Chamber Blog

Vote for the Pride Tree!

The Chamber is participating once again in the Alley Theatre's 18th Annual Deck The Trees festive holiday tree exhibition. We hosted an event in November to decorate the ornaments for the Pride Tree, which is titled Celebrate Diversity.

For over 100 years in Houston, the Better Business Bureau has been listening to consumer concerns and championing great businesses. Recognizable by its "BBB" seal, the organization accredits businesses based on their commitment to high ethical standards and customer satisfaction. This accreditation offers significant benefits to both businesses and consumers.

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 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.”

Post-Election Message & Support

I am proud to exist during this time in our history. Next year, I will begin my term as Chair of our Board of Directors, and I give you my unwavering commitment that I will rise to answer the call of this changing political climate. And together we will continue to push forward toward the equality we seek, and the freedom we deserve.

Read the message from Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, on the 2024 election results.

The Chamber is here for you. Our work continues. We are not giving up and we are digging in to support our members and community. We ask our members and partners to not give up, but to dig in and commit to the important and critical work ahead.

Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO Tammi Wallace reflects on the organization's 8th anniversary

Someone asked me what impact looks like over these past eight years... it's in the stories of the many business owners and nonprofits we have helped along the way, the safe space we have created for business owners, professionals and community to be able to be their full and authentic selves, the advocacy work that we have built and continue to build, the partnerships we have forged with local, statewide and national organizations, getting more businesses LGBTBE Certified and so much more.

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce calls on Fortune 500 CEOs to maintain and expand business diversity initiatives

“The numbers speak volumes – more than 80% of business leaders consider diversity initiatives essential to their business strategy, and the vast majority believe such initiatives will grow in importance in the future. The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce works with business leaders every day who are equally committed to diversity and inclusion efforts for their companies and this data shows they are in good company. As one of the most diverse cities in the country, it is more critical than ever for major emplo

Our new Board Chair shares his thoughts on the year ahead!

Hear from Thomas Lopez, the new 2024 Board Chair for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

A Conversation with Robert “Bobby” Springer, KHOU President and General Manager

Pride allowed me to open up and be my true self.

I choose to live my life OUT LOUD.

Pride reminds us of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go.

It Is Always Someone’s First Pride!

Recently, Commissioner Tom Ramsey attacked the LGBTQ+ community with a lie, through his untruthful and baseless comments during a Commissioners Court meeting. It was an attack, a rallying cry for hate and intentionally demonizes the LGBTQ+ community.

Stepping Up and Marching Forward: Allyship During Pride Month and Beyond

Pride is being comfortable in my skin and prideful in my identity.

Pride is about creating a world where people can live their lives authentically.

“We stood on the corner of Westheimer and Montrose, the perfect location. About 30 minutes into the parade a lightning bolt went through my head. I eclipsed into self-acceptance and was filled with emotion at seeing the thousands of people, spectators and marchers proudly participating.”

Pride Month is a time to celebrate who we are, no matter our differences.

Stephen was recognized as the Chamber 2022 Volunteer of the Year for his work to advocate for the Chamber both through his role at Bank of America, one of the Chamber's Corporate Partners, and on a personal level. He has facilitated important community conversations, identified grant opportunities, engaged new members and Corporate Partners, represented the Chamber in the community and much more.

Hear from LAMBDA past president and now LAMBDA Committee Co-Chair, Chris Cantu (he/him), about this new phase for LAMBDA NextGen and how LGBTQ+ Young Professionals can engage through the program.

While other coalitions of chambers from across the state were formally recognized through resolutions in both chambers, and even their leadership on the dais of the House, the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce were not only denied formal resolutions but stripped of our dignity as we sat in the gallery and watched chamber after chamber being recognized.

In this blog post, we welcome one of our newest members and collaboration partners, Julie Irvin Hartman, with Corporate Partner, B2G Victory. Thank you to Julie for sharing her expertise on proposals and the secrets that businesses need to know to prepare a successful proposal that gets noticed!

Our community is in mourning for the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado, and we are heartbroken.

The Chamber is committed to lifting up the mission of our nonprofit members in the community. With this blog, readers will have an opportunity to learn about a remarkable person who is doing great work in the HIV/AIDS space as well as the important work of AHF.

In early October, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of announced that T. Ray Purser (he/him) joined the organization as a consultant to lead government relations for the organization.

