Pride In Business Announcements! | |
The Chamber is excited to share the next big announcement about the 2023 Pride In Business Celebration & Awards! We are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with KHOU 11 as our Media Partner for this premier Pride Month Event! | | |
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Cheryl Mercedes (she/her)
Reporter & Anchor
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We are excited to share that our Pride In Business Emcee will be Cheryl Mercedes (she/her), Anchor, KHOU 11 News. Thank you, Cheryl, for your support of Pride In Business! | |
Keep an eye out for more Pride In Business announcements coming soon! | | |
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You still have time to secure your Pride In Business sponsorship! Sponsoring Pride In Business is a great opportunity for brand visibility and employee engagement during Pride Month. Not to mention supporting the Chamber and its mission focused on LGBTQ+ economic inclusion. Reserve your sponsorship TODAY! | |
Thank you to our Pride In Business Presenting Sponsor, HP! | |
Check out the latest issue of Business Intersections! | | |
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This "Giving Back" edition features member organizations and individuals who give back to the community and...well...just make the world a better place!
Did you know that Business Intersections
was launched for this exact reason? To tell the important stories of our members including sharing their success and celebrating their contributions to the community? Take a few minutes to read this issue. We know you will be inspired by these stories.
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Thank you to our Front Cover Sponsor, Houston Botanic Garden for your support! We are proud to call the Houston Botanic Garden one of our Arts + Business members! Learn more about HBC at https://hbg.org/. | |
TGX Scholarship Opportunity! | |
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Are you a Transgender or Gender Expansive (TGX) business owner?
TGX business owners can apply for a scholarship to have their local membership dues sponsored and get LGBTBE certified. The scholarship is open to any TGX business owner who is not currently certified or a member of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you Chamber Corporate Partner, Wells Fargo, for the generous support for the scholarship program. The program is a collaboration of the NGLCC and Wells Fargo.
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We need YOU – are you willing to help?
The Texas Legislature is considering several bills that attempt to devalue the LGBTQ+ community and businesses.
These bills that target the community, especially transgender Texans, are bad for business and bad for Texas. They hurt our state’s economy and ruin the reputation of doing business in Texas.
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We need you to step up and tell your legislators NO to any anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Our state should be open to all, period. Please take action now and share this message. | |
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Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace and Ray Purser, Chamber Government Affairs, visited with the Houston Congressional Delegation in D.C. last week.
It was an amazing time visiting legislators to advocate for the LGBTQ+ business community, our members and raising the visibility of the work and mission of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
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A special thank you to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher for her recognition of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce on the House Floor. We appreciate all she does to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community! | |
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOUSTON IN JUST 5 MINUTES | |
The 713 – named for Houston’s OG area code – is a weekly email like no other. It’s the start of your day with a five-minute read that puts you ahead of everyone else and cuts to the chase about what’s hot in Houston.
Thank you to the Houston Chronicle for your marketing partnership.
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SAVE THE DATE!
NGLCC Conference
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Make your plan to join Chamber Leaders, Members, Corporate Partners and other attendees at the 2023 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference August 14 – 18 in Denver, Colorado!
This globally recognized conference is the largest LGBTQ business event on the planet. The NGLCC Conference delivers innovative leadership programming as well as networking and engagement opportunities for more than 2,000 LGBTQ and allied business leaders.
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Recently, Chamber Member, Conduit Coffee, was harassed when a person opened their door and shouted about their display of the Pride Flag using expletives and was very aggressive telling them to take down their flag.
No business should have to experience this kind of attack or hatred. The Chamber is stepping up to help our member and asking the community to rally around Conduit and support them.
After the May First Friday Meet & Eat at Landry's in The Woodlands, join us to grab coffee and support Conduit Coffee to let them know we are here to support them! Register for the First Friday Meet & Eat here.
Conduit Coffee is an easy 7-10 minute drive from Landry's. Stop by, grab coffee (and more!) and show your support for this LGBTQ+ owned business. Conduit has gift cards too!
