Thank You, Tom Welch, for your professional leadership and committment

A wonderful part of my position as Board Chair of GSDBA is the opportunity to thank people who volunteer to make important decisions.  They set aside their valuable time to help our Chamber create an environment where the LGBT community can develop and grow their dreams of owning a successful business or pursue their professional goals.   It is always an honor to work with these professional leaders in their passion to serve others, in their drive to help GSDBA members create opportunities for financial success while advocating for our values of diversity and opportunity.  These are values that benefit the LGBT Community and the Greater San Diego area.

Tom Welch served the GSDBA on the Board of Directors from Sept 2008 to Oct 2012.  During that time he served on the Inaugural Committee that celebrated the 30^th Anniversary Celebration of GSDBA and established the Annual Awards Event and continued to serve on the Awards Luncheon Committee through 2012.  He was elected to serve as the Vice Chair while Jon Borgeson served as Board Chair. 

Tom’s professional skill and appreciation for detail were key to GSDBA comprehensively reviewing and updating the extensive GSDBA Policies and Procedures.    Working with Tom Luhnow and others, he completed this undertaking to provide clearer direction, easier and more effective execution of policies, services and procedures while incorporating new policies guidelines to improve transparency and communication.  These enhancements allow the GSDBA to serve GSDBA Members while improving communication between the CEO, the Board of Directors, and GSDBA Members.  Tom served as GSDBA Board Chair for the last 18 months of his service.

Tom left the Board of Directors when the bank where he worked was acquired by Pacific Commerce Bank.   Tom Welch now serves as the Senior Vice President and SBA Department Manager at Pacific Commerce Bank. 

Tom Welch will not be able to attend this year’s GSDBA Business Awards Luncheon.   Rest assured that at a future GSDBA event, we will make present any of your e-mails and notes of appreciation to him, along with our famed “Crystal Gavel” Honor which we present to those individuals who serve as Board Chairs of GSDBA.

Tom wanted me to communicate how much he enjoyed meeting new members and new people as he served GSDBA.  He values the opportunity to serve and lead on the Board and has looks forward to watching the organization continue to grow and develop as it did while he served. 

His last words in our visit were that I would publically share his thanks with the Greater San Diego Business Association Board of Directors for their volunteer leadership, contributions, and dedication to working with him to make GSDBA a better organization.  He truly appreciates each of the Directors investment of their time, skills, and professional insight as they serve to make the decisions that continue to make GSDBA a valuable organization in San Diego and the LGBT Community.

The IRS, Scandal, and Citizens United

I thrive on fairness, the application of fairness, and the pursuit of fairness.  With that concept in mind, I believe that Republicans should consider their next full court press as the Tea Party erroneously smells victory against the Obama Administration.

Did the IRS have one department focus a portion of their customary targeting practices dispropotionately on organizations with similar characteristics requesting tax exempt status?  True.  Or, to use a term by Republicans - Guilty as Charged.  Whether this was politically motivated is questionable. 

Have previous Republican Administrations officials used the IRS to target organizations?   True. Or, to use a term by Republicans - Guilty as Charged. The NAACP went through a two year investigation by the IRS mere months after running an ad that the Bush Administration did not like.

Does the IRS have authority to consider and execute blanket review of "like organizations" when considering tax-exempt status?  True.  Or, to use a term by Republicans - Guilty as Charged.

Are many Tea Party organizations reviewed by the IRS mere ghost and secondary organizations likely associated with larger and directly politically related?   True. Or, to use a term by Republicans - Guilty as Charged.

Did these organizations merit further review?  Most Americans would agree that 501(C)4 organizations are to be provided special tax status based on a community benefit further defined and useful to our democratic processes.  That benefit would arguably be worthy of special tax status.

What is crucial in the IRS Scandal is that smaller, less funded organizations were cited for review rather than well-funded organizations. GPS, Cross Roads, and their ilk clearly use the Citizens United schemes yet were left virtually alone. The anger that Senate Democrats vented at the IRS stems from the clear avoidance of reviewing wealthy organization while bullying the true patriots at the grass roots level.

Yet, much of the IRS Scandal stems from a more serious threat to our government and democracy.  The focus by Republicans on either IRS rogue agents or the Obama Administration skirts the much more sinister and troubling impacts of a Supreme Court decision titled Citizens United.  The media's focus on the myopic view, communicated by Republicans, is similar to worrying about a wrinkle around your eye as your internal organs are entombed in cancerous tumors. Citizens United is destroying transparency in our political process, it purchases leadership in Washington, destroys any chance for bipartisanship solutions, while raising tax revenues on the smaller income earners and the individual, reducing welfare and national safety net protections, while defending and promoting corporate welfare. 

