CHAMBER CHAT
We're pleased to introduce Chamber Chat, a monthly feature created in partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce. You'll hear directly from the Chamber about what's happening in our business community, along with news, updates and upcoming events.
Your connection to Chamber news, events and opportunities.
We’re Still Here. And We’re Open for Business.
Starting January 1st, Florida’s new restrictions on government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will take effect. It’s another move by Governor DeSantis that
Upcoming Chamber Events
Fri, Nov 6 – Rise & Shine – Coffee & Networking
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 7:45 AM – 8:30 AM
Venue: Java Joes, 2230 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Host: Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Lenny Brooks – lenny@gflglcc.org
Start your Friday on a bright note at the Chamber’s November Rise & Shine, held at Java Joes on Wilton Drive, one of the newest members of the Chamber family. There are no presentations and no formal agenda, just good coffee, friendly faces, and an easy chance to make new connections before the workday begins. Longtime members and the simply curious are equally welcome.
Admission: Free – Registration Required
Register: Register here
Thu, Nov 12 – Lunch & Learn – Presented by James Mack of Journey Payroll & HR
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ Visitor & Community Center, 2300 NE 7th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Presenter: James Mack, Journey Payroll & HR
Are you paying too much for payroll? With the end of the year approaching, fellow Chamber member and local business owner James Mack of Journey Payroll & HR leads a midday session on payroll costs, what to look for in a provider, and why the new year can be the perfect time to make a change. Attendees will learn how to better understand their fees, compare providers, and take advantage of modern payroll and HR technology without giving up personal, local service.
Admission includes Lunch: $10 Members / $15 Future Members – Registration Required
Register: Register here
Thu, Nov 12 – Webinar: Your First Employee Is Starting — Now What?
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online webinar
Presenter: James Mack, President of Journey Payroll – Fort Lauderdale, with SCORE
Hiring your first employee is an exciting milestone, and this free, practical webinar helps small-business owners get ready for it. The session walks through what should be in place before paycheck number one, including worker classification, employer setup, onboarding, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, overtime, timekeeping, and payroll scheduling. Attendees will learn which questions to ask, how to avoid preventable mistakes, and when to call in a professional, and each will receive an Employer Readiness Checklist to take back to their business.
Admission: Free – Registration Required
Register: Register here
Tue, Nov 17 – GFLGLCC November Mixer at Kimpton Shorebreak Resort
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 2900 Riomar Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Parking: Street parking or valet
Cost (Members): Complimentary with early registration; $25 within 24 hours of the event
Cost (Future Members): $15 with early registration; $25 within 24 hours of the event
Note: Fees are non-refundable.
Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort; Media Sponsors: Hotspots Magazine/Happening Out and OutSFL
Contact: Stephen Cascaes – Stephen@gflglcc.org
The Chamber’s November Mixer heads to the beach at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort for an evening of networking and conversation. Guests will enjoy two complimentary welcome drinks, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar with happy-hour prices on select drinks. Space is limited and advance registration is requested, so register early to save.
Admission: Free for Members / $15 for Future Members / $25 for all within 24 hours of event – Registration Required
Register: Register here
Wed, Nov 18 – Food Drive – 5th Annual
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Hunters Wilton Manors, 2232–2238 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Partners: Hunters Wilton Manors and the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce
The 5th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is back! What began five years ago as a simple way to bring people together and help neighbors during the holiday season has become a cherished community tradition, now presented in partnership with Hunters Wilton Manors and the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce. Returning supporters and first-timers alike are warmly invited to stop by and give back this Thanksgiving.
Admission: Free – No Registration Required
Event Link: Event details
Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce
- 2300 NE 7th Ave. Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- 855.435.4522
- gogayfortlauderdale.com
Find GFLGLCC on WilMAP™.
