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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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Volume 1 Issue 1
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WELCOME TO THE ADVOCATE! This is a fitting name for the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) new quarterly eNewsletter as it fits our mission. Pardon the length of our first edition – we’ve been busy! Please feel free to forward our eNewsletter and share with others.
HCCC is the best forum in Houston to partner with and reach African-American owned businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals. I say that with confidence.
HCCC is living up to its mission to help secure business opportunities for African-American business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals and provide them with programs and forums to educate, equip and empower the growth and prosperity of their businesses.
The Board's hiring of Jeffrey L. Boney, formerly of Washington Mutual Bank, as president and CEO was a key component to achieving our mission. Proficiencies that made Jeff a top hiring choice were his financial background, business savvy and passion to help small business owners succeed.
HCCC remains committed to being a forum for building relationships to help our members and corporate partners achieve their mutual goals of a bottom line that is in the black.
Since 1935, HCCC has been working for fairness, inclusion and shared prosperity in the economic life of Houston. We must all work together to keep our city prosperous.
I urge you to get connected to HCCC and let's build an exciting and prosperous future.
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Carroll G.Robinson,
Chairman of the Board |
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After nearly six months into my new position, I am pausing to share my reflections. I must admit the transition has been both rewarding and challenging.
The question that I am most often asked is whether I miss the world of banking, after spending 11 years at WaMu as a business banker. My response is always swift and sure, I will always be a banker. In my opinion, a banker is a financial agent for the consumer, an advocate. My new position perfectly positions me to be even more banker-like.
The upside of being president and chief executive officer of Houston's most prominent African-American chamber of commerce is that every day I wake up doing what I love, helping African-American businesses succeed. Unlike the role of a traditional banker, my new position affords me the opportunity to be an agent for all African-American businesses no matter their prior experience, educational background or annual revenue.
What is the downside of my new position you ask? None really. I am learning how to transfer my corporate background and skills to the nonprofit world. Leading a nonprofit requires both a passion to serve and a disciplined focus on running a profitable nonprofit business hand-in-hand with a board of directors. I am up for the challenge!
[FULL STORY] |
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New Membership Program Drawing Record New Members
"Our chamber membership works! We recently won a $1.7 million, three-year METRO contract as a result of the chamber referring us when METRO contacted them for a concierge company recommendation" - Samuel Wesley, Kennedi Taylor Concierges
"In just six months membership has increased by 30 percent over all of 2007," said HCCC Membership Chairman James Donatto, Academy Advertising & Awards.
The new membership program offers small business owners access to education, exposure and contracting opportunities.
Corporate members benefit by having access to quality and qualified African-American, multi-sectored small businesses to do business with. Corporate partnership with HCCC also demonstrates that supplier diversity is a critical success factor to providing insights into emerging markets, enhancing the supply-chain, and building a loyal customer base while creating wealth in the African-American community.
A host of services and tools have been created to help small business owners prepare for success and gain exposure:
· Networking events such as the Third Tuesday Business Connections
· Education/business growth programs such as EmpowerWomen, Pinnacle Luncheon Series and the International Trade Program
· Business exposure opportunities such as member-sponsored President’s Mixers, the Pinnacle and Upstart Awards, and ground breakings/ribbon cuttings
· Advertising on the HCCC Web site, The Advocate e-newsletter, and in the Pinnacle gala souvenir program
· Free one-page Web page and online business listing
· Opportunity to participate in the Member-to-Member Discount Program to showcase your product or service to the membership
· Free admittance to specific HCCC luncheons
Member packets will be mailed to all paid members within the month that include the new HCCC lapel pin, Member-to-Member Discount Program card, member certificate and a list of benefits unique to your membership level.
"Jeffrey, I admire your direct approach to a real problem we African-American women in business face [i.e., direct contact with buyers or procurement officers and bidding opportunities]. I am a new member and, if you need me, I am here to help!" -- Bernice Williams, President/CEO, Taylor Packaging
Join now and begin receiving the full benefits of your affiliation with the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce. Call the chamber for more information, 713.522.9745 or apply o
nline at www.hccoc.org. |
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The first half of the year has been successful for the chamber. Membership has increased by 30 percent, major sponsor partnerships have "doubled" and event attendance is up and has doubled and even tripled at some events.
The reason for the success is clear. The chamber is assisting small business owners with obtaining new business, contracts and exposure.
