We Love a Parade (And a Good Alphabet Soup, Too!)
By Cliff Dunn
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is gearing up for “Unleashed,” this year’s theme for the group’s 2011 annual convention being held in Fort Lauderdale May 10 – 15. Organizers of the event are expecting over 800 delegates from 84 countries in attendance. In honor of the happenings, the Rainbow Business Coalition (RBC) of Greater Fort Lauderdale is hosting The March of Nations parade on Friday, May 13, to be held on Wilton Drive. The cavalcade will include convention delegates and their national flags, and culminate in a concert with headliner entertainment at Hagen Park (next to the gayborhood’s city hall). IGLTA’s convention – its 28th annual – will focus on internet marketing, particularly social media (have you heard about Facebook?), and new travel technologies. RBC chair Reece Darham said at a recent meeting of the business and community association that the convention and March will “further cement Greater Fort Lauderdale’s place as the second most popular gay travel destination – clearly.”
Re/Max (Redux)
Pity the building maintenance people at Keller Williams Realty in Fort Lauderdale: no sooner had the paint with Rick Gibson’s name dried on the front door that the local real estate magnate announced he was heading back to his old digs (sort of). Gibson, who recently received The Bestie community award as the area’s “Best Realtor,” worked for six years at Re/Max Partners, which closed its doors earlier this year. The new Re/Max franchise, Re/Max Preferred, has also recruited local realty mavens Henri Vezie and Frank Vigliotti (known professionally as the Henri Frank Team), who reportedly represented over 60% of the listings for their previous home, the venerable Castelli Real Estate Services. The new Re/Max amalgam is planning a dedicated office on Wilton Drive.
It Isn’t Easy Being Green (Ribbet)
The Green Hopper, the local shuttle service which ferried locals and tourists to (some) Wilton Manors venues, ended operations last month after just over two years of mostly – in the words of Blanche DuBois – “relying on the kindness of strangers.” [Because of local ordinances governing the regulation of taxis, the business couldn’t charge standard cab fares, relying instead on tips and voluntary remittances from its patrons.] While owner Alan Carter attempted to sell the business locally, ultimately it was purchased by a couple from Sarasota, where it will make its new home. Enter “The Hopper,” a new joint venture between Wilton Manors-based Sterling Accounting Services and Multimedia Platforms, LLC (publishers of The Florida Agenda and Mark Magazine, and an operating partner in JumpOnMarksList.com). The new operation will provide service to the cities of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park initially. The former Green Hopper, while a convenience to many area residents and tourists for both shopping and nightlife travel, was known to be selectively curmudgeonly, often opting to not service bars and venues that didn’t partner for advertising opportunities. (And in the interest of full disclosure, there is no indication or evidence to suggest that either entity bears any but the most superficial relationship to Agenda and Mark publisher Kevin Hopper.)
Credit Union; Where Credit Is Due
In a follow up to the December 20, 2010, benefit held in his honor at Johnny’s Club, Bar & Lounge, Father Bill Collins has a new ride, and he has City County Credit Union (CCCU) to thank in large measure. The founder of the Poverello Center Food Bank had been without wheels since an accident last year resulted in the loss of his vehicle. Enter Sean David and A.J. Cross of Johnny’s, who hosted the fundraiser late last year. Still, the money netted from the event wasn’t enough to cover the sticker price. Gary Yamnitz, branch manager of CCCU’s Wilton Manors office, contacted Cross and a plan was set in motion, which resulted in the credit union ponying up to pay for the difference. CCCU VP Jennifer Burns and CEO Lloyd Gill also did their parts as angels-in-waiting, with the result being the good padre no longer needs to cab it: he is the proud new owner of a 2009 Toyota Camry. Open for Business loves a happy ending.
If you’re “Open for Business”, you can contact Business Writer and Director of Sales, Cliff Dunn, with your story or press release at Business@FloridaAgenda.com
