27 minute read
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
IN THIS ISSUE
PRESIDENT’S LETTER ................................................. 3 table of contents w/ feature articles members in motion ................................................ 20 calendar of events .............................................. 27 Economic alliance in motion ............................ 28 MEMBER LISTING .................................................... 32
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CHEVRON PASADENA REFINERY LTO PROJECT
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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, 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 Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce Houston East End Chamber of Commerce North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Pearland Chamber of Commerce South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce
Please take time to recognize our 2022 Board of Directors:
Charles Montgomery, Houston ILA Dock and Marine 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 Dr. Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College 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, INVISTA Luis Aguilar, Health And Safety Council CenterPoint Energy Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College - LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology Leonard A. Bedell, Mobil Steel International, Inc. Katie Yount, McDonough Engineering Russell Carter, Bohler Engineering Corp. Matthew Goldston, PKF Texas Elizabeth Fazio Hale, Gulf Coast Authority Chris Talley, Blast Builders Robert Armstrong, Kuraray America, Inc. Janet Gonzales, Bank of Texas Kristi Claypool, Meador Staffing Services Buddy Tucker, Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc. Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Nathanael Ince, Pinnacle Matthew Blunck, Enterprise Holdings David Bush, Orion Group Holdings, Inc. Herb Hildebrand, San Jacinto College - Small Business Development Center Stuart Cayer, Kelsey-Seybold Randy Boeding, R. Boeding Group, LLC Jonathan Schmaltz, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Matt Buchanan, Pearland Economic Development Corporation Misha Baker, Shell Deer Park Stephen Kelman, Wood David Tolson, Arete Advisors Bret Gardella, City of Baytown Paul J. Plauché, MobilOps
Another year is in the books. 2022 was quite a ride, and we’re proud of the Economic Alliance’s accomplishments during another exciting year. I want to reflect on the year and thank all our incredible members, partners, and employees for everything they do to make the Houston Port region the most sought-after destination in the world for petrochemical, manufacturing, maritime and logistics operations.
AMONG THE NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 2022:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 3 “wins” totaling of $1.6B in capital investment and 100 total jobs created. TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE: Partnering with BAHEP and BayTran, Economic Alliance hosted the first annual South Texas Transportation Summit to emphasize and prioritize the critical projects to this region’s mobility success. Top projects include: • Beltway 8 and State Highway 225 direct connectors • Direct Connector from SH 225/SH 146 to Barbours Cut Blvd • Redevelopment of SH 225 and I-10 • Completion of the Southeast section of Highway 99 PUBLIC POLICY: 21-person Economic Alliance Leadership Team conducted 25 IN-PERSON meetings with Senate, Congressional and Association Representatives, along with a Congressional Dinner to discuss the Houston Port regions Federal Policy Priorities that were authored by the Public Policy Task Force. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Connected with 7,000+ individuals/students through 53 career path presentations utilizing 14 volunteers from 9 different companies to market high paying careers in the petrochemical, maritime, logistics, and construction industries. QUALITY OF LIFE: Through the San Jacinto Texas Historic District (SJTHD) reviewed/funded projects that promote public safety, beautification, special community activities, outreach and other priorities aligned with impacting the Houston Port Region. EVENTS/NETWORKING: hosted over 2,000 attendees at 12 networking and educational events in 2022 including the Gulf Coast Industry Forum, Economic Outlook 2022, Supply Chain Forum, Industrial Procurement Forum, and the highly successful Women in Alliance luncheons.
In 2023, we look forward to the continuation of convening our members to prioritize activities to market and grow a vibrant regional economy. It is your support and participation that not only drives the Economic Alliance’s accomplishment and success but also makes a major impact on the Houston Port Region's business climate.
