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Dear Greater Houston LGBTQ,
In this final issue of Chamber Connection for 2024, you are going to see a theme...giving back. From our Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive, to generous Impact Partners to those individuals being recognized for what they are doing in the community.
As we close out the year, we want you to know that we are grateful to our members and partners who support the Chamber throughout the year. As an organization that is active twelve months out of the year, we have been able to make significant impact this year. But we only do that because of the generous support we receive! So...thank YOU for giving back!
To our team...you will not find harder working individuals in this city working to help make lives better for the LGBTQ+ community in the region. Each team member goes above and beyond because they believe in our work at the Chamber and the impact we can make.
And that certainly goes for our Board! Their leadership, advocacy and commitment to the Chamber is greatly appreciated and everything they do to lift up our work and mission. Speaking of which...as our current Board Chair, Thomas Lopez, finishes his term, read more to check out his recent post on the Chamber Blog.
And...as we finish out the Holiday Season, please be sure and vote for the Chamber Pride Tree as part of the Alley Theatre's Dec The Trees and you can also see the tree on display through January 1, 2025. Check out more details here to learn about the design concept by Chamber Member, Robert Shipman.
Also, if you are looking to finish out your year-end giving, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Chamber Foundation and supporting our mission and work focused on economic empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. You can donate via this link. Thank you for your generous support!
As we look ahead to 2025, we have a robust year planned. If you are not part of the Chamber, now is a great time to join! Whether a small business, large company, professional or nonprofit, we have a membership for you! Learn more about becoming a member here.
We are wishing you Happy Holidays and a healthy and prosperous new year!
In Community,
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Tammi Wallace (she/her/hers)
Co-Founder and President & CEO
Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
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The Chamber Office is closed from December 23rd - January 1st for the holidays to give our team a needed break. | | |
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First Friday Meet & Eat and Grubhub Grant Check Presentation!
We had a great crowd at the First Friday Meet & Eat and gave away $100k in Grubhub Community Impact Grants to 15 local restaurants. Read more about these grantees further in this newsletter.
Thank you to Sesh Coworking for hosting the event and being amazing partners!
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Jingle & Mingle Chamber Holiday Celebration
It was a "Ho-Ho Hoedown" at the Chamber Holiday Celebration. This event is one of the best events of the year and our members and supporters did not disappoint. It was an amazing crowd and yes...we saw some of you on that mechanical bull! 🐂
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Thank you to our generous sponsors for your support! | |
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Protecting Our Future - Post-Election Legal Essentials for the LGBTQ+ Community
We hosted an event in Galveston to support the community, focusing on "Post-Election Essentials for the Legal Community". The session featured legal experts with Chamber Member Katine Nechman McLaurin LLP, who provided valuable insights and guidance on legal preparations during these uncertain times.
A heartfelt thank you to Firm Partners Mitchell Katine, John Nechman and Neil McLaurin and Associate, Stephany Alvarez, for delivering such a timely and informative session.
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3rd Thursday Breakfast, Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange and 2024 Annual Meeting
Who doesn't love a good White Elephant Gift Exchange?🐘 It was a fun morning with over 75 people joining is for the last 3rd Thursday Breakfast of the year. Make your plans to join us at the breakfasts in 2025. We promise a good time!
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BE A PART OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!
The Chamber calendar is regularly updated, so bookmark it! We are currently updating the calendar with 2025 events. Our 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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With the help of community, we made a huge difference for homeless LGBTQ+ youth this holiday season!
The Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive was nothing short of amazing as the community came TOGETHER to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth by donating to Tony's Place. The Drive was the biggest yet! We not only met, but exceeded, our expectations!
The Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive is all about impact and making a difference for the community. Hundreds of people and companies, like Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Silver Eagle and Sysco, made generous donations not to mention the support of the Drive through the Virtual Food Drive as well as the Tony's Place Amazon Wish List.
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Here is what impact looks like!
Because of our generous sponsors and donors we made a HUGE impact raising over $25,000 in food, supplies and funds to support homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Talk about impact!
On behalf of the Chamber and Tony's Place, thank you to everyone who showed up for LGBTQ+ youth this holiday season! We are grateful to you.
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$100k in Grants for LGBTQ+ & Allied Businesses!
Earlier this month, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Grubhub gave away $100,000 as part of the Grubhub Community Impact Fund. That's right - $100k to 15 restaurants for $5,000, $7,500 and $10,000 grants. Congratulations to these restaurants!
