The 2022 EXPO Provides MBEs With Opportunities for EXPOnential Growth
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Under the leadership of President Ingrid M. Robinson, the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) continues to combat the challenges MBEs face with a commitment to seeing these businesses succeed.Since its founding in 1973, this nonprofit organization has remained a driving force in the economic growth of minority-owned businesses. Recognized nationally, HMSDC is a model setting the highest standards of excellence by bringing corporate members and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) together to create mutual value. HMSDC’s mission is to actively involve its members in efforts that will increase and expand business opportunities and business growth for MBEs and drive excellence in supplier diversity and supplier development.
One of HMSDC’s signature events is its annual business EXPO. The 2022 EXPO Business Opportunity Marketplace is Texas’ largest minority business trade fair supporting the growth and elevation of minority-owned businesses. This year’s EXPO theme is “EXPONENTIAL GROWTH,” to describe HMSDC’s path forward as they support MBEs pushing through the challenges of the pandemic and into a new sense of normalcy for business success. “HMSDC understands the struggles that MBEs have faced over the past year or so, and that’s why we are pushing the message of EXPOnential growth at this year’s conference. This year’s EXPO is an extension of our work to help MBEs make business connections, gain industry insights, and provide opportunities to help them achieve exponential growth through the energy transition and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA),” says Robinson.
In conjunction with State Senators Borris Miles and Carol Alvarado, the 2022 EXPO’s hybrid format returns the Spot Bid Fair to its in-person format. The demand for face-to-face business opportunity discussions continues to grow and is hailed as the best method to create a meaningful and mutually beneficial dialogue between MBEs, Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), and major corporations and government agencies from across the state. James (Jim) Brownrigg, HMSDC Board Chair and VP at Turner Construction says, “Because HMSDC remains aware that access to contracts is imperative, attendees have been encouraged to participate in the State Agency Spot Bid Fair, as some contracts may be awarded on the spot and others within weeks of the EXPO. Now that’s immediate results!”
Some additional 2022 EXPO highlights:
● The State of Texas: Access and Opportunity Workshop
● Rigel Awards Luncheon with the master of ceremony, Khambrel Marshall of KPRC Channel 2
● BizTalk Session co-sponsored by the Houston Business Journal
● MBE Best-In-Class Reception
● Keynote speaker Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI)
● One-to-One Business MatchMakers
● Power Hour Luncheon featuring Holly Kesterson and Dorita Hatchett, of the Houston Sports Authority
This annual EXPO remains a benefit to corporations, prime suppliers, educational institutions, and government agencies as it connects these entities with MBEs that are qualified to meet their needs. As for MBEs, this conference is a valuable forum where minority-owned businesses can identify lucrative and current business opportunities and talk with key team members about processes and resources available to assist them.
For more information about the HMSDC, its annual EXPO, and all of its programs supporting MBEs, please visit www.hmsdc.org, call (713) 271-7805, or email info@hmsdc.org.
