FAQs

The following is a list of questions that we often hear. Please click on the question for an answer.

If your question is not here, please feel free to contact us at 713-785-4922.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Start off with a bang! Celebrate a groundbreaking, grand opening-or re-grand opening! -We will help tell the public who you are and what you do. Ribbon Cutting events are available for Business Builders and above.- Contact -marketing @hwcoc.org for details.

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT

As a Chamber Member, your name will be associated with the growth and development of our area. By participating in a Chamber committee or the West Houston Leadership Institute you can promote the kind of positive change that benefits us all.

 

MAILING LISTS

Send your fellow Chamber Members a flyer or follow up with a phone call. Get a list of all active member’s addresses and phone numbers for only $149.

 

BUSINESS CREDIT CARD REVIEWS & COMPARISONS

Reviews.com offers a comprehensive, time-saving guide completely free to small business owners to help them choose the right business credit card for their organization. To read more and view the guide, please visit www.reviews.com/business-credit-cards.

 

BUSINESS DATABASE – STRATEGY AND GROWTH RESEARCH

The Houston Public Library and Harris County Library offer the ReferenceUSA business and residential database for local businesses and residents of Houston and Harris County. You can access this database through the libraries’ websites with a valid library card number. Information provided includes details on over 35 million US businesses and 262 million US residents. Records include company name, address, phone, executive contact names, titles and bios, SIC codes, NAICS codes, employee size, # of years in business, annual sales volume, credit ratings, and much more. Users have the ability to create customized lists for sales leads, marketing intelligence, building a business plan, and more. Users also have the ability to chart search results and put results on heat maps. Click Here to Visit the ReferenceUSA database.

 

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – HOUSTON

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Click Here for More Information

 

SCORE (SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES) COUNSELING

Retired Executives counsel business owners FREE! As a Resource Partner of the Small Business Administration, SCORE can help small businesses obtain the funds they need for a successful future. Whether your business is just starting or has been around for years a Business Plan is an absolute necessity. SCORE is dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed from start to finish. Contact Score - (713) 487-6565  (8701 S. Gessner Rd. #1200, Houston, TX 77074)

 

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS

Do you want to know what’s happening in Texas news, business, government, and more? Find out on www.txbiz.org

 

THE PRICE OF BUSINESS RADIO SHOW ???

Be one of the featured businesses interviewed by the Price of Business on 1110 AM KTEK, one of the longest-running shows on news talk radio in Houston, Texas. Hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist, Kevin Price, this program brings fresh perspectives to national and business news. To read more, visit www.priceofbusiness.com

 

HCC GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES

You Built Your Business, We’ll Help You Grow it. Click Here to Learn More

 

WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION ON MEMBER RESOURCES?

To find out more, visit a Chamber Orientation on the First Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Please refer to our event calendar for more information.

Membership Pricing


The Houston West Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of Membership options to fit your business needs and goals!
View the various options below. Ready to sign up? Click here to apply for Membership online!


The Houston West Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) 6 Membership Organizations. Contributions to section 501(c)(6) organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions on the donor’s federal income tax return. They may be deductible as trade or business expenses if ordinary and necessary in the conduct of the taxpayer’s business. Please consult your tax advisor.

The Houston West Chamber has numerous monthly events.

 

CHAMBER ORIENTATION

This is a great way for new and prospective members to learn about the Chamber, meet other members, and learn how to make the most of membership. Really learn how to grant your business wishes. Orientation is the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at various locations. Please refer to our event calendar for location. Some months lunch is provided by a sponsor, and some months you bring your own lunch! Please check our calendar and weekly email blasts for details.

 

COFFEE TALK

Covering a variety of business topics ranging from marketing to finance, this monthly seminar series offers members the opportunity to increase their business know-how with a different speaker each month. Coffee Talk is every first Thursday of the month from 7:45 – 9:00 am. Please refer to our event calendar for location. Interested in participating as a speaker? Click here to complete the application.

 

RISE & GRIND

Focused on truly successful networking and netweaving, this is perfect for anyone who is not yet an expert at it. Meet, mix, and mingle in the morning. Meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30 am at Cantina Laredo. Please check our calendar for program, location details, and updates each month. Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities.

 

MORNING BREW

Kick start your morning with this power networking session! Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30 am at Berryhill Baja Grill – Buffalo Speedway. Please check our calendar for program, location details and updates each month. Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities.

 

LUNCHEONS

Here’s your chance to rub elbows with some of the most influential people in Houston and expand your visibility and “be seen.” Anywhere from 80 to 600 people typically attend each Chamber luncheon, which is held on the third Thursday or Friday of each month. Networking is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm; program and luncheon until 1:00 pm. The location and details will vary by month. Check the calendar for the next Chamber luncheon.

