AUSTIN – AUSTIN – The Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC) hosted “Black Business Day at the Capitol” on Monday, March 25, 2019. The annual event draws attendees from chambers of commerce and business owners from across the state. For the third year, the members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity hosted their “Omega Day at the Capitol” in conjunction with TAAACC.
“Our goal is to address the continued disparity in contract awards to Black-owned businesses,” said TAAACC President Charles O’Neal. “By acquainting business owners and community leaders with the process of public policy development and how to engage public officials to achieve beneficial policy we can change the outcomes for Black-owned businesses.”
Throughout the day TAAACC members and supporters were able to engage with legislators, including state senators Royce West and Borris Miles; Texas Legislative Black Caucus chairman Rep. Harold Dutton, Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Rep. Rhetta Bowers, and Rep. Jarvis Johnson.
Among the day’s highlights, Rep. Ron Reynolds invited TAAACC leadership to the House floor as his resolution (HR 670) proclaiming Black Business Day at the Capitol was read into the record by voice vote of the entire House.
Most importantly for business owners in attendance, procurement staff and HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) Coordinators from more than a dozen state agencies were on hand to acquaint businesses with upcoming bid opportunities.
“We believe that our strong advocacy on behalf of our state’s Black-owned businesses, consistent interaction with agency procurement teams and increased awareness of upcoming opportunities, we will improve the outcomes in contract awards,” said TAAACC chair Courtney Johnson-Rose. “We understand that when our businesses are growing and profitable, our communities improve and Black Texans experience a better quality of life.”
ABOUT TAAACC TAAACC is a statewide association created and supported by the 23 Black chambers of commerce operating in Texas. Headquartered in Austin, the mission of the organization is to affect positive economic benefits for Black Texans through Advocacy, Research and Training. Learn more about TAAACC at www.taaacc.org
