We have partnered with Katherine Smith Elementary for donations to give to families at a pop-a-trunk event on October 10, 2020. Katherine Smith Elementary is a Title 1 school for low income students. They are seeking donations of Walmart, HEB, Kroger or Target gift cards in increments of $10 and $20. Any assistance is appreciated. Donations [...]
As we start our new fiscal year, we would like to introduce you to your new board of directors. The Board of Directors governs the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce and is responsible for all policy-making decisions. Board members often serve as liaisons to each of the committees. We would also like to thank [...]
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce (GHACC), it is my pleasure to announce our Interim President, Dee Farino. After Dee joined in 2005, she immediately became involved as an Ambassador, which eventually led to joining and chairing numerous committees including Gala and Crawfish Festival. Dee has [...]
Recognizing that continuing education online, in the classroom, or even both, represents a cause for growing concern among teachers whom must adapt to extraordinary teaching conditions. To aid teachers with much needed support in the midst of pandemic times, the GHACC is establishing an “Adopt a Teacher” program. The online program will pair up teachers, [...]
The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be taken every 10 years to count all people-both citizens and non-citizens-living in the United States. Every household in the U.S. is asked to answer a short series of questions that will influence policymaking and planning for the next decade. April 1 is Census Day where the U.S. [...]
The advent of Covid-19 has clouded plans and operations for the 2020-2021 school year and with the beginning of school re-openings now scheduled, many questions have arisen. Governing the state’s educational system is the Texas Education Agency (TEA). On July 17, TEA released public health planning guidelines for the 2020-2021 year in order to prepare [...]
A Message from the Chamber Chairperson Dear Members: I am posting this letter to bring you up-to-date on the activities and actions your Chamber has taken as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Obviously, the Chamber has been compelled, just as you have been compelled, to change and alter anticipated personal, as well as [...]
As our area student athletes begin to participate in summer and fall sports programs, the Covid-19 virus has created changes in procedures and needs – mainly in water bottles. Athletes can no longer share water bottles so there is an acute need for each participant to have their own hydration bottles. The need is for [...]
This year the educational system was rocked a significant curve and our area schools met the challenge. Teacher of the Year (TOY) at each campus led the way as their peers voted them in. Helms Elementary Teacher of the Year was Tamara Williams and Beginning or Rookie Teacher of the Year was Gabriela Garrido with [...]
We hope that you have been able to schedule time to participate in the weekly Thursday Zoom meetings being conducted by the Chamber. These have been instrumental in helping to foster communications among members, finding answers or shared solutions to difficult questions, and maintaining the “family-like” hallmark of this Chamber. Certainly, these unusual circumstances and [...]
In light of the coronavirus and the scrambling from all educators as well as the rest of society, this spring, The Education Committee focused on the annual scholarships and have plans to try and honor all teachers in the fall upon their return to schools. The students entering the military also had to be put [...]
Elizabeth Stinsman, Director of Community Assistance Department, and representing County Commissioner, Jack Cagle, has graciously donated 3,000 face masks to the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce for distribution to schools, businesses, and the community. The Chamber was recognized for its incredible outreach in providing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stinsman stated: “It is because [...]
This year The Education Committee of the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 21 students who will be receiving $1000 each towards pursuing their education at the college of their choice. With the COVID-19, Zoom interviews were held of the top 50 applicants. The traditional Education Luncheon will not happen this [...]
The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce extends its sympathies to the family of Norma Skowronek, a former member of the board of directors. Norma passed away on March 18, 2020 in the company of her loved ones. She was a true local community person, growing up in Houston, attended Waltrip High School, and recently [...]
The Greater Heights Area Chamber of commerce board of directors and staff mourn the passing of former president David Santana. David was elected as GHACC President and took office on March 17, 2008. When the announcement was made in the Chamber newsletter, LINKED, he said: “I look forward to working with the Chamber’s Board of Directors, [...]
Dear Chamber Members. With the uncertainty surrounding the on-going impact of the Coronavirus, your Chamber has been compelled to make decisions regarding pending and upcoming events, activities and administrative operations. The result of our decision, a decision shared with our fellow Chambers, is that for the next 4-weeks, all events will be cancelled. This decision [...]
The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Crawfish Festival in the Heights was held on March 7th at 411 West 20th street. Cooler than expected weather greeted festival attendees, but the crawfish, corn and potatoes were in abundance. Mudbug eaters along with those that favored hot dogs and sausage on a stick enjoyed the [...]
The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Scholarship Program for deserving high school students in the area. Each year, the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in the area. Those students are honored at a luncheon to be held in May. [...]
The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual Crawfish Festival in the Heights for March 7, 2020. The festival will be held at 411 West 20th Street, across from Heights Hospital and the hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This family fun event is one of the Chamber’s primary fund-raising projects [...]
Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Meeting February 19, 2020 at Baptist Temple Today our meeting was filled with lots of success stories as our businesses and schools are partnering up and fulfilling the needs of students and their families. Tiffany Mensing with Space and Serenity helped to provide for family in need [...]
Wednesday, we had a full meeting with returning businesses and schools along with new businesses and schools. It is exciting to see our committee continue to grow and build partnerships. April Petronella is working with The Leader to gain more exposure for our committee and the school needs and she is going to work with [...]
The Chamber Board of Directors and members have welcomed Louie Gill as the new president of the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce. Gill brings extensive business and military credentials as he assumes the leadership of the more than 550-member Chamber. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Louie holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and [...]
