FIRST QUARTER 2019
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
NEWSLETTER
TRANSPORTATION EDITION
Houston Port Infrastructure | Two-Way Traffic | Freight Transportation Projects
President’s Letter | Members in Motion | Task Force Updates
allianceportregion.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS PRESIDENTS LETTER 5 FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS 6 HOUSTON PORT INFRASTRUCTURE
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TASK FORCE UPDATES
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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MEMBERS IN MOTION
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ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION
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MEMBERSHIP LIST 24
SUCCESS STARTS with the RIGHT PARTNER Contact San Jacinto College today about your training needs for incumbent and new workers. We offer flexible training in a wide variety of skills. sanjac.edu | 281-998-6150 An Equal Opportunity Institution
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The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, created in 1985, provides professional economic development services for the businesses and communities surrounding the 25-mile Houston Ship Channel. Since 2008, the Economic Alliance has supported over 61 successful projects that have helped create 2,894 new jobs and over $10.1 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
City of Pearland
Deer Park Chamber of Commerce
Port Houston
City of Seabrook
Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
City of Baytown
City of Shoreacres
Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce
City of Deer Park
City of South Houston
Houston East End Chamber of Commerce
City of Galena Park
Community of Channelview
La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce
City of Houston
Community of East End
North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce
City of Jacinto City
Community of North Shore
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
City of La Porte
Community of Sheldon
Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce
City of Morgan’s Point
Community of South Belt-Ellington
South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce
City of Pasadena
Baytown Chamber of Commerce
South Houston Chamber of Commerce
Please take time to recognize our 2019 Board of Directors: Natalie Picha, The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch John Golashesky, Turner Industries Tom Brosig, BBVA Compass Captain Mark Mitchem, Houston Pilots Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College North Thomas Brinkso, BIC Alliance Chris Cain, LyondellBasell La Porte Plant Jay Bice, H+M Industrial EPC Barry McMahan, Allegiance Bank Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College - Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology Kelli Gregory, Dixie Chemical Leonard A. Bedell, Mobil Steel International, Inc. Katie Yount, McDonough Engineering Jeffrey Kuhn, Terracon Consultants, Inc. Chip Schweiger, PKF Texas
Lori Traweek, Gulf Coast Authority Chris Talley, Structure Tone Robert Armstrong, Kuraray Janet Gonzales, Amegy Bank of Texas Kristi Claypool, Meador Staffing Services Crystal Cedro, Hunter Buildings Tony Krause, Covestro Buddy Tucker, Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc. Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Nathanael Ince, PinnacleART Matthew Blunck, Enterprise Holdings Marshall Deluca, Orion Group Holdings, Inc. Randy Boeding, R. Boeding Group, LLC Charles Montgomery, International Longshoremens Association Marcelo Moacyr, BGE
Wayne Webb, Community Bank of Texas Dr. Dennis Brown, Lee College Ayshe Tayfun, Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations Brent Cockerham, Moody National Bank Darcie Durham, The Boeing Company John Grimes, LBC Tank Terminals Doug Mansfield, Mansfield Marketing Roger Gossett, Accelerated Solutions Jim Smith, Doggett Industries Amanda Accardo, Shell Deer Park
PRESIDENT’S LETTER As you’ve probably heard me say many times, the Economic Alliance’s mission is to market and grow the regional economy. We support that mission through the specific strategic initiatives of Transportation, Workforce Development, Public Policy, and Quality of Life. Among these initiatives, transportation and workforce development are a direct result of a robust and growing economy; a good problem to have, but a challenge nonethe-less. As home to the world’s largest petrochemical complex, and the nation’s #1 exporting port, the Economic Alliance must work to maintain our competitiveness in transportation and infrastructure in the Houston Port region. The current challenge is to increase capacity and debottleneck the region in order to accommodate the growth in freight goods and commuter traffic tied to population growth (which is directly due to the booming economy). The Ship Channel area has seen over $50 billion in capital projects over the last 8 years. Combined with Port of Houston trade via the Panama Canal and increased resin production, container volumes have grown from 2 million TEUs 2015 to 2.7 million TEU in 2018 and should surpass 3 million this year. The latest economic study shows that the Houston Ship Channel’s activity now accounts for 16% of the states GDP. That’s a staggeringly concentrated sum given that it takes place along a single 25-mile stretch when compared to the 268,597 square miles that make up the great state of Texas. We currently have 30 prioritized projects with both TxDOT and the County. Our Transportation Task Force is composed of regional mayors, East Harris County Manufacturers Association, Port Houston, Harris County, TxDOT, and HGAC. These stakeholders are continually working to represent this region and to gain approval and funding for these critical projects that will allow us to continue to grow and maintain our competitiveness. It’s leadership like this that makes this organization a valuable tool and champion for this region. Thanks to all who carry the ball. Respectfully,
203 Ivy Avenue, Suite 200 Deer Park, TX 77536 (281) 476-9176
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BOARD Chairman, Glenn Royal, The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch Treasurer, Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates Secretary, Roger Blackburn, Wood Vice Chair, Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Vice Chair, Karen Gregory, CenterPoint Energy Vice Chair, Jeff Garry, Dow Chemical Bob Bradshaw, INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA Advisory, Mayor Tom Reid, City of Pearland
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Randy Boeding, R. Boeding Group, LLC Teri Crawford, San Jacinto College Susan Smedley, Lee College Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Amanda Fenwick, San Jacinto College
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STAFF Chad Burke, President/CEO Fred Welch, Vice President, Economic Development Bridget Yeary, Financial & Administrative Manager Dana Ramirez, Events Coordinator Marisela Ramirez, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Kaitlyn Conner, Special Projects Coordinator Patti Bell, Workforce Development Manager
LAYOUT AND DESIGN Kaitlyn Conner, Special Projects Coordinator
EDITORIAL SUBMISSION marisela@allianceportregion.com
SPONSORSHIP SUBMISSIONS
Chad Burke President/CEO, Economic Alliance
marisela@allianceportregion.com
To read an issue online, go to the bottom of our Homepage: www.allianceportregion.com
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Houston Port Region Freight Transportation Project Overview The Economic Alliance Transportation Committee
Thirty freight related projects that have been identified and prioritized by the committee made up of Port Houston, East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA), regional mayors, TXDoT and Harris County. The goal of identifying and prioritizing these projects is to “de-bottleneck” the region and its’ ability to move goods and people more effectively. We are currently seeing two growth factors converging simultaneously; TEU’s have grown from 2 million in 2015 to 2.7 in 2018.
