It's All Here

Last week your GBSA staff got up early to catch the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston en route to a few days in Port Ludlow. After a foggy 20 minutes crossing the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula and the Hood Canal bridge, we arrived to the glowing smile of Susan Windle, Senior Sales Manager at the Inn at Port Ludlow.

Strategy!

Susan had helped arrange a staff retreat for us, offering a perfect opportunity to get out of the city for a night and decompress after a long (but rewarding!) season of renewals, the next edition of the Guide, two galas, and more. She set us up in the Olympic Room and Andrew Suite, a separate area designed to hold small conferences and comfortable retreats like ours. Led by the esteemed and fabulous Barbara Grant, we spent the next day and a half strategizing and developing plans for the coming year. Our meeting space had everything we could want (including some tremendous views) and Steven took care of us every step of the way.

Of course, as much as we all love staff retreats, the best part came after the work was done. Some of us chose to quietly relax on our balconies overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, watching the river otters scamper down the banks into Ludlow Bay and bald eagles swoop down just feet away. Others enjoyed very refreshing happy hour cocktails on the sunny porch of the Fireside Restaurant. 

Seven courses of the best Northwestern cuisine

However it was the incredible dinner that was the crowning event of the evening - we were treated to a seven-course feast with wine pairings, presented to us by Anne Sackett, Inn at Port Ludlow’s highly acclaimed Cellar Master who is currently studying for the level 2 sommelier. Curated by Anne, Fireside's wine list received the 2014 Washington State Grand Wine Award. From crostini, soup, salmon, blueberry granita, asparagus with egg mimosa, the tenderest beef, and a heavenly chocolate mousse, each course was a pure delight. And considering the sheer number and variety of allergies across the staff, it was nearly a miracle that the kitchen under Chef Dan Ratigan was able to sate us all. The menu was a bounty of locally sourced riches and was a unique experience for many of us around the table.

A nice view to wake up to

The rooms, too, were beyond compare. With some of the most comfortable mattresses we have ever slept on, not to mention the fireplaces in every room. A coworker adds “My favorite thing was the fireplace in the rooms and the HUGE tub with bath salts! For a high-strung person who isn’t usually able to relax, I was able to do so in just one day there.” Coffee makers in each room, and small private balconies to read the paper (or check Facebook) in the morning as the early morning mist clears to reveal the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. And, really, we’re all Northwesterners here… a day of fog can soothe our souls, and there is no better place to experience it than along Ludlow Bay.

And, we’re almost ashamed to admit it, but if you just can’t quite unplug while away for the weekend, the wireless connection was excellent.

The Inn at Port Ludlow is a luxurious place to rest at the end of the day, but also offers convenient access to many other attractions of the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas. From the Resort at Port Ludlow’s famous golf course (named “Most Scenic in the World” by Esquire) and 300-slip marina (including kayak and skiff rentals), to the abundant hiking opportunities around the eastern slopes of the Olympic Mountains, to the exceptional wildlife viewing, there is no shortage of options for any taste. Several members of the GSBA staff were able to extend their stays into the holiday weekend and enjoyed visiting nearby Port Hadlock and Port Angeles, as well as the wineries on Bainbridge Island.

For both a fabulous work retreat and a relaxing personal getaway, it’s safe to say that the GSBA staff unanimously and enthusiastically recommends the Inn at Port Ludlow.

This is serious work, people.

5 Questions with Victoria Odell

A big welcome to our new Business Development Manager! We are very excited to have Victoria in the office with us. She can be reached at VictoriaO@thegsba.org.

Welcome, Victoria! Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I originally hail from New York and made the move to Seattle in 2002. My heart belongs to NY so I visit my family, my old neighborhoods, and try to attend the US Open (tennis) every year. I love the game, be it playing or watching. I am so passionate about tennis I became a board member of the Seattle Tennis Alliance, the largest LGBT tennis organization in the Puget Sound. We need more woman members so please contact me if you’re interested in hearing more! Food, wine, travel, and biking are the pillars of my leisure time. Nothing beats a great meal, with a well-crafted Washington wine, after a great ride, with the occasional intercontinental adventure for good measure. 2016 Olympics, here I come!

