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20 minute read
MEMBERS IN MOTION
EXXONMOBIL HOSTS GRADUATE STUDENTS FOR LABORATORY SAFETY WORKSHOP
EXXONMOBIL TAKES THE LEAD IN ADVANCING SAFETY PRACTICES AT FOUR UNIVERSITIES
In an effort to promote a safety culture in academic and research laboratories, ExxonMobil’s Baytown Technology and Engineering Complex (BTEC) recently hosted graduate students and faculty from four universities for its annual Partners in Academic Laboratory Safety (PALS) Workshop. Now in its seventh year, the PALS program establishes mentoring relationships between ExxonMobil and faculty, staff and students from partner universities to enhance laboratory safety culture and help bridge the gap between academic and industry labs. The workshop was established in 2014 after ExxonMobil recognized new employees were in need of more robust lab safety training in addition to what was offered at their universities. While students are taught the technical and analytical skills needed to thrive in their fields, safety training at the university level is critical. Students from Texas A&M, University of Texas, University of Houston and University of Florida participated in ExxonMobil laboratory tours to highlight different aspects of laboratory safety, including rotating equipment and chemical handling, to documentation and engineering controls. Each university presented on its current lab safety protocols and programs and received feedback to help enhance and improve their programs. “Over the lifespan of the program, significant steps in safety awareness have been made in the schools that have participated,” said BTEC Site and Operations Manager Rob Bacon. “By sharing ExxonMobil’s core value of “Nobody Gets Hurt,” university work practices have the opportunity to advance the safety culture in their respective graduate programs allowing all to work safely.”
Workshop participants toured ExxonMobil labs to see best practices and safety standards in action.
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Graduate students, faculty and staff from four universities, including University of Texas, Texas A&M, University of Houston, and University of Florida attended the recent Partners in Academic Laboratory Safety Workshop at the ExxonMobil Baytown.
EXXONMOBIL’S DIGITAL WATCHTOWER ON SHELL DEER PARK GRANTS WISH THROUGH SAFETY
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Shell Deer Park combined its commitment to safety with its dedication to improving the community through a special ACE (Armed. Confident. Empowered.) committee program. Workers at the site were challenged with completing more than 3,000 proactive safety observations as a way to recognize safe behaviors and decrease incidents. For every ACE observation completed, Shell contributed to fund a Make-A-Wish child’s dreams. Thanks to the workforce’s dedication, they met their $15,000 goal to build a wheel-chair accessible tree house for Carolyn, who battles Rett’s Syndrome, a rare neurological genetic disorder that causes a severe muscle movement disability. “We’ve been working safely here and making our safety observations, we are going to enable somebody’s wish in the community to come true,” Guy Hackwell, Shell Deer Park General Manager. “To able to make Carolyn’s wish come true is a thing we should all be immensely proud of.” The tree house will be built by the end of the year and will be a quiet refuge for the young woman who in addition to suffering daily from the disease, also sees medical issues spike from her anxiety created especially when there are loud noises or lots of activity. “Just knowing there’s people out there that care and that are just willing to help Carolyn who’s not able to go out a lot,” said Ruby, Carolyn’s mother. “For her to have her own place and escape from all the noise, words just can’t express how grateful we are.” The initiative was a partnership with the Make-A-Wish program and Shell. “It’s very important that we have partners like Shell who can come forth and make generous donations and roll out programs like they are with the safety initiative in order for us to fund wishes like Carolyn’s” said Angela Garza, Director of Corporate Engagement with Make a Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana.
