Beginning Friday, Jan. 18, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce will be known as the Greater Houston Black Chamber. The change stems from a new imaging initiative brought on by an intensive restructuring process from the board members.
“We’re excited about the new changes happening this year for the chamber. Our new name embodies our innovative thinking and new programs we plan to implement in the years to come” said chamber president Eric Lyons.
Joi Beasley, GHBC board member and founder of GoGo Biz, announced the importance of the name and website change at the 2013 board installation ceremony and networking reception. “The new changes do not change the mission or the history of the chamber, it just amplifies and gives greater meaning to what the mission is truly about,” said Beasley.
Since 1935, the Greater Houston Black Chamber has served as an advocate for African American business owners and professionals in the Houston area. The organization’s mission and vision has continued to reflect the needs and growth of its members by providing value to local area businesses and the community. Many of the chambers new programs will be geared toward creating partnerships among local African American business owners.
President Lyons and Judge Clarese Yates closed out the ceremony with the installation of the 2013 board members; William Traylor, Vernita Harris, Kimberly Williams, Joi Beasley, Heath Butler, Wayne Luckett, Courtney Johnson-Rose, Che’ McFerrin, LaMetrice Dopson, Kevin Riles, James Donatto, Jr. and Vanessa Reed were sworn in as they pledged to uphold the mission of the GHBC.
“In order to remain relevant, we have to constantly reinvent ourselves. The chamber’s board and members understands the importance of maintaining relevancy in a society that is constantly changing,” said Lyons. “With this understanding, we have to make sure we’re consistently meeting the needs of our constituents while maintaining our foundation within the community.”For more information, please visit www.ghbcc.com.