We are grateful to the NGLCC and Grubhub for this incredible program. It’s the third year of partnership and making a huge impact for our community and the local economy.
In 2025, we encourage you to visit each of these restaurants and show your support. When you visit, mention the Chamber and offer your congratulations! You just might see their "big check" on display.
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Chamber Holiday Celebration is a HUGE Success! | |
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The Chamber Holiday Celebration was a "Ho-Ho Hoedown" success at Stampede Houston. It was our largest Holiday Celebration event to date! We know some of you were on that mechanical bull 🐂 and we have the video! Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a fun evening.
Thank you to Houston Landing for the coverage of the event! You can read the recent article from Houston Landing about the event.
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Check out some of the photos from the Holiday Celebration! More coming soon! | |
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THANK YOU!
Thank you to our generous Holiday Celebration Sponsors and Chamber Member Imagen Venues/Stampede Houston for their support!
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PEACE, LOVE & HARMONY SPONSORS | |
Protect Intersex Children Act | |
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The Chamber endorsed the Protect Intersex Children Act introduced by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia in mid-December. The bill prohibits medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children under six years old in the foster care system.
In addition to being a moral imperative, protecting the rights of intersex individuals also carries significant economic benefits. Discrimination and exclusion create barriers to education, employment, and full participation in the economy for intersex individuals. By ensuring equitable treatment and respect for bodily autonomy, this legislation helps lay the groundwork for intersex individuals to thrive and contribute fully to our communities. A more inclusive society fosters innovation, attracts diverse talent, and strengthens the overall economic fabric.
Thank you to Congresswoman Garcia for her leadership and continued advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Read the Congresswoman's press release below along with the Chamber's statement and the article in The Hill.
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Message from Outgoing Board Chair Thomas Lopez | |
“Despite all the uncertainty, one constant remains clear for business leaders, we can only control the controllables.” | | |
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We invite you to read this timely message from Thomas Lopez (he/him), who is our outgoing Board Chair. We thank Thomas for his leadership over the past year and since he joined the board and Chamber. | |
“As a community of entrepreneurs and business leaders, our time to shine is now. Learning from pioneers and our own successes and setbacks, we are poised to embrace chaos and disruption. We are built to meet this moment with solutions.” | |
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Join us in offering our congratulations to Ray Purser! While we are sorry to lose Ray Purser as part of the Chamber Team, we want to share with our members that he has taken on new and exciting full time role as the Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, with Chamber Impact Partner, Legacy Community Health.
We appreciate Ray's longtime commitment to the Chamber and excited that he will still be involved through his new role. Thank you, Ray!
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Texas Business Leader Alliance (TBLA) Launches! The Texas Business Leader Alliance believes there is a strong connection between business success and community vitality. The primary goal is to engage in discussions about the state’s economic future by facilitating meaningful dialogue and collaboration among policy, market, and community leaders. Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, is a member of the inaugural TBLA Advisory Council. | |
TBLA provides Texas business leaders with resources and opportunities to engage in civic processes that encourage economic growth and development in our communities. Learn more about TBLA and meet the advisory board at https://www.txbizleaderalliance.org/. | |
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Scholarship Opportunities!
Apply TODAY!
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JPMC Certification Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by Chamber Impact Partner, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and is a general scholarship for LGBTQ business owners to apply to have their local affiliate LGBTQ+ chamber membership dues sponsored for their first year of membership in order to become NGLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE) suppliers.
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CoCi Certification Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by Chamber Impact Partner, Wells Fargo, and is for minority business owners to apply to have their local affiliate LGBTQ+ chamber membership dues sponsored for their first year of membership in order to become NGLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE) suppliers.
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TGX Certification Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by Chamber Impact Partner, Wells Fargo, and is for Transgender & Gender Expansive (TGX) owned businesses to apply to have their local affiliate LGBTQ+ chamber membership dues sponsored for their first year of membership in order to become NGLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE) suppliers.
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We appreciate the partnership with the NGLCC to offer these incredible scholarship opportunities. Thank you to JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo for supporting small businesses! | |
Now more than ever, we encourage people to get involved with a community organization to be supported and give back during these challenging times. We would love for that to be the Chamber! Don't own a business? You can be part of the Chamber through our Professional Level Membership. Join Today! | |
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SUPPORT THE FUND
Individuals and businesses can help underwrite annual Chamber memberships for minority, trans and women-owned businesses by donating to the Pay It Forward Fund. The Fund provides these businesses the financial means to join the Chamber, where they can benefit from the organization's programs, networking events, and help with LGBTBE® certification.
