Economic Alliance Houston Port Region - 2017 Q4 Newsletter: Quality of Life Edition

LIFE

FOURTH QUARTER 2017

Quality of

In This Issue: Mini Murals Project ............................................ 06 Coastal Spine Washington D.C. Trip with ACC .............................................08 2018 Gulf Coast Industry Forum Recap .............................................10 Looking Back at GCIF .............................................21

President’s Letter • Members in Motion • Task Force Updates

www.allianceportregion.com

QUALITY OF LIFE A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

The Quality of Life mission of the Economic Alliance is to enhance our region’s marketable image and quality of place, including assets marketed to attract both tourists and business relocation and expansion.

Since the establishment of the San Jacinto Texas Historic District, the Economic Alliance has lead efforts to bring forward public art projects, welcoming gateways, roadway beautification that creates a sense of place and branding through a state license plate. Ultimately, setting a standard for the Houston Port region as a great place to live, work and play.

MINI MURALS

ROADWAY BEAUTIFICATION

SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE

CITY GATEWAYS

SUPPORT OF BATTLESHIP TEXAS

EPIC TANK ART

SAN JACINTO MONUMNET

GET INVOLVED WITH QUALITY OF LIFE TODAY! To learn more contact Marisela Contreras

marisela@allianceportregion.com (281) 476-9176 ext. 5

IN THIS ISSUE

Mini Mural Project

PRESIDENT’S LETTER ............................. 05 TASK FORCE UPDATES ........................ 12 ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION .......................................... 14 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ....................... 16 MEMBERS IN MOTION ......................... 17 MEMBER LISTING ................................. 22

6 Coastal Spine D.C. Trip with ACC

8 Gulf Coast Industry Forum Recap

10

About the Economic Alliance The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, a non-profit organization created in 1985, provides professional economic development services on behalf of 16 communities surrounding the 25-mile Houston Ship Channel - home to one of the world’s most influential energy corridor and trade ports.

Since 2008, the Economic Alliance has supported over 40 successful projects that has facilitated business activities creating over 4,400 new jobs and over $6.4 billion of capital investment to the Houston Port Region.

We are proud to count among our members the following Cities, Communities, Chambers of Commerce, and other government entities: Harris County Port of Houston City of Baytown City of Deer Park City of Galena Park City of Houston City of Jacinto City City of La Porte City of Morgan’s Point City of Pasadena

City of Pearland City of Seabrook City of Shoreacres City of South Houston Community of Channelview Community of East End Community of North Shore Community of Sheldon Community of South Belt-Ellington Baytown Chamber of Commerce

Deer Park Chamber of Commerce Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce Houston East End Chamber of Commerce La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce South Houston Chamber of Commerce

President’s Letter It’s been said that the best thing for quality of life is a JOB. I certainly agree that that is where quality of life begins. That’s at the very heart of why we fight for the projects, capital investment and jobs in this region at the Economic Alliance. A great job and career that allows a person to provide for their family, buy a house and live the American Dream.

Economic Development also provides the capital investment that hits the local tax rolls of the cities, county, schools and colleges in the form of property taxes. While nobody jumps for joy at the thought of taxes, property taxes are the primary way we fund the institutions that bolster quality of life. Our cities provide us protection from fire and crime, infrastructure to support homes and transportation, as well as amenities like parks, sports complexes, theaters and libraries. I know for me personally, growing up in a town that valued its youth and provided wonderful fields to play on, created for me a sense of home and pride of community. Frequently, people overlook the connection between a thriving economy that provides jobs and the direct link and ability of our cities, schools and colleges to provide the opportunities to grow and realize the opportunities for ourselves and our children.

At the Economic Alliance, we have what I describe as two sides to our “house”. We have the 12 cities, County and Port Authority on the “public” side and the 200+ member companies on the private side who do business in the region. Some might think those two “sides” would often be at odds with each other, but I see them as a perfect working system that provides both careers and the communities to take hold of that American dream we talk about.

Without business and industry, the jobs dwindle, and without cities, communities, schools, colleges, libraries and parks, we can’t fully enjoy life’s opportunities.

In short, we need to fight for jobs and capital investment that keep this region’s economy growing, and also fight just as hard for the communities that provide homes and the quality of life that everyone seeks.

