HCC, Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce enter strategic partnership

Houston City College (HCC) and the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce have formalized a partnership with the signing of a Strategic Alliance Memorandum aimed at expanding education, training and business support for veteran entrepreneurs.

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.”