H.R. No. 167 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, For the past five years, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce has been a voice and an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer + business owners in the Houston area; and WHEREAS, Established on February 24, 2016, the chamber has dedicated itself from the start to building a strong network of businesses and to promoting economic inclusion and equality; an affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Houston affiliate was founded by Tammi Wallace and Gary Wood, and it continues to benefit from the able leadership of Ms. Wallace, who serves as president and CEO; and WHEREAS, Among its many initiatives, the Chamber empowers LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through connection and community, sponsorship offerings, volunteer opportunities, and numerous events, such as Brewing Up Business, the Biz Connect Mixer, and Pride in Business; furthermore, it connects its members with the LGBTBE® Certification program, which provides access to a national network and valuable resources and economic opportunities; and WHEREAS, In addition to its work with businesses, the Chamber has made outstanding contributions to the wider LGBTQ+ community; as one of four members of the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce, it advocates for legislation that supports inclusion and opposes discrimination; moreover, the group established the Chamber Foundation in 2020 to advance its charitable and educational objectives and to address economic inequality through various projects, including an annual holiday food drive; and WHEREAS, By empowering LGBTQ+ businesses and their allies, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is working to develop a supportive, diverse, and prosperous environment throughout the region; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby honor the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its fifth anniversary and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Chamber as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. A. Johnson of Harris ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 167 was adopted by the House on March 10, 2021, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House