HRBOR October 16, 2014, Third Thursday - Governor's School for the Arts

I first became politically involved over 20 years ago largely through my efforts to support gifted education in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools.  Between being the president of the Virginia Association for the Gifted and Talented and my involvement in the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (those were the days when the GOP sought to strengthen education, not dumb it down to please the Christofascists), I worked to improve public school offerings and in the process to make the area more attractive for relocating businesses.  Yes, I had another motive: three academically gifted children of my own who needed more than the standard education fare. Through such efforts, magnet school programs were initiated and the International Baccalaureate program came to Virginia Beach.  Another program that benefited from our advocacy was the Governor's School for the Arts.  Tomorrow night, HRBOR's October Third Thursday will be hosted by the Governor's School in its new building.  Here's a brief description f what this amazing school does for students:

The Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) offers premiere arts training in Hampton Roads in six departments:  Dance, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Theater & Film, Visual Arts and Vocal Music.  Each department trains students to develop in their art form with a focus on conservatory style study. Students attend their neighborhood high schools in the morning and are bussed to GSA for 3 hours each afternoon.Each department at GSA is tailored to meet the demanding needs of each art form.

The talent of the students is amazing and often awe inspiring.  And yes, there are a good many LGBT students.

Here are details of tomorrow's event which I hope local readers will make an effort to attend.  I assure you, it will be a wonderful evening:

Date/Time Information:Thursday October 16th, 2014, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM

 

Where: Governor's School for the Arts, 254 Granby Street,Norfolk, VA 23510,757-995-1671

Bar Sponsors - L. Ashley Brooks PLC and Denette Cooke/The Cooke Veterinary Medical Center
Food Sponsor - The Norfolk Economic Development Authority/Charles Rigney

Fees/Admission: Free to HRBOR Members, Guests pay $15 to enter.

HRBOR: Virginia's First LGBT Chamber of Commerce fIs Thriving

One thing that I remain very proud of is my role in founding Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR") which remains for the moment Virginia's only NGLCC affiliated chamber of commerce.  Over the past seven yeas I served on the board of directors until I decided to not seek reappointment.  Through its networking events and visibility, HRBOR has opened hearts and minds.  Today's Inside Business carried a much deserved and very positive story on HRBOR and its work.  Here are excerpts:

It wasn't so long ago that there was still a social stigma attached to out and proud men and women in the workplace. If the public wasn't vandalizing your storefront or berating you publicly, they might at least spurn your business or speak about you disagreeably.

For seven years, HRBOR has been increasing local visibility for LGBT-friendly businesses, offering networking opportunities within the community and providing a business directory of LGBT and allied companies.

As a sponsor and partner in Hampton Roads PrideFest, [HRBPR President Carl] Johansen spent last week's seven-day celebration crisscrossing the region, visiting venues and events from Southside to the Peninsula and back again.

It's a trek, said Johansen, but it's also a testament to just how widespread LGBT acceptance has become.

"HRBOR has been in existence for seven years and I've been involved in all but the first," he said. "And in that time, I've seen HRBOR become more viable in the community and we've seen HRBOR become more and more a bridge for the LGBT community."

The proof, he said, is in the numbers.  After years of drawing crowds of 3,000 to 5,000, attendance at PrideFest has skyrocketed since 2012, pulling in anywhere from 17,000 to 20,000 people.

In that same time, HRBOR's membership has nearly doubled.

And these are not businesses or business leaders moving into the area, [Elena] Montello said. Most of her prospective members are men and women and companies that call Hampton Roads home.

Montello said she owes HRBOR's exponential growth to two phenomena: the growing voice of gay businessmen and -women, and the wider acceptance among heterosexual business leaders to identify as allies.

Montello, who is straight herself, said she was confused at first when she was asked to join HRBOR.
"I thought it was just a gay and lesbian business association and they said no, they opened it up to straight allies," she recalled. "Now that I'm a member, I've realized it was that opening up that has really helped."

There's no more prominent example than one of HRBOR's first partners, Tysinger Motor Co.
Mark Tysinger, president of the Hampton-based business that is now a HRBOR platinum partner, said it's not just about good business, it's about good ethics.

