HCC MBDA honors construction industry business leaders at Third Annual Salute to Minorities in Construction luncheon
Jul 21, 2017
Members of Houston’s construction industry gathered to celebrate minority-owned construction firms and the organizations that support them at the Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center’s Third Annual Salute to Minorities in Construction luncheon.
Operated by Houston Community College (HCC), the Houston MBDA Business Center hosts the annual luncheon to honor the efforts of minority-owned construction firms for their commitment to community improvement, innovation and their legacy of hard work. Chris Bilton, Houston MBDA Business Center director, recognized the following firms as award recipients:
- Chancellor’s Award: Babby Posey, Posey Construction & Development, Inc. president.
- Corporate Advocate of the Year: Eric B. Robinson, MBE Capital Partners senior vice president of business development.
- Construction Client of the Year: William Sanchez, Oxford Builders, Inc. president.
- NAMC Greater Houston Chapter Member of the Year: Xavier Leal, Xellent Services president.
- Construction Trailblazer Client of the Year: Jalon Debbs, Facilities Management Resources vice president of projects and execution.
“Our minority-owned businesses form part of the vital pipeline that fuels our great city,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in a special recorded message. “Today’s luncheon celebrates the accomplishments of minority-owned construction firms and the organizations that support them. I would like to personally congratulate all of the award recipients and extend best wishes for the success of this great event.”
Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC Chancellor, said during his welcoming remarks, “Our HCC Centers of Excellence, specifically the Center of Excellence for Construction, provide the pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable workers who are crucial to our city’s economic health and prosperity. Now is the time to leverage the progress and growth of the Houston region, take advantage of existing opportunities and create new opportunities for our students and our area businesses.”
Thanks to the contributions from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), the national MBDA and HCC, the Houston MBDA Business Center has facilitated $259 million in contracts, $255 million in financing and has helped create 500 jobs since its opening in November 2013. As a result, the Houston MBDA Business Center at HCC has been awarded an “Outstanding” rating by the U.S. DOC every year of its operation.
For more information about the initiatives and benefits available through the Houston MBDA Business Center at HCC, visit: www.hccs.edu/mbda.
