Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What Resources Can I Utilize With My Membership?

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 Buiness Plan is an absolute necessity. SCORE is dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow and succeed from start to finish.
Contact Bob Ashfield at 713-412-8851 to set up an appointment.

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!

Incredible Offers from the HWCOC Business Resource Committee
Advancial Federal Credit Union (Amanda Canon) - Houston West Chamber Members are privy to membership with Advancial Federal Credit Union. This membership offers exclusive financial benefits free to your employees! Examples include a 3.09% APR for your auto loans. Email acanon@advancial.org for more information on how you can become a member TODAY!
Mile Technologies (Louis Lopez) - Houston West Chamber Members receive the first service call only and first two hours of service HALF OFF the normal business rate! These computer & network services and Microsoft solutions experts come to your office to offer fair and honest computer services! Call 713-783-6453 for more information!

SCORE Counseling (Bob Ashfield) - See description above. Call Bob for a FREE business plan!

Houston Community College (Sandra Louvier) - Please CLICK HERE on their groundbreaking new program with Goldman Sachs. A great partnership for businesses!

Stiles & Associates Leadership Consultants (Linda Stiles) - Offering a complimentary ICS - Connect Behavioral Assesment with a 1-hour confidential debrief session to members of the Houston West Chamber. During this hour you will learn your leadership preference and how to 'flex" so you can lead any style. Craft your leadership skills in order to move forward on your career development path. To schedule your FREE session, contact Linda Stiles at 713-208-2015. A $250 value!

The Price of Business
Be one of the featured businesses interviewed by the Price of Business, a CNN affiliated station on 650 AM.
To read more, visit http://priceofbusiness.com.

Ribbon Cuttings
Start off with a bang! Celebrate a ground breaking, grand opening, or new event!
We'll help tell the public who you are and what you do. 

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 the Excel list of all Members for a small charge.
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 at the Chamber Office Building, Suite 890.

How Much is Membership?

Basic Membership

Tier 1 1-10 Employees $275 Annually Two Year Commitment $500
Tier 2 11-50 Employees $475 Annually Two Year Commitment $850
Tier 3 51+ Employees $575 Annually Two Year Commitment $1,000
Business Builders   $595 Annually Two Year Commitment $950
Chairman's Circle   $1,500 Annually Two Year Commitment $2,150
Platinum Partners   $3,000 Annually Two Year Commitment $5,250
Diamond Patrons   $10,000 Annually Two Year Commitment $17,500
Non-Profit   $175 With proof of 501 (c) 3 status

Basic Benefits: Tier One, Tier Two, Tier Three

Includes: Website Directory Listing, Business Articles and Press Releases Posted on our website, Complimentary Ribbon Cutting, Groundbreakings, and Grand Openings, Discounted Attendance to Chamber Events, List Job Postings on our Website, Membership Plaque.

Business Builders

Includes:  All basic benefits, Radio advertising on The Price of Business (Formerly the Houston Business Show), One permanent name badge, Welcome in program at monthly luncheon, One 1" x 3" mini-ad on paper calendar, One email blast to HWCOC database.

Chairman's Circle Members

Includes: All previous benefits, Name on website homepage, Complimentary job posting, Exclusive invitation to special events, Listing in all event programs.

Platinum Partners

Includes:  All previous benefits, Podium signage at all major events, Logo on all event programs, Logo and link on website homepage.

Diamond Patrons

Includes: All previous benefits and other customizable details.

When Is The Monthly Meeting?

The Houston West Chamber has numerous monthly events.

Orientation

First Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Chamber Building, Suite 890.  Bring your own lunch! If you are a new or prospective member, this is a great way to start off learning what all of your options within the chamber are.

Business Over Breakfast

Third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 am at the Westside Cafe, 10350 Richmond Avenue, Suite 150. Please check our calendar  for program information and any updates. This is perfect for anyone who is not an expert networker.  The program of this event is focused on truly successful networking.