"Just in principle, we just agree with what they stand for," Tysinger said, "which is basically equal treatment and nondiscrimination."

Tysinger's company is one of HRBOR's more vocal proponents. The Tysinger showroom is often the setting of HRBOR's Third Thursday networking events, where members and prospective members have the chance to meet-up and tie-in with the LGBT and LGBT-supportive business community.

"I think they'd say we throw the best parties," Tysinger joked.   But Tysinger's name is no longer the only glossy logo posted on HRBOR's business directory.  Decorum Furniture, New York Life, SunTrust Bank, the list goes on.

[Johansen] he said he has one message for business leaders, LGBT and otherwise.  "Our HRBOR businesses are healthy. Our HRBOR businesses are strong. So, come out, be who you are and let's get to business."

Little did Christiana Flynn and I realize what we were starting when we began meeting over coffee back in the summer of 2006.  In May, 2007, we and the other eight original board members launched our vision and it continues to grow.   I have told readers early in the coming out process to get involved and, if there is no organization in their area, to start one.  That's what Christiana and I did and the rest is history.

HRBOR August Third Thursday - Paradise Ocean Club, Fort Monroe, Hampton

This month's HRBOR Third Thursday business networking event breaks new ground since it is being hosted by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.  The venue is likewise ground break - the event is at The Paradise Beach Club at historic Fort Monroe in Hampton.  There are no guest fees and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has said that it will make a special announcement at the event.   Local readers who have yet to make it to a HRBOR Third Thursday need to take advantage of this opportunity, especially since it is a lead up to Pride Fest this Saturday.  Here are event details:

WHAT: HRBOR August Third Thursday- Paradise Ocean Club - Fort Monroe, Hampton VA

 

WHEN: August 21, 2014, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

WHERE: Paradise Ocean Club in Fort Monroe, Hampton Virginia - 490 Fenwick Road,
Hampton VA 23651 - 757-224-0290    View a Map

FEES/ADMISSION: No guest fees this month. Members and Guests can attend for free. Register in advance for an extra chance to win a Paradise Ocean Club Cabana for a whole day for up to ten adults (valued at $250.)

 

 

Again, this August 21st Third Thursday Business Networking event is included in part of Hampton Roads Pride's Pride Week leading to Pridefest in Town Point Park on August 23rd.  I hope to see you there!

HRBOR May 15, 2014 Third Thursday - Meet the Attorneys in Virginia's Marriage Case

HRBOR Third Thursday business networking events are always fun and often informative.  Next Thursday, May 15, 2014's event will be no exception.  Indeed, it will provide an opportunity to meet members of one of the law firms representing the plaintiffs in Bostic v. Rainey who have so far successfully challenged Virginia's toxic Marshall-Newman Amendment.  The event's host is the law firm of Shuttleworth, Ruloff, Swain, Haddad & Morecock, PC.  A number of the senior members of the firm are former law partners from years ago who I continue to like and respect.  I hope local readers will make an effort to attend.  Here are event details:

Event Description: HRBOR Third Thursday Business Networking

Host: Attorney Robert Ruloff/Shuttleworth, Ruloff, Swain, Haddad & Morecock, P.C

 

Location: 4525 South Boulevard Virginia Beach Virginia - 757-671-6000

 

Date/Time Information: May 15, 2014 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

 

Fees/Admission: Free to HRBOR Members; Guests $15   

 

This event will be poignant for me: it will be the first event since I went off the HRBOR Board of Directors of which I have been a member since HRBOR's inception.  Christianna Flynn and I first conceived of what became HRBOR in the summer of 2006, we had our first formal organizational meeting in December, 2006, and HRBOR formally launched in May, 2007.  Through HRBOR, I have made friends, secured business for my law firm, and got to know better the man who is now my husband.  

 

If you have never attended a HRBOR event, please consider attending on May 15th!

