Let’s face it there isn’t a whole lot of personal connection in the service world any longer. Today we pump your own gas, (yes, there was a time when it was done for you), shopping online, and have an iPhone ap for everything from making bank deposits to meeting your next ex. That’s why I think it’s important to spotlight those businesses that still know how to take care of their customers. Businesses like the UPS Store at Cedar Springs and the UPS Store on Lemmon and the toll road.

I traveled to Long Beach last week to attend the NGLCC Pacific Region Summit. I was at home working on my conference presentation on the night before leaving when I discovered that my printer was out of ink. I knew I wouldn’t have time to mess with this in the morning and still make my flight so I emailed the document to the UPS Store on Lemmon and went to bed.  The next morning I called and they had my copy printed and ready for me to pick up on my way to DFW. They probably would have brought it to my car window if I had asked.

Friday morning in Long Beach I tooled on down to the front desk to ask for the items that I had shipped earlier in the week from the UPS Store at Cedar Springs, a box of Guides and our Mission banner stand. A little while later the hotel delivered the banner stand, but no Guides. The conference would end on Saturday afternoon and I had no Guides!

Without giving it a second thought I called the UPS Store at Cedar Springs. I explained the situation to Joshua and he gave me his mobile phone number for follow up and assured me, “I’ll take care of it.” And he did! By 10:00 on Saturday morning a box of Chamber Guides had been delivered directly to our meeting room.  [By the way, everyone LOVED our Community Resource & Visitor Guide!]

Granted, no one would have lost their life if I didn’t have my presentation print out or if our Guides had not been delivered. Still, the excellent staff at these two UPS Stores recognized that these items were important to me, the customer which made it important to them.  In each case they took my frustration and concern, owned it and resolved it. What more could you ask for?

Next time you hear a UPS ad that asks, “What can Brown do for you?” you’ll know that the answer is, “Make my life easier.”

My undying thanks to Thom Dance, Joshua Stearns and the staff at the UPS Store at Cedar Springs as well as Jamie Sloan, Paul Lane and everyone at the UPS Store at Lemmon and the Toll Road. Thanks guys!

A great article “Angels in America” from the August 14 edition of the New York Times. Thank you Frank Rich.

Courage and a sense of fundamental fairness sometimes flower in our country in the most unexpected quarters, even as the angrier voices dominate the debate.

Just so we’re all on the same page we all know that DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) has been toying with the possibility of adding gender identity and expression to its nondiscrimination policy. Like all good bureaucracies this has been going on for months. On April 13 I attended a DART board briefing where the expanded nondiscrimination issue was presented. I have to admit that I was impressed with the information and presentation made by the DART staff. It was top-notch. The board appeared to be paying attention (which I took as a good sign) and they even asked questions, some good, some ignorant, but that’s what briefings and education are all about.

At issue now is the addition of the word “except” as in, “DART is committed to hiring, promoting and retaining the best qualified persons in all positions and, except to the extent permitted by federal and/or Texas law, DART will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.” Do you see it now? Since neither the federal government nor state law includes sexual orientation or gender identity and expression in their protected classes DART’s actions are a great big step backwards in the equality movement.

DART needs to not just remove the word “except” but it also needs to add a period. This policy should read, “DART is committed to hiring, promoting and retaining the best qualified persons in all positions to the extent permitted by federal and/or Texas law. (period) DART will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.” I’m also not a big fan of “protected by law.” Why can’t they just say, “or any other characteristic” and leave it at that.

It is inconceivable to me that anyone who voted in favor of amending DART’s proposed policy change could not see the flaw in adding the phrase, “except to the extent permitted by federal and/or Texas law.” Not only does this phrase fail to protect gender identity and expression it also negates the existing policy’s sexual orientation protection.

As long as prejudice and discrimination exist, as long as DART employs members of the GLBT community, as long as we ride DART, as long as we pay taxes to support DART we need to demand that they treat their employees, all of their employees, with dignity and respect.

The DART board can still change the working in this non-nondiscrimination policy before they vote on Tuesday, June 22. Between now and then we should tell DART what we think. I couldn’t find a phone number for the DART Board, but here are some numbers that might be useful.

Customer Response Center 214-749-3333

Administrative Offices 214-749-3278

Community Affairs 214-749-2543

I’m not a critic.  (I can hear all of my friends laughing, maybe even cackling, after all they are evil. You’ll have to see the show to understand that . . . or know my friends.) I’d suggest that you read Lawson Taite’s review in today’s Dallas Morning News.  Still, I feel the need to express my opinion of this production. After all, isn’t that what blogs are all about?

