A Membership Publication of the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council

Our mission is to actively involve our

members in efforts that will increase and

expand business opportunity and business

growth for minority business enterprises.

June 2010 • Volume 19 • No. 6

JULY LUNCHEON RETURNS TO HILTON AMERICAS

HMSDC’s July MBE Business Scholarship Networking Luncheon

“Providing the Tools for Success”
HMSDC e-Network Newsletter
Sponsor Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Keynote speaker Alec G. Dreyer, Chief Executive Officer,
WHAT’S Port of Houston will highlight:

INSIDE Š Business opportunities available with the Port for

Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs);
2 Event Calendar
Š How corporations gain by contracting with MBEs;
3 HMSDC Welcomes Parker and Š How small businesses find success; and
Barnes to EAB
Š The “hands-on” methods that companies use to
4 Corporate News
become successful.
5 What HMSDC can do for you
“The most important lesson of life that I learned from being involved in a leadership
6 Kathy Satoro Joins INDATATECH
role has been that the truly great leaders measure their personal success by how
6 Michele Fraga Chaired 3rd Annual successful the people that work for them become,” affirms Mr. Dreyer.
“Have a Heart” Luncheon

7 NMSDC Names New President SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7 NMSDC Changes Annual Hilton Americas – Houston, 1600 Lamar – Houston 77010
Conference Location

8 Federal Recovery Act Contracts 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m HMSDC ReView Room 339 AB
to Small, Minority, and Women MBEs spotlight successes achieved by effective use of the Council. HMSDC
Businesses
Staff offers strategies on how everyone can achieve the same results.
9 MBE Successes
10:30 a.m. – Noon MBE Showcase Grand Ballroom – 4th Floor
10 Healthcare Reform - The New MBEs display their products and services. to over 400 in attendance
Reality For Your Business
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Networking Luncheon Grand Ballroom – 4th Floor
11 Returning MBEs Keynote Speaker defines “Providing the Tools of Success” and selected MBEs
receive their MBE Business Executive Scholarships
11 New MBEs

12 HMSDC Committees, THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSOR

Committee Chairs, and
Advertising Rates

Advertisements Prudential Insurance

5 TUHCA Company of America
Event
calendar
June 8 American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Workshop
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. An effort to jumpstart the economy through the ARRA by identifying procurement opportunities, financial
opportunities and increase jobs in the Houston area. – Houston Community College – 3100 Main Street @ Elgin
2nd Floor Auditorium – Houston 77002 – Register at www.houstonbiz.org

June 9 Asian Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon – Salute to

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Scholarship Recipients – Westin Galleria, Monarch Room – 24th Floor –
5060 W. Alabama, Houston 77056 – Register online at www.asianchamber-hou.org

June 9 Houston East End Chamber of Commerce – Port of Houston

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Appreciation Day Seminars, Expo, and Networking Luncheon
Brady’s Landing – 8505 Cypress – Houston 77012 – Register online @ www.eecoc.org or email diane@eecoc.org

June 11 Risk Management Marketing Alliance – Presenter: Connie Barnaba,

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Barnaba & Associates, Inc. – HMSDC Conference Room – Three Riverway, Suite 555
Houston 77056 – Register at www.hmbc.org or email cbarnaba2647@sbcglobal.net

June 14 National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO) – 4th Annual

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Golf Classic – Glenbrook Golf Course – 8205 N. Bayou Drive – Houston 77017
For more information visit www.nhpo.us or contact igomez@nhpo.us

June 15 Straight Talk with UT Systems – UTMB Galveston Projects

3:00 p. m. – 4:00 p.m. HMSDC Conference Room – Three Riverway, Suite 555 – Houston 77056
Register at www.hmbc.org or email angela.freeman@hmbc.org

June 16 Potential Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Orientation – University

11:00 a.m. – NOON of Houston, 2302 Fannin – Houston 77002 – Register at www.hmbc.org or email dale.pierre@hmbc.org

June 18 WBEA Educational Encounter – The Decision Maker: Identifying the

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Right Contacts to Help Seal the Deal – Chevron BAX Auditorium – 4800 Fournace
Bellaire 77041 – Register at www.wbea-texas.org

June 22 Greater Houston Business Procurement Breakfast – Presenters: Port of

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Houston Authority and Unity Bank Texas – Houston Community College
3100 Main @ Elgin – 2nd Floor Auditorium – Houston 77002 – Register at www.houstonbiz.org

June 23 Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Procurement Summit and

7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Business Expo – Renaissance Hotel – Greenway Plaza – 6 Greenway Plaza East
Houston 77046 - Register at www.houstonhispanicchamber.com

June 24 HMSDC EnterChange – Learn how to use HMSDC to grow and expand your
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. business – HMSDC Conference Room – Three Riverway, Suite 555 – Houston 77056
Register at www.hmbc.org or call (713) 271-7805

June 24 SMALL BUSINESS THURSDAYS IN CLEAR LAKE

9:00 a.m. – NOON Doing Business with Boeing followed by Doing Business with HISD
1150 Gemini Avenue – Houston 77058 – auditorium (no badging required)
RSVP (713) 752-8477 or sbdcptac@uh.edu

