Economic Alliance Houston Port Region - 2021 Q1 Newsletter: Sustainability Edition

First Quarter • 2021

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

NEWSLETTER

HOUSTON PORT REGION’S OUTLOOK ON SUSTAINABILITY

ALLIANCEPORTREGION.COM

FEATURE ARTICLES

ExxonMobil: Advanced Recyling

IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT’S LETTER ................................................. 3 Calendar of Events ................................................ 6 san jacinto college update ................................... 7 Task force updates ............................................. table of contents w/ feature articles 11 Economic alliance in motion .............................. 12

5 The Alliance to End Plastic Waste

san jacinto college sbdc update ..................... 14 MEMBERS IN MOTION ............................................... 18 IN THIS ISSUE 25 Lee college update ...............................................

Houston Ship Channel Widening Project

Port Road Update MEMBER LISTING .....................................................

28 Task Force Updates Economic Alliance In Motion Members in Motion Membership List

Page 4 Page 5 Page 8 Page 10 Page 14 Page 20

15 ABC: Women in Industry

24 Terrapass: Carbon Offsetting

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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 65 successful projects that have helped create 3,179 new jobs and over $13.7 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 Houston City of Baytown City of Deer Park City of Galena Park 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 Commerce Highlands-Lynchburg 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

Please take time to recognize our 2021 Board of Directors: Charles Montgomery, International Longshoremens Association Marcelo Moacyr, BGE Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations Brent Cockerham, Moody National Bank John Grimes, LBC Tank Terminals Doug Mansfield, Mansfield Marketing Roger Gossett, Diamondback Works Prem Vuthandam, Shell Deer Park Crystal Cedro, Health And Safety Council Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College Angelique Bartholomew, MPact Strategic Consulting Captain Robert Thompson, Houston Pilots Association Chris Cain, LyondellBasell La Porte Plant Jay Bice, H+M Industrial EPC

Natalie Picha, Royal Harbor Partners, LLC John Golashesky, Turner Industries Thomas Brinkso, BIC Alliance Larry House, Flint Hills Resources Kirk Kveton, Action Supply Luis Aguilar, Health And Safety Council Randy Gartz, BBVA Stephanie King, BakerRipley Tim Culp, Airobotics Stephanie Wiggins, CenterPoint Energy Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College - Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology Leonard A. Bedell, Mobil Steel International, Inc. Katie Yount, McDonough Engineering Matthew Goldston, PKF Texas Elizabeth Fazio Hale, Gulf Coast Authority Chris Talley, Structure Tone

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Robert Armstrong, Kuraray America, Inc. Janet Gonzales, Bank of Texas Kristi Claypool, Meador Staffing Services Victor Ortega, Covestro Buddy Tucker, Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc. Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Nathanael Ince, Pinnacle Matthew Blunck, Enterprise Holdings Marshall Deluca, Orion Group Holdings, Inc. Herb Hildebrand, San Jacinto College - Small Business Development Center Stuart Cayer, Kelsey-Seybold Jonathan Schmaltz, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Randy Boeding, R.Boeding Group, LLC Matt Buchanan, Pearland Economic Development Council

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Found in almost every modern product we touch, petrochemicals are part of the fabric of our modern world. Clothing, tires, digital devices, packaging, detergents, medical equipment, PPE and countless other everyday items are made from petrochemicals. Along the Gulf Coast, the petrochemical feedstock for those products is predominantly clean burning domestic natural gas. The increasing abundance and low cost of that feedstock has driven billions of dollars in investment into our region and the entire Gulf Coast while simultaneously bettering our quality of life. Over the past decade, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that our proven gas reserves have ballooned nearly 85% to almost 450 trillion cubic feet.

In addition to the traditional products made with petrochemicals, they are also found in many parts of the modern sustainability energy system, including solar panels, wind turbine blades, batteries, thermal insulation for buildings, and electric vehicle parts.

Despite its economic impact, and the fact that Houston is home to the world’s largest petrochemical complex, the sector continues to be overshadowed in the global energy debate.

Energy for heating, electricity and transportation dominate the sustainability discussion. In the words of Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency, “Our economies are heavily dependent on petrochemicals, but the sector receives far less attention than it deserves. Petrochemicals are one of the key blind spots in the global energy debate, especially given the influence they will exert on future energy trends.”

As an organization charged with the mission of economic development, we should support free markets to foster economic growth through technological advancements while at the same time analyzing policy options that reduce the impact of manufacturing on the environment and our quality of life.

God bless,

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

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BOARD Chair: Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates Treasurer: Bob Bradshaw, INEOS Secretary: Roger Blackburn, Wood Vice Chair: Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College District Vice Chair: Rob Bacon, ExxonMobil Vice Chair: Ryan Sitton, Pinnacle Reliability Past Chair: Glenn Royal, Royal Harbor Partners, LLC.

COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Sarah Arroyo, Lubrizol Heather Betancourth, Chevron Phillips Chemical Jessica Blackmore, Shell Sara Cronin, TPC Group Amanda Fenwick, San Jacinto College Lauren Harrell, Associated Builders & Contractors Angela Oriano-Bradshaw, Lee College Lori Pace, ADIM Media, LLC Kara Slaughter, LyondellBasell Bill Stephens, Chevron Aaron Stryk, ExxonMobil Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STAFF Chad Burke, President & CEO Regina Lindsey, VP of Economic Development Bridget Yeary, Financial & Administrative Manager Marisela Ramirez, Events & Membership Coordinator Patti Bell, Workforce Development Manager Karen Gregory, Contracts Manager Caelan Cheshire, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Caelan Cheshire Marketing & Communications Coordinator

FOR EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS caelan@allianceportregion.com

FOR SPONSORSHIP SUBMISSIONS caelan@allianceportregion.com

Chad Burke President & CEO Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

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

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EXXONMOBIL TAKES ACTION TO ADDRESS PLASTIC WASTE EXXONMOBIL BAYTOWN AREA TAKES ON WASTE PLASTIC CHALLENGE WITH ADVANCED RECYCLING TRIAL As society’s concern for plastic waste continues to grow, ExxonMobil is looking at several initiatives that help minimize plastic waste in the environment and maximize resource recovery. One such initiative is taking place in Baytown: a plant trial of a proprietary advanced recycling process for converting plastic waste into raw materials for production of high-value polymer and fuel products.