Not only did we see Xanadu, we threw ourselves into the production by getting on stage seating. On stage seating is a serious commitment.  What happens if you nod-off, or have to powder your nose, or just want to leave? To top it off there’s a sign in the lobby that says, “This production has no intermission.” Horror! Fortunately the 2-hour production went by so quickly that even someone suffering from OAB would be fine. Sure, you miss one or two of the sight-jokes, but you get to play with the cast, or rather be played with by the cast. Being on stage is just way too fun.

And what a cast! The whole show is done with only 13 cast members (including 2 understudies) who play 22 roles. They’re accompanied by a very impressive 5 piece band under the direction of Michael Sobie. Nearly everyone plays two, sometimes three characters. They are all fun-ny! They are great at poking fun at themselves, i.e. ‘limitations of double casting’ and films that are turned into stage musicals, the audience and everyone’s favorite target, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Everyone in the cast is amazing, did I already say that? It bears repeating. It would be unfair to name names but I will anyway. The two leads, Max Von Essen and Anika Larsen are just terrific. Singing and dancing isn’t easy. But, singing, dancing and skating? I don’t know how they do it, but they make it look effortless. (Damn them!) Natasha Yvette Williams was just superb as was her side-kick Annie Golden. And the boys, what can I say about the boys? As a frustrated tap dancer from way back I was thrilled at Jesse Nager’s tap number.  Oh, and Kevin Duda (is that not a fun name?) played with my hair, so ‘yea for me’!

Xanadu is a fun, clever, campy, well executed romp to 1980 that’s full of love, music, glitter, glow sticks, mirror balls and flag boys on roller skates! Its just like being in a 1980′s gay bar (but without the poppers).

Xanadu runs through April 18 a the Music Hall at Fair Park.  Chamber Members: Click on the this link or the Xanadu graphic above for special ticket pricing.

Email supplierdiversity@nglcc.org to RSVP now!

As part of the NGLCC mission to promote economic growth and prosperity for GLBT businesses across the country, the NGLCC offers a certification for LGBT owned businesses. As a Member of the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce, you have the opportunity to take advantage of this important business development program.

The North Texas GLBT Chamber’s connection with the NGLCC is a valuable vehicle for member businesses to help your business connect with new opportunities in and outside of our community. This call will be a great way for Chamber Members to learn about creative ways to both take pride in their business and grow their customer base.

Through the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI), businesses may become certified as LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs), where they will have the opportunity to take advantage of the millions of dollars being spent by Corporate America and other businesses with certified LGBT-owned companies! Certified LGBT-owned businesses also have the opportunity to utilize a host of educational resources as well as business development programs. Businesses that qualify for certification are: majority (51%) owned by an LGBT person or persons, able to demonstrate independence from other non-LGBT companies, owned by U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens, and headquartered in the U.S. or one of its territories.

Topics that will be discussed on the call include, defining supplier diversity, how to become certified, and leveraging business to business and corporate opportunities with your certification. Participants will hear certification success stories first hand from LGBT business owners and corporate representatives.

To RSVP for the call and learn more information, please email supplierdiversity@nglcc.org. When you RSVP, please identify yourself as a member of the North Texas GLBT Chamber so you can be supplies with the with the appropriate call-in information.

The announcement came on Friday, March 26 as we were celebrating our 5^th Anniversary.  Kate Karasmeighan, Chief of Staff and Director of Affiliate & External Relations for the NGLCC was on hand to make the announcement. Noting that the North Texas GLBT Chamber had previously received the NGLCC’s Rising Star Award just five years earlier, Karasmeighan applauded the Chamber’s impressive growth and accomplishments.

In her comments to the nearly 200 dinner guests Kate commented, “Guided by great leaders including President and CEO Tony Vedda, Board Chairman Derrick Brown, and dedicated board members and volunteers, the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce ensures the LGBT business community has a seat at every table, working with other community organizations and elected officials to bring economic equality and growth to North Texas’ GLBT and allied community.”

Previous recipients include older, more established organizations like the Greater Seattle Business Association founded in 1981 and the Greater San Diego Business Association, founded in 1979. The North Texas GLBT Chamber is the youngest chamber and the only chamber in Texas to be so recognized. The formal presentation of the 2010 Chamber of the Year award will be made at the NGLCC’s National Dinner: An Evening of Courage! on November 19, in Washington, D.C.

Normally a headline like “Jail guard fired over comments” wouldn’t get more than a glance out of me, but the sub-headline went on to say, “He’s accused of saying whites are superior, gays should die, that the Bible backs his views.” OMG – This had to be a joke!  But no, it wasn’t. This article has it all; God, the devil, slavery, dinosaurs and a healthy (or maybe unhealthy) dose of ignorance.

