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Members and Supporters,
This month’s Chamber Connection reflects the many ways our community continues to lead, connect and make an impact. We’re celebrating National Black Business Month, recapping an energizing week at the NGLCC Conference, recognizing outstanding leaders and sharing opportunities for members to engage, speak up and be seen. From national recognition to local advocacy, there is much to celebrate—and important work still ahead.
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.
| | Celebrating National Black Business Month | |
This month, we celebrate the innovation, leadership, and lasting impact of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who help strengthen Houston's economy and enrich our community every day.
At the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to support and celebrate the many Black-owned businesses within our membership whose leadership, expertise, and entrepreneurship contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem.
We're grateful for Chamber Members including Ambit Energy | Aldridge Jack, Inner Work Counseling PLLC, Integrity Wealth Solutions, Mindful Girl Love, The Foot Bully, LLC, and Visionary Trademark Law. Thank you for the work you do and for being an important part of our Chamber community. If you're able to, be sure to follow, support, and shop these incredible businesses throughout the month and beyond.
Here's to celebrating Black excellence, fostering opportunity, and continuing to build an economy where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive.
| | NGLCC Conference Recap:
Connection, Celebration & Momentum | | Some members of our Chamber team were proud to join colleagues, members, and partners in San Diego for the 2026 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference. After a full week of connection, learning, and celebration, we returned energized and inspired by the important work happening across the national LGBTQ+ chamber movement. | | | From reconnecting with Chamber Corporate and Impact Partners throughout the Expo to celebrating an incredible group of award winners at the Closing Awards Brunch, this year’s conference was filled with meaningful connections, inspiring leaders, and plenty of fun along the way. | | | | We’re especially proud to celebrate our own Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, who was honored with the Kellie Parkin Leadership Legacy Award. This recognition is so well deserved, and we are grateful for Tammi’s visionary leadership and lasting impact on our Chamber, our region, and the LGBTQ+ business community. | | |
We also congratulate our friends and colleagues who were recognized for their outstanding leadership and contributions, including:
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Brian Hall, with Chamber Impact Partner Shell — Network Impact Legacy Award
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Tracy Upton, with Chamber Impact Partner Shell — Mentor of the Year
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Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce — Affiliate Chamber of the Year
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Golden Gate Business Association — Rising Star Chamber of the Year
| | | Congratulations to Team NGLCC on another successful conference, and thank you for bringing together LGBTQ+ and allied business leaders from across the country and around the world. We are proud to be part of this national network, working together to create opportunities, strengthen LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and professionals, and build a more inclusive economy. | | Tammi Wallace Named a 2026 HBJ Women Who Mean Business Honoree | |
We are proud to share that our Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, has been named a 2026 Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Awards honoree!
This recognition celebrates women whose leadership and contributions are making a meaningful impact across Houston. We’re incredibly proud to see Tammi recognized alongside so many remarkable women leaders who are helping shape our city.
Thank you to the Houston Business Journal for recognizing Tammi’s leadership and impact.
Read the full announcement
| | 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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DO YOU GOLF? ⛳️
The Chamber is regularly getting requests to participate in golf tournaments around the region. We need you!
If you are a golfer and would be interested in joining a Chamber team for golf tournaments throughout the year, email info@houstonlgbtchamber.com.
| | Crafted with Tradition, Rooted in Community:
The Casa Maestri Story | | | | |
From the heart of Tequila, Jalisco, to restaurants, retailers, hospitality partners, and consumers around the world, Casa Maestri has built an extraordinary family-owned business grounded in craftsmanship, authenticity, and tradition.
That same commitment to relationships and community has shaped Casa Maestri’s
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engagement with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. As an active Chamber Leadership Circle member and the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration, Casa Maestri has demonstrated what it means to move beyond sponsorship and build a meaningful partnership.
We sat down with Jose Coira, Vice President of Global Business Development at Casa Maestri, to learn more about the company’s story, its growing portfolio of brands, and why supporting Houston’s LGBTQ+ business community is both professionally and personally meaningful to him.
| | The Real-World Cost of SB 12: Fear, Uncertainty and Lost Opportunity | | |
When the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce joined the lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 12 as a plaintiff in August 2023, we warned that the law would hurt businesses, nonprofits, performers, and community organizations across Texas.
Nearly three years later, a powerful short documentary from Texas Standard shows what that harm looks like in the lives and livelihoods of Texans.
Reported and produced by Patricia Lim, the video takes viewers to Laredo, where drag performer Serene Fantasea, Pride organizers, entertainment producers, and local business owners are navigating the uncertainty created by SB 12.
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We celebrate Brian Hall as he begins a well-earned retirement from Shell USA —and thank him for the extraordinary impact he has made for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
For the past 10 years, Brian has been more than a supporter of the Chamber. He has been a trusted friend, a passionate advocate and a true champion for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses. His belief in our mission, his willingness to speak up and his steadfast support have helped shape the Chamber into the organization it is today.
