DALLAS -- State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) was honored by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) for his support of minority businesses. Last month (March 18) TAMACC held its inaugural Legislative Leadership Awards Luncheon in Austin at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Senator West received the Minority Business Initiative Leadership Award for his advocacy on behalf of Texas' Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs).

"Senator West was selected for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the Hispanic business community. He is a true champion that TAMACC and other organizations have been able to count on for his support of the HUB program that affects minority and women-owned business procurement opportunities," said TAMACC President Carlos Mendoza. "The Senator has continued to monitor state agencies' adherence to policy regarding HUB legislation. TAMACC looks forward to working with Senator West on future issues that impact Hispanic businesses."

Senator West co-authored language in Senate Bill 178, passed by the Texas Legislature in 1999, that encourages state agencies to provide procurement and subcontracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses that operate in Texas. The HUB program assists minority businesses in becoming certified vendors that compete for state agency contracting opportunities for goods and services.

"There are some who grow weary of my continued advocacy for minority interests, so my mission is invigorated anew in receiving this award from TAMACC," said Senator West. "Texas is changing and minorities now make up nearly half this state's population. It is only fair and I am only fulfilling my duties in seeing that a larger share of those taxpayer dollars are spent with HUB businesses. I thank my friends at TAMACC for this honor."

In 1993, Senator West created what is now the - Doing Business Texas Style - Spot Bid Contract Fair. State agencies prepare an index of needed products and services and come to bid fairs prepared to offer contracts "on the spot" to prospective HUB vendors. TAMACC and the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC) are co-sponsors of contract fair events. Most recently at the Spot Bid Contract Fair held during the February 2004 African American Legislative Summit, 82 HUB vendors were awarded nearly $487,900 in state contracts. In 1991, it was reported that only 1.47 percent of state contracts were awarded to minority (HUB) businesses. For FY 02-03, $534 million in state funds went to HUB businesses, representing 13 percent of state contract expenditures.

TAMACC is made up of 28 Hispanic Chambers of Commerce from throughout Texas. It is recognized as one of the most influential Hispanic organization in Texas. The TAMACC Legislative Leadership Awards Luncheon was created to recognize local, state and federal elected officials for their advocacy and commitment to the Hispanic business community.

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