Double Down with Daniel

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the membership of the Pride Chamber of Orlando gathered at the Hard Rock Café at Universal for their annual gala and to honor their outstanding business members of the year. They needed celebration. Moreso, they needed inspiration. Anti-LGBTQ+ movements across the nation have dismantled much of the progress done in 20 years, whipped away in only two. Most of them come from initiatives started in Florida.

They needed a champion. Daniel Sohn, their newly appointed president/CEO stepped up to the podium, and up to the plate.

“My friends, in our great nation, we have always strived for a more perfect union, where the promises of freedom and equality extend to every corner of our society.

One of the most profound ways that we can measure the progress on this journey is through that of economics.

From the early pioneers who risked their livelihoods to establish LGBTQ+ owned businesses to the allies who stood shoulder to shoulder with them.

These entrepreneurs have created jobs, fueled innovation, and contributed to the vibrancy of our community and to our economy.

Their success is a collective testament to the enduring American spirit of entrepreneurship.”

His words captured their attention. His zeal captured their hope.

“Our country has come a long way in recognizing the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ people.

As our keynote speaker shared, we have seen the progress made through legislation, from the legalization of same-sex marriage to the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

It is true that these milestones represent the triumph of human rights over discrimination, and they bear testament to the power of our collective voice.

But let us not be complacent in our accomplishments, my friends. We must acknowledge tonight that despite these advances, there is still far too much work to be done- Much of that work right here in the State of Florida.

We know that there is far more work to be done when a two term Florida Governor who championed Anti DEI initiatives in our state’s public schools is a candidate for the highest o ce in the land but in the most diverse and inclusive country in the world.

We know that there is far too much work to do my friends when the United States House of Representatives selects a speaker to represent them who introduced a federal Don’t Say Gay Bill, Co-sponsored a gender affirming care ban, and knowingly served as a paid national spokesperson for an anti LGBTQIA+ hate group identified by the same body that selected him.

And we know that there is far too much work to do right here in our own community when we join together to paint over the walls of our local LGBTQ+ Community Center because overnight it was vandalized with hateful words and imagery.

Yes, my friends, tonight we do celebrate, but we know all too well that the fight for true equality is far from over.

While we know the path ahead may be challenging, let’s remember that history has taught us that progress is not always linear. It is often punctuated by moments of great adversity and courage.

(Said in Somber tone) We’ve been here before. Our community has been here before. We Remember.”

Suddenly, every member in the room understood why Daniel Sohn was selected to lead.

Sohn is the national president of the United States Business Consortium (USBC), a non-pro t business advocacy organization, as well as president and CEO of the Pride Chamber, Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ Ally Business Association. Needless to say, he is an impressive and imposing individual, both to his absolute commitment to business, commerce, and political advancement, as well as his proud and steadfast advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights, opportunities, and progress.

I think the biggest thing is change—not necessarily change for yourself, but change you want to make within an organization for the better.

In a fast-growing, ever-changing world, Sohn is a man privileged and responsible for navigating the busy, complicated intersection of politics, economics, and society — as well as self-expression and an embracing and championing of queer presence and involvement.

Outside of work, Sohn is happily married to his husband, cares deeply for their five dogs, and is an avid hockey fan, which might be humorously ironic considering that the majority of his time is spent between Florida and California. Regarding his professional background, Sohn was a former legislative aide in the Florida Legislature as District Secretary for Rep. Hazelle P. Rogers (2010-2012) and State Sen. Maria Sachs (2014); and on the county level as Chief of Sta to Palm Beach County Soil & Water Conservation Supervisor, Patricia "Pat" Edmonson. Following his service, as a staffer, Sohn was elected to the Haverhill City Council where he made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ city council member and the first bisexual person elected to public office in the state of Florida. In addition to his background in government positions, a large emphasis within his career has been on economic development.

Sohn was eager and enthusiastic to discuss the concept of leadership, and what being a leader means to him, including the greatest challenges faced. While he professed that he is very “coachable” and has never had a problem with criticism, “I think the biggest thing is “change—” Sohn had to say, “—not necessarily change for yourself, but change you want to make within an organization for the better.” People get complacent, but a good leader moves forward, which includes letting people go when they no longer align with “the goals of the mission.” He spoke of a “new generation of leaders:” individuals who have the ability to be flexible in a dynamic world and have the courage to stay true to ideals. “If we are not constantly updating our beliefs and values

CONSORTIUM ROLE

As it stands now, the USBC is composed of five focus areas derived from the federal level:

1. Diversity, equity, inclusion in the workplace (including, as mentioned, African Americans, Latinos, women, LGBTQ+);

2. Access to capital;

3. Native and tribal affairs;

4 and 5. Technology and infrastructure in rural communities.

CHAMBER ROLE

A chamber of commerce is an organization of business owners and entrepreneurs who promote the interests of their local business-community. Chambers of commerce provide access to valuable resources, discounts, and relationships that help businesses save money and market their products.

(a paraphrase taken admirably from Secretary Hillary Clinton quoting another person), we’re not doing our job as humans,” Sohn asserted.

Double Duty

Aside, of course, from the USBC, Sohn is rst and foremost the President and CEO of the Pride Chamber of Central Florida. “I am a proud, openly LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce executive. My day job is my gay job!” remarked Sohn excitedly, emphasizing the inevitable link between the USBC and the Pride Chamber. When asked what primarily the association between the USBS and the Pride Chamber was, with a proud chuckle he quickly proclaimed “Me!”.