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ABGi RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE “BEST PLACES TO WORK”
HOUSTON — For the third straight year, ABGi was recognized by the Houston Business Journal (HBJ) as one of the Best Places to Work. The award recognizes companies in the Houston area with the most satisfied employees, ranked by the results of employee surveys of nominated companies. The compiled scores are based on corporate culture, amenities, benefits, and worker retention and attraction strategies. “This is a great award and a testament to all of you and the incredible culture that we are all building together,”ABGi CEO Craig Reibe said. “We’re headed into a very busy time and I just want you all to know that we appreciate all of your efforts in continuing to grow this great consulting firm.” Over the past 20 years, HBJ has learned a lot about what it takes to be one of the Best Places to Work in the Houston area. Companies have consistently elevated the personal needs of their employees, from unlimited paid time off and employee trips to free massages and mental health support. For more information, visit www.abgi-usa.com or call (281) 732-1848.
ABGi - TIM STROUD
Tim Stroud, a former Combat Medic in the U.S. Army, has hit the ground running as ABGi’s Director of Community Relations. One of his goals is to get companies in the greater Houston area connected to events and activities that fosters teamwork and camaraderie. Some of those events are spearheaded through civic organizations like the Greater Houston Veterans Rotary Club and others are through the 500 Veteran Service Organizations that have a footprint in Texas. One of those events is Operation Turkey and Stroud is one of the organizers that make it happen each year. In 2020, the organization fed more than 8,000 Houstonians on Thanksgiving. They not only smoked 500 Butterball turkeys, they dished out all of the trimmings, packaged up all the meals and then delivered them. This year, they have a goal of feeding 10,000 on Thanksgiving and they need your support. If you would like to volunteer (as an individual or company) or donate, please contact him at timothy.stroud@abgi-usa.com.
ARCO DESIGN/BUILD - FIRST SPECULATIVE COLD STORAGE FACILITY IN HOUSTON
ARCO Design/Build designed – and is now in the process of constructing – a 315,101 SF state-of-theart cold storage facility in Houston, Texas. Known as Houston ColdPort, this facility will offer unparalleled access to the Port, Barbours Cut Terminal and Bayport Terminal.
The building was designed to provide ultimate flexibility for various cold storage uses and temperatures. It will feature a 50’ clear height warehouse, ALTA Expert Refrigeration, 38 dock positions, and a 200’ deep truck court with 57 trailer parking spaces. ARCO Design/Build would like to thank Boomerang Interests and CenterSquare Investment Management for their partnership on this project which is expected to deliver by end of 2nd Quarter 2022.
bioPURE HOUSTON EAST BELT
We completed our first year as bioPURE Houston East Belt, a locally owned bioPURE franchise, in August. bioPURE is a pre-COVID business (2016) offering proactive and reactive professional disinfection treatments for commercial, industrial, and residential services. We deliver the highest level of protection while educating the importance of disinfection and why it’s different from cleaning or sanitizing.
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Our bioPURE Complete two-step process goes beyond the optics of clean, delivering a germ-free area with a minimum of 30 days surface protection. We offer a “Certificate of Disinfection” to all our clients and, with approval, promote their business on all our social media platforms. bioPURE Houston East Belt creates flexible, affordable treatment options that make sense for every business.
COASTAL ICE & WATER EMPLOYEES PROVIDE WATER TO OUR LOUISIANA NEIGHBORS
Coastal Ice & Water employees again helped neighbors during extraordinary times by providing water for Louisiana customers and communities in the destructive path of Hurricane Ida. Coastal rushed 14 pallets of water to partner with Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Gallery Furniture, and the Cajun Navy to deliver water to communities where water supplies and lives were disrupted. Coastal is a reliable partner in Mack’s community outreach. Local industry customers requested Coastal water supplies for employees and communities in Louisiana. S&B Engineering, Zachry Industrial and Action Supply sent truckloads of Coastal water to Louisiana. “Our employees are heroes in providing our ice and water so that we had supplies to satisfy local customers and care for our neighbors,” said Scott McAlister, president of Coastal Ice & Water.