Many of these opportunities have come by purposely bringing people together at events held during the first half of the year.
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History Preservation Initiative Debuted
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The inaugural HCCC documentary titled 'Dare to Remember' was debuted during a luncheon held on Thursday, January 17, 2008, and attended by 150 guests. The video was funded by a grant from Humanities Texas and the financial support of Comerica Bank. It is a concise record of HCCC's rich history of contributions to the African-American business community, produced by Positive Image Video Productions and coordinated by HCCC board member Sharon Jenkins.
HCCC presented Nightlight Pediatric Urgent Care with a $2,500 business injection check during the event. Nightlight was the 2007 Pinnacle Awards winner of the Upstart Business Award.
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Jeffrey L. Boney and Carroll G. Robinson present 2007 Upstart Award winner Nightlight Pediatric Urgent Care with a $2,500 business injection check during the event. |
Dr. Virgil Wood delivered a powerful keynote address.
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72nd Installation of Officers and Board of Directors Annual Meeting
The 72nd Installation of Officers and Board of Directors Annual Meeting held Friday, February 22, 2008 at the Houston Club was attended by 250 guests and underwritten by Comerica and Wachovia Banks. Yolanda Green, CW 39, emceed the event and Jene' Guess-Cash, CEO, The Guess Group, served as the honorary chairperson.
Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president and CEO of the Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc., delivered the keynote address. He admonished attendees to celebrate the accomplishments of one another, instructed parents and persons in authority to be good role models to our youth and said that individuals should not be satisfied with their titles. Rather, persons in position should remember that they are in the position by the efforts of others and reach back and open doors for others.
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Harry E. Johnson, Sr.
 HP's Brian Tippens presents laptop to 2007 Upstart Award winner Nightlight Pediatric Urgent Care
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Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce Welcome Delegation from China to Houston
On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, HCCC hosted a delegation of 12 businesspersons seeking to establish comm
ercial relationships with Houston based companies especially in the fields of medical equipment (used or refurbished), consumer retail (clothing), and other U.S. exports to China.
During the visit, HCCC sought to build upon business relationships established during the August 2007 Houston trade mission to China and be a conduit of foreign trade opportunities among Houston African-American business owners and China.
In September 2008, HCCC will again host a China trade mission delegation. The delegation specifically seeks business opportunities in the hospitality, real estate, medical equipment, milling and security industries. If you would like to participate in the business exchange roundtable, please contact the chamber at 713.522.9745 or info@hccoc.org. |
Council Member Green presents City of Houston Proclamation to Delegation
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16 High School Students Awarded $24,000 in Scholarships
| The Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, Houston East End Chamber of Commerce, Houston Astros, Schlumberger, KBR, CenterPoint Energy and the University of Phoenix joined to award $24,000 in college scholarships to 16 Harris and Ft. Bend county high school students during the HCCC 32nd Annual Education Achievement Awards Recep
tion on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at Minute Maid Park. Each student was awarded a $1,500 scholarship to attend a university in the Houston area. |
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Paula M. Harris, HISD Board Trustee, District IV and Marian Harper, Houston Astros Vice President of Community Development served as co-chairs of the event. Tracye McDaniel, EVP and COO of the Greater Houston Partnership gave a motivating keynote address admonishing each scholar to never give up on his or her dreams.
Over 80 total applications were received representing five Greater Houston Area Independent School Districts.
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Merrill Lynch Commits as Title Sponsor of Third Tuesday Business Connections
Held at its new location the Houston Engineering and Scientific Society Club (HESS Club), HCCC Third Tuesday Business Connections, in partnership with D-Mars.com, have been excellent opportunities for business owners to network and gain valuable business growth information at no cost. We are proud to welcome Merrill Lynch as the title sponsor.
"At Merrill Lynch, we believe the surest path to economic prosperity is providing people of all backgrounds the opportunity and |
July 15 Third Tuesday Business Connection: Get Your Books in Order
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| fundamental skills to unlock and realize their potential,” said Merrill Lynch Vice President/Producing Sales Manager and Wealth Management Advisor Andrea D. Smith. “The Third Tuesday Business Connections provide information to help small business owners prosper.” |
Guests enjoy a free appetizer buffet and networking followed by a panel discussion presentation. Remaining topics include: August 19 - Capital One Increase Your Business Growth Opportunities: Accessing Capital; September 16 - Build Wealth Through Investments and Insurance; October 21 Marketing that Gets Results; and November 21 - Legal Solutions: Protect Yourself and Your Business.
