On Thursday, September 6, 2018 the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) announced the 24^thPinnacle Awards honorees for this year’s Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Award. This year, two HAUL Entrepreneurship Center clients, Henry Keculah Jr., Founder of 4.0 GPA, and Deidre Mathis, Founder of Wanderstay Hotels were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments along with the incredible work they’re doing within the community.

4.0 GPA is an Education Consultant Company that works with schools, private organizations and individuals to help prepare students for higher education. Additionally, the company provides students with tools and necessities to better ensure that they graduate from college within four years.

Wanderstay Hotels aims to connect travelers from all over the globe. Guests love the social atmosphere with both private and shared rooms, which are geared towards making travelers from all over the world feel right at home. Unlike typical hostels, the Houston hostel concept was designed to ensure that guests receive all of the amenities that they are accustomed to, but at a price point that allows their dollars to stretch.

Since 1935, the Greater Houston Black Houston Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Greater Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce) has served as an advocate for African-American business owners and professionals in the Houston area. Seventy-nine years later, as the city’s first African-American civic organization and the nation’s second oldest African-American Chamber of Commerce, the organization’s mission and vision have flourished, reflecting the needs and growth of its members. GHBC has provided value to members, area businesses and the community and has remained committed to assisting African-American businesses succeed within the local community.

Since its inception, the Houston Area Urban League Entrepreneurship Center (HAUL EC) and GHBC have forged a shared commitment to starting and growing African-American owned business in the Houston, TX area. For starters, every graduate of the Small Business University (SBU) has received a one-year complimentary membership into the Chamber. “It’s been amazing to watch our clients go from pre-venture and start-up to productive members of the Chamber”, shared Eric Goodie, Director of the HAUL EC. This year HAUL plans to collaborate for the 7^thAnnual Small Business Exchange with the Greater Houston Black Houston Chamber and Houston Business Development Inc. which will provide Business Capital/Financing and incubation at their Center located in southeast Houston. 

The 24^thAnnual Pinnacle Awards announced the winner on Saturday, October 6^th, 2018.