“ExxonMobil is conducting an advanced recycling trial in Baytown that essentially uses co-processing methods to break down bulk quantities of postuse plastic to its molecular building blocks,” said Senior Planning Engineer China Darin. “We have a strong track record of solids co-processing at our facilities, as well as the optimal expertise needed to successfully conduct this plant trial, so we were excited about the opportunity.”

ExxonMobil intends to use results from the Baytown trial to scaleup advanced recycling capability at other sites across ExxonMobil’s global site network, targeting a circular solution for converting difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into feedstock for virgin-quality plastic.

ExxonMobil has already obtained certifications through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC+) process. ISCC+ is widely recognized by industry as an effective system to certify products that result from advanced recycling of plastic waste. Pending a successful completion of the Baytown plant trial, the company plans to market commercial volumes of certified circular plastics later this year.

ExxonMobil has formed a joint venture with Agilyx Corporation, Cyclyx International LLC, focused on developing innovative solutions for aggregating and pre-processing large volumes of post-use plastic that can be converted into feedstocks for valuable products. The company is also a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, which is focused on accelerating investment in safe, scalable and economically viable solutions to help address the challenge of plastic waste in the environment.

“It is really something to see our people figure out ways to use a 100-year-old facility to do modern advanced recycling of post-use plastic to address the issue of plastic waste,” Darin said.

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CALENDAR of EVENTS April

June

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

Workforce Development Task Force Thursday, June 10th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

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

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee Tuesday, June 15th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

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

Economic Alliance Board Meeting Wednesday, June 16th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Quality of Life Task Force Thursday, April 29th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, June 22nd 3:00pm – 4:00pm

May

Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, June 23rd 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Workforce Development Task Force Thursday, April 15th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, May 5th 9:00am – 10:00am Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee Tuesday, May 18th 3:00pm – 4:00pm Business Technology & Security Forum Pasadena Convention Center Thursday, May 20th 8:00 – 10:00am Public Policy Task Force Tuesday, May 25th 3:00pm – 4:00pm Economic Development Task Force Wednesday, May 25th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Join our mailing list and receive task force and event invites by contacting Marisela at marisela@allianceportregion.com ALLIANCEPORTREGION.COM

Business Growth Task Force Wednesday, June 2nd 9:00am – 10:00am

Quality of Life Task Force Thursday, June 24th 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Save the Date!

Women’s Leadership Luncheon Houston Yacht Club Wednesday, June 23rd 11:30am – 1:00pm State of Houston Sports Pasadena Convention Center Thursday, July 22nd 2021 Gulf Coast Industry Forum Pasadena Convention Center Thursday, September 23rd Industrial Procurement Forum Pasadena Convention Center Thursday, October 21st

COLLEGE UPDATE: SAN JACINTO COLLEGE LYONDELLBASELL, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF GLASS DISTILLATION LAB New lab to provide real-life training for students PASADENA, Texas – Employees from LyondellBasell and San Jacinto College, along with a small group of elected officials and community partners, gathered on Friday, March 5, for a ribbon-cutting for the new LyondellBasell Glass Distillation Lab at San Jacinto College.

The lab, located in the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology (CPET) at San Jacinto College, is a scaled model distillation plant which shows the chemical and physical processes that take place within a chemical plant. It is designed to be a hands-on training tool for the next generation of operators, teaching process technology and instrumentation. San Jacinto College students will have a unique perspective on how a distillation unit operates since the glass structure of the unit allows them to peek inside and see how it works.

The LyondellBasell Glass Distillation Lab is one of 35 labs at CPET, which opened for classes in Fall 2019.

The Center is the largest training facility in the Gulf Coast Region built for and designed by industry.

It also includes an 8,000-square-foot glycol distillation unit, 20 interactive classrooms, and conference, training, and assembly spaces designed to accommodate academic, community, and industrial functions. The LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology was funded in part through a $425 million bond referendum in 2015 and through numerous monetary and in-kind donations from industry partners.

Newsletter Advertisements & Sponsorships Are you interested in promoting your company in our quarterly newsletter? Sponsorships and advertisements allow us to continue to broaden the reach and improve the visual quality of our publication! All past newsletters are viewable on our website at allianceportregion.com.

Contact Marketing & Communications Coordinator Caelan Cheshire at caelan@allianceportregion.com for more information on sponsorship opportunities, benefits and availability.

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COLLEGE UPDATE: SAN JACINTO COLLEGE CHARTERING A PATH OF CLARITY AND READINESS FOR THE FUTURE More than a think tank, the Partnership of Petrochemical Leaders is a collaborative industry hub. It enlists top professionals from petrochemical and other industries to provide expertise and new knowledge to established and new leaders. The PPL focuses on developing leaders, sharing knowledge, and engaging the future workforce. It is a center of excellence for leadership, addressing current and future challenges.

Beyond preparing people to be more technically equipped, it focuses on the human dynamics that make decisions, prove agile in change, promote resiliency, lead in diversity, develop people and team strengths, and prepare for the horizon while going step by step.

PPL began as a partnership between Steve Skarke, VP at Kaneka Americas, and John Suarez, Director of CPET Resources at the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology at SJC and has been growing from there. LyondellBasell provided seed support for initiating the endeavor.

The two set out to identify how leadership roles were being challenged and changed by the cataclysmic events of the past few years, in particular 2020, and how to provide the critical thinking and tools to help industry leaders be agile and stay ahead of the curve.

PPL is creating development for leaders at all levels in the petrochemical ecosystem in collaboration with Owners and Contractors. Joint events between Owners, Contractors, and the college are taking place for SJC students to experience firsthand learning from industry professionals.

Texas Chemical Council, TCC, was an early supporter and partner. Partnerships have, and continue to, develop with The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, Bay Area Economic Partnership, BIC Alliance, EHCMA, Endeavor Management and Endeavor Institute, St. Mary’s University, Texas A&M University MKOPSC, and others.

The Discovery Series, with an Executive Track and a PSM Track, have begun rolling out and will be advertised as well as the new programs, forums, and other offerings. https://www.sanjac.edu/programs-courses/petrochemical-energy-technology-cpet/partnershippetrochemical-leaders San Jacinto College is one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation and a proven leader in petrochemical training and education. The College is an integral part of the community, ensuring the region’s leading industries have the skilled workforce to support economic growth along the Texas Gulf Coast. Together with the PPL, San Jacinto College engages industry through education.

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THE PARTNERSHIP OF PETROCHEMICAL LEADERS AT SAN JACINTO COLLEGE PPL, “the Partnership”, is a consortium of academic and industry partners within the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology at San Jacinto College, providing a foundation for leadership excellence in the petrochemical and refining industries and related service companies. It is a hub for the collaborative development of programs and solutions for the most pressing needs of the industry — solutions to enhance informed and ethical decision making in the new era of constant change while engaging industry, education, and community.