 

SEMINARS

Build your business know-how at our monthly seminar and workshop sessions. Topics covered include: networking skills, search engine optimization, business planning and growth, and marketing. Most of the workshops are complimentary to members, helping our community improve their professional careers and business success. Check the calendar for seminar and workshop listings.

 

SOCIALS

This laid-back monthly event allows members and guests to mingle and network over cocktails and appetizers. The event sponsor provides the location, food and beverages, and gets to make a short presentation. Socials are typically held the third Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, but vary by month. If you are interested in sponsoring a social, please contact the Chamber Office.

 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

  • Ambassadors Committee (By invitation only): Second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
  • Business & Education Partnership Committee: First Thursday of each month from 8:00 to 9:30 am at varying locations.
  • Business Resource Committee: Second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 am at varying locations.
  • Business Golf Classic: Second Wednesday of each month (August - April) from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Office Evolution, 1300 W Sam Houston Pkwy #100.
  • Governmental Affairs: Please refer to our monthly calendar.
  • Salute to Veterans Committee: Second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
  • Suited Connections Committee: First Tuesday of each month 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
  • West Houston Economic Development Summit: Third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
  • Women Driving Business: Various days and locations between June and December.

Please check our calendar for any updates concerning any of the committee meetings or events.

If you are considering membership, try us out before joining. There are over 50 Chambers of Commerce in the greater Houston area and each has a different atmosphere. The Houston West Chamber focuses on business-to-business relationships. You may attend any three events of your choice as a prospective member. After that, we strongly encourage you to make an investment in our community to receive the full benefits of our organization.

 

If you are unsure of which events to attend, here are our recommendations:

 

  • Orientation: First Wednesday of each month
  • Educational Webinars to help leverage your business!
  • Networking after Hours: Most Thursdays unless Cool Bus Cruising is happening!
  • Or choose either a committee meeting to try out.

Still unsure? Give us a call, we can help - 713-785-4922

Although the Houston West Chamber has set boundaries, many businesses outside of this region have chosen to join the organization for our business-to-business relationship opportunities.

 

Neighborhoods covered include: - Memorial, Energy Corridor, Spring Branch, Galleria/Uptown, Greenway Plaza, Alief

 

Boundaries - Serving Houston from Greenway Plaza to Energy Corridor!
Upper Kirby to the East
290 to the North
Bissonett, US-59, Beltway 8 to the South
Barker Cypress to the West

Target Market Area
The membership target area includes: Voss Rd to the East, Park 10 to the West, Clay Rd/290 to the North and Westpark Toll Rd to the South

Member Zip Codes - Predominate ZIP codes bolded (not limited to technical boundary)
77002 77004 77006 77007 77008 77010 77018 77022 77024 77027 77031 77036 77040 77041 77042 77043 77046 77053 77055 77056 77057 77060 77063 77069 77071 77072 77074 77077 77079 77080 77081 77082 77083 77084 77092 77094 77095 77096 77098 77099 77206 77244 77247 77253 77269 77274 77279 77284 77292 77401 77406 77423
77449 77450 77474 77477 77491 77493 77494 77496 77584

Here are the recommended steps.

 

Step 1: You may join - by simply clicking the "Join Now" button found on the homepage. We do recommend that you visit a few Chamber functions prior to joining to get a feel for our Chamber. We are the friendliest Chamber if Houston so you will feel welcome!

 

Step 2: Come to Orientation - the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00. Please check our calendar for the program, location details, and updates each month.

 

Step 3: Plan out a schedule -to network -and market your business -utilizing the resources of the Chamber to help you grow your connections and business.

 

Step 4: Choose a committee to get involved with! Step 5: Begin to review -our many affordable sponsorships to find where you can spotlight your organization OR schedule a meeting with our staff to discuss individually-tailored opportunities.

Networking is the main key to building your business in any community. We strongly recommend that you attend at least one event each month to build relationships with other members. If you are unable to participate or only able to attend one event each month, there are still great Corporate Visibility benefits to being a member.

 

With your membership, you receive an online directory listing on our site. Our members are encouraged to use other members to meet their consumer and B2B needs. This listing will increase your visibility, credibility, and boost your business! By joining the Chamber's online directory, you will be able to increase traffic to your own website and your own business. - If you're trying to rank in your local market, those memberships tell Google that your business is part of the local community.

 

You are also able to post articles, member to member offers, job openings, and press releases to the website through your Chamber Master member portal. If you have a special or a change in your business, we recommend posting this to our website. This is free to members! The Chamber offers numerous advertising opportunities from blast e-mails to our database to providing event attendees with a promotional item. Contact our staff for details at 713-785-4922.

 

Some of our members have found event sponsorship to be an easy way to brand their business even if they cannot participate by attending. Please contact the office for details on your numerous sponsorship opportunities at 713-785-4922.