God bless,

203 Ivy Avenue, Suite 200 Deer Park, TX 77536 (281) 476-9176

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BOARD Chairman, Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College Immediate Past Chairman, Karen Gregory, CenterPoint Energy Treasurer, Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates Secretary, Roger Blackburn, Wood Vice Chair, Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Vice Chair, Glenn Royal, The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch Vice Chair, Barry Klein, Shell Deer Park Advisory, Mayor Tom Reid, City of Pearland

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Randy Boeding, Setech Consulting Solutions Melissa Botkin, Galena Park ISD and City of Seabrook Teri Crawford, San Jacinto College Patti Jett, City of Baytown Susan Smedley, Lee College Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STAFF Chad Burke, President/CEO Fred Welch, Vice President, Economic Development Bridget Yeary, Financial & Administrative Manager Dana Ramirez, Event & Member Services Coordinator Marisela Contreras, Marketing & Communication Coordinator Kaitlyn Conner, Special Projects Coordinator Denise Smesny, Dream It. Do It. Southeast Texas, Program Manager

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Kaitlyn Conner, Special Projects Coordinator, Economic Alliance

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS marisela@allianceportregion.com

SPONSORSHIP SUBMISSIONS marisela@allianceportregion.com

Chad Burke President/CEO, Economic Alliance

To read an issue online, go to the bottom of our Homepage: www.allianceportregion.com

5

MINI MURAL PROJECT

On behalf of the San Jacinto Texas Historic District, we are happy to announce that the first mini-murals completed through our new matching grant program have been installed in the City of Seabrook!

The mini-murals, titled “A Historic Seabrook Love Story” by artist Shelbi Nicole, were placed on two of the city’s skateboarding ramps – located in Meador Park – during Celebration Seabrook on Saturday, November 11.

“We are so excited to see the first mini-murals funded through the San Jacinto Texas Historic District matching grant program come alive,” said Chad Burke, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance – Houston Port Region. “The Economic Alliance Quality of Life task force initiated the mini-mural project in an effort to continue the tradition of showcasing the history of the San Jacinto Historic District through art. I think these murals are a great start to an initiative that will ideally result in new art being created and placed throughout the district.”

HOW THE PROJECT BEGAN

In the tradition of the “Epic Art” murals located along State Highway 225, the Economic Alliance Quality of Life task force has worked over the last two years to develop a new “on-the-ground” project that would qualify for co-funding through the San Jacinto Texas Historic District.

Central to this effort was the necessity for the chosen project to reflect the region’s history, be it that of the individual partner cities, or the San Jacinto Texas Historic District as a whole.

As such, in December 2016, the Quality of Life task force presented the concept of co-funded mini-murals to the SJTHD Board, basing their presentation off of research conducted with the City of Houston, the City of Tyler and muralist cooperatives.

With a green light from the board, the task force developed a funding application for potential partners and began reaching out to cities within the district to make them aware of the opportunity.

HOW IT WORKS

As stated in the funding application, all mini-mural projects must in some way reflect the specifics city history or heritage, and/or that of the San Jacinto Texas Historic District.

Successful applicants may receive up to $5,000 in matching funds from the San Jacinto Texas Historic District for mini-mural projects to be completed within three years.

Applicants are required to submit conceptual designs and/or information as part of their application, as well as bids from local artists, muralists, etc.

HOW IT WORKS

As stated in the funding application, all mini-mural projects must in some way reflect the specifics city history or heritage, and/or that of the San Jacinto Texas Historic District.

Successful applicants may receive up to $5,000 in matching funds from the San Jacinto Texas Historic District for mini-mural projects to be completed within three years.

Applicants are required to submit conceptual designs and/or information as part of their application, as well as bids from local artists, muralists, etc.

FIRST MURALS INSTALLED IN SEABROOK

After the application was made available to cities within the San Jacinto Texas Historic District footprint, the City of Seabrook – where public art is already part of the city’s identity - was the first to step on board.

“There is something about unique art pieces in a community that makes you want to get out and look at them - people love art and taking pictures with art,” Seabrook City Manager Gayle Cook said. “This concept is proven over and over again with our wonderful Pelican Project, and now we are excited to add such a one of a kind mural at the skate park. This new mural will not only be a great selfie stop but an educational stop on the history of Seabrook.”

LeaAnn Dearman, Director of Communication for the City of Seabrook and a member of the Quality of Life task force, took the idea a step further and proposed installing the murals live during the annual Celebration Seabrook event on November 11.

“When approached about the mural project, I automatically knew that our Celebration Seabrook event would be the perfect opportunity to not only have a mural painted in Seabrook, but to also have one painted live at the event,” Dearman said. “Celebration Seabrook is an event that celebrates everything Seabrook and our community prides itself on promoting and celebrating the arts.

“Shelbi Nicole came up with the perfect design that represented historic Seabrook and now this beautiful mural is located at one of our most popular parks for all to see.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

Are you interested in placing mini-murals in your city?

Contact Economic Alliance Marketing & Communications Coordinator Marisela Contreras at 281-476-9176, or Quality of Life task force chair Kristin Edwards at 281-709-8658 to learn more.

7

Coastal Spine Washington D.C. Trip with the American Chemistry Council November 1 -2, 2017

Our Message Nationalize the issue of storm surge protection for the Southeast Texas coast by showing the region’s significance to the nation’s economy, energy, defense and port related transportation.

