BIRMINGHAM – It's been almost ten years since the southeastern Michigan LGBT business community has had an expo. But now, for the first time produced by Ties Like Me, the business community will have a chance to show its wares and services.
On Sept. 19 at Big Rock Chop House Reserve vendors and exhibitors will set up their tables, bring their giveaways, and do some serious networking.
"In order for our community, the LGBT community, to stay strong both in economic and social matters, it is extremely important that we support each other in all our efforts," said Reid Beyerlein, one of the founders and a co-chair of Ties Like Me, the LGBT business networking group that has been regularly hosting monthly gatherings of business people for almost two years. "We need to patronize the local businesses, let them know that we are proud of them for staying with it in a tough economy, thank them for giving us a place that understands who we are and provides a place that is comfortable to do business with."
Paramount Bank is the presenting sponsor, and will be one of the presenters at the expo. Other financial entities will also have booths including Success Mortgage Partners, Flagstar Bank and Chris Campbell Loans. There will be a wide range of retailers and service providers, including the new Birmingham Salon, Azenza.
"We have had an overwhelming response for tables and we are now sold out!" said Robert Lalicki, the other co-chair of Ties Like Me. "I hope this in an indication that it will be successful for our vendors and that we will have to increase the number of tables for businesses next year."
The last LGBT business expo was at the Southfield Civic Center in 1998, produced by Flying Pigs Productions which was owned and operated by Beth Bashert. Before that, the Motor City Business Forum held annual business expos until the organization folded in 1999.
Between The Lines is the proud media sponsor for Ties Like Me Expo and will have a booth, and The New York Times will also have a booth.
For more information contact Lalicki at 248-379-9527 or go to http://www.tieslikeme.org.
Gay Business Expo returns
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