June 25 Houston Network Educational Training Forum

10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 4800 Fournace, BAX Auditorium – Room 199 – Bellaire, TX 77041
NOTE: 5901 South Rice – Gate 4 is the only authorized entry to the property - Register at www.houstonnetwork.biz

June 29 HMSDC Straight Talk with Cornell Companies – HMSDC Conference

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Room – Three Riverway, Suite 555 – Houston, TX 77056 - Register at www.hmbc.org
or email angela.freeman@hmbc.org
HMSDC E-NETWORK PAGE 2
 The Houston Minority Supplier Development
Council (HMSDC) Welcomes Two Distinguished
Members to the Executive Advisory Board
HMSDC’s Executive Advisory Board is comprised of Presidents and Chief
Executive Officers of select major corporations, Minority Business
Enterprises and/or governmental entities who have agreed to serve three-
year terms and support HMSDC in an advisory capacity. The Council is
indeed honored to welcome Mayor Annise D. Parker, City of Houston
and Virginia A. “Ginger” Barnes, President and Chief Executive
Officer, United Space Alliance to HMSDC’s Executive Advisory Board.

Annise D. Parker
Mayor - City of Houston
Mayor Annise D. Parker is a second generation native Houstonian. She attended Rice University,
HMSDC graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In the private sector, Ms. Parker spent 20 years
WELCOMES working in the oil and gas industry, including 18 years with Mosbacher Energy Company. She also co-
Parker and owned a retail bookstore for 10 years and a bookkeeping and income tax company for 15 years.
Barnes TO
Major Parker was sworn into her first term as Mayor of Houston on January 4, 2010. She is Houston’s
EAB
61st Mayor, one of only two women to hold the City’s highest elected office. As the City’s chief
executive officer, she is responsible for all aspects of the general management of the City and for
seeing that all laws and ordinances are enforced.

Prior to her election as Mayor, Mayor Parker served for six years as Houston City Controller and six
years as an at-large member of the Houston City Council. She is the only person in Houston history
to hold the offices of council member, controller and Mayor.

Virginia A. “Ginger” Barnes

President and Chief Executive Officer
United Space Alliance, LLC (USA)

Virginia A. “Ginger” Barnes, President and Chief Executive Officer,

United Space Alliance, LLC will be responsible for the direction,
development and operations of the company. Ms. Barnes joins USA
after serving as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy
Program Manager for The Boeing Company’s Brigade Combat Team
Modernization Program, formerly the Future Combat Systems Program. In addition to overall program
execution, Ms. Barnes’ responsibilities in that role included program financials, customer interface,
human resources, strategic staffing, LEAN and employee engagement.
Ms. Barnes joined Boeing in 1981 in Huntsville, Alabama as a financial cost analyst. She then served
as program engineer, contracts administrator, contracts manager and international contracts manager
for a variety of programs. From that point on, she held numerous roles of increasing responsibilities
and complexities.
Ms. Barnes graduated with high honors in accounting from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and
earned her Master’s in Business from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt
University. She is a commercial pilot, instructor and has served as an FAA-designated examiner for
hot air balloons.
The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council looks forward to drawing from Mayor Parker’s and
Ms. Barnes’ most prominent positions and celebrated backgrounds to provide the Council with insight,
perspective and influence regarding how to promote and grow the development and utilization of
minority owned businesses; project personal leadership for minority business development; and
identify and facilitate meaningful roles for successful minority business leaders.

HMSDC e-Network Page 3

 Corporate
news
H M S D C W E L C O M E S N E W C O R P O R AT E M E M B E R S
Aon Corporation – (the name means “oneness” in Gaelic) is one of the world’s leading insurance
brokerages, as well as a top reinsurance broker. The company operates in two major segments:
commercial brokerage and consulting services. Primary contact: Ms. Marilyn Beavers, Vice
President, 1330 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 900, Houston, TX 77056 – Phone: (832) 476-6759 Email:
marilyn.beavers@aon.com –

Aon Service Corporation - Headquartered in Chicago, Aon is the leading provider of risk
management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage and human capital and management
consulting. Primary contact: Phillip W. Styles, Jr., 200 East Randolph – Chicago, IL 60601 – 200
East Randolph – Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: (312) 381-4948 Email: phillip.styles@aon.com

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts – North America Operations – Hyatt is a global hospitality company
with widely recognized industry leading brands and a tradition of innovation developed over their
more than fifty years history. Primary contact: Mr. Salvador Mendoza, Vice President Diversity
& Inclusion, 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: (312) 780-5617 Email:
salvador.mendoza@hyatt.com

Hyatt Summerfield Suites Houston Galleria – The Hyatt Summerfield Suites Houston/Galleria
is the premier all-suite hotel choice in the Galleria area of Houston, TX - Primary Contact – Ms.
Olga Maciques, Director of Sales – 3440 Sage Road – Houston, TX 77056 – Phone: (713) 629-
9711 Email: olga.maciques@whitelodging.com