Our Strategy Cabinet level meetings with DOC, DOE, DOT and DOD, as well as VP staff, Corps of Engineers and key Senators to create an interagency working group to champion the project; led by Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, Senator Cornyn and Vice President Pence.

What’s our ask?

• Approve and fully fund the $12-$15 billion project • Expedite the Corps Process to dual track engineering, construction and permitting in the same way that the New Orleans project was done post Katrina

What comes next?

• Follow up with Secretary Perry, Senator Cornyn and Vice President’s staff to encourage setting up inter-agency working group to push for approval, funding and expedition of the Corps process on this project • Letters and calls from ACC, TCC, EHCMA and the Economic Alliance to follow

Who did we meet with?

Wednesday, November 1st • American Chemistry Council - at their HQ, prep for coalition meetings • Department of Commerce - Henry Childs, Advisor, Economic Development Administration • Department of Transportation - Jeff Rosen, Deputy Secretary, and Chris Mitton, Government Affairs Officer, Anthony Bedell, Dep Asst. Secretary Intergovernmental Affairs • Army Corps of Engineers - Kathleen Williams, Deputy Chief, Southwestern Division, and Edward Belk, Chief, Programs Integration Division at ACOE • Department of Energy - Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette, and Alexa Turner, Special Advisor, Office of Deputy Secretary, Doug Little, Dep Asst. Sec. for Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Bryan Kellogg, Advisor for Intergovernmental and External Affairs • Dinner with Congressmen: Weber, Olson, Babin, and Culberson

Thursday, November 2nd • Office of Management and Budget - Lexi Marten, Office of Management and Budget • Senator John Barrasso, WY - Chairman Senate Environmental Cmt - Dan Kunsman, Chief of Staff • Senator James Inhofe, OK - Senate Armed Service Cmt - Chief of Staff Luke Holland • Senator John Cornyn, TX - Senate Committee on Finance • Office of Vice President - DJ Gibbins, Special Assistant to the President for Infrastructure Policy and Francis Brooke, Special Assistant to the VP for Domestic Policy, Stephen Pinkos, Staff Sec to VP and Dep Dir of Domestic Policy

Attendees

The Honorable Cal Dooley - President & CEO, American Chemistry Council Bryan Zumwalt - Vice President, Federal Affairs, American Chemistry Council The Honorable Larry Taylor - Senator, The State of Texas Hector Rivero - President, Texas Chemistry Council Chad Burke - President & CEO, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region The Honorable Michel Bechtel - Mayor of City of Morgan’s Point David Robinson - City Council Member At Large, City of Houston Dave Martin - City Council Member District E, City of Houston Bob Mitchell - President, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Colonel Len Waterworth - Executive Professor, Texas A&M University Galveston Stephanie Pizzoferrato - U.S. Government Affairs, Covestro LLC Kristin Whitman - Senior Advisor, Government Relations, Shell Oil Company March Havican - Chief Storytelling Officer, Space City Films

9

2018 RECAP Over 1,000 Attendees Over 120 Tables 40 Booths Keynote Speakers included: U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry U.S. Senator Ted Cruz Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton Chairman Janiece Longoria - Port Houston SVP Petrochemicals Heather Remley - BASF CEO Jim Bowen - First Trust Portfolios

Other Speakers included:

U.S. Congressman Randy Weber U.S. Congressman Pete Olson ACC President Cal Dooley

As well as, representation from:

TXDoT, LyondellBasell, Texas Chemistry Council, EHCMA, Covestro, R.K. Johns, Bahri Logistics, I.H.S., and many others

11

TASK FORCE UPDATES Economic Development Task Force Expansions within the chemical industry continue to focus on low cost production methods to produce ethylene and polyethylene from natural gas feedstocks. To that end LyondellBasell has commenced construction of a new High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plant at its LaPorte facility. The plant will have an annual capacity of 1.1 billion pounds (500,000 metric tons) and will be the first commercial plant to employ LyondellBasell’s new proprietary Hyperzone PE technology. The project is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction and as many as 75 permanent positions. Start-up is planned for 2019. The plant hosted the economic development task force for its October meeting and gave a high-level overview of this innovative process. Site team leader Chris Cain and is team have the formidable task of bringing all of this on line in the next 18 months.

The Economic Development Task Force meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month (except December). The group will meet at member businesses within the Economic Alliance Service area when possible or at the Economic Alliance Board Room.

Check our the calendar of events on our web site for date and location of the next meeting. If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact Fred Welch by email at fred@allianceportregion.com to be included in the mailing.

Transportation Task Force Partnering with TXDoT, the Economic Alliance supported the USDOT INFRA Grant SH 225/BW 8 Interchange project by writing a letter for the application. This grant will fund the eight direct connectors of the new intersection in conjunction with the building of the new BW 8 Ship Channel Bridge. The Economic Alliance also mobilized the committee and secured letters of support from East Harris County Manufacturers Association, 10 cities, the Port Houston, Harris County and TAG. This project is #9 of 27 on our regional priorities list.