"I liked everything about The Connection! These events are informative and a great opportunity for networking," said Brandi Walker, University of Phoenix corporate education liaison.
To register your attendance or to sponsor a vendor table, register online or call the chamber at 713.522.9745.
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AT&T Pinnacle Luncheon Series Reveals Secrets of Houston’s Top Business Owners
The Pinnacle Luncheon Series in partnership with the Houston Business Journal was created to honor and extract business growth secrets from the prior year's Pinnacle Award winners. This year's series title sponsor is AT&T and is also supported by sponsors DiverseStaff, Aetna, Codwell Family Foot Center, 3131 Properties and George E. Johnson Development, Inc.
The series began with Carla Lane, president and CEO, DiverseStaff Inc. and guest speaker Patricia Richards, supplier diversity manager, Shell. Dr. Codwell of Codwell Family Foot Center was next featured along with a panel of doctors and health professionals. Jason Medlock president and managing partner of 3131 Properties, Ltd., his executive team and Percy Creuzot III shared best practices and key learnings that have led to the company's
expansion during the most recent luncheon.
"We recently opened a restaurant called 'The Breakfast Spot' in Fifth Ward so I attended the 3131 Properties luncheon to learn from the experts who have been so successful with the Frenchy's operations," said Herman Burton, The Breakfast Spot owner. "The information concerning hiring the right talent was very beneficial."
On September 17, the final luncheon in the series will highlight George Johnson of George E. Johnson Development, Inc. The theme will be "Using Real Estate as a Business and Investment Tool." The topics addressed will be: |
 L-R: Darlene Coachman, Reg inald Coachman, Percy "King" Creuzot III, and Jason Medlock
Dr. John Codwell and esteemed panel of health professionals and doctors
R: Carla Lane, Patricia Richards and Jackie LeDay, Fox 26
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1. Buying versus leasing your office space
2. Adding real estate to your monthly cash flow, portfolio and retirement
3. How to take advantage of the current real estate market
To reserve a table of 10 at the event or purchase individual tickets, visit: www.hccoc.org |
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Join our mailing list.
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August 14:
President's Mixer sponsored by Bazile Spine Centre
August 19:
Copreneurs Luncheon presented by George E. Johnson Development, Inc. and DBA Business Media
August 19:
Third Tuesday Business Connection; "Accessing Capital"
September 16:
Third Tuesday Business Connection: Build Wealth Through Investments & Insurance
September 17:
Pinnacle Luncheon Series: Using Real Estate as a Business and Investment Tool
October 17:
14th Annual African American Business Achievement Pinnacle Awards
October 21:
Third Tuesday Business Connection: Marketing That Gets Results
November 18:
Third Tuesday Business Connection: Legal Solutions: Protect Yourself and your Business
November Launch: EmpowerWomen |
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Pinnacle Awards Get Eight New Faces Oscar Style
"Honoring Houston Entrepreneurial Elite" is the theme of the 14th Annual African American Business Achievement Pinnacle Awards occurring on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the George R. Brown Convention Center Ballroom. A reception and silent auction hosted by Jones Magazine begins at 6 p.m. followed by the dinner program at 7:30 p.m.
HCCC is pleased to announce Shell Oil Company as the event’s title sponsor for the second consecutive year.
The Pinnacle Awards spotlight and honor African-American businesses that have achieved success by combining vision, determination, commitment, perseverance and dedication to building strong communities.
[FULL STORY] |
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Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Business Award
The Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Business Award is designed to recognize and provide resources to a burgeoning African-American business with a high potential for success.
The winner is awarded a business package that includes a $2,500 cash injection, a branding package, laptop from HP, personal mentoring by a committee of experts and other prizes.
The inaugural Upstart Award was rewarded to Nightlight Pediatric Urgent Care in 2007.
[Since winning the Upstart award] “We have been exposed to a greater level of support, a larger network and increased business,” said co-founder Zawadi Bryant.
One winner will be selected, with two runners up.
Upstart Award nominees must be: 1) 51% African American owned, 2) a for-profit business for a maximum of two years, and 3) located in the Greater Houston Area and surrounding cities.