PASADENA EDC
The Pasadena Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce its recent accreditation by the International Economic Development Council becoming the 67th AEDO in the world! This accomplishment would not be possible without the support of City of Pasadena Mayor, Jeff Wagner, City Council, the entire PEDC Board of Directors, and community partners. This recognition speaks to the level of professionalism that both PEDC and the city offer to the Pasadena community and PEDC looks forward to continuing to showcase that exemplary service. To learn more about what PEDC and the City of Pasadena have to offer visit www.PasadenaEDC.com. You may also read the full announcement at https://bit.ly/PEDCReceivesAEDO
TEXAS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
Texas Mutual has awarded over $2 million in grants to 38 organizations across the state through its first request for proposal (RFP) initiative of 2021. The organizations were selected for their work to cultivate resiliency and stability for working families. Six organizations in the Houston area received grants for their work. - APM Outreach Inc. - Association for the Advancement of Mexican
Americans - Back on My Feet - Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston - Santa Maria Hostel - United Way of Greater Houston Texas Mutual’s second RFP of 2021, focused on investing $2 million in workforce development and safety training initiatives, is accepting applications until October 8. Learn more about Texas Mutual’s community funding.
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KENCO BUCKET TRUCKS
Randy Starnes was selected to serve on the SC&RA Transportation Group Governing Committee. As Kenco’s Business Development Executive, Starnes said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve SC&RA. I take the responsibility very seriously and look forward to guiding decisions and facilitating actions that will positively impact the specialized transportation industry.” SC&RA is an international trade association representing the specialized transportation, crane, rigging, mill writing and concrete pumping industries. This subcommittee stays apprised of what’s happening with regulatory decisions, legislation and other issues at the state and federal level to help determine SC&RA’s position and actions. SC&RA Vice President Chris Smith said, “Randy was nominated for this elite group because he demonstrates strong leadership and commitment to these causes.”
PORT HOUSTON - DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
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Port Houston is committed to supplier diversity, equity and inclusion. Our new Business Equity Division provides resources to small, minority- and woman-owned businesses (S/MWBE) seeking to grow and participate in Port Houston procurements. Enroll today to learn more about Port Houston, our service and product needs, and how your business can access opportunity. How you can benefit: • Connect with other local business owners and expand your network • Learn more about government procurements and the application process • Access our mentorship program • Take advantage of industry-specific programming and training opportunities • Access Port Houston procurement opportunities • Leverage your certification(s) with our partner agencies If you have questions about the enrollment process or how to get started, contact us at BusinessEquity@porthouston.com.
EXXONMOBIL DONATES
ExxonMobil donated $20k to the Lee College Foundation for scholarships to aid in student success. As a strong supporter of STEM education and workforce development, ExxonMobil has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Lee College and continues to support the college with donations as well as non-monetary assistance. Baytown Chemical Plant Site Manager Wim Blokker was on hand to present the donation and enjoyed a tour of the labs and pilot plant on campus. “We have the best in Baytown with Lee College and their premier energy education programs, and this scholarship funding will help us achieve our goal of helping petrochemical students fund their education,” said Blokker. “Our hope is that many will pursue a career at ExxonMobil Baytown."
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PINNACLE - DATA DRIVEN APPROACH
During Q3, Pinnacle continued to work towards its mission of advancing data-driven approaches for heavy processing industries. In July, Pinnacle released its third Economics of Reliability Report which focused on the impact reliability has on the mining industry. Following the report, Pinnacle hosted a panel that explored the connection between reliability and economics across the refining, water & wastewater, and mining industries. Additionally, Pinnacle continued to advance CML Optimization through Condition Monitoring Optimization, Pinnacle’s data-driven methodology that intelligently determines and dynamically updates inspection scope, techniques, and intervals to maximize ROI. To wrap up the quarter, Ryan Sitton, Founder and CEO, spoke at the Gulf Coast Industry Forum about data-driven decisions and the increasingly critical role reliability will play in the success of heavy processing facilities.