Public Policy Task Force In an effort to support one of the region’s key initiatives, the Economic Alliance invited American Chemistry Council President to speak at the 2017 Gulf Coast Industry Forum. At the Forum, the Honorable Cal Dooley had the opportunity to see and hear first hand the efforts to protect the Houston Ship Channel from hurricane surge damage. As a result, ACC developed and led a delegation to Washington DC to educate key departments and legislators on the Coastal Spine project.

Workforce Development Task Force Chaired by Dr. Allatia Harris, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, this committee met on October 19th at 3:00 in the Economic Development Board Room at 203 Ivy Avenue. Featured speaker for this event was the Senior Regional Economist of Workforce Solutions, Parker Harvey. A graduate of the University of Texas, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Mr. Harvey is responsible for planning and conducting labor market/economic studies and analyses, including collecting data and writing reports, in support of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and its operating affiliate, Workforce Solutions. In addition, he represents the Workforce Board and Workforce Solutions in public, providing information to and communicating with the media and business and community groups about the region’s labor market and employment trends.

The first meeting for 2018 will be held at 3:00 on January 18th in the Board Room of the Economic Alliance offices in Deer Park.

Quality of Life Task Force The Quality of Life task force is excited to share that the first mini-murals completed through our new matching grant program have been installed in the City of Seabrook! We are so excited to see the first mini-murals funded through the San Jacinto Texas Historic District matching grant program come alive.

Here’s how it works: Cities interested in installing mini-murals complete the application, describing the mini-murals they wish to create. With verification from the San Jacinto Texas Historic District that the design reflects either the city’s history or SJTHD history, the applicant will receive up to $5,000 in matching funds to be utilized within three years.

If you are interested in the mini-murals project but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help! Contact Economic Alliance Marketing & Communications Coordinator Marisela Contreras at 281-476-9176, or Quality of Life Task Force Chair Kristin Edwards at 281-709-8658 to learn more. We are currently conducting one-on-one meetings with interested partners to answer questions and provide examples from other Texas cities.

The Quality of Life Task Force is scheduled to meet on Monday, February 26th at 3:00 p.m. for their first 2018 meeting.

Business Growth Task Force The Business Growth Task Force committee is Chaired by City of Seabrook Councilman Natalie Picha, Vice President with The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch, meets the first Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m.

Our member spotlight has been implemented during the monthly meeting to highlight what their organization does and any projects coming up the pipeline. This past quarter The Stewart Organization and The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch have been highlighted.

On October 12, 2017 at the Pasadena Convention Center, the Business Growth Committee and BIC Alliance hosted the Biannual Industrial Procurement Forum with over 200 registered guests and 13 exhibitors. Our Procurement Manager Panelist consisted of Margaret Martin, INEOS Styrolution, Patricia Monteiro of Lubrizol, Tim Dill of DOW Chemical, Brian Hall of Shell Oil Company, and Keynote Speaker Tony Chovanec from Enterprise Products. Members could network with other procurement businesses and acquire contacts for future business.

In February 2018 the committee will host the Business Education Lunch featuring a topic on Cyber Security.

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Task Force The 2018 Gulf Coast Industry Forum was a huge success.

Coming in with the largest record of attendees, the Gulf Coast Industy Forum accumulated over 1,000, over 110 tables, and 40 exhibiting booths.

Keynote Speakers included: U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton, Chairman Janiece Longoria - Port Houston, SVP Petrochemicals Heather Remley - BASF, CEO Jim Bowen - First Trust Portfolios. Other Speakers included: U.S. Congressman Randy Weber, U.S. Congressman Pete Olson, ACC President Cal Dooley. As well as, representation from: TXDoT, LyondellBasell, Texas Chemistry Council, EHCMA, Covestro, R.K. Johns, Bahri Logistics, I.H.S., and many others.

The Gulf Coast Industry Forum Task Force is scheduled to meet Tuesday, January 16th at 3:00 p.m. for their first 2018 meeting.

13

ECONOMIC ALLIA Dream It. Do It. Youth Expo

Economic Alliance Tours LyondellBasell Facility

Fred Welch, VP of Economic Alliance, recieves TEDC Award

Economic Alliance VP for Economic Development Fred Welch received a special award from the Texas Economic Development Council during its annual meeting in Houston October 18-20 for his year as chairman of the organization.

Fred has been involved in the organization since beginning his career in economic development over 24 years ago. TEDC is the statewide organization for economic development practitioners with a membership of over 800. The TEDC provides training and support to communities across the state and advocates on behalf of the industry during legislative session on important matters in tax policy, state and local incentives and infrastructure needed to support the continued growth of the Texas economy.

