Contact:
David
Blandford
(206)
461-5806/dblandford@visitseattle.org
June
GSBA Luncheon Highlights Marriage Equality and the Potential Economic Boon for
Washington State
SEATTLE – The June 13 Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) Equality
Bouquet Luncheon will focus on economic opportunity in our region for marriage
equality and how it may positively impact tourism and the hospitality industry.
Marriage equality for
same-sex couples is now the law of Washington State, following bi-partisan approval
by the state legislature and signing by Governor Gregoire last February. While
some in the state seek to roll back the law in the November election, others
prepare for the potential positive economic impact of the law for both LGBT and
other businesses throughout the state.
The luncheon’s featured guest speaker is Dr.
Gary J. Gates, co-author of The Gay and Lesbian Atlas and distinguished
scholar from The Williams Institute. Gates has a national
reputation for his expertise on LGBT demographics and the economic impact of
marriage equality. His doctoral dissertation included the first
significant research study of the demography of the gay and lesbian population
using U.S. Census data and subsequent work on that subject has been featured in
many national and international media outlets. Gates holds a PhD in Public
Policy from the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon
University along with a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vincent College and
a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
-more-
“For the wedding industry, June is about
wedding bells and for the LGBT community June is Pride month,” said Louise
Chernin, GSBA CEO. “But, for the first time in history, this June 2012 is about
pride, tourism and marriage equality, which have finally gathered together in
one spectacular equality bouquet.”
The GSBA Equality Bouquet Luncheon, Pride, Marriage Equality, Tourism and
Economics, will be held at the Sheraton
Seattle Hotel’s Cirrus Room (35th Floor); 11:30 a.m. meet and greet,
noon-1:30 p.m. program. Register to attend the luncheon at www.gsba.com or call
(206) 363-9188.
Marriage Equality Vendors will be present
at the luncheon, including: A New Chapter; Design Perfect Catering; Bourgeoisie Brunches; Flanery CPA; Fun Frames Photo Booth;
Goldmine Jewelers; Jonathan Bowman; PS; Melrose Market Studios; Mona Smith,
PLLC; RainCity CPA; Seattle Mariners/Safeco Field Events; Significant
Ceremonies Northwest, VJ Music; and Lisa E. Schuchman, Attorney.
Also highlighted at the luncheon will be
the new 2012-2013 GSBA Guide &
Directory as well as preparations for Seattle’s annual Pride celebration.
Luncheon guests will also vie for unique travel prizes will be given away.
Luncheon Sponsors are Executive Inn and
Inn at Laurel Point; June Pride Month Sponsors: B-Bam!, Outcity,
CoinStar, US Bank.
Special Appearances by representatives
from Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, Washington United For Marriage
and Seattle Out and Proud.
About the
Greater Seattle Business Association
The Greater Seattle Business Association
(GSBA) is the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and allied
chamber of commerce in the United States and was honored as 2008 Gay and
Lesbian Chamber of the Year by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
(NGLCC). GSBA supports the next generation of leaders through its Scholarship
Program and has awarded nearly $1 million to Washington state undergraduates. GSBA’s
mission is to combine business development, social action, advocacy and
leadership to expand economic opportunities for the (LGBT) community and those
who support equality for all. www.thegsba.org.
About Seattle’s
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Seattle’s
Convention and Visitors Bureau, a private, nonprofit marketing organization,
has served as Seattle/King County’s official destination marketing organization
(DMO) for more than 50 years. The goal of these marketing efforts is to enhance
the employment opportunities and economic prosperity of the region.
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