Stewart Information Services Corporation – is a technology-driven, strategically competitive,

real estate information and transaction management company. Stewart provides title insurance
and related services and delivers state-of-the-art real estate information services, software and
solutions to its clients and shareholder value to its investors. Primary contact: Ms. Suzanne
Sparrow, Procurement Director – 1980 Post Oak Blvd. – Houston, TX 77056 – Phone: (713) 232-
4415 Email: suzanne.sparrow@stewart.com

Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP has joined the U. S. State Department’s new E-Mentor Corps, a program
designed to provide mentorship to entrepreneurs around the world. U. S. Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton announced Ernst & Young LLP’s participation in the program during the closing remarks of
the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship on April 27 in Washington, D.C. The E-Mentor Corps
is part of the Obama Administration’s larger Global Entrepreneurship Program, an initiative
designed to provide concrete support to new entrepreneurs. “We are proud to be a part of the new
E-Mentor Corps,” said Maria Pinelli, Ernst & Young’s Americas Director, Strategic Growth Markets.
“We work very closely with the entrepreneurial community and strongly believe in their power to
reshape society for the better. In these times, support entrepreneurship and innovation is more
important than ever.” Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory
services. Worldwide, our 144,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering
commitment to quality. For more information on the E-Mentor Corps, please visit www.ey.com.

HMSDC e- Network Page 4

 What the Houston Minority Supplier Development
Council (HMSDC) can do for you...

It is always rewarding to receive words of gratitude from HMSDC’s certified
Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), especially when they take time
out from their very busy schedules to share them with others. The
following shows what can happen when you take advantage of what
YOUR Council offers YOU in the way of educational workshops,
seminars, committee involvement, the networking luncheons, the
ReView, the MBE Showcases, the EnterChanges, the Doing Business
with Sessions, the Sports Classic and the annual EXPO Business
Opportunity Marketplace.
Cantu Smith Design
Laura Cantu Smith, Owner, Cantu Smith Design recently attended
The HMSDC Talking Stick at the Power Center and informed Angela
Freeman, HMSDC Director Business Development: “I want to thank
you for a wonderful networking event. This event was very beneficial
to me and gave me the confidence I needed to learn to speak about
my business. It was extremely helpful for me to learn from other
Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) that were more experienced in
the process. As usual, I was very impressed by the caliber of
professionals in attendance. I made a successful connection with
MRAMCO and I have produced a trade show booth design for them.
I have also been contacted by Texas Landscape Company for similar
marketing projects. I hope HMSDC continues with this event in the
future.
The Project Manager
On April 29, Kevin Calvin, TPMG-The Project Manager Group
Construction and Development wrote “On behalf of myself, my wife
Katrina the co-owner of The Project Manager Group, and our
employees I want to take out a moment to say a very sincere “Thank
You” to Dick, Angela, Constance, Maria, Estella, Evelyn, Dale,
Francisco, Paula and the rest of the team there at the Houston
Minority Supplier Development Council. Since becoming certified, our
company has been able to secure several extremely lucrative
construction services contracts with the City of Houston and Harris
County. The information and support that your organization has
provided ours with has been invaluable and truly a blessing. Katrina
and I cannot say enough here-in to express our sincere gratitude for
all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do on our behalf. You
guys really make a difference and I encourage you to continue to do
the work that you do. Not only have you enriched our lives. The
impact of the services that you’ve provided for us, I’m sure can be felt
several times fold out in the community. To say that you are helping
us and others to “Pay It Forward” would be a vast understatement!
You all are a blessing. As we move forward into 2010, I would like to
say that we are extremely excited about our company’s future. And as
it relates to being members of the HMSDC, I would strongly
recommend this organization to anyone that is thinking about joining.”
RZV Ltd., Co. (dba) Texas Landscape Company
On May 25th, Richard Z. Villarreal, President, Texas Landscape
Company wrote “On behalf of Texas Landscape Company, I wish to
express our heartfelt thanks to the Marathon Oil Inc. Texas City
organization and all the professionalism shown to our company.
Texas Landscape Company was awarded all the duties attached to
landscape, irrigation, tree maintenance and herbicide application in
November 2007 to May 2010. I would like to recognize Ms. Tiffany
Lewis in being a chief participant in partnership with the Houston
Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) group. They
framed in this opportunity for us in showing a small business how to
grow to the next level. As a small minority owned company, we have
definitely experienced growth along with new challenges associated
with said growth. The staff at Marathon Oil Inc., who showed us by-
the-numbers procedures, guided our staff through those challenges.
All in all, Texas Landscape Company is in a better position to further
growth. The very best to all, and we look forward to any future
endeavors.”
This page is devoted to MBEs and corporations who want to share
their experiences with others. Thank you.. --- The HMSDC Staff

Texas Universities HUB Coordinators Alliance

Central/Gulf Coast Chapter
Developing relationships and creating opportunities...
the relationships you create today are the contract opportunities
you may have tomorrow...