SHELL DEER PARK - TRENCH TRAINING
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In September, the Shell Deer Park Rescue Team conducted refresher training in Trench Rescue. Trench rescues are complex responses, requiring additional skills and knowledge to allow rescuers to safely assist trapped patients. In addition to its Rescue Truck of rope and confined space equipment, the team maintains a trailer of equipment outfitted specifically to respond to trench and excavation scenarios. For four days the team trained in several types of response scenarios, including a full scale drill response where the team responded to a trench collapse and extricated the patient from the trench utilizing a rope rigging system and ladder highpoint. The Shell Deer Park Rescue Team is comprised of 34 volunteers and full-time responders. Trained in confined space, rope, vehicle and machinery, and trench and excavation rescues, the team is responsible for responding to all incidents where a person is potentially trapped or injured.
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
San Jac’s first BSN students graduate! Launched in fall 2020 at the Central Campus, San Jacinto College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a costeffective, convenient pathway for registered nurses to take the next step in their career. Not only do more employers seek BSN-prepared nurses, but the COVID-19 era requires nurses with advanced training and leadership skills. The College’s inaugural BSN cohort of 22 students graduated this summer, a second cohort has already started, and the third cohort starts in spring 2022. Interested applicants must: - Have completed an Associate of Applied Science in nursing from an accredited program - Be working nurses with unencumbered Texas RN licenses - Have completed or be completing 10 credit hours of prerequisites while applying - Fulfill other entrance requirements For more information visit www.sanjac.edu/bsn
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PORT HOUSTON - HISTORY IS MADE PROJECT 11 BEGINS CONSTRUCTION
Port Houston marks National Infrastructure Week by highlighting the groundbreaking for the start of construction work to support widening and deepening the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel. Known as Project 11, the project’s far-reaching benefits impact the United States and the entire Gulf region, and have generated bipartisan praise from officials across the state and nation. Houston Ship Channel Expansion - Project 11 ground breaking ceremony at Port Houston Project partners R & T Ellis and HDR join Port Houston and USACE leadership to break ground on May 3 marking the start of the Houston Ship Channel Project 11 expansion construction program, a nearly billion-dollar infrastructure project. The nearly billion-dollar project will create safer and more efficient navigation for the ships and vessels, calling the more than 200 private and eight public terminals that comprise the Port of Houston. “Our port serves as the anchor for the Texas region,” Port Houston Chairman Ric Campo said. “Expanding the Houston Ship Channel to accommodate the growth of vessel calls, vessel sizes, and cargo needs for customers and consumers will continue providing over 3.2 million jobs and $802 billion in economic value to the nation.” Read full story here: https://porthouston.com/historymade-project-11-begins-construction/
SEABROOK, TX AWARDED $23.5M GRANT
Seabrook was awarded $23.5 million hazard mitigation grant for wastewater treatment retrofit. It is with great excitement that the City of Seabrook announces that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has selected the City of Seabrook to receive a hazard mitigation grant totaling $23,524,808.60 for phase two, the construction phase, of the wastewater system infrastructure retrofit project, to be funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The City of Seabrook will provide the required non-federal match of $7,841,602.86. Phase one of the project, the design phase, was primarily funded by a grant through FEMA’s HMGP. In total, the city will receive $26,455,497 for the wastewater system infrastructure retrofit project. The non-federal match has been funded with prior bond and capital funds. In addition, the City of Seabrook continues to pursue additional eligible grants to assist with the city’s portion of the project. The wastewater system retrofit project will include a new wastewater facility located next to the Seabrook Public Works Complex on the northside of Seabrook, with a substantially higher elevation. The new facility will be named the Pine Gully Wastewater Treatment Plant (PGWWTP) and will be capable of processing 2.5 million gallons of wastewater per day, which is equivalent to the flow that is treated at the existing plant on Main Street. The location of the PGWWTP is a less vulnerable location from storm surge threats with a higher finished grade elevation in addition to being further inland from the bay. The property where the plant will be located has been removed from the flood zone maps and is no longer identified as a special flood hazard area. Upon completing the new facility, the existing facility on Main Street will be removed, and a wastewater lift station will be installed. Both past and present City Councils, alongside the city’s administration, have diligently worked to secure this critical grant for many years. Securing the award is a testament to the hard work of Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski and the city staff. The effort and time required to obtain the grant will drastically improve Seabrook’s defense during future storms. The project is estimated to go for bid in the next few months and construction will likely begin by the end of 2021. In the coming months, the City of Seabrook will release additional information regarding community impacts during construction. The overall construction phase of the project is expected to take between 24 to 36 months to complete.