KAREN GREGORY Contracts Manager

This March, Karen Gregory joined the Economic Alliance in the role of Contracts Manager. In her role she will interface and support the Economic Alliance’s partnerships with the public entity members, including local cities, Port Houston, and Harris County. Prior to accepting this position, she spent over 30 years at CenterPoint Energy. Karen holds a B.S. in Engineering Technology from the University of Houston and has a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council.

Contact Karen: karen@allianceportregion.com

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TASK FORCE UPDATES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Roger Gossett with Diamondback Works was the presenter at January’s Economic Development Task Force. Roger addressed key drivers and expectations in the Oil and Gas markets. Diamondback Works is a civil, mechanical, structural and architectural service company in the petrochemical industry.

In February, Jonathan Schmaltz with McCarthy Building Companies provided information on Project 11, the widening and the deepening of the ship channel, as well as an overview of construction projects in the region. McCarthy Building Companies was established in 1864 and undertakes a number of construction projects locally and around the country.

Representing Wood, Roger Blackburn, Executive Account Manager, presented on strategies Wood implements within its corporate climate. Wood is one of the leading consulting and engineering companies across energy and built environments.

The next task force meeting is Wednesday, April 28 at 3:00 PM. The meetings continue to be hybrid. Contact Regina Lindsey at regina@ allianceportregion.com for questions and updates on how to get involved.

BUSINESS GROWTH TASK FORCE The Business Growth Task Force Committee met in person and virtually in the first quarter of the year.

The committee welcomed in their new Chairman David Tolson of Arete Advisors and Vice Chair Craig La Grappe of ABGI, USA. We also would like to thank Greg Miller for his leadership in guiding this committee in 2020.

This committee plans quarterly events throughout the year. In the first quarter on March 25, we presented the Houston Regional Economic Update & Forecast with Patrick Jankowski. This event was sponsored by ABGI, USA and was hosted by San Jacinto College in the LyondellBasell Center of Petrochemical, Energy and Technology building. Over 60 people attended in-person and about 20 attendees joined us online.

We are currently working on the three remaining events this year that are planned to be in-person.

Those events include: The Business Technology & Security Forum, the State of Houston Sports and the fall Industrial Procurement Forum. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these events, please send an email to marisela@allianceportregion.com.

This committee meets every first Wednesday of the month at 9:00 am. If you would like to join this committee, please reach out to Marisela Ramirez to be added to the committee list.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PLANNING COMMITTEE We are excited to get all the fabulous ladies in our region back to networking and sharing experiences.

The Economic Alliance has put together the Women in Alliance committee to plan a variety of quarterly events where we will invite women leaders to share their journey to success. We have scheduled our first luncheon to take place on Wednesday, June 23. If you are interested and would like to receive information on upcoming events, please send Marisela Ramirez an email: marisela@allianceportregion.com.

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SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday, June 23 Women’s Leadership Luncheon

PUBLIC POLICY TASK FORCE The Public Policy committee continues to support and work on the Ship Channel widening project. The U.S. House has passed their version of the WRDA (Water Resources Development Act) Bill. Regional and national partners working together on the project include Port Houston, the American Chemical Council, the Greater Houston Port Bureau, the Greater Houston Partnership and the Oil & Gas Coalition.

On March 8, Chairman Steve Cote and President & CEO Chad Burke met with Texas Chemical Council President Hector Rivero.

Mr. Rivero provided updates on several key bills affecting the members of the Economic Alliance, including Representative Jim Murphy’s HB 1556 that reauthorizes the Chapter 313 tax incentive program for large manufacturing. The incentive program allows Texas school districts to offer tax breaks over a 10-year period for significant investments and job creation. We also heard an update on Senator Carol Alvarado’s SB 900, which deals with improving safety regulations on above ground storage tanks utilized by the oil & gas and petrochemical industries.

Economic Alliance Chairman Steve Cote, Senator Larry Taylor and Economic Alliance President Chad Burke at the Capitol.

The following day, Chairman Steve Cote and President & CEO Chad Burke met with seven of the region’s legislators in scheduled meetings and discussed bills and topics critical to the region’s continued success, including: • TxDOT I-10 San Jacinto River bridge project • Reauthorization of the Chapter 313 agreement - HB 1556 • The Gulf Coast Protection District formation, which will provide Texas with the agency necessary to oversee the O&M costs on the Ike Dike • HB 2106, which is filed in Financial Crimes and addresses the state’s ability to prevent card skimmers from utilizing gas stations • SB 900, which deals with improving safety regulations on above ground storage tanks utilized by the oil and gas and petrochemical industries

Chairman Steve Cote checks email in between meetings at the empty Capitol during the 2021 session as most constituents and groups forgo in person meetings due to COVID-19 precautions.

On March 23, the Economic Alliance provided a letter of support for SB 1102 related to the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) bill. TRUE will not only reskill and upskill the Texas workforce but will also engage the business community in the development of new industry-aligned credential programs needed to meet new workplace requirements and to close skills gaps.

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TASK FORCE UPDATES WORKFORCE TASK FORCE We had our first Workforce Task Force meeting for 2021 on March 4. Allatia Harris, Workforce Task Force Chairman and Vice Chancellor at San Jacinto College, called the meeting to order using a hybrid format with in-person attendees at Economic Alliance Houston Port Region in Deer Park and virtual attendees online via Zoom.

Stacy Putman, Manager of Advocacy, Workforce Development & Strategic Projects for INEOS, spoke on “The Effect of Covid-19 on Industry” and how INEOS responded to the pandemic.

Guests learned how industry helped provide the chemicals needed for the high demand items that were in short supply for the healthcare industry and how some facilities made hand sanitizer and donated to schools and hospitals.

Her information was very informative, interesting, The first Workforce Task Force meeting of the year was held at the office of the Economic Alliance in-person and virtually. and much appreciated by the attendees. Stacy answered questions from many in the audience.

Our next meeting is scheduled for April 15. Our speaker is Rick Torrison with Right Now Leadership and our topic is Top Employee Skills for 2021. Rick has 25+ years of experience as a Transformational Leader and has helped leaders and organizations around the world.

The Workforce Task Force meets five times a year and we are usually hybrid in the SBDC Board Room at the Economic Alliance offices at 203 Ivy Avenue, Deer Park and on Zoom unless otherwise noted. To be added to the list, please email Patti Bell at patti@allianceportregion.com.