FEATURED ARTICLE Project Work
One critical project of note is the announced TXDoT Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study to begin on State Highway 225 in August of 2019. A PEL study looks at transportation, environmental, community, and economic goals early in the planning process. It uses the information developed during planning to inform the environmental review process. Typically, a PEL study is initiated by the state Department of Transportation and approved by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Recommendations will flow from the PEL study on how best to redevelop Hwy 225 to accommodate growth over the next 30-50 years. More good news comes from the Harris County and TXDoT agreement to fund and build the first five of eight direct connectors Hwy 225 and Beltway 8 just south of the new Beltway 8 ship channel bridge. This will allow freight and commuters to move seamlessly between the two major arteries of traffic flow. Another project that will increase capacity is the Port Road expansion that is scheduled to get underway this summer. With concurrent industry expansion projects along Port Road, traffic control and facility access will be key to coordinating what will be over 7,000 employees and contractors moving through that corridor over the next three years.
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Widening the Houston Ship Channel A Must for the Nation’s Busiest Port The Houston Ship Channel “Mega Study”
Since 2010, the Port of Houston Authority has been planning the next major improvements to the Houston Ship Channel, working in collaboration with Congress, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and channel stakeholders. The study was funded in the Corps of Engineers’ FY2014 Work Plan to examine potential navigation improvements to the Houston Ship Channel system. The feasibility study is entering its final stages and includes proposed widening, deepening, and other safety and efficiency benefits throughout the entire channel.
Critical Safety and Operational Improvements are Needed
New economic realities and rapid growth have put pressure on the Houston Ship Channel system today, and critical improvements are necessary to ensure safe two-way vessel traffic and maintain its economic benefits to the nation both today and into the future. The Houston region is the epicenter of massive energy and petrochemical manufacturing investments that are resulting in more jobs and increased exports. Additionally, the global maritime industry is experiencing growth in the size of vessels, providing greater efficiency and more cost-effective supply chains. The Houston Ship Channel is the busiest deep-draft waterway in the nation, with roughly 22,000 deep-draft vessel transits each year and more than 200,000 barge movements.
The Draft Federal Plan is Insufficient
The Army Corps of Engineers’ draft National Economic Development (NED) plan recommends improvements and widening for only a portion of the Houston Ship Channel through Galveston Bay segment, which is in the middle of the overall proposed project. The Port of Houston Authority, Houston Pilots, and private industry have indicated that a partial widening in that area, as proposed, will create a bottleneck that compromises safety and efficiency throughout the entire system. As a result, the draft NED plan would authorize a project that would be both obsolete and operationally ineffective even before it is funded.
The Solution
The Port of Houston Authority has requested the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, R.D. James, to grant a categorical exemption to policy to include widening the entire length of the Houston Ship Channel’s Galveston Bay reach in the draft NED plan. Generating support for this request was priority one on the Economic Alliance’s Federal Advocacy Trip, April 1-4.
FEATURED ARTICLE The Houston Ship Channel’s National Impact
• This waterway supports 200-plus industrial facilities that comprise the Port of Houston, the nation’s number one export region, the leading port for foreign commerce and the top U.S. energy port. • The Port of Houston is home to the largest petrochemical manufacturing complex in the nation. • National energy security relies on the Port of Houston, where 27% of U.S. gasoline and 60% of aviation fuel is produced. • This activity sustains nearly 3 million U.S. jobs, generates more than $617 billion in economic impact, and provides $35 billion in tax revenue each year.
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TASK FORCE UPDATES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Patti Bell, Economic Alliance Workforce Development Manager welcomed participants to the February 21 meeting at 3:00 P.M. in the SBDC Board Room at the Economic Alliance located at 203 Ivy Avenue, Deer Park, Texas. Our focus for this meeting was Maritime and we had representatives from industry, community college, and high school speak about their programs. Gordie Keenan, VP, Training, Kirby Inland Marine, with 40 years in the industry, spoke to us about opportunities for careers in maritime in both brown water and blue water. He discussed the good pay and benefits and training needed for various levels of advancement. Mr. Keenan shared a wealth of very helpful information to our group. Our community college representative was John Stauffer, Associate Vice Chancellor, Maritime Technology & Training Center, San Jacinto College. Mr. Stauffer is a 22 year Army Mariner. He announced that San Jacinto College’s Maritime program was named the prestigious 2019 Bellwether Award recipient. He highlighted the 2 year associates degree, USCG certificates and internships offered at the college located in La Porte. Cecil Gray, from Pasadena Lewis Career and Technical High School Maritime Program reviewed the curriculum in place at the high school. Students focus on the maritime transportation system such as blue water/brown water, vessel identification and terminology. A week long field trip with Carnival Cruise lines culminates the program where students shadowed the staff to learn the many aspects of what is required of a maritime crew. All meetings for 2019 will be held at 3:00 P.M. in the SBDC Board Room at the Economic Alliance located at 203 Ivy Avenue, Deer Park. Anyone interested is invited to attend. The meetings are scheduled for April 25, June 20, August 15, and October 17. If you would like to be notified of meetings in the future, please email Patti Bell at patti@allianceportregion.com to get added to our list.
