February 3, 2009 The California Supreme Court announced today that it will hear oral arguments on Thursday, March 5, 2009 in the Proposition 8 legal challenge. The National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU-with support from civil rights groups, religious organizations, labor unions, and legal scholars-argue that Proposition 8 is invalid because the people of California have established strict safeguards that prohibit the underlying principles of the California Constitution from being changed by a simple majority vote. By taking away a right only from one group, Proposition 8 violates the most basic principle of our government: that all people are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

According to survey research released by Harris Interactive in late 2008, a majority (55%) of all U.S. adults believe that they will be adversely affected by the current economic downturn. However, as many Americans react to the economic forecast by reprioritizing costs and altering spending habits, the study also suggests that U.S. gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) consumers appear to cut back less in their personal travel budgets than heterosexuals - a trend that underscores the importance for tourism industry professionals to build strong connections with this characteristically brand loyal market.

Openly Gay candidate Robert Garcia is the leading candidate in a special election City Council race on April 7th, according to the daily newspaper, the Press-Telegram. Robert, 31, would be the youngest person ever elected to the Long Beach City Council.

The leadership of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) joined other leading U.S. business executives and organizations on Jan. 28 to discuss President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package with his top advisors, including Jason Berman, the White House's economic policy director.

The most obvious question: why are you resigning from GLAAD? I am ready to search for new ways to serve and make a difference, having been leading GLAAD for four years by the time my tenure comes to an end. I accomplished nearly all the goals I identified when I started, and believe change is good and healthy.

When the economy takes a downturn, one common byproduct is a surge in business school applications as young professionals elect to sit out a soft job market in the relatively safe confines of an MBA program. Despite the increased demand for graduate business education stemming from the current economic slowdown, the GLBT business school applicant is in a unique position to secure a coveted seat in a leading MBA program.

As a Manny & Olga's' franchisee, you'll be trained in their tried and true business system. It begins with their family philosophy of treating customers &;like guests in our own home,&; and carries through with fresh, top quality food in a dazzling array of tantalizing choices. Pizza toppings are loaded on by the handful, in choices ranging from standards like zesty pepperoni and delicious sausage, all the way to mouth watering pineapple and flavorful gyro. Manny's famous sub sandwiches feature many taste-tempting combinations. Patrons may also choose from an exceptional selection of Greek and Italian specialties and popular side dishes. As stated on their menu, &;Quality is our first ingredient!&; And, Manny & Olga's' franchisees benefit from a reduced need for both square footage and additional personnel over what would be required by an eat-in facility - factors that can affect both payroll and service time!

Please consider helping a doctoral student majoring in psychology at Wayne State University in Detroit who is studying relationship satisfaction and hand characteristics. Specifically, this study examines how individuals select their long-term partner and what contributes to being satisfied with that relationship.

02/05/2009 B2B Networking Intensive - Out Professionals

02/06/2009 CREATIVITIY UNLEASHED: THE TECH SAVVY COST EFFECTIVE MARKETER - PEN

02/09/2009 NAGLREP - Orlando, FL

02/13/2009 CMI's European Symposium on Gay & Lesbian Tourism - London

03/24/2009 ONLINE Gay Marketing and Web 2.0

Send your GLBT Business Event listing to: info@echelonmagazine.com

The International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (IGLCC) is proud to invite all major international corporations to participate in the world premiere of the International Business Equality Index survey that will measure how they are performing internationally in issues related to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The Index is a unique tool allowing corporations to draw external comparisons, which illustrate how their competitors are doing as well as internal comparisons that provide a better understanding of their own performance. The deadline for completion of the survey is April 30th 2009 with the results being announced during the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights held during the World Outgames in Copenhagen from July 25th to August 2nd, 2009.

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