                                                                                                                                   

What did you do before coming to GSBA?

Prior to GSBA I was primarily focused in sales and marketing roles within the hospitality industry.  In hospitality, I focused on business development and client services with such organizations as the Sorrento Hotel, Columbia Hospitality-Talaris Conference Center, as well as my own company Seattle Swirl. Any organization I have been professionally associated with has become a GSBA member, if they weren’t already.

What are you looking forward to most in this role?

I have been a GSBA member since 2008, a past board member, and I am excited to be an integral part in helping the organization grow and flourish. As the business development manager, I look forward to engaging with existing members and “to be” members. I am also looking forward to growing the travel and tourism initiative, as my previous experience lends itself to this program.

What are some of your favorite memories from the Board or as a member?

Getting to know fellow board members are some of my most cherished memories. It was an honor to be on a board with such an impressive group of people. The education and experience I gained from such a talented and dedicated group of people has been invaluable to me personally and professionally.  What had to be most thrilling memory, was being invited to raise the Pride flag on top of the Space Needle for the first time in 2010. 

What are you looking forward to this summer?

I am mostly looking forward to all the upcoming Summer events in the Seattle area and beyond. Fremont's Solstice Parade and Fair, Pride Festivities, Tamara Murphy's event Burning Beast, and of course the US Open. 

Meet Mark, Our New Director of Programs & Fund Development

5 Questions with Mark Rosén

Our new Director of Programs and Fund Development is a face that most of you will recognize. We are very excited to welcome him in this new role with GSBA!

Welcome, Mark! What did you do before joining the GSBA staff? 

I had a long career in the beauty service industry and was a salon owner for over 20 years. During that time I had the opportunity to travel and teach nationally with several major product companies, including as a global educator with the Aveda Corporation. The most important lesson I learned in my salon career was the value of building relationships, which is part of what I bring to my new role at GSBA. 

You aren't actually new to GSBA. How were you involved with the organization before 2015? 

I’m a longtime GSBA member (over 17 years) and supporter of the GSBA Scholarship Fund. My salon was named Business of the Year in 2005. I had the honor of serving as Board Chair for three years and also as Scholarship Chair. I've served on just about every standing committee and have loved the opportunity to connect with so many great GSBA members. One of the most fun things I can add is that I spearheaded the return of the GSBA Briefcase Brigade, which was an early Pride Parade tradition. I can proudly say that I am the most uncoordinated member of the brigade, having made it to the front page of the Seattle Times with the caption “Members of the GSBA Briefcase Brigade attempt to stay in step”!

What are some of your favorite memories as past Board and Scholarship Chair or as a member?

My favorite memories all revolve around the successes we have seen with the growth of the Scholarship Fund! Every year I've met incredible scholars and hear their moving stories. I've had the honor of supporting some of our past scholars as they prepare to present at our events, and I've been thrilled to see new donors come on board with the same passion I share for supporting our future leaders. Of course there’s also the thrill of raising the Pride flag and the Equality Washington flag on the top of the Space Needle! 

This is a new role in the office. What are you looking forward to most?

I’m most looking forward to exploring how we can continue to grow as an organization to offer our members the most value with our programs and use our voice to advocate for important business and social issues, as well as seeing the continued growth of our Scholarship Fund and its important mission of creating future leaders.

You helped organize the Wine District at the TASTE of GSBA. What are some of your favorite Washington wines, wine experiences, or winery members?

As a Washington wine geek, I have loved connecting my wine-making friends with the GSBA! It’s been a thrill to have them see the importance of what we do as an organization and support us through their participation. TASTE of GSBA has definitely become a great Washington wine event, and I loved hearing from Bart Fawbush of Bartholomew Winery that our guests are the most knowledgeable wine enthusiasts of any event he does. We now have winery supporters from all over the state, with a lineup last year that included so many favorites: Laurelhurst, Nota Bene, Fidelitas, Elsom, El Corazon, Va Piano, Bartholomew, Goose Ridge and more! That’s a pretty amazing list! 