Dream It. Do It. Southeast Texas Dream It. Do It. has had ten presentations

this first quarter of 2021, connecting with over 750 students, parents, teachers, and administrators. We continue to work with our industry partners who volunteer to help reach students and underemployed adults in our region to show them career opportunities in the petrochemical, logistics, transportation, maritime and construction industries.

Our first in-person presentation since March 10, 2020, was at Deer Park High School on February 2. After being completely virtual for 11 months it was so good to see students face to face and get feedback during a presentation. Since then, we’ve had four more in-person presentations while also continuing our virtual and video presentations. During the first quarter of 2021 we visited with Deer Park ISD, Galena Park ISD, Goose

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Creek ISD, La Porte ISD, Houston ISD, Pasadena ISD, Anahuac ISD, Channelview ISD, Crosby ISD, Dayton ISD, and Sheldon ISD. Beaumont Workforce Solutions sponsored a Virtual Youth Expo and we saw students from Beaumont ISD and 20 other surrounding ISDs in that area.

Each company “built” their own virtual booths with links to videos, handouts, social media, and other company information. During the designated days and times throughout CTE month in February, Dream It. Do It. was available to live chat with visitors who had questions.

Our volunteers from industry continue to be our best speakers and we appreciate the representatives from Pure Salt, CMEF, Worley, Turner Industries, PCL, Marek, DOW, and Brock.

We continue to get views on the four videos currently posted on YouTube since last March. In 2021 we have had 103 views to date.

If you’d also like to share your knowledge with the future workforce, we are always looking for volunteers to come speak about their careers in the petrochemical, logistics, maritime, construction, and transportation industries. If you would like to help, please email Patti Bell at patti@allianceportregion.com

Register today!

Gulf Coast Industry Forum September 23, 2021 Patti Bell continues to meet virtually and in-person with students and educators as able.

Need more info on sponsorships?

Contact Marisela at marisela@allianceportregion.com

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SAN JACINTO COLLEGE SBDC UPDATE SAN JACINTO COLLEGE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER San Jacinto College Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provides free assistance to small businesses to access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and in other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation.

SBDC assistance categories include: • • • • • • • •

Startups Buy or sell a business Business plan Financing requirements Capital requirements Business management Business expansion Accounting/budget matters

• Cash flow management • Legal and tax considerations to address with your attorney and/or CPA This past year has been filled with unexpected difficulties for all businesses. Throughout the pandemic San Jacinto College SBDC has adapted to the changes to continue assisting the business community. From October 2020, the beginning of our fiscal year, thru March 2021, the San Jacinto College SBDC has successfully assisted 314 clients resulting in 182 new jobs, 17 new business starts and $17.51 million dollars in new capital.

The San Jacinto College SBDC has offices in the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region in Deer Park, and the SJC North Campus. Contact SBDC@sjcd.edu to register for our free services.

IMPROVING GLOBAL RECYCLING: THE ALLIANCE TO END PLASTIC WASTE ECONOMIC ALLIANCE MEMBERS WORK ALONGSIDE THE ALLIANCE TO END PLASTIC WASTE Making a global impact on our environment: BASF, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Covestro, Dow, ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell & Shell Founded in January of 2019, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste has already made great strides in raising awareness of the global challenge we face to recycle, re-use and re-purpose plastic and keep it out of the environment.

With over 80 member companies, project partners, allies and supporters, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste works together with policy makers, non-governmental organizations and local communities to drive and deliver transformational change to end plastic waste in the environment and protect our planet. They have committed over $1 billion to their cause and have a goal of investing $1.5 billion over the next five years to develop and deploy solutions to minimize and manage plastic waste.

Seven members of the Economic Alliance have also partnered with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste; BASF, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Covestro, Dow, ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell and Shell have all joined the organization and its mission, working alongside other stakeholders around the world to create innovative solutions for our global plastic waste. Part of their mission includes minimizing the volume of plastic waste disposed in landfills or incinerated and maximizing the value of plastics recovered from recycling.

One example of plastic pollution related ingenuity is the work of the Cameroon non-profit Madiba & Nature, who design and build “ecoboats”; boats built from discarded plastic bottles for fishermen to use. The project simultaneously reduces the amount of plastic waste in the ocean and supports the livelihood of local fishermen.

In Seoul, South Korea, two women have built a workshop where over 2,000 volunteers re-purpose bottle caps into handy household items. These bottle caps are usually discarded at recycling facilities and end up in landfills. The efforts of these volunteers combat the impact of the increased volume of single-use plastics COVID-19 has caused, specifically from the fast-food industry.

For more information on how you help end plastic waste in your home and how to get involved with World Cleanup Day on September 18, 2021, visit the Alliance to End Plastic Waste’s website: https://endplasticwaste.org/. Click here to download their 2020 progress report.

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ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION TRANSPORTATION CLUB OF HOUSTON PRESENTATION January 12, 2021

spoke to the press about the organization’s need and the capital campaign to expand the facility.

President & CEO Chad Burke presented an annual economic update and preview of activities for the Houston Port Region to the Transportation Club of Houston at their first meeting of 2021.

TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE February 22, 2021

BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION CLASS February 9, 2021 As part of her professional development to maintain her CEcD status, Vice President of Economic Development Regina taught a class on business retention and expansion principles and best practices.

FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE February 11, 2021 The Freight Transportation Committee heard updates on all regional projects from TXDoT, Harris County, HCTRA and Port Houston. To watch the meeting, visit the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region’s channel on YouTube or click here.

TOUR OF BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS FREEZE DAMAGE February 24, 2021 Regional stakeholders, including Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, toured the damage the Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ family facility suffered from the winter storm. Chad and the Commissioner

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Chad attended the week-long virtual TEDC Legislative conference, which included presentations from elected officials and industry groups with topics centering on legislation taking place during the current session.

THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS NETWORKING FUNDRAISER March 2, 2021 The Economic Alliance, BIC Alliance and the Health & Safety Council partnered to host a networking fundraising event for The Bridge Over Troubled Waters and their capital campaign benefitting an expansion of their kids center. Over 150 people attended the event in-person, and the evening raised over $20,000 for the non-profit.

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE CENTER FOR PETROCHEMICAL, ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY GLASS LAB OPENING March 5, 2021 Economic Alliance staff attended the in-person SJC CPET Glass Lab opening celebration.

LyondellBasell designed and built a two-unit “glass” lab for hands-on training for students.

