HOUSTON, TX (March 29, 2023) – On Monday, March 27, top women affiliate chamber leaders from across the country, including Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce Co-Founder, President, & CEO, Tammi Wallace, joined National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) President and Co-Founder Justin Nelson for a kickoff event at the White House for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2023 Women’s Business Summit.

“It was an honor to be part of the group of LGBTQ+ Chamber Leaders representing Affiliate LGBTQ+ Chambers at this special celebration of Women’s History Month hosted at the White House by President Biden and SBA Administrator, Isabella Guzman,” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate the strong commitment from this Administration to lift up and support women entrepreneurs and celebrate the contributions women make to the U.S. economy.”

SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman kicked off the event, which coincided with Women’s History Month, followed by remarks by President Biden who announced the addition of new federal resources to support women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, including a planned expansion of the SBA’s Women’s Business Centers.

“It was an extraordinary day having 10 of our top women affiliate leaders represent the LGBTQ business community at the White House,” said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President of NGLCC. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside our steadfast partner in SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman as more opportunities and resources are made available to women business owners nationwide.”

There are nearly 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. or about 42 percent of all small businesses. Women-owned businesses employ over 9.4 million workers. Additionally, half of all new small businesses launched in the last two years have been started by women.

Taking place each year in March, Women’s History Month is a valuable chance to spotlight the significant contributions of women to modern society, including the small business community. Women’s History Month has been observed nationally since 1987, with smaller-scale celebrations dating back an additional ten years.

LGBTQ+ Chamber Affiliate Leaders in attendance at the event included:

• Amanda Cole (she/her), Executive Director, Plexus: Northeastern Ohio LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
• Ellie Dote (she/her), Board President, Long Beach LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• Ilona Lohrey (she/her), President & CEO, GSBA: Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce
• Pamm Meyers (she/her), Executive Director, New Mexico Out Business Alliance
• Cynthia Oliver (she/her), Executive Director, Three Rivers Business Alliance
• Kellie Parkin (she/her), Executive Director, NGLCCNY
• Liz Pitts (she/they), President & CEO, Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
• Rebecca Wagoner (she/her), Executive Director, Quorum: Minnesota’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
• Tammi Wallace (she/her), Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• Suzanne Wheeler (she/they), Executive Director, Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an affiliate chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

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About the Greater Houston LGBT 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 advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality. Learn more at www.houstonlgbtchamber.com.

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About NGLCC

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the national business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses.

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