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Seabrook Wastewater Treatment Plant on Main Street several days after Ike made landfall and initial debris removable.
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CITY OF SHOREACRES AWARDED GRANT
The city of Shoreacres was awarded a quality of life matching grant for a new flag pole at the city gateway.
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Pictured from left to right: Chad Burke, Karen Gregory, and Troy Harrison, Chief of Police, City of Shoreacres.
mAke moves.
CENTRALLY LOCATED WATERFRONT PROPERTY FOR PROJECT EFFICIENCY
» 10 acre waterfront RORO property » 300+ feet of frontage on Scott Bay (deep hull capacity) » 6,975 feet to Houston Ship Channel » Close proximity to several petrochemical and refining facilities in the area » Supports RORO projects, barge fleeting and industrial storage needs
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8 TIPS TO JUMP-START YOUR CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
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BY MARYJANE MUDD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EHCMA
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I was on the job for just two weeks when three elderly veterans died all in one day at a V.A. hospital that was using my company’s product. While we would eventually learn their passing was not due to the product, immediate speculation to the contrary resulted in countless reporter inquiries, multiple misquotes, an angry international corporate office telling me to “control the media,” plant workers and executives spinning in functional silos and our lawyers insisting we say nothing. That was 25 years ago. Since then I’ve had the opportunity to create global crisis communications strategies for Fortune 500 companies, train more than 1,000 people of all levels in crisis management and media interview techniques and represent the American Red Cross during Hurricane Harvey, in which I was interviewed by local and national media roughly 80 times. Still, I’ll never forget that first crisis experience. There are many components to effective crisis response, but for this article we’ll focus on a must-have: a crisis communications plan. Here are eight tips to get you started. Anticipate Crisis Situations. A crisis is an event, or series of events, that adversely affects or could impact the integrity of a product, the reputation of an organization, or the health or well-being of employees, the environment, the community or the public at large. List every single scenario you can think of that might impact your business. Know Your Stakeholders. We need to develop relationships with key stakeholders – employees, legislators, customers, community members, emergency responders and many more -- long before an incident occurs. Identifying our stakeholders helps us prepare and be organized for crisis; developing relationships with them builds trust. Select Your Crisis Communications Team. If a small business, this could be just you and a colleague. At a large corporation, the team may include a public information officer, writer, media coordinator, data gatherer, community affairs person and others. One size doesn’t fit all, but the bottom line is think far in advance as to who – inside and outside of your company – you will be working with when a crisis occurs. Identify Spokespersons. Think strategically about who will represent your organization during crisis. For example, community members often prefer to hear from a company’s plant manager more than they wish to learn about an incident from a public relations person. It’s important to maintain or gain stakeholder trust during crisis, and your spokespersons are paramount to that effort. Train Your Spokespersons. Training is essential. It reduces anxiety and reinforces the right ways to speak to media and other key stakeholders so that important messages are delivered in an understandable manner. Protip: Practice, practice, practice! A training course teaches you the skills, but like anything, proficiency comes by applying those skills. Even if in front of a mirror or role-playing with a friend, spokespersons need to practice. Establish Notification and Monitoring Processes. You may not need a notification system if you find yourself managing a sexual harassment issue at your law firm. On the other hand, a chemical leak requires that all pre-identified parties, including community members, are promptly notified. Emergency communications platforms like e-Notify can be used for quick notification. Separately, it’s important to monitor sentiment, which is a reflection on how well you are communicating or what should be adjusted. Resources like Google alerts