Governors Business Forum to educate local small businesses

“Aerospace Collaboration Opportunities” will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 17 at NASA’s Gilruth Center, located at 18753 Space Center Blvd. in Houston.

According to a press release, the forum is designed to educate Texas entrepreneurs and small business owners on workforce development, marketing, hiring and managing employees, and training and growth opportunities.

The forum will be presented by San Jacinto College in partnership with the Office of the Governor, Texas Workforce Commission, NASA Johnson Space Center, and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

“Small businesses are an integral part of the engine that drives our state economy,” Gov. Rick Perry said in a press release. “This forum will give small business owners essential tools to help their businesses succeed, provide jobs for Texans, and strengthen the economies in their communities.”

According to the release, TWC will present information on money-saving tools, the $2 million Skills for Small Business Fund, and the Texas Back to Work hiring incentive program. Other sessions will focus on human resources for small businesses, veterans workforce training, small business development center programs and service. Meador Staffing Services will hold discussions about resume writing, interview skills and tips and video resumes.

The luncheon keynote speaker is Esperanza Hope Andrade, Texas Secretary of State, who will announce special new opportunities for collaboration with the aerospace industry. There will also be a panel discussion with Texas Senate Chairman Mike Jackson, House of Representatives Chairman John Davis, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, NASA-JSC Director Michael Coats, Texas Workforce Commissioner Andres Alcantar and U.S. Congressman Pete Olson.

Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. The event is free but registration is required and limited to 200 people.

For more information, and a link to register, visit www.launchingnewopportunities.com.