REDNEWS PANEL March 22, 2021 Regina participated as a panelist for real estate professionals on the future of the economy post COVID-19 at the Briar Club. The panel included a discussion on the impact of Houston’s international economy and the status of recovery of jobs lost due to COVID-19.

GET INVOLVED! Email Marisela marisela@allianceportregion.com to join a task force.

In memory of Jeffery Kuhn The members and staff of the Economic Alliance are greatly saddened by the passing of our dear friend, colleague and Board Member, Jeff Kuhn, on Saturday, March 27. Jeff was a Senior Client Development Specialist at Terracon Consultants, Inc. and focused on creating relationships and friendships and earning clients’ trust and loyalty. His passion for Terracon, his clients, his many friends and his family were uplifting and infectious to all that knew him. Many of us here at the Economic Alliance were very close to him and will miss him dearly. He has served on our Board of Directors several years and made a meaningful and lasting impact on this organization.

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MEMBERS IN MOTION HARGROVE ENGINEERS + CONSTRUCTORS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION Hargrove Engineers + Constructors is excited to announce its expansion in the Gulf Coast region by opening a new office at 12000 Aerospace Ave., Suite 200 in Houston, Texas. This is Hargrove’s sixteenth full-service operation, with 15 domestic offices and one international. As Hargrove’s fourth operation in the state of Texas, this office will support Hargrove’s clients in the oil and gas, refining, chemical and manufacturing industries, as well as other local industrial sectors.

Operational by April 2021, the office will offer Hargrove’s full range of engineering, procurement, and construction services, as well as laser scanning, dimensional control, reliability/mechanical integrity, IT/Cybersecurity, process safety, and controls + automation expertise, as well as providing sitebased teams. Visit hargrove-epc.com for more information, including career opportunities.

ARCO’s Houston office was established in 2015 and is part of a national design-build firm recognized as an industry leader for industrial project types including cold storage, warehouse, light industrial distribution and manufacturing. ARCO is the premier choice for exacting decision makers who need design and construction services that are sole sourced. This delivers distribution centers and warehouses that are efficient and cost-effective for every client. Our core purpose is to make the construction experience enjoyable and beneficial for our associates and customers.

MANSFIELD MARKETING HELPS LATIN AMERICAN COMPANIES ESTABLISH U.S. BRAND IDENTITY Expand Your Target Market Mansfield Marketing helps Latin American businesses establish a strong online presence in the United States. We build industrial brands that communicate value, trust and authority in a cohesive message that inspires action from your potential target customers.

Increase Brand Awareness in the U.S. Brand identity is the foundation for an effective marketing plan that stands apart from the competition. If your company is looking to offer products or services here in the U.S. and only have a Spanish online presence; we are adept at creating content that promotes the benefits of your brand, products, and services. Contact Mansfield today for more information!

ARCO DESIGN/BUILD RECOGNIZED BY ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD ARCO Design/Build (ARCO) was recently ranked the largest domestic builder of distribution and warehouse facilities by Engineering News-Record.

With over $1.4 billion in distribution projects performed in 2019 and 27 million SF currently under construction, we are proud of this distinction.

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by Monday, June 28

COVESTRO GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Covestro donates $10k in freeze relief funding In response to the recent and unprecedented winter storm Uri, Covestro made a $10,000 donation to the local Salvation Army to help assist those affected by the storm. The organization provided 24/7 warming centers and food distribution throughout Texas during the historically low temperatures and statewide power outages.

Covestro and Baytown elementary continue successful partnership Covestro Baytown and its Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District Partner in Education school James Bowie Elementary are excited to continue their partnership for the 2020-2021 school year.

FLINT HILLS REMAINS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY Providing shoes for those in need Flint Hills Resources Houston employees donated over 80 pairs of new children’s shoes and socks to Rucker Elementary in Houston in March. The school’s faculty said receiving these needed new shoes helps increase students’ self-esteem and physical activity, as well as improves behavior and school attendance. We at Flint Hills Resources are so honored to take part in this important initiative in support of our local students. Pictured is Larry House, new FHR plant manager, and John Hutcherson, former plant manager who retired in March.

The partnership has greatly impacted student success, boosted morale with both students and staff, as well as helped many families. While activity is much different than in years past due to COVID-19 restrictions, the company and its volunteers have been innovative to keep students engaged.

Some initiatives include virtual reading sessions for students, donating gifts to help incentivize teacher wellness participation, perfect attendance incentives, providing masks for students, providing breakfast, lunch and bottled water to teachers and staff, and more.

Supporting others during Winter Storm Uri Flint Hills Resources responded to the needs of their Oak Meadows neighbors during the February winter storm by providing water bottles.

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MEMBERS IN MOTION HOUSTON METHODIST BAYTOWN BREAKS GROUND ON NEW FACILITY Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 26 for its new five-story patient tower. The facility is scheduled to open in spring 2023 and will expand the hospital by 75 beds, including medical/surgical and intensive care unit (ICU) and women’s services beds. The facility will also include a new pharmacy, laboratory, kitchen, dialysis unit, as well as other needed infrastructure. The building’s projected 2023 completion date coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital in 1948.

The new tower is part of a $250 million facilities master plan begun in 2017 that includes the new, expanded emergency department, outpatient center, Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Baytown facility, new parking garage and central utility plant and numerous infrastructure enhancements.

CrowdSourceRescue sent out an urgent request for volunteers. Brian Heard, ITC’s Complex Industrial Director, answered that call. Over the course of several weeks, Brian had the opportunity to help make hundreds of hot meals and to deliver water across the city to those with food insecurity.

Everyone was so grateful for the help, even when you could see all the cleanup on the streets, there was still hope. CSR estimated they provided over 700,000 meals and ITC is happy to apart of that effort.

While the clean-up is still ongoing, ITC wanted to make sure those affected by the storm may qualify for temporary property tax relief. Under Section 11.35 of the Texas Property Tax Code, property owners may be eligible to receive a temporary property-tax exemption for qualified property that was damaged by the winter storm. To receive the exemption, a qualified property which can include both real and personal property must have been at least 15% damaged by the storm.

Property owners must apply for the temporary exemption by May 28, 2021, to receive the benefit.

For more information about the tax relief available to Texas property owners, please contact Brian Heard at Brian@ITCTAX.com or 281-549-5080.

ITC SUPPORTS TEXAS WINTER STORM CLEANUP The Texas Winter Storm in February severely impacted Houston and left a tremendous need for tens of thousands of residents that were left with little food, lack of water due to broken pipes, and overall damage to their homes and communities.