Meet Mandy

Mandy Domer joined the GSBA team two weeks before the TASTE as our Office Manager. Be sure to say hi to her when you come by the office.

Welcome Mandy! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a Midwestern girl who moved to Seattle in 2010 and instantly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. My closet is way too small for all my dresses and since Seattle has some of the best vintage stores in the country, it keeps getting smaller! I’m outgoing and love meeting new people so stop by and say hi!

What did you do before coming to GSBA?

I graduated with a BS in Fashion Merchandising from Kent State University and became the Brand Marketing Manager of a luxury furniture store in Cleveland right out of school. Once in Seattle, I became the Event and Marketing Manager at Rise n’ Shine (now Inspire Youth Project), a local nonprofit that provides support to children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS and at-risk youth who have faced abuse, neglect and homelessness, after volunteering with the organization for a year.

How was your first TASTE of GSBA?

The TASTE this year was amazing! Seeing a crowd of that many people come together for the same cause, have so much fun AND raise a record breaking $737,000 for the Scholarship Fund made it a very inspiring evening and I’m already excited to help make next year’s event even better!

What are you looking forward to doing here at GSBA?

I’m just really excited to be part of this diverse and amazing group of people that all have such a strong commitment to the support of the LGBT community.

What is your favorite thing about living on Capitol Hill?

The people and the energy in the neighborhood are my favorite in the whole city! There is always something to do, but my two absolute favorite things about living on the Hill are the bottomless mimosa at The Lookout and burgers at Linda’s.

5 Questions with Alysa Rosen, GSBA’s New Membership Services Manager

Alysa Rosen is the new GSBA Membership Services Manager. If you have any questions about joining the organization, expanding your involvement, or about what benefits are available to you, don't hesitate to reach out to her at AlysaR [at] thegsba.org.

Welcome, Alysa! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Houston, TX, and received my master of science in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. Go Longhorns! In addition, I completed a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Washington in 2012. In my free time, I help organize events and programming for Kolenu, Seattle’s Jewish LGBT group. I also enjoy hiking, taking classes at Jet City Improv, reading great fiction, learning how to cook and seeing live music.  

What is your favorite hike?

I love so many of the hikes right off of I-90, like Little Si, Twin Falls and Tiger Mountain. But I think my favorite hike these days is Rattlesnake Ledge. I’m actually heading there this weekend! It’s a gorgeous, winding hike through the forest that ends in spectacular views of the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Lake and Chester Morse Lake. If the weather is warm enough, the lake is a great place to cool off in afterwards.

What is a memorable live performance you have seen recently?

I recently had the privilege of seeing Led to Sea live at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard. I have seen violist-violinist Alex Guy before and have always been impressed, but this time she had an incredible cellist and drummer accompany her. I was honestly transfixed. If you get a chance, go see her!

What did you do before coming to GSBA?

As the Membership and Program Director of Temple Beth Am, a 900-household liberal synagogue here in Seattle, I had the privilege of recruiting, welcoming and integrating over 200 new member households into our community during my five years there. I worked with our board of directors, senior leadership and membership to plan and execute programs and events to foster engagement, ensure our members were happy and would continue their annual support of the synagogue. Additionally, I built and supervised a robust volunteer corps to support new and existing programming.

What are you looking forward to doing here at GSBA?

I am excited to work for GSBA, helping to grow our membership, retain our wonderful existing members and maintain us as the premier chamber of commerce in Washington State. GSBA is truly a chamber with both a heart and a conscience. What other chamber in the country has included the term “social justice” in its mission or has devoted a large portion of its own resources and staff time to raising scholarship funds to enable LGBT and allied youth to further their education?