Governor’s Business Forum to provide resources for local small businesses

Amanda L. Booren -- January, 27, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College (SJC), in partnership with the Office of the Governor, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), NASA – Johnson Space Center (JSC), and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), will host the Governor’s Business Forum: Aerospace Collaboration Opportunities, on Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at NASA’s Gilruth Center.

The Governor’s Business Forum is designed to educate the Texas entrepreneur and small business community on workforce development, marketing, hiring and managing employees, and training and growth opportunities. This one-day event will provide small business owners and displaced workers / entrepreneurs in the region with valuable resources that will help them start, grow, or expand their small business.

“Small businesses are an integral part of the engine that drives our state economy,” said Gov. Rick Perry. “This forum will give small business owners essential tools to help their businesses succeed, provide jobs for Texans, and strengthen the economies in their communities.”

TWC will present information on money-saving tools, the $2 million Skills for Small Business Fund, and the “Texas Back to Work” hiring incentive program. Other sessions include information on human resources for small businesses, veterans workforce training, small business development center programs and services, partnering with Johnson Space Center, managing small business finances, and social media for small businesses. Meador Staffing Services will conduct tabletop discussions about résumé writing, interview skills and tips, and video résumés. Information will also be available about managing money in transition.

“San Jacinto College is honored to host the Governor’s Business Forum,” said SJC Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “For 50 years, San Jacinto College has worked tirelessly to meet the educational and workforce needs of the citizens, businesses, and industries of East Harris County, to ensure that our region continues to grow and prosper. Small businesses are an integral part of that growth, and this forum will be packed full of useful information for anyone who has considered starting or expanding their own business.”

The luncheon keynote speaker is The Honorable Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, Texas Secretary of State, who will announce special new opportunities for collaboration with the aerospace industry. The event will also feature a panel discussion with Texas Senate Chairman Mike Jackson, House of Representatives Chairman John Davis, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, NASA-JSC Director Michael Coats, Texas Workforce Commissioner Andres Alcantar, and U.S. Congressman Pete Olson.

Registration and a continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. More information, including a full schedule and a link to register, can be found at www.LaunchingNewOpportunities.com. The event is free, but registration is required and limited to 200 people.

The Office of the Governor has partnered with TWC, local Workforce Solutions boards, chambers of commerce, and business, education, and economic development organizations to offer Governor’s Small Business Forums in communities throughout Texas for the past two years.

The Gilruth Center is located at 18753 Space Center Blvd., Houston, Texas 77058.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.