Standing for Inclusion: Chamber President Tammi Wallace Joins Elected Officials to Address Consequences of Executive Orders
During the event, Tammi Wallace shared the immediate and disruptive consequences these policies have had on the Chamber and the broader Houston business community.
Tammi Wallace (she/her), Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, recently joined Congressman Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congressman Al Green, and other elected officials and community leaders at a press conference to address the far-reaching implications of President Trump’s recent executive orders.
Photo credit: Jeff Syptak
The press conference shed light on key policy areas impacted by the administration's actions, including immigration, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), equal employment opportunities, and the pause on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Speakers highlighted how these policies are creating negative ripple effects on communities, businesses, and institutions across Houston and beyond.
The Chamber’s Perspective
During the event, Tammi Wallace shared the immediate and disruptive consequences these policies have had on the Chamber and the broader Houston business community. In a striking example, Wallace revealed that the Federal Reserve Bank canceled its commitment to host the THRIVE Small Business Summit less than 48 hours before the event. The cancellation was directly tied to the administration’s executive order targeting DEI programs.
“This is the impact of President Trump’s Executive Order,” Wallace said, “undermining an event focused on small businesses and affecting the hardworking entrepreneurs who help grow our economy every day.”
Wallace stressed the critical role of fostering inclusive spaces for small business success and highlighted the value of DEI initiatives in driving innovation and economic opportunity. “When diverse businesses succeed in our country, we all succeed,” she added. “An inclusive economy means an economy that works for all Americans and all businesses.” (Photo credit: Jeff Syptak)
A Unified Stand
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Congressman Al Green also spoke powerfully about the need to counteract policies that undermine equity and progress. Labor unions, immigrant advocacy groups, and other chambers of commerce joined in expressing solidarity. Together, they voiced a commitment to protecting DEI efforts and creating an economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The THRIVE Summit: A Missed Opportunity
The THRIVE Small Business Summit was designed to empower local entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to succeed in today’s challenging economic landscape. Its abrupt cancellation underscores the real-world consequences of policies that prioritize exclusion over inclusion, Wallace noted.
Remarks
Full remarks by Tammi Wallace can be found here.