Learn about a remarkable leader who is making a difference in Houston and an organization that is doing critical work for TQLGB+ Communities of Color.

We are celebrating the week with our Chamber of Commerce colleagues around the state of Texas to highlight the work of Chambers of Commerce and their importance to the local economy and community as a whole.

The SBA has expanded the definition of businesses considered to be 'small'. With this expansion, an extra 59,000+ firms across sixteen North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) sectors are now considered small!

“Drag Art is as much a part of the LGBTQ+ community as the rainbow flag and Pride parades.“

Learn about Linda Leto Head and the amazing work she is doing at Lone Star College.

Today, we reflect on the 49 lives lost in the Orlando PULSE nightclub. They are gone but never forgotten.

“As LGBTQ+ people, we still live in a world where we are devalued in so many cases, in the workplace, as entrepreneurs, and society.”

Read more to learn about one of PromoPrint Group’s customers that they secured through the Chamber! Can you say Houston Astros?

“… this financial support from Comcast RISE helped to cover costs such as rent and other services. The funding was a lifeline for the business.”

The Chamber Foundation is highlighting Chamber members who have received support from the Comcast RISE program. Read further to hear from Liam J. Adair, HHP; Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner and Owner of Chamber member, Wholesome Healing.

“I really wanted to focus each and every moment on empowering others and I felt that I could shape a larger impact out on my own.”

March 8, 2022, is International Women’s Day.

March 8, 2022, is International Women’s Day when the world celebrates the many contributions of women everywhere. If you’re not sure how to celebrate, we have some ideas for you and your business.

We sat down with Jack to talk about being recognized as the 2021 Chamber Volunteer of the Year. Read more to hear about his dedication and passion, why he’s involved in the Chamber and get to know Jack.

When it comes to cancer prevention, LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges, and in some cases, greater health risks. Learn more from Chamber Corporate Partner, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A HUGE thank you to ARCA Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages for being the Title Sponsor for the 2021 Chamber Holiday Food Drive.

In this blog post we chat with Susanne Brady-Lusk, who is the Vice President/General Manager Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and ARCA Continental.

As one of our Bronze Level Corporate Partners, Cadence Bank is making strong commitments to the LGBTQ+ community through a variety of actions including the announcement this year newly launched Supplier Diversity Program, which includes LGBTQ+-owned businesses.

"Together we can beat hunger for LGBTQ+ Seniors."

You can turn an average experience into something amazing when your audience knows where you are coming from with storytelling.

Coming out was not an easy process. I feared losing family and friends. I was terrified that I would get fired so I stayed closeted at work for a very long time.

Yes, attracting new customers is important but there’s another great need right now—employees. You need to attract people to work with you and retain those you currently have.

Big brands can afford to hire the best and the brightest marketers out there. And that’s why you can learn a lot from them. But what they do isn’t always out of reach.

Here are two problems you need to solve to take the guesswork out of doing business with you.

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

“I got involved in the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce to make business connections. What I found with the Chamber was so much more than business connections, but a sense of community.”

In celebration of the Chamber’s 5 Year Anniversary this month, we are sharing reflections from our Chamber Board Chair, Jason Rocha. Jason has been involved with the Chamber since 2016 and joined the board in 2019.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, engagement is critical to your business. Now more than ever.

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

In this Chamber Chat, learn more from one of our Chamber members, Theresa Strong, who is the Founder and Executive Director with the nonprofit organization, Bel Inizio.

While we are quickly heading toward the heat of summer, there’s still time to do some spring cleaning with your data. A nice clean email list can help you make the most of your ecommerce and increase summer sales.

Remarks from Richard Hyde, Her Majesty's Consul General in Houston

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

The Chamber is proud to highlight Tiffany Scales, who is the Founder and Executive Director of Toiletries for Families (TFF) and the remarkable work of the organization to support some of the most vulnerable in our community.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

In this Chamber Chat, learn more from one of our Chamber members, Rev. Leslie Jackson, who is the Senior Pastor at St. Peter United, an open and affirming congregation.

Getting eyeballs to your online property is always the goal if you do business online or use the Internet to promote and share information, so having a comprehensive promotional domain strategy is key to your success.

Five years ago, a shooter walked into the PULSE nightclub in Orlando, FL and gunned down 49 people and wounded 53 others.

These basic tips can (and should) be used when writing your web copy, social media posts, newsletter, emails, or anything you’re using words to grab attention.

