104 px h

SMART DISPLAY AD 125 px w x 125 px h

For more information and space availability contact Matt Leachman at (305) 798-8823 / [email protected] or visit www.claritymag.com/advertise

Advertise Today!

While traffic numbers may appear modest compared to other news portals, HIGHLY TARGETED DEMOGRAPHIC paired with strong advertiser/site content matching, yields QUALITY RESULTS.

ADVERTS ARE ROTATED AUTOMATICALLY EVERY TIME THE USER NAVIGATES TO ANOTHER PAGE AND ONLY A FEW ADVERTS APPEAR IN EACH AREA OF THE SITE SO... YOUR AD GETS NOTICED

All stats are completely trackable

Your ad is viewed along side articles that are constantly being read and commented on by a worldwide audience. MORE IMPRESSIONS FOR YOUR AD!

When you work with Caliber Home Loans, Inc. you can depend on us to provide you with personal,

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Documents

MiaMi-dade Gay & lesbiaN CHaMber of CoMMerCe ......Holiday / New year ediTioN – 2015 MiaMi-dade Gay & lesbiaN CHaMber of CoMMerCe busiNess MaGaziNe COVER IMAGE BY JIM Bu C h A n