The Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce announced that it received a letter of determination from the IRS on June 10, 2021, recognizing the chamber as a 501 C (6) nonprofit organization with an effective date of the tax exemption going back to the date the chamber was formed, February 26, 2019.
Related article: Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce Recognized as Nonprofit
“This exciting development will provide more opportunities not only for our members made up of deaf businesses and organizations that serve the deaf but for the betterment of the deaf Texans with a new paradigm shift to face the challenges the community has,” said Jason Shaw, Texas Deaf Chamber President and Chair.
As of June 28, 2021, the Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce is the “first state Deaf chamber of commerce to receive the recognition from the IRS as a 501 C (6 ) nonprofit organization from the IRS.”
“Congratulations to the Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce on being recognized as the first deaf Chamber of Commerce in the nation,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This incredible milestone is a testament to Chamber’s hard work, as well as Texas’ thriving business climate, which keeps our state a place of limitless opportunity. I look forward to working alongside the Chamber to promote and support the economic prosperity of deaf Texans across the state.”
“Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce will be a unified community that serves as advocates, collaborators, and political influencers. We will come together with one voice which will lead to financial opportunities. This will include various resources for you the business owners,” said Pinky Collie, Chamber of Commerce treasurer.
The mission of Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce shall be to develop, promote, and perpetuate a positive and profitable business and civic climate for deaf-owned businesses. Sharing information to teach areas including but not limited to capitalism, expanding access to capitalization, technical support, procurement opportunities, and effective networking. The languages, cultures, and heritage of Deaf, DeafBlind, Late-Deafened, and Hard-of-Hearing business owners will be acknowledged and respected in the pursuit of life, liberty, and equality.
Source: Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce
Image/Media: Texas Deaf Chamber of Commerce, YouTube
Thank you to the editors of The Hearing Review for sharing this development. Texas Deaf Chamber membership is not limited to businesses but organizations and government agencies are welcome to join to build the networking and form connections to help the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Texans. Feel free to contact me at the email provided in the article if there is interest in knowing more!