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BECOME A FUND RECIPIENT
Are you a diverse-owned business who needs financial support for Chamber membership? Through the Pay It Forward Fund, a one-year membership may be available to eligible businesses.
Underwriting of memberships is subject to available funds at the time the application is submitted.
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We LOVE seeing our Chamber Impact Partners, like HP, step us to help our nonprofit members! Recently, HP made technology donations to Grace Place, the Montrose Center and Tony's Place. We love connecting community at the Chamber! | |
Congratulations to Carrie Rai, Executive Director, at Tony's Place. She was recently nominated by Commissioner Lesley Briones to serve on the Harris County Housing Authority Board. Representation Matters! Way to go, Carrie! | |
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Congratulations to Chamber Member and LGBTBE® Certified biz, Cosmo Cool Concepts, on being recognized as the WISE Houston Partner of the Year. WISE is the leading voice and resource for professional women in the business of sports and events. Way to go Juliana, Melissa and the entire team! | |
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How about a round of applause for James Harris, who is the Sr. Director, Diversity & Inclusion, with Chamber Impact Partner
H-E-B?! Recently, he was honored with the Humanitarian Award from The Greater Houston Business Procurement Committee. James is an outstanding advocate and champion for small businesses!
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Join us in congratulating Val Jones for her recognition by Women Impacting Public Policy as the 2024 WIPP Partner of the Year. Val is a Senior Leader Business Growth Strategy Consultant, SVP, with Chamber Impact Partner, Wells Fargo. Congratulations, Val! | |
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Cheers to 4 Years!
Happy Anniversary to Star Sailor!
Congratulations to Chamber Member, Star Sailor, on their 4-year anniversary! As they say, Star Sailor is " the go-to safe space for anyone who walks through our doors."
Did you know that Star Sailor is a 2023 and 2024 Grubhub Community Impact Fund Grantee? Make your plans to stop by Star Sailor at 1710 West 18th Street, grab their famous smashburger and wish them a Happy Anniversary!
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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. | |
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Winemaker and Foodie superduo Ryan Levy and Ian Eastveld of Nice Winery are Certified Sommeliers, wine educators, and Le Cordon Bleu trained chefs. Their hand crafted, boutique wines are poured in top restaurants and have won gold medals in internationally recognized wine competitions.
Ryan and Ian have built their epicurean pedigree while studying in Paris, France, directing culinary education for Viking, teaching cuisine to thousands of students at Central Market, and operating their restaurant and catering companies, Republic and Nuance. They make their wines from estate vineyards in Texas, Argentina, and California.
You can find a selection of their award-winning wines at local Houston restaurants and grocery stores.
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THANK YOU RENEWING IMPACT PARTNERS AND CHAMBER MEMBERS | |
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Chamber Director of Corporate Relations, Ryan Wilson, attended the 20th Annual Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Awards, providing funding and leadership training to nonprofits advancing economic mobility across the country.
The Chamber is proud to call Bank of America one of our Catalyst Investor Impact Partners.
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Chamber Leaders joined the Greater Houston Partnership for two events recently including panel event discussion focused on economic mobility and the Regional Outlook Luncheon. Patrick Jankowski, Chief Economist delivered his last regional outlook presentation as he is retiring from the partnership. We wish him well on his next phase. | |
Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, joined the U.S. Small Business Administration, including SBA Associate Administator Francisco Sánchez for the rollout of an initiative that helps small businesses address human trafficking. | |
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We joined Chamber Nonprofit Member, the Normal Anamoly Initiative for their Red Carpet Premiere of the short film, They Ain’t Coming to Save Us. To see the trailer, click here. | |
Thank you to Jaqueline Aguilera, Board Member, with Houston Money Week for the invitation to join them for their recent holiday social. We had a wonderful time learning more about the organization's focus on addressing financial literacy and meeting some wonderful people. | |
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NOT A CHAMBER MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!
With over 500 members, it’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community! Learn more about membership benefits and levels.
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Stay up to date on the latest happenings!
Follow the Chamber on social media!
Also, check out the Facebook and LinkedIn Member Groups where member can post information about their organizations. Are you a new Chamber Member? Post up an intro video and let us know about you and your member business or organization!
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Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas | |
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Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com
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