Best of luck in 2023,
203 Ivy Avenue, Suite 200 Deer Park, TX 77536 (281) 476-9176
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Chair: Bob Bradshaw, INEOS Treasurer: Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Secretary: Rob Bacon, ExxonMobil Vice Chair: Ryan Sitton, Pinnacle Vice Chair: Mayor Michel Bechtel, City of Morgan's Point Vice Chair: Monty Heins, DOW Past Chair: Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD
Sarah Arroyo, Lubrizol Heather Betancourth, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC Jessica Blackmore, Shell Deer Park Sara Cronin, TPC Group Amanda Fenwick, San Jacinto College Lauren Harrell, Associated Builders & Contractors of Houston
Jason Lee, Exponent Prosperity Accelerator Advisors, LLC Lori Pace, ADIM Media, LLC Kara Slaughter, LyondellBasell Bill Stephens, Chevron Aaron Stryk, ExxonMobil Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations Tess Hammock, Community First ER MaryJane Mudd, EHCMA Sabrina Schwertner, Texas Chemical Council Brian Waddle, Lee College
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STAFF Chad Burke, President & CEO Chad Carson, VP of Economic Development Bridget Yeary, Financial & Administrative Manager Marisela Ramirez, Events & Membership Director Amanda Baucum, Marketing & Communications Director Patti Bell, Workforce Development Manager Karen Gregory, Contracts Manager
LAYOUT AND DESIGN Amanda Baucum Marketing & Communications Director
FOR EDITORIAL & SPONSORSHIP SUBMISSIONS amanda@allianceportregion.com
To read an issue online, go to the bottom of our homepage www.allianceportregion.com
Economic Alliance year in review
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE AND ITS SUPPORTING INITIATIVES
The Houston Port region’s make up is so unique that there is not a blueprint of how to strategize to improve our economic development activities/assets, transportation infrastructure, workforce development entities and investment protections. For this reason, Economic Alliance has established itself as the convening entity in identifying, prioritizing, and promoting issues of Houston Port region significance. Economic Alliance’s efforts in economic development and advocacy continue to eliminate unnecessary procedures so that representatives, government agencies, associations, residents, and our members/ businesses can work together seamlessly. Our strategic approach directly impacts the growth and maintenance of the most sought-after region in the world for petrochemical, manufacturing, maritime and logistics operations. Economic Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission since 1986 has been to grow a vibrant regional economy. Supported by impact initiatives focused on:
Economic Development Workforce Development Quality of Life Public Policy Transportation/Infrastructure Events/Thought Leadership
Our structure consists of an Executive Board, an Elected Board, and eight initiative chairs supported by members through their direct involvement. Our staff of seven works to carry out the directives of each of these bodies in the most efficient and effective way possible. • 250 Private Sector Members, 11 Cities/Communities, Port Houston, and Harris County. • 8 Task Forces
• Several annual events convening leaders and highlighting one of the World’s most influential energy corridors and trade ports. • Revenues are derived primarily through contracts with area governments, membership dues and
Fundraising events. Our footprint is one of, if not the largest, growth engines of economic opportunity of anywhere in the world! The Houston ship channel is our priority based on the economic impact and the unique needs that come along with sustaining investment activity. The economic benefit in the Houston Port region is nearly 7-fold regarding businesses and workers:
IN TEXAS IN THE US
• generates $339 billion in economic value • generates nearly $802 billion in U.S. economic value • sustains 1.3 million jobs • supports 3.2 million jobs • generates $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenue • provides $38 billion in tax revenue
The Houston Ship Channel and its more than 200 public and private terminals, collectively known as Port Houston, is the nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the U.S. • In November ‘22, container volume at Port
Houston grew by double digits, again. A total of 348,950 TEUs were handled during the month, up 11% compared to November 2021. It was the fourth highest month ever for containers at Port Houston’s
Barbour’s Cut and Bayport container terminals. • Container volume is up 17% year-to-date through
November, totaling 3.6M TEUs for the first eleven months of 2022.