Celebrating Pride 2021

I debated for months and months about whether to put the sticker on my car license plate.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

Three words - canine enrichment activities. You Lucky Dog believes that this is THE key ingredient to having a healthy and happy dog. Need boarding for your pup? Doggie Daycare? You Lucky Dog has you covered! Woof!

Trust is hard to build but easy to destroy.

Think about your interactions with businesses and what made you feel distrusting then do your best to be as open as possible with the people who want to do business with you.

Application Period Now Open.

The City of Houston is the first city in Texas to include LGBTBE® Certified Businesses

Apply Today!

Are you a BIPOC business owner? Apply NOW for the Comcast RISE program.

In celebration of the Chamber’s 5 Year Anniversary this month, we are sharing reflections from one of the Chamber Co-Founders, Tammi Wallace. She also serves as the President & CEO for the Chamber.

In celebration of the Chamber’s 5 Year Anniversary this month, we are sharing reflections from one of the Chamber Co-Founders, Gary Wood.

If recovery is right around the corner, now is the ideal time to revisit your marketing strategy and plan.

Asking yourself these questions about your business and marketing can help ensure that you have the data and information you need to make the most of the looming recovery.

It's no surprise that Shan Randle was chosen as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Shan has been a key part of the Membership Committee throughout 2020.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

Read more in this Chamber Chat about what brought Kym to Houston and why she feels it’s important for the LGBTQ+ business community to have a strong voice.

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

Through each of their words, you will learn more about Amegy’s commitment to LGBTQ inclusion and how the LGBT & Allies BRG started, read a few fun facts about each of them and understand why at Amegy, “diversity and inclusion means everyone counts.”

The Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to be named a local Comcast RISE partner. Comcast RISE is a commitment from Comcast to support small businesses...

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

As you read about Tiffany, you’ll understand her passion for the work at the Chamber and why she believes the Chamber can thrive in the years ahead. Read on and check out a few fun things about Tiffany.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

Under Tim’s leadership, the relationship between the SBA and the Chamber has grown tremendously since the launch of the Chamber. Tim’s leadership, commitment and support of the LGBTQ+ community is highlighted in our recent conversation with him.

Economic assistance for struggling small businesses...

On Monday, December 21, 2020, the Senate approved a massive emergency economic relief package, government funding, and tax cuts designed to counter the effects of the pandemic and stimulate economic growth.

Check out the December 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the December 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about the Chamber Holiday Food Drive and more.

Thank you to the Food Drive Sponsors, Community Partners and Donors

Through the 2020 Chamber Foundation Holiday Food Drive over $18,000.00 was raised through direct donations and in-kind donations in support of the Montrose Center.

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

As you read about Jon, you’ll understand his passion for the work at the Chamber and why he believes the Chamber can thrive in the years ahead. Read on and check out a few fun things about Jon.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

Learn more from one of our Chamber members, Derrick M. Brown, who is the Chief Development Officer with AIDS Foundation Houston. Derrick shares about his passion for the work at AFH and the important work to end the HIV epidemic in Houston.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

In this Chamber Chat, learn more from Dave Feldman who is a Supply Chain Advisor, Supplier Diversity with Chevron. Dave has been a tremendous advocate for the Chamber and certified LGBTQ-owned businesses since year one of the Chamber.

Check out the November 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the November 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about the Chamber Holiday Food Drive, Alley Virtual Holiday Celebrations and more.

The Chamber recently talked to Consul General Richard Hyde, Her Majesty’s Consul General, Houston, to discuss why this collaboration is so important to both to the British Consulate General in Houston and for him personally.

As our community continues our journey for full equality, it is important we remember these moments in our history to reflect on the progress made and the work which remains ahead.

Since 1994, LGBT History Month has given the LGBTQ community an opportunity to reflect on important milestones and trailblazers that have shaped our community.

Celebrating National Coming Out Day - Oct 11

Chamber Co-Founder and President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, shares some of her coming out story in celebration of National Coming Out Day.

Check out the October 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the October 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about the Gayest & Greatest Winners, Out to Vote Early, LGBTQ Bar Polling Location and more.

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

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.

Check out the September 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the September 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about our President & CEO and Board Leadership Announcement, Member Spotlights, National Small Business Week and more.

