Chamber Celebrates 5 Year Milestone Anniversary

“With our work since the launch of the Chamber, we have created a ‘seat at the table’ for the LGBTQ+ Business Community.” 

HOUSTON, TX (February 24, 2021) – The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 5 year milestone anniversary. The organization was co-founded by Tammi Wallace and Gary Wood with the goal to ensure the LGBTQ+ Business Community has a strong voice and access to economic opportunity. The overarching work of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber is focused on economic empowerment for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. The Chamber focuses on supporting and growing a thriving LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Community to create economic opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community.  

The Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce officially launched on February 24, 2016 and held a launch event as part of the “LGBT Business Builders” event sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Other collaborating partners for the event included Houston Community College and OutSmart Magazine.

“We knew it was not only important but also crucial to make sure the LGBTQ community was represented when it comes to economic development and economic inclusion,” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO.  “With our work since the launch of the Chamber, we have created a ‘seat at the table’ for the LGBTQ+ Business Community. The Chamber has become the leading voice locally and regionally and through our statewide collaboration. Yet, there is so much work to do to make sure the LGBTQ community is represented when it comes to economic development and economic inclusion.”

The Chamber has grown tremendously since its launch in 2016. Major accomplishments and contributions to the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community, and community as a whole, include:

• Tremendous growth through an increase in the number of members every year since the launch of the organization
• Increasing the number of LGBTBE® Certified businesses in the region and state
• Offering and increasing programming and events annually to connect LGBTQ+ and Allied entrepreneurs
• Collaborating with other economic development organizations including LGBTQ+ chambers across the State of Texas as well as local and international partners
• Advocating to ensure the LGBTQ+ business community has a strong voice locally, regionally and statewide
• Creating economic opportunities for its members
• Recognition as the leading voice for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ business community

With these and more accomplishments since 2016, the Chamber leadership recognizes that the LGBTQ community is woefully behind when it comes economic opportunity, and through the work of the Chamber and newly formed Chamber Foundation, the organizations will spearhead crucial initiatives in the years ahead to bring visibility and collaborative solutions to address the economic needs of the LGBTQ community.  

About the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Established in February 2016, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to accelerate economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.

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Media Contact : Tammi Wallace / 713-301-2266 / tammi.wallace@houstonlgbtchamber.com