 

 

HRBOR April 17th Third Thursday - Host: New York Life

This month's HRBOR Third Thursday event should be another impressive affair.  April's host is New York Life and the networking event will be at the beautiful Pagoda on the Norfolk waterfront which sits in a gorgeous Japanese garden.  Rumor has it that a surprise announcement will be made and also details will be available about HRBOR's all new website.  Here are event details:

Date: April 17, 2014

 

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

 

Location: Pagoda Garden Tea House, 265 W Tazewell St, Norfolk VA 23510

 

Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members  

Hampton Roads Business OutReach  ("HRBOR") is Virginia’s only LGBT Chamber of Commerce - Our goal is empowering and supporting member businesses and professionals to provide our community an inclusive and welcoming environment to live, work and grow.

I urge local readers to attend and make friends, market your business and support diversity.  This event will be especially poignant for me since it will be my last Third Thursday as a member of the HRBOR board of directors, a position I have held for six years.  HRBOR is very dear to my heart.

HRBOR March 20th, 2014 Third Thursday Business Networking - Tysinger Motors Audi Dealership

Just a reminder to local readers that they need to attend tonight's HRBOR Third Thursday Business Networking at the Tysinger Motors Audi Dealership from 6:00 to 9:00PM.  This event is going to be over the top and will be HRBOR's signature event of 2014.  There are no guest fees, so simply register on the HRBOR website and come enjoy the food, beverages, desserts and networking.  HRBOR has a few surprises for those attending - including a one night only 25% discount of new and renewing membership fees - so please do not miss this event.  Here are details:

Host - Tysinger Mercedes-Benz Hyundai Audi - 2712 Magruder Blvd, Hampton VA 23666 - (757) 865-8000

Bar Sponsor - Malvin Riggins & Company PC, Certified Public Accountants, Newport News Headquarters 757-881-9600 www.MalvinRiggins.com

Dessert Sponsor - Geneva N. Perry, Esquire, McDermott Ward, 2205 Executive Drive Hampton VA 23666 757-722-0611

Where: Tysinger Mercedes-Benz Hyundai Audi - 2712 Magruder Blvd, Hampton VA 23666 (757) 865-8000

When: Thursday March 20th 6:00 PM to 9:00PM

 

 

 

HRBOR is Virginia's only affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and our goal is to enhance the Hampton Roads business community, both gay and straight.  

HRBOR February Third Thursday - February 20, 2014

Still on a high from last week's marriage ruling here in Virginia?  Continue the excitement and join HRBOR members as they market their businesses and build new friendships at HRBOR's February Third Thursday which will be at Smith Powell & Associates located in the office complex with my law firm.  The event is co-hosted by Assurety Title & Escrow. You won't want to miss this.  Here are event details:

HRBOR February 20th, 2014

Third Thursday Business Networking 

at Smith Powell & Associates, Norfolk,

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

 

Host: Smith, Powell & Associates - 520 W 21st Street, Norfolk VA 23517-1950 757-626-1300 http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/gregory.f.smith

and
Assurety Title - 150 West Main St,Norfolk VA 23510 (757)213-6897 www.atehr.com

Where: Smith, Powell & Associate - 520 W 21st Street (Suite J2), Norfolk VA 23517 (757)626-1200 (Above Total Wine in Ghent)

Parking:  Ample parking in lot and surrounding streets.

 When: Thursday February 20th at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Featured Non-Profit: TBD

Third Thursday Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members

Invite friends and colleagues. 

HRBOR January 2014 Third Thursday - MJ's Tavern

This Thursday is HRBOR's first Third Thursday of the new year!  The January Third Thursday  Business Networking event is at MJ's Tavern this week on January 16, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

For new readers, HRBOR isVirginia's only LGBT and Allied Chamber of Commerce.  John Childers (HRBOR Founding Member) and partner Mike Diaz opened MJ's Tavern in a less than perfect economy several years ago. When other businesses where closing their doors, MJ's Tavern has flourished and become a popular spot among many to include the LGBT and Allied community.  Here are complete event details:

HRBOR January 16, 2014

Third Thursday Business Networking 

MJ's Tavern, Norfolk VA

Host: MJ's Tavern, John Childers and Mike Diaz owners, 4019 Granby Street, Norfolk VA 23504 757-648-8942 www.mjtavern.com

Featured Non-Profit: HRBOR (Hampton Roads Business OutReach) www.hrbor.org

 

Third Thursday Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members

Invite friends and colleagues.