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

As you read more about Thomas, you’ll see how he uses his talent in many ways to support the LGBTQ+ community including through his podcast, Let’s Talk About Gay Stuff.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

Read more about Jeffrey Reich-Hale’s commitment to helping consumers live this motto and give back to two deserving non-profits in Houston doing outstanding work.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

Learn more about Shane’s work as a Financial Advisor, why he chose Edward Jones (hint: 100% Score) and what he looks for in potential clients. Can you guess what Shane describes as “oxygen” to him and something he can’t live without?!?!

Check out the August 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the August 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about Chamber Champion, Gayest & Greatest, PPP Loan Forgiveness, Board Member Spotlight, New YouTube Channel & more.

Chamber Chat – Back to Business Blog

Through this interview, you can read more about Shenice, her vision for the important work at the Chamber, her LGBTBE® certified business and a few things fun things!

Certify Your LGBT Owned Business

Certify Your LGBT Owned Business! Did you know that if you’re 51% or more LGB owned that you may qualify for LGBTBE® certification? Learn about the benefits and steps to become a LGBTBE® certified business.

Read about Dustin’s commitment to changing the way insurance is handled for his customers, why serving the LGBTQ community is important and why he chose to pursue the LGBTBE® certification.

Check out the July 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the July 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about Chamber Champion, Consulate General of Mexico in Houston Partnership, Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund, PPP Deadline Extended & more.

Read more about our reflections on a very different Pride Season in 2020.

Check out the June 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the June 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about Pride Month, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Conference, PPP Funds Still Available & more.

Read more about Julie’s work with her clients and how developing lifelong relationships is a priority focus for her.

Chamber releases a statement on the senseless killing of George Floyd.

We write this statement on the weekend before Pride month officially starts and ending a week of tremendous racial injustice with the death of George Floyd.

A blog from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) highlighting the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Check out the May 2020 Chamber Newsletter

Check out the May 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about How To Get LGBTBE Certified, New OBO Director, Upcoming Events & more

Let's review where we are and refocus on where we need to be now and where we want to be in the future.

how we treat our customers, employees, and business partners during this time, is extremely important, as what we do now can have ripples for some time to come.

Special Update: Harris County Small Business Loans Program.

Information from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis about the Harris County Small Business Loans Program launched this week.

Check out the April 2020 Chamber newsletter.

Check out the April 2020 Chamber Connection newsletter with information about upcoming events, photos from March events, ICIC Application & more.

Learn more about ChamberCares and How You Can Help!

ChamberCares helps connect need with supply. Our generous Chamber members are providing a way to support our healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines.

Weekly Chamber Update on COVID-19

Update from the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber on COVID-19 including CARES Act, PPP Program, COVID-19 Member Survey and more.

Check out The Cannon's Director of Strategy & Business Development Taylor Anne Adam's wise words about how these "unprecedented times call for unprecedented practices."

Weekly Chamber Update on COVID-19

Update from the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber on COVID-19 including CARES Act, upcoming webinars and more.

In this Chamber Chat, we profile Rachel Applegate, Director of Marketing and Communications, with the Alley Theatre. Rachel shares more about the Alley Theatre and we get to learn a bit more about her.

Weekly Chamber Update on COVID-19

Update from the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber on COVID-19 including news from Texas Comptroller, upcoming webinars, COVID-19 advocacy, COVID-19 resources and more.

This blog post is authored by Jessica Eiseman, MS, LPC-S, NCC, CCTP who is the Owner & Clinical Director of Ajana Therapy & Clinical Services. We are sharing out their wisdom through the Chamber Blog to help our members during this difficult time.

With the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changing our lives by the day, many of us are asking ourselves what to do now? What will happen next? When will this end?

Weekly Chamber Update on COVID-19

Update from the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber on COVID-19 including Support Local, SBA Disaster Recovery Assistance Informational Webinars Program and more.

Weekly Chamber Update on COVID-19

Update from the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber on COVID-19 including Support Local, April events & SBA Economic Injury Declaration Program.

With the growing coworking ecosystem in Houston, find out what differentiates Sesh Coworking apart from the competition.

With all of these changes related to COVID-19 impacting not just an isolated group of people but growing pockets of the population around the country and globe, how prepared are you?

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce wishes to share some of the recent developments and updates regarding the Coronavirus outbreak with our membership.

Read about what led Dr. Samar Yusuf to the healthcare profession and what he enjoys doing when he’s not serving patients at Signature Care Montrose

Read more to find out why Shenice and Shan are passionate about protecting families’ human and financial capital.

