Media Room

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber Hosts Record Breaking Pride In Business Event
More than 750 pack the Hilton America-Houston for the Chamber’s signature event
HOUSTON, TX (June 10, 2024) – Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce hosted its signature event, Pride In Business Celebration & Awards luncheon on June 7, 2024. It was the largest Pride In Business Celebration event in the organization’s history both in attendees and fundraising. The Presenting Sponsor was Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. As part of the program, eleven Pride In Business Award Honorees were recognized for their extraordinary work to build a more diverse and inclusive business community in Houston and the region.
Mayor John Whitmire (he/him) and David Begnaud (he/him), Lead National Correspondent for CBS Mornings were the Pride In Business Celebration special guests. Mr. Begnaud joined KHOU-11 Anchor and Investigative Reporter Cheryl Mercedes, the event emcee, on stage for a "fireside chat" to talk about his career, including his personal background, his career path to journalism and his LGBTQ+ journey.
This year’s Pride In Business Award Winners were:
Corporate LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year | Roderick Brown UPS District Health & Safety Manager, UPS |
LGBTQ+ Business of the Year | Star Sailor |
LGBTQ+ & Allies Colleague Resource Group | Sysco Spectrum |
Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year | Tracy Upton Supply Chain Advisor - US Supplier Diversity, Shell |
Chamber Champion Award | Abbie Kamin Houston City Council Member |
Chamber Advocacy Award | The Woodlands Pride |
Nonprofit Member of the Year | Tony's Place Houston |
Allied Business of the Year | Like Minds Communications |
Impact Partner of the Year | HP |
LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year | The Business Team |
Community Legacy Award | Atlantis Narcisse |
At this year’s event, the Chamber also recognized Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Co-Founder Gary Wood, presenting him with the inaugural Chamber Founders Award. For decades, Gary has done remarkable work in the LGBTQ+ community, and he currently serves as the Board Chair for the Montrose Center. Going forward, this will be an annual Chamber award, and Gary and Tammi Wallace, the other Chamber Co-Founder, will identify individuals who meet the award criteria.
Learn more about the awards and hear from the honorees by visiting: https://www.houstonlgbtchamber.com/pride-in-business-honorees-2024/
The Pride In Business Celebration takes place annually during Pride Month and is a unique occasion to celebrate Pride, business and community in the Greater Houston area. The Pride In Business Celebration is the only event in Houston focused on the LGBTQ+ business community during Pride Month.
“Thank you to our amazing sponsors and for everyone who joined us and helped us make this event the most successful in the Chamber’s history,” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. “It was a wonderful day celebrating Pride, business and community. This event is a powerful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, including recognizing amazing individuals, organizations and businesses who make a tremendous difference for the LGBTQ+ community.” resilience, innovation, and success of the LGBTQ+ business community in Greater Houston," said
The more than 750 attendees broke a record this year, in large part due to the 60+ sponsors and partners supporting the event.
Learn more about the Pride In Business Celebration at HoustonPrideInBusiness.lgbt
# # #
About Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.
Additional Info
Media Contact : Tammi Wallace | Cell: 713-301-2266 | tammi.wallace@houstonlgbtchamber.com