Members and Supporters,
We are under the wire with the February newsletter this month! It’s another month that I’m writing about a disaster in our city, region and state. It’s been an incredibly challenging past week and this winter storm crisis is far from over. We are reaching out to our membership to assess need and available support. The Chamber will continue to update our members on resources specifically focused on disaster recovery for the business community. Stay updated via the Chamber Winter Storm 2021 Resource Page that includes recovery resources as well as community support information. Keep an eye out for our next Winter Storm 2021 Update.
Celebrating 5 Years! On Wednesday, the Chamber celebrated its 5 year milestone anniversary. Talking about best laid plans…we were planning a HUGE 5 year anniversary celebration this year and then the pandemic hit. While we cannot celebrate in person, we are celebrating virtually this month and also throughout the rest of the year. Read more in this issue.
This month we have also been celebrating Black History Month. We have been highlighting our black owned businesses as well as Queer Black History and those individuals who have paved the way for so many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Last but not least, we are proud to highlight our Corporate Partners who scored 100% on the 2021 HRC Corporate Equality Index and making them “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality."
Ready to take your business to the next level, access resources to grow your business and connect with other likeminded business owners who want to help you succeed? Join the Chamber today and get visibility for your business connect to community, resources and more.
With Pride,
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Tammi Wallace
Co-Founder and President & CEO
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Did you know that Wednesday, February 24, 2021, was "Greater of Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce Day" in the City of Houston? Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed Wednesday as "Greater of Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce Day" to celebrate our milestone 5th Anniversary. Thank you to Council Member Abbie Kamin and her staff for coordinating the proclamation. Tammi Wallace, our Co-Founder, President & CEO, received the proclamation presented by Council Member Kamin. View the proclamation presentation here.
Thank you to Mayor Turner and Council Member Kamin for being strong advocates for the LGBTQ+ Business Community!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS! |
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We are very proud of the following Chamber Corporate Partners for being recognized on the HRC Foundation's 2021 Corporate Equality Index as the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality." This distinction is earned by achieving a top score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index.
Are you looking to work for LGBTQ inclusive organizations? Look no further than our amazing Chamber Corporate Partners below who are recognized for their commitment and practice of LGBTQ inclusion.
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SILVER CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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BRONZE CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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FORT BEND ENTREPRENEUR INITIATIVE |
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We talked to Stephen Levi Carter, MBA, PMP, with the Fort Bend Entrepreneur Initiative, and discussed the robust program and the commitment from Fort Bend County to help Fort Bend County small businesses during the pandemic.
Listen in as Chamber President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, interviews Stephen and hear more about why Fort Bend County is actively working to recruit LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to participate in the program. Learn more about the Fort Bend Entrepreneur Initiative at https://www.fortbendentrepreneur.com/
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NONPROFIT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT! |
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We are highlighting nonprofit member Bel Inizio this month! Bel Inizio helps disadvantaged women develop self-confidence and life skills through fitness and nutrition. Participants train to complete a 5K, which helps prepare them for the ultimate race — the race for a better life. Learn more about Bel Inizio at https://www.bel-inizio.org/.
The Chamber is proud to highlight the missions of our nonprofit members and the amazing work they do in the community.
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Happy 1 Year Anniversary! Chamber member, Sesh Coworking was recently highlighted on KHOU. What a year to launch…but as the KHOU coverage notes… "They have been able to stay afloat this year, and now their goal is to help more women continue their entrepreneurial dream.” Despite the challenges of the past year, Sesh Coworking has given back to the community, collaborated with other Chamber members and reflected an amazing entrepreneurial spirit. We are incredibly proud to call Sesh Coworking one of our members!
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Check out a few of our recent Chamber Chat Blog Posts highlighting some of our members and hear more about their business, why they support the Chamber and more. |
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CORPORATE PARTNER HIGHLIGHT -
MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY
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Who doesn’t love Maggiano’s? We sure do! The Chamber is proud to call Maggiano’s Little Italy one of our Corporate Partners. In the last 12 months, Maggiano’s has celebrated the following milestones:
- 103,875 Lasagnas stacked
- 5,735,916 Four-Cheese Raviolis enjoyed
- And more!
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Check out upcoming Chamber events and register today. It's a great time to participate with the Chamber virtually! We would love to have you as our guest. Contact the Chamber Office at 832-510-3002 or info@houstonlgbtchamber.com for complimentary registration. All Chamber events are held virtually via Airmeet or Zoom.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for 2021! Reach out to the Chamber office or complete the sponsorship form.
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It was another busy month with virtual events in January as we kicked off 2021! We continue to provide plenty of opportunities for our members to connect, learn and drive business opportunities. |
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Thank you to Silver Level Corporate Partner Comcast for sponsoring Brewing up Business on January 13. Attendees explored a virtual tour of the Highland Village Xfinity Store, which is unique, cutting-edge, and one of the "few-of-its-kind" in the nation.
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The Chamber hosted an informative and timely webinar on January 15 with Tim Jeffcoat, Houston District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, which focused the new stimulus bill.
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The Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce launched the 2021 Statewide LGBTBE® Roundtable Program on January 19 to support certified business. Thank you to our esteemed panel of experts – LaMecia Butler, Brian Hall, Tammy Jones-Still, Jada Watson and Lianne Lami – for sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience.
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We closed out the month with our Biz Connect Mixer on January 28 co-hosted with EPAH. This was our fifth year to collaborate with EPAH on a joint networking event. Thank you to EPAH for collaborating with the Chamber and being our Biz Connect Mixer Sponsor.
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WELCOME NEW CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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BRONZE CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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Imagine having the confidence to take control of your life and finances, feeling empowered to make decisions which secure your future and protect the ones you love. To achieve success, we at MassMutual Greater Houston|Horizon Advisory Group, LLC (a member of MassMutual Greater Houston) strive to understand your values and vision. We provide the education, insight and guidance to create a financial plan that will set you on the path towards attaining your goals and dreams. Berkely Arrants and Lona McManus look forward to connecting and exploring possibilities with you!
MassMutual has consistently advocated for the LGBTQ community, supporting equality through legal activities and sponsoring local and national LGBTQ organizations. MassMutual strives to be the financial services company of choice for the community.
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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. The institution's sole mission is to end cancer for patients and their families around the world. MD Anderson is one of only 51 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing greater access to education, capital and business support services. To date, more than 10,000 business owners have graduated from the program across all 50 states in the US, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
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THANK YOU RENEWING CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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Thank you to our Bronze Corporate Partners Maggiano's Little Italy and Regions Bank who renewed their investment. We appreciate your long-time support of the Chamber! |
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The Chamber continues to grow! Welcome to our newest members. Thank you for supporting the Chamber and the LGBTQ & Allied Business Community!
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Business Connect Level Members |
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HAPPY CHAMBER ANNIVERSARY! |
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The following members are celebrating their Chamber Anniversary. We appreciate your continued support of the Chamber! |
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Business Plus Level Members |
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Business Connect Level Members |
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Did you know that the average business will spend from $200-$300 per employee on office supplies each year? For some businesses, the amount can be closer to $1,000 per person.
MEMBER BENEFIT: By using Office Depot, members of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce can save on office supplies, cleaning and breakroom supplies, technology, and printing. With a minimum purchase of $50, Chamber Members receive free next day delivery.
Check out even more member special savings here.
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SILVER CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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BRONZE CORPORATE PARTNERS |
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PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBERS |
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Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce | 832-510-3002 | info@houstonlgbtchamber.com | houstonlgbtchamber.com
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