Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Redeemed Ministries Host Prayer Walk for Human Trafficking in Harris County

Press Release
Family Event to Fight Human Trafficking in
Harris County through Prayer and Awareness

Houston, August 15, 2011   - 

The public is invited to join a collaboration of area churches in “Just Pray”, a prayer walk from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, on the grounds of Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 FM 1960 West. The afternoon event is part of the “Just Cause” first annual gathering of metro area events to raise awareness about the growing existence of modern day slavery – including forced labor and commercial sex exploitation – throughout Houston, Harris County, and surrounding suburbs.

 “North Harris County residents daily drive by establishments in local shopping centers that house victims of human trafficking. People are shocked to learn how many sexually oriented businesses (spas, massage parlors) are right here in very close proximity to our homes and schools in the FM 1960 area, Spring and Tomball,” according to Redeemed Ministries, which is coordinating the Prayer Walk.

‘Just Pray” is a family friendly event open to all. A special children’s activity zone will be set aside for families so parents will be free to learn more about this tragedy that has infiltrated our neighborhoods. Live entertainment including praise music, dance, and dramatization performances by local talent will follow the Prayer Walk. Snacks and drinks will also be available for participants.

Prayer stations, each focusing on an aspect or fact about modern day slavery, will be throughout the wooded church grounds, giving participants the opportunity to move through the walk at their own pace. The culmination of the prayer walk will be through the arbor to the outdoor labyrinth. 

Participants may pre-register on-line through the Brown Bag link at http://www.redeemedministries.com. The $12 registration fee includes a “Just Pray” t-shirt. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, but not required for attendance. T-shirts will also be available during the event.

The community is urged to come by to learn more about this insidious crime that is occurring in our community, and growing worldwide. Volunteers from Redeemed Ministries and other organizations including Not for Sale will provide additional information and offer volunteer action opportunities. The objective of “Just Pray” is to educate and increase in number those committed to pray for human trafficking victims and the eradication of the crime in the North Harris County community.

Redeemed Ministries is a local volunteer organization that reaches out to victims to provide outreach, survivor aftercare, and legislative advocacy, as well as educating the community.  Redeemed Ministries is committed to meeting God in earnest prayer and by being engaged in efforts to Educate People, Seek Victims, Build Relationships, Identify Resources, and Redeeming the Value of survivors.  For more information, please visit our website http://www.redeemedministries.com.

For so long we have ignored or accepted that women are trapped and exploited in the commercial sex industry by choice. However, many – including children – are victims of the growing crime of modern day slavery. Human trafficking victims are abused through the use of force, fraud or coercion. Worldwide an estimated 27 million people are enslaved. Of those, 80 percent are female and 50 percent are children. U.S. citizens comprise an estimated 200,000 to 600,000 of that total, with 100,000 of them American children aged 14 and under. Annually, there are 6,000 runaways in Houston and it is estimated that one out of three will be prostituted within the first 48 hours according to Houston’s Children at Risk.

Houston is considered a main trafficking hub city and a major destination. In the first quarter of 2009, 58 percent of the trafficking calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline that originated in Texas came from the Houston area, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

“Just Cause” is a cooperative initiative of churches, faith-based ministries, and local businesses and organizations, including Redeemed Ministries, that are committed to addressing God's passion for justice for the oppressed in our own community and beyond.  Other events during the week of September 10-17, 2011 throughout the Houston area include “Just Eat!”, “Just Run for a Just Cause”, “Just Golf – Tee Off Against Trafficking”, “Just Shop” and “Just Rap.” Details on all events are available at http://justcausehouston.yolasite.com/. 


Press Contacts: 
Stephanie Luna – Email: redeemedministries_Prayerwalk@yahoo.com
Bobbie Marks, Director, Redeemed Ministries
Kathy Williams 281-433-7156






Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Patti Bolli Nelson Speaking at Public Safety Meeting Aug. 18th

Here is an article written about our August 18th public safety speaker. Don't miss out on a great presentation.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Public Safety - Great Speaker August 18th 10 a.m.

