Chamber Connection

Volume 38 | January 28, 2021

Members and Supporters,

Earlier this month, we were all reminded that our democracy is fragile, and with the inauguration, we were reminded how much protocol and history play a crucial role in the transition of leadership in our country. With 2021 fully underway, we have many challenges ahead including dealing with the pandemic and the economy, but we also see tremendous opportunity ahead for the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community and LGBTQ+ community as a whole with pro-equality legislation and policies.

2021 also means that the Texas Legislature convenes for the 87^th Legislative Session. Read more about our advocacy work with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce. Plus, learn more in this issue about our new 2021 events, new events platform and more.

And….drum roll….did you know that 2021 is the Chamber’s 5 Year Milestone Anniversary? Next month will mark the official launch of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. We will be celebrating all year long and recognizing our Inaugural Members, Founding Members and Inaugural Corporate Partners. Check out the Anniversary Logo in the newsletter header. Not only will it mark the Chamber's Anniversary but it's also Black History Month. We are excited to highlight our black owned member businesses as well. Stay tuned!

Not a member of the Chamber? 2021 is a great time to join the Chamber and get visibility for your business. Join the Chamber today and get connected to community, resources and more for your business.

With Pride,

‌

Tammi Wallace

Co-Founder and President & CEO

PPP EXTENDED INCLUDES FIRST AND SECOND LOANS

First and second PPP loans are now available through March 31, 2021 or until funding runs out. Learn more about PPP loans and other relief options via the U.S. Small Business Administration.

You can listen to the recent Chamber PPP webinar with Tim Jeffcoat, Houston District Director, with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Check here to listen to the webinar recording. The Houston District Office is hosting weekly PPP webinars to update business owners about the rollout of this new stimulus package. Sign up for webinar notifications here.

The Chamber will continue to post updates on the Chamber COVID-19 Resource Page. A list of Chamber Corporate Partners who are participating lenders is listed on the Resource Page including Chamber point of contact and specifics to each institution.

Speaking of the SBA! The Chamber is proud to renew our Strategic Alliance with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Since the Chamber launced in 2016, we’ve had a strong working relationship with the SBA Houston District Office.

Check out the recording of the virtual signing of the Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with the SBA and other SBA strategic alliance partners.

Advocacy is crucial part of the work that the Chamber does to make sure our members have a strong voice and are well represented. The Chamber is working with our colleagues at the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce to make sure the voice of the LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community is represented. Our work includes ensuring we are engaged during the legislative session every two years (and in between).

Lawmakers gathered in Austin for the 87^th Texas Legislative Session and gaveled in on January 12. Check out the Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Legislative Agenda here.

By now, you would have heard a ton about our plans for the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day. With the pandemic, we won't be able to hold the Advocacy Day this year but keep an eye out for ways you can engage and make your voice heard in Austin.

Congratulations to newly elected State Representative Ann Johnson, an LGBTQ+ elected official representing House District 134. House District 134 covers parts of Houston inside and just outside of the 610 Loop include some of Montrose. We look forward to working with Rep. Johnson. You can learn more about Rep. Johnson here.

Thank you to our 2020-2021 Advocacy Sponsor and Gold Level Corporate Partner, United, for your support of the Chamber.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Congratulations to Alex Papastrat with Corporate Partner, Dow, on being recognized by OUTstanding and Yahoo Finance as part of the 2020 LGBT+ Future Leaders List released this month. Alex was recognized along with six other colleagues from Team Dow.

HUGE congratulations to Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr. with Chamber Member, Crom Rehabilitation, LLC, on his new book titled “Shantay, You Stay!: A Healthcare Provider’s Guide to LGBT+ Inclusive Practices”. Crom Rehabilitation, LLC is one of our LGBTBE® certified members.

CORPORATE PARTNER HIGHLIGHT - POGGENPOHL

We are incredibly proud to call Poggenpoh l one of our Chamber Corporate Partners.

Founded in 1892 in the heart of Germany, Poggenpohl is the oldest and best-known kitchen brand in the world. From that day to this, we have followed the vision of our founder, Friedemir Poggenpohl, who set out to ‘improve the kitchen’.

For more than 125 years, Poggenpohl has continued to ‘improve the kitchen’, transforming it from a humble backroom into a living space that’s at the heart of the home. Our pioneering history includes many firsts, including white lacquer kitchen furniture, ergonomic work-top heights, and the development of the kitchen island.

Thank you to Cheryl Carpenter, Studio Manager & Designer, and the team at the Houston showroom for your amazing support of the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community.

Work at Poggenpohl! Looking for an entry level position in Interior Design? Do you love modern kitchens? Poggenpohl is hiring a Design Trainee. Learn more about the position on the Chamber Job Board.

NEW 2021 MEMBER BENEFIT!

