........"The Newsletter for Enterprising People"

Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Lamar University...........................................................March 2006

Houston Commissioner and Entrepreneur to Speak at LU on April 4, 2006

Cheryl Thompson-Draper is an accomplished business woman, and a consummate entrepreneur, who is deeply involved in community and charitable organizations. A native Houstonian, she is only the third woman appointed Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority. The Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is excited to have her speak to our students, faculty, and community on April 4^th, 2006.

A retired CEO, Chairman of the Board, and owner of Warren Electric Group, Ltd., which for many years was the largest woman owned and managed business in Houston; Commissioner Thompson-Draper also launched and sold many businesses throughout her life. She currently owns several businesses including: Cypress Pony Land Company - a real estate investment and property management company; T bar D Ventures Company - an executive coaching, and family business consulting company; and T bar D Ranch - an enterprise engaged in cow/calf, equine, pecan orchard, and whitetail deer hunting operations.

Along with her business interests, Commissioner Thompson-Draper is involved with a seemingly endless number of community and charitable organizations including: Theatre Under the Stars, National Association of Women-Owned Businesses, Mayor’s Summit on Women, Hugh O’Brian’s Youth Leadership, Junior Achievement, and the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. In 2002, Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed her to his Economic Development Task Force, and his Governor’s Business Council.

Over the years, she has garnered several honors and awards of distinction including: “Texan of the Year” by All Those Texans; “Women on The Move” by the Texas Executive Women; “International Executive of the Year” by the Mayor of Houston, Harris County Judge, US Chamber of Commerce, and the Port of Houston Authority; “Woman of the Century” by the Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce; “Woman of Distinction” by the YWCA of Dallas, and the City of Dallas; and “Entrepreneur of the Year” for the Houston Region by Ernst & Young.

Commissioner Thompson-Draper also received the Houston Metropolitan Study Award in recognition of her work with Theatre Under the Stars, and was selected to Ernst & Young‘s National Hall of Fame. In addition, she was the featured lady in the book: Texas Women written by Red Stegal, the Poet Laureate of Texas.

Most important to Commissioner Thompson-Draper, is her husband of 14 years, John, her three children and their spouses, as well as, her grandchildren, and mother. She gives God all the glory for the great things He has allowed her and her family to achieve.