DREAM IT. DO IT. UPDATE Dream It. Do It. began 2019 strong with 32 presentations and over 3800 contacts with students, parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators in January, February, and March. During this first quarter we’ve spoken in the following school districts: Alief, Alvin, Beaumont, Clear Creek, Cypress Fairbanks, Deer Park, Fort Bend, Goose Creek, Houston, Klein, Lamar, Pasadena, and Spring as well as 22 school districts and nine community colleges at the Women in Industry event. We had 30 volunteers representing 18 companies attend 32 events since January 1st! Thank you to all who have helped share their personal experiences to future employees. We are always looking for volunteers to come to events and speak about their jobs in the petrochemical, maritime, logistics, construction, and transportation industries. If you would like to help, please email Patti at patti@allianceportregion.com
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Our January meeting was structured around a report out on 2018 projects announced through The Alliance and a review of the plan of work for 2019. In February Brad Klussman with Bayport Polymers gave an outstanding presentation on the Bayport Polymer expansion on Port Road. The group learned about the process involved to create high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the process being utilized by joint venture partner Borealis in production of this product. When complete in early 2021 the plant will produce 625,000 tons of the new product. In March the task force was hosted by Methodist Hospital Baytown for a tour of their newly constructed occupational health clinic. The newly constructed facility serves industry across the region with physical therapy for injured workers, pre-employment health screening and a variety of individual patient services conveniently set in one location for the convenience of their clients and individual patients. The April meeting will be held at Port Houston and will provide an update on activities in and around the port terminals and an update on efforts to increase vessel capacity along the Houston Ship Channel through widening and deepening of parts of the channel. The Economic Development Task Force meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM.
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TASK FORCE UPDATES QUALITY OF LIFE TASK FORCE The Quality of Life task force is working on several ways to promote not only our own initiatives, but also the attractions throughout our footprint! Following the cancellation of the San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment, the task force members got creative and decided to utilize rack cards printed for the event as a way to cement new relationships with surrounding Chambers of Commerce and hotel partners! Task force leadership and City partners will be making stops to these locations in the coming weeks to not only provide updated information on the “Big Energy” exhibit and the San Jacinto Texas Historic District license plate program, but also to update contacts and hopefully bring new members into the group! We’re also making changes to the Historic District website, creating a page with links to all of our partners’ tourism brochures. We hope this page can be utilized not only by potential visitors, but also by partner organizations in and around Houston to promote quality of life within our footprint! Finally, the Quality of Life task force would like to relay its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by the Intercontinental Terminals Company fire and response. In addition to our industry partners, we know the Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Monument were affected throughout the response, and we are ready to support their efforts to market and bring visitors back once the sites are reopened to the public. As always, reach out to Kristin Callahan or Marisela Ramirez with questions, inquiries about our mini-mural/ beautification programs or possible members! Our next meeting is scheduled for May 20th at 3:00pm.
GULF COAST INDUSTRY FORUM TASK FORCE The 2019 10th Annual Gulf Coast Industry Forum is scheduled for September 18th & 19th and will once again be held at the Pasadena Convention Center. The committee is hard at work on all aspects of the conference including logistics, attendee interaction, vendor selection and speaker confirmations. To date, confirmed Panels include Refining, Chemicals, Workforce Development, Transportation and Federal Policies. Just a few of the already confirmed speakers include Port Houston Chairman Ric Campo, Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton, Panama Canal Vice President for Transit Business, Ilya Espino de Marotta, and American Chemistry Council President Cal Dooley. It will be another power-packed lineup for both days. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Port Houston and for the leadership and inspiration from Committee Chairman Roger Blackburn of the Wood Group.
BUSINESS GROWTH TASK FORCE The Business Growth Task Force committee is Chaired by Councilman Natalie Picha, Vice President with The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch and City of Seabrook and Vice Chairs Greg Miller, BIC Alliance and David Tolson, Arete Advisors meets the first Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m. The committee has kicked off 2019 with its 1st quarter event of the year, the Business Education Luncheon on Thursday, March 7th at Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Our keynote speaker, Anna Ettin, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Bank of America Merrill Lynch presented to our members and friends about “Working with a Generational Workforce”. Look out for our next event, Industrial Procurement Forum on Tuesday, June 18th at the Pasadena Convention Center.