Are you interested in learning something new and meeting other community leaders?  The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Committee has researched and brought you Patti Bolli Nelson to teach you how to prevent Identity theft and some of the new laws that will affect small businesses. Public Safety Co Chairs Jerry Hays and Wren Neely encourage you to take some time out of your day to come hear and network with some of North Houston's finest in Public Safety!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Buzz Word - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT


This week at the Chamber the Buzz Word is Economic Development. How can we help our community grow not only through business development but general community business sustainability.  The Houston Northwest Chamber works hard to promote better business and provide each of members with the necessary tools to create a positive and community focused work environment.  The Healthcare Committee and the Economic Development Committees within the Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to create a forum that is not only beneficial to your business but will hopefully enlighten to you as well.

to view the event flyer!

Do you have an opinion or question about the Chamber? or Economic Development forum?  Utilize your chamber membership by posting to one of the forums, or by creating your own!  If you need your log in name and password call the chamber today! 281-440-4160 or email ChamberInfo@houstonnwchamber.org

A letter from the President!

It has been a month, friends, since we sent you an Edge E-Newsletter. What do you think of a less frequent communication? Email ChamberInfo@HoustonNWChamber.org with your thoughts.

Rep. Riddle is asking us what issues we believe need attention in the next legislative session? View her letter to Speaker Straus and comment to Scott.Riling@house.state.tx.us  or plan to attend the Wednesday, September 21st Government Affairs meeting when Rep. Riddle will be with us at 8:30 a.m.

Just prior to our September 8th Membership Luncheon, we will host 50 local veterans at a Turbo Networking Session at 10:45am at Shirley Acres. Whether you are looking to hire or not, come participate in a valuable exercise with these fine young men and women under the guidance of Master Networker Art Barasch.

We want to welcome two new committee co-chairs of the Small Business Excellence Committee: Deborah Hroch of Hroch & Associates and Carlos Rosales of FocalPoint Coaching of Greater Houston. These two will co-chair this important commitee. Congratulations and thanks to these two fine professionals.

I hope you have a productive week and do not let Washington or Wall Street events discourage you!

Barbara Thomason
President

Friday, July 8, 2011

Epicurean Evening July 28th 2011

Epicurean Evening 2011
The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce is working hard to bring events to Northwest Houston.  We have a night with the Culinary God's designed for you!  The finest restaurants in NW Houston are coming out to Sam Houston Race Park on July 28th to treat you! to their culinary excellence.  For a small admission fee you get a fabulous evening!  Check out more information at www.EpicureanEvening.org

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Small Business Lunch & Learn

Join us on June 21st at Shirley Acres for a motivating, informative Lunch & Learn featuring Carlos Rosales.
"7 Steps to Improve Effectiveness!"  Carlos Rosales is an outstanding coach and owner of FocalPoint Business Coaching of Greater Houston. It is his goal to help you achieve your business and personal goals faster than you could ever believe possible! Come join us and hear how he can help your business too!  
Co-hosted with The Sun Newspapers /Houston Community Newspapers 
Thank You Event Sponsors
 
Woodforest MS Logo



Monday, April 18, 2011

A note on Economic Development from Barbara Thomason, Chamber President


Barbara Thomason
President
 Economic Development is our primary role in the community. We were pleased to submit a preliminary proposal for a mid-sized manufacturer to come to our area.We will let you know if we are successful.
  
Additionally, the Economic Development Committee under the leadership of Enrique Lima of R.E.B. Group is sponsoring a special luncheon event, "Incentivizing Northwest Houston" on Tuesday, April 26, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is generously hosting the event that will be in their Cypress Room. We ask only for a $20 donation for our economic development initiative. Space is limited and will close Thursday at 5 p.m.
Click here to register online


To learn more about the Economic Development initiative our area and to learn about the Houston Northwest Chamber visit our website www.HoustonNWChamber.org

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Highlights for Small Businesses

The life blood of the Houston Northwest Community is Small Business.  Each day we work hard to host events and promote our local business owners.  The most important step is the first step! Get involved! You can do this by making a small commitment to come to a Small Business Workshop and getting to know other business owners while listening to great speakers. We hope these opportunities provide you with additional resources to help your business grow. 