When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Corporate America, overturning key limits on Campaign Finance, it provided exceptional abilities to wealthy individuals and Corporate America to further control the democratic process.  The Conservative and Activist Supreme Court, with Scalia in the lead, developed a special right which was non-existent, recognizing Corporations as individuals.  This special right provides a powerful pathway for corpoations, wealthy individuals and groups to create Super PACs, protect the identy of donors, overturns any Congressional limits on contributions, and infuses the election process with billions of new dollars, whiler avoiding regulatory scrutiny or review by the public. 

The clear threat of intimidation, fear and secrecy provided by the extremist Supreme Court decision, Citizens United, has impacted democracy since the 2010 election cycle.  The coordinated efforts of large donors financing the Tea Party, or any other specific agenda, has already been seen as it destroys political careers in individual districts through massive increases in fundraising for political races, protecting its corporate future through Congressional strategy, or minimizing the judicial impact of its corporate impacts on society.

In seriously large amounts, individuals could, and in fact did, contribute massive amounts of dollars to districts throughout American to support and defend the political landscape in 2010 and the 2012 election cycles without fear of review, disclosure or public scrutiny.  In fact, the media reported one clear decision in the 2012 campaign specific to Citizens United.  The Koch Brothers gave $100 million additional dollars to Republican Super Pacs for 2012 for the Paul Ryan Vice Presidential slot.  Morally called a bribe, yet, today perfectly legal.

Likely over $1 Trillion dollars was spent in 2012 by shadow organization in politics to define America's future through these 501(c)4 organizations.  The IRS has been and will continue to be ill prepared to address the ramifications of Citizens United. 

Ultimately, the American public and both political parties, to avoid complete and utter anarchy, should seek a Constitutional Amendment to reverse the stupidity of Citizens United and the fallacy that corporations are individuals.  Until then, we will likely continue to raise questions that in fact are based in legal fact, which are morally horrible, but we will continue as a nation to be complicit in the death of democracy, or as I declare it, Guilty as Charged.

A Thank You Is Never Enough, Nick Toledo, TSYS Merchant Solutions

A wonderful part of my position as Board Chair of GSDBA is the opportunity to thank people who volunteer to make important decisions.

GSDBA Board of Directors volunteer their time and set aside valuable time to help our Chamber create an environment where the LGBT community can develop and grow their dreams of owning a successful business or pursue their professional goals. It is always an honor to work with these professional leaders in their passion to serve others, in their drive to help GSDBA members create opportunities for financial success while advocating for our values of diversity and opportunity. These are values that benefit the LGBT Community and the Greater San Diego area.

Nick Toledo works as a TSYS Merchant Advocate at TSYS Merchant Solutions, a Sponsorship Partner of the GSDBA. Nick Toledo served on the GSDBA Board as a Director and as the Committee Chair for Ambassadors from December 2011 to December 2012. The Ambassador Committeeis one of the most popular programs of GSDBA.

Nick Toledo led the Board decision to merge the Ambassadors Committee and Membership Committee. He has participated in a BNG for years and served with the Ambassadors as well. His reliability and passion in participating in his Business Network Group and Ambassadors, while advocating for new program development to serve members brought him to his leadership time with the GSDBA Board.

He developed the GSDBA Board strategy for a comprehensive approach to Membership Development, which could oversee the process from Member Recruitment and Introduction through to Engagement and Member Retention. The merger of the Ambassadors Committee and Membership allows one committee the ability to manage the new member experience at events while providing membership benefit information.

I asked Nick Toledo what I should let other GSDBA Members know about his experience at GSDBA that I could share with them. He said that as a GSDBA Member, you have to get involved a BNG Group or join a committee to utilize your membership to its fullest business potential. He also felt that participating and volunteering with GSDBA can be a great person growth experience.

TSYS Merchant Solutionswill be sponsoring a table at the GSDBA Annual Business Luncheon. I hope you will stop by at the GSDBA Business Awards Luncheon to thank him for his service. To learn more about TSYS and their sponsorship of GSDBA, you can contact Nick Toledo at ntoledo@tsys.com or to learn more about TSYS, check them out at www.tsysmerchantsolutions.com.

Please congratulate him for TSYS being named to Ethisphere's 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies.

Faith, Women and Equality

Today, I read a story from Amanpour on CNN urging women to pursue their education and their power.  The way women are treated in Afghanistan horrifies me.  Yet, in my own country, we have men who hold women hostage for decades.

My faith belief is that God created M en and Women in the Image of God.  That image is Spirit and Truth.  The value of Men and Women is our combined, and individual, exploration and exercise of that Spirit and Truth and in our (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice).  