PUBLIC POLICY TASK FORCE On January 29th members of the Economic Alliance traveled to Austin to advocate on behalf of the region. The day included meeting with 10 state elected officials. Topics discussed included: renewal of Chapter 312 incentive agreements, freight transportation priority and funding, school refinancing, coastal spine taxing authority, workforce development opportunities, and recognizing license from other states from spouses/family members of active military. On February 26th the Economic Alliance and several of its’ members attended the Chemicals Day activities in Austin, including the networking dinner on the night of the 26th, the industry meeting on the morning of the 27th and six meetings with elected officials to discuss legislation specific to the Houston Port Region and its’ communities. On March 20th Chad Burke travelled to Austin to testify at the House Ways & Means Committee hearing about the positive impacts of Chapter 312 agreements with cities and counties, and how it is used to garner capital investment. April 1st through April 4th 35 Economic Alliance Houston Port Region members travelled to Washington D.C. to advocate for the Houston Port Region. Over the course of three days, the group attended a total of 35 meetings including U.S. Senators, U.S. Congressmen, Presidential Staff, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the Manufacturing Institute and National Manufacturers Association (NAM), American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Business Leaders United (BLU), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). Economic Alliance Members in attendance represented a cross-section of the Houston Port Region, including Port Houston, Harris County Precinct 2 (Commissioner Adrian Garcia), the cities of Pasadena, Seabrook and Morgan’s Point, the Greater Houston Port Bureau, the Houston Pilots, ExxonMobil, Solvay, INEOS Chemicals Company, San Jacinto College, Wood, Amegy Bank, Hunter Buildings, Global Relations, and Mansfield Marketing. The Economic Alliance’s White Paper of issues covered included five specific topics aimed at making the region globally competitive and allowing its’ citizens and communities to prosper: 1. Houston Ship Channel Infrastructure Investment 2. Workforce Development supporting Industry Demand through Community Colleges 3. Coastal Barrier Protection from Hurricane Surge 4. Deployment to Employment allowing military families to work immediately in new states 5. EXIM Bank Reauthorization to support Exports from U.S. Manufacturers
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CALENDAR of EVENTS April Good Friday - Office Closed Friday, April 19th Workforce Development Task Force Thursday, April 18th 3:00pm - 4:00pm
July Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, April 23rd 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Independance Day - Office Closed Thursday, July 4th
Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, April 24th 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, July 10th 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, May 1st 9:00 am - 10:00 am Quality of Life Task Force Monday, June 20th 3:00 pm -4:00 pm
Women’s Leadership Luncheon TBD
Gulf Coast Industry Forum Task Force Tuesday, July 16th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
May Memorial Day - Office Closed Monday, May 27th
Economic Development Task Force Wedneday, July 24th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Economic Development Wednesday, May 22nd 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, July 23rd 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, May 28th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm New Member Orientation TBD
Gulf Coast Industry Forum Task Force Tuesday, May 21st 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
June Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, June 5th 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, June 25th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Gulf Coast Industry Forum Task Force Tuesday, June 18th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, June 26th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Board of Directors & Membership Meeting Wednesday, June 19th 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon Thursday, June 27th 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Workforce Development Task Force Thursday, June 20th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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MEMBERS IN MOTION CONNEX SVT
HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE SOUTHEAST
For Connex SVT, 2019 has kicked off with the exciting expansion of our sales and service teams. Sean McCoy joined as the Area Sales Manager – North America focusing on Oil & Chemical while Daniel Garcia is taking care of our customers as a Service Technician. Both draw upon their previous oil and gas industry experiences to boost Connex SVT’s 2019 plans to not only increase our market presence in regards to new Marine Loading Arms but provide maintenance and service to existing assets which include not only SVT’s equipment but any Marine Loading Arm.
On March 11, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, formerly Bayshore Medical Center, re-opened its East Women’s Care Center, designed to provide midwifery services, at 13525B 1-10 East Freeway. Two years after the original location closed due to Hurricane Harvey damage, the center is back better than ever, offering additional exam rooms, expanded hours, and a new procedure – colposcopies, which help detect cervical cancer in women. Along with its two sister facilities located on Fairmont Parkway and on i-45 South, the new Women’s Care Center offers basic primary care, pre-conception care, prenatal care, well women care and exams, and more. Pregnant patients deliver at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast with the safety net of a level III NICU and 24/7 OB hospitalists on the same floor. Established in 2007, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast Women’s Care Centers serve the community with 1,069 free pregnancy tests, 6,092 clinic visits, and 471 pregnancy deliveries each year.
CERTIFIED SAFETY CertifiedSafety, a recognized industry leader in industrial safety operations support services, and RigNet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNET), the leading provider of ultra-secure, intelligent networking solutions, today announced an agreement to introduce a new, state-of-the-art solution that integrates CertifiedSafety’s “SmartConnect” connected worker solution with RigNet’s IntelieLive platform. This partnership creates a packaged, digital solution that significantly enhances project safety, quality, and performance by combining real-time digital workforce visualization and monitoring capabilities with an advanced communications network and machine learning based analytics platform. The solution will be available for application across the energy value chain. CertifiedSafety’s SmartConnect and RigNet’s IntelieLive are designed for new and existing projects in industrial environments. Together, they reduce safety-related risks and improve productivity, allowing users to deliver projects on time and on budget. SmartConnect is a light infrastructureconnected worker solution which combines a patent pending asset location engine, intuitive user interface, and robust asset tags with bi-directional communication. The secure SmartConnect cloudbased software dynamically visualizes, prioritizes, and notifies project leadership of situational and workflow information. Intelie, a RigNet company, is an award-winning, early pioneer in deep machine learning and planning optimization, and brings over 10 years’ experience providing real-time, predictive analytics for oil and gas clients.
EXXONMOBIL Chemical Company President John Verity recently visited Baytown to thank community leaders and celebrate the completion of the North American Growth Project. Baytown Olefins Plant Manager Jason Duncan opened the program held at Lee College. “The completion of this project is more than just a multibillion dollar investment in our facilities – it’s an investment in our community and our future. It has added thousands of jobs, grown our local economy and has enriched the future of the Baytown area.” As keynote for the event, Verity further added, “These new facilities represent ExxonMobil’s largest ever chemical investment in the U.S and is the first of a number of new projects we are developing to help meet the growing, global demand for our products.”
CHI ST. LUKE’S HEALTH - PATIENTS MEDICAL CENTER
CHEVRON PHILLIPS
CHI St. Luke’s Health—Patients Medical Center ranked as the top hospital in the southeast Houston Bay Area and 8th overall in the 2018 Harris County Medical Society Physician’s Hospital Survey.
