Members and Supporters,
What a year! It’s hard to believe we are sending the last Chamber Connection newsletter for 2020. It has been a challenging year on many levels, but the Chamber has continued our work to support our members through resources, tools and networking. During our Annual Meeting last month, I shared two themes for the Chamber in 2020: “We have stayed the course” and “We have worked to turn obstacles into opportunities.”
Our primary goal in 2020 has been to help our members through this pandemic and give them the resources and tools to navigate these uncertain times. While 2020 is ending radically different than we anticipated when this year began, we are stronger, we are more resilient and we are looking forward to our continued and most important work…supporting our members and Corporate Partners. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber and our work to connect and build a thriving LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community.
We know many of our members continue to face significant challenges heading into 2021, and we want you to know that we are here for you. We'll be launching new programming, new ways to connect, and together, we will get through this pandemic. As I write this letter, we are actively advocating for another stimulus package and monitoring what is happening in Washington with a potential second round of stimulus funds. And, as always, we will push information from the SBA and our other collaboration partners out as quickly as possible. Speaking of advocacy, 2021 will be engaged with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce as part of our work to represent the LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community during the upcoming Legislative Session.
2021 will be busy! If you're not a member of the Chamber, now is a great time to join and take advantage of all the benefits in 2021 to support you and your business. Learn more about joining the Chamber here.
In this issue, hear more about the incredible impact of the Chamber Foundation Holiday Food Drive and the difference our generous sponsors, community partners, media partners and donors have made for LGBTQ+ Seniors this holiday season. The results are truly a story of giving this holiday.
And, as I end the year with this final message...much gratitude to our Board of Directors for their service and leadership and to our Executive Administrators at Manifest Creative for their amazing support this year. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. Until 2021!
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Tammi Wallace
Co-Founder and President & CEO
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The Chamber Foundation Holiday Food Drive was a tremendous success! Thank you to everyone who participated in the Chamber Holiday Food Drive on December 4. Because of our Sponsors, Community Partners, Media Partners and donors, we are making a tremendous impact for LGBTQ+ Seniors (and beyond!). Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Amegy Bank, and our Anchor Sponsor, SignatureCare ER.
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We were able to make the largest food donation in the Montrose Center’s history and raised $11,500 through the Virtual Food Drive alone. In total, the food drive raised over $18,000 through donations (monetary and in-kind) and sponsorships. Read more here about the impact of the donation.
Listen to our recent interview with the Montrose Center and hear more about the impact of the Chamber Holiday Food Drive.
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The Chamber recently had a great conversation with the City of Houston and Together for Safer Roads to talk about Vision Zero Houston. Vision Zero Houston prioritizes safety and accessibility in street design for people of all ages and abilities. Learn more and take the Vision Zero Houston Pledge. |
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CORPORATE PARTNER HIGHLIGHT - CHEVRON |
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We are proud to call Chevron one of our Corporate Partners. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Dave Feldman, Supply Chain Advisor – Supplier Diversity with Chevron Corporate Procurement. Dave has been a tremendous champion of diverse owned businesses through his work at Chevron. Read more on the Chamber Chat Blog about Dave’s role and his support of the LGBTQ+ Business Community.
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The Chamber held its Annual Meeting on November 11, 2020. Tammi Wallace, Chamber Co-Founder and President & CEO, shared a State of the Chamber and highlighted plans for 2021. She noted that the Chamber quickly pivoted to virtual events in March as a response to the pandemic. While we are disappointed that we were not able to hold our Signature Events such as Pride In Business and the holiday event, we hosted our first Holiday Food Drive to benefit LGBTQ+ Seniors.
While the Chamber certainly lost significant revenue due to not being able to hold our sponsored Chamber signature events, we felt we need to look beyond our needs and focus on community. And, with the success of the Holiday Food Drive, we are looking at holding this community event annually to give back to the most vulnerable in the LGBTQ+ community.
Some of our accomplishments in 2020 include…
- Increased the number of Business Level Members and Corporate Partners
- Added our first Gold Level Corporate Partners (thank you Fertitta Enterprises & United!)
- Held 44 Chamber events, plus 10 collaboration events with various stakeholders
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Increased the number of LGBTBE® Certified businesses by 36%
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Increased the number of Chamber members by 21% (and in a pandemic year) and we have grown every year since the start of the Chamber
- Added new collaboration and international partners
- Grown our collaboration with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce
As we look ahead to our milestone five-year anniversary in 2021, we are moving full steam ahead to support our members and Corporate Partners, grow the Chamber, identify more collaboration opportunities and increase our focus on economic inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community.
Pandemic or not…we are moving forward. But we cannot do it alone. We need your continued support in 2021. How can you help? If you’re in a position to do so, please increase your membership level to a higher tier (and gain the benefits!). If you are not a member, please consider joining the Chamber. Learn more about membership benefits and levels here.
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Way to go Mad Hat Maven! Congratulations on winning 6 MarCom Awards for PR, marketing, design and corporate communications from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals.
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Congratulations to One Foot Over which recently received several 2020 Lantern Awards of Texas from ANA Business Marketing Houston. The awards recognize the year’s FEARLESS LEADERS in marketing. Way to go One Foot Over!
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - JONATHAN MARRS |
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Check out our recent blog post highlighting Jonathan Marrs, who serves as the Board Chair for the Chamber. Jon is an outstanding advocate for the Chamber and has been involved with the Chamber since year one and is part of the Founding Leadership Council.
Jon is an “implant” from the UK. Working with Consul General Richard Hyde at the British Consulate-Houston, Jon was a key driver of the formal collaboration that the Chamber and Consulate announced in 2020. As you read more about Jon, you’ll understand why he believes in what the Chamber can achieve for the LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community with a clear vision and commitment.
We appreciate Jon and express our gratitude for his tremendous dedication and service to the Chamber since our very first year!
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REGISTER FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS |
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Due to COVID-19, all events and programs will continue in an online format early next year.
Save the date for these 2021 events - more details and registration coming soon!
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January 28: Biz Connect Mixer
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February 10: Brewing Up Business
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February 17: Member Orientation
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February 25: Pride Across Texas with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce
Check out the new event platform we will be using in 2021 - Airmeet.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for 2021! Reach out to the Chamber office or complete the sponsorship form.
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We were so proud to honor those who have served on Veteran's Day during our November Brewing Up Business, including our member vets! Thank you to our event collaboration partner, Combined Arms, and event sponsor and Silver Level Corporate Partner, Amegy Bank.
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THANK YOU RENEWING CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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Thank you to our generous Corporate Partners who have renewed their support and investment in the Chamber. These companies are committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. |
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The Chamber is proud to welcome our newest members who joined in recent weeks. Thank you for supporting the Chamber and the LGBTQ & Allied Business Community!
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Serving clients in the areas of Dallas, Austin, and Houston, Content Co-op is a content solution provider that specializes in developing creative video, photo, animation, and design work for corporate America.
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Business Premium Level Member
Business Plus Level Member
Business Connect Level Members
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HAPPY CHAMBER ANNIVERSARY! |
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The following members are celebrating their Chamber Anniversary. We appreciate your continued support of the Chamber! |
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The vision of The Dalton DeHart Photographic Foundation is to connect people through the passion with which he has photographed the life and culture of the Montrose neighborhood and Houston, Texas.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST
LGBTBE® CERTIFIED MEMBER!
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Congratulations to Content Co-op on receiving their LGBTBE® certification!
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SILVER CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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BRONZE CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBERS |
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Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce | 832-510-3002 | info@houstonlgbtchamber.com | houstonlgbtchamber.com
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