Learn more about Conduit Coffee at https://twtxconduitcoffee.com/. Follow them on Instagram at @twtxconduitcoffee
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SBA T.H.R.I.V.E Program
Apply by April 30th
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Chamber Strategic Partner, SBA Houston, is seeking 50 top-quality small business CEOs for our dynamic CEO training program T.H.R.I.V.E.!
This intensive program combines in-person and virtual training, features contemporary training materials, can be customized for the needs of specific businesses, is totally focused on GROWTH, and is FREE!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2023
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Eligibility Requirements:
· Have been in business for 3+ years
· Have annual revenues of $250,000+
· More than 1 employee other than self
· Hungry for significant GROWTH and can commit to completing the full 6-month program (late June - mid December), including in-person and virtual trainings, submitting assignments, participating during sessions, and reaching out for help.
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LAMBDA NextGen Kick-Off is a HUGE Success!
Supporting LGBTQ+ Young Professionals
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The kick-off for the Chamber’s new LGBTQ+ Young Professionals Group at the end of March was a huge success. We are thrilled that LAMBDA NextGen is now officially a program of the Chamber.
We have some great events planned this year! Be part of LAMBDA NextGen!
LAMBDA NextGen is Houston's first young professionals networking group, ages 21-35, focused on bringing LGBTQ+ professionals together to build a strong connection in an ever-changing community.
LAMBDA NextGen launched in 2013 as a social networking group in Houston to bring LGBTQ+ Young Professionals together to connect, mingle, and strengthen roots within the local community. The initial event grew from 35 people to over 300+ and LAMBDA NextGen leadership is working with the Chamber to reengage this impactful program and connect LGBTQ+ Young Professionals!
With LAMBDA NextGen officially becoming a program of the Chamber, this opens up even more opportunities to continue building on the important work of the former organization to continue helping LGBTQ+ Young Professionals in the greater Houston region thrive and succeed.
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New Member LinkedIn Group | |
There is now a new Member LinkedIn Group! Members can access the group to regularly post about their member business or organization. Members can request to join the group here. | |
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The Member Facebook Group is still active! If you haven’t joined the Member Facebook Group, you can request access here.
We want to hear from our members! Use the groups to share the latest about your member business or organization.
The Chamber Team will be processing Member LinkedIn Group requests as quickly as possible. We expect a large number of requests so we appreciate your patience. As a reminder, you must be a member to access the Member Facebook or LinkedIn Groups and listed on the member account.
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FEATURED EVENTS
Join us to connect with members and supporters outside of Houston!
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Thursday, May 4, 2023
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Marmo Plaza
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We are headed to the Island...Galveston Island that is!
We are excited to host Pride@5 on the Island with some Chamber Members in Galveston and local Galveston LGBTQ+ professionals for the Pride@5 Galveston event to be held on Thursday, May 4th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at MarMo Plaza, 2121 Market Street in Galveston.
It will be a fun evening of great company, live music, light bites and complimentary wine. Register today to join us to connect with community!
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We are going NORTH!
Join us at the First Friday Meet & Eat in The Woodlands!
Members and guests are invited to join this informal lunch gathering to enjoy a great meal, networking and patronize a valued Chamber member. There is a thriving LGBTQ+ and Allied community in Montgomery County and the Chamber is excited to host our first event for 2023 "up north" and connect with our amazing member businesses and supporters. Plus, join us at Conduit Coffee immediately after the lunch.
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Friday, May 5, 2023
12:00 pm
Landry's Seafood House - The Woodlands
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Join us for the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Happy Hour hosted on May 11! The Chamber is bringing together LGBTQ+ and Allied leaders as well as other key stakeholders from our 55 (and growing) Corporate Partners as part of the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Program.
Chamber Corporate Partners and key stakeholders are invited to join us to connect and network with colleagues from other Chamber Corporate Partners!
Register today to join us for an evening of connection with other colleagues across the region who are champions for LGBTQ+ inclusion. This event is open to Chamber Corporate Partners including LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, executive sponsors and HR/DEI professionals. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you working to plan events for your ERG/BRG? Just a reminder to use Chamber events to augment your ERG/BRG calendar!
