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IACCGH pushes for supplier diversity in Harris County roundtable
The roundtable featured discussion on supplier diversity, inclusive procurement, and economic opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 02, May 2026
- 04:05 EDT
- 27
Attendees of the Leadership Roundtable posing for a photograph / IACCGH
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) brought together community leaders in the region for a roundtable discussion with Harris County leadership, in an attempt to boost minority-owned businesses’ access to economic opportunities.
Held on April 29, the event brought together business, civic, and chamber leaders for an opportunity to engage directly with county leadership on strategies to strengthen supplier diversity and expand access to contracting opportunities.
The roundtable featured Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, alongside Tiko Reynolds-Hausman PCED , Executive Director of the Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity (DEEO), and Kimberly Williams JD, Harris County Purchasing Agent.
The leadership roundtable featured a forward-looking dialogue on supplier diversity, inclusive procurement pathways, and expanding economic opportunity for small and minority-owned businesses.
Backing the push for inclusivity, Commissioner Briones said, “Harris County is a place where the American Dream is still alive and well, and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston is helping entrepreneurs across the region achieve that dream.”
The commissioner continued, “We unite, build relationships across communities, and create opportunities to collaborate. I am committed to making it easier to do business here because every resident deserves a fair shot at success.”
ALSO READ: Houston City Hall hosts IACCGH 2026 Inaugural Reception
During the discussion, representatives from the Harris County Purchasing Office shared insights into the county’s procurement processes and highlighted opportunities available to small and minority-owned businesses.
Representatives from the county administration also led a forward-looking discussion focused on enhancing inclusive procurement pathways, expanding economic opportunity, and building stronger public-private partnerships with chambers and community organizations.
The Leadership Roundtable was followed by a luncheon in the Texas Ballroom and a presentation by the DEEO to more than 70 small business owners and community leaders as part of the IACCGH Small Business Series, co-sponsored by Wallis Bank and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation.
In her remarks, Tiko Reynolds-Hausman highlighted the growing India-Houston economic cooperation. She noted, “Houston–India trade has more than quadrupled over the past decade, reaching $15.5 billion in 2025, and our customs district stands as the second-busiest gateway for U.S.–India trade in the nation.”
She continued, “At Port Houston, both imports and exports from India have more than tripled in value since 2016 — a clear signal that this partnership is delivering real results for Houston businesses. This roundtable reflects that momentum, and the opportunity ahead is even greater.”
The event brought together leaders representing chambers, business organizations, and community institutions including Col. Vipin Kumar, representing India House, Anchal Jatale from the IIT Alumni of Greater Houston, Karthik Balasubramanian representing the American Society of Indian Engineers and Architects, Hasu Patel from Small Independent Motel Association, Manisha Gandhi from TV Asia, along with leaders from IACCGH, Jagdip Ahluwalia , Ashok Garg and Sanjay Ramabhadran, among many others.
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