Local businesses awarded for "Texas spirit"

Local businesses awarded for "Texas spirit"

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By Teresa Pione Thursday, 30 April 2009

AUSTIN — Several local business owners received Spirit of Texas Small Business Awards April 29 at an event sponsored by four area chambers of commerce. Texas Secretary of State Esperanza “Hope” Andrade addressed the crowd of over 300 local business representatives, expressing her support of local economic efforts and her encouragement to maintain Texas’ entrepreneurial success.

Andrade cited reasonable taxes and a nonintrusive state government as important components of Texas’ business fabric — 95 percent of the state work force is from small businesses, she said.

“Small businesses are at the heart of the economic engine that drives our state’s prosperity,” Andrade said.

Though Texas may not be immune to the weight of current international financial forces, Andrade said there are many reasons to celebrate, but the business community must continue to strive for excellence.

“If we are to remain at the top of the business game, now is certainly not the time to rest.”

Out of 91 nominations, seven businesses were recognized as exemplifying the spirit of Texas, thus receiving an award.

Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dr. Chiquita Eugene presented Pretty Clean Auto Detailing Services, Inc., 1514 Ed Bluestein Blvd., as an award winner. Owners of Pretty Clean, Eugene said, master the spirit with a willingness to make investments.

From the Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Erica Estetter recognized TIG Chinatown, 10901 N. Lamar Blvd., as an outstanding chamber member and as Austin’s first and largest Chinatown center in Central Texas.

The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Andy Martinez elected Jose Guerra, Inc. Consulting Engineers, 2401 IH 35 S., Ste. 210, as an award winner. He acknowledged the group’s work on 1,500 projects throughout Austin since 1973. Among the business’ works are Austin Community College, South Austin Campus and the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art.

El Milagro of Texas, Inc., 910 E. Sixth St., also won an award. Owned by the Lopez family, this business sponsors scholarships and strives to make a difference in the community, Martinez said.

The Austin Chamber of Commerce Chair Elect Barry Mayer presented awards to Austinuts, 2900 W. Anderson Lane, Tramex Travel, 4505 Spicewood Springs Road Ste. 200, and the Austin Business Journal, 111 Congress Ave., Ste. 750. High-quality products and excellent customer service earned Austinuts owners the award, Mayer said.

A leader in the industry that sets a high standard for other agencies, Tramex Travel consistently exceeds expectations, Mayer said.

Finally, Mayer recognized the Austin Business Journal as a provider for Central Texas business news for the past 30 years.

iness Journal as a provider for Central Texas business news for the past 30 years.

Award-winning businesses:

For more information on the area chambers visit:

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