H-E-B Houston Black Expo Officials Announce New Programming and Entertainment Lineup to bring $1.5 Million to Houston

H-E-B Houston Black Expo Officials Announce New Programming and Entertainment Lineup to bring $1.5 Million to Houston

Musiq Soulchild and Minister of Music Cedric Ford headline Expo 2007 concerts

HOUSTON, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4th annual H-E-B Houston Black Expo (Expo 2007), the largest African-American tradeshow in Texas, is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20, 2007. Beginning at noon each day, Expo 2007 occurs at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas.

"A Taste of Black Houston," Expo 2007's kick-off reception and tasting, is scheduled for 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 18, at Cafe 4212 located at 4212 Almeda Blvd. This ticketed event is open to the public and includes live music and cuisine by Ral's Fine Catering & Bistro, Fat Daddy's Restaurant, the Breakfast Klub, Bennie Ferrell Caterers, Frenchy's Chicken, and CRAVE Gourmet Bakery & Catering.

Expo 2007 is an annual celebration of African-American culture showcasing black achievements in business, art, history and economics. Annually, it attracts more than 20,000 attendees from throughout the United States and contributes $1.5 million to the Houston economy.

Officials have announced 38 items of programming as rich and wide-ranging as the people it represents. This year's expo takes a broader focus on business development with topics on Internet marketing and professional speaking, as well as a youth-oriented session called "Handle Ya Business Youth Summit," which includes money management and entrepreneurialism. Home buying and cooking demonstrations are additional facets of the event.

Performance continues as a highlight of the expo. Featured headliners are R&B sensation Musiq Soulchild and Minister of Music Cedric Ford. Several dramatic interpretations bring historical perspectives to life.

The tradeshow floor comprises more than 250 vendors showcasing products and services ranging from financial services and college degree programs to fashion and home furnishings. Special vendor discounts and giveaways will occur during "Power Shopping Hours" from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

"Our goal with the increased programming and reach is to grow the H-E-B Houston Black Expo exponentially," said Jerome Love, president and CEO of the Texas Black Expo. "We want to foster business growth, educate and expose youths to entrepreneurship and empower communities across the state of Texas. Expo is just one of the many year-round programs we will offer."

H-E-B Houston Black Expo tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and may be purchased at the door or online. Admission to "A Taste of Black Houston" is $75.

Major underwriters of the 2007 H-E-B Houston Black Expo include H-E-B, Washington Mutual Bank, Shell, Nationwide, Frenchy's Chicken, and Anheuser- Busch.

About Houston Black Expo:

The Houston Black Expo is the flagship event of the Texas Black Expo. Expo was founded in 2002 with a vision of connecting businesses in the Greater Houston area to the communities that they serve. It serves well over 20,000 guests annually and showcases more than 250 businesses to the Greater Houston Area. For more information, visit www.houstonblackexpo.com or call (832) 200- 0540.

Media Contact:
Margo Williams Handy, MWH Public Relations
(281) 213-9554, (832) 492-2407 or margo@mwhpublicrelations.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Houston Black Expo

CONTACT: Margo Williams Handy of MWH Public Relations, +1-281-213-9554,
+1-832-492-2407, or margo@mwhpublicrelations.com

Web site:

http://www.houstonblackexpo.com/

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