The Chamber has a number of business networking opportunities coming up! Take some time to make that first step and come to an event.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@HNWCC) to keep up with all of the great improvements the Chamber and its successful members are working on!

Get the Most out of your membership and attend one of these great events:

Thursday, March 31, 2011

What the Chamber does for your Business

The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce is busy working to not only continue bringing in new members but pursuing ways to get current members involved and excited to participate.

For those of you who do not know what the Chamber of Commerce does here is a quick run down. We focus on Community Economic Development, Educating our youth, Community Involvement and Small Business Development.  The Chamber works hard to encourage our Community Members to get involved.  Here are some community events that are taking place:

April 26th Economic Development Luncheon -
Featuring Larry McManus from the Governor's Office of Economic Development.  This event will be held at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.  The Economic Development Committee is working hard to develop economic development awareness through out the community and this event will certainly not be a waste of your time.

May 5th Passport to Your Future -
An Educational career cluster forum designed to provide an opportunity for selected public school students to:
1) interface with targeted career cluster professionals;
2) receive relevant career path information; 
3)engage in hands-on career cluster activities


This Luncheon is the 2nd of four quarterly Luncheon's the Chamber host to keep our members updated and informed.  These are great sponsorship opportunities as well an environment that fosters business development.  Get your Tickets today!

Business Expo's give community the opportunity to sell products and showcase their business.  We encourage all members and non members to get a booth and exhibit their products or services.  You never know who you will meet! The Chamber holds two business Expo's a year, one in May and one in December. Don't wait to sign up!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Good Times Keep on Rollin'

This Chamber just keeps on growing! We have non stop traffic of people that are coming through or calling about visiting the area and even relocating to northwest Houston! That is something that everyone in the community should be proud of.  There have been several articles in multiple newspapers that are saying such great things about the Green Medians being installed along Cypress Creek Pkwy (FM 1960). 

The Quality of Life is improving and it is all because of the the people that invest their lives in this thriving community!  This past week Mary Leamons of EatCypress.com was featured in the Community Impact newspaper for her families dedication to buying and eating local.  Check out the Edge this Friday to see more on that story.
Energize! Houston is just around the corner! This event is going to better than ever with so much community support it should make you proud to be here. Tickets are available online today! Click here to purchase to today!If you want more from your community here are a couple of ways you can get involved! 




Tuesday, March 15, 2011

St. Patricks Day Parade and so much more!

There has been so much going on in the Community this week.  The Green Medians team is busy installing beautiful trees alongside 1960.  This also reminds us that spring is in the air!  We have many exciting events including Energize! Houston, Epicurean Evening, April Member Luncheon May Business Expo.  Go online to http://www.houstonnwchamber.org/ to purchase tickets and find out more. This past Sunday was the St. Patricks Day parade down FM 1960/Cypress Creek Pkwy.  This experience was unlike any other parade.  Being one of the largest in the nation, Cypress Creek EMS did a great job of getting the community involved! View some of the photos here.

We have a Ribbon Cutting this Friday at Menchies Frozen Yogurt 12 noon 10880 Louetta Rd., suite B Houston, TX 77070 ! Come help us welcome our new members!

TOMORROW!
Want to learn about the different practices of our government? Governement Affairs Committee meets tomorrow at 8:30 am at The Chamber Office. Guest Speaker David Gornet, Executive Director of the Grand Parkway Association will speak on the status of this project. We will have fresh Coffee and Donuts! All welcome!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

High Touch & High Impact


High Touch & High Impact! This is what the 2011 Chamber of Commerce is committed to! We are committed to growing the Economic Development of our region. We try and communicate the most important information to our members. Through Community & Economic Development we are constantly looking to bring new business to our area and highlight our community members that have been around developing and growing for over 36 years.  We have numerous events to look forward to! Listed below are just a few. Have you noticed a change in the Medians down 1960? The Green Medians teams has worked hard to implement a safer more aesthetically pleasing 1960 corridor. Click on the Green Medians website for more information and for the opportunity to donate to help reach our goal! Check out more information on our website! Hope your business is doing well! Remember the Chamber is here for you!

Houston Northwest Chamber Website