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 | | Brian Tippens, TBA Chairman |
Happy New Year!
I am proud to have been elected Chairman of the Board of Texas Business Alliance, and I am excited about the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for the organization.
By all accounts, 2010 was a highly successful year for TBA. In the past year, the organization saw the graduation of its first Business Enterprise Academy® (BEA) and Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® (YEA) cohorts; staged a stellar One Woman Conference; and managed a host of well attended community collaborative sessions. In the coming year, we will build on the solid foundation already in place as we work to expand the capacity of TBA.
Certainly, we may face some challenges in 2011. While most leading indicators point to improvements in the economy, many corporations continue to operate under significant budgetary constraints. For organizations such as TBA which rely on corporate partnerships for a large portion of our operating budget, this creates potential challenges. Fortunately for TBA, we have a strong value proposition for our corporate partners and small business members which positions us for expansion.
I look forward to meeting with TBA's members and supporters during the upcoming Annual Meeting and State of the Houston Small Business Economy event. This event, to be held Thursday, January 27 in Houston, will include an installation of officers and the Board of Directors. A "State of the Houston Small Business Economy" forum is also held during the Annual Meeting. Houston's leaders will discuss innovative methods of advancing small business and an eye-opening keynote address is planned for you.
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to register to attend by visiting www.texasbusinessalliance.org and clicking on the "Calendar of Events" tab.
All the best,
Brian Tippens
Director Hewlett-Packard Company Global Supplier Diversity,
Development and Sustainability
Texas Business Alliance Chairman of the Board |
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New TBA Board Focused on Supplier Organizational Architecture and TBA Expansion |
 Exceptional nonprofit boards recognize that diversity is essential to an organization's success. They see the correlation between mission, strategy and board composition. That's why TBA is working to ensure its Board of Directors and Executive Advisory Board reflects the TBA constituency and also is equipped with knowledge from many perspectives -- corporate, governmental and small business.
In 2011, our members, partners and the community will experience an even greater focus on preparing suppliers for growth, sustainable success, and even succession planning for our members who are more seasoned and preparing to transition.
TBA itself also will be focused on growth and expansion as an organization. We will increase our membership and organizational footprint in 2011. We hope you'll join us in our goal to help create a stronger small business community and let us hear from you on how we can serve you. Please welcome our new Board of Directors and Executive Advisory Board:
Read the full article... |
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TBA Annual Meeting to Shed Light on Whether a 2011 Small Business-friendly Economy is Forecasted for Houston | |
 How many of you have said to yourself, "I hope 2011 is better than 2010!"
Themed "The Small Business Jobs Bill...There's Money In It For You!," our Annual Meeting and "State of the Houston Small Business Economy" will bring insight on what to expect economically, legislatively, locally and how you can take greater control organizationally. The Annual Meeting is graciously sponsored by AT&T Advertising Solutions and Hewlett-Packard Company. Our table sponsors include: Pretty Quick National Bulk & Delivery and NightLight Pediatric Urgent Care.
We've gathered a panel of experts to answer these questions and many of your own:
- With the recent Small Business Jobs Bill, is access to credit easier for small businesses or the same?
- What are the key components of the Small Business Jobs Bill and where I can see an immediate benefit?
- Is the City of Houston still committed to minority and women business development through the Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance area?
- Are the City's recent financial challenges going to thwart the City of Houston's focus on small business development?
- What is the state of Houston's economy compared to the overall country? Will things be better or worse for small businesses?
Our esteemed panelists are: Bill Gilmer, VP/Chief Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Mark Winchester, Deputy District Director, Small Business Administration; Irvin Ashford, SVP - Texas Market Community Development and External Affairs Director, Comerica Bank; and David Feldman, City Attorney, City of Houston.
Additionally, social entrepreneur Steven Cooper will deliver a keynote address entitled, "The Power of Scaffolding." Cooper is Community Developer of Neighborhood Centers Inc. and also the Founder and CEO of Visionary Leadership Institute and Senior Managing Consultant of The Give Group, a consulting firm that strengthens the capacity of nonprofits.
The Power of Scaffolding is a "teaching presentation" regarding the power of external resources and how breakthrough companies have learned how to use them properly to achieve consistent positive results.
Other featured presenters include: the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee; Judge Caroline Baker Hurley; and Brian Tippens, Director Hewlett-Packard Company, Global Supplier Diversity, Development and Sustainability.
The program also is an opportunity to learn more about TBA, meet the Board of Directors and get face-to-face with contracting entities that will be vending such as NASA Johnson Space Center.
The Annual Meeting takes place on Thursday, January 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Hamill Foundation Conference Center at the Council on Alcohol and Drugs, 303 Jackson Hill Street. The cost is $20 for TBA members and $25 for non-members. A limited number of vendor tables are available for $100. Table of 10 sponsorships are $350 for nonprofit organizations and small businesses and $500 for corporate entities. Click to register and pay online.