Local non-governmental resource groups including CrowdSourceRescue.org (CSR) sprang into action for over a month supporting Houston residents with hot food, bottled water, and other necessary items such as baby food and formula.

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY CONTINUES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE Career and Technical Education (CTE) is the practice of teaching specific career skills to students and equipping them with tangible skills, including industry-backed certifications, sought by potential employers. Certifications can help students stand out in a crowded pool of applicants and start their career in the right direction.

To help set up the next generation of young professionals for success, CenterPoint Energy has partnered with five Houston-area school districts to provide real-world experience through comprehensive training visits, instructional materials and field trips. We have forged relationships among educators, community partners and company representatives from our Operations, Safety, Training and Human Resources organizations. We also provide funding to the four school districts.

During the pandemic we have been continuing our engagement with the staff and students at our partner schools via Zoom, Webex and MS Teams.

We look forward to being a part of their education and future.

THE BRIDGE FOR KIDS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN The Bridge Over Troubled Waters launches capital campaign to fund a new center for kids The new center will provide services to more than 200 children and teens a day who have been affected by domestic violence.

Over $4 million has already been raised towards the $6.8 million project. Go to tbotw.org/#donate to donate to the non-profit.

Prior to COVID-19, we hosted field trips to various worksites. Photos below are of students in February 2020 touring our North District Gas Ops Training Center.

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP SERIES: RIGHT NOW LEADERSHIP The Economic Alliance has partnered with Meador Staffing and Right Now Leadership to provide our members with exclusive and FREE access to the Transformational Leadership Series. Click here for more information on the Society of Human Resource Management certified courses: http://bit. ly/TLeadershipSeries or visit ricktorrison.com

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MEMBERS IN MOTION GULF COAST AUTHORITY Gulf Coast Authority Team Receives 3 Prestigious 2021 WEAT Awards Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) is proud to announce the receipt of three awards – one to a GCA facility and two to individual employees – from the Water Environment Association of Texas’ (WEAT) for 2021.

“This is an exciting achievement as it highlights the commitment of our Authority and the expertise of our employees,” said Elizabeth Fazio Hale, General Manager of GCA. “The Washburn Tunnel Facility located in Pasadena, TX provides cost-effective measures to improve the quality of discharges into Galveston Bay. Equally important, recognition of our employees demonstrates a continued dedication to developing individuals’ professionalism and advancing technology to protect the environment.”

Washburn Tunnel Wastewater Treatment Facility is the recipient of the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year Award for operational excellence, recognizing its consistent outstanding performance of daily activities beyond the normal call of duty. “The WT team continued to provide excellent service in a very challenging year,” said Phyllis Frank, WT Facility Manager.

Leonard Levine, GCA’s Technical Services Director and a 40-year employee, is the 2021 recipient of the Winfield S. Mahlie Award. This award honors those who have made significant contributions to “the art and science of wastewater treatment and water pollution control.”

“Congratulations to our outstanding team as GCA celebrates the leadership and commitment evidenced by these awards,” Fazio Hale added.

Gulf Coast Authority’s Jonathan Sandu Appointed to WEAT Board At the March 24, 2021 WEAT Board meeting, Jonathan Sandhu, Assistant Director – Technical Services, was appointed as a Member-at-Large to the WEAT Executive Board. WEAT is a large regional association dedicated to bringing together water professionals, practitioners, operations specialists and public officials. Jonathan is also a co-chair of the Industrial Committee. His appointment will help provide a diverse perspective on issues in the wastewater industry.

ABGi-USA HIRES NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Greg Miller has been hired by ABGi-USA as a business development manager. The company found Greg more than a year ago when he was working for The BIC Alliance, a national oil-and-gas marketing company with a large national magazine readership.

Greg was chairman of the business development committee of the Economic Alliance, Houston Port Region where he met ABGi Senior Director Craig La Grappe.

It took La Grappe several Mexican lunches to convince Greg to come over to ABGi. Greg now serves on La Grappe’s band of outlaws. Prior to that, Greg worked for Change Magazine and before that Bisnow, where he worked to published an e-newsletter that put a face on the Houston upstream energy industry.

Brianna Morales, Assistant Facility Manager at GCA’s Bayport Facility, is the winner of the Presidential Award, presented to someone who has gone the extra mile in supporting the WEAT President in leading the organization.

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The bulk of Greg’s career has been among the newspaper industry’s huddled masses. He is a veteran journalist classically trained at the University of Iowa school of Journalism and Mass

Communication. Publishing courses through his veins as this Hawkeye cut his teeth for 11 years on the sports desks of the Houston Post, Austin American-Statesman and Bryan-College Station Eagle.

La Grappe said, “One of the reasons we chose Greg to work with us is because of his background in oil and gas. When it comes to energy, Greg is full of it.”

WINKLER PUBLIC RELATIONS REMAINS FLEXIBLE AND CREATIVE TO ENGAGE REGION’S STAKEHOLDERS Winkler Public Relations finds alternative methods to help economic development organizations, chambers and industry members engage with elected officials during an access-limited Texas Legislature session.

leaders on a single-day visit for in-person advocacy updates by Texas Association of Business in its large conference room, Zoom call with a state representative, and visits with five legislators in the Capitol to understand state government impacts on local issues.

HCA HEALTHCARE: THE HEART OF A FAMILY’S GOOD FORTUNE Medical professsionals at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast acted quickly to save the life of Dora Vega when her heart stopped suddenly.

“I woke up, and I couldn’t breathe. I was nauseous,” Vega recalled. “I woke my husband, to call 9-1-1.”

The EMS transported Vega to the emergency room at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast. On the way, her heart stopped. CPR was successfully performed, but on arrival at the hospital, Vega’s heart stopped a second time. The emergency medicine team brought her back again.

Within minutes, Dr. Jeroudi and his team were at work in the heart catheterization lab to repair Vega’s main artery. During the procedure to place a stent, her heart stopped a third time. And again, her care team successfully restarted her heart.

Pasadena Chamber IMPACT leaders circle Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado outside of the Senate Chamber in Austin as she previews state legislation that impacts the Houston Ship Channel region.

Joining hybrid (combined virtual and in-person) meetings with Economic Alliance to establish and share policy positions, conducting virtual legislative panels for chambers and associations, and creating a combined on-site/virtual visit to the State Capitol, Winkler PR helps area organizations share legislative priorities and provide feedback to legislators.