For Contacts and other information visit–

http://tuhcacentral.tamu.edu/index.stm

HMSDC e-Network Page 5

 Kathy Satoro joins INDATATECH as
Regional Account Manager

On May 10, 2010 Indatatech announced that Kathy Satoro had joined the firm as Regional Account Manager
tasked with growing customer relations in the Houston market. Prior to joining the San Antonio-based Logistic
Services and Supply Chain Management Company, the California native served as a project manager in
emergency restoration services.

Kathy has more than 24 years of experience in business management and customer care. She also has
experience in operations, client relations, project management and business development. She holds a BA in
Psychology focused on Social and Criminal Justice and is currently completing her MA in Organizational
Management.

Kathy Sataro Kathy lives in League City, Texas with her husband and is a proud mother of three boys and grandmother of four
Regional Account Manager granddaughters ages four to eight.
INDATATECH

The Indatatech Family is excited to welcome Kathy aboard and look forward to the future.

Michele R. Fraga, Tejas Office Products, Chaired the Third Annual “Have
a Heart Luncheon” Supporting Adults with Development Disabilities

Volunteers geared up for the third annual “Have a Heart Luncheon” that raises funds and
awareness for adults with developmental disabilities in Houston. At the helm of the effort was
Michele R. Fraga of Tejas Office Products, who proudly chaired the luncheon. Honorary
chairs were Government Rick Perry and First Lady Anita Perry. The honorees were Michael D.
McKinney, M.D. and Lou Ann McKinney.
“I am always excited about this event and the opportunity to honor the McKinneys while raising
much needed funds for the wonderful programs of this charity, “said Fraga. “Mike and Lou Ann
McKinney have made an amazing contribution to Texas throughout their professional careers
and community involvement.” Dr. McKinney is currently chancellor of The Texas A&M University
System.
The event was held on Tuesday, May 25th at the Junior League of Houston. Funds raised
Michele R. Fraga
benefit the 501 (c) 3 charity Educational Programs inspiring Communities, Inc. supporting Tejas Office Products, Inc.
programs for adults with developmental disabilities. An impressive list of sponsors rallied behind
this cause, including Tejas Office Products.
About Tejas Office Products
Since 1962, Tejas Office Products has provided its customers with high quality office products. Its 25,999 square-foot
warehouse is centrally located in the Houston Heights area. From next day delivery of office products and department
distribution to stock room management, Tejas Office Products makes your business day easier. For more information,
please visit www.tejasoffice.com or call (713) 864-6004 or (800) 593-6004.
About the H.E.A.R.T. Program
The H.E.A.R.T. Program was created by Educational Programs Inspiring Communities, Inc. The program provides
occupational skills training to low-income developmentally disabled adults residing within the city limits of Houston, Texas.
The purpose of the H.E.A.R.T. program is to prepare the participants for gainful employment through an innovative client-
managed entrepreneurial venture. Its mission is to promote structured independence for persons living with developmental
disabilities by providing innovative education, training, housing and employment programs. For more information, please
visit www.educationalprograms.org.

HMSDC e-Network Page 6

 NMSDC Names New President
Joset B. Wright, a former procurement executive, has been
named president of the National Minority Supplier Development
Council. Ms. Wright will succeed Harriet R. Michel, who will
retire on June 30 after 22 years at the helm of the corporate
membership organization.
oversaw the operation of all corporate support services,
including procurement, real estate operation and security
services. She managed the acquisition of $4 billion annually in
goods and services, and introduced strategic sourcing across
$33 billion enterprise. Ms. Wright is an attorney.

“We are pleased to have a leader of Ms. Wright’s caliber as the
next president of NMSDC, said Richard A. Hughes, chairman of
the NMSDC Executive Committee, who led the national search
committee. “Her executive experience, knowledge of
procurement and strong understanding of the value of minority
supplier development will be instrumental in NMSDC.”
Currently Ms. Wright is the executive director of Orchard Village,
a not-for-profit organization that supports people with
disabilities. Prior to that, she was vice president and managing
director at The Hollins Group, a minority-owned executive
retained search firm in Chicago.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to join a dynamic organization
like NMSDC,” said Ms. Wright. “I spent a large part of my
corporate career in procurement and supplier diversity, and I’m
looking forward to helping NMSDC grow its mission of
connecting minority businesses with corporate America.”
Ms. Wright spent 13 years at Ameritech. Most recently, she was
president of Ameritech Illinois, where she was responsible for all
regulatory, legislative and external relations activities following
the merger of Ameritech Corporation and SBC Corporation. At
the time, Ameritech Illinois was the largest communications
company in Illinois, with $4.5 billion in annual operating
revenues. Prior to that, she was vice president of procurement
and property services at Ameritech Corporation, where she
She served as vice president and general counsel for Ameritech
Enhanced Business Services and Indiana Bell.
Ms. Wright received a bachelor’s degree from Denison
University and a juris doctor from Georgetown University Law
Center.
About HMSDC
Providing a direct link between corporate America and Asian,
Black, Hispanic and Native American-owned businesses is the
primary objective of the National Minority Supplier Development
Council, one of the country’s leading business membership
organizations. It was chartered in 1972 to provide increased
procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses
of all sizes.
The NMSDC Network includes a national office in New York and
37 Regional Councils across the country. There are 3,500
corporate members throughout the network, including America’s
privately-owned and foreign-owned companies as well as
universities, hospitals and other buying institutions. The
Regional Councils certify and match more than 16,000 minority-
owned businesses with member corporations that want to
purchase their goods and services. For more information about
NMSDC, call (212) 944-2430 or visit the website at
www.nmsdc.org.