Economic Alliance Staff Christmas Dinner

On October 25th the Economic Development Task Force met at LyondellBasell in La Porte and allowed plant leadership to explain the new hyperzone project and the construction on site. This new technology will make LyondellBasell a world leader in the production of High Density Propylene (HDPE) The plant will have an annual capacity of 1.1 billion pounds (500,000 metric tons) and will be the first commercial plant to employ LyondellBasell’ s new proprietary Hyperzone PE technology. The project is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction and as many as 75 permanent positions. Start-up is planned for 2019.

The meeting was attended by 26 area allies and businesses.

Women’s Global Leadership Conference Economic Alliance Special Projects Coordinator, Kaitlyn Conner, attended the Woman’s Global Leadership Conference in Houston this past November. This conference provided an inside look at the global LNG market as well as a woman’s perspective of growth in the industry.

ANCE in MOTION PetroChem Works Golf Tournament

Economic Alliance Gives Back

Workforce Development Coordinator, Denise Smesny, and Special Projects Coordinator, Kaitlyn Conner volunteered at the EHCMA PetroChem Works Golf Tournament Fundraiser in October.

The PetrochemWorks™ Golf Tournament started as the EHCMA Workforce Development Golf Tournament in 2014 and has raised almost a million dollars in its history. Co-hosted by EHCMA, ABC of Greater Houston, TCC and ACIT, the 2017 tournament will took place on Friday, October 27. Read more details about this year’s tournament here.

Proceeds from past tournaments have been donated to Lee College, San Jacinto College and Houston Community College to fund scholarships and other support for craft and process technology programs. These funds will play a crucial role in enabling students to enroll in programs that provide the education and training needed to fill positions in the construction and process industries.

The tournament adopted its name from PetrochemWorks.com, an informational site connecting students and job seekers to the benefits of working in the thriving petrochemical industry, the education needed, types of jobs and much more. This rebrand reflects the need for inclusion of construction industries, maintenance, educational institutions and more, in addition to the petrochemical industry.

This Christmas season, Marketing & Marisela Contreras and Special Conner took a step outside of the community. Volunteers for placed outside JC Pennys off

Communications Coordinator, Projects Coordinator, Kaitlyn the office to give back to the Salvation Army were Fairmont in Pasadena, TX.

Economic Alliance Christmas Party & Open House

Our Workforce Development/ Dream It. Do It. Coordinator, Denise Smesny, has retired. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Denise for all of her hard work for the past 2 years. Reaching over 4,800 students in 2016 and over 12,000 students in 2017,

“Denise has left a tremendous impression on our hearts here at the Economic Alliance. We will miss you greatly and wish you the very best.”

- From your Economic Alliance Family

15

CALENDAR of EVENTS January

March

Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, January 10th 9:00am – 10:00am

Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, March 7th 9:00am - 10:00am

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee Meeting Tuesday, January 16th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Washington D.C. Public Policy Trip Monday, March 19th - Thursday, March 22nd

Workforce Development Task Force Thursday, January 18th 3:00pm – 4:00pm Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, January 23rd 3:00pm – 4:00pm Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, January 24th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee Meeting Tuesday, March 13th 3:00pm - 4:00pm Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, March 27th 3:00pm – 4:00pm Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, March 28th 3:00pm - 4:00pm

February

Economic Alliance Office Closed Good Friday Friday, March 30th

Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, February 7th 9:00am – 10:00am

April

Annual Membership Banquet @ Sylvan Beach Pavilion Thursday, February 8th 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, April 4th 9:00am - 10:00am

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 20th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee Meeting Tuesday, April 17th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Board Meeting (Executive & Board of Directors Only) Wednesday, February 21st 3:30pm - 5:00pm Meeting 5:00pm - 6:00pm Reception

Board & Membership Meeting Tuesday, April 18th 3:30pm - 5:00pm Meeting 5:00pm - 6:00pm Reception

Quality of Life Task Force Monday, February 26th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Workforce Development Task Force Thursday, April 19th 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, February 27th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, April 24th 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Business Update Luncheon Wednesday, February 28th 11:30am - 1:00pm

Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, April 25th 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, February 28th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Quality of Life Task Force Monday, April 27th 3:00pm - 4:00pm

MEMBERS in MOTION Armand Yramategui Conservation Award

Armand Bayou Nature Center presented the 2017 Armand Yramategui Conservation Award to the City of Seabrook during a November 2, 2017 luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club. The keynote address was delivered by Barry Ward of Trees for Houston.

The Kaneka Foundation was the luncheon sponsor. The “Armand” award recognizes those who make a significant impact in communicating the same environmental vision he inspired over 40 years ago. Among past winners are Lady Bird Johnson, Galveston Bay Foundation and Emmeline Dodd.

