For Immediate Release

Houston, TX (January 31, 2025) – Tammi Wallace (she/her), Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, stood alongside Congressman Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congressman Al Green, and other elected officials and community leaders in a press conference to address the far-reaching consequences of President Trump’s recent executive orders.

Photo credit: Jeff Syptak

The press conference focused on the administration's policies targeting immigration, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), equal employment opportunities, and the pause on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Speakers detailed the negative ripple effects these policies are having on communities, businesses, and key institutions across the city and the nation.

The press conference highlighted critical policy issues affecting the local and national landscape, including immigration reform, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, equal employment opportunities, and the administration's pause on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

During the event, Tammi Wallace shared the immediate and disruptive impact of these executive orders on the Chamber and the Houston business community. She revealed that the Federal Reserve Bank had canceled its commitment to host the THRIVE Small Business Summit—an essential event for local entrepreneurs—less than 48 hours before its scheduled date. The cancellation was directly tied to President Trump’s executive order targeting DEI programs.

In her remarks, Wallace stated:

“This is the impact of President Trump’s Executive Order, undermining an event focused on small businesses and affecting the hardworking entrepreneurs who help grow our economy every day.”

Wallace emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive spaces for small business growth and the importance of DEI initiatives in fostering innovation and driving economic opportunity. She further noted that “when diverse businesses succeed in our country, we all succeed. An inclusive economy means an economy that works for all Americans and all businesses.”  (Photo credit: Jeff Syptak)

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Congressman Al Green also delivered powerful remarks, alongside representatives from labor unions, immigrant advocacy groups, and other chambers of commerce. The common theme was a commitment to standing against policies that undermine equity and progress.

The THRIVE Small Business Summit was designed to empower entrepreneurs with tools and resources to succeed in today’s challenging economic climate. Its abrupt cancellation demonstrates the tangible effects of policies that prioritize exclusion over inclusion, Wallace noted.

Full remarks by Tammi Wallace can be viewed here.

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About Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advances policies that foster economic inclusion and equality. Learn more at www.houstonlgbtchamber.com.