GALVESTON, TX (July 29, 2026) — The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce its new Pawfessional Membership, an innovative membership category inspired by Tito the Texas Island Poodle, Galveston’s official Pawsitive Experience Officer.
Created to recognize animals that make a positive impact through business advocacy, tourism promotion, charitable involvement, and community engagement, the Pawfessional Membership celebrates those who help strengthen the island they represent. Tito is the founding and charter member.
The Chamber is researching what is believed to be another historic milestone. Tito may be the first canine member of a Chamber of Commerce in the United States and possibly the first in the world.
“Tito has become one of Galveston’s most recognizable ambassadors,” said Gina Spagnola, President and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “His passion for supporting local businesses, promoting our island and giving back to the community made him the perfect choice to launch this new membership category. We are proud to welcome him as our founding charter member.”
The idea for the Pawfessional Membership originated with Tito and his owner, Michelle Beckwith, who envisioned a way for ambassador animals to actively support the business communities they represent. Working together, the Chamber developed the new category to recognize those whose influence helps strengthen Galveston’s economy and community.
Tito officially joined the Chamber with a $150 Pawfessional Membership, consisting of a $100 annual membership and a voluntary $50 donation to the Galveston Island Humane Society. As a rescue dog adopted from the Humane Society, supporting the organization remains central to Tito’s mission.
Through his Paws for Business initiative, Tito encourages residents and visitors to shop, dine, stay and explore locally, believing every dollar spent with a local business helps strengthen the island’s economy. As a rescue dog, he also promotes Adopt, Don’t Shop, encouraging families to consider shelter pets and supporting the Galveston Island Humane Society.
“Tito’s mission has always been simple,” said Michelle Beckwith. “Support local businesses. Support local nonprofits. Support pet adoption. Everything he does is centered around encouraging people to experience Galveston, support the businesses that make our island special, and consider adopting their next pet from a shelter.”
Tito was recently featured on the cover of the August issue of Coast, published by the Galveston Daily News, highlighting his role as an island ambassador and advocate for pet adoption.
About the Pawfessional Membership
The Pawfessional Membership is a membership category of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizing animals whose work promotes local businesses, tourism, charitable organizations and community engagement.
About Tito the Texas Island Poodle
Tito is Galveston’s official Pawsitive Experience Officer, an island ambassador and a rescue standard poodle adopted from the Galveston Island Humane Society. Through his Paws for Business initiative, he promotes local businesses while encouraging the public to Adopt, Don’t Shop. Follow Tito on Instagram @titothetexasislandpoodle
About the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1845, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is the oldest chamber of commerce in Texas and proudly holds a Five-Star Accreditation. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting business and community development, strengthening the local economy, and fostering leadership to ensure a vibrant and thriving Galveston.
For more information, visit www.GalvestonChamber.com or call (409) 763-5326.