Martyn Farm Harvest Festival With a sponsorship from Shell Deer Park, Armand Bayou Nature Center presented the 37th annual Martyn Farm Harvest Festival on November 11 and 12, 2017. Hundreds of families came out to turn back the clock to year 1900 and learn from the past to improve our present and future. Almost 90 volunteers and 15 exhibitors helped festival goers learn about woodworking, blacksmithing, woodstove cooking, rope making, cane syrup cooking, weaving, quilting, carving, bee keeping, farm animals and daily chores, along with the fun of children’s games, crafts, wagon rides, contests and down home entertainment and foods. Over flow parking was located at UH Clear Lake, and shuttle buses were provided by Harris County Precinct 2.

Dow Turnarounds Employ 1,000 In October, the Dow Deer Park turnaround and capital project work employed over 1000 contractors for a period of between 3040 days. Total spending for the outages was approximately $50MM of expense and capital. There were zero recordable injuries or spills and the outages were completed on schedule! Great work from our contractors to be able to support these outages so shortly after Harvey.

ExxonMobil Recognized by City of Baytown for Assistance During Harvey

Refinery Manager Dan Helgesen shakes hands with Baytown Mayor Stephen DonCarlos after receiving the Mayor’s medal.

ExxonMobil was among several Baytown area companies and organizations formally recognized for their assistance and support to the City of Baytown in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Mayor Stephen DonCarlos presented a Mayor’s Medal to Baytown Refinery Manager Dan Helgesen during the city council meeting in October at City Hall.

ExxonMobil was recognized for providing critical fuel to City first responders immediately following the storm, aided the community by donating pallets of food and cleaning supplies to residents, donated millions of dollars to Red Cross and other relief organizations and organizing an employee volunteer effort to help the community recover after the storm.

CAER Line Earlier this year, the CAER Line was upgraded to CAER Online, a more accessible, user-friendly resource available online and on your smartphone in the app store. Now, you can receive CAER Online messages right to your phone. Learn more at ehcma.org/caeronline.

More than 250 golfers and 48 tent sponsors attended the fourth annual PetrochemWorks™ Golf Tournament on October 27. The tournament raised $375,000, which will be donated to San Jacinto College, Lee College and Houston Community College for the fourth consecutive year. Learn more here.

Shell FCU Wins “Top Workplace” for the 7th Time in a Row For the seventh time, Shell Federal Credit Union has made the Houston Chronicle’s list of Top Workplaces in Houston. Shell FCU snagged the number two spot in midsize organizations. The Top Workplace awards recognize outstanding Houston-area businesses based on employee surveys. Companies are measured on several qualities by their employees such as opportunities for advancement, the value of their pay, benefits, and their bosses’ communication and management skills.

17

MEMBERS in Great Western Valve Expansion

Great Western Valve, Inc. is pleased to announce the opening of its operations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The company is already working in the area and the new service center will be fully operational in early December. The Oklahoma City service center will be equipped with high-hook overhead rail cranes, a Section IX certified weld shop, full machining capabilities, assembly, VR, electric actuation, final testing cells and a paint booth. The location will be fully equipped to handle all repair, remanufacturing, and field services for control, pipeline, and relief valves as well as electric actuators, instruments and positioners.

The service center is located at: 2601 S. Vermont Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK. 73108 405-602-6622

LyondellBasellConstruction of First Commercial Hyperzone Polyethylene Plant LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies, announced today the arrival of its Hyperzone polyethylene (PE) plant’s multi-zone circulating reactor, a significant milestone in the project’s construction phase.

The company broke ground on the plant in May, and start up is planned for 2019. Hyperzone technology will address modern solutions in plastics, and the plant is part of the company’s multibillion dollar series of investments along the U.S. Gulf Coast to continue expanding and enhancing service globally.

The Hyperzone plant will produce 1.1 billion pounds-per-year of high density polyethylene. Hyperzone PE will create up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction and 75 permanent positions. As modeled

by Impact Data Source, the approximately $700 million project is expected to generate more than $67 million in tax benefits for the state, county, school district, community college and other local taxing districts over a 10-year period following construction.

GCA Facilities Receive Prestigious NACWA Award

At its July 25, 2017 meeting, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized five GCA facilities earning a combination of Platinum and Silver Peak Performance Awards for consistently outstanding work. The Platinum-6 Award represents 6 consecutive years of 100% compliance, and Silver Awards celebrate facilities for having no more than five violations within a calendar year.

GCA’s 40-Acre Facility was awarded a Platinum6 Peak Performance Award in recognition of six years of complete and consistent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit compliance.

GCA’s Bayport, Odessa South, Washburn Tunnel, and Blackhawk Facilities were all awarded a Silver Peak Performance Awards in recognition of their collective consistent permit compliance during the calendar year 2016.