Luncheons

Luncheons are typically the third Thursday or Friday of each month from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at various locations.  Rub elbows with some of the most influential people in Houston.  Networking is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and the program and luncheon lasts until 1:00 pm.  These events vary in size from 80 to 600 people and are great for sponsorships and branding opportunities.

Socials

Socials are typically the fourth Thursday of a month from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, but are not held every month.  These events allows participants to mingle and network over cocktails and appetizers.  The event sponsor provides the location, food and beverages.  They are invited to do a short presentation and thank those in attendance for joining.  The socials are open to members and non-members alike.  We encourage sponsors to invite clients, friends and family.  If you are interested in sponsoring please contact the office.

Committee Meetings

Ambassadors (By invitation only): Second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations.
Business & Education: Fourth Tuesday of each month from 8:00 to 9:30 am at Best Western Westchase Mini-Suites.
Business Resource: Second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 am at Westpark Communications, L.P.
Economic Development: Fourth Friday of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 am at the University Copy Center.
Golf Tournament: Second Wednesday of each month (February - October) from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office.
Governmental Affairs: Last Tuesday of each month from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office.
Health & Wellness: First Thursday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the West Houston Doctor's Center in Suite 201.
Public Safety: Third Tuesday of each month from 9:00 to 10:00 am at LeTourneau University.
Star Awards: Various dates and locations between July and November.
Women Driving Business: Various dates and locations between June and November.
 
Please check our calendar for any updates concerning any of the committee meetings or events.

How Do I Know If This Is The Right Networking Community For Me And My Business?

If you are considering membership, try us out before joining. There are over 80 chambers of commerce in the Houston area and each has a different atmosphere. The Houston West Chamber tends to focus much more on business to business relationships.  You may attend any three events of your choice. After that, we strongly encourage you to make an investment in our community.
 
If you are unsure of which events to attend, here is our recommendation:

  • Orientation: First Wednesday of each month at the Chamber Building

  • Business Over Breakfast: Third Wednesday of each month at the Westside Cafe

  • Choose either a committee meeting to try out, a luncheon or a social!

What Area Do You Cover?

Although the Houston West Chamber has set boundaries, many businesses outside of the technical boundaries have chosen to join the organization for our business-to-business relationships.

Boundaries

Loop 610 to the East
290 to the North
Bissonett, US-59, Beltway 8 to the South
Fry Rd. to the West

Target Market Area

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

(not limited to technical boundary) (Predominate zip codes bolded)
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

 

How Do I Get Started?

Here are the recommended steps.

Step 1: Click here to join the chamber or you may join at a later date by clicking the "Become a Member" button found on the homepage.

Step 2: Come to Orientation on the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office.

Step 3: Plan out a schedule of networking and advertising for the year. 

Step 4: Attend Business Over Breakfast to perfect your elevator speech and ensure that you are ready to network like a pro.

Step 5: Choose a committee (Health & Wellness, Business & Education, Business Resource, Economic Development, Golf, Governmental Affairs, Star Awards or Women Driving Business).

Step 6: Begin to review event sponsorships.

 

What If I Can't Participate?

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 benefits to being a member.

 

With your membership, you receive an online directory listing on our site. Our members are more likely inclined to use other members to meet their needs. This listing will Increase your visibility, credibility, and boost your business!  By joining the Chamber's online directory, youu will be able to increase traffic to your own website and your own business.   

 

You are also able to post articles and press releases to the website.  If you have a special or a change in your business, we recommend posting this to our website.  This is free to members!  Not only will potential customers find your information from web searches, but the articles and press releases also go out to our database each month in the newsletter.

 

 The Chamber offers numerous advertising opportunities from blast e-mails to our database to providing event attendees with a promotional item.  Check out our advertising options for more information.

 

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

How Do I Get The Most Bang For My Buck?

Participate

Building relationships with other members is the main key to your success in building your business.  People give to people! If you are 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

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 compensated numerous hours of service to members.  When another business sees the quality and dependability in your company or organization, they are more likely to use and refer you.

