Fort Lauderdale, Florida – November 1, 2007 – At the recent General Members’ Meeting of the Rainbow Alliance, held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Atlantic Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) was presented the Tourism Diva Award. On behalf of the Rainbow Alliance, the 56+ member gay and gay friendly lodging and hospitality organization, Richard Gray, owner of the Royal Palms Resort and a founding member of the alliance, made the presentation to Ms. Grossman.

Ms. Grossman was recognized by the organization for her tireless efforts in promoting Greater Fort Lauderdale as a gay friendly destination. Grossman has also played a key role in creating Greater Fort Lauderdale's new brand image - the image of a sophisticated, cosmopolitan vacation destination offering world-class cultural events, year-round recreation, fine dining, and first-rate entertainment. “We have been very fortunate to work with the Rainbow Alliance as we recognize the significance and economic value of the GLBT market,” commented Grossman in her address to the group during the meeting.

With its newly appointed Board of Directors, the Rainbow Alliance will carry on its work toward becoming a leader in the hospitality and lodging industry and continue to work closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Over $450,000 has been earmarked in the upcoming year’s CVB budget to promote Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier gay destination in the United States.

Another source of funding comes from VISIT FLORIDA, the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida. Nicki E. Grossman was recently named its Chairperson for 2007-2008 and confirmed that $175,000 has been allocated toward promoting Florida to gay and lesbian visitors. VISIT FLORIDA markets and facilitates travel to and within Florida for the benefit of its residents, economy and travel and tourism industry.

Roger Handevidt, Chairman of the Rainbow Alliance, is grateful for the partnership that the Rainbow Alliance enjoys with the county’s top tourism promotion organizations. “Our vision for the future would not be possible without the support of the CVB and VISIT FLORIDA,” Handevidt stated.

If you would like more information about the Rainbow Alliance, please contact Jennifer Morales at (305) 519-1876 or via e-mail to jennifer@sidelinessports.com.

For more information on VISIT FLORIDA, visit www.visitflorida.com. For more information on Greater Fort Lauderdale, contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, 100 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, visit www.sunny.org or call 800-22-SUNNY (in the U.S. and Canada).

###

If you'd like more information about Sidelines Sports Bar, please call Jennifer Morales at (305) 519-1876 or contact us.