SBTM October 2015 | Page 23

call live and has a volunteer service they call H.A.N.K. (Houston Area Network Knowledge). The HMC also directs calls to their membership which in turn increases the member’s business making this a win-win for all involved. In addition, the Chamber brings extra dollars into the community since visitors can get tips on how to access everything Houston has to offer. families and individuals with all facets of immigration issues and has been doing so for a decade. Dustin has been recognized as a top immigration lawyer by Houstonia Magazine and Chamber USA. He is a great leader and a wonderful resource to Chamber members, especially since our city has become a global, multinational magnet for business. The Houston Metropolitan Chamber refers to certain members as Featured Partners because they have joined the Chamber to grow the community as well as their own businesses. They are Badar Khan with Direct Energy, Dustin O’Quinn with the Dustin O’Quinn Law Firm, Dr. Sandra Scurria with MDVIP, and Zaid Sultan with Censere. These Featured Partners recognize that businesses have a responsibility to give back to the community and that giving back will increase the growth of their businesses as well. Featured Partner, Dr. Sandra Scurria currently practices as a concierge physician with MDVIP. Practicing medicine for more than 30 years, Dr. Scurria maintains a smaller practice so she can spend more time with patients, provide more personalized care, and practice preventive medicine. The Chamber has a major focus on healthcare, especially since Dr. Sandra Scurria is the past Board Chairman. She was instrumental in forming a program for Chamber members who market healthcare-related services to the 55 plus population which is a multibillion dollar industry. It is called the Senior Services Alliance and it meets monthly for a professional development presentation and networking. Featured Partner, Badar Khan is the CEO of Direct Energy and a recognized expert in the field of energy technology. Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related providers with nearly five million residential and commercial customer relationships. Headquartered in the same building as the HMC in Greenway Plaza, Direct Energy recognizes that most businesses including HMC members have huge energy bills and the cost is second only to their payroll expenses. As a champion serving the HMC member’s diverse energy needs, Direct Energy helps them not only understand their energy usage better but empowers them to actively reduce it in alignment with their business needs. Featured Partner, Zaid Sultan is a Director with Censere and joined the Chamber to build his network as he develops referrals for his company based in Hong Kong. He recognized the value of the Chamber in establishing his company and himself in the community. As a member, he was elected to the HMC Board and now serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chair of the International Affairs Council. Censere offers valuation, forensics, research, and advice to oil and gas companies, multinational companies, law firms, financial advisers, and anyone who requires sound, quality, and Using their broad energy expertise and innovative energy independent advice. Censere has extensive coverage across solutions, Direct Energy helps businesses [