In the book  After the Ball: How America Will Conquer Its Fear and Hatred of Gays in the 90′s (written 20 years ago), the authors suggest replacing ‘gay’ with ‘left-handed’.  Next time someone says something totally idiotic try it. For the fired jail guard you might come up with, ‘Johnson also said that he didn’t believe in left-handedness [homosexuality] and “that they should be put to death,” according to his statement. But he said his beliefs don’t lead him to treat left-handed people [gays] differently.’ See, it’s fun . . . and frightening.

If you haven’t read this article you really need to.

Imagine my surprise when I opened Sunday’s Dallas Morning News Business section. Besides seeing Tiger Woods (aren’t we over that yet?), staring right at me was the smiling face of Rebecca Ramos. I almost ended up with my Fiesta cup full of coffee on my lap. In the interest of full disclosure I have to admit that I love me some Rebecca Ramos.  I’ve know Rebecca for ten years, back then I was working for the Bank of the Northern Hemesphere and was her personal and business banker. Then I left banking and worked for Rebecca at Expressive Arts. But enough about me.

Back to Rebecca . . . be sure to read the DMN article.

Some might think that being a ‘serial entrepreneur’ is a bad thing, like serial killer or serial monogamy. But it’s not, it’s a good thing, just ask Martha.

Let’s be clear, everything that Rebecca touches does NOT turn to gold, and that’s a good thing too. It’s said that Thomas Edison tried 10,000 times before successfully inventing the light bulb. When asked about his failures he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Or how about President Obama, in 2000 he lost his bid for a seat in the US House of Representatives. What a difference a few years can make.

We need more people like Rebecca, who have good ideas and the guts and fortitude not only to succeed, but to fail, pick themselves up and start again. THAT is an entrepreneur!

Rebecca, and her business partner Steven Lindsey at Crain & Craig, LLC, will be recognized as the North Texas GLBT Chamber’s 2009 Business of the Year at the Chamber’s 5th Anniversary & Business Excellence Awards Dinner on March 26.

Read about the other award recipients here.  Learn more about the 5th Anniversary Dinner here.

Texas Instruments – Corporate Ally; Presented to a major employer located in the North Texas area that has a proven track record of outstanding support for its GLBT employees and the greater GLBT community through diversity policies and actions, financial contributions, professional service, and/or leadership.

Crain & Craig, LLC – Business of the Year; The award recognizes a Chamber Member business that uses creativity and ingenuity to achieve business growth; while maintaining high level of customer satisfaction and service and that has proven an interest in the welfare of the community through financial contributions, business service and/or involvement.

Rebecca S. Covell – Business Person of the Year; The award recognizes an outstanding individual for his or her leadership, entrepreneurship, character, business achievements and dedication. The recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award represents the best of who we are as business and community leaders.

David Wickham – Member Service; The award recognizes an outstanding member business or volunteer for their contribution of time & service to the Chamber.

Hon. Joel Burns – ExtrAA Mile Award sponsored by American Airlines
(previously the Community Service Award) – The award is given to an individual, business, or organization that has provided outstanding service to the GLBT community.

Matt Burckhalter – Emerging Leader; This award is presented to a GLBT or allied individual between the ages of 21 and 39 who is an active participant in the North Texas GLBT community, is employed by or volunteers with a local community organization and has a history of service to the GLBT community.

The 2009 Business Excellence Awards will be presented at the Chamber’s 5^th Anniversary Dinner on Friday, March 26, 2010 at the Fairmont Dallas Hotel.

We (my partner and I) and 199,999 other Oncor customers were left without power after last week’s record snowfall. The lights went out at 9:00 PM on Thursday night (just as Project Runway was about to begin!) and wasn’t restored until 1:00 PM on Sunday. A good friend of ours didn’t get her power back until Monday afternoon so I guess we were lucky.

In today’s Dallas Morning News columnist Jacquielynn Floyd addressed the night(s) the lights went out in Texas with some quotes from DNM readers and her conversation with an Oncor spokesperson (Customers say Oncor gave them cold shoulder).

Oncor’s explanation for the lack of information/communication with power-less customers was the aging/antiquated ‘power grid’. Whaa, whaa, whaa! I’m just not buying that. Which is kind-of funny because I AM buying it, and so are you! Not the power-grid excuse, the new super-meters for our homes http://www.glbtbiz-blog.org/meter-made/ Remember Oncor’s $93 million mistake? Granted, smart-meters aren’t the power grid, however, given this new technology that we’re all paying for (twice) Oncor’s information systems shouldn’t be better.

I had to laugh; when I called Oncor on Friday, their automated system (and I use the term loosely) could not match my phone number with my electric services. Even when I keyed in the number there was still no recognition. Oddly enough I can call Pizza Hut and they know my address without prompting. They delivery pizza maybe they could deliver electricity too. Hmmmm?