PARTICIPATE

Building relationships with other members is the main key to your success in building your business. People give to people! If you -serve on a committee and attend events, others are able to get to know you as a person.

 

REFER

The idea is simple: If you give me business, I will send business your way! It works every time. ”Give to Get”.

 

GIVE

Do you have a product or service that you can donate or showcase to other members at no cost? One of our most successful members has -donated numerous hours of service to other members. When another business sees the quality and dependability in your company or organization, they are more likely to use and refer you.

 

Market Your Business

By marketing in our email and social media platforms and handing out promotional items, you can build brand recognition that will be tied to your name. Once other members see you as a reliable source and know what you do, they are more than happy to refer you as a preferred vendor.

Only the Primary Representative of each company has the ability to change the organizational information on the website. If you do not know who your Primary Representative is, please call the chamber at 713-785-4922 and we will gladly assist you.

 

  1. Log in to the HWCOC website on the top left corner.
  2. Click on "Settings".
  3. Click on "Company" to view drop down menu.
  4. To edit the Chamber's database entry, click "Organization Information". This should only be for major changes in contact information.
  5. To edit what information gets listed in the Directory, click "Website Information". Uncheck the "Use Organization Information" box at the top of that section to enable editing.
  6. Make the necessary changes to the contact information.
  7. Click the "Save Changes" button.

Only the Primary Representative of each company has the capability to add an article, job listing or special offer to the HWCOC website. If you do not know who your Primary Representative is, please call the Chamber at 713-785-4922 and we will gladly assist you.

 

  1. Log in to the HWCOC website on the top left corner.
  2. In the Home tab, click on the content you would like to create (such as "Hot Deals" or "News Releases").
  3. Click on the button below the heading that says "Add".
  4. Complete the form fields as needed.
  5. Enter the dates during which you would like to maintain the content active.
  6. Click the "Submit" button - after a staff member approves your content, this will show up on the website.

Please contact the office at 713-785-4922 to find out if registration will be available at the event.


NOTE: Registration may be closed due to reaching max number of attendees thus, attendance cannot be guaranteed after online registration stops.

Please contact our billing coordinator at info@hwcoc.org or 713-785-4922.

Minor Events – Cancellation & Refund Request Full refunds less a 10% processing fee will be issued for registration cancellations made a MINIMUM of 3 business days (during normal business hours) prior to an event., -. After this time, reservations have been guaranteed to the facility/caterer and we will be unable to provide a refund. The refund request must be emailed to billing@hwcoc.org.

 

PLEASE NOTE: No refunds will be made over the phone. Refunds will be issued after the conclusion of the respective event.

 

Minor Events - Inclement Weather If HWCOC cancels an event due to bad weather conditions, a full refund will be -issued, or fees will be applied toward- a rescheduled date.

 

Minor Events – Event Cancellation If HWCOC cancels an event due to a lack of sales, a full refund will be -issued

 

Major Events – Cancellation & Refund Request Sponsorships and tickets for any Major/Featured Fundraising Event, as designated by the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, are non-refundable and non-transferrable (regardless of attendance). No refunds will be given.

Major/Featured Events include but are not limited to Business & Education Partnership, Annual Golf Tournament, Chamber Celebration, Ladies on the Green, Salute to Veterans, -, West Houston Young Professionals, West Houston Outlook, Conversations in Excellence and Women Driving Business-. -

 

Golf Tournament Refund/Cancellation Policy Golf Tournaments can only be called off by the hosting golf course. In the case of a rainout or cancellation due to inclement weather, every attempt will be made to reschedule, with the date to be decided by the hosting golf course. However, if this fails, your registration will be considered a donation to the Houston West Chamber of Commerce.

 

Membership Dues Payment of membership dues is due at the time of application or at the beginning of your renewal year. Membership dues refund requests will be pro-rated and are handled on a case-by-case basis within 60 days of dues payment. Refund requests should be submitted via one of these methods:

 

1. E-mail at billing@hwcoc.org

2. Mail to: Houston West Chamber of Commerce, 10375 Richmond Ave, Suite 265, Houston, TX 77042

 

- AS OF -JULY 2020

Login Credentials:
Primary representatives, the contact listed in the membership application, will receive a request to create their individual login credentials for the website to access the Membership Dashboard and Portal. If you have not received an email with a link to create your login, contact the Chamber Office at 713-785-4922 or email info@hwcoc.org.

 

If you are an additional representative for your organization, you will need to be added under the member profile by the designated primary representative in order to receive a link to create your individual login.

To Change your Username and Password, Please follow these Instructions:

 

  1. Log in to the HWCOC website by clicking the link in the top left corner.
  2. Click on "Settings".
  3. Under the "Personal" menu heading, click "Username/Password".
  4. Click "Change" next to the item you wish to change.
  5. Enter the new login credentials you wish to use.
  6. Click "Save Changes."

