Pack named to chamber board
The Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce has named Toni Pack as its newest member to the 13-member board of directors.
Pack, ABR, CRS, GRI, is affiliated with Bob Parks Realty in Franklin. She has lived in Nashville since her childhood. Prior to pursuing a career in real estate, she worked for the Metropolitan Nashville Codes Administration. Her hobbies include golf, cooking, traveling and her dogs, Bailey and Taylor. She and her partner Debra Smith (of DLSmith Construction) reside in Franklin.
"We are delighted that Toni has joined the board to fill a vacancy we have had for some months," said John Wade, NGLBTCC president. "She brings a wealth of professional skills and personal attributes that will serve our organization well."
Tennessee shows strong presences at NGLCC Conference
Tennessee was well represented with five GLBT business and organization representatives attending the 2007 NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) conference. The event, titled Out for Business, was hosted at the Miami Hyatt Regency May 31 - June 2.
Tennessee representatives from Nashville's GLBT Chamber of Commerce, DiversityBuilder.com and the Memphis Fairness Initiative attended. The conference featured former NBA star and author of Man in the Middle, John Amaechi; Lisa Sherman, general manager of LOGO Television; Amanda Bearse, actress (Married with Children) and director of LOGO’s Big Gay Sketch Show; and Elizabeth Birch, former Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
Café at Outloud opens
The Café at Outloud officially opened on June 25, courtesy of Outloud owners Ted Jensen and Kevin Medley. The café offers both culinary treats and entertainment. Manager Brian Young told O&AN, "We will serve coffee, teas, rollers, sides and bakery goods, and we look forward to serving the community."
Young also plans various entertainment happenings within the new venue. The last Thursday of each month an art opening will be held, showcasing a local artist for four weeks.
Other events planned include regular Sunday brunches, musical, comedy and spoken word performances. Kinsey Sicks, a west coast LGBT comedy troupe, is scheduled to perform in late September. Kinsey Sicks began performing their comedic burlesque in San Francisco in 1994 and have since starred in the Off-Broadway hit DRAGAPELLA; they also appeared for a lengthy stay on the Vegas strip.
The café is located adjacent to Outloud at 1703 Church Street and will operate using the same hours as the bookstore. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted, but be sure to bring your laptop. The café is wi-fi ready.
Café at Outloud hours:
Sunday - Thursday - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday - 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
(615) 340-0034
Members only at Timberfell Lodge
Timberfell Lodge, a resort for gay men established in 1982, has announced the transition to a private membership-only resort. Owner Bill Hall stated the following as the primary reason for the change, "We want to protect our all-adult gay-male only status."
Additionally, Hall commented, "Much like other gay resorts and campgrounds in the industry, we will require all of our guests to become members each year. Guests can obtain memberships at their first visit of the season beginning May 1. Each guest will be issued a membership card and then will have access to the property. Membership is $10 per year. It is our hope to keep Timberfell growing and making it a better a resort."
For additional information, visit Timberfell online at www.timberfell.com or by phone at 1-800-437-0118.
Gaywheels.com moves HQ to Nashville
Gaywheels.com, the first automotive Web site specifically targeted to the gay consumer, has selected Nashville as its new headquarters. Founder and Managing Partner of Gaywheels.com, Joe LaMuraglia, broke the news to O&AN just last month.
O&AN: Why the move to Nashville?LaMuraglia: I am moving to Nashville because my partner lives here and being an Internet company, I have the flexibility to do so. As a former employee of Nissan North America, I have a lot of friends here (in addition to my bf), and I am looking forward to revitalizing my social life after two years of building Gaywheels.com.
O&AN: When will the move take place?
LaMuraglia: I should have the move completed by the end of July.
O&ANt: What does this mean for Nashville?
LaMuraglia: There may be opportunities in the future for students/contractors to get experience working on an automotive site. I expect to grow a lot during the next year and I’ll need help! We also plan to have a strong presence at Nashville PrideFest 2008.
Saturn Corporation sponsored Gaywheels.com at Pride in Atlanta and Gay Days in Orlando this year featuring free photos with trendy cars. Visit http://www.gaywheels.com/saturn.htm for more.
