GSDBA 2009 Business Resource Directory - (Page L) L GSDBA TIMELINE 1979 • GSDBA 1999 is created to foster cohesion, mutual interaction and support within the gay and lesbian business community. • Charter Membership is 21. • The GSDBA Register (now known as the Directory) is first published. • GSDBA celebrates 20 years of success, boasting more than 600 members. 2000 • With the help of Nicole Murray Ramirez and Bryan 1980 • The GSDBA becomes the 3rd largest gay and lesbian • Membership breaks 100. business association in the country. Garrity, GSDBA is the first LGBT chamber in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Small Business Administration, recognizing GSDBA’s minority status. 2001 1981 • Mixers outgrow small venues, averaging 175 attendees. • “From Gay to Z” Expos, 2003 and 2004 break through community borders to introduce the world to the ever growing gay and lesbian market. • GSDBA hires first employee, 10 hours per month. • Register publication increases to 10,000 copies. • Out with the answering service; calls are now answered by a live person via Dawn Media. 2003 1982 2004 1984 • With a membership of 725 GSDBA celebrates its Silver • Partnership with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Anniversary in grand style. Commerce is formed, and Executive Director Joyce Marieb is named as Western Regional Chair of the national Council on Chambers and Business Organizations. • GSDBA unveils its newly revised website and online Small Business Resource Center. • GSDBA Holiday Cruise is born. 1985 • GSDBA participates in its first Pride Parade. • Hillcrest Travel sponsors the first GSDBA mixer. • GSDBA gets a new phone number and moves to Hillcrest. • GSDBA • GSDBA holds its first Masque Ball. members help defeat the LaRouche AIDS Initiative. 1986 2005 • Directory for the first time is published in full color. • GSDBA signed an MOU partnering with the Hispanic • GSDBA brings the first LGBT tourism guide to San Diego • Realtor Tony Azar is the first to participate in the Corporate Outreach Program with a $5000 partnership. with the San Diego City Navigator. Chamber’s DEVO procurement program. 1989 • Mayor Maureen O’Connor addresses the GSDBA membership. 1990 1991 • GSDBA now offers a Job Bank. • One-third of GSDBA members consists of women in business. Membership reaches 300. • GSDBA receives the Nicky Award for Organization of the Year. • Randy Eggle, GSDBA Board President, receives the Nicky Award for Businessman of the Year. 2006 • Largest Directory to date with 600 listings and • GSDBA is recognized by the NGLCC as Chamber of the Year at the International Business & Leadership Conference in Montreal, Canada. • Dr. Heather Berberet conducts 9 Focus Groups to determine membership needs. 300 display ads. 1992 2007 1993 • GSDBA hires first Executive Director, Meredith Vezina. • GSDBA hosts the NGLCC Pacific Regional Summit. • Affinity for Business Groups are created for members • The Marketing Committee launches the “Friends Do Business with Friends” campaign. seeking professional development. 1994 • GSDBA office moves to its current location on Fifth Avenue. • First Business Networking Group (BNG) founded. Thanks to founding members Marci Bair, Catherine Black, Jona Briggs, Larry Juliano, Tony Imbimbo, Dennis Lucarelli, David Manley, Cliff Snodgrass and John Vigil. 2008 • New Year’s mixer at the Hard Rock Hotel attracts 300 • Entrepreneurial Workshop Series focuses on • GSDBA participates in the No on 8 campaign to insure that the right of same sex couples to marry in California is not repealed. Networking and Business Basics. members and guests. 1996 • GSDBA • GSDBA receives Seed Grant from the City of San Diego. invades cyberspace with its first website.
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