Networking events are back!

We were excited to host our first in-person luncheon of 2022 on January 27 to a sold-out crowd! Our 2022 Vision Luncheon brought together over 250 attendees comprised of long-standing members, sponsors, and those wanting to learn more about the exciting new developments coming to the region.

It was exciting to see the hustle and bustle of everyone greeting each other, exchanging business cards, and watching the room fill up with tables full of guests excited to learn more about the economic progress and expansion in our community.

Our Chamber President, Frances Castañeda Dyess, welcomed everyone by stating “I am truly inspired to look out into the crowd to see so many movers and shakers from the East End community.”

Veronica Chapa Gorczynski, President of the East End District and Chamber Partner, followed by having the crowd turn to their neighbor and say, “you look good,” which garnered a roar of laughter from the audience. Veronica went on to unveil new plans for the area and mentioned one of the District’s goals is to make the East End “one of the most walkable, bikeable neighborhoods in the city.” Veronica also shared a slide that boasted data showing the East End is one of the safest communities near downtown in the city.

Frances followed up by providing a Chamber and community update sharing the many groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, virtual programs, and connections formed between members over the past year. Frances spoke of the revitalization of the area by highlighting a new resource space for artists at Garza Studios, a unique event space at Ronin Harrisburg, and the new headquarters for Shipley Do-Nuts, located at the site of the old Finger’s showroom, among other developments.

In addition to the exciting new developments, Frances discussed upcoming projects the Chamber is advocating for; a new YMCA, combating railroad blockings in the area, and an East End Business Incubator to prevent long-standing businesses from closing.

Newly appointed Chamber Board Chair, Mike Redditt, introduced Mayor Turner to the podium. Mayor Turner’s address included praising the work of Chamber member Baker Ripley in the community and how he’s witnessed the East End become one of Houston’s most vibrant and prosperous neighborhoods. He mentioned how Frances and the Chamber board are doing an incredible job under “tremendous” challenges faced over the last few years.

Along with his praise for the East End, Mayor Turner mentioned a few accolades. Hobby Airport is now a 5-star airport, and the area boasts three finalists for the prestigious ULI Houston Development of Distinction Awards: East End Makers Hub, SER, and Center for Pursuit. All three are Chamber members as well. “The city recognizes the importance of public investments that will create the types of projects that will leave a legacy imprint on the city for many years to come,” Mayor Turner said.

The mayor also touched on the construction of the Hispanic Archive Center coming to the East End and talked about improvements to area parks. He mentioned how in 10 months there are now 46 new companies calling the East End home, with approximately 215 jobs added, and are on track to exceed 500 new jobs by mid-2023.

Mayor Turner said it best when he told the sold-out crowd: “You can’t say that you’re the most diverse city in the US without investing in that diversity. The center should be and will be the East End,”

Here are a few wonderful comments shared by Vision Luncheon attendees:

• “Had an incredible time with family, friends, and community leaders at the Houston East End Chamber Vision 2022 Luncheon!” Dolores L.
• “It was a great event, very informative made great contacts; Through this event I was able to meet and network with other agencies as to how we can come together to better serve our community the East-End.” Rosalba C.
• “Really enjoyed the booths/networking and met some very awesome people. East end chamber is where business happens.” Mike K.

The East End Chamber knows the importance of working together with our community. As Frances mentioned in her closing remarks, “Your investment of your time and resources is what allows us to continue the work of ensuring the East End remains the place to live, work, and do business with!”

Be a part of a thriving community! Click here to see how you can be part of our growing Chamber and connect with businesses in the East End! 

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