HIGHLIGHTS CONT.

One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of the council's strategic plan for 2023. The plan outlines the council's goals for the coming year, which include expanding its membership, increasing access to capital for minority-owned businesses, and strengthening relationships with corporate partners. The plan also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in business, underscoring the council's role in promoting these values throughout the region. We also launched the Diverse Business Finder to assist in locating diverse-owned businesses in the Houston area.

The meeting concluded with a Leadership Fireside Chat, featuring HMSDC President/CEO Ingrid Robinson and her leadership team. The panel discussed a range of topics related to minority-owned businesses, including the challenges faced by MBEs and the opportunities available through corporate partners. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving change and creating a more equitable business landscape.

Overall, HMSDC's Annual Meeting was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of almost 200 business leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of minorityowned businesses in the region. The council's commitment to transformation and empowerment was evident throughout the event, and its strategic plan for 2023 lays out a clear path for achieving these goals in the year ahead.