The Texas Green Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) organization founded in 2010 by individuals who recognized both the need for the United States to protect and improve the environment, and the need to bolster the “green” economy. Due to a number of factors, such as increased urbanization, rapid population growth and ecological diversity, Texas especially faces many challenges in creating a healthy environment for people, animals and plant life. There also exists a tremendous opportunity to expand the green industry in Texas into a major economic engine for driving the creation of quality jobs and sustainable tax bases. Furthermore, there is an opportunity for businesses to improve their profitability and help protect the environment through the adoption of sustainable business practices.
Our Values
Clean Economic Development: The TGCC seeks to strengthen Texas’ position as a leader in creating jobs
and investment in the state’s green economy. This includes supporting public policy which helps bolster wind, solar, natural gas, zero waste and recycling initiatives and technologies.
Public protection: It is the proper role of government to be vigilant in protecting consumers, through stronger consumer protection legislation and tough penalties for companies that violate consumer, worker, and environmental protection laws, without eliminating a strong market incentive to innovate or operate efficiently and safely.
Market-based economy: A market-based business system built on integrity and honesty, must remain the heart of our economy. Competition and collaboration throughout the market spurs innovation and efficiency and allocates resources efficiently. Market-based approaches that account for environmental and social concerns are essential.
Democratic Engagement: The economy should be structured and managed to be fair, transparent, fairly regulated, and accountable to all participants.
Supporting Green Business Practices: Texas’ businesses can contribute to a sustainable future by greening the way that business is done. Through promoting green business certification programs and providing educational forums, businesses are provided with resources to make their business more energy efficient, thus reducing expenses for business owners and reducing the business’ carbon footprint.
Key strategies for 2012 include:
1. Facilitate Government Advocacy initiatives which support reasonable public policies that encourage environmental advancement and job retention and expansion
- Regularly survey TGCC members for their input on key legislative and regulatory initiatives and communicate survey ressults to federal, state and local legislative and regulatory officials
- Work with other business organizations to present viewpoints on key legislative and regulatory initiatives through TGCC communication vehicles and Chamber events
- Develop TGCC policy positions on key legislative/regulatory issues and communicate those positions with government officials
2. Provide forums for sharing of knowledge and best practices in workplace sustainability
- Collaborate with other business organizations to deliver educational workshops, webinars, and other educational programs on regular basis for businesses owners and managers
- Encourage adoption of sustainable business practices through green business certification programs
- Develop a TGCC website to include relevant information on green business practices, resource links and online forum for idea exchange
- Collaborate with other Texas “green” organizations to host business networking events
3. Provide recognition and increase awareness for member businesses among each other and the local community
- Disseminate news releases to appropriate media outlets for businesses achieving green business certification and provide recognition in TGCC electronic media
- Provide sponsorship opportunities for member businesses through TGCC mediums and events to demonstrate their commitment to environmental issues
- Provide members with Electronic TGCC logo to utilize in business promotional mediums
- Promote B2B commerce among Chamber members through the TGCC website, online membership database, and Chamber events
- Develop a “Buy Local” program for socially responsible businesses
