Governor Greg Abbott has confirmed the reappointment of three experienced business leaders to the Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force, ensuring continuity and expert guidance for the Texas small business community. Eduardo Contreras, Lisa Fullerton, and Omar Veliz will continue to serve on the task force until June 14, 2027, offering their insights on how to bolster the sector pivotal to the state's robust economy. According to an official announcement, their collective expertise spans IT security, food franchise management, and construction, marking a diverse panel fit for tackling the multifaceted challenges small businesses face.
Renowned in the tech industry, Eduardo Contreras brings two decades of experience to the table as the CEO of ALCON DTS, deeply involved in IT security, software, and telecommunications. Contreras, actively participating in various industry groups, brings a wealth of knowledge and networking prowess, notably holding positions within the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Leadership Council, Texas European Chamber of Commerce, and the ASCII Group. Serving on the task force, Contreras is poised to link the state's small businesses to both domestic and international markets.
On the culinary front, Lisa Fullerton's entrepreneurship within the franchise sector has seen her steering multiple Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon outlets in San Antonio through A Novel Idea, LLC since 2000. Fullerton's business acumen is complemented by her educational background, having earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas State University. Her roles extend beyond the food industry, with her involvement as a director for NFIB and serving on boards that include the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County Donor Advisory Board.
Omar Veliz rounds out the trio with his civil engineering and construction management perspective. As president of Veliz Construction, he has galvanized the sector in El Paso and beyond. Despite Veliz's former chairmanship of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board and his prior advisory role for The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Construction Management Program having ended, his impact endures within the industry. He contributes to the task force with his combined engineering and business education, placing a solid foundation under the feet of small business owners grappling with construction challenges.
The collective reappointment of these individuals by Governor Abbott not only underscores the state's consistent approach to improving the small business landscape but also reinforces the spirit of collaboration and dedication these leaders bring to the table. Their aligned goal is to provide valuable advice and information to both the decision-makers and the public, establishing a blueprint for other states to mimic in supporting the backbone of their economies – the small businesses.
