Chamber Connection

Volume 45 | August 23, 2021

Members and Supporters,

Can you believe? The year is flying by and here we are at August. It’s already been a very busy year with much more coming up including Pride Across Texas this week with the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce. Are you ready to connect statewide with other LGBTQ+ & Allied entrepreneurs and key stakeholders? Register for the virtual event today.

Are you hiring? Did you catch the recent email about job postings? Yep! Members can post job openings as part of their Chamber membership benefits. Check out more in this issue. And that’s just one of the many membership benefits offered!

We want you to know that your safety is our priority. As Covid related issues are changing rapidly, we are continually monitoring and have implemented Health & Safety Protocols for our events. Read more in this issue.

Anniversary Highlights! As we continue to celebrate the Chamber’s five year anniversary this year, check out the 5 Year Anniversary Page to see the anniversary video, proclamations, highlights of our inaugural members, photos throughout the years and so much more.

If you are reading this newsletter and not a member of the Chamber, what are you waiting for? It’s a great time to join and create new connections and be part of a growing and thriving community. We would love to have you! Learn more about the various membership levels and benefits at www.houstonlgbtchamber.com.

Stay cool,

‌

Tammi Wallace

Co-Founder and President & CEO

Please mask up and get vaccinated. You can find vaccination location via https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-vaccines/.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Executive Level Member, Premier Wireless, was recently profiled in OutSmart Magazine.

Congratulations to inaugural Chamber Member, MarFran Cleaning, LLC, on their 15 year anniversary! MarFran Cleaning, LLC is also an LGBTBE Certified biz!

Congratulations to Chamber Member, the breakfast klub, for their recognition in Houston Chronicle’s Best Of The Best Awards for Best Breakfast and Best Family Friendly Restaurant.

Way to go! The SBA Houston District Office recently won the won the Federal Executive Board 2021 Team Excellence Award. The Federal Executive Board is comprised of heads of agencies in the Houston Area, representing about 35,000 federal employees, and including many amazing law enforcement agencies. The Chamber is proud to work with the SBA Houston District Office Team!

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. Please submit your news via this form.

Did you catch the Chamber’s Special Section in the Houston Business Journal’s 2021 Business of Pride? Click here to see the feature. Thank you to the Houston Business Journal for your partnership! Subscribe to HBJ today – #1 in local business news.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST FROM THE CHAMBER BLOG

Read the some past Chamber Blog posts with our amazing members and other helpful information including:

4 Spring Cleaning Data Tips for More Sales

Jason Rocha

Celebrating and Reflecting on 5 Years

Why You Need Someone in Charge of Employee Engagement Immediately

Plus check out the full list of Chamber blog posts including informative blog posts to help your biz at https://business.houstonlgbtchamber.com/blog.

EVENTS - HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The health and safety of attendees is our highest concern. The Chamber is taking all precautions to make sure strict health & safety protocols are being followed. Based on the recent surge in COVID cases, we are evaluating in-person events on a case-by-case basis.

All event attendees should be diligent in following all CDC guidelines. We are asking all attendees to wear a mask and keep your mask on during the event unless eating or drinking. In addition to the wristband indicators noted below, there will be hand sanitizer stations available onsite. If you have not been vaccinated, we ask you to please maintain a social distance from other guests and wear a mask. Please review the specific event health & safety protocols when registering for upcoming events including any host venue requirements. Please stay home if you are feeling sick and follow recommended safety protocols.

Grab your wristband! We're helping our event guests communicate their comfort level with social interaction through wristbands that will be supplied onsite. Regardless of your wristband color of choice, please wear a mask.

Purple = You have been vaccinated and are ready to mingle.
Green = You are ready to mingle - hugs welcome!
Yellow = You can be social from a safe distance - fist bump anyone?
Red = Please stay at least 6 feet away, wear a mask and no touching.

Pick the wristband based on YOUR comfort level. Remember...please wear a mask.

Review the Chamber's Health & Safety Protocols & COVID Waiver here.

We have some great upcoming events over the next few months including in-person opportunities! Register today!

August 26: Pride Across Texas
September 3: First Friday Meet & Eat
September 15: Brewing Up Business at Sesh Coworking
September 17: NGLCC LGBT Sip & Pitch Fridays
September 21: Member Orientation
September 30: Biz Connect Mixer at Eureka Heights

Check out the events calendar for more events coming up! Thank you to our event sponsors for your support!

Guests are ALWAYS welcome at Chamber events! Contact the Chamber Office at 832-510-3002 or info@houstonlgbtchamber.com for complimentary registration.

JULY EVENTS RECAP

Thank you to Chamber member, Aussie Pet Mobile River Oaks, for sponsoring our virtual Brewing Up Business on July 14. Owner James Boswell shared great information about all of your pet's grooming needs and what his business offers. Learn more about Aussie Pet Mobile here.

We hosted our first in-person event of 2021 at City Cellars HTX, one of our newest members, on July 29 in the Houston Museum District. It was great to mix and mingle with fellow Chamber members and guests again. Thank you to City Cellars HTX for hosting and sponsoring the July Biz Connect Mixer.

RENEWING CORPORATE PARTNERS

Thank you to our Bronze Corporate Partner Houston Dynamo & Houston Dash 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.

Business Connect Level Members

HAPPY CHAMBERVERSARY!

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

Business Premium Level Members

Business Plus Level Member

Business Connect Level Members

Ilich Ramirez

In 2021, we are highlighting our amazing Inaugural Corporate Partners, Inaugural Members and Founding Members. Thank you for your support over the past 5 Years!

Thank you to David Alcorta Catering, LLC for being an Inaugural Business Member. Learn more about David Alcorta Catering.

Thank you to Integrus Solutions for being an Inaugural Business Member and LGBTBE^® Certified Business. Learn more about Integrus Solutions.

Thank you to J & D Entertainment for being an Inaugural Business Member. Learn more about J & D Entertainment.

Looking for a new position? Check out the featured job openings below listed on the Chamber Job Board. Visit the Job Board for a full list of openings.

Development Operations Manager

Sales Account Executive- Bellaire/Meyerland/West University

Members can post jobs for free as part of your membership benefits! Read more here.

Looking for a great way to volunteer for the Chamber? Members can volunteer for a variety of roles. The Membership Committee is actively looking for volunteers. Complete the volunteer form today and we’ll get you connected with the new Membership Committee Chair, Cathy Reinhold!

Volunteer!

FIRST FRIDAY MEET & EATS A HUGE SUCCESS!

Thank you to Chamber members, Buddy's and Harold's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace, for hosting our First Friday Meet & Eats in July and August. It was was a win-win for members and guests who attended - great connections and great food!