STATEMENT FROM NMSDC ON LOCATION CHANGE

OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The National Minority Supplier Development Council will hold its 2010 Conference and Business Opportunity Fair,
October 24 – 27 in Miami Beach, Florida. This conference was originally scheduled for the same dates in Phoenix,
Arizona.

The decision to relocate the conference was made as a result of the concerns of NMSDC’s members and constituents
about the impact of Arizona S.B. 1070. The bill is inconsistent with the ideals and principles upon which the NMSDC
operates, including valuing diversity and inclusion for all.

NOTE: The conference Housing Bureau on the NMSDC website is now available to make online reservations in
Miami. Online registration will be available beginning Tuesday, June 15. Additional conference information will be
communicated via the NMSDC website at www.nmsdc.org.

HMSDC E-NETWORK PAGE 7

 Federal Recovery Act Contracts to Small, Minority
and Women Business Enterprises

Of the $40 billion of Recovery Act contracts awarded by the Hispanic

federal government by January 10th, 19 percent has gone to $687 million
small businesses, including 5.9 percent of minority-owned small 1.74 percent
businesses and 2.7 percent to women-owned small
Black, African-American
businesses. This does not count the billions of dollars of
$465 million
contracts awarded by states and local governments through the
1.18 percent
Recovery Act. It also does not include any sub-contracts that
small businesses may have received from a larger business. American Indian Firm
$459 million
The small, minority, and women contract percentages represent
1.16 percent
a slight decline from the overall federal contracting percentages
from fiscal year 2007, with the largest decline among women- Alaska Native Firm or Corporation
owned businesses. This provides some evidence that fears of $343 million
the need to expedite Recovery Act projects might leave behind 0.87 percent
smaller businesses. The contracting data is updated daily on
the federal contracting reporting website. American Indian Tribe
$38 million
Prime Contracts on Federally-administered (ARRA) Recovery 0.10 percent
Act projects, as of January 10, 2010:
Native Hawaiian Firm or Association
Amount $8 million
Percentage 0.02 percent
TOTAL
$39.50 billion

Small Business Enterprise

$7.39 billion
18.70 percent

Minority Business Enterprise

$2.32 billion
5.88 percent
HMSDC EXPO 2010
Women-owned Small Business
$1.06 billion
RIGHT HERE - RIGHT NOW!
2.69 percent
October 6 - 7
Service-disabled Veteran Business George R. Brown Convention Center - Hall E
$779 million Houston, TX 77010
1.97%
Register at http://expo.hmbc.org
Asian-American business, Indian
$328 million
0.85 percent

