The nonprofit, which serves as a chamber of commerce and economic development corporation for the Humble, Kingwood and Atascocita areas, will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in April.
According to President and CEO Kyle Sheldon, the organization—then known as the Humble Chamber of Commerce—was initially formed April 19, 1923.
“Over time, our service area expanded; our name changed; and our organization has been recognized on all levels—local, state, and international,” Sheldon said.
Sheldon noted the Humble Chamber of Commerce eventually changed its name to the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce after expanding its coverage area and then merged with the Lake Houston Area Economic Development Partnership in October 2020 to form Partnership Lake Houston.
Sheldon said the nonprofit’s aim as a chamber of commerce is to help promote local businesses and support their needs.
“It’s really just about building a stronger community—finding ways to engage the different businesses where they are with what they need,” Sheldon said, noting the nonprofit is 100% funded by business memberships.
Sheldon noted several networking opportunities are hosted for the organization’s nearly 1,000 members every month as well as monthly luncheons.
Stephanie Wiggins, the organization’s chief economic development officer, said the economic development side of the nonprofit’s aim is to attract and recruit businesses.
“[Attracting new businesses] brings new jobs to the territory, so that benefits the community,” Wiggins said.
Partnership Lake Houston has brought several major companies to the area in the last few years, including hydroponically grown lettuce manufacturer Kalera and Living Spaces, which brought 70 and 200 jobs to the area, respectively.
Wiggins and Sheldon said they were both excited to see what the nonprofit can accomplish as it heads into the year of its centennial anniversary.
“Everybody is on the same page and excited to see where 2023 takes us,” Wiggins said.
Services provided
Networking events to connect local businesses
A monthly luncheon featuring best practices from local businesses
Exclusive business referrals and bids
Search-engine-optimized business listing on lakehouston.org
Partnership Lake Houston
110 W. Main St., Humble
281-319-8910
www.lakehouston.org
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.