MJ's has flourished and become a popular spot for the LGBT and allied community. Come celebrate their success and share the importance of Virginia's only Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

HRBOR Business Networking - Thursday, December 12th at McDonald Garden Center

HRBOR moves its normal Third Thursday networking event up a week in December to allow  members to have more holiday time with their families.   Please join HRBOR this Thursday December 12, 2013, in Hampton at host McDonald Garden Center. Our host will be decorated for the Holidays and will offer a discount to HRBOR members and guests for last minute shopping the night of.  This should be an over the top event and I hope local readers will make every effort to attend.  Here are event details:

HRBOR December 12th, 2013

Second Thursday Business Networking 

McDonald Garden Center, Hampton VA

Host and Food Sponsor: McDonald Garden Center, Hampton Virginia www.mcdonaldgardencenter.com

 

Where: McDonald Garden Center, Hampton - 1139 W Pembroke Ave  Hampton, VA 23661 (757)722-7463

 

Parking:  Ample parking in the store parking lot. 

When: Thursday December 12th 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

 

Featured Non-Profit: Hampton Arts Foundation  http://www.hamptonarts.net/

Third Thursday Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members

HRBOR Networking Event - 11/21/3 at the Virginia Beach Wyndham Hotel

I hope local readers will make every effort to join us this Thursday, November 21, 2013, for HRBOR's November Business Networking from 6-8 PM at the Wyndham Hotel, Virginia at Beach Oceanfront, which includes the Award Winning Surf Club with gorgeous views of the ocean and great food. 

RSVP in advance and win a chance for an overnight say at the Wyndham. To RSVP go HERE. The restaurant will be open afterwards for those who want to stay and dine. This event will feature forty minute Speed Networking following our evening program so brush up your best elevator speech and bring plenty of business cards.

HRBOR is the only Virginia affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.  Join us and market your business and/or make new friends and contacts.

WHERE:  Wyndham Hotel, Oceanfront - 5700 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach VA 23451

WHEN:  November 21, 2013, fr

om 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM2013

HRBOR September Third Thursday Event - 9-19-2013

Please join us this Thursday for HRBOR's September Third Thursday Hosted by LEGASI and Norfolk State University's History Department. Complete event details are listed below.  Norfolk State University, the nation's seventh largest Historically Black University, was founded as a satellite branch of Virginia Union University in 1935.  LEGASI, Leading the Education of Gay and Straight Individuals, was founded in 2004 in part to offer both a voice and sounding board to the LGBT students and their allies on campus.  It has become one of the most visible and organized student groups on campus, having been the first gay-straight alliance in Hampton Roads to develop a Pride Week of its own. Its leaders have been particularly ambitious, having been to the now-annual Summit for LGBT Black Leaders at the White House three times.  Complete event details are as follows:

Where: Norfolk State University's Lyman Beecher Brooks Library - Rotunda @ 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk VA 23504   

When: Thursday September 19th 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Food Sponsor and Bar Sponsor: Norfolk State University History Department

 Featured Non-Profit: L.E.G.A.S.I.

Third Thursday Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members

Invite friends and colleagues.

Parking: Use Gate 1 on Park Avenue, which is just off of Brambleton Avenue; take the Presidential Parkway to either Open Lot 4 or Commuter Lot 5.  Tell the guard at Gate 1 that you are going to the HRBOR event at the Library, and they should let you in.  Open Lot 4 is the furthermost away: if you park there, walk past the tennis courts along the Parkway to the Library; use the REAR entrance of the Library, which juts out as the glassy, post-modern Rotunda, and which abuts a construction site for yet another futuristic structure.  There is a sidewalk that is most adjacent to the construction site and that leads directly to the Rotunda. Commuter Lot 5 is further down the Parkway, past the tennis courts.  If you park there, just walk straight ahead on the sidewalk most parallel to the construction site to the glassy Rotunda.  And, if you get lost, follow the signs and student volunteers.