EA the CURRENT - 2023 Q1

Advancing

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 77 successful projects that have helped create 3,856 new jobs and over $17.8 billion of capital investment to the Houston Port Region.

250 Private Sector

We are proud to count among our members cities, communities, chambers of commerce and other government entities

Randy Boeding, R.Boeding Group, LLC

Buddy Tucker, Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc.

Chris Talley, Blast Builders

Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil

David Bush, Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Elizabeth Fazio Hale, Gulf Coast Authority

Herb Hildebrand, San Jacinto College - Small Business Development Center

Janet Gonzales, Bank of Texas

Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College - LyondellBasell

Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology

Jonathan Schmaltz, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Katie Yount, McDonough Engineering

Kristi Claypool, Meador Staffing Services

Leonard A. Bedell, Mobil Steel International, Inc.

2023 Board of Directors

David Szafranski, Enterprise Holdings

Matthew Goldston, ABIP CPAs & Advisors

Nathanael Ince, Pinnacle

Robert Armstrong, Kuraray America, Inc.

Russell Carter, Bohler Engineering

Stuart Cayer, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

Brent Cockerham, Moody Bank

Dave Tolson, Arete Advisors

Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations

Doug Mansfield, Mansfield Marketing LLC

Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College

John Grimes, LBC Tank Terminals

Brittany Wong, Shell Deer Park

Marcelo Moacyr, BGE

Paul J. Plauché, MobilOps

Roger Gossett, Diamondback Works

Stephen Kelman, Wood

Thomas Reeves, City of Baytown

Dr. Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College

Melissa Wolkenhauer, BIC Alliance

Bryan Wooten, INVISTA

Michelle Hundley, CenterPoint Energy

Danielle Parks, Truist Bank

Charles Montgomery, Houston ILA Dock & Marine

Shareen Larmond, West Gulf Maritime Association

Nellie Baktashi, Houston Methodist

Ali MacLeod, BGE

Marcia Faschingbauer, Excargo Services Inc.

Nikki Mason, Covestro

Scott McAlister, Coastal Ice & Water

Mark Bookmyer, Lyondellbasell

Captain Clint Winegar, Houston Pilots

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

COMPETITION. As someone who grew up playing every sport possible, I enjoy competition and tend to look at things through that lens. Houston just hosted the Men’s College Basketball Final Four Championship, and it was amazing to see the four finalists (and their fanbases) battle it out for the top spot. Next January Houston will host my favorite, the College Football Championship Game. Again, winner take all culmination of a year’s worth of hard work by teams to take home a championship.

Given our mission to grow the regional economy, capturing capital investment dollars is also a competition. When companies are deciding where to spend hundreds of millions of dollars, they have choices where they will locate. The competition for those dollars is real and the impact is far reaching. Capital investment impacts our cities, county, schools, and colleges, but as important, it creates jobs which drive housing and retail demand and allows our communities to grow and prosper.

The factors considered when competing for those investment dollars include:

• Infrastructure – to efficiently move product and people through the region

• Public Policy and Regulations – sets the ground rules for companies to succeed

• A ready and trained Workforce – to build maintain and operate facilities

• Quality of life of regional communities – to raise families and draw a workforce

Our committees, led by our members, work hard on each of these key competitive initiatives so that this region is the most attractive when companies are considering where to locate or expand. We have to work that process daily to keep our competitive advantage. As Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban says, “the results will take care of themselves if we stay focused on the process” of making this region the best place to invest.

God Bless, Chad Burke

President & CEO Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

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

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, East Harris County Manufacturing Association

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

EDITORIAL & SPONSORSHIP SUBMISSIONS

amanda@allianceportregion.com

Newsletter archive: https://allianceportregion.com/newsletters/

ExxonMobil announced successful startup of one of the largest advanced recycling facilities in North America. The facility at the company’s integrated manufacturing complex in Baytown uses proprietary technology to break down hard-to-recycle plastics and transform them into raw materials for new products. It is capable of processing more than 80 million pounds of plastic waste per year, supporting a circular economy for post-use plastics and helping divert plastic waste currently sent to landfills (items like synthetic athletic fields to bubble wrap and motor oil bottles).

There is substantial demand for recycled plastics and advanced recycling can play an important role by breaking down plastics that could not be recycled in traditional, mechanical methods. ExxonMobil is collaborating with government, industry and communities to scale up the collection and sorting of plastic waste that will improve recycling rates and help customers around the world meet their sustainability goals.

The company helped form Cyclyx International, a joint venture created to collect and sort large volumes of plastic waste and is investing in a first-of-its-kind plastic waste processing facility in Houston to help supply ExxonMobil’s Baytown advanced recycling facility.

Advanced recycling is a proven technology that can help accelerate a circular economy and address the challenge of plastic waste. With effective government policies in place to modernize the recycling system and improve waste collection, more plastic materials can be collected, sorted and recycled, especially plastics that aren’t easily recycled today.

ExxonMobil plans to build advanced recycling facilities at many of its other manufacturing sites around the world, which would give it the capacity to process up to 1 billion pounds of plastic waste annually by year-end 2026.

Advanced recycling can process a broader mix of plastic waste

Necessary

Contact Tom with questions

Slide courtesy of Tom Reigle, Americas Capital Budget Coordinator/US AR Project Executive

MEMBERS IN MOTION

ANGLER CONSTRUCTION was selected to be the Design/Builder on the 725,000 square foot Resin Packaging Facility for Packwell. Angler Construction worked with Packwell’s senior leadership team to design a best-in-class facility on a site strategically selected based on its proximity to one of Houston’s largest ports, allowing them to efficiently package plastic pellets for the export market.

