Thanks to David Marquez, Executive Director, Bexar County Economic Development Department and very special thanks to Rene Watson, Manager, Bexar County SMWBE Program, DBE Program Liaison and Laura Jesse, Public Information Officer

The office of Small Business of Bexar County definitely knows how to get in the Game and Stay in the Game.  The proof is in the pudding.  More than 3,000 entrepreneurs participated in the ninth annual event.

What makes this conference different from other similar events held by local chambers?

·         Contrary to Chambers practices this event encourages business to participate in the event as attendees and not as an exhibitor. However, the conference is open to anyone that would like to be an exhibitor.  

·         The opportunity to be face to face with numerous procurement officials.

David Marquez, Executive Director of Bexar County Economic Development talks to us about the “Multiplier Effect” in San Antonio.  He explains the One-to-Five ratio experience in industries as manufacture.  “For every other direct job Toyota creates, there are 5 more indirect jobs generated” he says. 

The Military City

Talking about the Military City, Marquez cited the example of the Boeing Company, as a private company with a Government Contract.  With more than 5,000 employees the Boeing is a good example on how a Non-Government institution benefits the community with the government funds in a “Multiplier Effect”.

Zachry Corporation: “Success is an option”

David Zachry, President/CEO of Zachry Corporation had the closing remarks of the opening session.  On his speech he shares the family experience of more than 80 years ago, when the company was founded by his grandfather, H. B. (Pat) Zachry.  “Success starts in your heart, you need to have the passion, the commitment… it doesn’t come from the head, but from the passion.”

The company started in 1924 when Mr. Zachry received a $40,000 contract from the Texas Highway Department to construct four concrete reinforced bridges in Laredo.   Until today the company is still a family-owned, privately held company and keeps their headquarters in their native San Antonio, with worldwide operations.

Company Facts:

Complete Projects: +5,500
Location: Worldwide, including Saudi Arabia, Moscow
Employees: +15,000
Annually Work Hours: 30 million

Engineering News Record (ENR) ranks Zachry in 2008 as:

No. 15 in the top 100 Design Build Firms
No. 72 in the Top 500 Design Firms
Top Firm in the power, fossil fuel and nuclear markets

We invite all of you to get a discussion going.  Please submit your comments at the end of this article, Thanks.