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Members and Supporters,
After a powerful Pride Month and a brief post-Pride pause to recharge, the Chamber team got back in full swing and it's been a busy July! Pride Month may be behind us, but the work of building connection, visibility, economic opportunity, and community continues year-round.
In this edition, we’re sharing Chamber reflections, member news, upcoming events, opportunities to engage, and important calls to action for our members and community partners. As we continue celebrating the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and Decade of Impact, we are grateful for the members, partners, and supporters who keep showing up, leaning in, and helping move this work forward.
Warmly,
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Tammi Wallace (she/her)
Co-Founder, President & CEO
Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Not a member yet? There’s never been a better time to get involved! Join now.
| | Pride Month Ends. Our Work Does Not. | | |
As Pride Month came to a close, Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO Tammi Wallace reflected on the highs, the heartbreak, and the resilience of our community.
This June reminded us why visibility matters, why community matters, and why the work must continue beyond Pride Month.
At the Chamber, we are grateful for every moment of connection, celebration, advocacy, and impact — and we remain committed to building on this Decade of Impact for the next ten years and beyond.
Pride Month ends. Our work does not.
👉 Read the full reflection on the Chamber Blog.
| | We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chamber member Pamela Johns and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved her. A longtime member of the Chamber community, Pam’s support, engagement, and presence meant so much to us over the years. We are grateful for the lasting impact she made and we hold all who are mourning this tremendous loss in our thoughts during this difficult time. | | |
Today, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce released a statement regarding the recent federal court ruling affecting the City of Houston's Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) contracting program.
For more than four decades, this program has helped expand access to public contracting opportunities for businesses that have historically faced systemic barriers. Supplier diversity programs do not eliminate competition or guarantee contracts. They help ensure that more qualified businesses have a meaningful opportunity to compete.
Houston's diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and our economy is strongest when every qualified business has the opportunity to participate. Small and diverse businesses create jobs, strengthen communities, drive innovation, and contribute to a more resilient regional economy.
The Chamber remains committed to advocating for fair access, inclusive procurement, and an economy where every qualified business has the opportunity to compete, grow, and succeed.
Read our full statement: https://tinyurl.com/m6wusj7v
| | MEDIA REQUEST - HOUSTON CHRONICLE | |
A reporter from the Houston Chronicle is looking for Chamber members who may be open to sharing how today’s harsh political landscape is impacting the economic well-being of the LGBTQ+ community (e.g., lost sponsorship opportunities, decreasing sales or related challenges).
This outreach is part of a larger story focused on the economic downturn across minority communities caused by political volatility.
If you are an LGBTQ+-owned business and willing to be interviewed, please email info@houstonlgbtchamber.com.
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New Data:
Inclusion Retreats Could Cost Companies LGBTQ+ Consumers
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Recently, the HRC Foundation released its Pride In the Marketplace 26 report. The LGBTQ+ consumer sentiment report, using data collected by Community Marketing & Insights (CMI), reveals that LGBTQ+ consumers remain among the most values-driven and economically influential consumer segments.
The report states that, “Representing more than $1.4 trillion in annual purchasing power in the United States and more than $3.9 trillion globally, LGBTQ+ consumers are not simply observing corporate behavior, they are responding to it.”
Key takeaways from the report include:
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71.5% of LGBTQ+ consumers report buying fewer products from companies perceived as reducing inclusion commitments.
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69.4% report refusing purchases from those businesses altogether at least some of the time.
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69.5% report increasing spending with businesses they perceive as supportive.
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65.0% report intentionally directing purchases toward brands committed to inclusion.
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Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber
of Commerce
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As the Chamber celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary and a Decade of Impact, we are honored to share reflections from members, partners, and leaders whose journeys have been shaped by connection, visibility, and community.
When the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce was still just an idea, it took people with vision, courage, and a deep belief in what our community could build together to help bring it to life - A.J. Mistretta was one of those people.
| | As a member of the Chamber’s Founding Leadership Council, he played an important role in helping shape the early foundation of an organization created to advance LGBTQ+ economic inclusion, visibility, and opportunity across the Greater Houston region. His voice, leadership, and commitment helped turn a shared need into a lasting institution for our community. | | Tony Vedda Reflects on the Calling of LGBTQ+ Chamber Work | | |
At the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce honored Tony Vedda with the Chamber Founders Award as part of the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and Decade of Impact celebration.
The Chamber Founders Award recognizes leaders whose vision, service, and commitment have helped strengthen LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce and advance economic inclusion for LGBTQ+ businesses, professionals, and communities.
Tony, who serves as President & CEO of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, has been a longtime champion of LGBTQ+ economic opportunity and a valued leader within the LGBTQ+ chamber movement. His support and guidance have been part of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber’s journey from the very beginning.