Asian Pacific
$239 million
0.60 percent

HMSDC e-Nework Page 8

AJ’s Public Relations and Marketing success out of many for her in the years to come.” Diaz is a University of
Annette Johnson, Owner, AJ’s Public Relations and Marketing, while Houston senior, majoring in advertising. An outstanding student, she has
volunteering at the Emerging Ten (E-10) Networking Luncheon in November been accepted into the University of Texas graduate master’s program and
2009, she ran into a colleague from her days at UT–Austin. Alexus Rhone has received a number of awards for her schoolwork.
and Annette caught up with each other after 19 years. They shared business
MCA Communications
cards and Alexus informed Annette that she was going to have a book release
Richard Cortez, President, MCA Communications, Inc. was recently
party in Houston and would be contacting her. “I had no earthly idea that she
advised by the Texas Building Branch – AGC that MCA Communications had
wanted me to promote her book party,” said Annette. A few weeks later, AJ’s
been awarded the top AGC Safety Award for its outstanding safety
received the contract to promote her book party and her book. Alexus Rhone
performance in loss work days during 2009. The AGC Texas Building Branch
launched her latest book entitled “Cover the Coo,” a teen fiction novel where
reviews the safety records of its member companies who have clearly
the setting is the UT-Austin campus, on May 14th at the Main Street Theater
demonstrated their ability to manage job sites in a safe manner. MCA
– Chelsea Market. “ I guess the moral of this story,” says Annette, is “Give and
Communications, Inc. was the top performer in its classification during 2009
it Shall be Given Unto You; Good Measures, Pressed Down, Shaken Together
with no incidents and zero loss days at their job sites. MCA will be presented
and Running Over. I have been volunteering in some capacity for more than
with a plaque in recognition of this honor at the Awards Dinner at 6:00 p.m. at
35 years. It works when you’re least expecting it.”
the 33rd Annual AGC Texas Building Branch Convention at the Sheraton
Largest Houston-Area Civil and Structural Engineering Firm South Padre Hotel in South Padre Island, TX on June 15, 2010.
HMSDC Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) BEI Engineers was
PMG Project Management Group, LLC
among the 25 largest Houston-area civil and structural engineering firms
Featured on the cover of the Spring 2010 Premiere Issue of AZTEC MUSE is
ranked by the Houston Business Journal, May 14-20, 2010 issue. BEI
Ben Mendez, President, PMG Project Management Group, LLC as one of
Engineers is headed by its top executive Fred Bandini, President/CEO.
Houston’s Movers and Shakers. He also received the 2009 Willie Velasquez
Their percentage of project type is: 76% design engineering, 15% civil and
Hispanic Excellence for public/community service. The award was presented
structural, 5% construction management, 3% infrastructure, and 1%
at the 19th annual gala, co-sponsored by Telemundo Houston at the Hotel
environmental. Samples of significant projects are: natural gasoline pipeline,
ZaZa. Ben is also the Founder and Chairman of the National Hispanic
storage increased mining rates, LaTOx project, OSBL for cat gas hydrotreater
Professional Organization.
and CPU, compressor plant unit OSBL, OP-3 capacity preservation project,
sewer remediation, electrical and OSBL work. Tejas Office Products, Inc.
Stephen Fraga, President, Tejas Office Products, Inc. was also listed as
Largest Johnson Space Center Contractors
one of Houston’s Movers and Shakers in the Spring 2010 Premiere Issue of
Ranked among the largest Johnson Space Center Contractors by the Houston
AZTEC MUSE. The magazine conveys the viewpoints and lifestyles of
business Journal are: Al-Razaq Computing Services, President/CEO,
English-dominant, Mexican American males who hold degrees, who are
Mohamed Idrisa Iscandri – work provided: resources, financial, earned
business owners, who are accomplished professionals in the Arts, Business
value and budget management, and cost estimation. Bastion Technologies,
and Science.
Jorge Hernandez, President – worked provided: spaceflight hardware
design and analysis, engineering configuration management, aerospace The Plaza Group
research and development. GHG Corporation, Israel Galvan, CEO – work The Plaza Group, a privately owned international petrochemical marketing
provided: engineering related to the shuttle, Space Station and Orion. MEI firm, announced that it has transitioned its Board of Advisors to a Board of
Technologies, Inc., Edelmiro Muniz, Owner/CEO – work provided: systems Directors structure. The new Board of Directors is comprised of five
engineering and integration, laboratory and bio-astronautics support for
independent members that were all part of the former Board of Advisors,
human space flight systems, safety, cyber security and REDE, Inc., Hubert D.
including: Chairman Carmine Falcone, Eugene R. Allspach, Robert T. Betz,
Glover, President – work provided: administrative and clerical support
Mario Concha and John Yanney as well as Randy Velarde, The Plaza Group
services.
President.
Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc.
Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., one of the nation’s leading and Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc.
largest independent Hispanic owned and operated agencies, is proud to Houston Business Journal lists Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc., Daniel
announce Heather Diaz as the 2010 recipient of the Lopez Negrete Hispanic Wong, president among the 25 largest Houston-area civil and structural
Marketing Education Fund scholarship. “Cathy and I established the Lopez engineering firms. Their percentage of project types are: 52% heavy
Negrete Hispanic Marketing Education Fund to fuel and protect the future of industrial geotechnical design, 21% construction material testing, 15%
our industry,” said Alex Lopez Negrete, president, CEO and chief creative environmental, 9% geotechnical, 1% soils testing, and 1% solid waste
officer. “With Heather’s accomplishments and goal-oriented attitude, I cannot management.
envision a more worthy recipient of this scholarship. This will be just one

HMSDC e-Network Page 9

 Healthcare Reform - The New Reality For Your Business
(Article submitted by McConnell & Jones LLP...Certified Public Accountants)

Given the historic nature of the health care reform legislation, we should not be surprised that all the details will not be worked out
for awhile. As part of what became a two-part process, the president signed into law a reconciliation bill, formally known as the
Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act. The provisions of the first health care bill that actually passed Congress
at the end of March are a duplicate of those approved by the Senate in December.

Impact to Small Business Owners

Š Beginning in 2014, businesses with more than 50 employees will be required to either offer workers health care
coverage or pay a penalty of $750 per worker per year. If the reconciliation bill is approved, the penalty for offering no
coverage would increase to $2,000 per employee. The coverage offered must meet certain basic criteria – a specific
set of services and cover 60 percent of employee health care costs – or employers will be further penalized.

Š By no later than 2014, states are required to set up Small Business Health Options Programs (SHOP) exchanges where
small businesses will be able to pool together to purchase health insurance. Businesses with 100 or fewer employees
are considered to be small businesses – though the states will be able to limit the insurance pool to companies with 50
or fewer employees through 2016. This provision could change to include part-time employees, with the net result of
including more small business enterprises in the pool.

Š Until the SHOP exchanges are up and running, enterprises with 10 or fewer full-time employees earning on average less
than $25,000 will be eligible for a tax credit of 35 percent of health insurance costs. Partial tax credits will be available
to businesses employing 11 to 25 full-time workers with average wages of $50,000 or less. The tax credit program will
increase to 50 percent of costs for the first two years that a company buys insurance through its state exchange.