At the request of our membership, we are working hard to keep our overhead costs low and staff time productive. Your kind assistance by registering and paying in advance online for ALL EVENTS helps make this possible. However, for those interested, we can retain your credit card information on file.

 

*An additional $5.00 charge will be added for each manual transaction.

 

Sponsorships can be paid by credit card or, check- at least three weeks prior to the event. Please see individual event details for more information.

 

The Chamber does not keep cash on hand to make change, so paying by credit card is appreciated.

At the request of our membership, the Houston West Chamber only lists the designated representatives approved the “owner of the account”.

 

Additional representatives may request to be added. Contact info@hwcoc.org.

The Business Builder Membership provides a marketing BOOST valued at $950 with:

  • All Basic Membership benefits, plus +
  • One magnet-back name badge
  • One Email blast to HWCOC Database
  • Complimentary Ribbon Cutting, featured in Online and Print Calendar

Yes!
When a company becomes a Chamber member, all employees of that company's branch/office that joined are considered Chamber members and have full access to our programs and benefits.

CHAMBER ORIENTATION

 

This is a great way for new and prospective members to learn about the Chamber, meet other members, and learn how to make the most of membership. -. Orientation is the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at various locations. Please refer to our event calendar for the location. Some months lunch is provided by a sponsor, and some months you bring your own lunch! Please check our calendar and weekly email blasts for details.

 

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS LUNCHEON

 

Here’s your chance to rub elbows with some of the most influential people in Houston and expand your visibility and “be seen.” - Held on the third Thursday from 11:30-1:00 pm -This is a unique opportunity to connect over a meal, exchange business cards, and seriously promote your business. No program no agenda save for business development.

 

COFFEE TALK

 

Covering a variety of business topics ranging from marketing to finance, this monthly seminar series offers members the opportunity to increase their business know-how with a different speaker each month. Coffee Talk is every first Thursday of the month from -9:00-10:15 am. Please refer to our event calendar for the location. Interested in participating as a speaker? Click here to complete the application. Link did not work

 

RISE & GRIND

 

Focused on truly successful networking and net weaving, this is perfect for anyone who is not yet an expert at it. Meet, mix, and mingle in the morning. Meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:30 am at Cantina Laredo. Please check our calendar for the program, location details, and updates each month. Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities. Change to read: Please contact corina@hwcoc.org.

 

SEMINARS

 

Build your business know-how at our monthly seminars and workshop sessions. Topics covered include- networking skills, search engine optimization, business planning and growth, and marketing. Most of the workshops are complimentary to members, helping our community improve their professional careers and business success. Check the calendar for most current - listings.

 

SOCIALS

 

This laid-back monthly event allows members and guests to mingle and network over cocktails --and lite bites. The -location host- provides the -venue, food and beverages, and has the opportunity to make a short presentation and distribute marketing materials.

 

Location hosts are selected by the Chamber. Socials are- held the third Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6;00 -pm.- -. If you are interested in spotlighting your business as a sponsor please contact events@hwcoc.org.

 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

  • Ambassadors Committee (By invitation only): Second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
  • Business & Education Partnership Committee: First Thursday of each month from 8:00 to 9:30 am at varying locations.
  • Business Resource Committee: Second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 am at varying locations.
  • Business Golf Classic: Second Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm - Office Evolution, 1300 W Sam Houston Pkwy #100.
  • Governmental Affairs: Please refer to our monthly calendar.
  • Salute to Veterans Committee: Second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
  • Suited Connections Committee: First Tuesday of each month 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations delete.
  • West Houston Economic Development -Conference Third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
  • Women Driving Business first Tuesday 4:30-6:30 pm- locations vary --February through - December.

 

Please check our calendar for any updates concerning any of the committee meetings or events.

Committee Participation and Volunteering


The Chamber's event programming is decided and coordinated by our members for our members. Members that volunteer on committees plan, fundraise, and execute monthly and annual events. By providing time, dedication, resources, and ideas committee members ensure that the Chamber can provide quality programming for all member organizations. In addition to giving you the opportunity to give back to the Chamber, committee participation provides a way to build stronger long-term relationships with your fellow members as you work towards a common goal on a monthly basis!

All active Chamber members are invited to participate in committees and we encourage you to visit groups that appeal to you and your business goals. If after visiting the meeting, you would like to become a part of the committee, contact the staff liaison to receive committee criteria for review. Depending on the committee, this can include time commitment and fundraising goals.
Once you have reviewed and agreed to the committee criteria, you will be added to the roster for the committee. You must attend at least three consecutive meetings to be considered an active member of the committee.

 

Click Here to View a List of Committees

HWCOC-Member-Resources-Community-Impact-800x400