The Chamber is active twelve months out of the year and it’s a great way for your employees to engage.
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City of Houston & Harris County Boards & Commissions | |
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A recent 3rd Thursday Breakfast – Community & ConnXions including special guest speakers, Olivia Lee, Director of Boards & Commissions with the City of Houston and Maria Montes, Director of Boards & Commissions with Harris County. They shared helpful information about how the community can get involved in the various boards and commissions and how the process works.
The Chamber is committed to educating our members about these opportunities with City and County Boards & Commissions and working with Maria and Olivia to increase opportunities for more LGBTQ+ representation.
Congratulations to the following Chamber Members on their recent appointments by Mayor Sylvester Turner to the Gulf Coast Workforce Development Board.
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Lavone K. Jones
(she/her)
Vice President Human Resources
Comcast
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Melanie Rodriguez, PhD PCC (she/her/Ella)
CEO
Elevate Latinas
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Lavone is with Chamber Silver Level Corporate Partner, Comcast. Melanie is with Business Level Member and LGBTBE® Certified business, Elevate Latinas.
Congratulations to these outstanding women on their mayoral appointments!
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2023 Sponsor Opportunities Flipbook |
Did you know the Chamber has a variety of sponsorship opportunities throughout the year including events, programming and more? | | |
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The National Museum of Funeral History is an educational experience like no other and offers something for everyone. Discover America’s largest collection of authentic, historical funeral service items.
Through our collaboration with the the NMFH, members have access to discounted tickets and other benefits including:
- Chamber members who purchase one $10 admission to NMFH will get a second admission free
- Chamber members received discounts for groups of 10 or more
- Chamber members receive a discount for booking events at NMFH
Make plans to visit and check out their newest exhibit, The Most Famous Burial of All Time: The Shroud of Turin!
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Advertise in the Pride issue of Business Intersections | | |
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Talk about a win-win! Advertising in the Chamber magazine is a great way to bring visibility for your business and support the Chamber! 🙌
Members can take advantage of advertising space (with member-only rates) in each edition of the magazine.
The quarterly magazine is promoted on the Chamber's website, through social media, newsletters and more. Business Intersections creates 45,000 impressions for each edition of the magazine. Plus, it is regularly promoted via email signature lines for the Chamber Team!
Reserve your ad in the Summer 2023 Pride Month Edition now!
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SBA Summit Celebrating Women’s History Month at the White House – Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, joined President Biden, SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman, Justin Nelson, CEO, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and other LGBTQ+ Chamber Leaders from around the country for a summit to celebrate Women’s History Month. | |
Houston Business Journal Diversity in Business Awards – Chamber Leaders, Shenice Brown, Board Chair and Jack Berger, Director of Programming & Events, and were recently recognized at the HBJ Diversity in Business Awards. Thank you to Gold Level Corporate Partner, Amegy Bank, for hosting us at their table. | |
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Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) Women Mean Business Event – Thank you to Jagdip Ahluwalia, Executive Director, IACCGH for the invitation to participate in their Women Mean Business event. The event featured Pooja Jesrani, Flight Director with NASA. | |
First Pitch! Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, threw out the First Pitch at the Houston Astros game on April 2nd, courtesy of Chamber Gold Level Corporate Partner, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. We’re proud of her and happy to share that the ball made it to the plate. :-) Way to go, Tammi! | | |
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The Mahogany Project 6th Anniversary Lunch – Chamber Leaders joined, nonprofit member, The Mahogany Project, for a lunch at their office celebrating their 6th Anniversary. It was a treat to see the new space they are building out as well! Congratulations to Verniss McFarland III, Founder and Executive Director, and the Team on your anniversary! Learn more about The Mahogany Project here. | |
Visit to HP Campus – It was a wonderful visit with Chamber Gold Corporate Partner, HP’s Pride Business Impact Network (BIN). The group is advocating internally and externally for their LGBTQ+ workforce and the community. The Chamber has a strong partnership with HP, and, thanks to the BIN leadership, recently announced HP as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2023 Pride In Business Celebration. Did you know that HP’s Pride BIN has been engaging and supporting LGBTQ+ employees for decades? Thank you to HP for your leadership and advocacy! | |
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Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Luncheon & Expo – Congratulations to Dr. Laura Murillo and her team at the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on a successful luncheon & expo. The Chamber was honored to participate with some of our leaders and members. | | |
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Silver Eagle Houston Trade Show – Chamber Leaders had a great time with Chamber Bronze Level Corporate Partner, Silver Eagle, at their recent trade show. We appreciate the invitation and look forward to next year. | |
President’s Circle Featured Member! | |
From time to time, the Chamber features our President’s Circle members who have made a significant investment in the Chamber. This month, we are highlighting Presidents Circle member, Eureka Heights Brewery.