Š Plans that cost more than $10,200 for individuals ($27,500 for family coverage) – sometimes referred to as Cadillac plans
– will be subject to a 40 percent tax on the amount that exceeds the limit. Although the tax would be paid by the insurers,
the cost would probably be passed on to the plan holders in the form of higher premiums. The amendments pending a
vote in the Senate would delay the imposition of this tax until 2018 and restrict its use to the most expensive health care
plans.

Š Effective immediately, insurers are banned from setting lifetime limits on coverage on rescission (the practice of
cancelling policies already issued) except when fraud is involved. By 2014, insurers will have to meet more conditions
and will no longer be able to set rates or exclude coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions, though they will
have the opportunity to vary premiums based on geographic location, age and use of tobacco products.

As noted some of the above might change, but pundits expect the launch of SHOP exchanges to take place soon – though states
probably won’t implement until the 2014 deadline.

Impact to Individuals
The most immediate benefits will accrue to people with pre-existing conditions, who will be able to get coverage through temporary
pools within 90 days. The reform also offers relief to people whom:

Š Currently have a co-pay for some preventative services;

Š Are subject to lifetime limits on their policies;
Š Have awaited a long time for coverage (reform bill won’t allow insurers to exceed waiting periods of 90 days).

Additional Changes
Š College students will be eligible to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until they reach age 26.
Š Taxpayers who earn more than $200,000 individually ($250,000 as a married couple) will be paying more in Medicare
taxes when the rate increases to 2.35 percent from 1.45 percent. If the reconciliation bill before the Senate passes, this
tax will also be applied to unearned income.
Š Individuals who don’t want to carry health insurance will be hit with tax penalties.
Š Seniors who have Medicare Part D (drug) coverage will see the overall price they pay for prescription medicines decline.

Obviously, the above is a simple summary of health care reform. Consult the professional tax and financial advisors at McConnell
& Jones to discuss how the legislation will affect your specific situation. Call (713) 968-1600 and visit www.mjlm.com.

HMSDC e-Network Page 10

 Camacho Services, LLC Integris Roofing Services, LLC Progressive Resources Unlimited
Carter Brothers, LLC J. Ralph Watkins & Associates, Inc. Prosperous Staffing, LLC
RETURNING CD Gospel.Net Books Kay Davis Associates Quality Welding & Boiler Works, Inc.
Chavez Service Companies Lee Maintenance & Construction dba R.W. Smith & Company, Inc.
MBES Colorscapes of Houston LMC Corporation Radia Enterprises dba Career Uniforms
Compqsoft, Inc. Libra Enterprises, Inc. Rancas Freight Systems, Inc.
A-K Building Maintenance Cube-X Con, LLC MAA Mechanical Services Ron’s Home Style Foods, Inc.
Alice’s Kitchen, Inc. D and J Construction, Inc. Managed Digital Documents Partnership, L.P. Smith, Graham & Co., Investment
All Printing Dinky Drum Company, LLC Martinez Millwork, Inc. Advisors, L.P.
Amani Engineering, Inc Dobbins International, Inc. MAS & Associates, Inc. dba MAS Southern Steel & Supply
American Bag Mfg, Inc. Dykon Computer Help Center, Inc. Engineering SuperbTech, Inc.
Amory Booker Group, Inc. Eagle I Security, LLC Massage Houston Taylor Packaging
Assoc. Constr. & Labr., Inc. Facility Management Solutions, LLC Maverick Engineering The Relationship Fitness Center, LLC
Awesome Toner Depot Firstline Manufacturing Corporation Meridian Partners, LLC Tony Sherman’s Gallery
Baytown Drafting, Inc. Five Woods, LLC Motor City International, LLC dba TSC Engineering
Beltway Realty, Inc. G&A Partners Motor City Logistics, LLC Vendor Managed Solutions, Inc.
Biz Tech Solutions, Inc. GI Environmental Vacuum Service, Inc. Natural Gas Trading Corporation Venmar, Inc.
Brent Consulting, LLC GP Industrial Contractors, Inc. Nevilles Auto Repair Wright-Islam Holdings, LLC dba
Brewster Procurement Group, Inc. Gulf Logistics & Projects, Co., Inc. Pesa Labeling Systems, Inc Commonground Marketing
CAM Cleaning Services, Inc. H R Shaikh Seyar, LLP Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc.

