Letter from the Board

Dear Members of the East End Chamber,

Serving as the Board Chair of the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce since 2016, I have had the distinct pleasure to meet many people who represent the East End. Business leaders, community servants and leading educators -- each of whom I am honored by the opportunity to serve alongside as together we continue the work of those who have come before us to make Houston’s East End thrive. We all know the East End is a place rich in history, diverse in population and symbolic for its industry. But to work here, live here or do business in the East End reminds us that is so much more. It is a sense of community, a can-do attitude and a drive to make the East End a place where everyone aspires to be!

In 2016, the Chamber’s Program of Work was successful in expanding our reach beyond the traditional bounds of Houston’s East End. With the opportunity to host Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner at our Vision 2016 Luncheon, or County Judge Ed Emmett at our Transportation and Infrastructure Luncheon, we attracted the interest and attention of those who see Houston’s future unfolding in the East End. 

We closed the year with our “Local Industry, Global Economy Luncheon,” where we heard from a distinguished panel of industry leaders representing the petrochemical industry. Join us in 2017 and don’t miss programs like the Port Houston Appreciation Luncheon and the East End Street Fest in October, where you can experience culture through the creative production of diverse performances and educational programs. Enjoy art, delicious food and music from a various artists, along the Navigation Esplanade. 

Looking Forward

We hope you enjoy the launch of our new logo and new website. We believe it is a fresh, new look – one that holds on to that which is subtly familiar, but a freshness for our future that shines bright with promise, opportunity and value for what matters most – our members. At the heart of the Chamber’s existence is to be the premier business and community support organization for promoting and sustaining business expansion, investment and economic development in the East End. I am energized by the commitment shared by my fellow board members and Chamber staff to ensure our focus is intentional, our partnerships are strategic and there is a strong return on investment for our members – all while accomplishing this mission. 

We will work tirelessly to connect with new partners, and form alliance that help us fulfill the expectations of our members. Together, we will find new opportunities with partners both in and outside of the east end to grow our membership, intensify our impact and increase our reach to strengthen East End’s role in the greater Houston economy. 

Lastly, I believe the foundation for economic growth and prosperity is rooted in education. Through the great work already being done by the Chamber’s Education Foundation to build a strong, qualified workforce – there is nothing we cannot achieve. Through collaboration and partnership with quality programs and renowned educational institutions in the East End, we can continue efforts to help businesses grow, while serving the needs of residents and students in the East End. Together, the industry we are creating can strengthen pipelines between schools; community and industry so that our students in the East End are well prepared for the job opportunities that exist right here, and for which there is great need.

Sincerely,

Sara Cronin, 2006-17 Board Chair
TPC Group