The Chamber is proud to call The Cannon Houston (The Cannon - Main Campus) one of our collaboration partners. The Cannon helps innovators thrive through the only global community that is both open to all current and future innovators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, investors, service providers and relentlessly dedicated to entrepreneurial support, programming and connections.

By rapidly expanding both virtually and into physical locations around the world, The Cannon helps innovators of all backgrounds and locations—from entrepreneurs to small business owners to intrapreneurs at large corporations—connect to the resources they need to succeed.

Through our collaboration with The Cannon, members receive a 33% discount on a Cannon Connect Membership.

Cannon Connect Membership is designed to democratize access to resources for entrepreneurs, startups, small business owners, investors, advisors, service providers, and potential partners in all communities. Members receive access to a variety of content, programs and events that are purpose-built to help innovators of all types, from the startup CEO to the small business owner.

Want to learn more about Cannon Connect? Check out Cannon Connect 101 on February 16. From this 101, members will be prepared to connect and engage with entrepreneurs, startups, investors, advisors, corporate partners, and service providers from around the world who can help take your company to the next level or collaborate on your next investment or venture. Register here ➡ http://bit.ly/2Y4W9Gc.

Questions about Cannon Connect? Contact Hilary Agho, Senior Director - Member Experience with The Cannon, at hagho@thecannon.com.

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - TIFFANY TOSH

Check out our recent blog post highlighting Tiffany Tosh, who serves as the Vice Chair Chair on the Chamber Board. Tiffany has been involved with the Chamber since year one and is part of the Founding Leadership Council. As one of the people who helped get the Chamber off of the ground in year one and beyond.

Tiffany understands the importance of the work of the Chamber and power of the LGBTQ & Allied business community. As you read more about Tiffany, you’ll see examples of how the Chamber has been helpful for her as a business owner and why she’s dedicated her time, treasure and talent to support the Chamber.

INNER CITY CAPITAL CONNECTIONS IS COMING TO HOUSTON!

ICCC is a tuition-free executive education program that positions small businesses for long-term success. It is uniquely designed to provide three critical elements for sustainable growth: capacity-building education, one-on-one coaching, and connections to capital and capital providers.

Nominations are open to anyone wishing to nominate a small business, or to apply for their own business. Businesses selected to participate will complete a 40-hour training and coaching program that has been proven in other cities to help small businesses accelerate to their next stage of growth.

The deadline to apply for the ICCC program is February 12, 2020. For more information and to apply, click here.

NEW EVENTS AND PLATFORM FOR 2021!

We have rolled out two new events to keep members connected. Keep an eye out for even more this year.

At the Chamber Networking Café, you'll find informal networking where you can move from table to table and connect with other Chamber members and guests. Network at your own pace with networking contacts you choose. YOU are in total control of the networking experience. No formal program...just plenty of networking to help members connect!

Drop in at the Chamber Virtual Office anytime between noon and 1:00 p.m. to get your questions answers or just to say hello! The Chamber hosts regular virtual office hours to support our members and future members.

Got a question about the Member Info Hub? Member benefits? Events? We're here to help!

We rolled out our new event platform this month and we’ve received great feedback. Airmeet gives you more control over your virtual experience. Keep an eye out for more great events via Airmeet in 2021. You can learn more about Airmeet here. Be sure and set-up your account and profile. Don’t forget to add your pronouns to your profile.

Speaking of events! Check out upcoming Chamber events and register today.

Never attended a Chamber event? We would love to have you as our guest. Contact the Chamber Office at 832-510-3002 or info@houstonlgbtchamber.com for complimentary registration.

We continue to operate in a virtual environment due to COVID-19. All Chamber events are held virtually via Airmeet or Zoom.

January 29: SBA Webinar with Congresswoman Fletcher
February 4: Chamber Networking Cafe
February 10: Brewing Up Business Sponsored by the British Consulate General-Houston
February 17: Member Orientation
February 18: Chamber Networking Cafe
February 24: Chamber Virtual Office Hours
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.

If you have an idea for an upcoming webinar please email info@houstonlgbtchamber.com or if would like to present, please complete the Program Proposal Form.

THANK YOU RENEWING CORPORATE PARTNERS

Thank you to our Bronze Corporate Partner Dow who has renewed their investment. We appreciate your long-time support of the Chamber!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

The Chamber continues to grow! Welcome to our newest members. Thank you for supporting the Chamber and the LGBTQ & Allied Business Community!

Business Connect Level Members

HAPPY CHAMBER ANNIVERSARY!

The following members are celebrating their Chamber Anniversary. We appreciate your continued support of the Chamber!

Executive Level

Waterman Steele Real Estate Advisors was founded in Houston, TX by Tami Pearson, Lance Gilliam, and Licia Green as a full-service commercial real estate firm. They create opportunities for their clients and communities with a deep understanding of real estate and its value in people’s lives.