Members and Supporters,
This month ushers in the holiday season (whether we are ready or not!). With Thanksgiving on the horizon, the board would like to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to our members, corporate partners and collaboration/strategic partners for your support this year. Indeed, 2020 has been challenging (likely the understatement of the year) and truly like no other in our lifetimes. We give thanks to you for your continued support of the Chamber. We don’t do this work without the incredible commitment of our members and supporters.
Speaking of holidays, at this point, we expected to be putting the final touches on our fabulous Annual Holiday Event. The Annual Holiday Event has traditionally been our last event of the year and a celebration of community and connection. With the pandemic this year, we are transitioning our focus to those who need us most during this difficult time. We are holding our Inaugural Chamber Holiday Food Drive to support LGBTQ+ Seniors in need. We believe that we must step up and help the most vulnerable in our community during this pandemic. Read further to learn more about how you can help LGBTQ+ Seniors in need.
And lastly, this past month, we were devastated to learn of the unexpected passing of Transgender Activist and Journalist, Monica Roberts, and celebrate her life and legacy. The LGBTQ+ community in Houston and across the globe lost a pioneer and icon. Read the tribute to the late Monica Roberts about her legacy of trailblazing journalism and activism in OutSmart Magazine. Monica always led from the front and worked to make the world a better place for those that would come after her. We also give thanks for her life, legacy and love for community. Rest In Power, Monica.
With Gratitude,
|
|
Tammi Wallace
Co-Founder and President & CEO
|
|
LGBTQ+ SENIORS NEED OUR HELP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON |
|
The Chamber is stepping up to help LGBTQ+ Seniors who need our help. In lieu of the Chamber Holiday Party this year, the Chamber is asking our members and supporters to give back through the Chamber Holiday Food Drive. As part of our ChamberCares initiative, we are hosting a Holiday Food Drive to support the Montrose Center.
Two Ways to Participate!
1) Drive-Thru and Drop-Off food
When: Friday, December 4, 2020 / 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Drive-Thru Drop-Off Location: SignatureCare ER Montrose, 1007 Westheimer
2) Donate to the Virtual Holiday Food Drive
|
|
You can easily share the Food Drive on social media! Check out the Facebook Event here and share out and invite your friends to participate.
ANCHOR SPONSOR
|
|
Thank you to our Anchor Sponsor and Corporate Partner, SignatureCare ER for hosting the drop-off site for the Chamber Holiday Food Drive.
TITLE SPONSOR
|
|
We are proud to announce that our Silver Level Corporate Partner, Amegy Bank is our Title Sponsor for the Food Drive. Thank you to Amegy Bank for always putting community FIRST!
Thank you to our Food Drive Sponsors!
|
|
#WORKINGTOGETHER SPONSORS |
|
Thank you to our Food Drive Community Partners! |
|
Learn more about how your company can sponsor the Chamber Holiday Food Drive.
Are you a community organization? We invite you to become a Community Partner and collaborate to support the Holiday Food Drive. Learn more here.
|
|
CHAMBER SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE BRITISH CONSULATE GENERAL OF HOUSTON |
|
The Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the British Consulate General in Houston in an online and historic signing event highlighting the collaboration between the two entities. The MOU was officially signed during LGBTQ History Month.
The MOU builds upon the Chamber’s commitment to strategic collaborations with the goal of creating economic opportunity for the LGBTQ+ business community. The MOU outlines areas focused on economic collaboration and inclusion including support of LGBTQ+ UK entrepreneurs. Check out the announcement and also watch the historic, virtual Signing Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZqMN9P0lZ0&feature=youtu.be. Read about the collaboration and more insight from Consul General Richard Hyde on our recent Chamber Chat blog.
|
|
We have formally launched our Arts + Business Initiative. The Chamber is committed to collaboration and exchange with arts and culture organizations to highlight the intersection of Arts + Business between the creative and LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community. We partner with Chamber members in the arts and culture industry to bring awareness of their important work and contributions to the greater Houston region. Learn more about the Arts + Business Initiative.