This year, a total of 471 NACWA Member Agencies in Texas had a total of 72 facilities earn Peak Performance recognition. This outstanding accomplishment signifies NACWA members’ commitment to environmental protection and represents the diligence and hard work of each agency’s employees. GCA was honored to be a part of this level of excellence in environmental protection for which all NACWA members strive.

Team Services Wins National Award for Excellence in Safety Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Team Services, LLC an oil and gas marine service company announces it has been awarded a 2016 AEU Safety Award for the company’s strong commitment to safety in the workplace.

The American Equity Underwriters, Inc., the leading provider of workers’ compensation for waterfront employers, presents the AEU Safety Awards each year to its best performing members nationwide.

Eligibility for the awards is based on the frequency and severity of workers’ compensation accidents for the prior calendar year, as well as their Safety Score determined by AEU’s loss control team.

n MOTION Gulfex Holdings, LLC Expands Fabrication Area

Groundbreaking of Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology Training Center

Gulfex has expanded their fabrication shop to 8 Bays / 130,000 sq.ft. to add more space for fabrication of Pressure Vessels, Towers, Process Modules & Skids and just updated their Website w/attached new 4 min video and pictures which tells all you need to know about Gulfex’s size, experience and capabilities. http://www.gulfexlp. com/index.html

In September, San Jacinto College broke ground on the Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology. The 145,000-square-foot Center will deliver highly skilled graduates for the petrochemical manufacturing industry while inviting companies to utilize the facility for their customized workforce training. The Center is a $60 million investment that will house the College’s associate degree and certificate programs that support the petrochemical manufacturing industry. An exterior glycol distillation unit and a control room will teach process operations and develop troubleshooting skills for credit students and incumbent workers. The Center will also feature a multifunctional glass pilot lab for training process systems. Find out more about the Center at sanjac.edu/CPET.

Gulfex has been providing fabrication of Custom Pressure Vessels and Skid-Mounted Process Systems for over 51 years. They are one of the closest fabricators of their size to Houston Ship Channel and Texas City and they have earned a reputation as one of the leading high quality custom-metal fabricators in the nation. Gulfex delivers on schedule and provides a full range of engineering, design, and related metal fabrication services to the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

Ross Winkler named ABC Idol

OSIsoft Product Innovation: Adani Ports With rapid growth in traffic at Adani’s existing ports and with more ports coming online, they needed a system that could provide better visibility into the end-to-end lifecycle of goods shipped through the port, from intake to unloading to storage to distribution. Furthermore, they needed a scalable solution that could accommodate the large and rapidly growing volume of data needed to paint that picture. By implementing the PI System, a data infrastructure from OSIsoft that contextualizes real-time data, Adani was able to analyze equipment performance, utilization rates, operating costs and revenue to set performance benchmarks. The result has been reduced maintenance costs, improved productivity of individual assets and increased effective capacity. These gains have helped drive an improvement in the ports’ overall profit margin.

Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston members voted Ross Winkler ABC Idol for December. The award recognizes members who advance the message and mission of ABC and its workforce development arm, CMEF. Ross serves on the ABC Political Action and Legal Issues Committees, and helps represent ABC with elected officials at city hall, in Austin and Washington, D.C. Ross, Director of Government and Public Affairs at Winkler Public Relations, helps ABC share initiatives to build a qualified construction workforce, including programs in 62 Houston-area schools, and advocate for pro-business and free enterprise principles.

19

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER SPONSORSHIPS

Quarterly publication sponsors will recieve: - A sponsor ad in print and online versions of the publication commensurate with the level of sponsorship.

- A link to the sponsor company website from the electronic version of the publication Based on the structured space we have within our publication, there will be a limited number of sponsorships available.

Your Sponsorship will allow us to continue to broaden our reach and to maintain and improve the visual quality of the publication and written content. We have some exciting themes planned for 2018 and look forward to continuing to highlight the impressive accomplishments of our members and region.

WEBSITE SPONSORSHIPS

We are now offering quarterly Website Sponsorship opportunities, where your company logo will be placed prominently in key sections of the website. With over 50,000 page views per month on average, a Website Sponsorship is an excellent way for members to increase their brand awareness and make the most of their membership in the Economic Alliance.

Please contact Marisela Contreras at marisela@allianceportregion.com for sponsorship levels and benefits.

FREE Safety Training!

You are priceless.

Safety knowledge is free.

The Center for Workforce and Community Development (CWCD) at Lee College is proud to announce the opening of their Risk Management Institute.

Thanks to a generous donation by Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the Risk Management Institute was created to offer free seminars, workshops and safety training classes on health and safety for employers, employees, seniors and the general public. The Institute’s goal is to educate the community on how to prevent accidents, illness, explosions, and harm of people, property and the environment. And did we mention all training through the Risk Management Institute is free? Give us a call for more information or to make a suggestion about training you’d like to see offered!