FSI Construction, Inc. RCJ Tech Solutions

NEW MBES Tony Whitaker Paul Pasala
(713)690-5330 (713)822-4327
FSI Construction has over 44 years of construction and Information technology - project management, product
Awesome Toner Depot foundation repair experience. We are multi-family development, IT consulting and support services.
Toni Meadows specialists and provide services in: build-outs,
RPC Global Printing and Design
(713)503-2475 renovations, roofing, painting, Hardi-plank siding,
Ruth Cummings
Awesome Toner Depot offers you an extensive range of carpentry, asphalt, balcony repair, concrete raising,
(713)263-7725
cartridges for all printers. We stock original, compatible stucco repairs & installation, turnkey rehabs and fire &
RPC Global Print & Design operates under NAICS
and remanufactured cartridges so you can be sure to water restoration. We also offer due diligence,
lithographic printing. This industry comprises many
find a solution to meet your budget. emergency repair, construction management, bell
varied types of printing including maps, calendars,
bottom piers and for plumbers we do tunneling.
Camacho Services, LLC posters, magazines, catalogs, marketing materials,
Rosendo Camacho Houston Becnel, Inc. labels, checks and other items.
(713)742-8742 Albert Garcia
Signo, LLC
Contractor services - residential and commercial. (281)209-2822
Daniel Diebra
Freight forwarder, customhouse broker.
D L C Enterprises (832)252-6108
David Cisco Integris Roofing Services, LLC Distributor of raw material and ingredients used in the
(281)333-3497 Nelson Alvarado food industry.
Author/Marketing company. Purpose is to market books (713)920-7123
SKE Construction, LLC
written by the author David L. Cisco. Integris Roofing Services, LLC has successfully
Shelly Eberhart
operated in the Houston area working on both small
De la Rosa & Chaumette (281)585-5177
and large scale roofing construction, repair, and
Oscar Rosa Pre-chlorinated, pipe-bursting (water & sewer)sliplining
alteration projects focusing on commercial contracting.
(713)395-0991 point repairs, CIPP.
Due to an increased demand for energy efficiency and
De la Rosa & Chaumette is a boutique law firm
renewable energy, the company has begun to offer a SSSC Technologies
concentrating in the areas of commercial litigation,
series of services aimed at capturing market share. Donn Powell
intellectual property, e-discovery and personal injury
(832)588-3070
law. Oscar L. De la Rosa, founder of the De la Rosa J & B Professional Cleaning Service
SSSC Technologies is a company dedicated to
Law Firm, was selected as a “Super Lawyer Rising Javier Zavala
providing quality and professional mobile on-site and
Star” by Texas Monthly magazine in 2004, 2005, 2006 (281)405-0333
off-site technical support services to residential
and 2007. J&B Professional Cleaning Service has been serving
communities and commercial businesses within the
the Houston and surrounding area since 1995. The
FCS Fab., Inc. Houston metropolitan area and surrounding.
company specialties are all types of janitorial services,
Esther Francis
all new construction, remodeling construction cleaning TRINCON Services Group, LLC
(832)256-9812
and floor maintenance; including new homes, office Eric Sarlls
We provide structural manufactured steel fabrication to
buildings, banks, churches, schools, gas stations, (713)462-4773
public and private entities.
shopping centers, general cleaning. Interior General Contractor primarily in remodel and
Four City Construction & Development, LLC
Professional Healthcare Education Services retrofit of office, retail, warehouse and medical space.
Esther Francis
(281)930-9009 Yvette Cheeks
We specialize in construction management and general (281)313-7437
construction as we are a General Contractor, but we SERVICE LINE:RN & LVN refresher Courses including
also do consultation work, and provide interior clinical component options; Continuing Education for
construction services with in-house crew.
Nurses, Case Manager, and Social Workers;
Remediation Courses for Nurses with BON
stipulations; Foreign Nurse Refresher Program;1-2 hr
Type I CE courses available for marketing or other
needs with local instructors throughout Texas.
HMSDC e-Network Page 11
 The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council is an affiliate of the
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

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A Publication of the H M S D C C o m m i t t e e s , C o n ta c ts , a n d M e e t i n g D a y s

Houston Minority Supplier Development COMMITTEE CHAIR CONTACT NO. MEETING DAY/TIME

Council Ambassadors John Eley (713) 622-4833 4th Thursday, 3:00 p.m.
Fidelity Capital Advisors
Chairman Timothy J. Floyd
Education Rod Lemon (713) 589-3688 3rd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m..
President Richard A. Huebner
AHRMDCO Interntional

e-NetWork NewsletterTeam EXPO Tony Samper (713) 271-7805 2nd Monday, 2:00 p.m.
American Air Conditioning
Editor M. Evelyn Flores
MBE Advisory Patricia Thompson (713) 952-2500 3rd Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.
Layout & Design M. Evelyn Flores (MBEs Only) NSC Companies

Website Terry “T. J.” Williams Membership Bobby Scales (281) 333-3703 2nd Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
GB Tech, Inc. Ext. 139
All correspondence should be emailed
by the 15th of each month to: Program Sheila Crawford (281) 427-7100 4th Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.
Staffing Connection, Inc.
evelyn.flores@hmbc.org
Sports Classic Vernita Harris (713) 446-4600 2nd Friday, 11:00 a.m.
or mailed to the Editor at
Impact Strategies Consultants, LLC
Three Riverway, Suite 555 3rd Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
SDAC Tami Hunter (832) 379-6012
Houston, Texas 77056 (Corporate Members Only) ConocoPhillips

STAC 2nd Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.

Phone 713.271.7805 • Fax 713.271.9770

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