During the VIP Reception, Tony shared powerful remarks reflecting on the role of LGBTQ+ chambers, the urgency of this work, and why building economic power for the LGBTQ+ community matters now more than ever.
| | Amegy Bank founder still working at 90, says he'll retire when 'they bring the casket' | | |
| Chamber Media Partner, Houston Business Journal, highlights Walter Johnson, Founder of Amegy Bank. The bank is the Chamber's very first Impact Partner. | | "Amegy Bank founder Walter Johnson said he’s frequently asked if he knows when he’ll retire. That’s because even at 90 years old, Johnson continues to come into work every day." | | |
Congratulations to David Edwards, who is the outgoing Treasurer with nonprofit member Brazoria County Pride, on his recognition as one of Brazoria County’s Top Leaders Under 40 for 2026 by The Facts newspaper!
Way to go, David! Thank you for your leadership and all you do for the LGBTQ+ community in Brazoria County!
| | | 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. | | |
Call for Arts + Culture Members!
Hello Arts + Culture Members! You are invited to be a Featured Member at the Chamber’s annual Arts + Culture 3rd Thursday Breakfast in September. Our featured speaker will be Taylor Jackson, CEO, Houston Arts Alliance.
This is a great opportunity to share information about your organization, upcoming seasons, exhibits, performances, programs, and other ways Chamber members can support and engage with your work.
Interested in being featured? Please email Joe Mendoza, Membership Manager, at joe.mendoza@houstonlgbtchamber.com.
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Foundations of Impact:
Honoring Our Inaugural Partners, Inaugural Members and Founding Members
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Every milestone has a beginning—and ours was made possible by partners and members who believed in the Chamber before it became what it is today. As we celebrate a Decade of Impact, we are honored to recognize the Inaugural partners, Inaugural members, and Founding members who joined in year one and helped us build this strong foundation.
This month, we are highlighting Brooks Ballard International Real Estate and the Montrose Center.
| Brooks Ballard International Real Estate- Inaugural Member | | the Montrose Center - Inaugural Member | | As we celebrate this milestone anniversary year, we extend our deepest gratitude to Brooks Ballard International Real Estate, the Montrose Center, and all of our inaugural partners, inaugural members, and founding members. Your belief in this Chamber from the very beginning helped turn vision into reality. Because of these members, we are stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable. Together. | | |
What a Way to Celebrate Pride Month! 🌈
Last month, the City of Houston’s LGBTQ+ Economic Empowerment Coordinator role was officially designated as a full-time position.
What began as a part-time role has grown into a deeper, full-time commitment to advancing economic opportunity, connection, and access for LGBTQ+ Houstonians. This means greater capacity to connect our community — including LGBTQ+ youth, seniors, entrepreneurs, workers, and families — to workforce programs, small business resources, and City services.
This is why representation matters.
Thank you to Council Member Mario Castillo and his office for championing this role and helping move it forward through his leadership and commitment. We are also grateful to Mayor John Whitmire, Houston City Council, and the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity, a Chamber Strategic Partner, for supporting this important investment in Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce has long advocated for LGBTQ+ economic inclusion, and we are proud to see this role continue to grow as part of the City’s commitment to equity, access, and opportunity.
A meaningful step forward for our community — and for Houston.
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Exploring Life & Business with
Alexis Vargas
| | Photo credit: Voyage Houston | | We loved seeing Chamber Member Alexis Vargas with Chamber Member The Latinx Publicist highlighted in Voyage Houston. Read the recent feature here. | | Tom Griffiths Centers Connection in Galveston HIV Prevention | | Recently Tom Griffiths with Chamber nonprofit member, Access Care of Coastal Texas, was highlighted in OutSmart Magazine. Griffiths uses lived experience, recovery, and compassion to help people feel seen, supported, and connected to care. | | Tom Griffiths (Photos by Lucio Nieto, Grandson Studios) | | |
Did you know that one of the valuable membership benefits is the ability to post open job opportunities on the Chamber Jobs Board? Plus, we regularly promote listings featured on the Chamber Job Board to help expand your reach.
Posting a job is quick and easy through the Member Info Hub. Don’t miss out—take advantage of this benefit to connect with talented candidates within the Chamber community and beyond.
| | Founded in 1937, Lankford’s began as a corner grocery store in Montrose, morphed into an icehouse, and eventually became one of Houston’s most beloved burger joints; it was even featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2009. Over the last 3 years, Lankford's has expanded out to Bellaire and The Woodlands, joining the Chamber family in March of this year. We hope to see you at our First Friday Meet & Eat at Lankford's | The Woodlands, located on The Woodlands Waterway, on August 7th! | | Join the Houston Business Journal and the Chamber at Powering the Next Decade | | |
The Chamber is proud to be a Community Partner for the Houston Business Journal's upcoming Powering the Next Decade panel event on September 24. As energy demand continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, this timely discussion will explore the solutions, innovation, and leadership needed to power the future.
We hope to see you there! All members receive 50% off registration until August 20. Seats are limited, so purchase your tickets now. Discount code: lgbtq50
👉 Purchase tickets here.
We are proud to call the Houston Business Journal one of our Chamber Media Partners.
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Are you attending the NGLCC Conference?
