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Members and Supporters,
As we continue celebrating the Chamber’s 10-Year Anniversary and a Decade of Impact, this month’s updates reflect both the strength of our foundation and the momentum building for what’s ahead. From recognitions by elected officials and reflections from our founders, to member milestones, advocacy updates, and new opportunities to engage, this edition highlights the many ways our team and members continue to lead and show up for our members and community across Greater Houston.
Take a few minutes to read this issue and look back on the past month with the Chamber, as well as find information for the upcoming City of Houston special election, business resources, and much more. Plus, read further as we highlight Gary Wood, Chamber Co-Founder and one of our newest board members, Ross Miller via the Chamber Blog.
In community,
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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.
| | 10-Year Anniversary Reception Proclamations | | |
The Chamber was deeply honored to receive multiple proclamations and resolutions from elected officials recognizing our 10-Year Anniversary last month and A Decade of Impact.
These recognitions are a powerful reminder that the work of advancing economic opportunity, inclusion, and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community matters — not just within our Chamber, but across our entire region.
We are grateful to the elected officials who took the time to recognize this milestone and the impact of our members, partners, and community.
Thank you to:
· Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
· State Senator Molly Cook
· State Representative Jon Rosenthal
· Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones
· Council Member Abbie Kamin
Your recognition means a great deal as we celebrate 10 years of impact and look ahead to the future.
This milestone belongs to our entire community — our members, partners, sponsors, and supporters who have helped build something truly special.
| | | Chamber Co-Founder featured on the cover of OutSmart Magazine | | | | |
Thank you to OutSmart Magazine for featuring Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO Tammi Wallace, on their March cover and in an article recognizing Women's History Month. In the article, Tammi discusses a Decade of Impact at the Chamber, including resilience, economic power, and what comes next.
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Reflections from Co-Founder Gary Wood
At our 10-Year Anniversary Reception, we had the opportunity to hear from someone who was there at the very beginning — Chamber Co-Founder Gary Wood.
Read his remarks about the Chamber's Decade of Impact.
| | As the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary and a Decade of Impact, we are proud to spotlight the leaders helping guide the Chamber into its next decade. | | |
Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping the Chamber’s strategic direction, strengthening our mission, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across Greater Houston have the support, advocacy, and opportunities they deserve.
Earlier this year, we welcomed Ross Miller, Esq., Managing Shareholder with Gonzalez Olivieri LLC, as one of our newest Board Members. Ross' professional expertise and deep commitment to community advocacy bring a valuable perspective to the Chamber’s leadership. We asked Ross to share more about his journey, his work, and what inspires him to serve during this important moment in the Chamber’s history.
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Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party — Sponsorship Opportunities
As we celebrate the Chamber’s Decade of Impact, Pride In Business 2026 returns as our flagship Pride Month celebration on Friday, June 12, at the Hilton Americas-Houston. This will be one of the most visible moments of our milestone year. With more than 1,000+ business and community leaders expected, this event offers unparalleled visibility for sponsors committed to LGBTQ+ economic empowerment.
Be an early sponsor! We are getting ready to announce our early Pride In Business Celebration sponsors, and we want your company, organization, or name (individual sponsors welcome!) on our showcase list. Sponsorship opportunities provide meaningful brand exposure, year-round recognition, and a powerful way to show up during a historic year for the Chamber.
| | Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses Sue Texas Comptroller over Contracting Program's Conversion + Cancellation | |
Four minority- and women-owned Texas small businesses and a minority contractor trade association filed suit against Acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Kelly Hancock on March 2, 2026, alleging that the comptroller unlawfully dismantled the state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program through emergency rulemaking.
The plaintiffs allege the comptroller exceeded his authority by violating the plain text and purpose of the HUB Act, circumventing the Texas Administrative Procedure Act’s required public-participation procedures, and violating protections of due process, equal protection, and separation of powers under the Texas Constitution.
Pursuant to the emergency action, the comptroller decertified more than 15,000 businesses owned by economically disadvantaged individuals of their HUB certification, leaving only about 500 certified HUBs, which the plaintiffs alleged are all owned by White men. The decertification jeopardizes millions of dollars in HUB-related contracts.
-By Michael R. Hatcher, JacksonLewis, March 11, 2026
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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 Comcast, Legacy Community Health, and Michael's Cookie Jar.
| Comcast - Inaugural Impact Partner | |
We are proud to recognize Comcast as one of the Chamber’s Inaugural Impact Partners. From the earliest days of the Chamber, Comcast believed in our vision to build an economy where everyone belongs and demonstrated that commitment through meaningful investment, leadership, and visible support.
