ICC Chamber opens new Galleria area branch

HOUSTON—A core group of Houston’s most respected Galleria-area business and organizations have joined forces to revive the Galleria Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded by the Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce. The creation of the Galleria Chamber of Commerce focuses on one of Houston’s most vibrant and iconic areas and its potential for greater growth and success.

Galleria Chamber of Commerce board members include the Galleria Mall, the Houston Polo Club, Quan Law Group, the JW Marriott, Houston Business Journal, and NRG. The iconic Galleria Mall anchors the group and includes chamber membership for its more than 400 stores, as well as business services, special events, business mixers, galas, fashion shows and other developing programs.

“Establishing the chamber in the area again with the pillars of what the Galleria is known for such as the mall, polo club, and key restaurants and retailers, has been a top priority,” ICC President Reggie Gray said.

Members of both the ICC and the Galleria Chamber of Commerce receive the benefits given to both organizations, as well as access to global events and opportunities. The ICC is represented in 13 countries around the world including the U.S., Mexico, Panama, Malta, Italy, UAE-Dubai, Germany, Russia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and China.

Bill Pilkington, of Bentley, Bratcher & Associates, chair for both the north Houston and Galleria boards of commerce, has pushed the expansion of the ICC both in Houston and globally. Pilkington will pass the reins to Sidney Evans of NRG, the the chair-elect for the new board of directors for the Galleria Chamber of Commerce.

“The Galleria is such an important part of Houston’s identity and economy. I and others agreed it needed a chamber located in the heart of the community to focus on the businesses and people that drive the Galleria market,” Evans said.

Public Relations Specialist Judy Nichols will helm the publicity for the Galleria Chamber of Commerce, as well as serve as one of the board of directors.

The stand-alone Galleria Chamber was dissolved in 2013, however efforts have been underway to establish a stronger organization since Fall 2015 through a series of the membership events at the JW Marriott, HESS Club, the Double Tree Hotel, the Junior League, The Houston Polo Club, Capital Grille and Ruth’s Chris.