• The week before Thanksgiving was the highest ever for truck transactions, with more than 70,000 combined total transactions, while
Saturday gates continue to make slow progress towards increased utilization. According to the Global Port Tracker and Journal of Commerce, retailers forecast a softening of containerized imports into the U.S. and for the drop to continue into 2023. Although volumes at Port Houston continue to be extremely solid through the end of 2022, with November being the fourth largest month on record, import activity will likely begin to level off during 2023 in the U.S. Gulf as well. With that said, the long term for container growth in Houston is extremely favorable. Retailers continue to invest in distribution centers in our region that are served through our Port. The export of petrochemical commodities continues to rebound as well.
• General cargo at Port Houston’s facilities grew by 45% year-to-date compared to the same time last year (Nov.). Auto imports were up 141% for November 2022 and 14% year-to-date compared to 2021. Steel imports took a dip in November; however, this year's steel volume has been substantial, making 2022 the best year for steel tonnage in more than five years. The impacts of the historic global supply chain demand are beginning to disappear, and the vessel queue is now reduced to single digits and will likely be caught up in 2023.
PORT HOUSTON IMPROVEMENTS AND INVESTMENTS TO KEEP THE HOUSTON PORT REGION COMPETITIVE
Although the import demand in the U.S. appears to be softening, the Port has not seen any slowing in Houston in recent months and are handling record amounts of cargo. Port Houston remains committed to the efficiency of their facilities and are making critical investments to stay well in front of demand both on the waterside and the terminal side.
• This past June, Port Houston, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), officially broke “ground” on the Project 11 - $1 billion expansion of the Houston Ship Channel. The investment is a “generation-defining project” and improvements to the nation’s busiest waterway will more safely and efficiently move import and export container ships and other vessels along with delivering jobs and growth to the Houston region, state, and nation. Accommodating bigger and bigger ships is part of the reason Port Houston has advocated for Project 11. The multi-year, multi-segment project includes widening parts of the channel to 700 feet and deepening others to 46 1/2 feet. Primary objectives include improving draft for larger vessels and giving them more room to maneuver, which lessens the need to play what ship pilots call “Texas Chicken.”
Project 11 is 82% funded, and advocacy efforts continue to secure the remaining federal funds. When complete, the USACE study shows Project 11 should add more than $133 million annually in national economic value.
3 NEW CRANES ARRIVE AT PORT HOUSTON - LARGEST IN PORT HOUSTON HISTORY
Three new neo-Panamax STS cranes arrived at Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal this past February. The purchase and installation of these cranes represents a significant infrastructure investment for Port Houston. The investment is the continued commitment to stay ahead of growth in our region are the cranes are ports biggest yet and will facilitate working 15,000 TEU sized vessels anticipated to call our terminals upon completion of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion - Project 11.
CONTAINER YARD EXPANSION AT BAYPORT CONTAINER TERMINAL
To improve the efficient movement of goods to reduce ongoing disruptions to the supply chain, Port Houston plans to use 100 acres at the developed Bayport East End of the Bayport Container Terminal as an additional container yard. The additional space will accommodate increased container volumes, while improving terminal efficiency, supporting emissions reduction, and maintaining international trade. This will bring significant economic benefits to the region. • The East End was originally developed as a cruise terminal, but its use was changed, in part, to an auto roll-on/roll-off terminal based on past market demands. To address current and projected future demands for container storage at Bayport, Port Houston now plans to change the use of the East End to a container yard that will include paving the existing auto terminal area and adjacent unpaved area to its south. Port Houston has obtained a Port Infrastructure Development Program grant, administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration, for construction of the first 50 acres and plans to pursue additional grants for other portions of the proposed East End project. Design is anticipated to begin in first quarter of 2023 with construction in first quarter of 2024.
Bayport Container Terminal - East End 100-Acre Container Yard Project
Since 2008, Economic Alliance has supported 77 Project Wins – 5 economic development projects a year that have shown a direct impact of $17.8B in Capital Investment and 3,856 Jobs Created.