I believe most people would prefer not to be valued based on their genitalia.  Yet, for thousands of years, the human race, and many of its faiths, has done so.   It saddens me at that loss of potential which God intended.  And, when those who believe women are not the equal of men, I have asked whether they believe God has a penis.  I rarely hear a "cocky" answer.  With such a question, even idiots are careful to consider their response.

I pray women everywhere will feel they are the equal to men.  They are not better or more, they are equal.  Yet, at times, even in the Western World, I meet women who hope they are, they don't know they are.  It always astonishes me.  Yet, that would be because I am not female, have not honored a faith that considered me inferior, nor heard or believed any regular messaging which enforced lies of oppression or inferiority.

I regularly see women in business meetings quietly attending.  Few rooms encourage debate, fewer meetings encourage strong opinions to be shared.   The environment where men have argued and debated was for thousands of years was rarely invaded by women.

I meet women weekly who are stunned to learn that men don't receive better financial training, in secret classes, separate from women.  Frustrated, I engage them, educate them, and never patronize them.  Many feel they are the only ones who do not understand investing concepts.  The reality is that neither do most men.

Over the last 20 years, I have learned the staggering loss created by missed opportunities that create reality.  Yet, women in room after room, where I attend meetings do not fully participate.

Last year, in a meeting I attended by financial advisors, the gender make up of the room was nearly even.  The company providing the training had selected professional experts, without specific intent, excluded women from those expert presentations.  Half way through the three day meeting, the CEO of this corporation made a presentation.  At the completion of his presentation, I was the first to raise my hand with a question.  I asked a basic question about the gender representation on his Corporate Board, relating it to the speaker line up.  As the CEO quickly reviewed the line up, he was stunned, then quickly provided information about the female leadership through out the company.

I was pleased with the answer, but disturbed by what happened next.  The woman sitting next to me quickly told me thank you, admitting that she wouldn't bring herself to ask that question. At the break, nearly every woman in the room came up to me to say "thank you for your question".  Astonished and discouraged, I realized I was the one who asked the question no one else was willing to ask.  Yet, it is one question of challenge which benefits all.

My astonishment could be due to the reality that I have a mother who is exceptional, a sister who is unstoppable, and female friends, clients, and relatives who challenge any concepts or suggestions of inferiority or oppression based on their gender.   It might also be due to the fact that women in my life speak out (or call you out).  It has taught me to do the same.

Ultimately, women will become their own best advocates.  Their Spirit and their Truth will continue to challenge them to develop their equality.  Until then, I am one who will speak out when they either can not or will not.

Consider the reason I am passionate about equality.  The theme of choice and equality for women is echoed throughout the Bible, yet rarely communicated.  When so many have Faiths that seem to flourish with messages of superiority, I have found in the same Faith the demand to expect the values of Equality.

My Faith confirms the equality of women with men.  From Genesis to Revelations, I read stories where women are leaders, where women are consulted, where women are the main sources of support.  These facts and stories developed my beliefs into a simple principle repeated in Old and New Testaments.  It is the principle that God does not value gender nor despises what gender you are, only some people do.

Leadership Opportunity Available at PABA

In 1996, well over 15 years ago, I had the opportunity to serve as a board member of the Portland Area Business Association (PABA).  PABA began in 1992, I joined in 1993.  I served on the board of PABA and ultimately served as the President of PABA then as the Past President as we worked to invigorate and grow as a chamber.  The opportunity to serve on the PABA allowed me to learn how to manage my business better, negotiate powerful and interesting people and their personal goals, while working with competitors and other business owners to create a chamber that pursued a greater good for the Portland Community, valuing diversity, openness, while developing business resources in the community for the challenges our community faced.

The opportunity to lead from a position as a board member in the community is just one of the benefits I valued as a PABA board member.  I learned how to plan, recruit, encourage, and develop strategic plans and execute on the goals of the organization.  I became connected with professionals all over the state while being a part of creating a more diverse, accepting, and financially strengthened community.

If you live in the Portland Metro area, work as a business owner or professional and are looking for an outlet for your passion and  creativity or you would like to develop your skills serving in leadership, yet learning to find ways to engage others, or have excellent problem solving and goal development drive, consider joining the PABA Board.   It is an excellent place to challenge these skills while learning more yourself and the members you serve.  It also is a great way to learn about the diverse needs of the LGBT Community. 

 

Should you be considering becoming involved with PABA let me tell you a few more things.  Serving on the PABA Board was a fulfilling and enriching experience for me.  I know it has been for many others.  It offers the chance for your business to grow or professional development to blossom. 