Catering is provided by our TBA member Madison Avenue Catering. |
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Business Enterprise Academy Supplier Development Program 2011 Class Now Accepting Applications |
 If you could significantly improve the effectiveness of your small business in six month's time, would you?
The Business Enterprise Academy®(BEA) is TBA's flagship, six-month small business development incubator program for businesses six months to three years in business. BEA equips minority and women's business enterprises (MWBEs) with foundational information to be successful in business which, in turn, helps create a pipeline of qualified suppliers. BEA uniquely includes extensive request for proposal (RFP) instruction. The participant ROI is well worth the investment of time and money.
Read the full article... |
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Youth Entrepreneurship Academy Program 2011 Now Accepting Applications |
 The youth version of BEA, the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® (YEA) is a FREE six-month program that equips high school and college students with the tools and resources to pursue an entrepreneurial alternative and actually launch a real business. Statistics show that an unacceptable number of U.S. students in underserved communities fail to develop the academic, social and citizenship skills necessary to compete and succeed in today's economy. Further, college graduates are increasingly unable to secure employment. YEA is a method to bridge the gap and provide an alternative to the traditional career footprint for college-bound students and the student who may not attend college for any number of reasons. We already have received several applications from inspiring youth, such as:
Read the full article... |
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One Woman National Business Conference --Save the Date! |
 The One Woman National Business Conference (OWC) is growing and becoming more than just a conference, but a movement! And, that's not the only change. OWC is changing venue and city. No worries, however, OWC is not going too far away! More details will be shared in the coming weeks, but for now please note these important deadlines, dates and bits of information.
Read the full article... |
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The Business 411 by Joni K. Sterling, IRS | 
Did you receive a notice from the IRS that your business is being audited? First, you should reply as directed. Second, if you've never been audited, do some homework. Our new tool makes it easy!
Read the full article... |
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Rebuild, Retool and Recover All in 2011 by Sharwin Wiltz Boney, BoneFide Development Group, LLC |
 It's time to Rebuild, Retool, and Recover All. The years of a recession have caused us all to look back and reevaluate the state of our small business. We have heard the news of economists. We have watched the up and down movement of the Dow and the Nasdaq as Wall Street responds to investor and consumer woes. We have watched business savings dwindle and small businesses struggle to keep their doors open. Even still, in this state of uncertainty, I would suggest it is time for Main Street - you and me - to Rebuild, Retool, and Recover All. The steps involved follow.
Read the full article.... |
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TBA 2010 Look Back and Report Card |
 TBA helps to strengthen the economy and spur job creation by equipping small businesses for increased capacity. Specifically, the value we bring to our constituency is summed as:
Read the full article... |
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TBA Member Good News |
 Hermeka Bibbins, Market Trend Consultants; Sal Garcia, Sal Garcia CPA; and Marylyn Harris, Harrland Healthcare Consulting, LLC were the successful BEA winners of the BEA Class I RFP challenge. The team competed against two other class member teams to analyze a hypothetical RFP and delivery of an oral presentation before a panel of judges. - Marylyn Harris launched The Women's Veterans Business Center. Services and resources will be offered via an online Web portal and be available to the nation's 1.8 million women veterans.
- LaneStaffing, Inc., headed by CEO Carla Lane, won the City of Houston contingent staffing contract.
- Touch of Keys released its second jazz CD entitled "Winter Love." It is available via its Web site www.touchofkeys.com.
TBA would like to recognize our members who are making outstanding contributions and business strides. Please send your information to info@mwhpublicrelations.com for inclusion consideration in our next eLLIANCE Newsletter. |
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TBA Member Renewals |
We're so happy to welcome back many of our members who recently renewed their membership. Learn more about each by clicking on their link.
Welcome Back Returning Members!
Read the full article... |
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TBA Welcomes You | |
In November 2010, TBA  led the charge in reducing its professional organization membership fees at all levels. Specifically, TBA understands the economic impact of the recession on small business owners. Consequently, we invite you to join TBA at the new rates and expect the following six immediate benefits during the first 12 months of your membership:
- One complimentary annual, TBA approved, dedicated eblast to TBA national database (valued at $500)
- Advocacy analysis and support for small businesses facing unfair market practices which negatively impact revenue and growth; and business advocacy
- Annual small business development consultation with a TBA small business expert (valued at $250)
- Receive weekly contract opportunities and information via email
- Access to key decision makers and entities seeking qualified and prepared TBA members
- Personalized phone call or email on urgent, specific contract opportunities received
TBA membership fees for small business owners follow: Entrepreneur I (1-5 employees) $125; Entrepreneur II (6-15 employees) $225; Entrepreneur III (16-25 employees) $325; and Entrepreneur IV (26+ employees) $425.
Click to join TBA and pay online. |
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