How have we been doing this? Being proactive with our businesses in our footprint through Business Retention & Expansion outreach, fielding member inquires, working closely with ED allies and fielding requests from brokers, site selectors and the Governor’s Office. Our 77 economic development wins are proof that we provide a professional relationship to navigate the multiple facets of the expansion process in the Houston Port region, including the facilitation to our economic development support/solutions network. These services may include: • Conducting real estate searches of existing and greenfield locations for expansion/relocation • Participation and coordination of site-selection trips/briefings and orientations of the Houston Port region/Harris County • Facilitate access to data (via partners) on key business factors that highlight the Houston Port region as a destination for investment and job creation • Provide guidance in evaluating and applying for State and Local incentive and workforce programs • Advocacy for projects on issues pertaining to permitting and regulation with State and Local entities • Mobilization of our key board members, allies, partners to ensure project success
Economic Alliance is a viable resource/solutions provider to Houston Port region businesses, members, economic development allies and partners. In 2022, Economic Alliance supported 3 company expansions that are creating livable wage jobs and committing future asset investments to solidify our economic base. • 3 wins: consisted of - $1.9B in one-time capital investment – 100 direct jobs created and over 750 direct skilled jobs retained. The industry make-up of the wins was no surprise and is dominated by petrochemical projects.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WINS - 2022
KEY OUTCOME/2022:
OxyVinyls, the chemical division of Occidental Petroleum, is planning a $1 billion expansion/retention of 200 jobs through a modernization project at its chlor-alkali plant in La Porte.
The expansion involves an upgrade of current system equipment and processes with integration of new equipment that better utilizes membrane cell technology. The investment will address potential future industry regulations that could require the company to cease using its existing production technology. The benefits of this project would help to ensure long-term viability of the Battleground plant operations modernization of US Gulf Coast chlor-alkali assets to convert to membrane-grade from diaphragm-grade caustic soda capacity. The investment will reduce carbon intensity per ton of caustic soda produced and allow for expansions of existing capacity. A $400 million investment at Chevron’s Pasadena refinery will expand the facility’s capacity to process the light oil from the Permian Basin by almost 15 percent. The expanded facility will retain 400 jobs and will process 125,000 barrels per day. The Pasadena project would help solve a problem that has plagued the industry since the start of the shale revolution: a lack of refineries configured to process the “light, tight” variety of oil found in Texas shale. Many Gulf Coast refineries are better suited to process heavy oil produced outside of the U.S.. The project is expected to be complete in 2024. Kaneka will invest $150 million and create and 150 jobs focused on the production of a biodegradable plastics with no air emissions that already has a use in the consumer market. This initial investment may be followed by several phases of expansion in the Houston Port region.
Twenty-three active projects in the pipeline Economic Alliance are tracking with our regional partners with a potential for: $6.1B Cap Ex – 3,800 New Job Opportunities – 300 Retained Jobs Petrochemical and Manufacturing make up 83% of the YTD ‘23 pipeline with Alternative Fuels, Logistics, Corporate Headquarters and Real Estate Development combining for the remaining 17%. Economic Alliance conducts an annual evaluation of the project pipeline to determine which of the projects are still viable and will evaluate the current pipeline in January ’23 to determine the status of projects and if they are still being considered for the Houston Port region.
YTD PROJECT PIPELINE – ‘23 23 Projects
• $6.1B Cap Ex • 3,800 New Job Opportunities • 300 Retained Jobs
√ 44% Manufacturing √ 39% Petrochemical √ 5% Alt Fuels √ 4% Logistics √ 4% Corp Headquarter √ 4% Real Estate Dev
2023 should provide a robust pipeline of projects for the Houston Port region based on:
• Cargo volumes across Port Houston's docks that are continuing to shatter records. • Port Houston’s commitment and investment to accommodate further traffic. • Over $50 billion in petrochemical investments over the last 9 years that has increased production capacity to continue our output in resins (mainly exports) to meet world demand. • Steady activity of economic development leads from the Greater Houston Partnership and the Governor’s Office that indicate a serious interest in locating and/or expanding in the Houston Port region. • Business Retention & Expansion outreach/lead generation by Economic Alliance to conduct face to face meetings with some of the highest wage paying firms to uncover issues and provides solutions related to productivity/capital investment/job creation/job retention scenarios
SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS/ISSUES FACING HOUSTON PORT REGION BUSINESSES
Economic Alliance provides customized solutions to solve a problem or seize an opportunity to Houston Port region businesses, members, economic development allies and partners. • No matter the issue, impediment or even opportunity Economic Alliance will leverage its 200+ members and partners to convene a solution/introduction. Whether your problem is utilities, workforce, transportation, or municipal issues we will bring the right representatives to the table to make introductions and elevate the conversation to whatever your operation may be facing.
