In a scenario of global deceleration and regional inflation, where the expectations of business owners is less than promising, Texas is experimenting a boom, a sustained expansion seemingly deaf to the problems in the nation and perhaps the world.

The office of the Texas Secretary of State maintains that one out of six jobs is related to foreign trade.  There is no doubt that the leadership generated by the Office of the Governor of Texas has been instrumental in maintaining a constant macroeconomic growth.  This growth is the direct result of the dynamic “team work” of which the private and business sector are part of.

Besides foreign trade there are other sectors in the State’s economy that are instrumental for sustained growth, especially in Houston.  We spoke with Richard Huebner, President of the HMBC and he told us:

"We take five sectors of Huston’s economy (Oil/Gas, Technology, Electric, Transportation and Aerospace) and we go to them and we say tell us what is happening in you sector of the economy."

Mr. Huebner gives us a quick snapshot of the Aerospace industry… "The Space Program is a good example.  What is happening next? In two years the Shuttle Program will be grounded; the focus is on the Moon and Mars, we are going to retire the Shuttle. What comes next? Who is building what? What rules are changing?"

The seminars will analyze each one of the sectors, not just the Aerospace Industry… "The same thing with Transportation.  Where are the big projects going to be? Is the Grand Parkway going to be completed? Who are going to get the contracts? Who are the players going to be and how do we get on the list so that we have a piece of that contract?"… He continues… "All these different developments that are going on in each sector; what’s coming next? What opportunities do they create and how do we approach them?"

What is the purpose of the seminars? We asked…“The Forums on September 10 prepare MBEs for  meaningful dialogue the next day.”  Definitely Mr. Huebner feels that the forums will help MBEs present themselves as solutions to the needs of major corporation and prime contractors.

When looking at the scenario everyone has its own perception, but no one can tell us with absolute certainty what the next step or the next level will be.  Open like a book Mr. Huebner continues to emphasize the importance of attending the EXPO… “The significance is that there will be 1500 decision makers from 200 corporations and agencies available one day in one place.  There won’t be another opportunity of this magnitude until next year’s EXPO.  What makes the EXPO so important is accesses to people that are very difficult, if not impossible, to reach.   You can spend months and months trying to track down these people whereas here they are in front of you during EXPO.  You can build relationships through the Internet, but there is nothing that replaces face to face contact.  That is precisely what EXPO allows you to accomplish in one day under one roof.”

The HMBC 2008 EXPO also offers other opportunities like participating in a Match Making (one to one) with Corporate America but - “A company has to be certified in order to have a one on one”, says Mr. Huebner, hoping that more companies realize the importance of being certified and the advantages HMBC offers its members.

More MBE Opportunities

The traditional social moments are also potentialized during the EXPO. The first day of the event there will be an informal EXPO Reception where you can mingle and network in a relaxed atmosphere.   The concept of the EXPO is conceived for the benefit of creating new opportunities for MBE’s in the process of interrelations with Corporate America.  From beginning to end, without a doubt, that is the goal. 

The Luncheon on the 11^th is another great opportunity.  Each table seats 10 people, five seats will be assigned to the corporate exhibitors and the remaining five will be pre-assigned to attendees, Mr. Huebner explains “If you want to sit with Shell Oil Company (or any other company) at the Luncheon just be one of the first to sign up to sit at their table. They only get five seats the other five seats at their table are for minority firms, first come first served.”  To register for the Luncheon CLICK HERE.

The HMBC EXPO 2008, like every year, promises to be an extraordinary event, an invaluable opportunity for MBE’s to “grow their business”.   Mr. Huebner makes very clear the purpose, in his own words...  “To help people understand the value of those two days… I don’t care what business they have going on those two days, they should reschedule some of that in order to take advantage of all the information and contacts available to you at EXPO.”