In celebration of the Chamber’s 4-Year Anniversary, our Co-Founder & Board Chair, delivered these remarks to a crowd of over 100 people at the Anniversary Celebration.

Learn more about what’s ahead in the next 3-5 years and about how Michael’s Cookie Jar was involved with Super Bowl LI as part of the NFL’s Business Connect program, where he was able to secure business as an LGBTBE® certified business.

Learn more from Lane Lewis, who is the Owner of Lane Lewis Agency. He shares why client relations is key to the success of his business and how his approach sets Lane Lewis Agency apart from the competition.

There are significant changes to the overtime rule and W-4 that will impact businesses in 2020. Read further to learn more about these changes and access the linked resources to help your business be prepared.

On December 12, 2019, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber was recognized as the 2019 Chamber of the Year Award by Success In Business.

Wow! What a year! 2019 has been a strong year for the Chamber with our growing membership, increase in LGBTBE® certified businesses, addition of strategic partnerships and more programming & events offered than ever before in our history.

Ty Counts, Owner/Broker at Apartment World, is one of the best locators/agents in the business and one of the most experienced by far in the Houston area.

Learn more from Tom Jackobs, Impact Pilot, and read why his entrepreneurial journey has led him on a path to help other entrepreneurs tell their stories to help your business stand out.

Learn more about Patrick Torma, Agency Owner with Goosehead Insurance read about how the Chamber has helped Patrick in terms of business growth and connecting with the LGBTQ consumer market.

During PRIDE month, we reflect on the 49 lives lost in the Orlando PULSE nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016.

As we celebrate PRIDE this month, we remember and commemorate the Stonewall Uprising.To commemorate PRIDE and the Stonewall Uprising, join us for the PRIDE IN BUSINESS Celebration on June 28, the very day 50 years ago the Stonewall Uprising started.

SignatureCare Emergency Center, the fastest growing emergency rooms in Texas, offers 24-hour ER services including lab work, X-ray and CT scan.

In this Chamber Chat, learn more Lisa Parker’s unique business and the best advice she ever received as a business owner. Adams, London & Weiss LLC is a Founding Member of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Not only has Dr. Randy Mitchmore been a Texas dentist for over 41 years, but he is widely recognized as an expert in the field, mentoring dentists from all over the country and has authored a number of books.

Learn more from Lea Bogle, Owner & President of Premier Wireless, and read about some of the best advice she received when starting her biz!

BALANI Custom Clothiers is listed on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest growing privately held businesses.

Take Action TODAY!

Take action on discriminatory legislation TODAY and make your voice heard in Austin!

Center has graduated 635 small businesses over the last 10 years

Center has graduated 635 small businesses over the last 10 years

By Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder & Board Chair

You know that saying…time flies? That saying certainly resonates at the Chamber as we have reached our 3rd anniversary.

One Member's Experience at the Texas Capitol

Shenice Brown knew what she was getting out of joining the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber. Through her...

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping tell the stories of our members. This is a regular series profiling some of those businesses.

To date, Dr. Cornelius estimates Last Wishes has helped more than 7,000 families with their senior pet’s care.

Construction is set to begin in August to turn a vacant lot on Lower Wesheimer into Avondale Promenade Park.

Hill passed away on Nov. 24 at age 78

Ray Hill, the celebrated godfather of LGBT activism in Houston, passed away on November 24 at age 78.

Small Business Saturday critical to 600,000 small companies in region

Small Business Saturday is critical to business owners here in Houston and around the nation.

Survey shows younger people are more likely to be out at the workplace but just over half of all LGBT people are out at work.

Every year, OutSmart Magazine honors the people, companies and organizations that serve our community best. The winners of the annual Gayest & Greatest Awards are outlined in the magazine's October issue now on newsstands around town.

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping tell the stories of our members. This is a regular series profiling some of those businesses.

MarFran Cleaning LLC grew from a small company servicing the Houston area to a nationwide operation.

Chamber Chat - Back to Business Blog

Read more about Dan O'Brien, what he loves about working in Houston and why the theater industry is so important.

Minority LGBTBE® certification through Chamber helps local companies win contracts

”The LGBT Chamber is proud to partner with the Super Bowl Host Committee to ensure that the pool of certified businesses qualifying for the Business Connect program included strong representation from the LGBT community..."