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Brian has been part of our DNA from those early years. He understood the importance of ensuring LGBTQ+ businesses had a voice, a seat at the table and meaningful opportunities to succeed—and he consistently used his own voice and influence to help make that possible.
Brian, your impact will be felt for many years to come. Thank you for believing in the Chamber, standing alongside us and helping build a stronger, more inclusive business community. We are deeply grateful for your friendship, leadership and unwavering advocacy.
Congratulations on your retirement! We wish you tremendous joy in this next chapter—and hope you know that you will always be part of the Chamber family. 💜
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Congratulations to Melissa Mims, with Chamber Member KSP | Melissa Mims, on her appointment by Texas REALTORS® to two 2027 state-level committees, including the Professional Standards and MLS & Technology Committees.
In her announcement, Melissa shared, "I’m excited and honored to have a seat at the table. I believe being a great REALTOR® means doing more than helping clients buy and sell homes—it means putting in the work behind the scenes to help make our profession, our communities, and the experience we provide our clients even better."
Way to go, Melissa!
| | | | | Congratulations to Brandon Mack, with Chamber Members, Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus and B. Mack Strategies on the recent announcement that he will be honored with the Legacy of Barbara Jordan Award by nonprofit member Equality Texas at their upcoming Garden Party on September 5. Congratulations and well-deserved, Brandon! | | 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. | | |
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.
Thank you for your longtime contributions to the Chamber! Your belief in this Chamber from the very beginning helped turn vision into reality. Because of these members, we are stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable. Together.
👉 See all of our Inaugural Members and Partners.
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Earlier this month, the Houston Business Journal released its list of 2026 Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business honorees. Join us in congratulating the following individuals who are Chamber members and partners.
Healthcare
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Erica Giwa, Legacy Community Health
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Sanitra Walter, PNC Bank - Healthcare
Hospitality, restaurants and retailing
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Lisa Lee, Agnes and Sherman
Law
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Nancy Davis, Bracewell LLP
Nonprofit (government, social services, etc.)
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Frances Villagran-Glover, Houston City College Southeast
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Tammi Wallace, Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Also, huge congratulations to our colleague, Keri Schmidt, Fort Bend Regional Partnership, who is also an honoree.
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Houston Business Journal Awards
Most Admired CEO
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Christina Allen, Family Time Crisis & Counseling Center
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Lea Bogle, Premier Wireless Business Technology Solutions
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Andrea Link, Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Houston Galveston
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Marcie Mir, El Centro de Corazón
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Jessica O'Neill, Houston Dynamo FC
CFO Awards
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Rebekah Le, Legacy Community Health
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Vanessa Scott, Houston Dynamo FC
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Frank Wilson IV, Houston First Corp.
40 Under 40
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Kevin Aloysius, Legacy Community Health
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Matthew Born, KPMG LLP
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Council Member Mario Castillo, Houston City Council
| | Recently, Chamber Member Agnes and Sherman was featured on Good Morning America as part of their storytelling about restaurants across America. | | |
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.
| | Pink Piggy Pickup is a Houston-based junk removal, hauling, and property cleanup company dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, and judgment-free service for residential and commercial clients. They specialize in furniture removal, appliance pickup, estate cleanouts, garage and storage unit cleanups, yard debris removal, and hauling debris from light demolition. Learn more about the company at pinkpiggypickup.com. | | |
Show up where business and belonging come together. Chamber sponsorships give your business or organization greater visibility while supporting the programs, connections, and experiences that strengthen our community.
✨ Spotlight Sponsorship Opportunity - Families with Pride. Sponsor the fifth annual Families with Pride on October 24 and connect your brand with LGBTQIA+ families and allies while helping create a celebration where every family belongs. Learn more here.
Upcoming Sponsorship Opportunities:
Interested in learning more? Contact the Chamber team today to explore sponsorship opportunities and find the partnership that's right for your organization. Just hit reply, and we'll follow up or complete the Chamber Sponsorship Form.
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Fall Pride season is almost here, and we'd love to have you with us. We're looking for volunteers across five festivals this year:
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Fort Bend County Pride Festival - Saturday, September 12
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Katy Pride - Saturday, October 3
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Third Coast PrideFest & Parade in Galveston - Sunday, October 18
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Families with Pride - Saturday, October 24
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The Woodlands Pride Festival - Saturday, October 31
Whether you can work a booth, walk in a parade, or just lend a few hours, your time helps us show up for our community across the Greater Houston area.
Fill out our quick interest form to let us know which events and time slots work for you: Fall 2026 Volunteer Interest Form.
Thanks for being part of what we do - we can't wait to see you out there!
| | 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! Seats are limited, so purchase your tickets now.
👉 Purchase tickets here.
