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Office of Business Opportunity
OBO Press Release
The Mayor & OBO Celebrate Houston Businesses During 2019 Champions of Diversity Awards
February 11, 2019 -- Leaders from local businesses and governments were recognized for their work in promoting a diverse and robust local economy during the 6th annual City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 7, 2019.
The theme of “Celebrating Economic Recovery, Sustainability and Resiliency” was reflected in the 10 honorees, ranging in categories from Construction Contractor of the Year to Community Partner of the Year. A total of six local businesses, two individuals, one City of Houston department and a community partner were recognized for their work.
Houston The Mayor handed out the prestigious awards.
“We celebrate these award winners who reflect Houston’s diversity and support a competitive and robust business environment,” The Mayor said. “These honorees have helped achieve the goal of awarding nearly $900 million dollars in City of Houston contracts to MWBEs (Minority & Women Business Enterprises) since I’ve been Mayor, bringing to reality my vision of Houston as a City of Opportunities.”
Champions of Diversity is organized by the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) and its Advisory Board, which is made up of Houstonians from diverse backgrounds and businesses.
Carlecia D. Wright is The City of Houston’s Chief Diversity Officer and Director of the Office of Business Opportunity. Director Wright notes the importance of recognizing those who help make Houston a top city for minority entrepreneurs, according to the website Expert Market.
“A healthy, progressive economy is one that offers every citizen the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families,” Director Wright said. “Champions of Diversity honorees reflect these values and help promote the success of small businesses, which leads to a competitive and diverse economic environment that benefits all Houstonians.”
Alicia Jimerson is Chair of the OBO Advisory Board and owner of Jimerson Underground, Inc., a City of Houston Certified Disadvantaged, Business Enterprise (DBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE). Herself an entrepreneur, Chair Jimerson applauds the hard work and dedication of the 2019 winners.
“The honorees represent a wide swath of businesses and advocates, ranging from a multi-national corporation, to a local contractor to a long-time City of Houston employee,” Chair Jimerson said. “OBO’s Advisory Board applauds them for the work they do every single day to deliver quality work and improve all of our lives.”
Below is a full list of winners, along with a photo, links to videos and more details:
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ~ PRIME
Houston Waterworks Team (HWT)
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ~ CERTIFIED PRIME
Resicom, Inc.
GOODS & SERVICES CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ~ PRIME
Tetra Tech, Inc.
GOODS & SERVICES CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ~ CERTIFIED PRIME
BL Technology, Inc.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ~ PRIME
Parsons & H.J. Russell IAH Team
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ~ CERTIFIED PRIME
Netsync Network Solutions, Inc.
CITY OF HOUSTON DEPARTMENT OF THE YEAR
Houston Information Technology Services (HITS)
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center
ERNEST B. McGOWEN, SR. CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY AWARD
The Honorable Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1
OBO CHAIRMAN’S ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Ms. Marsha E. Murray, Esq.