Check out the Chamber’s Special Savings for member benefits from some of our members in the arts and culture industry.
|
|
SPEAKING OF THE ARTS! THE ALLEY THEATRE IS CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS! |
|
A Christmas Carol is going virtual! The Alley is producing a digital adaptation of A Christmas Carol that will be available to stream starting December 4th. This production is a gift to the city of Houston and free to watch for this holiday season. Register here for the free link.
The Alley’s annual Deck the Trees event will be taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center and the beautiful displays will appear in the large windows facing Avenida de las Americas from November 21st - January 3rd. A wonderful way to celebrate the holidays that can be enjoyed outside or from the comfort of your car as you drive by. Learn more here.
We are proud to collaborate with the Alley as part of our Arts + Business Initiative.
|
|
|
|
We love highlighting our Corporate Partners and their commitment to diversity and inclusion. We want to highlight a fantastic video from our Silver Level Corporate Partner, Amegy Bank, featuring Judge Phyllis Frye with Chamber Member, Frye and Benavidez, PLLC. #EveryoneCounts
|
|
Congratulations to Dalton DeHart on being honored with the Montrose Center LGBTQ Community Vision Award on December 3 at the Out For Good virtual gala. Grab your tickets here and help honor Dalton and support Chamber Member, The Montrose Center. Check out the article about this recognition in OutSmart Magazine. Dalton DeHart Photography is our Chamber Photography Sponsor and Executive Level Member.
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to Shelley Kennedy with Chamber Member, The Kennedy Benefits Group, Inc., on receiving the Tony and Brunch Philanthropic Leadership Award from the Houston GLBT Political Caucus.
|
|
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - JACK BERGER |
|
Check out our recent blog post highlighting Jack Berger, who serves as a board member for the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Jack has been an outstanding advocate for the Chamber. He definitely understands the power of the LGBTQ & Allied business community! As you read more about Jack, you’ll see his passion for the LGBTQ community, sports (yep!) and giving back through the many organizations that he has volunteered with throughout the years.
We appreciate Jack and express our gratitude for his tremendous dedication and service to the Chamber!
|
|
REGISTER FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS |
|
Due to COVID-19, all events will remain in an online format through the end of the year.
|
|
On October 29, the Chamber hosted the October Biz Connect Mixer, "A Night at the Museum," with Chamber member the National Museum of Funeral History. The event included a virtual tour of several key exhibits, along with a journey through the gift shop and a mask contest! You can catch the virtual tour on the Chamber's YouTube channel.
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Business Connect Level Members
|
|
HAPPY CHAMBER ANNIVERSARY! |
|
The following members are celebrating their Chamber Anniversary. We appreciate your continued support of the Chamber! |
|
Founding Member
Business Premium Member
Business Connect Members
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST
LGBTBE® CERTIFIED MEMBER!
|
|
Comcast RISE Program now open for Black small business owners and opening up to BIPOC small business owners in late November.
Our Silver Level Corporate Partner, Comcast, has committed to a multiyear plan to fight injustice and inequality.
Comcast developed Comcast RISE – a program that stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. It is initially available for Black small business owners, and beginning November 28, 2020, all BIPOC small business owners will be eligible to apply. In addition, all small businesses are able to sign up for free marketing insights and resources. In the future, the program aims to expand to other small business owners.
Comcast RISE offers marketing and technology makeovers, which may include media placements, marketing consultations, commercial creative production services, or technology services such as computer equipment, internet, voice and cybersecurity from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and Comcast Business, Comcast’s cable provider to small and mid-size businesses. And, in the coming months, Comcast will be awarding grants of up to $10,000."
Please use this link for details on the selection criteria and to apply.
|
|
CIVIC DUTY - ABOVE AND BEYOND! |
|
SILVER CORPORATE PARTNERS |
|
BRONZE CORPORATE PARTNERS |
|
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBERS |
|
Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce | 832-510-3002 | info@houstonlgbtchamber.com | houstonlgbtchamber.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
