| (The Woodlands, TX) – The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a new partnership with Houston Exponential to form The Innovation Council to improve the innovation ecosystem in South Montgomery County and integrate better with the greater Houston innovation community. The council's objective is to identify and support the innovation economy by providing advocacy, marketing and connection opportunities and resources to innovation/technology-oriented businesses and organizations. The Houston region is often not recognized as a top hub for innovation, this has prompted business and community leaders to invest in innovation to diversify the area economy and to promote existing technology and innovation. The Chamber formally added a goal to its Strategic Plan to be a “Catalyst for Innovation and Technology in the Region” and entered a formal agreement with Houston Exponential to create the Innovation Council. “We are proud to partner with Houston Exponential to promote innovation in the region,” said J.J. Hollie, President & CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Woodlands is a hotbed of innovation, boasting forward-thinking, cutting-edge innovators in medicine, life sciences, energy and many more industries. Through the Innovation Council, the Chamber will fulfill our responsibility to support the growth of this crucial part of our business community.” Natara Branch, President & CEO of Houston Exponential said, “We're excited to embark on this journey with The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce; a collaboration aligned with our commitment to supporting thriving ecosystems and driving innovation for economic opportunity. The Innovation Council, we believe, will channel collective wisdom, unlock unprecedented potential, and build an innovation legacy in the Woodlands area.” The Innovation Council will host a Kickoff Reception on Wednesday, January 31, 5:00PM - 7:00PM at 9950 Woodloch Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX. The Innovation Council meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month, 1:30PM - 2:30PM at the Chamber office located at 9320 Lakeside Blvd., Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX. Monthly meetings are open to members of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. ### About the Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is made up of thousands of business and civic leaders who have joined together to promote jobs, economic growth, and strong communities. As the largest business association in Greater Houston, we represent more than 1,300 area employers on the local, county, state, and national level. woodlandschamber.org About Houston Exponential
Houston Exponential (HX) is a leader in driving innovation and economic growth in the Greater Houston region. The organization is committed to cultivating a thriving ecosystem for startups, entrepreneurs, and startup support businesses in the Greater Houston area. HX serves as a catalyst for innovation by connecting key stakeholders, facilitating collaboration to propel the region's technology and entrepreneurial landscape forward and promoting the region’s continued growth. www.houstonexponential.org |