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP announced today it is studying the addition of a world-scale 1-Hexene unit. The addition would expand normal alpha olefins (NAO) production, marketed under the brand name Alpha Plus®. NAO is used extensively in the production of polyethylene, plasticizers, synthetic motor oils, lubricants, automotive additives, surfactants, paper and multiple other specialty products.
“Patients Medical Center continues to be a top hospital for physicians in the Houston area,” said Steven Foster, president of the facility. “Our focus on patient safety and quality, as well as our transparency with physicians and staff, make us a leading facility in the Houston market.” The survey, administered by Endeavor Management, a management consulting firm, covered topics from quality of medical care; Hospital policies and administration; Medical staff issues; and Electronic Medical Records. More than 2,330 physicians provided more than 3,900 inputs to the 2018 Harris County Medical Society Hospital Survey leading to statistically significant data on 24 Houston area hospitals. The survey was designed to improve patient care at Houston area hospitals. Additionally, the collected information will identify best practices and opportunities for improvement at Houston area hospitals. “One of the most important things you need to lead in health care is the willingness to listen to your physicians. It is our hope the results of the survey will encourage open dialogue to improve physicianhospital relationships which will ultimately improve patient care at Houston area hospitals,” Dr. George Santos, former HCMS president said.
“As global demand for polyethylene continues to grow, this study demonstrates Chevron Phillips Chemical’s commitment to expand with customer demand and remain a leading supplier of 1-Hexene,” said Dave Morgan, senior vice president of polymers and specialties. The new unit would use the company’s proprietary, on-purpose technology to produce comonomer grade 1-Hexene with exceptional product purity from ethylene. 1-Hexene is a critical component used to produce high-strength polyethylene, a plastic resin commonly converted into film, plastic pipe and detergent bottles, as well as food and beverage containers. Chevron Phillips Chemical is a leader in the development and production of NAO. The company currently operates two, full-range normal alpha olefin plants and the world’s largest on-purpose 1-Hexene plant.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! SEPTEMBER 18th and 19th ALLIANCEPORTREGION.COM/GCIF Page | 17
MEMBERS IN MOTION DIXIE CHEMICAL
GULF COAST AUTHORITY
The Manufacturing Institute announced they will award Kelli Gregory on April 11, with the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award. The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory-floor to the C suite.
Fifty years ago, prompted by deteriorating water quality in the Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay, the Texas Legislature established the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) to protect the waters of the State of Texas through regional wastewater treatment and waste disposal solutions. The organization was empowered to own and operate wastewater treatment and other waste management facilities. GCA is also authorized to issue bonds for qualified projects and has issued over $3 billion in such bonds statewide since its inception.
“It is an honor to be celebrated with these highly accomplished female leaders of manufacturing. To ensure continued manufacturing success, we need to continue to be innovative and build a skilled talent pipeline with the young women in America” says, honoree, Kelli Gregory. Mike Gromacki, President of Dixie and NAM Board Member, commented, “We at Dixie Chemical are very proud of Kelli and NAM’s recognition of her through the STEP Ahead Award. Kelli’s enthusiastic and selfless contribution to our company, employees, community, chemical industry, and NAM through her activities in supply chain, workforce, and leadership development serves as an inspiration for emerging leaders.” The STEP Ahead Awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and leadership for attracting, advancing and retaining strong female talent. In five years, STEP ahead award winners have impacted more than 300,000 individuals from peers in the industry to schoolaged children. SHELL DEER PARK On February 12TH Shell Deer Park donated one of its’ emergency response vehicles, MC 30, to the Junction City Fire Department in Junction City Kansas. The site has been working with the Junction City Fire Chief, Terry Johnson, over the past six months to get the donation completed. The Fire Department was elated to get the vehicle, saying “the unit is a great addition to our fleet and service to the community.”
Today, GCA operates four industrial and one municipal wastewater treatment facilities, an industrial landfill, a central laboratory and two trucked-in waste disposal facilities. In 2013, Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation expanding GCA’s role to enable it to build, own and operate other types of water systems to help provide solutions to nonpotable water shortages across the state. For more information, visit www.gcatx.org or call (281) 488-4115. SHELL DEER PARK Today’s Harbor for Children’s golf invitational is a time to pull together, have some fun, and raise money for an organization that has touched thousands of children’s lives, in and around our community, over the last 70 years. The event has grown over the last 26 years and funds raised continue to help give children the tools to move forward to tomorrow’s dreams. This year’s invitational will take place at Kingwood Country Club on April 29 and team can register on Today’s Harbor for Children’s website. LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB Lakewood is celebrating its 64th year in existence and, as always, the social calendar is full. Spring is finally here, and members are looking forward to getting out on the water, lakeside dining and enjoying all the upcoming activities. Also, the Club has some exciting incentives for both new and current members. Registration is open for youth sailing summer classes and summer camps. Our youth sailors have been enjoying successes across several continents. Any young sailors ages 7-18 who are interested in sailing can find more information on the LYC website at wwwlakewoodyachtclub.com.
HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE SOUTHEAST HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, formerly Bayshore Medical Center, delivered its first set of triplets – marking a major milestone for the hospital and its community. Triplets and higher order multiples are inherently considered “highrisk,” and hospitals must meet strict criteria to prove their ability to care for them. In addition to preparing its level III NICU – one of just a few dozen in the state – for the triplet’s arrival, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast assembled a team of nine medical professionals, including two physicians, to perform the planned c-section. Born at just 31 weeks of gestation, the babies (Jose, Luna, and Sol) are recovering nicely and will remain at the hospital for a few weeks of monitoring. Because of their delivery close to home, the babies’ mom is able to visit them often, promoting improved mental health and bonding for the whole family. SOL
LUNA
JOSE
ABC - CMEF This year, Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston is celebrating 50 years of continued support of the construction industry. Founded in 1969, the ABC Houston Chapter serves several hundred commercial and industrial contractors, suppliers, and construction associates in the Greater Houston area. “ABC has been a part of my family for over twenty years,” says Brandon Mabile, 2019 ABC Greater Houston Chair, business development manager at Performance Contractors. “I’ve grown up with ABC, and I’m very excited to celebrate all that the chapter has done to help pave the way for contractors to work in an open shop environment with the business rights and freedoms we readily enjoy today.” On May 27, 1969, Marvin Woodfin of Brown & Root in Houston, ABC Greater Houston’s first chapter
President, gathered nearly 200 general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers from Houston and surrounding areas for a rally that was months in the making, aimed at setting up a chapter in the area. ABC broke through the barriers in the workforce and open shop contractors began winning more and more contracts. By efficient bidding and providing a sufficient number of skilled workers who could perform multiple tasks, ABC members were able to successfully make it into the marketplace. The focus of ABC Greater Houston has remained on training members, safety, and political advocacy to give members what they want and need. ABC also puts forth the initiative to recruit more people into the construction field in order to increase trained skilled manpower in the industry, and continues to work towards this goal. “I’m honored to be able to serve the Houston chapter,” says Russell Hamley, Chapter President. “I’ve been a part of the association for nearly twenty-five years and have seen the association grow in size and influence and expand our training and education programs. I’m excited for what the association will accomplish in the next 50 years.” On April 25, the association will commemorate the accomplishments of the ABC Houston forbearers, past chairs, and successes throughout the past 50 years. Expected to be in attendance include Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Houston City Council Members Brenda Stardig, Greg Travis, Robert Gallegos, Mike Laster, Mike Knox, David Robinson, and Jack Christie. To learn more about this celebration, please visit www.abchouston.org. DOGGETT INDUSTRIIES Doggett Industries’ Toyota Lift of Houston division is proud to announce that 2018 was a work incident free year. As you can see from our safety record, we work hard to ensure that our employees have the knowledge, skills, and training to exceed our customers’ needs. ToyotaLift of Houston is a full service Toyota forklift and material handling dealership with over 75 dedicated shop and field technicians. # W o r k S m a r t # Ta r g e t Z e r o #DoggettDifference Need a quote? Call us today at 713-675-7000 or visit us at doggett.com.
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MEMBERS IN MOTION MCCARTHY BUILDING COMPANIES INC
PINNACLE ART
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., an employee owned construction firm, recently opened a new office in Channelview, TX to support our marine and industrial clients throughout the Gulf Coast. Our safety first approach, expertise, and client focus drive the culture that will allow us to enhance and execute at a high level.
Awards: This quarter, PinnacleART was awarded the 2019 Business of the Year by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. The award is given to an organization that has demonstrated commitment to the Pasadena community through involvement in community organizations, financial stewardship, and participation in local events.
Along with expanding our office we are adding significant talent to McCarthy’s Marine and Industrial group. Specifically, Mike Schulte has been promoted to become the Business Unit Leader and Mike Mooney is now the Vice President of Operations. McCarthy’s increased focus on this market will strengthen our ability to support clients and ensure safe on schedule projects.
Growth: The company celebrated the opening of two new offices in Chicago, Illinois and Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
PASADENA EDC Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) has had a busy first quarter this 2019. A lot of exciting things are happening in our city and within our organization. Just last month we were recognized by the Texas Economic Development Council in their Excellence Recognition Program for 2018. This program provides recognition to economic development organizations that meet a desired threshold of professionalism. Additionally, we are happy to share our team is now complete with the recent addition of two staff members; Suzette McDowell, Marketing Manager, and Sheena Salvino, Redevelopment Manager. A lot of great things are on the horizon for Pasadena and our team can’t wait to showcase those in 2019. Visit PasadenaEDC. com or follow us on social media for the most up-todate news and happenings.
Partnerships: PinnacleART announced two strategic partnerships: 1) Solomon Associates, to bring comprehensive asset performance management assessments to energy and chemical industries, and 2) Amplify Technology Solutions to offer full-scale upgrades and new installations of GE Digital’s APM Version 4 Software. Innovation: PinnacleART announced PCMS® and GE Digital’s APM Connectivity with Connected Field™, a cloud-based system that integrates inspection data gathered through a mobile tablet with a web-based project management dashboard. The connection capability allows field inspectors to upload inspection data gathered in the field directly to the IDMS and will empower a more streamlined inspection reporting process. To learn more about PinnacleART, visit www. pinnacleart.com, email info@pinnacleart.com or call 281-598-1330.
TURNER DURAN
TEXAS FIRST BANK OF TEXAS CITY
Turner Duran Architects is pleased to announce the completion of the Phillips 66 Conference & Fitness Center in Sweeny, Texas. Located at its massive refinery in coastal southeast Texas, this functional and aesthetically pleasing facility fosters employee and community meetings, and offers health and fitness programs to Phillips 66’s many administrative and shift workers.
In February, Texas First Bank of Texas City and Preferred Bank of Houston announced the execution of a merger agreement. Set to close Q2 of 2019, once complete, Texas First Bank will have 27 locations in seven Houston-area counties: Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Jefferson, Liberty, Chambers, and Montgomery. Its approximate total asset size will reach $1.4 billion. “We’re excited to add more locations in the Houston area by joining forces with such a well-established, local bank with strong community ties and corporate values that match ours,” stated Chris Doyle, CEO of Texas First Bank. Following the merger, current Preferred Bank Chairman Herb Williams will assume the role of Vice Chairman-Houston at Texas First Bank. Current Preferred Bank President and CEO Donald Najvar will be named President-Houston.