PABA has helped so many business owners become successful.  Now is a great time for business owners and professionals who are enjoying success to also give back and contribute to the future of the LGBT Business Community in Portland.

 

The PABA Board of Directors will have 6 openings for Board Members.  If you have questions, feel free to contact a current PABA Board Member or Jill Nelson, Executive Director 503-730-9187.  Each of the six positions is a general director position which has a 2 year term starting on July 1, 2013 continuing until June 30th, 2015.   

Applications are available by contacting the office at pdxpaba@gmail.com or by telephone at 503-280-7222.  They are available until May 24^th and must be returned by May 31^st.  Ballots will be sent June 10^th ,  to be returned by June 20^th.

Shout out to Kaleb Scott, Business Owner and GSDBA Member

It is always a great thing to congratulate, encourage, and feature great efforts.  GSDBA Members, whether they serve on the Board, on a committee, or represent GSDBA at events, in meetings or in the community, are the spirit of GSDBA. They work to develop diversity, create success, and build community. Thank you, Kaleb Scott, for your membership and leadership in GSDBA.

• Kaleb Scott Photographs

  LGBT Community Update:
  
  Toni Atkins (Assembly Majority Leader) has been a strong advocate for the LGBT community. Her California State Assembly website states: "Issues of concern to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community have also been a high priority for Toni, as she represents the highest concentration of LGBT residents in San Diego."
  
  Kaleb Scott Photographs was happy to represent the community as a GSDBA member at the Small Business Advisory Council meeting featured in the May/June issue of Connection Magazine.
  ... He was also hired to shoot Toni at her gala fund raiser in La Jolla. Other attendees included City Council member Todd Gloria; Speaker of the Assembly John A. Pérez, well-know representatives from the LBGT community and other political supporters.
  
  "It's a rare pleasure to work with people who
  fight for our community rights. Something I look forward to continuing." stated Kaleb Scott.
   

  

Major Sports, Advertising, and the LGBT Market.

Recently, I had the opportunity to be the Grand Slam Sponsor for East Village Association at the Opening Day for the Padres. I met clients as the walked by the location where Waddell & Reed was prominently featured. I was later joined by Sue Sneeringer from the GSDBA office and her partner, Mary Jo. We had a great time.

Later, on the same day as SD Pride sponsored "Out at the Park", I determined to have a client event in one of the suites the Padres offer. When meeting with Matt Weiner of the Padres, he was able to offer a great discount for the suite, due to several selected games for Waddell & Reed. He further extended that offer GSDBA through me. And, that got me thinking. How many GSDBA Member professionals would want to participate in a benefit that was negotiated with the Padres? Would any member be interested in developing that kind of client appreciation event or sponsorship in Major Sports.

A couple of weeks later, out comes Jason Collins in the National Basketball League. And, the day after, long time visible lesbian and tennis great, Martina Navratilova is prominently on NPR and is featured in Sports Illustrated. What a welcome change from her being featured in the 1980's in the National Enquirer.

Then, today, I had one more opportunity with National Sports in San Diego. A meeting with the Manager in San Diego, James Haug, here at the company where I work scheduled for me to sit with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. They presented the opportunity to sponsor a program that included their radio station KOGO and the Chargers. After the presentation, some basic conversation, they asked me whether I would be interested. And, I have to admit, that is an open door few willingly offer.  They were slow to recover in the conversation. One was stunned while one was open to following up. I even was prepared, mentioning Nike and Jason Collins. My sports lesbians would be so proud!

I revealed my interest at providing opportunities to present to GSDBA members. I asked whether they had similar opportunities with data specific to the LGBT market or women. I reminded them I was committed to the idea that the LGBT community enjoy Major Sports and the Major Sports should stronger consider support for those who are not considered their traditional market.

I think the conversation died when I asked for sexual orientation data, gender specific information related to women, and whether they had a successful station where the demographics provided talk radio or music which attracted one of my target markets (progressives, the LGBT market, and independent women). They were able to suggest recent radio station purchases for a follow up meeting.

Yet, the sponsorship was intriguing, the price tag provided a time out for oxygen. I did encourage them to pursue research from CMI so that in the future we could discuss marketing data relevant to who I serve.

Sometimes it is just fun, living in the land of suits, to boldly declare request information important to my clients, my affiliated businesses, and the community I proudly enjoy. And, secretly, over 20 years, I have watched as someone ill prepared manages through the remainder of the conversation. Yet, I enjoy the opportunity to expand horizons and offer the challenge to help me help others.  I am clear that ClearChannel is familiar with the LGBT Community.  I look forward to future opportunities that can develop between this corporation and the LGBT Community.