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Posted: 10/23/03

TAMIU Posts Top Performance in State's HUB Vendor Program

 

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Texas A&M International University has posted a distinct honor by being named one of the State's Top 25 of State agencies that have the highest percentage of participation in The Texas Building and Procurement Commission's (TBPC) Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Vendor Program that is dedicated to increasing the number of HUB contracts awarded by the State of Texas.

TAMIU was 10th among State agencies with expenditures over $5 million with a HUB participation percentage of 25.7%. TAMIU was also the highest HUB Vendor participation percentage university among The Texas A&M University System members.

Elizabeth N. Martínez, TAMIU associate vice president for finance and administration, said the high participation rate bodes well for the University.

"Like all state agencies, we have been charged by the Legislature to make a commitment to providing more HUB vendors with an opportunity to participate and benefit from doing business with the State of Texas. We have worked hard to honor that commitment and will continue to do so," Martínez said.

Laura Rea, purchasing director for the University, said that the University will not be content to rest on its laurels and intends to continue to increase its HUB Vendor participation.

"Our goal for this coming year is 20% participation by HUB Vendors. Last year, we exceeded our goal of 18%, and I'm confident that we will once again exceed our goal," Rea explained.

She said that the University's HUB Vendor success can be attributed to the widespread commitment of the campus community and its co-hosting of regular events such as the Laredo Purchasing Fiesta held this past August. The Purchasing Fiesta provides local and regional businesses with opportunities to become part of the HUB Vendor program.

"Our on-campus commitment and events like the Laredo Purchasing Fiesta offer dynamic opportunities for those HUBs to increase their business contracts with State agencies. Our last Laredo Purchasing Fiesta included the participation of local and regional state agencies and other government agencies as well," Rea said.

She noted the University welcomes inquiries from other businesses interested in participating in the HUB Vendor Program.

"We are eager to meet with potential vendors, explain how they can become authorized vendors and be aware of procurement requirements. The process has been streamlined and we welcome anyone interested in doing business with TAMIU and the State of Texas to contact us," she said.

For more information, contact Rea at 326.2355, email lrea@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Pellegrino Hall, room 215.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
 


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu