Economic Alliance Houston Port Region - 2020 Q1 Newsletter: Transportation Edition

First Quarter • 2020

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

NEWSLETTER

TRANSPORTATION EDITION

PORT ROAD PROJECT UPDATE “safety and efficiency are the primary goals while undergoing the project work...”

HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL WIDENING PROJECT “the epicenter of massive energy and petrochemical manufacturing investments...”

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“the current challenge is to increase capacity and debottleneck the region in order to accommodate the growth in product, goods and commuter traffic....”

Chad Burke, President/CEO, Economic Alliance

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

City of Pearland

Deer Park Chamber of Commerce

Port Houston

City of Seabrook

Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce

City of Baytown

City of Shoreacres

Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce

City of Deer Park

City of South Houston

Houston East End Chamber of Commerce

City of Galena Park

Community of Channelview

La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce

City of Houston

Community of East End

North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce

City of Jacinto City

Community of North Shore

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

City of La Porte

Community of Sheldon

Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce

City of Morgan’s Point

Community of South Belt-Ellington

South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce

City of Pasadena

Baytown Chamber of Commerce

South Houston Chamber of Commerce

Please take time to recognize our 2020 Board of Directors: Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College - Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology Leonard A. Bedell, Mobil Steel International, Inc. Katie Yount, McDonough Engineering Jeffrey Kuhn, Terracon Consultants, Inc. Chip Schweiger, PKF Texas Chris Talley, Structure Tone Robert Armstrong, Kuraray America, Inc. Janet Gonzales, Bank of Texas Kristi Claypool, Meador Staffing Services Crystal Cedro, Hunter Buildings Tony Krause, Covestro Buddy Tucker, Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc. Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Nathanael Ince, PinnacleART Matthew Blunck, Enterprise Holdings

Marshall Deluca, Orion Group Holdings, Inc. Randy Boeding, R.Boeding Group, LLC Charles Montgomery, International Longshoremens Association Marcelo Moacyr, BGE Wayne Webb, Community Bank of Texas Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations Brent Cockerham, Moody National Bank John Grimes, LBC Tank Terminals Doug Mansfield, Mansfield Marketing Jim Smith, Doggett Industries Prem Vuthandam, Shell Deer Park Natalie Picha, Royal Harbor Partners, LLC John Golashesky, Turner Industries Randy Gartz, BBVA

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Captain Robert Thompson, Houston Pilots Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College Thomas Brinsko, BIC Alliance Chris Cain, LyondellBasell La Porte Plant Jay Bice, H+M Industrial EPC Luis Aguilar, Houston Area Safety Council John Hutcherson, Flint Hills Resources Kirk Kveton, Action Supply Stephanie King, BakerRipley Angelique Bartholomew, MPact Strategic Consulting

PRESIDENT’S LETTER As you’ve probably heard me say many times, the Economic Alliance’s mission is to market and grow the regional economy. We support that mission through the specific strategic initiatives of Transportation, Workforce Development, Public Policy, and Quality of Life. Among these initiatives, transportation and workforce development are a direct result of a robust and growing economy; a good problem to have, but a challenge none the less.

As home to the world’s largest petrochemical complex, and the nation’s #1 exporting port, our transportation network is the lifeblood of the region. The current challenge is to increase capacity and debottleneck the region in order to accommodate the growth in product, goods and commuter tied traffic. This means for every mode used, including roads, ships, barges, pipeline and rail.

The Ship Channel area has seen over $50 billion in capital projects over the last 8 years. Combined with Port Houston trade via the Panama Canal and increased resin production, container volumes have grown from 2 million TEUs 2015 to about 3 million in 2019. The latest economic study shows that the Houston Ship Channel’s activity now accounts for 21% of the state’s GDP. Also, factor in that private investment on docks and terminals along the Gulf Coast has been over $120 billion in the last four years, and you can understand the work our public infrastructure (both land and water) has to do to keep up with the increase in products moving through the system.

We currently have over 30 prioritized projects with both TxDOT and Harris County. A large portion of these TXDoT projects will be resolved within the Highway 225 PEL study that just began this year. Our Transportation Task Force is composed of regional mayors, East Harris County Manufacturers Association, Port Houston, Harris County, TxDOT, and HGAC. These stakeholders are continually working to represent this region and to gain approval and funding for these critical projects that will allow us to continue to grow and maintain our competitiveness. It is leadership like this that makes this organization a valuable tool and champion for this region. Thanks to all who continually step up to the plate to make this region the best it can possibly be.

Respectfully,

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

IN THIS ISSUE Houston Ship Channel Widening Project Page 4 Port Road Update Page 5 Task Force Updates Page 8 Economic Alliance In Motion Page 10 Members in Motion Page 14 Membership List Page 20

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: Karen Gregory, CenterPoint Energy Past Chair: Glenn Royal, Royal Harbor Partners, LLC.

COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Kelli Hefner, BIC Alliance Lauren Harrell, ABC Houston Amanda Accardo, Shell Deer Park Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Amanda Fenwick, San Jacinto College

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STAFF Chad Burke, President/CEO Regina Lindsey, Vice President of Economic Development Bridget Yeary, Financial & Administrative Manager Marisela Ramirez, Events & Membership Coordinator Kaitlyn Bluejacket, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Patti Bell, Workforce Development Manager Caelan Cheshire, Special Projects Coordinator

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Kaitlyn Bluejacket Marketing & Communications Coordinator

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS kaitlyn@allianceportregion.com

SPONSORSHIP SUBMISSIONS kaitlyn@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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WIDENING THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL

APPROVAL & FUNDING SOUGHT IN 2020 DESPITE COVID-19 DISRUPTION

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The Houston Ship Channel’s National Impact The 52-mile Houston Ship Channel supports 200plus industrial facilities that comprise the Port of Houston, making it the nation’s number one export region, the leading port for foreign commerce and the top U.S. energy port.

The Port of Houston is home to the largest petrochemical manufacturing complex in the world.

National energy security relies heavily on the Port of Houston, which produces 27% of U.S. gasoline and 60% of our nation’s aviation fuel.

This activity sustains nearly 3 million U.S. jobs, generates more than $617 billion in economic impact and provides $35 billion in tax revenue each year.

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Critical Safety and Operational Improvements are Needed New economic realities and rapid growth have put pressure on the Houston Ship Channel system today; improvements are necessary and critical to ensuring safe two-way vessel traffic and maintaining its economic benefits to the nation both today and in the future. The Houston region is the epicenter of massive energy and petrochemical manufacturing investments that result in more jobs and increased exports. Additionally, the global maritime industry continues to experience growth in the size of vessels, which provide greater efficiency and more costeffective supply chains. The Houston Ship Channel is the busiest deep-draft waterway in the nation, with roughly 22,000 deep-draft vessel transits each year and more than 200,000 barge movements.

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Timing and Process to Approve, Fund and Execute the Project The Houston Ship Channel improvement study was funded in the Corps of Engineers’ FY2014 Work Plan to examine potential navigation improvements to the Houston Ship Channel system.

Prior to COVID-19 outbreak, the Chief’s Report (the Report of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief of Engineers is developed when a water resources project would require Congressional authorization.

It is developed after the final feasibility report is submitted to HQUSACE) was scheduled to be released in April or May of 2020.

A local funding agreement must be solidified to demonstrate to Congress that the project can and will be locally funded.

The Water Resources Development Act is the vehicle with which Congress can approve the project; the goal is to get it passed in 2020.

Engineering is currently underway and funded by Port Houston.

Upon WRDA passage in 2020, dredging can begin in 2021.

Estimated project construction time is 24 to 36 months, with an anticipated completion date of 2024.

Engaging the Legislative Process to Approve the Project Regional stakeholders including; Port Houston, the Oil & Gas Coalition, the Greater Houston Partnership and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region have worked hard alongside elected officials to provide support to pass the bill.

In light of their efforts, Stakeholders met with Speaker Pelosi at the Port Houston Headquarters in February to discuss the Ship Channel Widening Project.

(From left to right: San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Targa SVP Vincent DiCosimo, WGMA President Shareen Larmond, Port Commissioner Clyde Fitzgerald, Captain of the M/V Sam Houston & SJC Maritime College graduate Jennifer Williams-Alcia, State Senator Carol Alvarado, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, US Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Port Commissioner Ric Campo, GCA President Lori Traweek, Enterprise Products Executive Vice President Robert Sanders, Gulf Winds President Todd Stewart, East End Chamber President Frances Castaneda Dyess, Houston Pilots Presiding Officer Robert Thompson, Economic Alliance President Chad Burke, and Houston Seafarers Executive Director Dana Blume.)

In another effort to push towards passage of the bill.

Chad Burke traveled to Washington DC with the Greater Houston Partnership to educate lawmakers on the necessity of the Houston Ship Channel Widening project. The Economic Alliance worked closely with key stakeholders and Port Houston Chairman Ric Campo to make the case for the 2020 Water Resources Development Act to include the project authorization.

Meetings included Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Congressman Randy Weber, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Congresswomen Sylvia Garcia, and Joe Russo, Office of the White House. The below picture is of the group meeting with U.S. Congressman Randy Weber.

Chad Burke and Economic Alliance member Jason Lee met with Congressman Brian Babin and his son, former Navy Seal Leif Babin for an interview on the Gulf Coast Growth Show Podcast. The podcast can be viewed on YouTube.

During Speaker Pelosi’s visit, Chad Burke, President/ CEO, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, presented the economic case study in support of the widening project.

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HOUSTON PORT REGION WORKS TO ACCOMMODATE MANUFACTURING GROWTH As the Houston Port Region continues to see the impacts of well over $50 billion in petrochemical manufacturing investment, the Transportation Committee is working with state, federal and local entities to improve the region’s mobility through the completion of over 30 identified freight route bottlenecks. The chart below illustrates the kind of foundational shifts in the amount of goods and services as a result of increased production capacities in the region. In 2018 the Port of Houston saw a 35% increase in one year after a decade of 0% growth in plastic exports.

When mapped out, you can easily see that the projects will help facilitate a “flow” of goods from the manufacturing facilities to the Port’s container terminals, where most of the new production will be exported so serve global markets.

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A major win for the region is the PEL (Planning & Environmental Linkage) study that has just kicked off

by TXDoT. This study will evaluate the needs of the SH225 based on projected growth and usage. It will aslo study the connectivity to the 610 Ship Channel Bridge & I-45 on the east end as well as its’ connection to SH 146 Fred Hartman Bridge and Barbour’s Cut Blvd as it leads to the Barbour’s Cut Container Terminal.

The study will produce project recommendations to maintain the region’s efficient flow of goods and people.

Below is a complete list of identified and prioritized TXDoT projects underway in our region.

The Sub-Committee on Port Road Projects continues to meet and work on construction projects on or around Port Road. The group consists of all the entities in proximity of Port Road; including Port Houston, TXDoT, Harris County, Seabrook, Pasadena, LBC, Odjfell, American Acryl, INEOS, BayStar Polymers, CenterPoint and several engineering firms engaged in expansion projects along Port Road. The committee identified no less than 14 existing projects adjacent to Port Road, including the expansion of Port Road itself.

The goal of the committee is to facilitate communication on project timing and to help in coordinating traffic controls while the projects are completed in such a restricted space. Safety and efficiency are the primary goals while undergoing the project work.

SAVE THE DATE September 17, 2020 CLICK TO REGISTER

Accessing Highway 146 via Old 146 (at the Red Bluff intersection) from Port Road has been identified as a way to de-conflict container trucks headed to the Port Terminal from equipment, contractors and employees attempting to enter private industrial facilities along the road. As a critical member of the committee, TXDoT has been working diligently to find solutions, and has begun engineering a redeveloped intersection at Old 146 and Red Bluff to accommodate the increased traffic. They have also agreed to expedite the project by adding it as a change order to the ongoing Red Bluff Road redevelopment project. This will save as much as a year in time and money approving an additional project.

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TASK FORCE UPDATES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE The Economic Development Task Force kicked off 2020 with a planning session on how to enhance project updates, that are given by economic development representatives, in each meeting. The committee explored different ways to improve their content by providing in depth information about select projects.

In February, members met at the Houston Area Safety Council (HASC) to learn more about safety in the Houston Port Region. Committee members were able to tour the Pasadena facility, and discussed different advancements in safety over the years.

HASC provides industry with solutions for a safety focused culture. For more information on HASC, visit hasc.com.

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Right alongside Economic Development is maintaining a safe environment for a skilled workforce.

The Economic Development Task Force meets every third Wednesday of each month, at 3:00 p.m. Please contact Regina Lindsey at regina@allianceportregion. com for questions and updates on how to get involved.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Allatia Harris, Workforce Task Force Chairman and Vice Chancellor at San Jacinto College called the first Workforce Task Force meeting of 2020 to order on February 20, 2020 at Economic Alliance Houston Port Region in Deer Park.

Human Resource leaders from industry spoke to our audience about the needs and requirements they are looking for. Thank you to Dani Grant, Noltex, Kelly Gregory, McDonough Elevators, and Steph Drake with Next Op. Their expertise was invaluable to the attendees and many questions were asked and answered.

Our April meeting has been postponed and the next scheduled meeting is on June 18 with a tour of the San Jacinto College Maritime Academy. Our speakers will be from the Maritime and Logistics industries.

Dream It. Do It. started the year off with 18 presentations and just under 2000 connections with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. We continue to work with our industry partners who volunteer and help reach students and underemployed adults in our region to show them career opportunities in petrochem, logistics, transportation, maritime and construction.

During the 1st quarter of 2020 we visited with Alvin ISD, Galena Park ISD, Goose Creek ISD, Lamar ISD, La Porte ISD, Houston ISD, Pasadena ISD, Anahuac ISD, Spring ISD, Klein ISD, and Vidor ISD. At a Workforce Solutions sponsored Youth Expo in Beaumont we saw students from Beaumont ISD and 32 other surrounding ISD’s in that area. We also had presentations at Pearland Chamber of Commerce, Grad Café, and Houston Hispanic Forum Career Fair.

Our volunteers from industry continue to be our best speakers and we appreciate the representatives from Chemic, CMEF, San Jacinto College, Shea CCS, and Turner Industries.

At the end of March, in an effort to reach the growing home-schooled population, we posted a video to YouTube and emailed that link along with a lesson plan, workable for 6th-12th grade, to all CTE directors in our region and many individual teachers. After one week the video had 205 views.

If you would 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 at patti@allianceportregion.com

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ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION On February 25, the Economic Alliance held a New Member Orientation to welcome our new members into the organization. Over forty members attended the event, during which President Chad Burke presented on the purpose of the Economic Alliance and described the non-profit’s impact on businesses in our region. The chairmen of each task force provided insight on each group’s work and how new members can get involved with the organization and their fellow members by joining a task force and contributing their knowledge and expertise. The event provided an opportunity for new members to meet Economic Alliance Ambassadors and staff, and to learn more about how to get involved in the organization and stay updated on the events of our rapidly developing region.

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT On January 10th, the Economic Alliance staff and Executive Board met at the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy and Technology for a retreat to formalize strategic plans moving into new Chairman Steve Cote’s term. Jim Griffin of San Jacinto College moderated the discussion. Strengthening partnerships with East Harris County Manufacturers Association, regional marketing, and membership value/retention were key strategies identified for the coming year.

MEETING WITH NETHERLANDS DELEGATION The Economic Alliance hosted a meeting of regional stakeholders and a delegation from the Netherlands.

Topics of discussion included energy transfer and technology, as well as investment opportunities for local companies in the Netherlands.

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HURRICANE SURGE PROJECT - COASTAL SPINE INSPECTION WITH SENATOR JOHN CORNYN Economic Alliance President Chad Burke met with Senator John Cornyn, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, State Senator Larry Taylor, EA Board Member and Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, and BAHEP President Bob Mitchell to discuss the Coastal Spine project and to view the actual location of the storm surge gates at the mouth of Galveston Bay. THE NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, HOSTED “MAXIMIZING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL RELATIONSHIPS” Hosted on February 18th, the National Business Development Association, comprised a panel, moderated by Linda Lorelle, over “Maximizing Economic Development Council Relationships.” Each panelist provided an economic update from their region and talked about how to engage and work with regional economic development corporations to assist in landing capital investments. Panelists include Jack Belt, Executive Vice President, Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Lance LaCour, President and CEO, Katy Area EDC, Ingrid M. Robinson, President, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Chad Burke, President/CEO, Economic Alliance, and Patrick Jankowski, SVP of Research at GHP.

TRANSPORTATION CLUB OF HOUSTON

DEER PARK STATE OF THE CITY

For the third year in a row, Chad Burke was the inaugural speaker for the Transportation Club in Houston at their January 6th luncheon. The event was hosted by Amegy Bank in their headquarters, with Walter Johnson, Founder and Sr. Chairman of Amegy in attendance. Burke provided an economic update and forecast for the Houston Port Region.

The Economic Alliance Staff attended the Deer Park Annual State of the City address featuring Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton on February 27 at the Jimmy Buke Activity Center.

An event the staff enjoys attending regularly was highly attended and a success. Updates from Mayor Mouton on the efforts and major achievements of 2019, a look ahead at projects planned for 2020, as well as a deeper perspective on municipal budgeting was the focus of this event.

PASADENA STATE OF THE CITY The Economic Alliance staff attended the Pasadena Annual State of the City address featuring Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner on February 20 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce announced their 2020 Business of the Year: Thrivent Financial. This event was quite a hit when surprise guest Country Singer Mickey Gilley appeared and performed “Stand by Me” which had the crowd singing along!

It’s always great hearing about all the wonderful things that Pasadena is doing, and we look forward to next year’s event.

MAKING CONNECTIONS NETWORKING EVENT The Economic Alliance Business Growth Task Force hosted the Making Connections Networking Event at the San Jacinto College Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology Campus on March 5th.

Patrick Jankowski, Greater Houston Partnership spoke on the economic forecast for 2020 upon the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to listen to Patrick’s speach, please follow the LINK.

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ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION ECONOMIC ALLIANCE LAUNCHES AMBASSADOR PROGRAM As our region and membership continues to grow, the Economic Alliance has launched an ambassador program to help our new members make new and lasting relationships with established members. Ambassadors will work to educate new members on the opportunities available through their membership in the Economic Alliance and encourage engagement in our events and task forces. Our ambassadors had their first opportunity to meet with new members during the New Member Orientation on February 25.

2020 ECONOMIC ALLIANCE ANNUAL BANQUET The Economic Alliance held its Annual Banquet on February 6 at the Sylvan Beach Pavilion in La Porte, TX. Over 350 members attended this special night including guest speaker Scott McClelland, President of HEB Food/Drug Stores. Mr. McClelland shared HEB’s story and spoke on all the wonderful things that they do for the community. Economic Alliance recognized Glenn Royal for his service of 2 years as Chairman of the board and inducted Steve Cote as their new Chairman for 2020/2021. Also, this evening Senator Larry Taylor sworn in the New 2020 Board of Directors. Economic Alliance annually welcomes their members with music, food, cigars and drinks for all to enjoy.

If you would like more information on the Economic Alliance please visit our website and social media outlets, linked below:

ALLIANCEPORTREGION.COM

ALLIANCEPORTREGION.COM

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MEMBERS IN MOTION ABGI USA

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION - IN BRIEF

At ABGi USA we are helping companies during the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly reviewing some financial documentation to ensure they receive all of the various specialized tax credits and deductions available to them.

Many of these specialized tax credits and deductions can result in an almost immediate cash infusion.

Is the title Business Interruption (BI) insurance deceptive?

Some have asked if they can file a claim since their business has been interrupted recently. Many can’t send their employees to a job site and work has been cancelled or delayed.

With the deadline to file taxes extended to July 15, companies have more time to take advantage of the tax benefits available to them. Since our inception, ABGi USA has sustained 98% of every dollar ever claimed for our clients in the USA—the highest sustention rate in the industry. ABGi USA’s sole purpose is helping American businesses thrive in good times and survive in the bad. We can help minimize current year tax liabilities and get cash back for the prior 3 years. There’s no better time to start receiving much needed tax benefits, and there’s no better team to help. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay in business!

AMANDA AMOS JOINS BIC ALLIANCE STAFF The BIC Alliance has added Amanda Amos as a member service representative to support Account Executive Tom Derrah.

Prior to BIC, Amos worked part time in the payroll and accounting departments with Refractory Construction Services and Trans-Tech Logistics while taking care of her children full time.

Amos also worked for three years with Stronghold Ltd., as an accounting specialist and executive assistant to the vice president of safety at Cat-Spec Ltd. She also served for five years as an office manager for Catalyst Services Inc., a former company of CEDA. Amos is a COPE-certified health and wellness coach. She coaches her daughter’s youth basketball team. She enjoys jogging and watching Houston sports teams Texans, Astros and Rockets.

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BI insurance is not typically a stand-alone policy, it is a policy attached to your property policy. BI coverage was designed for companies that are dependent on a brick & mortar facility that operates in order to generate business.

If a business operation were to suffer damage to property arising from a covered cause of loss (i.e. fire or storm), then their business can no longer operate; therefore, their business is interrupted. Be aware of excluded causes of loss such as flood and virus that can deny coverage. If coverage applies, the property adjuster will also collect information on the business to identify how best to help pay for lost profits, employee wages, etc. The point here is that in order to trigger BI coverage, the occurrence must be a covered cause of loss without exclusion.

Insurance coverage forms and terms will vary. Talk to an agent about reviewing your operations and insurance policy forms, to help identify options and pursue risk reduction resources in order to best manage all exposures to risk.

Article Provided by: Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates, Inc.

DUNAVANT EXPANDS TRANSPORTATION Dunavant Trans Gulf Transportation, LLC is excited to announce the addition of 20 new, customized lightweight trucks capable of handling gross vehicle weight of up to 100,000 lbs within 30 air-miles of Port Houston!

Combined with our hazmat capability; 28acre container yard located minutes from the port and major rail ramps with crossdock facility and loaded/ empty container lifts; and dedicated solutions, we have the equipment and experience to keep your Supply Chain

BPTX - REVOLUTIONIZING INFECTION CONTROL During today’s health crisis, BPTX’s product Protex90 is proudly helping to protect first responders, hospitals, nursing homes, control rooms, churches, daycares, offices, homes and more across America from the threat of bacterial spread. Our teams are hard at work here in Houston as well as in hotspot areas such as New York and New Jersey.

BPTX, Inc. empowers customers to develop an Infection Control Strategy centered on prevention, rather than containment. By taking a proactive approach, customers drastically minimize the risk of outbreak and the negative impact it would have on their reputation and bottom line.

For more information visit www.protex90.com.

• Using Protex90 significantly reduces contamination and re-contamination • Protex90 is proven effective on both porous and nonporous surfaces • Protex90 also treats mold, mildew, fungi, odor and stain causing bacteria • Protex90 is chemical-free and completely safe for sensitive areas such as a pantry or food preparation station

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIA HOSTS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE NANCY PELOSI On February 21st, 2020, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia hosted Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for a roundtable discussion with business, labor, and community leaders at the Port of Houston. During the conversation, they spoke about the House Democrat’s bold Moving Forward infrastructure proposal, the need for local workforce development and the role that community colleges are playing in training Houston’s local workforce and developing port leaders for the future, and the importance of the USMCA and trade to the Port of Houston and the entire community.

The Port of Houston is a major economic driver not just for Houston, but for the United States. During this event, Congresswoman Garcia also emphasized the need to ensure that any infrastructure plan promotes both economic growth and environmental sustainability, equips the city and region to continue being leaders in trade, and ensures that the Port of Houston has the necessary resources to deepen and widen the Ship Channel as well as streamline a public-private partnership for dredging operations.

H+M INDUSTRIAL EPC TAKES PRECAUTION CHEVRON PHILLIPS - PASADENA HELPS FEED At H+M industrial EPC, our thoughts and prayers are SHELTER DURING ‘STAY HOME’ ORDERS Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Pasadena Plastics Complex provided lunch today to 96 people at the Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence, homelessness, and sexual assault. There are 89 women and children currently staying inside the shelter and seven staff members who volunteered to selfquarantine with them. Not only did CPChem’s donation provide food for the shelter, but it also helped support a local restaurant, Southern Komfort Kitchen, that is limited to carry-out and delivery business during the coronavirus crisis.

with our healthcare workers and those whose health and/ or economics are affected during this challenging time.

We recognize that social distancing and quarantining is the least of concern for some people, and we wish you good health and a quick return to normalcy. As life moves forward here’s a few things that H+M is doing to make the best out the current situation: • All non-essential employees are now working from home.

• H+M is hosting various free webinars by our subject matter experts on relevant industry topics • For essential field workers, our job sites sanitize common use areas and teams and practice social distancing by: 1. Hosting Toolbox meetings outside where employees can space out.

2. Limiting the number of employees who ride in a

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MEMBERS IN MOTION HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM OPPORTUNITY! LONGSHOREMEN STAY UNIFIED TO KEEP PORTS OPEN DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Often a crisis causes us to take a step back and assess things from a different angle. The same can be said for our current situation of social distancing and disruption.

Having dealt with our fair share of hurricanes and floods, we are a strong and resilient community!

Gulf Winds, thankfully, had implemented a Work from Home program over 18 months ago, with 75% of our employees working remotely. Today, that number has been scaled up to 95%, with no disruption to our customers or drivers.

Port Houston continues to excel despite uncertainty worldwide. In fact, a quick and steady response to a confirmed case recently, only shut down the port for less than a day, which then provided a blueprint for other ports throughout the U.S. The geographic position of Houston continues to be favorable for transportation and distribution. The import container volume is a diversified commodity mix of food, beverage, industrial items, home building items, and of course retail. Houston serves a very balanced container trade between Asia, Europe, and South America.

Diversification is proving to be a great strategy.

Resin exports have provided consistent volume and scale, leading to increased ocean services, and investment by the trucking community to support.

These times make the spotlight shine a little brighter on our region. The Houston area Transportation and Marine community continues to lead the way.

The South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District of the International Longshoremen’s Association (SAGCD-ILA) represents over 30,000 longshoremen on the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast from Brownsville, TX to Wilmington, NC. Our roots began over 100 years ago during colonial America and the arrival of ships bearing goods from Europe.

Our men and women are braving the COVID-19 risk to keep the supply chain intact. Our communities depend on us for food, fuel and other vital supplies, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

We are on the front lines and we want you to know, we’ve got your backs. Because this brotherhood is about more than moving goods from ships to shore; it’s about family, compassion, and the valuable partnerships we have with the ports and companies we work with. Day in and day out, we will continue to serve by being on the front lines at our hometown ports, and we’re going to do it as safe as possible.

EDNA RICE EXECUTIVE RECRUITERS Like all of you, EDNA RICE EXECUTIVE RECRUITERS are so ready to see our economy up and running again!

We empathize greatly with businesses who have had to furlough or let go of workers.

When your company is ready to start hiring again, we are prepared to partner with you to fill your open positions with the very best candidates. We thoroughly research each client and each position. We search out top talent.

We check references. We submit our top candidates to hiring managers.

We will offer a special fee to members of the Economic Alliance Port Houston for the remainder of 2020. Our fee is paid only when you hire our candidate(s).

Call us today and let us get to work for you! 713-667-0406 www.ednarice.com

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INEOS - AN EMERGING LEADER RECEIVES MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE HONOR

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE RESPONDS TO NEED FOR MEDICAL SUPPLIES

The Manufacturing Institute announced that it will award SARAH TANNAHILL with the Women in Manufacturing Emerging Leader STEP Ahead Award.

The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.

In response to the ongoing need for medical supplies and personal protection equipment for medical professionals on the front line fighting COVID-19, San Jacinto College transferred a pallet full of medical supplies to Harris County Public Health. In addition, the College loaned three respirators from the respiratory therapy program to Methodist Hospital Baytown to assist with the shortage in that location, and is 3D printing brackets for face shields as part of the H-Force initiative.

The STEP Women’s Initiative is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing. STEP works to foster a 21st-century manufacturing workforce by empowering and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and leadership, as well as by motivating alumnae to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation. The STEP Ahead Awards honor exceptional women in manufacturing and motivates them to mentor the next generation through an annual awards gala and associated leadership training program.

The stories of these women and the leadership they show will help inspire next generation female leaders in manufacturing and support current female talent within the industry. In five years, STEP Ahead Award winners have impacted more than 300,000 individuals — from peers in the industry to school-aged children.

On April 30, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C. The STEP Ahead Awards program will highlight each honoree’s story, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing.

PASADENA EDC OFFERS ASSISTANCE Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pasadena EDC wants to remind all of Pasadena and the Houston region that we are here to help. Our team has put together a Covid-19 resources page with helpful information on federal, state and local aid available to businesses and individuals. Our page also offers an interactive Covid-19 mapping tool with helpful data for our region and the country overall. All of this information can be accessed at PasadenaEDC. com/Covid19.

Included in the supply transfer to HCPH were latex and nitrile gloves, surgical and N-95 masks, safety glasses, disposable wipes, gowns, hand sanitizer and alcohol prep pads. Items were delivered Saturday, March 28, 2020, to Harris County Public Health.

“This challenging situation has put our health care partners in critical need of PPE and equipment, and we are glad to be able to lend a hand to our neighbors in this way,” said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “As an institution that works closely with our local health care providers to train the next generation of their workforce, it is important for us to support them during this pandemic.”

TERRACON PROJECT UPDATE Terracon is extremely busy working on our projects in Texas. Our Environmental, Geotech, Material Testing and Facilities teams are working with the industry, Ports, TxDot, Commercial business, school projects and many more.

Our employees are working very safely and effectively.

