Todd Grantham and Jeanna Emert have been reelected to lead Nashville Pride for the 2006-2007 pride year.
Grantham will continue as president and Emert as vice president.
“We were incredibly pleased with the turnout for elections,” said Todd Grantham, who was reelected to his second term as President. “I think we have a fantastic membership as well as a strong slate of officers. I’m definitely looking forward to a great year for pride.”
Grantham, who served as secretary for Nashville Pride Inc., (NPI) in 2003 and 2004, was first elected president in 2005. This will mark his second term in the position. Professionally Grantham serves as the state director of communications and marketing for the Tennessee Chapter of the March of Dimes. He received his undergraduate degree from Francis Marion University and his master’s from the University of South Carolina.
Other officers elected include Anthony Whitaker, secretary; Brad Bennett, chief financial officer; and Joshua Baker, membership chair. Board members-at-large include Steve Bianchi, Bucky Bradshaw, Drew Fulmer, Mael Pack, Doug Sladen, and Dan Sullivan.
Sullivan will head up the team of volunteers as the volunteer chair and Sladen has agreed to be the festival chair.
Pride officers and board members are important—they help oversee the annual Pride Festival that has become big business—it has an annual budget of more than $65,000 and drew more than 15,000 people this past June.
Financially the group ended the festival year in “the black” explained Grantham. But, he added, “we have very little cushion left in the bank.” He said the annual festival costs exceeded $65,000.
“It takes a lot of money,” he said. “Tents, renting Centennial Park, paying for police officers, the parade, shutting down the street, and getting all of those required city permits (beer, alcohol, parade), all add up.”
“Our next event is The Package Auction, set for Saturday, December 2 at Tribe,” Emert said. “We need volunteers to help solicit auction items, work the silent auction, and help run the event. If you’re interested, just come to a meeting or visit www.nashvillepride.org.”
The group hopes to raise as much as $15,000 from the event.
A separate scholarship fund of $2,000 remains intact for this year. Grantham said no applications were made this year to use any of the money.
Nashville Pride’s next stated meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 11, at 6:00 p.m. at Tribe.