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The Advocate Award
The Advocate Award was created to honor an organization that has been a true champion for African-American small businesses in the Greater Houston Metropolitan area by empowering, doing business with and/or providing business opportunities to African-American businesses.
These organizations believe supplier diversity is central to its success.
Last year’s winner was the Port of Houston Authority.
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Entry Deadlines
Entries for all awards are due Friday, August 29, 2008 at midnight. Entry forms may be obtained on the Pinnacle Web site: www.hcccpinnacleawards.org.
For questions regarding the awards, sponsorship, Pinnacle souvenir book advertising, volunteerism or to donate a silent auction item, please contact Margo Williams Handy, MWH Public
Relations, 281.213.9554 or margo@mwhpublicrelations.com
Dear Chamber Member: US Netcom is the processor of choice and provides a myriad of full-service solutions in data and transactions, electronic commerce, business-to-business services, portfolio management, merchant services and emerging technologies.
Special Announcement: The Houston Chamber of Commerce has partnered with US Netcom in an effort to provide you an exclusive merchant services opportunity for your business. In conjunction with the area chamber, US Netcom can offer value added products and services designed especially for chamber members. Special pricing and incentives will be available to current members only, which includes but is not limited to the following:
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Welcome valued new members!
HCCC is honored and humbled to represent your interests. Thank you for your faith in our ability to help educate, equip and empower you to greatness!
February-August 2008 New Members:
A. Martin Wickliff, Jr., Epstein, Becker, Green, Wickliff & Hall, P.C.
Alfred Achar, Savannah Supplies, Inc.
Andrea Smith, Merrill Lynch
Ann E. Williams, Ann E. Williams, P.C.
Bernice Williams, Taylor Packaging
Bruce Carter, Nationwide Insurance
Byron Carter, Pretty Quick Delivery Services, LLC
C. Earl Nash, Mister Shines'
Carlos Correa, Comcast
Catherine Flowers, Capital One Bank
Chef Tarsha Gary, CRAVE Gourmet Bakery and Catering
Chris Harris, Foreverlawn Houston
Debra Anderson, The Power Center
Donna Flowers, Unity Bank
Edwin Graves, AT&T
Elanza Pitre-Wilson, Elanza Pitre-Wilson, Real Estate Broker
Emmanuel Jonas, Rice University Black Student Association
Geneva Wiltz, Gwill Companies, LLC
George Johnson, George E. Johnson Development Inc.
Grady Carter, Grady Carter Photography
Herman and Tamara Burton, The Breakfast Spot
Dr. James Balogun, Bazile Spine Centre, LLC
James A. Jones, Mortgage Icons
Jason Medlock, 3131 Properties, Ltd.
Dr. John Codwell, Codwell Family Foot Center
Joyce Tyler, Frost Bank
Julia Hogan, J. Hogan Transportation & Logistics Services
Kathryn Butcher, Wells Fargo Bank
Kecia’s Kreations Floral Design
Kenneth C. Glover, H&R Block Financial
Kenneth Thomas, Saverken, Inc.
Leorlin Boyd, Leorlin S. Boyd Agency, Inc. – Nationwide Insurance
Leslie Taylor, Aetna
Leslie Woodward, Woodward Mathematics
Lisa Citizen-James, AT&T - Bellaire
Margo Williams Handy, MWH Public Relations
Paul Matthews, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Phyllis Bailey, Who’s Who in Black Houston
Rachel Wilson, Principal Financial Group
Renae Goines, Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Rhonda Johnson, Houston Community College
RHJ-JOC, Inc.
Richard Jennings, KBR
Russell Richard, Kroger
Staci Prince, Spaulding for Children
Sterling L. Carter, Sterling Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Tammy Lopez, Southwest Airlines
Tanya Allen Easter, Chevron
Wilson Thurston and Sheila Gary, Healthy Living Technologies
Tracy Smith, Taylor Smith Consulting, LLC
Vanessa T. Reed and Alexandria Rawls, Comerica Bank
Walter Carter, NetCom Data Corp.
Wilson Financial Group, Inc.
Zeb F. Poindexter III, D.D.S., Poindexter Dental
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Join the Chamber
Join now and start receiving the full benefits your HCCC affiliation. Join online, or contact Jeffrey L. Boney, jboney1@hccoc.org or 713.522.5965. |
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