A Message from Our New 2024 Board Chair
Our new Board Chair shares his thoughts on the year ahead!
A Message from Our New 2024 Board Chair
by Thomas Lopez (he/him), Board Chair
"The New Year is in full swing and I am excited to kick off 2024 as the new board chair of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce."
My excitement stems from the progress the Chamber has made over the last seven years and is inspired by the promise of our community - small business owners, corporate partners, non-profit organizations, local officials, and like minded professionals, both LGBTQ+ and allied to the community, all of whom are vested in the economic prosperity of our Chamber members, the LGBTQ+ community, and the greater Houston region.
I’ve been affiliated with the Chamber for over five years - attending Chamber events since 2018, becoming a member in 2019 through my own small business, EconomiWorks, and then again with my podcast production company, ListenWerks. In 2020, I joined the Board and was proud to be part of an organization that helped navigate our members through an unprecedented pandemic. Through my involvement with the Chamber as a small business owner, I have gained customers and partnered with fellow members for goods and services, such as legal services, printing solutions, and much more. As an individual, I have been able to utilize the vast member directory and networking opportunities to find a great place to eat, discover some delicious treats for my kiddos and my fur babies, schedule a visit with a plumber, a dentist, a dog groomer, as well as land other great services. I’ve also established incredible connections to support my professional interests and amazingly have made some great friends, too.
I’m hopeful that as you chart out and execute your business plans and personal goals for the new year that you take advantage of the great opportunities the Chamber offers to grow your business and network. The Chamber celebrates over 450 members and its growing rapidly every month. Every month, the Chamber hosts any number of events that could meet your schedule or interests. If you’re a morning person, the 3rd Thursday Breakfast could be for you. Looking for an afternoon break from the daily grind? Be on the look out for our coffee connections. Is an evening event more in line with your schedule? Join us for Drag Bingo on the last Thursday of every month.
Of course, in 2024, we will also host our signature events including our Pride in Business luncheon and awards event in June along with our LGBTQ+ History Month celebration in October. We also aim to continue to work with our area sports teams to host Pride Nights, which always prove to be wonderful events to cheer on our local favorites as well as our diverse LGBTQ+ community!
In 2023, we expanded our team by welcoming several new team members to help us in our programming, marketing, and partnerships. While these individuals are still settling into their roles, they are leaning in to the many opportunities ahead and are ready to help you make the most of your membership in 2024!
Let’s make 2024 the best year yet! I look forward to seeing you at a future event and supporting you in helping your business thrive.
I wish you a happy and prosperous year ahead!