SELECT SOLUTION EXAMPLES FROM 2022
INEOS’s Battleground Manufacturing Complex needed to address the safety of ingress & egress to their facility on Independence Pkwy • EA facilitated a meeting with Harris County traffic engineers • Harris County agreed to conduct a traffic study • Center turning lane is being constructed and the speed limit will drop from 55 to 45 Invista had several permitting/timing issues with the City of Houston at their polymer grade propylene facility located on SH225 • EA facilitated a meeting with the City of Houston’s Chief Development Officer • Elevated/Solved issues around fast track of a permits being issued and common-sense discussion around the removal of several permitting requirements
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO KEEP THE HOUSTON PORT REGION COMPETITIVE
For several years the Economic Alliance has convened a Transportation Infrastructure task force. The group is a collection of local/state elected officials, Port Houston, petrochemical association partners and private sector members.
• The mission is to deliver TxDOT and key leadership a prioritized transportation/ infrastructure project list based on stakeholder consensus and critical investment need.
Project priorities have been based on:
• Impacting safety, mobility efficiency and environmental concerns related to the SH146/ SH225/610/I10 transportation corridor. • Need to facilitate economic opportunity through the acknowledgment of Port Houston’s unprecedented growth that has made it the nation’ busiest port. Forecasted to continue to grow as it supports the nations supply chain needs. • Projects that will enhance current/future committed private sector and public transportation mobility investments - Specifically, over the last several years, the Houston port region has seen $50 billion in manufacturing expansions, Port Houston’s $1B commitment to widen and deepen the Houston ship channel, and state and local investment to construct the $2B Beltway 8 bridge and expansion of SH146.
KEY OUTCOME/2022: I10 East Expansion/San Jacinto River Bridge - The Transportation Task Force at the Economic Alliance has long advocated for a new I-10 bridge over the San Jacinto River and most recently TxDOT has included over $170M of funding for a new I-10 Bridge in their Unified Transportation Program. • A new bridge will not only bring an end to our constant concerns with barge strikes, but it will also bring much-needed traffic relief to the region. The task force will continue to monitor the project to ensure the project is adequately funded and completed on time KEY OUTCOME/2022: Beltway 8 Bridge and Direct Connectors – The Transportation Task Force at the Economic Alliance compiled a support letter that advocated for funding of all 8 direct connectors for the Beltway 8 Bridge, currently only 5 of 8 the connectors are funded.
The support letter sent to key Officials at TXDOT, HGAC and HCRTA was signed by all Houston Port region Federal representatives, local State of Texas Senate and House representatives, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner and all local Mayors s urging the agencies to work together to find a solution for funding the 8 direct connectors.
Ultimately, the task force is making certain the Houston Port region is connecting mobility/safety/ environmental issues, economic opportunity, and our unprecedented industry growth with current and future transportation/infrastructure projects.
PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY
With our member input Economic Alliance works to improve our economic development assets, transportation infrastructure, workforce development entities and investment protections. For this reason, Economic Alliance has established itself as the convening entity in identifying and promoting issues of Houston Port region significance. Economic Alliance’s efforts continue to eliminate unnecessary procedures so that representatives, government agencies, associations and our members/businesses can work together seamlessly. Our strategic approach directly impacts the growth and maintenance of the most sought-after region in the world for petrochemical, manufacturing, maritime and logistics operations. This unified approach is positively recognized and is viewed to identify and prioritize policy/projects that will have the most impact on the Houston Port region.