We'd love to know so we can connect with you at the conference. Please hit reply and let us know if you'll be in sunny San Diego!
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3rd Thursday Breakfast
181 attendees. Incredible energy. Meaningful connections.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 3rd Thursday Breakfast this month at Cadillac Bar! Each month, this event continues to bring together LGBTQ+ and allied business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community partners to connect, build relationships, and strengthen our business community.
A special thank you to our breakfast sponsor, Santander Concepts, for their generous support, and to our featured speaker, Gretchen Sheirr, President of Business Operations for the Houston Rockets & Toyota Center, for an outstanding presentation. From the Rockets’ exciting new branding and Toyota Center renovations to the highly anticipated return of the Houston Comets, there was plenty to be excited about!
We’re also grateful to our Featured Members, door prize sponsors, and our wonderful hosts at Cadillac Bar for helping make another fantastic morning possible.
Be sure to check out the event photos on our Flickr channel —> https://tinyurl.com/35zxdb4v
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Connect with the Chamber
Joe Mendoza, Membership Manager, hosted our quarterly Connect with the Chamber at New Heights Coffee Roasters. Thank you to New Heights Coffee Roasters for being an incredible member and longtime supporter of the Chamber.
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AI-Ready Small Business Lab Session 3
It was another successful workshop with our expert trainer, Jha Allen, with Chamber Member Endless 8 Marketing. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this learning opportunity.
Make plans to join us for the next (and last of this year) workshop in this series on November 10. Learn more and register to reserve your spot.
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SalonTrose Ribbon Cutting
It was a fantastic morning cutting the ribbon at SalonTrose, a longtime Chamber member. We loved celebrating their incredible new space in Montrose. We were also honored to have representatives from Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher's office and Council Member Joe Panzarella's office join us for this milestone moment. Congratulations to Megan and the SalonTrose team!
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BE A PART OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!
The Chamber calendar is regularly updated, so bookmark it! We are continually updating the calendar with events so check back often. Our Event 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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Netherlands Minister Long-term Care, Youth and Sport, Ms. Drs. Mirjam Sterk/ Houston Stakeholder Reception
It was an honor to join Netherlands Minister Ms. Drs. Mirjam Sterk at a reception hosted at Chamber Member, Lymbar. Minister Sterk was here to celebrate the country's FIFA World Cup appearance as they played Sweden.
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Port Houston Boat Tour with WBEA
Thank you to Chamber Partner, Women's Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA) for inviting the Chamber to collaborate on their annual Port of Houston Boat Tour. We appreciate our members who joined us for fun afternoon and opportunity to learn more about this regional economic engine.
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Houston Area Urban League
Thank you to Houston Style Magazine for the invitation to join them at the Houston Area Urban League's annual lunch hosted at the Hilton Americas-Houston.
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Meeting with SER Jobs
We had a great meeting with the SERJobs team! We enjoyed exploring opportunities to partner in expanding workforce opportunities, creating pathways to meaningful careers, and strengthening economic opportunity for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ community.
We appreciate their amazing work for the past 60 years! We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to working together to create lasting impact!
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HBJ 40 Under 40
We were proud to be a Community Partner for the Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards. Congratulations to Council Member Mario Castillo, who was honored. We are proud to call HBJ one of our Chamber Media Partners.
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Harris County Precinct 1 Small & Diverse Business Summit
We were proud to participate in Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Small & Diverse Business Summit.
The Summit brought together small business owners, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community stakeholders for a day focused on connection, capacity-building, and opportunity.
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⭐ Share Your Chamber Experience on Google!
Have a great experience with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce? 🌈
We'd love your feedback! You can also help others discover our work by leaving a quick Google Review! Your feedback not only supports our mission—it helps more businesses, organizations, and community members find and connect with the Chamber.
👉 Leave a Review on Google
Your voice helps amplify the impact of our incredible community. Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience! 💜
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NOT A CHAMBER MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!
With almost 600 members, it’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community! Learn more about membership benefits and levels.
| | We are proud to recognize our Chamber Impact Partners, whose leadership, investment, and year-round engagement help strengthen the LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem across Greater Houston. Thank you for your support of the Chamber! | | You’re Part of Our Story — Help Us Celebrate 10 Years | |
As we mark the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s 10-Year Anniversary, we’re reflecting on the people, businesses, and partners who made this decade of impact possible. Your support, engagement, and belief in building an economy where everyone belongs have shaped the Chamber’s growth, influence, and reach across Greater Houston.
We would be honored if you’d share a short testimonial about your experience with the Chamber. Your story may be featured as part of our 10-Year Anniversary celebration—helping us honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
👉 Submit your testimonial and be part of our story
| | As always, thank you for being part of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber community. Whether you join us at an upcoming event, share your member news, support another Chamber member, or help amplify an important opportunity, your engagement strengthens the LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem across our region. | | |
SPEND WITH PURPOSE
Choosing where you spend your dollars is one way to show support for LGBTQ+-inclusive businesses in our community.
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