Houston, TX (April 16, 2024) – The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Luncheon and Business Expo on Friday, April 12th before a sold-out crowd of more than 2,000 business and community leaders.
During the program, the Chamber announced a historic investment into the organization’s foundation that will catalyze its work and the trailblazing Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). Generously pledged by renowned Houston attorney and community leader Benny Agosto, Jr. and his wife Nichole Agosto, the $1 million investment is groundbreaking.
“This $1 million investment represents the single largest investment by one Hispanic to a Hispanic foundation in the nation, as well as the single largest contribution to the Greater Houston Hispanic of Commerce Foundation (GHHCF) in its 45-year history,” said Dr. Laura Murillo, President & CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
“The work of this Chamber and its foundation is creating a better future for all Hispanics,” said Mr. Agosto. “Our hope is this investment will ensure that programs like the Emerging Leaders Institute continues to grow and positively impact the lives of young Latinos in Houston for generations to come.”
Mr. Agosto is the managing partner at Abraham Watkins Nichols Agosto Aziz and Stogner in Houston and has been deeply committed to improving the community for many years. He was born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico. His parents – who both had a sixth-grade education – taught Mr. Agosto that through hard work and determination, anything is possible. He has been a supporter of the Chamber and its work for more than 15 years, appearing on the organization’s media platforms, serving as a speaker, and involving himself with many of the Chamber’s initiatives.
“We’ve pursued long-term investments into our work for many years,” said Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Dr. Laura Murillo. “Despite looking outside of the organization, this investment is particularly impactful because it came from one of our own. We can’t thank Nichole and Benny Agosto family enough for their incredible support for so many years.”
“When I was hired to lead this Chamber in 2007, the organization was a matter of days away from closing its doors,” added Dr. Murillo. “As this year’s luncheon demonstrates, we’ve come a long way from those challenges. This investment is not just a testament to how far we’ve come – it is a reaffirmation of the incredible impact our community will have on our region for years to come.”
The 2024 Annual Luncheon and Business Expo also celebrated the Chamber’s 15-year partnership with KHOU and the organization’s TV show. The partnership is one of the longest standing in the region. Houston Mayor John Whitmire delivered the keynote address focused on the first 100 days of his administration. Mayor Whitmire underscored the critical role the Hispanic business community – which accounts for $54 billion in annual economic impact – plays in the region’s success.
About the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon & Business Expo is the largest luncheon in the region with more than 2,000 business, elected, and community leaders in attendance. The best-in-class business expo featured more than 100 exhibitors marketing their services and products.
The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the leading regional advocate for the economic and civic interests of the Hispanic business community. As such, the HHCC serves as the Leader of Houston’s New Majority. The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is among the most influential Chambers in the country. For more information on the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit houstonhispanicchamber.com.