Their partnership helped establish a strong foundation for long-term growth and impact. Over the past decade, Comcast's continued engagement and commitment to inclusion have played an important role in advancing opportunity and visibility for the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ business community across Greater Houston.
| | Legacy Community Health - Inaugural Member | Legacy Community Health joined the Chamber in year one and they have played a meaningful role in supporting the Chamber including now engaging as an Impact Partner. Learn more about Legacy Community Health. | | Michael's Cookie Jar — Inaugural Member | |
Over the past ten years, President's Circle Member Michael's Cookie Jar has been a strong supporter of the Chamber as one of our inaugural members. Owner Michael Savino has been a champion for the work and mission of the Chamber. Learn more about Michael's Cookie Jar.
| | As we celebrate this milestone anniversary year, we extend our deepest gratitude to Comcast, Legacy Community Health, Michael's Cookie Jar, 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 you, we are stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable. Together. | | Tony’s Place Awarded $200,000 Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Grant to Expand Services for LGBTQ+ Youth | | Tony’s Place is elated to announce it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County (CFTH) as part of its Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). This new grant will strengthen and help secure Tony’s Place programs and services at a critical time of growth and demand. | | | | Congratulations to Robin Brown, with Founding Member Murphy Business Sales, on being named one of Murphy Business's 2025 Top Producers and joining the 2025 Multi-Million Dollar Producers Club. Way to go, Robin! 👏 | | Houston restaurants earned 4 out of 10 spots in Texas Monthly's "Best New Restaurants in 2026", with Chamber Member Agnes and Sherman taking the overall top spot as Restaurant of the Year. | | 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. | | |
We’re proud to officially launch the Houston Area L.O.V.E. Survey — LGBTQ+ Opinions, Voices, and Experiences.
This is the first comprehensive, community-driven survey designed to establish a baseline understanding of LGBTQ+ life across the Greater Houston region — and we need your participation.
The L.O.V.E. Survey is a collaborative effort led by the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with theKinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University and the Montrose Center, with support from more than two dozen LGBTQ+ organizations across the region.
This confidential survey explores topics that shape everyday life for LGBTQ+ individuals across the Greater Houston region, including:
- Healthcare access and mental health
- Workplace culture and economic security
- School experiences and housing stability
- Social connectedness, basic needs, and discrimination
This is a pilot year, laying the foundation for long-term, repeatable research that will help ensure LGBTQ+ people are seen, counted, and better served across Greater Houston.
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How It Works
1️⃣ Complete the Screener
A quick 2–3 minute form to confirm eligibility.
👉 https://tinyurl.com/2026LOVESurvey
2️⃣ Receive the Survey Link
If eligible, you’ll receive a secure link by email or text to complete the full 15–20 minute survey.
3️⃣ Complete the Full Survey
Take 15–20 minutes to answer questions about your life, needs, and experiences in Greater Houston. Skip any question you prefer not to answer.
All responses are confidential, de-identified, and protected by Rice University. Your data will never be sold and will only be used for research purposes.
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We are looking for 5000+ responses from Greater Houston
Results will be shared with local leaders and community organizations to drive real change. Be one of them.
Be part of this historic first-of-its-kind effort in the Greater Houston region. Take the survey TODAY!
Media coverage:
| | Discover the Wells Fargo Small Business Resource Center | | |
Running a business comes with unique challenges, and having the right tools can make all the difference. The Wells Fargo Small Business Resource Center offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to help business owners thrive—from financial planning guides and cash flow management tips to marketing strategies and growth insights. Explore these valuable tools and take the next step toward building a stronger, more resilient business.
👉 Small Business Resource Center | Wells Fargo
As part of our collaboration with Wells Fargo, the Chamber is providing this resource for our small business owners. We are proud to call Wells Fargo one of our Chamber Impact Partners.
| | To help you prepare for the upcoming 2026 elections, we’re proud to share trusted, nonpartisan voter resources from Chamber Member, the League of Women Voters of Houston. Thank you to the League for providing the valuable voter information resources below. | | | | |
First Friday Meet & Eat at Eight Row Flint EaDo
It was another fantastic First Friday Meet & Eat with our host, Eight Row Flint EaDo. Thank you for hosting!
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Show Your Pride Open Studio Photo Shoot - March 9, 2026
The Show Your Pride campaign is well underway! Don't miss being part of this year's campaign.
Thank you to everyone who showed up to participate. Learn more at showyourpridecampaign.com
There are more photo shoots coming up in April!
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3rd Thursday Breakfast
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 3rd Thursday Breakfast—we loved starting the day in community with so many incredible members, partners, and leaders.
