"Doing business Texas style"

Black Enterprise, May, 2004 by Kimberely Baker

The many faces of Texas mirror the melting pot called America. The Lone Star State offers a world of opportunities and possibilities for all different cultures to not only live, work and play but to flourish and thrive.

Once renowned for three main industries--cotton, cattle and crude--today's Texas boasts a diversified economy that ranges from the traditional oil and gas and real estate to electronics, high-tech, manufacturing, aerospace, communications, business services, utilities and railroads.

Texas has built these industries through a strong, pro-business reputation.

"Texas offers a competitive business edge with its low taxes, excellent infrastructure, great schools, skilled workforce, favorable business climate and proximity to strategic markets in Latin America," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

The future of Texas is bright and in the words of a leading business publication, the state's "wide open spaces and light regulations" have made it a business magnet.

"We've been busy creating growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes, with an emphasis on economic tools to encourage small and minority-owned businesses," said Tracye McDaniel, COO of the Office of the Governor, Division of Economic Development & Tourism.

The 1997 Census All Firms and Population data ranked Texas as the second largest state for minority-owned firms. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 65,000 of all Texas businesses were owned by African Americans. The 2003 B.E. 100s listed 22 Texas companies in various categories.

"Texas is home to numerous businesses, from global organizations like Wyndham International to successful African American firms like Simeus Foods," said Donna Deberry, Executive Vice President of Global Diversity & Corporate Affairs for Wyndham International.

"Opportunities to do business abound in this state--strategic partnerships between minority suppliers and corporations that need their services are the lifeblood of Texas. Diversity is celebrated in Texas; there is great opportunity for everyone here."

The doors of opportunity are open in a variety of industries. And African Americans are leading the charge towards the state's economic renewal and continued prosperity.

African American contributions are integrally woven throughout the very fabric of the state. Following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery--arriving late in Texas on June 19, 1865, a day still celebrated as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth--new possibilities opened for African Americans.

Armed with skills such as metalworking and pottery making, the newly emancipated Texans flourished as weavers, potters, blacksmiths, masons and carpenters.

Today, no field of modern human endeavor remains untouched by the achievements of African Americans.

In Texas, African Americans account for almost 12 percent of the state's 20,851,820 population in 2000 and continue to be an integral part of the state's past, present and future.

Three of the nation's top 10 cities are located in Texas--Houston, Dallas and San Antonio--all within 350 miles of each other.

"Texas offers a dynamic, can-do, pro-business atmosphere that encourages major corporations to locate and expand in the state," said Don Hill, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Wilson Office Interiors; a B.E 100s Industrial/Service company.

"(Being in) the Central timezone gives us easy access to both coasts. And with the year-round sunny climate, I can t play golf every day, but I can play every week."

Bob V. Wingo, President and CEO of SWG&M, B.E. 100s company, concurs with Wilson's sentiments.

"The reasons are many and varied as to what makes Texas a great place to do business," Wingo said.

"For starters, Texas is strategically located in the middle of the country, providing easy access to clients on either coast. You have two of the country's largest cities here--Houston and Dallas--and a city that consistently ranks at the top of 'Best Places to Live' lists--Austin."

The state's business climate is heightened by its quality of life. The colorful traditions of dozens of ethnic and cultural groups who settled in Texas continue to shape the state.

A tour of Texas is like a trip around the world or in the words of the state's award-winning tourism advertising campaign, "Texas. It's Like a Whole Other Country".

"I just love Texas and one of my favorite places is Austin, which is known for its lush rolling hills and pristine lakes," said Deberry.

A city like Fort Worth offers visitors a glimpse into Texas' past and present and also takes pride in the many surprises that can be discovered there.

"We proudly celebrate our past and preserve our heritage, including sites important to the city's African American communities," said Segi Desta, Vice President and COO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"Just look at the restoration of the Historic Stockyards District, where you can still see a daily cattle drive. But Fort Worth is also home to some of the finest museums and cultural institutions in the country. That surprises some people. All are outstanding places to visit and guarantee a memorable stay. In Fort Worth, we call it 'Cowboys and Culture".