"Doing business Texas style".

The many faces of Texas mirror the melting pot called America. The Lone Star State offers a world of opportunities and possibilities for all different cultures to not only live, work and play but to flourish and thrive.

Once renowned for three main industries--cotton, cattle and crude--today's Texas boasts a diversified economy that ranges from the traditional oil and gas and real estate to electronics, high-tech, manufacturing, aerospace, communications, business services, utilities and railroads.

Texas has built these industries through a strong, pro-business reputation.

"Texas offers a competitive business edge with its low taxes, excellent infrastructure, great schools, skilled workforce, favorable business climate and proximity to strategic markets in Latin America," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

The future of Texas is bright and in the words of a leading business publication, the state's "wide open spaces and light regulations" have made it a business magnet.

"We've been busy creating growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes, with an emphasis on economic tools to encourage small and minority-owned businesses," said Tracye McDaniel, COO of the Office of the Governor, Division of Economic Development & Tourism.

The 1997 Census All Firms and Population data ranked Texas as the second largest state for minority-owned firms. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 65,000 of all Texas businesses were owned by African Americans. The 2003 B.E. 100s listed 22 Texas companies in various categories.

"Texas is home to numerous businesses, from global organizations like Wyndham International to successful African American firms like Simeus Foods," said Donna Deberry, Executive Vice President of Global Diversity & Corporate Affairs for Wyndham International.

"Opportunities to do business abound in this state--strategic partnerships between minority suppliers and corporations that need their services are the lifeblood of Texas. Diversity is celebrated in Texas; there is great opportunity for everyone here."

The doors of opportunity are open in a variety of industries. And African Americans are leading the charge towards the state's economic renewal and continued prosperity.

African American contributions are integrally woven throughout the very fabric of the state. Following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery--arriving late in Texas on June 19, 1865, a day still celebrated as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth--new possibilities opened for African Americans.

Armed with skills such as metalworking and pottery making, the newly emancipated Texans flourished as weavers, potters, blacksmiths, masons and carpenters.

Today, no field of modern human endeavor remains untouched by the achievements of African Americans.

In Texas, African Americans account for almost 12 percent of the state's 20,851,820 population in 2000 and continue to be an integral part of the state's past, present and future.

Three of the nation's top 10 cities are located in Texas--Houston, Dallas and San Antonio--all within 350 miles of each other.

"Texas offers a dynamic, can-do, pro-business atmosphere that encourages major corporations to locate and expand in the state," said Don Hill, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Wilson Office Interiors; a B.E 100s Industrial/Service company.

"(Being in) the Central timezone gives us easy access to both coasts. And with the year-round sunny climate, I can t play golf every day, but I can play every week."

Bob V. Wingo, President and CEO of SWG&M, B.E. 100s company, concurs with Wilson's sentiments.

"The reasons are many and varied as to what makes Texas a great place to do business," Wingo said.

"For starters, Texas is strategically located in the middle of the country, providing easy access to clients on either coast. You have two of the country's largest cities here--Houston and Dallas--and a city that consistently ranks at the top of 'Best Places to Live' lists--Austin."

The state's business climate is heightened by its quality of life. The colorful traditions of dozens of ethnic and cultural groups who settled in Texas continue to shape the state.

A tour of Texas is like a trip around the world or in the words of the state's award-winning tourism advertising campaign, "Texas. It's Like a Whole Other Country".

"I just love Texas and one of my favorite places is Austin, which is known for its lush rolling hills and pristine lakes," said Deberry.

A city like Fort Worth offers visitors a glimpse into Texas' past and present and also takes pride in the many surprises that can be discovered there.

"We proudly celebrate our past and preserve our heritage, including sites important to the city's African American communities," said Segi Desta, Vice President and COO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"Just look at the restoration of the Historic Stockyards District, where you can still see a daily cattle drive. But Fort Worth is also home to some of the finest museums and cultural institutions in the country. That surprises some people. All are outstanding places to visit and guarantee a memorable stay. In Fort Worth, we call it 'Cowboys and Culture".

"Texas hangs its hat on being a big, diverse place that offers something for everyone--resident or visitor," Desta said.

"Each area of Texas offers a real sense of place, but the common thread in all our cities and towns is a genuine Texan pride," she said.

The state's number one tourist destination--San Antonio--also fosters a robust business environment. In 2002, almost 20 million leisure travelers visited and stayed overnight in the fiesta city.

"Perennially, San Antonio and Texas are well known for welcoming small business," said Melvin Tennant, Executive Director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"The city also offers a wealth of employment opportunities for African Americans," Tennant said

"The CVB is Dart of city government," he said. "And if you look at advancement opportunities in city government alone, then you'll see a number of high ranking African Americans in city management, the courts systems, aviation and many other areas. We're a reflection of society. We're well represented."

James Simmons, Chairman and CEO of Total Premier Services, Inc., a 2003 B.E. 100s company on the Industrial/Service list, defines Texas as a crossroads.

"Its international and geographical boundaries are more than physical," Simmons said.

"Texas is a cross-section of different cultures and ideas all coming and working together. The coastline with its port access opens Texas businesses to global opportunities. This global and multicultural exchange is a marked characteristic unique to Texas."

"The diversity of its people is reflected in the types of business and lives created by its own. From the African American, Asian, Hispanic, to European communities, Texas has a way of ranking you feel welcome and comfortable. This perspective with a strong dose of our Southern hospitality provides a welcoming foundation and lifestyle."

Through its efforts to attract a diversity of industries, Texas continues to show the nation that Texas is wide open for business, prosperity and opportunity.

For information on doing business in Texas, call [phone]. For more information on Texas travel events and vacation destinations, visit www.traveltex.com, or call 1-800-8888-TEX for a free Texas State Travel Guide.