[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 107 (Friday, July 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE HOUSTON MINORITY BUSINESS COUNCIL'S EXPO 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 27, 2001

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Houston 
Minority Business Council's EXPO 2001. As Texas' largest minority 
business development trade fair, EXPO provides a forum for major 
corporations to identify and build relationships with capable and 
dependable minority businesses and suppliers. This year's business 
forum will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at the George R. 
Brown Convention Center.
  For many years, EXPO has served as a multi-faceted network linking 
Minority Business Enterprises (MBES) with leaders of major 
corporations. MBEs utilize EXPO as an efficient and productive means of 
connecting with key purchasing personnel and decision makers at major 
corporations. Corporations take advantage of this networking 
opportunity, using it as a tool to distribute personalized information 
on doing business with their companies. EXPO allows MBEs to gain 
valuable insights into both the local and national strategies of major 
corporations. Featuring approximately 200 major corporations and 
government agencies, EXPO prides itself in its ability to spur the 
development of minority businesses by bringing together minority 
businesses and corporate executives.
  As a result of the Houston Minority Business Council's EXPO 2000, 
more than 2,000 participants were afforded the opportunity to furnish 
new business contacts and promote economic opportunity for their 
businesses. MBEs made an average of 23 sales calls from which 44 
percent reported instantaneous results. On average, at least two-thirds 
of participants reported the establishment of new business 
relationships that totaled as high as $2 million in eight months. EXPO 
2001 promises to be an even more successful event.
  James Postal, of Penzoll Quaker State, will serve as this year's 
Honorary Chair. As in the past, participants can look forward to the 
stimulating and insightful remarks from the event's keynote speaker, 
Harriet Michel, President of the National Minority Supplier Development 
Council (NMSDC), a private non-profit organization that expands 
business opportunities to minority-owned companies. Her expertise on 
minority businesses and the issues they are facing will make her an 
interesting and exciting addition to the convention.
  Mr. Speaker, the Houston Minority Business Council serves the 
important function of incorporating minority businesses in local and 
national commerce. Their mission, ``to actively involve [their] members 
in efforts that will increase and expand business opportunity and 
business growth for minority business enterprises,'' is vital to the 
promotion and expansion of minority business opportunities. I applaud 
the efforts of the Houston Minority Business Council and look forward 
to another successftil event.

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