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Dear Greater Houston LGBTQ,
It has been a stellar month at the Chamber from welcoming new members and partners, seeing over 100 attendees at the 3rd Thursday Breakfast and hosting one of the largest First Friday Meet & Eats, the energy is unstoppable. We successfully launched the inaugural LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit, held a valuable LGBTBE® Certification 101 workshop and hosted many other impactful events along the way.
In addition, we officially kicked off the Houston Business Action to End HIV Initiative, a critical effort aimed at bringing the business community together to help end HIV in our region.
Our events continue to grow in both attendance and engagement, creating more opportunities for our members and partners to connect across the region. If you joined us at an event this past month—thank YOU! We’ve loved seeing so many familiar faces, as well as welcoming new guests into the Chamber community. It’s been a busy time, but the momentum is only building. With more exciting initiatives and events planned for the rest of the year, we’re set for an exciting finish! Be sure to check out the event calendar so you don’t miss out.
This Chamber Connection newsletter also shines a light on our fantastic members and partners, celebrating their successes and milestones. Don’t miss this issue's highlights, showcasing incredible achievements and recognition.
As we plan for 2025, it’s clear that next year will be even bigger! If you’re not yet a member, now is the perfect time to join. By becoming part of the Chamber, you’ll support our mission and make an impact by engaging, networking, and connecting with business owners, community leaders, nonprofits, and more.
But...we are not finished with 2024. Keep an eye out for our Small Biz Insights newsletter, launching next month! This monthly email is designed specifically for our small business members, providing valuable information and resources to help you thrive.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our members and partners for your ongoing support. Your investment fuels everything we do, helping us bring outstanding events and engagement opportunities throughout the year. We’re deeply grateful for your commitment.
With Pride,
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Tammi Wallace (she/her/hers)
Co-Founder and President & CEO
Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
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We kicked off the month with great food and friends at the First Friday Meet and Eat! Thank you to HiWay Cantina for hosting us! One of our fantastic member restaurants!
If you weren’t able to join us this month, mark your calendar for Friday, October 4 when we will be dining at one of our newest member restaurants, Weights + Measures.
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We had a phenomenal inaugural LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit! The feedback is off the charts. Thank you to Amegy Bank for hosting the Summit and to United for your sponsorship. And…to our amazing keynote speaker, Jayzen Patria, we are grateful to you for sharing your expertise and insights.
This day was about light bulb moments, connection, networking and building community across our Impact Partners. We can’t wait for THE Summit next year! If you’re company is interested in getting involved with the Chamber or supporting THE Summit, we’d love to talk!
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This month's 3rd Thursday Breakfast: Arts, Culture + Business Edition was a huge success! A BIG thank you to our amazing sponsor, Out for Education and to our incredible featured speakers from Alley Theatre, Houston Grand Opera, STAGES and Theatre Under The Stars for sharing their insights on the intersection of arts, culture, and business in our community!
The event was full of energy, collaboration, and inspiration as we explored how the arts are a driving force in Greater Houston.
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Chamber Launches Houston Business to End HIV Initiative | | |
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Just this week, the Chamber, in collaboration with the Health Action Alliance, launched the Houston
Business to End HIV Initiative. The initiative is a coalition of Houston area businesses committed to ending the HIV epidemic.
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The launch event included a great lineup of speakers and panelists who joined us to launch this important initiative. | |
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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.
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2024 HBJ WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS AWARDS | |
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Outstanding Business Leader in Government and Education
- Porscha Jackson, Business Development Manager, City of Houston
Outstanding Business Leader in Health Care
- Chree Boydstun, Chief Development Officer, Legacy Community Health Services
- Yasmene McDaniel, CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast
- Anne Neeson, Executive Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Foundation, Memorial Hermann Health System
- Vernicka Sales, Chief of Population Health and Legacy Performance Services, Legacy Community Health
Outstanding Business Leader in Hospitality, Restaurant and Retailing
- Nicki Keenan, Senior Vice President of Sales, Fertitta Entertainment
- Jill Maxwell, Director of Sales, American Liberty Hospitality
Outstanding Business Leader in Professional Services
- Jenny Gustafson, CEO, Like Minds Communications
- Michelle Ngome, Outreach Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
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CHAMBER'S STANDARDS OF CONDUCT & BUSINESS ETHICS | |
JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER! Upon joining the Chamber, all members agree to abide by the Chamber's Standards of Conduct & Business Ethics. We encourage all of our members to review the Standards of Conduct & Business Ethics here. | |
Huge congratulations to Dr. Jessica Truscott with Brazoria County Pride on being recognized as 'Citizen of the Year' by the Brazosports Facts. Way to go Jessica! Thank you for your leadership and advocacy on behalf of the queer community in Brazoria County. | |
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Charlie McIntyre, director of coffee for New Heights Coffee Roasters, prepares an espresso-based drink for a customer a few days after the shop opening. (Cassandra Jenkins/Community Impact) | |
Congratulations to Chamber Member business New Heights Coffee Roasters on opening their first coffee shop inside the Asch Building on Studewood Street earlier this month. | |
Congratulations to Chamber Member business Elation Physical Therapy on being named one of Houston Business Journal's Top 15 Hispanic-owned Businesses! Also to Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr. who was recently recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as a Community Impact Award Recipient. | |
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Congratulations Chamber Member eXP Realty | Ilich Ramirez on being named one of Johnson Development's Grange by Johnson Development Realtor Rangers to act as an ambassador for a new, soon-to-be-developed community in Katy.
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Do you have some good news to share? From time to time, the Chamber highlights significant accomplishments, big milestones and other good news about our Members and Corporate Partners. Please submit news about your member business via the form below. | |
President's Circle Member All-Pro Auto Reconditioning began its journey in Houston, Texas, in 1994. Starting with a single dealer, they expanded to serve over 200 dealers nationwide. Rooted in hands-on expertise, All-Pro's leadership stands distinct. Led by Brandon Berryman, who began his career as an interior technician, their executive team brings a wealth of knowledge from all corners of the auto industry. Their collective first-hand experience in vehicle reconditioning underscores our dedication to delivering unparalleled service. | |
CATALYST INVESTOR IMPACT PARTNERS | |
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBER | |
ARTS, CULTURE & BUSINESS MEMBER | |
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MEMBERS | |
THANK YOU RENEWING IMPACT PARTNERS AND CHAMBER MEMBERS | |
CATALYST INVESTOR IMPACT PARTNERS | |
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBER | |
CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW LGBTBE® CERTIFIED CHAMBER MEMBERS | | |
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Chamber Leadership attended the Houston LGBTQ+ Caucus’ 15th Annual Equality Brunch. The Caucus was founded in 1975 and works to elect pro-equality candidates. | |
Ryan Wilson, Director of Corporate Relations, was a guest on the long running show Queer Voices on KPFT. He shared information about the mission and work of the Chamber. | |
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Chamber Leadership joined the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority for reception to share updates on the Buy Houston. Buy Houston. Supplier Diversity Program and FIFA World Cup ’26 Houston. It was wonderful to see some of our members and partners in the room. Check out houstonsports.org/buyhoustonbyhouston/ to learn more. | |
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Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, toured the Harris County Elections Department Headquarters with a group of local leaders as part of Pillars of the Community. This initiative is working with local community leaders to bolster public faith in the American election system and its officials. Learn more at pillarsofthecommunity.org.
This informative tour was conducted by Harris County Clerk Teneisha Hudspeth, Hector DeLeon, Senior Advisor for Governmental Affairs & Public Engagement, and other team members.
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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.
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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 business or organization!
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ADP | Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas | |
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Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com
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