Goals of the Houston Port region advocacy:
1. Communicate the region’s legislative priorities clearly and succinctly. 2. Obtain state/federal funding for local projects. 3. Advocate for legislation or policy changes that will benefit the Houston Port region. 4. Support our legislators by meeting with their community leaders/constituents to understand projects and issues relevant to the Houston Port region.
FEDERAL WHITE PAPER
Each year, the Economic Alliance’s Public Policy Task Force compiles a Federal Policy White Paper to allow our members and partners to advocate as one region with one voice, both during the D.C. trip held annually and throughout the year. The 2022 Federal Policy White Paper centered on: 1. Houston Ship Channel Infrastructure Investment and Widening 2. Community College Federal Priorities for Workforce Opportunities 3. Support for Innovation in Petrochemical Production, Sustainability/Use and Advanced Recycling
Techniques 4. Coastal Barrier- Hurricane Surge Protection
WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP - 2022
A leadership team organized by the Economic Alliance traveled to D.C. in 2022 and was led by Local Elected Officials, Business Organizations & Associations, Educational Partners, Port Houston Advocates, and the Private Sector.
• Over 3 days the 20-person Economic Alliance Leadership Team conducted 23 meetings with Senate, Congressional and Association representatives, along with a Congressional Dinner to discuss the Houston Port regions Federal Policy Priorities. • The trip began with a welcome dinner hosted by the Economic Alliance in partnership with the Greater Houston Partnership, Dallas Regional Chamber and Fort Worth Chamber to receive updates from Texas' U.S. senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz on current federal issues. Keynote speaker, Roman Popadiuk, first United States Ambassador to Ukraine, serving under President George H.W. Bush offered historical insight leading up to the current Ukraine/Russian conflict and its impact on the global economy. • KEY OUTCOME/2022: House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure voted to move the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 toward the full House for a floor vote. This follows a vote two weeks ago by a similar committee in the Senate, which also included language in its bill approving legislation that gives the go-ahead for our Coastal Barrier- Hurricane Surge Protection proposal. This reinforces the value of our convening, consensus building and continued face to face communication between our federal representatives, our local officials and industry leaders.
Sen. John Cornyn TX Sen. Ted Cruz TX Sen. John Kennedy LA
15 CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MEETINGS/TEXAS
Dan Crenshaw TX-2 Randy Weber TX-14 Sylvia Garcia TX-29 Brian Babin TX-36 Lizzie Fletcher-TX-7 Jody Arrington TX-19 Eddie Bernice Johnson TX 30 Sheila Jackson Lee TX-25 Kevin Brady TX-8 Troy Nehls TX-22 John Carter TX-31 Lance Gooden TX-5 Michael McCaul TX-10 Michael Cloud TX-27 Collin Allred TX-32
4 CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MEETINGS/U.S.
Kelly Armstrong ND John Curtis UT-3 David Rouzer NC-7 Bob Gibbs OH-7
3 MAJOR U.S. ASSOCIATIONS FOCUSED ON PETROCHEMICAL, MANUFACTURING AND MARITIME
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Texas Engineering Extension Service – Cyber Security American Chemistry Council
23 CONGRESSIONAL DINNER ATTENDEES/1 MEMBER OF THE TEXAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
The congressional dinner is where team members had the opportunity to network with local U.S Representatives in a more informal setting. This year Congressman Brian Babin, his wife Roxanne Babin, and members of his Washington DC office attended the dinner. Also, as a special bonus this year, several members of the team were treated to a tour of the Capital Dome hosted by Mrs. Babin.
