Elton Hollis, III and Joe Tant team up for a program highlighting small businesses and fostering their growth in the local community.
In today’s fast-paced and often impersonal world, it’s refreshing to stumble upon a story that reminds us of the power of community, friendship, and giving back. Meet Elton Hollis, III and Joe Tant: two entrepreneurs with a shared vision of uplifting local businesses through their innovative “Chamber Up” Program. United by their passion for small businesses and their belief in the principle of doing for others, they’ve created a platform that’s making a real difference in their corner of the world.
The Chamber Up program partners with local chambers of commerce to highlight their members, no matter the size, and does so free of charge. The idea is to help businesses that might not have a massive marketing budget gain exposure, and in turn, thrive. Hollis and Tant recognize the importance of supporting small businesses, not only for the benefit of the business owners themselves, but also for the local economy. In fact, small businesses are often referred to as the backbone of the economy, contributing to job creation and innovation.
The roots of Chamber Up can be traced back to “Small Business Friday,” a weekly radio program Hollis and Tant started in 2019. The show, now a podcast, serves as a platform for small business owners to promote themselves and share advice. With over 3.7 million viewers and a presence on Spotify and 10 other social media sites, the program has become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs.
The dynamic duo behind Chamber Up is quite the pair. Joe Tant, a staunch advocate for small businesses and equitable access to resources, is the Vice President of Finance, Administration, and Education at The Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, among other roles. Elton Hollis, III, a respected expert in business growth, safety, and training, is the owner of Hol-Tech Resources, LLC, and the General Manager of RT Technical Solutions LLC.
Tant and Hollis both bring impressive credentials to the table. Joe Tant holds a Business Law and Human Resource Management Degree from Cornell University, as well as a Bachelors of Business Administration and Marketing from Baylor University. Elton Hollis, III boasts 26 years of experience in the Oil and Gas Construction field, providing Consulting, Training, Executive Coaching, and all facets of Safety Management and Compliance services to clients in the Industrial, Commercial, and Small Business industries.
What sets Chamber Up apart is the genuine care and interest Hollis and Tant show for each business they work with. They’re not just in it for the publicity or the accolades; they’re in it because they believe in the power of small businesses to shape communities and change lives. And they’re more than willing to lend their expertise, resources, and connections to help others succeed.
Both Hollis and Tant have had their fair share of successes and recognitions in their respective fields. Elton Hollis, III has been featured on the cover of various magazines such as Global Millionaire Magazine, InLife International, and Global Elite Entrepreneur. He was also named in the Top 100 Entrepreneurs in Texas by the VT Post and received the 2022 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics Award for Microbusiness. Moreover, Hollis has published two books, “Creative Problem Solving” and “Buy Into Yourself First,” which outline successful business development tactics.
Joe Tant, on the other hand, has devoted his career to advocating for small businesses, making a name for himself as the voice of small businesses in the area. Tant currently sits on several boards and utilizes the “Small Business Friday” podcast with cohost Elton Hollis to amplify the voices of small business owners. He is also a dedicated father of three daughters, Brooke, Ariana, and Jacelyn, and a proud owner of a yellow lab named Coffee.
One of the ways Chamber Up encourages support for small businesses is through regular events and partnerships. They’re teaming up with Atmosphere, a marketing platform, to promote events in Southeast Texas that drive economic growth. Some of the upcoming events include the Southeast Texas Industrial Contractors Golf Tournament on October 6th, 2023, and the Chamber Up Program with the Vidor Chamber of Commerce and the Sour Lake Chamber of Commerce.
And they have a simple yet powerful message for people who want to support small businesses: Shop locally and commit to doing one small thing for a favored business each week. It could be as simple as making a purchase, writing a review, or giving the business a shout-out on social media. Supporting small businesses each week will not only give you peace of mind but will help the owners and the economy.
Hollis and Tant are shining examples of what can happen when people come together to create something bigger than themselves. The Chamber Up program is not just about promoting businesses; it’s about cultivating a community where entrepreneurs can support one another, share their stories, and grow together. By working with local chambers of commerce, they foster an environment where small businesses can access the resources, advice, and networks that will help them prosper.
The “Small Business Friday!” podcast, which forms the foundation of the Chamber Up program, is a treasure trove of valuable insights for entrepreneurs. Featuring interviews with local business owners, experts, and advocates, the podcast delves into a wide range of topics, from marketing and finance to management and growth strategies. With each episode, Hollis and Tant continue to build a strong community of small business supporters and inspire others to join their cause.
In addition to their work with Chamber Up, both Hollis and Tant are also deeply involved in various philanthropic and community-building activities. For instance, Elton Hollis, III is a co-founder of the Golden Triangle Industrial Group and Vice Chairperson for the Contractors Business Development Group, both of which aim to promote business growth by providing project information to local companies. Meanwhile, Joe Tant serves as the Executive Director of The Port Arthur Education Foundation and the Managing Partner of Southeast Texas Business Referral Group, further demonstrating his commitment to the betterment of the community.
In their personal lives, both Hollis and Tant are dedicated to their families and hobbies. Elton Hollis, III enjoys exploring the Texas Hill Country on hiking trails and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He’s even written a song titled “Kirbyville,” which describes his youth growing up in small-town Texas and how it relates to his life now. Joe Tant, a loving father and dog owner, also cherishes the moments spent with his family and friends.
The Chamber Up program is a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and the human spirit. By dedicating themselves to the success of small businesses, Elton Hollis, III and Joe Tant have created a lasting impact that will continue to resonate for years to come.
To learn more about Chamber Up and the “Small Business Friday!” podcast, check out the following links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbusinessfriday6102
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tV2UBprNnW3iF4uMieBjo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessFriday/