Advertise

By sending out blasts 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 prefered vendor.

How Do I Edit My Website Listing?

To Change your organization's website listing, please follow these instructions:

 

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
  2. Click on "Members Only"
  3. Click on "Member Dashboard"
  4. You will see a section called "My Employer(s)"
  5. Click on "Edit Directory Profile"
  6. Make the necessary changes to the contact information
  7. Click the "Save" button

How Do I Add An Article, Job Listing, or Special Offer to the Website?

To add an Article, Job Listing or Special Offer, please follow these instructions:

 

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
  2. Click on "Members Only"
  3. Click on "Member Dashboard"
  4. Click on "Create Content"
  5. Enter a title for the content you are adding
  6. Chose the type of content you are adding from the drop down box under "Member Content Types"
  7. Enter your content in the text box
  8. Attach a document if you would like to do so
  9. Click the "Save" button at the bottom of the screen to post the content you have just added to the website

How Do I RSVP For An Event If On-Line Registration Is Closed?

Please contact the office: info@hwcoc.org

Who Do I Refer Billing Questions To?

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

Cancellation and Refund Policy

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 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 in writing and sent via fax to (713) 785-4944 or emailed to billing@hwcoc.org.

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 given.

Minor Events – Event Cancellation

 

If HWCOC cancels an event due to lack of sales, a full refund will be given.

Major Events – Cancellation & Refund Request

(Star Awards, Teacher of the Year, Health & Wellness, Salute to Veterans, Zest in the West, any event designated by the HWCC to be a Major Fundraising Event)
 

Sponsorship or Individual Seat Cancellation Received in Writing:
Within 90 Days of Event 100%; Within 60 Days of Event 50%; 30 Days or less of Event 10%.

The refund request must be in writing and sent via fax to (713) 785-4944 or emailed to billing@hwcoc.org.

Refunds will be issued after the conclusion of the respective event.

Golf Tournament Refund/Cancellation Policy

  • 100% if requested on or before June 30th
  • 50% if requested between July 1 & September 15th
  • No refund if requested after September 16th

The refund request must be in writing and sent via fax to (713) 785-4944 or emailed to billing@hwcoc.org.

Please understand that in case of rainout every attempt will be made to reschedule (Rainout Date TBD by golf course).
However, if this fails, your registration will be considered a donation to the Houston West Chamber of Commerce.

How Do I Log-In to the Website?

User Name:

Your Username is your email address as it appears in the Chamber database. If you do not know which email address is listed in the
Chamber database, please call the Chamber Office at 713-785-4922 and we will gladly assist you.

Password:

Your Password will be the same as the one you used on the previous HWCOC website. If you do not know what your Password
was on the previous website, please follow the instructions to retrieve or change your password (listed under the FAQs).

If you are a new Chamber member and did not receive a password from the previous website, you will receive an email
from info@hwcoc.org with information about your username and password once you have been added to the Chamber database.
Please call the Chamber Office at 713-785-4922 if you have any issues and we will be glad to assist you.

How Do I Change my Username and Password?

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

 

  1. Log in to the HWCOC website
  2. Click on "Members Only"
  3. Click on "Member Dashboard"
  4. Click on "Edit Username and Password"
  5. Edit the information you would like to change
  6. Click "Save"

What Method of Payment Do I Use for an Event?

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

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

Why is my Name Not Listed in the Member Directory?

For privacy purposes, the Houston West Chamber has decided not to list primary contact information for your business in our Membership Directory. We would like to prevent unnecessary sales calls directed to your business, so we have opted to not include personal contact information.

Thank you for your understanding.

What is included in a Business Builder Membership?

The Business Builder Membership level includes:

All basic Membership benefits, plus +
Radio Advertising on The Price of Business (CNN Radio 650 AM)
One permanent name badge
Welcome in program at Monthly Luncheon
One 1” x 3” mini-ad on paper calendar
One Email blast to HWCOC Database

A $950 value!