Turner Duran’s design team drew upon the plant’s industrial aesthetic for inspiration, utilizing structural and mechanical elements in a sculptural fashion. Building finish materials also reinforce this theme. Economic Alliance member firm Structure Tone provided construction services for the project.
BGE Marcelo Moacyr recently joined BGE as Practice Leader, Industrial Services, to expand our design, environmental and surveying expertise to industrial clients along the Gulf Coast with a focus on east Houston and the ship channel area. As a Brazilian native with more than 30 years of experience, Moacyr brings a unique global perspective to the BGE team. BGE, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of civil engineering, environmental, surveying, construction management, and site/land planning and development services. For more than 40 years, our team of professionals have built a reputation for solution-focused service to clients in the Gulf Coast region. Our extensive local knowledge, combined with our longstanding relationships with cities, counties, and state agencies, allows our experienced professionals to effectively provide unique engineering solutions and unparalleled responsiveness to our industrial clients. Leading the expansion of Air Quality is Cydney Schwarzlose, Air Quality Practice Leader. Schwarzlose has 20 years’ experience in the environmental industry and earned two degrees from Texas A&M – a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in civil engineering with an environmental focus. She is a member of the Air & Waste Management Association. She is joined by Jean Leonard, Senior Air Quality Manager. Leonard earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from University of Missouri – Rolla and a master’s in environmental health engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. During her 20-year career, Leonard gained wide variety of experience with different industries including petrochemical, forest products, aluminum manufacturing (primary and secondary), carbon black and activated carbon production, and petroleum refineries, and various other manufacturing facilities both in and outside of Texas. BGE’s Air Quality Service is focused on helping clients meet local, state and national air quality regulations including permitting and reporting. Among the services offered will be New Source Review (NSR) permit applications, Federal Operating Permit (Title V) initial and renewal applications, permitting strategies, reporting, and air quality compliance audits.
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ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION CERA WEEK Chad Burke, President/CEO, Economic Alliance and Kaitlyn Conner, Special Projects Coordinator, Economic Alliance, were able to attend CERA Week on March 15th. U.S. Senator John Cornyn spoke on the Green New Deal, Trade, and what to expect in the 2019 Federal session.
ROMANIAN DELEGATION MEETING AND MOU SIGNING The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and the EMET – Economic Alliance Romania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for short and long-term exchanges between the two parties to harness and enhance collaborative and cooperative initiatives for the benefit of both regions. In 2018, the delegation was here to begin the Sister City process with the city of Houston and to introduce Romanian mid and small businesses to Foreign Direct Investment opportunities and other potential opportunities between governmental and private entities in the region. After the 2018 meeting, one of the delegates, Catalin Viorel Nan, went back to Romania with the idea of creating a similar economic development organization, and the EMET – Economic Alliance Romania was created in Bucharest. Following the MOU signing, Daniel Juravle, Head of the Economic Cooperation Office for the city of Iasi, Romania, presented a new Industrial District Park ready for investment and full of opportunity. GULF COAST GROWTH SHOW PODCAST We would like to introduce the Gulf Coast Growth Show Podcat. The Economic Alliance is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and updates in the petrochemical, manufacturing, transportation, and workforce related industries. The podcast will bring extra value to our membership and industry by providing a series of podcasts that pertain to the booming activity along the gulf coast region. Tune in Live on Facebook to watch the show on Fridays. The podcast will later be posted weekly to all of your favorite listening channels. A big thank you to our hosts, Jason Lee and Clint Akin for your dedication to the podcast. We would also like to thank Bruno Santilli for producing the show. The podcast has previously held 5 shows and we anticipate many more in the future. Guest speakers include: Chad Burke, President/CEO, Economic Alliance, Fred Welch, Vice President, Economic Development, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, Dennis Winkler, President, Winkler Public Relations, Captain Bill Diehl, President Greater Houston Port Bureau, and Carla Thompson, Workforce Development Manager, Turner Industries. If you would like to sponsor the show, please contact Marisela Ramirez at marisela@allianceportregion.com.
ANNUAL BANQUET The Economic Alliance held their 2019 Annual Membership Banquet at the Sylvan Beach Pavilion on February 21st. We would like to thank our Board for attending and Bruce Hamilton for speaking on ”No Bad Days”. At the banquet, the Chamber Businesses of the Year were recognmized. We want to thank out outgoing Board Members and welcome the new Board. We appreciate their dedication to the Economic Alliance.
Shell FCU is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or regularly conducts business in Harris County can bank with Shell FCU once a $5 savings account is established for membership. GREAT GROCERY GIVEAWAY: Each month in 2019, those who open a new eChecking account, share certificate, or obtain an auto, signature, mortgage or home equity loan will automatically qualify for a monthly drawing to win one of three $500 prizes. Qualifying criteria applies for all accounts and loans. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer and Shell FCU reserves the right to discontinue promotions without notice at any time and for any reason. No Purchase Necessary. Anyone 18+ who does not qualify for the monthly drawings can enter by sending one 3x5 postcard per month with their name, phone and address to: Shell FCU — “Great Grocery Giveaway” Drawing, P.O. Box 578, Deer Park, TX 77536. Entries will be included in the next monthly drawing. For complete details visit www.shellfcu.org.
