The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to help veterans start, sustain and grow small businesses through education, advocacy and shared resources. The chamber works to advance economic growth within the veteran business economy by serving as a catalyst for awareness, opportunity and advocacy for veteran-owned businesses.

“The chamber’s mission mirrors HCC’s mission to encourage economic growth and development within our community,” said HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., during a signing ceremony at the college’s district offices. “We know that those who have worn our nation’s military uniform bring qualities like integrity, discipline and commitment to our classrooms and to their working lives. And, when veterans succeed in business, our entire region succeeds."

Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President John Cacolice echoed the chancellor’s remarks and lauded the role HCC will play in this agreement.

“What we are recognizing is that just because veterans have taken their uniforms off doesn’t mean they don’t continue to serve,” said Cacolice, a local real estate firm owner and former Army combat engineer. “Some are captains of industry, and many more are starting and running businesses and making a difference. We want to do all we can to support them.”

ABOUT HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE: HCC is composed of 14 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly accredited, open-admission community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities.

ABOUT THE HOUSTON REGIONAL VETERANS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The chamber is dedicated to fostering the success of veterans, active-duty military and their families in the business landscape of the Houston region. It is composed of a dynamic network of veterans and business professionals committed to creating a vibrant ecosystem where veterans can excel in their post-military careers and serve in their community. Learn more at https://hrvcc.org.

###

Caption: (front l-r) HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., and Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce (HRVCC) Executive Vice President John Cacolice with signed agreement. (back l-r) Andrea Burridge, Ph.D., HCC vice chancellor, Strategy, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Rodney Williams, HRVCC member; Pamela Fleming, veteran business owner; Maya Durnovo, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor, HCC Entrepreneurial Initiatives; Eva Loredo, District VIII, Chair, HCC Board of Trustees; Dave Weaver, president, HRVCC; Charles Pullman, veteran business trainer; and Ivanessa Rosado, HRVCC executive team member.