The Chamber is proud to partner with Eureka Heights Brewery on Drag Bingo and the Member Showcase hosted the last Thursday of each month. Learn more at https://business.houstonlgbtchamber.com/event-calendar.
About Eureka Heights Brewery
Born and brewed in the Houston Heights. Our taproom has 18 taps with oodles of sessionable beers to cover every picky palate.
Learn more about Eureka Heights Brewery at https://www.eurekaheights.com/.
Thank you to Eureka Heights Brewery for your support of the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ & Allied Business Community!
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Check out the Photos from Recent Chamber Events | | |
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April 20, 2023 - 3rd Thursday Breakfast - Community & ConnXions at Harold's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
| Thank you to Chamber Member David Batagower with Realty & Relocation Houston Group for sponsoring the April 3rd Thursday Breakfast! | |
Register for Upcoming Events! | |
There’s plenty of upcoming opportunities to engage with the Chamber and make some great connections! | |
The Chamber events calendar is regularly updated so check back often and keep an eye out for event announcements. | | |
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Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community! The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce offers numerous sponsorship and marketing opportunities throughout the year. This Sponsorship Guide outlines the various opportunities to increase your brand visibility with Chamber members and the LGBTQ+ community.
Click here to learn more and become a sponsor. Use this form to inquire about 2023 Sponsorship Opportunities!
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Recently, Jeffrey Campbell, with Chamber Member, AIDS Foundation Houston, was promoted to CEO of the organization. He is the first black gay man to lead the organization. Congratulations, Jeffrey! Check out the recent interview in OutSmart Magazine with Jeffrey. | | |
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Congratulations to one of our newest members, Low Tide, for their winning Ceviche as part of the 2023 Best Bites at the Rodeo!
Hungry for ceviche? Learn more about Low Tide at
https://www.lowtidekitchenbar.com/.
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Do you have good news to share about your member business of an individual member milestone? From time to time, the Chamber highlights significant accomplishments, big milestones and other good news about our Members and Corporate Partners. Please submit your news here. | |
Congratulations to Kelcy Johnson for 20 years of tireless dedication and service to Amegy Bank and the communities they serve. Kelcy was one of the first Amegy Bank employees to engage with the Chamber in year one! We appreciate her longtime support as well as Amegy Bank, the Chamber’s very first Corporate Partner. Way to go, Kelcy!
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175 Years! Congratulations to Chamber Member, St. Peter United, on celebrating 175 years!
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Do you have an anniversary 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 here
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Renewing Corporate Partners
Thank you to our Corporate Partners who have renewed their investment. We appreciate your continued support of the Chamber!
| Thank you to Cadence Bank for their increased support this year! |
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Thank you to the following members for their continued support of the Chamber! | | |
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Michael's Cookie Jar is Houston's favorite cookie bakery featuring Oven Fresh Cookies all day long! Chef prepared and delicious to eat, our cookies are made with real butter, freshly cracked eggs and natural flavors! Learn more at https://www.michaelscookiejar.com/. | |
We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to the Chamber! | |
The Chamber is growing! It’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community. Join today! | |
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 organization! | | |
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Make sure your business is included in the online Chamber Directory where the community finds LGBTQ+ supportive businesses. Show your support and get more visibility for your business in the LGBTQ+ community!
Don’t own a business? Join and take advantage of great networking through the Professionals Membership!
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Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas | |
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Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce www.houstonlgbtchamber.com
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