North Texas Commission

North Texas Commission Honors Six Mentor-Entrepreneur Team Participants
in Nationally Recognized Mentoring Program

1.27.06

Irving, Jan. 27 — The North Texas Commission (NTC) honored six Metroplex businesses on Friday, Jan. 27 during the Twelfth Annual Mentor-Entrepreneur Recognition Luncheon for their outstanding achievements in 2005 as participants in the Mentor-Entrepreneur Program. The 2005 Mentor-Entrepreneur Partnership Awards were presented to: TXU with Advisory Link, Inc.; OMSS-Associates with Tin Man Welding Services; and Aviall Services with Apex Engineered Solutions.

The award criterion is based upon the overall development and productivity of the Mentor-Entrepreneur relationship. The Steering Committee chooses the award recipients after reviewing final feedback forms, which evaluate and measure business growth and accomplishments. Committee members call select participants to discuss their experience prior to making their final decision. The mentor-entrepreneur teams considered by the committee to have “outstanding partnerships” are recognized at the annual luncheon.

The purpose of the NTC Mentor-Entrepreneur Program is to improve the economy of the Metroplex by developing the capabilities of women and minority-owned, small businesses. Since its inception in 1993, more than 450 Metroplex entrepreneur companies have been mentored in the program, which received national recognition in 1999 by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a model BuisinessLINC business-to-business mentoring program for other cities to emulate. Currently, 19 cities have implemented the program.

Established in 1971, the North Texas Commission is a regional non-profit consortium of businesses, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, economic development entities and higher education institutions in the North Texas Region. The Commission is the one and only public-private regional organization committed to enhancing the overall economic vitality and quality of life of North Texas. NTC improves the economy, infrastructure and lifestyle of North Texas by leading and directing regionally cooperative initiatives to accomplish objectives in four primary areas: transportation, aviation, environment and long-range strategies.