H.R. No. 44 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council is hosting EXPO 2011, the Lone Star State's largest minority business development trade fair, at the George R. Brown Convention Center on September 21 and 22, 2011; and WHEREAS, Established in 1973, the Houston council is a nonprofit organization that includes more than 250 corporations and 900 minority-owned businesses that share the common goal of expanding opportunities and encouraging growth for minority enterprises; and WHEREAS, The annual EXPO aims to assist major corporations in identifying proven suppliers to meet their product and service needs; this year's fair is exploring the theme "F.I.T. for Business (Focus, Inspire, Transform)," and it is building on the success of the 2010 event, which featured more than 200 booths and 1,700 attendees and raised more than $245,000 in sponsorships; and WHEREAS, Minority businesses contribute greatly to the economic vitality of our state, and the efforts of the many individuals involved in these enterprises are to be encouraged and commended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate EXPO 2011, hosted by the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, and extend to the trade fair's organizers and participants sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and productive event; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the council as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Dutton ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 44 was adopted by the House on June 28, 2011, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House