Her condition was touch and go for weeks, but she turned a corner, and, after several months, Dora Vega walked out of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast hospital. She agrees, and believes it was her family’s love and all the prayers she received – even from her doctor – that ultimately saved her life.

Ross Winkler, government and public affairs director, led Pasadena Chamber’s IMPACT future PAGE • 23

IN THE COMMUNITY: ABC GREATER HOUSTON RECOGNIZES WOMEN IN INDUSTRY REBUILDING THE WOMEN WORKFORCE AND REBUILDING AMERICA GO HAND IN HAND

By Lauren Harrell, Marketing Communications Specialist, ABC Greater Houston At ABC Greater Houston, we are committed to recruiting and upskilling women so we can continue to develop a diverse and inclusive construction industry. There is no better time for women to consider a career in construction, where workforce shortages are a constant concern and new talent is in demand to rebuild our economy and crumbling infrastructure. National construction employment was only 3% below its pre-pandemic peak in February 2020, and in Texas, the construction unemployment rate is 4%.

A recent study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows working women are experiencing the worst effects of the recession because the industries they tend to work in were hit harder by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Forbes, five million women have lost or left their jobs in the past year. In December 2020 alone, the U.S. economy lost 140,000 jobs — all of them previously held by women.

While women in the U.S. workforce earn an average of 81.1% of what their male counterparts make, the gender pay gap in the construction sector is almost nonexistent, with women earning an average of 99.1% compared to men. In Texas, the annual salary for a construction pipefitter is $50,320, and pipefitters average $54,000.

To learn more about career opportunities in construction, including those featured during 2021 Women in Construction Week, March 7-13, visit www.abchouston.org.

San Jacinto Health Care If you are passionate about helping others and saving lives, pursue a health care degree or certificate that can lead to a rewarding career.

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An Equal Opportunity Institution

COLLEGE UPDATE: LEE COLLEGE STUDENTS GET INDUSTRY EDGE WITH INEOS SIMULATOR BAYTOWN, TX – Lee College analytics technology

• Introduction to Sample Systems

and measurements students will receive hands-on • Chromatography training and be better prepared to successfully enter the workforce thanks to a generous donation from Lee College’s Advanced Technical Training Center offers fast-track courses and customized programs INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA (“INEOS”). for nearly every industry. To learn more about the Last December, INEOS donated an analyzer shelter analytics technology and measurements and other to Lee College for students who are actively learning high-demand degrees and certificate programs about analyzer readings and process operations in enrolling now, go to www.lee.edu/workforce. the chemical plant industry. Lee College is the only college in the Houston area with a training facility of Lee College offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs as well as non-credit its kind. workforce and community education courses, which “A motivated, well trained technical workforce is prepare its diverse student body for advanced higher incumbent to safe and reliable operations of our education, successful entry into the workforce, and facilities,” said Robert (Bob) Bradshaw, Site Manager various in-demand careers. With the main campus for the INEOS Battleground Manufacturing Complex and McNair Center located in Baytown, Texas, and in La Porte. “We at INEOS are proud to partner a satellite education center in nearby South Liberty with Lee College to provide quality educational County, the college serves a geographic area of more opportunities which lead to gainful employment for than 220,000 residents, including 14 independent the next generation in our community.” school districts. To learn more, visit www.lee.edu.

Most modern chemical plants use analyzer shelters to provide a controlled environment to test and control end products. The analyzer shelter is a containertype structure that protects the measurement components from adverse conditions that can affect analyzer readings.

“Lee College is excited to enhance our Analytical program with the donation from INEOS that allows real-world preparation and hands-on exposure to the actual equipment students will encounter while working in the field,” said Marsha Tuha, executive director of Lee College’s Center for Workforce and Community Development. “When hiring Lee College graduates, employers can be confident their employees received thorough, high-quality training because of resources like the analyzer shelter.”

The analyzer shelter at Lee College will accommodate the components necessary to teach analyzer technology in a real-world setting. Several high demand classes will use the analyzer shelter, including: • 16-hour Analyzer troubleshooting • 40-hour Introduction to Analyzer training

Shown standing in front of the analyzer shelter donated by INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA (left to right): Robert Bradshaw, Site Manager, INEOS Olefins & Polymers Battleground Manufacturing Complex; Dr. Lynda Villanueva, President, Lee College; Marsha Tuha, Executive Director, Lee College Center for Workforce & Community Development; Dave Lierman, Maintenance Supervisor, INEOS Olefins & Polymers Battleground Manufacturing Complex.

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TERRAPASS: WHY ARE SO MANY COMPANIES EMBRACING CARBON OFFSETTING? By terrapass Did you know you can be exposed to as many as 10,000 advertisements every single day? And amongst all of the feel-good imagery, slogans, and carefully-positioned branding, you’re probably starting to see the terms “carbon-neutral,” “net-zero,” and “climate-friendly” just about everywhere you look.

In the last few years, many of America’s best-known corporations have announced they will achieve carbonneutrality by 2050 or earlier. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, Lyft, and FedEx have each unveiled ambitious CO2-reduction plans – while Unilever’s carbon-neutral goal of 2039 also includes listing carbon footprints on every one of its products.

Almost all CO2-reduction strategies involve purchasing carbon offsets, in which companies invest in projects that capture or eliminate greenhouse gases to offset their own emissions. And in addition to reducing global CO2 levels, offsets also help to create and fund environmental projects that wouldn’t otherwise exist. For example, the new “Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation” (CORSIA) – which is in a trial stage but will become mandatory in 2027 – is expected to inject $40 billion into climate projects and offset 2.6 billion tons of CO2 between now and 2035. To date, all major US airlines have voluntarily committed to the agreement, which will involve purchasing carbon offsets, creating new efficiency measures and developing cleaner technologies and fuels.

And while it’s terrific to see so much environmental action, you might be wondering why so many companies seem to be going all-in on carbon offsetting. Is it in response to consumer demand? Is it to look good in the media? Or is it indicative of a much-needed change in corporate awareness? Well, let’s take a closer look and find out.

What is a “carbon-neutral” business?

In simple terms, a carbon-neutral business removes the same amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it creates, which is commonly achieved by purchasing carbon offsets. Each offset represents one metric ton of CO2 (or equivalent) that is either sequestered from the atmosphere or prevented from being released in the first place.

In a recent project, terrapass partnered with Washington-based beverage company Talking Rain to offset 100% of its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. The partnership supports eight sustainability projects around the country and reduces the same amount of CO2 annually as taking 6,000 cars off the road for an entire year or planting 460,000 new trees. As well as investing in offsets, Talking Rain also purchases Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to support clean energy production and runs a recycling program that diverts 1.5 million pounds of plastic from landfills every year.