281.425.6311 www.lee.edu/rmi aa/eeo

JOIN YOUR TRAINING PARTNER AND

INFLUENCE

THE NEXT GENERATION

San Jacinto College has served as a training leader for the petrochemical, energy and technology workforce in the greater Houston area for more than 40 years. Our new Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology will strengthen training in key petrochemical manufacturing areas, helping to create a more skilled workforce to benefit the local industry. Join us, and be a part of the largest petrochemical training facility along the Texas Gulf Coast with a financial gift or equipment donation.

To learn more about this state-of-the-art facility and find out how you or your organization can partner with us, visit www.sanjac.edu/CPET.

281-998-6150 An Equal Opportunity Institution

Looking Back at 2017 GCIF

Join Our Growing List Of Members Partner Members

Stakeholder*, Corporate, and Proprietorship Members Air Products Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemical LLC AL Law Group Amegy Bank American Acryl Apache Oil Company Arete Advisors Arkema Inc. Armand Bayou Nature Center Association of Bayport Companies AT&T B.J. Superior, Inc. B2BCFO Barbara Walling Bartlett Cocke Industrial Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Baytown/West Chambers Economic Development BB&T BBVA Compass Bank Beacon Federal Credit Union Belt Harris Pechacek, LLLP Bendel Tank & Heat Exchanger BGE BIC Alliance Brady Chapman Holland and Assoc.

Broadspectrum Capital Bank Of Texas Capital One Bank CAT-I Cedar Capital, LLC Cenikor Foundation Certified Safety, Inc. Channel Biorefinery & Terminals, LLC Check-6 International Chevron Phillips Collier International Comcast Comerica Bank Community Bank of Texas Core Occupational Core Trucking of Texas Corporate Memory Solutions D&C Inspection Services Dannenbaum Engineering DeLane’s Ad Specialties Denbury Resources Inc. Dianal America, Inc. Dimension Energy Services, LLC Dixie Chemical ECC Alliance Economic Incentive Services, LLC Empire Torque Tools Energy Edge Consulting Environmental Rental Services Equipment Depot Exel Logistics

* Stakeholder members in bold.

Fishbone Safety Solutions Flint Hill Resources Frost Bank Gateway Printing & Office Supply Inc. GHD Great Western Valve Greater Houston Partnership Green Bank Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition Gulf Coast Authority Gulf Winds International, Inc. Gulfex, LP H+M Industrial EPC Haldor Topsoe,Inc. Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP HDR Engineering, Inc. Houston Pilots Association Houston Yacht Club HTS, Inc. HUB International Insurance Services Hunter Buildings & Manufacturing IberiaBank IDS Engineering ILA #1351 Industrial Packaging System Innovative Alternatives, Inc. ISTC John Manlove Marketing & Communications JSC Federal Credit Union Kaneka North America LLC Kenco Bucket Trucks Kinder Morgan Knudson LP Les Ellard Insurance Agency, Inc. Liquid Capital Business Funding LJA Engineering Lubrizol Magnus & Company McDonough Engineering Corporation McKim & Creed Meador Staffing Services Mid-West Electric Co Mobil Steel International Monument Chemical Moody National Bank Mosher Seifert & Company, CPA National Property Holdings Neighborhood Centers Inc. Nissan Chemical Houston Corp Noltex, LLC OSI Soft, LLC Oxyvinyls Pfeiffer and Son,Ltd. Phelps State Farm Insurance PinnacleART PKF of Texas, P.C. Pollution Systems

Priority Power Management, LLC PV Rental, LLC Q Staff Incorporated Qualified Properties, Inc. Raba Kistner Consultants Robert Half RUS Industrial San Jacinto River and Rail SETECH SGS Galson Shafaii Party and Reception Center Inc. Shell Federal Credit Union Single Point Carrier Services Skanska USA Building Solvay Southwest Shipyards, L.P. Springhill Suites by Marriott Baytown Springhill Suites by Marriott Seabrook Star of Hope Statesman Business Advisors, LLC Stockstill & Associates Structure Tone Southwest Swagelok Southeast Texas T & T Construction, LP TC Global Commercial Real Estate TD Waterproofing Team Services LLC Terracon Consultants, Inc. Texans Citizens Bank Texas Industrial Medical Texas Lawn & Sprinkler Texas Molecular Limited Partnership Texas Southern University Texas-IBI Group Texplan Solutions The Drake Companies The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch The Stewart Organization Titan Companies Tolunay-Wong Engineers,Inc. TPC Group Trustmark National Bank Turner Contruction Co. TurnerDuran Architects University of Houston-Central University of Houston-Clear Lake vcfo Weeks Marine, Inc. Welcome Group, LLC West Gulf Maritime Association West Mermis, PLLC Winkler Public Relations Wood

203 Ivy Avenue, Suite 200 Deer Park, TX 77536 (281) 476-9176 allianceportregion.com