Kari Werner, President & CEO, Houston West Chamber of Commerce

Invest: spoke with Kari Werner, president and CEO of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, about how West Houston’s business mix is shifting and how the chamber is responding. “We are gearing toward those small businesses right now, because those are really what make up our chamber,” Werner said.

What major shifts have you seen in the West Houston business community over the past year, and how have these changes shaped the chamber’s strategy and priorities?

Every year brings change, but one of the biggest shifts for us has been the makeup of our membership. About six years ago, we were roughly 40% large business and 60% small business. Today, we’re closer to 15% large business and 85% small business.

That shift requires a pivot. If you want to remain relevant, you have to meet members where they are. We’ve leaned heavily into providing practical support for small businesses, particularly around marketing, visibility, and education.

For example, we’re hosting a marketing summit that’s intentionally designed for small business owners. There are generational differences in how people approach marketing. I didn’t grow up with a cell phone. My daughter did. Tools like social media, AI, and ChatGPT are shaping how businesses reach customers, but many owners don’t know where to start.

We structured the summit around those realities. One session focuses on Facebook and Instagram, including how to create reels and showcase a business effectively. Another session focuses on AI, especially how to use tools like ChatGPT while still maintaining your authentic voice. The final portion brings everything together with broader marketing strategies that small businesses can realistically apply.

We are gearing toward those small businesses right now because those are really what make up our chamber.

How are you using member feedback to guide decision-making, and what insights have been most valuable?

Listening is critical because surveys don’t work well for us. Getting people to fill out a survey is like pulling teeth. Most of our insight comes from conversations and engagement at events.

At our recent board retreat, we heard clearly that members want consistency. When they pay for membership, they want to see opportunities on the calendar to network, not just large events but regular, accessible touchpoints. In response, we added more after-hours networking events so members can connect outside the workday.

Geography also plays a role in how we serve members. We cover a large area, and many members have businesses here but live elsewhere. That means weekends look different for us than for chambers with a strong neighborhood focus. We concentrate on weekday engagement and making sure the time spent at chamber events is valuable.

Another major theme we heard was public safety. We’re partnering with local districts to host a complimentary event focused on crime updates and prevention. For small businesses, a single incident can have a significant impact, so providing timely, practical information matters.

West Houston has seen growth in sectors like healthcare, professional services, and construction. What’s driving that activity, and how is the chamber responding?

Healthcare is a cornerstone everywhere, and West Houston is fortunate to have strong healthcare access. Construction and professional services are growing alongside population growth, driven in part by people relocating from states like California and New York.

Cost of living is a major factor. Houston offers affordability and opportunity, which continues to attract businesses and talent. We pay close attention to what’s coming into the region and how it affects our members, particularly small businesses that need to understand where opportunity and competition are increasing.

Our role is to translate that broader growth into usable insight and connections for members.

How is the chamber adapting to better support small businesses specifically?

It comes back to listening and being present. We host six to seven events each month, ranging from networking to breakfasts and luncheons, and those interactions tell us what members need.

Small businesses join the chamber to build relationships. They want access, visibility, and trust. We’ve focused on creating more opportunities for meaningful networking and peer connection, rather than relying solely on large, formal events.

We’ve also reshaped our advocacy approach. Instead of framing it as governmental affairs, we focus on business advocacy. Members want support that affects day-to-day operations, not political positioning. Public safety has been a major entry point for that conversation.

How do you ensure advocacy efforts remain nonpartisan while still informing members?

Neutrality is essential. Our role is to inform, not persuade. When legislation or policy issues are discussed, we aim to present balanced perspectives so members can make informed decisions for their businesses.

If we host speakers on legislative topics, we make sure multiple viewpoints are represented. The goal is clarity, not endorsement. That’s especially important in a time when information is often filtered through social media rather than research.

In a competitive region like Houston, how does West Houston differentiate itself to attract and retain business activity?

We emphasize involvement and relationships. We’re not category exclusive, and we don’t promise exclusivity. Competition exists, and that’s healthy.

Trust is the foundation of business here. People want to work with people they know. At new member orientations, I tell people plainly: if you join the gym and don’t go, it doesn’t work. The same is true for the chamber. You get out what you put in.

Being visible, showing up, and building relationships is how businesses succeed in a competitive environment.

How does the chamber work with partners like SBA, Workforce Solutions, and educational institutions?

We actively connect members to resources like SBA, Workforce Solutions, and SCORE through our website and orientations.

One of our most exciting initiatives is the Houston West Chamber of Commerce Foundation. We launched an endowment in partnership with HCC to provide scholarships for graduating students who may not be able to afford traditional college.

This isn’t limited to four-year degrees. Trade paths are just as important, and many lead to strong careers. Our goal is to broaden awareness of educational and workforce options and support the long-term talent pipeline.

What challenges do small businesses face when trying to grow or scale in West Houston?

Competition is intense, especially as more people move into the region. While growth creates opportunity, it also raises the bar for visibility and differentiation.

Small businesses can’t afford to be passive. Getting involved in the chamber and the broader community helps build trust and recognition. Many owners also need clearer guidance on available resources, funding, and training, which is where the chamber can continue to play a strong role.

How does the chamber recognize and celebrate its members?

One initiative that exceeded expectations was our member voting competition at last year’s gala. It was a risk, but it worked. Members enjoyed seeing their businesses recognized, and the engagement was strong.

We’ll be doing it again this year, with awards by category and overall placements. Recognition matters, especially for small businesses, and it’s become a meaningful way to celebrate our members and build momentum across the chamber.