Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce to host annual Gay-la event under new name

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Utah Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted to change their name to Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce to better represent the organization’s inclusive role. The group made the announcement as they released details of their third annual Gay-La and Membership Drive, to be held Thursday, April 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cottonwood Country Club (1780 E Lakewood Drive) in Holladay. The event will be held from 6 until 9 p.m.

“We are super excited about this year’s Annual Gay-La,” said Tracey Dean, Chairwoman of the chamber. “Each year our event gets bigger and better and consistently results in increased size of our chamber’s membership along with the expansion of overall awareness of the important role the LGBTQ+ business community plays in our state’s economic development.”

Attendees of the Gay-La will have the opportunity to hear openly gay keynote speaker Bobby Edwards, CEO and founder of Squatty Potty, which has been featured on Shark Tank, Dr. Oz and several other prominent national and international media outlets.

The event will be emceed by former Fox 13 News anchor Hope Woodside.

“I want to invite everyone to join the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce,” Woodside said at a breakfast held by the organization where it was announced she would preside over the Gay-la. “It’s important for diverse organizations and businesses to band together for LGBTQ+ equality. It gives us the opportunity to speak as one loud voice in business and, of course, social issues.”

“I was, luckily, raised by a very open-minded mom,” she explained. “She took me to this disco in Chicago when I was 14 and two men were dancing together. I said, ‘Mom, what’s going on over there?’ and she said, ‘Honey, love is love.'”

The evening will include a pre-event VIP member reception, music featuring the Tribeca Ensemble, hosted hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and incentivized membership opportunities for those interested in joining the chamber. There is also a photo booth. Dress is cocktail attire. Ticket prices are $20 per person through March 27, $25 through the day of the event and at the doo. They can be purchased online at UtahGayla.com.

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, membership organization welcoming both individuals and companies of all sizes who share in the vision of equality in business – regardless of sexual preference, gender identity or gender expression. For more information on the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce or how to become a member, visit utahgaychamber.com.