20 HOUSTON PORT REGION LEADERS/ECONOMIC ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP TEAM (INCLUDING ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STAFF)
Elected Officials & Government's Staff Private Sector
Sen. Larry Taylor - Texas Senate, District 24 Connie Tilton – ExxonMobil Rep. Dennis Paul - Texas House of Reps, District 129 Russell Carter - Bohler Adrian Garcia - Harris County Commissioner Pct 2 Phillip Fordham – LyondellBasell Mike Lykes – Commissioner Garcia Chief of Staff Patrick Anderson – Proventure Consultants Michel Bechtel - Mayor, Morgan's Point Brandon Capetillo - Mayor, Baytown Port Houston Advocates Brian Moran - Baytown Asst City Manager Capt. Robert Thompson - Houston Pilots Thom Kolupski- Mayor Seabrook JJ Plunkett - Houston Pilots David Robinson - Council Member, Houston, At-Large 2 Bill Diehl – Houston Port Bureau
Business Organizations & Associations
Kaitlyn Murphy - Government Relations, GHP
Elizabeth Hale - Gulf Coast Authority Amy Skicki - Executive Director, BayTran
Educational Partners
Jim Griffin - Vice Chancellor, San Jacinto College
This strategic and unified approach is positively recognized at the federal level and is viewed as a means of assisting our federal representatives to identify and prioritize policy/projects that will have the most impact on the Houston Port region. • Economic Alliance will continue our collaborative approach in 2023 and will build upon the relationships and communication channels established with our federal representatives. The trip has not only successfully organized high-level meetings with access to key decision makers but has also given participants a clear
understanding of regional priorities and invaluable connections.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Economic Alliance provides a forum that facilitates the promotion of workforce development initiatives to address the growing skilled workforce gap. Our activities are focused on market high paying careers in the petrochemical, maritime, logistics, and construction industries to local students in order to close the skilled workforce gap and connect opportunities. • Leveraging partnerships with EHCMA and 9 community colleges to recruit and train a qualified workforce that is needed in the Houston Port region • Identified and prioritized with industry the high-demand, high-paying careers supporting the petrochemical and maritime industries • Lead activities to directly market career paths and job opportunities to address attrition, skill enhancement and demand to potential candidates KEY OUTCOME/2022: Economic Alliance connected with 7,000+ individuals/students through 64 career path presentations utilizing 14 volunteers from 9 different companies.
QUALITY OF LIFE
San Jacinto Texas Historic District (SJTHD) is a collaborative entity that brings together the port region communities of East Harris County (Precinct 2). The mission is to work in partnership with Economic Alliance Houston Port Region/Quality of Life Task Force, by showcasing the history and beauty of the communities in our district. With the understanding that quality of life represents a range of priorities SJTHD has reviewed/funded projects that promote public safety, beautification, special community activities, outreach and other priorities aligned with impacting the Houston Port region.
Project Support/Impacts – 2019 to Present:
• $63,000 in total matching funds awarded to 9 projects/capital campaigns. Impacting residents/organizations located in Pasadena, Pearland, Morgan’s Point, La Porte, Shoreacres and Precinct 2 at large • $38,000 directly supported beautification/community enhancement projects that have an estimated total cost of $1.3M. • $25,000 direct support to capital campaigns for community impact organizations missions/publicized projects of over $11M.
EVENTS/THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
In addition to our monthly taskforce and board meetings, provides members and community stakeholders opportunities to network, gain knowledge, and engage in information sharing by convening industry leaders. KEY OUTCOME/2022: Economic Alliance hosted over 3,700 attendees at 11 events with an average attendance of 335 participants. A few select events from 2022: • Gulf Coast Industry Forum – our largest event (bringing industry, government, and community stakeholders together to hear regional information affecting the Houston Port Region. • Economic Outlook – Patrick Jankowski, Greater Houston Partnership spoke about the state of Houston’s economy going into 2022. What’s happened in the last year and what does that suggest about where we’re going in the months ahead. • Industrial Procurement Forum - members can meet and learn how to engage with some of the world’s largest production, petrochemical and maritime entities in the world. • Houston Port Region Supply Chain Forum – Supply Chain Panel Discussion and a Global Computer Chip
Update & Forecast. • Women's Leadership Luncheons - 3 separate luncheon events focused on the women who make an impact on industry in the Houston Port region.
