July 2024

Well...July was NOT what we expected. Our team took off the first week to take a needed break after a very busy and successful Pride Month. Little did we know that we would spend the latter part of the week planning for a major hurricane but, as we always do, we jumped into disaster response mode.

We know it has been a difficult month for our members and community. We are committed to bringing you the latest disaster recovery resources to help during this incredibly difficult time in our city and region. Read more about our Beryl response below and how to access needed resources.

As this email lands in your inbox, next week we will be heading to Palm Springs for the National LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) International Business & Leadership Conference. The conference is the world's largest LGBTQ+ business event where innovation meets inclusivity, and where global leaders unite for a brighter, more connected future. We are excited to connect with our LGBTQ+ chamber colleagues, from across the country, as well as see many of our members and Impact Partners. Keep an eye out on social media for our daily recap of the conference.

Please take some time to read through this newsletter issue and catch up on some of the fun over Pride Month and check out what is on tap for a very busy month ahead. If you are not a member of the Chamber, now is a great time to get engaged and connect with community.

View more events by visiting the Chamber Event Calendar

As we all work to recover from Hurricane Beryl, the Chamber has been actively providing recovery resources, reaching out to members and collaborating with local entities such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and LiftFund to get needed recovery information to our members and community.

Within 24 hours of landfall, the Chamber Team was calling and emailing our members to check in and get a sense of damage and need. Immediately, we set-up the Chamber's Disaster Recovery Page (CDRP), which we are regularly updating with recovery resources and information. In addition, we are sending out a weekly Hurricane Beryl email each Tuesday to share new resources and information.

Our strategic partner, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is hosting a series of Disaster Assistance Information Sessions. You can view the recording from one of the most recent sessions here.

Please reach out to the Chamber Office if you need assistance. 

First Friday Meet & Eat at new Chamber member restaurant Gotti's. One of our newest members! Thank you to Gotti's for hosting us.

What a morning at the Chamber's 3rd Thursday breakfast! It was a fantastic chance to reconnect post-Hurricane Beryl and catch up with friends and colleagues.

More than 75 enthusiastic attendees networked and heard from featured speaker, Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen, as she informed us of her vital role in our community.

Special thank you to our sponsor, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and our Featured Member Showcase members AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Aussie Pet Mobile, Harris County Clerk and Stan's Hands Massage and Wellness for their continued support of the Chamber!

BE A PART OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!

The Chamber calendar is regularly updated, so please check back often. Our Events Calendar provides the details and all you have to do is register. We hope you'll join us - as always, we'd love to see you! We have so many ways to engage and be involved every month.

LGBTQ+ WORKPLACE ALLIANCE COUNCIL

Milestone! We have launched the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Council. Thank you to these amazing leaders for stepping up to serve on the Council.

The purpose of the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Council is to help raise the visibility for the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Program and make recommendations to Chamber staff for impactful events, programs, awards, and other activities that bring value for Chamber Impact Partners and generate support for the program.  

The Council plays a vital role in engagement and retention of new partners. In addition, the Council is focused on engaging current Chamber Impact Partners to maximize their partnership and growing existing support for the Chamber’s primary mission of promoting LGBTQ+ economic inclusion.



The LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Council members are appointed by the Chamber President & CEO and primarily engage with the Director of Corporate Relations and Chamber President & CEO. For more information, contact Ryan Wilson.

Congratulations to LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance 2024 President Anita Legacy Blue! She has been named as a 2024 HousingWire Woman of Influence. The Women of Influence program recognizes the outstanding efforts of women who are driving the housing economy forward. She is also a tremendous champion for our work at the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance is a Chamber Collaboration Partner.

Congratulations to Natasha Cherednichenko, who was recently appointed to the role of President of Certarus. Natasha has been a strong advocate for our partnership with Certarus. We are proud to call Certarus one of our Chamber Impact Partners.

Congratulations to Winston Labbé on being named Deputy District Director of the SBA Houston District Office.

Since 2021, Winston has served as the Lead Lender Relations Specialist where he led SBA lending efforts across the district. Prior to joining the SBA, Winston was SVP/Chief Lending Officer for a local community

bank, and he has over 25 years of commercial lending experience. Winston will now manage the Houston District Office team while aiding District Director Mark Winchester in overseeing the delivery of SBA programs and services across 32 counties in southeastern Texas.

We are proud to call the SBA a Chamber Strategic Partner.

And...more congrats for Chamber Member Let's Talk About Gay Stuff on celebrating 5 years of the podcast.

Learn more about the podcast and listen to episodes at https://letstalkaboutgaystuff.com.

FEATURED MEMBER

As part of our partnership with Sesh Coworking, we are proud to highlight them as a Featured Member. Sesh is one of our President's Circle Members. 

As a valued member of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, members receive a complimentary day pass each month for workspace use! Additionally, take advantage of discounted rates on booking our premium conference rooms, event spaces, and more. 

Contact Sesh at hello@seshcoworking.com to schedule your personalized tour and unlock these exceptional offerings! Sesh is your #1 office sidekick! 

CATALYST INVESTOR IMPACT PARTNER

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBER

BUSINESS CONNECT MEMBERS

THANK YOU RENEWING IMPACT PARTNERS AND CHAMBER MEMBERS

EQUITY INVESTOR

CATALYST INVESTOR

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

BUSINESS CONNECT MEMBERS

Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, joined a group of business and nonprofit leaders to meet with U.S. Small Business Administration Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez, Jr., to discuss disaster recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Beryl and the recent derecho.

NOT A CHAMBER MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!

It’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community. The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is the leading regional advocate for the economic and civic interests of the LGBTQ+ business community. Whether you're an LGBTQ+ or Allied-owned business, a large company, or a professional or young professional you can get involved with us. Chamber membership is comprised of a wide array of entrepreneurs, executives, small businesses, and Fortune 500 firms. Learn more about membership benefits and levels.



Stay up to date on the latest happenings Follow the Chamber on social media!

Also, check out the Facebook and LinkedIn Member Groups where member can post information about their organizations. Are you a new Chamber Member? Post up an intro video and let us know about you and your member organization!



ADP | Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce 

www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com