We are proud to call the Houston Business Journal one of our Chamber Media Partners.
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Houston Dash Pride Night
We were incredibly proud to serve as the Title Sponsor of Houston Dash Pride Night this month and celebrate Pride alongside the Houston LGBTQ+ community!
The Dash holds a special place in the history of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce as they were our very first professional sports team partner, and we are so grateful for the relationship we’ve built over the years.
A very special thank you to the Houston Dash for recognizing the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary on the field during the game. Having that milestone celebrated in front of the fans made an already incredible night even more meaningful.
Thank you, Houston Dash, for continuing to show up for the LGBTQ+ community and for helping us celebrate 10 years of impact, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ business in Houston. Here’s to continuing to build a more inclusive Houston — together!
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B/ERG Leadership Roundtable at Shell
It was another successful LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance B/ERG Leadership Roundtable hosted by Chamber Impact Partner Shell USA.
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We want to say a huge thank you to SEA Shell for hosting this event, and congratulations on 30 Years of leading an LGBTQ+ & Allies ERG.
We also presented an Award of Appreciation to Brian Hall with Shell USA, who is retiring at the end of the month. He has been an incredible champion for the Chamber over the past ten years. We wish him much success in this next phase of his journey!
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First Friday Meet & Eat at Lankford's
We headed north for the August First Friday Meet & Eat hosted by Chamber Member, Lankford's. Thank you to their team for rolling out the rainbow carpet! 🌈
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LAMBDA NextGen at Puttery
What a fun night at the LAMBDA NextGen Mixer at Puttery, bringing our young professionals together for an evening of mini-golf and networking. Thank you to our host and event sponsor, Puttery! ⛳️
A huge shoutout to our 2026 LAMBDA NextGen Program Sponsors for their support this year.
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2nd 3rd Thursday Breakfast
170+ Chamber members and guests came together this month for a morning filled with great conversation, meaningful connections, and plenty of Chamber momentum. Thank you to everyone who showed up and made it such a special gathering!
A special thank you to our Featured Speaker, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, for joining us and sharing her insights on leadership, advocacy, and the power of getting involved. From establishing the Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission in 2023 to her continued work championing our community, Commissioner Briones is a true example of the kind of engaged, community-focused leadership we are proud to celebrate.
Thank you to our breakfast sponsor, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, for your continued commitment to providing high-quality HIV care and services in our community and around the world.
Congratulations to Chamber Member Composition ID on celebrating their 10 year milestone anniversary!
This is what our Chamber community is all about — connecting, supporting one another, and creating impact together.
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Ribbon Cutting at Montrose Emergency Room
It was a great morning cutting the ribbon at Chamber Member Montrose ER's location. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Montrose ER's newest location in Montrose!
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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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HBJ CFO Awards
Our board leadership had an outstanding time joining Chamber Media Partner, the Houston Business Journal, at their annual CFO Awards.
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GHP Houston Facts Luncheon
Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, attended the Greater Houston Partnership's Annual Houston Facts Luncheon.
Recently, the Greater Houston Partnership released its 2026 Houston Facts publication which gives business and community leaders a clearer view of the trends shaping Houston’s economy, competitive position and future opportunities. Read the publication here.
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HMSDC Emerging 10 Awards
Congratulations to Chamber Member Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC on being selected as a 2026 Emerging 10 (E-10) Award Winner by the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC)! 👏
The Emerging 10 (E-10) Awards is HMSDC's flagship awards program, recognizing ten of Houston's most outstanding small businesses. Honorees are selected based on their company's growth, ability to overcome business challenges, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact within the communities they serve.
The company's CEO, Rachel Bickham, is also on the Chamber Board. Congratulations to Rachel and her team on this incredible recognition!
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Out in Tech Networking Mixer
Our team joined Out in Tech for their networking mixer this month. It was a great opportunity to connect with LGBTQ+ professionals and allies in the tech community and build relationships that strengthen our region’s business networ.
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Meet the Primes with WBEA
We had a wonderful day joining Chamber Partner, WBEA, for their annual Meet the Primes event.
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UH LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Red Dinner
Chamber Membership Joe Mendoza, joined Chamber Member, UH LGBTQ+ Alumni Association at their annual Red Dinner.
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Celebrating Tony's Place!
We had a wonderful time celebrating the work of Tony's
Place at their annual signature event, Voyage Under the Sea.
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Rice University Business Partners Welcome Reception
Our Director of Corporate Relations attended the Rice Business Partners Welcome Reception at the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business as a guest of Marcus Wade, Board Member for Rice Business Partners and Chair of HP Pride BRG.
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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
| | Every connection, accomplishment and act of advocacy featured in this edition reflects the strength of our Chamber community. Thank you for showing up, supporting one another and helping move our mission forward. Keep sharing your news, using your member benefits and finding new ways to get involved—because our collective impact grows when each of us takes part. | | |
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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