HOUSTON, TX — (MARKET WIRE) — February 21, 2007 — After serving three years as Chair and Vice Chair of Houston Chapter of SCORE®, Thomas Pence, an expert in global trade and logistics, shifts back into the small business marketplace to take part in Houston’s dynamic growth in international trade and distribution by joining Certified Business Brokers, the largest business brokerage firm in Houston.

Increased international trade is spurring development of industrial properties in the Port of Houston areas to support operations of warehousing, containerization, and distribution hubs. In addition, many logistics and distribution companies are either relocating to Houston or are expanding their operations into the Houston market. The recently opened Bayport Terminal is recognized as the most state-of-the-art container terminal in the US and will triple Houston’s existing capacity for handling containerized cargo.

“For local small business owners in the logistics, trucking, distribution, and related industries who have been thinking about retirement, this is the ideal time to consider selling. Companies to service cargo and vessels at the Port of Houston and along the Houston Ship Channel will be in high demand for the foreseeable future and will continue to provide impetus to our city’s economic vitality,” said Rose Stabler, Managing Partner of Certified Business Brokers. “Tom Pence brings his 30 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur in global trade and logistics to our firm. His familiarity in mentoring and educating business owners and prospective buyers as a result of his tenure at SCORE® will be invaluable to our clients,” said Stabler.

“How better to promote the growth of Small Business — the engine that drives America — than as part of the team at Certified Business Brokers. I can continue to practice the SCORE® Mission by utilizing my expertise to broker the transition of business ownership in the global trade and logistics sectors,” says Tom Pence. “It is very rewarding to continue to be part of entrepreneurial expansion and growth in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area.”

The Houston Chapter of SCORE® (Service Corps of Retired Executives), as a Partner Resource of the US Small Business Administration and the City of Houston, has a Mission to help small businesses succeed under a Mantra of Educate, Counsel and Mentor. It is part of a national nonprofit association dedicated to the growth and success of the nation’s small business. SCORE® volunteers serve as counselors and are real-world professionals with time-tested knowledge who donate thousands of hours to assist in the SCORE® mission.

Mr. Pence continues his participation in SCORE as Assistant District Director of Southeast Texas and is a Dow Chemical Corporate Alumni. His business ventures have been featured in a major article in Containerization International (London) titled, “Pesos, Dollars & Pence,” September 2000. He has authored a major article in Chemical Engineering (Desk book Guide Issue), titled, “A Complete Guide to Liquids Handling Transportation.” In addition, as Director of the National American Waterways Operators in the mid-90s, Mr. Pence was quoted in numerous magazines on National Waterways Policies and often had press coverage in foreign journals.

About Certified Business Brokers (CBB)
Certified Business Brokers, established in 1974, is one of the pioneers of the business brokerage profession and is Houston’s largest business brokerage firm. They are a founding member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), the largest business brokers association in the world. In addition, they are a founding member of the Texas Association of Business Brokers (TABB), the precursor and model used to form the IBBA and other business broker associations across the country. They are specialists in Business Brokerage, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Business Valuations and Appraisals.

Contact:
Rose Stabler
Managing Partner
Certified Business Brokers
10301 NW Fwy Ste 200
Houston Texas 77092
713-680-1200