DALLAS -- As part of the 9th Annual Black Enterprise/General Motors Entrepreneurs Conference, State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) and Texas Governor Rick Perry have joined forces to sponsor the Texas Pavilion Spot Bid Contract Fair. The event, designed for small and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), will provide the opportunity for direct contact with state agencies, including universities and colleges. The contract fair will take place May 13 -14, 2004, in the Trinity II Room in the Wyndham Anatole Hotel located at 2201 Stemmons Frwy. in Dallas. The event runs from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. both Thursday and Friday.

"For nearly a decade, we have worked with minority chambers in producing the unique opportunity of a Spot Bid Contract Fair where state agencies make themselves available to HUB vendors," said Senator West. "These fairs have normally taken place in Austin. I am thrilled, with the prospect of bringing to Dallas, my home district, and the entire North Texas region, the ability to participate in this milestone event that's part of the Black Enterprise/General Motors Entrepreneurs Conference. I also thank Governor Perry for his role in making this happen."

To date, more than 45 state agencies have committed to take part in the Texas Pavilion Spot Bid Contract Fair. It is expected that more than $1 million in contracts for goods and services will be available for bid. The Black Enterprise/General Motors Entrepreneurs Conference begins Wednesday, May 12 and continues through Sunday, May 16, 2004. Dallas will be home to the BE/GM Conference through 2006. Business owners may preview available contract postings online at www.utdirect.utexas.edu/hub/hub_bidlist.WBX.

"In 2003, Texas had more than 20 companies included in the Black Enterprise Top 100 list," said Senator West. "The fact that so many industry leaders are here in Texas says a lot about what this state has to offer to businesses. Our partners at Black Enterprise have joined the team that will help in making Texas businesses grow."

Each year, Black Enterprise Magazine ranks the largest African American-owned businesses in categories that include auto dealerships, industrial/service companies, advertising agencies, insurance companies and various financial institutions. In 2003, Simeus Foods (Mansfield) and Dallas-based PrimeSource Food Equipment, Powell Chevrolet, Facility Interiors and The King Group Advertising Agency and Facility Interiors made the BE 100 list as did Stephens Automotive (Plano) and Frisco Dodge.

The one-day Doing Business Texas Style - Spot Bid Contract Fair held in conjunction with this year's African American Legislative Summit awarded nearly $500,000 in state contracts to minority businesses.

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