Houston, TX, May 31, 2004 - The Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston and the Emerging Markets Group, Houston Technology Center co-sponsored a Workshop by Richard A. Huebner, Executive Director, Houston Minority Business Council (HMBC) on "Certification and Making It Work For You!". The worshop was on Wednesday, April 28th, 2004 at the Houston Technology Center.

The event was supported by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Australian Chamber of Commerce, Native American Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Huebner in his inimitable style helped the audience understand the benefits of certification. He explained that once certified companies need to go out and market themselves and leverage their skills and success to help their business grow.

The HMBC was the 1989, 1999 and 2002 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) of the Year
For 30 years, the Houston Minority Business Council (HMBC) has served as a resource for both minority business enterprises (MBEs) and major corporations in the Houston area that are committed to the expansion of procurement and business opportunities for MBEs. Included in the Council's membership are more than 220 major corporations and over 1,000 MBEs. HMBC certified minority businesses alone have created 43,000 jobs and fueled our economy with over $6.3 billion in annual revenues.

Why Join? Why Should Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) Join the Council?

• To gain direct access to supportive representatives and key decision makers.

• To take advantage of powerful networking events, educational opportunities, programs, services and benefits.

• To utilize the HMBC business consultants

• To maintain an online bid database.

• To utilize the NMSDC network for referrals.

• To sustain financial assistance at affordable rates.

• To utilize the subsidy programs in order to facilitate MBE-to-MBE business.

• To take advantage of affordable advertising rates.

• To assist in developing programs specifically geared towards opportunities for its professional services firms.

• To obtain the directory of corporate contacts

• To obtain the latest information on government regulations and issues facing minority businesses

HMBC Programs, Services, Benefits

• Business Consortium Fund (BCF) - A source of working capital providing loans from $50,000 to $750,000 to certified members.

• Business Opportunity Conferences - Hosted by HMBC corporate members to present "Doing Business With …." Opportunities.

• Corporate Contact List - Provides a list of current corporate members who are ready and willing to share their results and procedures with MBEs.

• Educational Development - Activities sponsored by the Education Committee to assist MBEs in business practices, ethics and professionalism necessary to compete in business.

• Mentoring -An open, frank and honest dialogue between major corporations and MBES to assist in the development of minority-owned businesses.

• MBE Business Executive Scholarships - Scholarships assure the growth and development of certified MBE firms by awarding scholarships of up to $5,000 to active members.

• MBE-to-MBE Networking - Created to encourage MBE members to buy products and services from each other.

• MBE Guide to Membership Services - A handy reference guide, also available on the website, for buyers seeking to quickly locate prospective suppliers.

• NMSDC Membership - Provides a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses and works closely with affiliated Regional Minority Supplier Development Councils to provide and strengthen a nationwide information and referral network.

• Network Newsletter - Circulation over 2,000 mailed monthly to all corporate members and certified MBEs.

• Total Business Development Program - Encourages MBEs to utilize HMBC professional service firms by contributing up to $500 towards the cost of services needed.

• Website - Access www.hmbc.org to receive thorough HMBC information.