Business Networking Event – Marin

Great networking opportunity for local businesses! Sally Around The Bay will be there!

Spectrum LGBT Center Hosts Free Networking Event

Mixer at Integrated Design Studio in Mill Valley offers a unique meet-up opportunity for business and community members

Spectrum Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center invites you to an evening of networking for businesses and community members at Integrated Design Studio (IDS), 219 Shoreline Drive, Mill Valley on Thursday, May 21, 6-8 PM.

Everyone is invited; there is no charge to participate. Food, wine, and a raffle will round out the festivities at IDS, which boasts a lovely outdoor garden patio perfectly suited for social events and special occasions.

“During these uncertain economic times, networking is important not just for businesses, but for the entire community,” says Paula Pilecki, Executive Director of Spectrum, the North Bay’s nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equality and justice for LGBT people. “Spectrum has contact with a particular market niche – LGBT people and the supportive community surrounding them – that makes this kind of networking event attractive to local business.”

Marketing surveys conducted over the past few years indicate that LGBT people prefer to do business with companies and brands that demonstrate support for the gay community. A 2007 survey conducted by market research firms Harris Interactive and Witeck-Combs Communications revealed that two-thirds of LGBT adults would be very or somewhat likely to remain loyal to a brand they believed to be very friendly and supportive to the gay community – even when less friendly companies may offer lower prices or be more convenient.

The 2007 survey concludes that LGBT people “remain loyal to companies that support causes that are important to them, and are highly motivated to learn about corporate social responsibility in all its forms. They are among consumers most motivated to vote with their dollars.” (HarrisInteractive.com)

Sponsored by Bank of Marin and Integrated Design Studio, the networking mixer will showcase at least two dozen businesses representing a diverse offering of services, from insurance to real estate to landscape design and improvement.

Confirmed businesses to date include: AAA – Larkspur; Anspach Financial Group; B2B Incentivz/ Ohmy Advisors; Balance & Zumba Marin; Bank of Marin; Bay Area Community Resources, The Business Writing Company; Don Kline Financial & Insurance Services; Finch’s Flowers; The Girls in the Vineyard; IHOP – San Rafael; Indulge Caterers; Integrated Design Studio; Irwin-Wells Associates; Jen Pennington, Pacific Union; Katherine Holland, Coldwell Banker; London Productions; Marin Country Day School; Marti Guerra, Alain Pinel Realtors; Marin Local Music; Mountain Biking Marin; Mountain Play Association; PG&E PrideNetwork; Paula Helene Beard Tax Practice; Robert Wintrode, Northwestern Mutual; Shepard Design Associates; Toyota Marin/Scion Marin; Virtual Simplicity; and The Yardsquad.

To participate in Spectrum’s networking event, contact Andre Morand at (415) 381-9500 or by email: andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.org.

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ABOUT SPECTRUM: Founded in 1982, Spectrum LGBT Center promotes acceptance, understanding, safety, and full inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. For more information, visit www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org.

FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:

WHAT: Spectrum’s Business and Community Networking Night

WHEN: Thursday, May 21, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

WHERE: Integrated Design Studio, 219 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley

COST: Free

RSVP to Andre Morand, andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.org or (415) 381-9500.

MORE INFO: www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org

Spectrum Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center invites you to an evening of business and community networking at Integrated Design Studio (IDS), 219 Shoreline Drive, Mill Valley on Thursday, May 21, 6-8 PM. This is a free event open to the entire community. Food, wine, and a raffle will round out the festivities at IDS, which boasts a lovely outdoor garden patio perfectly suited for social events and special occasions. The networking event is sponsored by Bank of Marin and Integrated Design Studio. RSVP and more info: Andre Morand, (415) 381-9500; andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.org.

(Please re-post and invite your friends. I hope to see you there!~Sally)