We have 22 offices/labs in Texas, over 160 in the US. Our Employee Owned company is growing successfully each year due to our continuous efforts to help start and grow projects working directly with the owners or teaming up with major contractors.

Terracon is helping everyone stay safe and healthy during this challenging time due to CoronaVirus.

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MEMBERS IN MOTION TRANSTECH ENERGY ANNOUNCEMENT TransTech Energy, announced the acquisition of Bendel Tank and Heat Exchanger, a 60 year old designer and fabricator of ASME pressure vessels, reactors, heat exchangers and API storage tanks. TransTech’s fabrication assets will now top 250,000 square feet of facility space, adding flexibility and increased capabilities for their combined customer base. TransTech, a leader in energy fabrication solutions, specializes in ASME fabrication of larger diameter, high pressure pipe and vessel products.

TransTech has engineering and sales offices in Houston, TX and fabrication facilities in Charlotte and Rocky Mount, NC and McGregor, TX. For more information visit www. transtechenergy.com and www.bendelcorp.com

CHEVRON PHILLIPS SENDS SWEET TREATS TO BAYTOWN HEALTHCARE HEROES Even though the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has created a no-contact environment, it’s still important to remain a strong community and show family, friends, and neighbors your appreciation and thanks. One group who deserves recognition is the frontline healthcare workers testing and caring for coronavirus patients. Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Cedar Bayou Plant in Baytown took the opportunity to thank 900 healthcare heroes working at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital on April 9 by sending cupcakes to every staff member in the hospital.

“This is a difficult time for all of us, but especially our frontline heroes. We wanted to show them how much we appreciate their efforts in keeping our community safe KEEPING THE WHEELS OF INDUSTRY TURNING, while supporting a local business who is also affected ONE SAFE IDEA AT A TIME during this crisis,” said Heather Betancourth, community More than half of Wood’s employees are working on relations representative, Chevron Phillips Chemical. project sites, onshore and offshore, delivering construction, maintenance, operations and technical services to clients The cupcakes were ordered from a local bakery in Baytown, in oil, gas, power, utilities and infrastructure.

Mary’s Cakes and Cookies, and delivered in individual packages with a note on each one that read: “Thank you That means nearly 10,000 for being a healthcare hero”. people still travelling to and from worksites in the Americas “The cupcakes were a big hit. Everyone loved them. All during the pandemic to keep 900 of them were delivered to every department in the industry moving. hospital and we are so appreciative of this donation. We can’t thank Chevron Phillips enough for this donation,” said The Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV) project team, Laurie Terry, administrative director, Houston Methodist where Wood provides engineering and construction Baytown Hospital. services, has developed a video outlining their COVID-19 Photo Cutline1: Houston ‘Take Care’ safety measures to protect the teams working on Methodist Baytown Hospital this noteworthy construction project with a clear message employees Julie DeTorre, Catherine Moeller and they are doing everything possible to keep people healthy Christina Garcia accept and and working.

Wood’s Trinidad and Brazil teams are increasing offshore rotations from 14 days to 28 days to reduce the risk of bringing the virus offshore. By reducing crew changes, it reduces the frequency of new people arriving on the asset. They are also implementing pre-mobilization hotel quarantine for offshore personnel to further mitigate the risk.

Wood developed seven protocols to keep people safe across all of its job sites. Click here to learn more about its project site protocols for tackling COVID-19.

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distribute the appreciation cupcakes that Chevron Phillips Chemical sent to all hospital employees on April 9.

Photo Cutline2: 900 cupcakes were prepared by Mary’s Cakes & Cookies in Baytown as part of Chevron Phillips Chemical’s appreciation gesture to the healthcare heroes of Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

DUNAVANT MONITORS HEALTH As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Dunavant is taking great strides to monitor the situation and protect the health of our drivers, employees, customers, warehouse partners and their families. We remain 100% operational across our global locations and continue to follow recommended guidelines by the CDC, Federal, State and Local governments.

We would like to take a moment to thank those who are serving on the front lines for their hard work and dedication to treat those affected and help curb the spread of COVID-19. Thank you to the Port of Houston, the entire trucking community and essential businesses who remain open to keep the flow of commerce moving!

As part of our efforts to keep stakeholders educated, we are sending updates Mondays and Thursdays of each week. If you would like to receive these updates, please email calvin.easley@dunavant.com We wish everyone good health and good fortune throughout the coming months.

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