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ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION MEETING WITH STATE REPRESENTAITVE DENNIS PAUL Chad Burke, Bob Mitchell of BAHEP and other region stakeholders met with State Representative Dennis Paul to discuss current issues being decided in the state legislative session. Topics included, school refinancing, property tax caps and Chapter 312 tax incentive reauthorization. MEETING WITH HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 2 COMMISSIONER Members of the Economic Alliance Executive Board met with new Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Discussion included transportation, workforce development and policy initiatives in the Houston Port Region. MEET OUR INTERNS This Spring the Economic Alliance hired an intern for Public Policy from the University of Houston, James Brewer. We also hired an intern for Data Entry from Deer Park High School back in June 2018. We appreciate all of their help and know that they will excell in their future endeavors. WOMEN IN INDUSTRY - GALVESTON There were 547 high school students registered from 22 different ISD’s and 128 college students with all nine community colleges represented. It was a full day of high school, community college, and adult women.There were a total of 1256 attendees that registered for the event. This included paid participants, sponsors/ vendors/ demonstration area hosts, panelists/ speakers and college volunteers. Volunteers - Chevron Phillips, Freeport LNG, INEOS, Lyondell Basell, ExxonMobil, S&B Construction, BASF, Covestro, Dow, Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades, Jacobs, Occidental Petroleum, Dixie Chemical, Turner, Wood, Zachry, Dream It. Do It., One Gas, Workforce Solutions, Austin Industrial, Brock, CSCRC, IBEW 527, KBR, NAPTA, PCL, Industrial Construction, Performance Contractors, Systran, Tech Labs. CHINESE DELEGATION HOSTED BY EXXONMOBIL The Economic Alliance partnered with EHCMA, ExxonMobil and Port Houston to host a delegation of 12 from the Huizhou Industrial Park in China. John Mosely of Port Houston provided a tour of the port logistics facilities and petrochemical plants in the region. EHCMA representatives provided them with a brief overview of the petrochem industry in our region and a general understanding environmental permitting and emissions regulations. Discussions included opportunities to partner with the local Chinese government on the project and workforce development strategies for both countries. The delegation was keenly interested in gaining a better understanding of the Houston Port Region’s petrochemical complex (area including ship channel, Bayport, all major refinery and large chemical plants) and how government and private sector works together in the U.S.
1-800-275-7878 www.pvrentals.com
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Join Our Growing List Of Members Partner Members
Stakeholder*, Corporate, and Proprietorship Members Adaptive Tech Services Air Products Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemical LLC AL Law Group Allegiance Bank 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 Baker Ripley Bartlett Cocke Industrial Bay Area Houston CVB Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Bayside Industrial Inc. 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 BMWC Constructors Brady Chapman Holland and Assoc. BrandSafway, LLC Capital One Bank Care Patrol of Greater Houston CAT-I CenTech Staffing, LLC Ceremity CertifiedSafety, Inc. Cherry Companies Chevron Phillips Chemicals CHI St. Lukes Health Patients Medical Center Colliers International Comerica Bank Community Bank of Texas Connex SVT Core Occupational Core Trucking of Texas D&C Inspection Services Dannenbaum Engineering Corp. DeLane’s Ad Specialties Dimension Energy Services, LLC Dixie Chemical East Harris County Manufacturers Association ECC Alliance Economic Incentive Services, LLC Energy Edge Consulting Environmental Rental Services Equipment Depot Exel Logistics First Tennessee Bank Flint Hill Resources Gallant Builders
Gateway Printing & Office Supply, Inc. Global Relations Great Western Valve Greater Houston Manufacturers Association Greater Houston Partnership Green Bank Gulf Coast Authority Gulf Winds International, Inc. Gulfex, LP H+M Industrial EPC Haldor Topsoe, Inc. Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast HDR Engineering, Inc. Home 2 Suites By Hilton Houston Pilots Association Houston Yacht Club HUB International Insurance Services Hunter Buildings & Manufacturing I.T. Works IDS Engineering Group ILA #1351 Innovative Alternatives, Inc. IntegriChem ISTC John Manlove Marketing & Communications JSC Federal Credit Union Kaneka North America LLC Kenco Bucket Trucks Kinder Morgan Knudson LP Lakewood Yacht Club Les Ellard Insurance Agency, Inc. Liquid Capital Business Funding LJA Engineering Lubrizol Magnus & Company Marketplace Chaplains Mass Transfer, Ltd McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. McDonough Engineering Corporation MD Anderson Cancer Center League City Meador Staffing Services Medical Telepresence Mobil Steel International Monument Chemical Houston, LLC Moody National Bank Mosher Seifert & Company, CPA MPACT Strategic Consulting National Property Holdings NiSoft Nissan Chemical Houston Corp Noltex, LLC Northern Air Orion Group Holdings, Inc. OSI Soft, LLC Oxy Vinyls Pfeiffer and Son,Ltd. Phelps State Farm Insurance Pinnacle ART PKF of Texas, P.C. PV Rental, LLC
Qualified Properties, Inc. Raba Kistner Consultants Richmond Equipment Ritter Forest Products RUS Industrial San Jacinto River and Rail SGS Galson Shell Federal Credit Union Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc. SMART Group Houston Solvay Springhill Suites by Marriott - Baytown Star of Hope Stockstill & Associates Structure Tone Southwest Swagelok Southeast Texas Systran, Inc. T & T Construction, LP Taylor Marine Construction, Inc. Team Services LLC Technofink Terracon Consultants, Inc. Texas First Bank Texas Lawn & Sprinkler Texas Molecular Limited Partnership Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance Texas Security Shredding Texas Southern University TexasDeepwater Partners (TDWP Partners LLC) TG Energy Industrial Services The Drake Companies The Mundy Companies The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch The Stewart Organization TIMEC Tolunay-Wong Engineers,Inc. TPC Group Trustmark National Bank TurnerDuran Architects Tycoon Trucking Inc. VCFO Union Pacific Railroad University of Houston-Clear Lake University of Houstson - Central Weeks Marine, Inc. West Gulf Maritime Association Winkler Public Relations Wood
* Stakeholder members in bold.
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