TYLER, Texas – Gov. Rick Perry recently hosted a Small Business Summit here to help area small business owners gain tools for future success and opportunities for immediate growth. The Dec. 6 Summit focused on a number of areas including workforce recruitment and development, saving money with tax credits, managing business growth, and health savings accounts. The $250 million East Texas Professional Credit Union, along with several other lenders, were also present to discuss financing options. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Texas economy,” Perry said. “If Texas is to remain a place where jobs and opportunity are abundant, where the American Dream is within reach for every family, .and where government priorities are funded by a growing economy instead of a growing tax burden then one of our greatest goals must be to help small employers succeed today.” Summit participants also had the opportunity to meet with state agency procurement officers in order to learn about and bid on state contracts. “Our goal at this summit is to provide opportunities for growth today. That is why we have 20 state agencies present that want to create immediate as well as long-term opportunity for East Texas small businesses,” Perry said. “Whether it is for printing, construction, technical support or a wide variety of other opportunities, these state contracts represent millions of new dollars flowing through the local economy and the catalyst that can help small businesses create new jobs and reach a new level of success.” Perry also announced that ConocoPhillips had donated an additional $1 million to the Texas Disaster Relief Fund to help Texans rebuild their homes, businesses and communities. The fund was established in September to aid communities and families recovering from the recent hurricanes and will provide a grant of up to $2,750 to families in need to cover basic necessities, including repairs to homes and vehicles, medical care and furnishings.