SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 696
	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.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate