New Houston Sports and Convention chairman

[editor]

JUDGE EMMETT NOMINATES EDGARDO COLON

TO CHAIR SPORTS AND CONVENTION CORPORATION

Local Attorney, Community Leader Has Breadth of Experience Needed to Oversee Corporation, Emmett Says

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett announced today that he has nominated Houston lawyer and community leader Edgardo E. Colon to be chairman of the board of directors of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation.

"Edgar Colon has experience in law, banking, economics and politics, making him uniquely suited to represent county residents on the sports and convention corporation board," said Emmett. "One of Edgar's major strengths is his background in issues surrounding large construction projects."

Colon, 48, is the founder of the Colon Law Firm, which specializes in commercial law. A graduate of Boston University and the University of Houston with degrees in law, political science, finance and economics, he is a former senior counsel with the Bechtel Corporation. He has served as president and member of the Hispanic Bar Association and has served on the Board of Directors of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 1993 and was a co-founder and chair of the chamber's political action committee.. He also serves on the board of AVANCE, a social services non-profit organization.

Commissioners Court must approve Colon's nomination, which is on the court's June 3 agenda. Colon will be available to the media immediately following the court session.

If approved, Colon would replace former board chairman Michael Surface, who resigned on Dec. 21. Colon's term would run for three years and would expire on Feb. 8, 2011.

The Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation operates and develops various public facilities at Reliant Park, including the Astrodome and Reliant Stadium. The corporation is a public, not-for-profit corporation overseen by a five-member board of directors appointed by Commissioners Court.

"The Sports and Convention Corporation will soon be helping the county decide what to do about various development and transportation issues at Reliant Park, including the future of the Astrodome," Emmett said. "These are extremely important issues for Harris County, and I'm glad Edgar has agreed to serve his neighbors in such an important role."