TITLE: Recognizing April 7, 2011, as BCL of Texas Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 7, 2011, as BCL of Texas Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to honor Business and Community Lenders of Texas and recognize April 7, 2011, as BCL of Texas Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Business and Community Lenders of Texas was formed in San Antonio in 1990 during a recession to help small businesses in rural communities secure expansion financing and to create new jobs and boost local economies; the all-volunteer, nonprofit economic and community development lender became a statewide organization in 2004; and WHEREAS, The organization established its headquarters facility in the vibrant South Congress district in Austin and expanded its business to include multifamily housing; in 2008, it dedicated the Austin location as the Holland-Parks Entrepreneurship Center and opened a Home Ownership Center in Dallas; and WHEREAS, Business and Community Lenders of Texas celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010; it has demonstrated extraordinary success over the last two decades; the organization has created 4,418 jobs and provided 14,185 hours of free business consultations to entrepreneurs; it has helped 4,621 families to achieve homeownership and has invested more than $2 million in income-producing real estate assets; it has provided more than $10 million in lending capital to help local businesses expand and has facilitated $54 million in mortgages to first-time homebuyers and almost $300 million for business expansions; the nonprofit organization's net worth has grown from $1,000 to $7.5 million; and WHEREAS, Members of the organization include lenders, chambers of commerce, elected officials, and civic leaders who share their expertise with those who are in need; over the last two decades, this outstanding organization has diversified its products and services to meet the market demand, and it has contributed significantly to economic and community development efforts across the state; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend the members of Business and Community Lenders of Texas and recognize April 7, 2011, as BCL of Texas Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 7, 2011.