HOUSTON (February 24, 2016) – A group of local business leaders have launched a new chamber of commerce in Houston aimed at increasing economic opportunity for LGBT-owned area businesses.

The chamber was officially launched at an LGBT Business Builders event hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Other partners for the event, which was held at Houston Community College – West Loop, included Affinity Magazine, Houston Community College and OutSmart Magazine. 

Chamber Co-founders Tammi Wallace and Gary Wood announced the launch of the organization and unveiled its logo before a crowd of roughly 100 business owners and stakeholders. Houston Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen also addressed the crowd, noting the historical significance of the new organization and its vital mission of improving economic prosperity for minority business owners.

Wallace said it’s important that the fourth-largest city in the nation have such a chamber. “With a primary focus on business development and growth for LGBT business owners, we will work to make sure that the LGBT business community is well represented in the region,” she said.

With the chamber’s launch, said Wood, the foundation is laid to create a strong network of LGBT business owners and allies. “We will be a powerful voice for our members and drive growth for their businesses through education, networking, collaboration, partnerships, leadership development and advocacy.”

Click here to see NGLCC’s press release about the launch of the Chamber.

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 growth for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender business community using an entrepreneurial approach. The Chamber aims to achieve its goals, including advancing policies that foster inclusion and equality, by building a strong network of business allies and developing innovative programs and strategic partnerships.  The Chamber is an affiliate chamber of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber.

###