Houston, TX - The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) and Ft. Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage will host the Kickoff Meeting of the Missouri City Branch of the GHBC and share results of the Texas Southern University commissioned “Missouri City Business Needs Assessment,” Tuesday, July 25th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Fort Bend County Sienna Annex Building located at 5855 Sienna Springs Way, Missouri City, TX 77459. A reception will be held immediately following the event at B’s Wine Bar located at 8770 HWY 6, Suite 300.

“The key to growing the Chamber and better supporting our membership is to always be looking for the right opportunities. It is a lesson that I live by in my own business,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, Chairwoman of the GHBC. “Expanding to Missouri City, partnering with Texas Southern and connecting with prominent and everyday community members is simply a reflection of the great things the Chamber is doing and the direction we’re headed.”

Small business is the backbone of the U.S. economy; generating jobs and community stabilization while creating commercial corridors that shape the culture and pride of a neighborhood. As the “go-to” voice of black business the Chambers move to expand into Missouri City just made sense. Dedicated to awareness, access, and advocacy many of the successful programs currently happening in Houston will be duplicated in the neighboring community that include; monthly networking events, regular educational workshops, and access to contracting opportunities.

“Having access to the resources of the Greater Houston Black Chamber is vital for the longevity and upward mobility of the Missouri City African American community. Partnering with the GHBC has been extremely beneficial in the success of my business,” stated Dr. Vickie McBride chair of GHBC Branch Steering Committee.

During the kickoff event Chair Courtney Johnson Rose will present findings from the Missouri City Business Needs Assessment and one can expect to hear the interest of the business community in a chamber of commerce, and resources the GHBC can provide to support the business community. In a continued effort to develop young leaders the GHBC commissioned Texas Southern University’s School of Public Affairs to conduct the business survey and present the findings. The evidence is clear, Missouri City businesses want a Chamber with closer access within their community and have a need for additional resources. The GHBC will expand their programming into Missouri City and work to host 4 programs per year in the Missouri City community designed to help businesses in the area network and grow.

“Our partnership with the Greater Houston Black Chamber proceeds what we’re teaching in the classroom into the real world by providing practicum experiences for our students,” says Dr. Sheri Smith, Interim Director for the School of Public Affairs. “We want Texas Southern students to have strong portfolios and to build business relationships prior to graduating from college.”

Community members are encouraged to participate and should RSVP by calling 713.660.8299 or visiting online GHBCC.com/ALL-EVENTS

Event Specifics

GHBC Missouri City Branch Kickoff Meeting

Tuesday, July 25, 2017, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Fort Bend County Sienna Annex Building (Next to Sienna Library / Old HCC Sienna Location)

5855 Sienna Springs Way, Missouri City, TX 77459

Directions: Travel down Sienna Parkway from Hwy 6, right on Sienna Springs and right on Sienna Springs Way

Post Event Reception

Immediately following

B’s Wine Bar located at 8770 HWY 6, Suite 300.