From celebrating our Pride In Business Presenting Sponsor, Casa Maestri, to recognizing Michael's Cookie Jar with a 10-Year Inaugural Member Award, welcoming new members, and of course… those unforgettable door prizes (yes, the tequila-making kits!)
We’re especially grateful to Dr. Melanie Melville for a powerful and timely conversation on mental health during LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week—such an important reminder to take care of ourselves and each other.
This is what the Chamber is all about—connection, visibility, and community.
| A big thank you to our sponsor, Legacy Community Health, for your partnership and commitment to our community. | | |
Show Your Pride Open Studio Photo Shoot - March 21, 2026
You can always count on Linda Toyota to show up for the Chamber! She joined us along with many others for the Show Your Pride Photo Shoot on March 21.
Be part of this year's campaign!
Learn more at showyourpridecampaign.com.
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Show Your Pride Open Studio Photo Shoot - March 24, 2026
Thank you to Chamber Member, Alicia Layfield, with Casa Layfield, and her family for being part of the Show Your Pride Photo Shoot on March 24.
Bring your family to "Show Your Pride" at an upcoming photo shoot. Learn more at showyourpridecampaign.com.
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2026 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Council Dinner
We hosted the new leaders stepping up to serve on the 2026 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Council. Thank you to Chamber Member, Weights + Measures, for hosting us.
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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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What a beautiful day for Opening Day with the Montrose Softball League Association (MSLA) — and we are proud to be a Season Sponsor!
For 46 years, MSLA has created space for community, competition, and connection right here in Houston. As one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ sports organizations in our region, the league represents the strength and spirit of our community with nearly 30 teams and 400 players taking the field this season.
We’re especially proud that MSLA is a longtime member of the Chamber — showing what it means to build community both on and off the field. Their leadership in LGBTQ+ sports and visibility continues to make an impact across Greater Houston.
Here’s to teamwork, inclusion, and another incredible season ahead!
Learn more about MSLA and this season at https://www.houstonmsla.org.
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World Baseball Classic with Houston First
Thank you to Chamber Impact Partner, Houston First, for the invitation to join them at the World Baseball Classic.
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Out at the Rodeo
Chamber Board Members, Stephen Miranda and Rachel Bickham, participated in Out at the Rodeo. Rachel was wearing both of her "cowboy hats" (ahem) as a member of the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and a Chamber Board Member.
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HP International Women's Month Panel
Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO Tammi Wallace participated on a panel titled, "Lead by Giving" with Chamber Impact Partner, HP, in collaboration with their Houston Women Business Resource Group.
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Commissioner Lesley Briones Women's History Month Luncheon
We joined Commissioner Lesley Briones for her annual Women's History Month Luncheon hosted at Chamber Impact Partner, POST.
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Floor Coverings International 10-Year Celebration
Chamber Membership Manager, Joe Mendoza, joined Floor Coverings International for their 10-Year Celebration. We are proud to call Floor Coverings International one of our longtime members. Congratulations to Reinel Solano and the team on this accomplishment.
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Drag Bingo at FCC Katy
You can always count on Chamber Member FCC Katy to bring the fun! Chamber Programming & Events Coordinator, Amber Godbold, joined the church for a fun night of Drag Bingo!
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The Diana Foundation Awards
Congratulations to Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace! She received the Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award from The Diana Foundation. We are proud to call The Diana Foundation one of our longtime members.
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Trot for Trans Visibility
It was the perfect morning for the Third Annual Trot for Trans Visibility in celebration of Trans Day of Visibility. The Chamber was proud to collaborate on this event and provide Houston Astros Rainbow Vests for run/walk participants.
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CERA Week Reception at British Consulate
Thank you to the British Consulate General for the invitation to participate in their reception for CERA Week.
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Houston Business Journal: Rewriting the Health Care Playbook For A Healthier Houston
Chamber Board Members, Ross Miller and Rachel Bickham, joined Media Partner, Houston Business Journal, for their recent event focused on healthcare in Houston.
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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 over 575+ members, it’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community! Learn more about membership benefits and levels.
| | 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
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As we move forward in this milestone year, we remain focused on what matters most—creating opportunity, strengthening connections, and ensuring our members and community continue to have a voice in the economic future of our region. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your engagement, leadership, and support are what make this work possible. Together, we will continue building on a decade of impact—and shaping what comes next.
Ten years ago, we were fighting for visibility.
Today, we are shaping economic conversations.
Tomorrow, we build even greater impact.
Thank you for being part of this journey — whether as a founding member, a new member, a sponsor, a volunteer, or a partner. Your engagement fuels this work.
We are proud of the past decade.
We are energized for the next.
Stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable. Together.
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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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