HOUSTON, TX (June 23, 2023) – The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosted its signature event, Pride In Business Celebration & Awards luncheon, on June 23, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown with over 400 attendees. The annual Pride Month luncheon is the largest Pride In Business Celebration in the organization’s history both in attendees and fundraising. The Presenting Sponsor was HP.

The Chamber collaborated collaborate with KHOU 11 as the Pride In Business Celebration Media Partner on the signature event. The emcee for the event was Cheryl Mercedes, Reporter & Anchor, KHOU 11.

The Special Guest for the Pride In Business Celebration, was Francisco Sánchez, Jr. (he/him), Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administrator. Associate Administrator Sánchez, Jr, shared his personal story and LGBTQ+ journey as an out including his path to government, his background and his LGBTQ+ journey.

The Pride In Business Celebration is a a signature annual event that is held during Pride Month and it’s a unique occasion to celebrate LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses in the Greater Houston area with a focus on LGBTQ+ economic inclusion. The Pride In Business Celebration is the only event in greater Houston region raising the visibility for the LGBTQ+ business community during Pride Month.

"Thank you to everyone who attended the Pride In Business Celebration this year. It was the most successful to date including the new After Party,” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including our Presenting Sponsor, HP. I also want to offer our congratulations again to the eleven remarkable individuals and organizations recognized as the Pride In Business Award Honorees this year."

The annual event is broke records this year, in large part, due to the 50+ sponsors and partners who supported this event including Presenting Sponsor, HP and VIP Reception Sponsor, Shell USA. This signature event raises critical funds to support the Chamber’s work and mission throughout the year. Chamber member, KiKi, hosted the Pride In Business After Party, which was hugely successful.

Congratulations to the 2023 Pride In Business Award Honorees who were recognized during the luncheon including:

Chamber Advocacy Award: British Consulate General Houston

Corporate Partner of the Year: Shell USA 

LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year: Wholesome Healing

Corporate LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year: Susanne Brady-Lusk, Vice President & Market Unit General Manager, ARCA Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

Allied Business of the Year: Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café

Nonprofit Member of the Year: The Normal Anomaly Initiative

Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year: James Harris, Director, Diversity & Inclusion / Supplier Diversity, H-E-B

LGBTQ+ Business of the Year: Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace

Employee Resource Group of the Year: Amegy Bank LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group (BRG) & Allies

Chamber Champion Award: Linda Toyota, VP of Community Engagement and Development, LiftFund

Community Legacy Award: JD Doyle, Founder, JD Doyle Archives

Learn more about the Pride in Business Honorees at https://www.houstonlgbtchamber.com/pib-honorees-2023/

Learn more about the Pride In Business Celebration at houstonprideinbusiness2023.lgbt.

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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. Visit www.houstonlgbtchamber.com to learn more about the Chamber.