Great Partnerships are being forged through the Education Committee; Tiffany Mensing with Space and Serenity gathered the Christmas and holiday supplies to help make Heights High School Winter Holiday Festival spirited. In the past, Hermann and Sons donated uniforms to Waltrip Ladies Soccer and this one act has led to increased interest as well as [...]
One of the most highly anticipated Chamber events takes place on January 30 and that is the Economic Forecast Luncheon. The presentation features Dr. Bill Gilmer, Director of Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston’s Bauer Commerce. Dr. Gilmer’s forecast and projections provide a guide for planning and business operations in 2020. His analyses factor [...]
The Chamber’s Education Committee, chaired by Cindy Reibenstein with co-chair Willie Diefenbach-Jones, has created a very successful union involving Chamber members and leaders from area schools. Monthly meetings bring out diverse groups whose collective emphasis is to assist, support, and provide much needed aid in multiple activity areas for school leaders, students, families and the [...]
Yes, we know the turkey and pumpkin pie are memories, so many individuals have and will be turning their thoughts to gift buying. So, in the spirit of helping, we ask that you keep the local merchants in mind when shopping for products or services. The Chamber’s “Buy Local First” initiative promotes businesses many of [...]
Anniversaries are very special and the Chamber takes pride in recognizing an important date for our members. Whether it is your first or twenty-fifth, it signifies members that consistently value the benefits of being in a progressive organization. Your Chamber provides opportunity. The opportunity to build recognition among a network of fellow businesses that can [...]
For students to succeed in life, basics must be met and our area schools have identified a serious need for food and household items. Many of the area HISD schools are classified as Title 1. This means that the students come from low-income family at poverty levels. A school with a Title 1 designation requires [...]
The annual printed directory of members is a prime way to keep your advertising message before not only Chamber members, but the community as well. Published for more than 17 years, this pocket-sized directory is a reference guide for products and services offered by Chamber members. The directory has a 365-day life, so your ad [...]
Reliving the “Disco” days was readily on display at the Chamber’s Gala celebrating Dee Farino’s two years of service as Chairman. With a theme of “Chamber 54,” members and guests dressed in vintage disco costumes enjoyed cocktails during the opening reception and took opportunities to view an array of exclusive silent auction items. Bidding was [...]
No there won’t be fireworks, but “Chamber54” is the exciting theme for this year’s Gala. Members and guests are encouraged to bring the theme to life with fun clothing and accessories that take us back to the “Disco” days of the 70’s! By the late 1970’s, most major U.S. cities had thriving disco club [...]
Chamber members, staffers, Yellow Rose Derby Girls and professional models all took part in the Gala Pre-Party held on Tuesday, August 20 at Eureka Brewery. Donning period costumes and clothing from the disco (1970’s era) it truly was a return to that Disco era, complete with bell-bottoms, peace signs, tie-dye, wigs, and capes. It all [...]
In accordance with the by-laws, a nominating committee was appointed in June by the Board of Directors. The committee presented nominees for Board approval in July. The slate of nomicees will be presented to the membership at the annual member meeting on September 12th which is the Breakfast Connection. All members are invited to attend. [...]
HOUSTON (June 10, 2019) – Memorial Hermann Health System is proud to announce that it has once again received the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership and superior contributions to ENERGY STAR. This is the sixth time Memorial Hermann has been recognized with this award. “I applaud the [...]
A primary benefit of being a member of the Chamber is the opportunity to build business and personal relationships through attendance at events and effective networking. These benefits can translate into business for each, referrals for each, and similar beneficial activities. This new feature will incorporate comments and suggestions from members for inclusion in the [...]
Our annual Education Luncheon honors high school seniors who have been awarded Chamber scholarships as well as those area seniors who are entering the military. We will also honor the Teacher of the Year, Staff Person of the Year, and Educator of the Year. And we are pleased to welcome Jonathan Horton, two-time Olympic Gymnastics Champion [...]
March 2nd was the day of the Chamber’s annual Crawfish Festival and Parade and it was a fulfilling day in more ways than one. First, the crawfish (often called mudbugs), were delicious and we sold out of them. Second, the parade with Grand Marshal Norman Adams, wound down 20th and 19th streets and attracted countless [...]
MAYOR TURNER to declare March 15 AMERICAN LEGION CENTENNIAL DAY HOUSTON - March 4, 2019 – The American Legion is turning 100 and American Legion Post 560 in Houston is planning to celebrate. The post, located in Garden Oaks, was chartered in 1946. The organization as a whole traces its roots to March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, [...]
Close to 300 people were at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel on January 30 to hear Economist Dr. Luis Torres. Dr. Torres is a Research Economist at Texas A&M Real Estate Center and a leading authority on real estate trends in Texas. His presentation provided insights into the economy not only from the U.S. perspective, [...]
Ready to warm up after a chilly winter? The Chamber has just the event to do that as we kick off the popular Crawfish Festival, right in the heart of the Heights, at the usual site, 411 West 20th Street. Gates to the Festival open at 10:30. Vendor booths featuring all types of goods and services [...]
Please join us for Houston’s premiere annual business event! Reserve your table and invite your clients to this valuable luncheon. Dr. Luis Torres will discuss business, employment, interest rates, energy, and real estate. This is a critical event for all business leaders and will help you prepare for 2019 and beyond. Dr. Torres is an [...]