The Governor’s Business Council (GBC) was created in 1994 as a non-partisan 501c(6) non-profit corporation. The GBC was designed to assist the Governor of Texas with economic development by:

• providing advice, research and counsel in the development and implementation of laws, regulations and programs to improve the business climate in Texas;
• providing advice and counsel with respect to the elimination and modification of statutory and regulatory impediments to economic development in Texas; and
• actively participating in many of the Governor’s economic development outreach efforts.

Throughout the administration of Governor George W. Bush, the GBC actively supported the Governor’s public education initiatives, including advice and counsel in the development and implementation of the Governor’s reading initiative and the Charter School Resource Center. Additional resources were directed toward the study of a public school accountability system, use of advanced placement courses, elimination of social promotion and the increased use of technology in our State’s public schools.

The Governor’s Business Council continues to work for a better Texas. Governor Rick Perry has been successful in promoting a positive agenda that is beneficial to all Texans. The Governor continues to focus on moving Texas forward by creating greater economic opportunities for its citizens. The GBC actively supports Governor Perry’s economic development initiatives with task forces for public and higher education, transportation, and economic development.

There are approximately 100 members of the GBC at any one time. To qualify for membership, a person must be the Chief Executive Officer, President, Managing Director of the Board of Directors, or the top executive in the state for his or her employer. Membership is comprised of leaders of small, medium, and large corporations, of both for-profit and non-profit status. The Executive Committee of the GBC is responsible for membership criteria.

Presently, Bartell Zachry, Chairman of Zachry Group, Inc., serves as Chairman of the Governor’s Business Council. Erle Nye, Chairman and President of EN Consulting, Inc. in Dallas, and Michael S. Stevens, Chairman & CEO of Michael Stevens Interests in Houston, serve as Vice Chairmen.