Sohn gets “the best of both worlds:” LGBTQ+ and business advocacy. The chamber strives for equality and equal opportunity in the world of business and politics, and works closely with several other interest groups, including Latinos, African Americans, and women. In fact, driven by the tremendous e orts of the Pride Chamber, the large number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed by Governor Ron Desantis were swiftly challenged, essentially declaring the situation an emergency requiring immediate attention. “I happen to be a business leader who is a proud LGBT American,” Sohn affirmed. He is vocal about queer rights, both in business and society in general, insisting that his passion and engagement are only increasing.

The impact of the chamber in Florida did not happen overnight, however, but required, through Sohn’s leadership and guidance, a vast consolidation of dedicated individuals determined to build and support the community at large.

A man of many hats, the conversation turns naturally to the USBC. The US Business Consortium began as the East Bay Business Education Alliance in 1991. When the EBBEA was first conceived in the 1990’s, it was only a private organization in California. It went through a major restructuring in 2005 to start becoming an entity of “business leaders and economic development advocates serving the shared need to address many of the challenges nationwide, and was restructured from a c(3) to a c(6)” said Sohn. Over the years, the organization expanded its

membership by over one hundred economic developers, chamber of commerce executives, and destination marketing professionals, who are either employed by their respective counties, cities, or states. In 2022, the organization changed its name to U.S. Business Consortium, upon the time Sohn assumed leadership.

While the USBC does not necessarily afford resources, it is vital as an organization that drafts the policies that allow those businesses to function in the first place, including small businesses as well as larger corporations. Members of the organization are primarily responsible for working directly with elected officials at various levels to optimize these efficiency and efficacy of business-communities. Businesses are the engine and the USBC is at the wheel allowing for the best direction.

While Sohn is now leading the show, he has been a contributing member since the early days, and the USBC has undoubtedly come a long way since its inception. He is determined to see the organization grow, to see more members participate. It’s necessary for more chambers to join, ensuring that represented businesses have “a voice at the table,” Sohn emphasized. Diversi cation, according to him, must also increase, especially as it pertains to task forces of the focus areas within the USBC.

Lead by Example

With that said, Sohn in his leadership role is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He expounded upon a particular opportunity that brought him to Wisconsin to meet with local dairy farmers, explaining that there is technology necessary to successfully move milk from farm to home. For example, there are barcodes on cows entering barns that will not register without proper access to the internet. Such industries cannot function without technology, so Sohn and his associates work hand-in-hand with both interest groups and elected officials to ensure optimal conditions for these businesses, again, both on smaller and corporate levels. It is the responsibility of Daniel and the USBC to ensure that adequate tax dollars go to such businesses, and to obtain donations and partnerships that might afford funds and means.

As a true leader, Sohn has a very particular vision of what a prospective member of the USBC looks like. “The organization itself is an economic development advocacy organization made up of members who are doing work across the country in their communities.” One can clearly recognize that primarily his role is to supervise and consolidate the various efforts of a diverse range of groups and individuals with a multitude of needs and wants. “When policies allow businesses to thrive,” added Sohn, “businesses do well, employees do well, and they spend money in our communities.”

Sohn is a busy man. When I spoke with him in the middle of August, he had just returned from a three-week trip: a week each in Denver, California, and D.C. Partly for leisure, he was verily and actively engaged in multiple conferences, talks and forums concerning current business trends, policies, and a number of political agendas.

In Denver the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Conference was held for leadership training, as well as “developing fellowship in the business world,” according to Sohn. His visit to D.C. was for the purpose of beginning to plan and organize the annual summit, where new o cers are generally sworn in.

When asked what was one or the most recent projects with which Sohn was associated, his response quickly highlighted one in particular. It concerned the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. Imperial Valley is also the location where he was tasked with bringing together several chambers of commerce from various locales within Southern California, part of a 22-year endeavor that Daniel proudly saw to fruition.

In Antioch, California, the Small Business Investment Center was launched, which is a “three-year business incubator,” explained Sohn, and the creation of the Antioch Visitors Convention Bureau, which is focusing on repairs in tourism and hospitality post-Covid. These programs are proposed to support the hardest hit industries following Covid, including hospitality and tourism, further divided into Food and Beverage, Events and Recreation, and Hotels and Lodging. Thanks to the efforts of Sohn as president of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau, these arenas, which are so fundamental to the success of a community, are being afforded much needed revival.

What Sohn, the USBC, and the Pride Chamber of central Florida are doing is inspiring, passionate, necessary work. There is invariably a strong interplay between the arenas of social, economic, and political. Voices need to be heard; changes must be made. Businesses require certain things to be able to function at optimal levels, and policies on all levels must be put in place to achieve this. LGBTQ+ rights, representation and advocacy of the queer community must additionally be diligently tended to along the lines of equality, inclusivity, and opportunity. Sohn is vastly proud and excited of the work that he and his associates are doing, and they are only nding new, innovative means to reach their goals, fully bring their mission to fruition, and further their respective organizations.

Sohn’s closing words during his memorable speech at the Gala Awards said it all: “I'd like to ask our community to stand with The Pride Chamber as together we launch a new initiative that represents an important step in the right direction.”

A step in the right direction, indeed.