SBA Administrator Visits Port of Houston Authority

HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2016 -- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet learned first-hand about the Port of Houston Authority’s Small Business Development Program during a visit that she made to the port this month. The SBA is charged with supporting America’s small businesses, and Port Authority leadership and staff, along with several small business owners, met with Contreras-Sweet and discussed small business in the port region.

U.S. Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet visited the Port of Houston Authority, Jan.13. Ms. Contreras-Sweet discussed small business matters with Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria, Port Commissioner John D. Kennedy, Executive Director Roger Guenther and staff along with members of Houston’s small business community. During her visit, Contreras-Sweet noted the Port Authority’s Small Business Development Program served as a “model” for the nation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee979db3-5ca1-4335-a625-53516efb2403

Contreras-Sweet is the 24th Administrator of the SBA and is a member of the President’s cabinet.

Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria and Port Commissioner John D. Kennedy, along with the Executive Director Roger Guenther and key staff shared details about the Port Authority’s Small Business Development Program with the SBA Administrator.  Contreras-Sweet noted that the program served as a “model” for the nation.

The goal of the Port Authority’s Small Business Development Program is to award 35 percent of eligible contracts to small businesses. The Port Authority has regularly exceeded that goal, awarding small businesses with 42 percent of eligible contracting dollars to date.  As a result, since its inception, $434 million in Port Authority contract expenditures have been made to small businesses. 

The Port Commission approved the Small Business Development Program in 2002 and has since maintained a strong commitment to extensive small business development outreach efforts. The program is race and gender neutral, and open to all certified small businesses meeting the minimum requirements. More details about the program can be found on the Port Authority’s website at www.portofhouston.com

About the Port of Houston Authority

For more than 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the nation.  It supports the creation of nearly 1.175 million jobs in Texas and 2.7 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling almost $265 billion in Texas – 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product – and more than $617 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.

CONTACT:
Lisa Ashley, Director, Media Relations 
Office: 713-670-2644; Mobile: 832-247-8179 E-mail: [email protected]