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“As a beverage company, we are committed to taking meaningful action to reduce the carbon footprint associated with our operations, while also advancing innovation and change when it comes to caring for the environment.” Chris Hall, Talking Rain CEO And taking carbon-neutrality a step further, some companies are even setting “carbon-negative” goals, meaning they’ll actually remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than they generate. You may have heard about Microsoft’s billion-dollar plan to become carbon-negative by 2030 – which also includes a plan to remove all of its historical emissions (i.e., all of the carbon dioxide it’s ever created) by 2050. The company claims to have been carbon-neutral since 2012, which it says has been primarily due to investing in verified carbon offsets and sourcing renewable energy.

And taking carbon-neutrality a step further, some companies are even setting “carbon-negative” goals, meaning they’ll actually remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than they generate. You may have heard about Microsoft’s billion-dollar plan to become carbon-negative by 2030 – which also includes a plan to remove all of its historical emissions (i.e., all of the carbon dioxide it’s ever created) by 2050. The company claims to have been carbon-neutral since 2012, which it says has been primarily due to investing in verified carbon offsets and sourcing renewable energy.

Large or small, every company can balance its CO2 emissions No matter what type of business you’re involved in, you can now take direct action to offset your carbon footprint and realize many valuable benefits. At terrapass, we offer a selection of verified carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates (RECs) that can help your company to reduce or even eliminate its carbon dioxide emissions – and set new standards that your competitors will seek to follow.

Using our carbon footprint calculator, you can measure the CO2 emissions of your business activities such as electricity, heating, transport, and air travel, and then select from a range of solutions to restore the natural balance.

It’s clear that global warming and climate change are the most significant issues facing our planet today, and only with all of us working together can we achieve a net-zero future. We’re excited by the number of companies working to offset or eliminate their emissions, and we believe that before long, carbon-neutrality will no longer be the exception – but the new standard.

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Stakeholder, Corporate, and Proprietorship Members *STAKEHOLDER MEMBERS IN BOLD ABGI USA Action Supply Acts CHB, Inc. Airobotics Airtechs Mechanical Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemical LLC AL Law Group Allegiance Bank American Acryl Apache Oil Company ARCO Design/Build Arete Advisors Arkema Inc. Armand Bayou Nature Center Asset Integrity Solutions Associated Builders & Contractors of Houston Association of Bayport Companies B2BCFO BakerRipley Bank of Texas Bartlett Cocke Industrial Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Bayport Polymers, LLC (Baystar) 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 BlueSky-Global LLC BMWC Constructors Boost Performance LLC Bradshaw Consulting Group, Inc. Brady, Chapman, Holland and Assoc.

Capital One Bank CAT-I Cease Addiction Now CEC Energy Services CertifiedSafety, Inc. Chemic Engineers & Constructors, Inc. Cherry Companies CHI St. Luke’s Health Patients Medical Center Choice Energy Services Clark Freight Lines Inc Clark Industrial Services, LLC Climax Portable Machine Tools Clough USA Comerica Bank Community First ER CommunityBank of Texas Connex SVT Consumer Energy Alliance Core Trucking of Texas Cumulus Digital Solutions Del Mar Safety Solutions DeLane’s Ad Specialties Detection & Measurement Systems

Dixie Chemical East Harris County Empowerment Council East Harris County Manufacturers Association ECC Alliance Economic Incentive Services, LLC Edna Rice Executive Recruiters Inc. First Horizon Bank Flint Hill Resources Gallant Builders Galveston Bay Foundation Gateway Printing & Office Supply, Inc. GEDA USA, LLC Global Relations Gorrondona Engineering Services, Inc. Greater Houston Manufacturers Association Greater Houston Partnership Gulf Coast Authority Gulf Winds International, Inc. H+M Industrial EPC Halff Associates, Inc. Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP Hanson Professional Services HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast HDR Engineering, Inc. Houlden Enterprises, LLC Houston Chronicle Media Group Houston Pilots Association Houston Tents & Events Houston Yacht Club HUB International Insurance Services Hunter Buildings & Manufacturing IDS Engineering Group ILA #1351 Industrial Tax Consulting Innovative Alternatives, Inc. JSC Federal Credit Union Kaneka North America LLC Keller Kenco Bucket Trucks Kinder Morgan Knudson LP La Porte Economic Development Corporation Lakewood Yacht Club Les Ellard Insurance Agency, Inc. Liquid Capital Business Funding LJA Engineering Longleaf Industial Lubrizol Magnus & Company Mass Transfer, Ltd MAV Personnel, LLC McDermott McDonough Engineering Corporation McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc. Meador Staffing Services METRO Moody National Bank Mosher Seifert & Company, CPA MPACT Strategic Consulting National Property Holdings NiSoft Nissan Chemical Houston Corp Noltex, LLC Northern Air

Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc. Orbital Engineering, Inc. Orion Group Holdings, Inc. Oxy Vinyls Pasadena Economic Development Corporation PDG Architects Pearland Economic Development Corporation Pfeiffer and Son, Ltd. Phelps State Farm Insurance Pinnacle PKF of Texas, P.C. Place Chaplains Plantgistix Pro Citrus Network Prostar Manufacturing, Inc. PV Rentals LLC Qualified Properties, Inc. Ram Alloys, LLC Reliant Nationwide Staffing Richmond Equipment Ritter Forest Products Royal Harbor Partners San Jacinto River and Rail Sandler Training Seabrook Economic Development Corporation SGS Galson Shell Federal Credit Union Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc. SMART Group Houston Southern Fasteners & Supply, Inc. Springhill Suites by Marriott – Baytown Statesman Corporation Finance, LLC Stockstill & Associates Structure Tone Southwest Swagelok Southeast Texas Terracon Consultants, Inc. Terrapass Texas Deepwater Partners (TDWP Partners LLC) Texas First Bank Texas Molecular Limited Partnership Texas Mutual Insurance Co Texas Southern University TG Energy Industrial Services The Boeing Company The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. The Mundy Companies The Stewart Organization The Tipton Corporation (Skyline Safety) Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. TPC Group Trustmark National Bank TurnerDuran Architects Tycoon Trucking Inc. Union Pacific Railroad University of Houston-Clear Lake VCFO West Gulf Maritime Association Wheelchairs for Warriors Wood Workforce Solutions

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