The Port of Houston raised a plot of raw land to an elevation that was development ready. Angler Construction, Powers Brown Architecture, Cobb Fendley, Advanced Rail Solutions, and BNR Engineering worked with Packwell to bring their project vision to reality. The facility will have the capacity to package 700+ rail cars monthly, roof height increases in strategic locations for packaging equipment, trailer storage, and numerous dock doors for loading into 40’ export containers and will be ready for operation in the 1st Quarter of 2024.

COASTAL ICE & WATER engaged and gave back to its industry customers during the first quarter.

ADVOCATING FOR INDUSTRY JOBS IN TEXAS

President Scott McAlister joined East Harris County Manufacturing Association and Texas Chemical Council leaders visiting elected officials in Austin where McAlister told legislators Coastal Ice provides jobs for 39 families because of economic impacts of petrochemicals.

“When a project ends, if there is not another job coming, contractors move to jobs in other states,” McAlister told legislators in support of economic development incentives to grow Texas jobs.

“I am humbled and honored to join petrochemical leaders to help grow an industry that provides for our families,” McAlister added. McAlister was joined by Vice President of Sales Monica Beynaerts as TCC members visited some 70 elected officials during Chemistry Day at the Capitol.

SUPPORTING INDUSTRY DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Coastal Ice supported industry values – safety, community outreach and workforce development, with emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, as presenting sponsor of a luncheon featuring Kate Lightfoot, site leader, ExxonMobil in Baytown.

Lightfoot encouraged an audience of 480 mostly women to blaze their own path with commitment and to be unapologetic about managing a career as a woman.

“As a woman-owned business, we can pay back our blessings by helping other women and people from underserved communities work in industry,” said president Scott McAllister. “Kate is influential and inspires women with her story.”

Karen McAlister, owner of Coastal Ice and daughter Morgan, as well as Scott and VP of Sales Monica Beynaerts hosted Coastal Ice guests. Beynaerts is vice chair of the committee holding the event.

ARCO DESIGN/BUILD

We are thrilled to announce that ARCO has entered the top spot as the nation’s largest design-build construction firm, according to BD+C’s 2022 Giants 400 Report! 2022 represented ARCO’s top-performing associates’ achievements as the company celebrated its 30th anniversary, added 700+ new hires, and 190+ interns/co-ops, expanded into five new office locations and achieved $5.6B in revenue.

H+M INDUSTRAIAL EPC was awarded the “Best Incorporation of Safety” for their tent at the 2023 Tailgate Extravaganza hosted by the Health and Safety Council. We are proud of our HSE team for achieving this award for the third time. It was a great way to kick off the 2023 Safety Excellence Awards Season!

Your employees are your most valuable asset. With San Jacinto College’s Continuing and Professional Development Division, you can get them the training and certifications they need to take your company to the next level.

MEMBERS IN MOTION

EXCARGO SERVICES, INC Marcia Faschingbauer, President, CEO, and founder of Excargo Services, has been chosen as one of the 2023 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees. Hosted by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Hall of Fame event recognizes outstanding women who are role models and have contributed significantly to the advancement of women and improved the quality of life for future generations of Houstonians.

Since 1979, Faschingbauer has created a strong presence in the container transportation industry. Now with almost 45 years in the business, she continues to pave the way for her legacy.

FIFTH RING Addressing the Inequality of Ill-Fitting PPE for Women in Oil and Gas. Imagine your life at risk because the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to you doesn’t fit properly. This is a reality for many women in oil and gas; a survey found that 62% of female offshore workers reported that their coveralls didn’t fit, while 8% had been told they couldn’t fly offshore because they could not find a correctly fitting survival suit.

Red Wing asked global B2B marketing agency Fifth Ring to help shine a light on this inequality. The Right Fit campaign informed procurement departments and women in the industry that the PPE they need is available.

Fifth Ring believes in supporting a path toward a more inclusive and safe workplace. Contact us to discuss your efforts to do the same. https://www.fifthring.com/contact

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE and Nuro Announce First AV Technician Certificate Program in Texas

San Jacinto College has announced a partnership with Nuro, a leading autonomous vehicle (AV) company, to create the first AV technician certificate program in Texas as part of Nuro’s national Autonomous Upskilling Initiative. Students will be able to start this unique, oneyear certificate program in Fall 2023. It includes hybrid coursework allowing students to merge computer design and automotive engineering skills, and prepare for jobs in the AV industry. The AV delivery service industry has the potential to create and sustain 3.4 million jobs annually between 2025-2035, according to a Steer report. Read more about the partnership at sanjac.edu/newsroom.

MEMBERS IN MOTION

HOUSTON METHODIST CLEAR LAKE welcomed Carl Little as its new senior vice president and chief executive officer. Carl has worked for the hospital system since 2012, most recently serving as vice president and chief operating officer at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.

Carl has always been very committed to his community, serving as a board member for Northwest Assistance Ministries and Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and looks forward to building new relationships in the Clear Lake area. He holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trinity University.

Carl, along with his wife, Lindsay, and daughter, Avery, plan to relocate to the Clear Lake area this summer to live in the community they serve.

INTERCONTINENTAL TERMINALS COMPANY Houston SPCA Welcomes ITC Volunteer Efforts. The pets, wildlife and farm animals of the Houston SPCA William and Evelyn Griffin Campus were happy when our ITC –Industrial Tax Consulting’s Houston office teamed up for a day of giving back on February 24. Mark Dzeda, ITC’s President, shared, “With the property tax seasons in full swing, sometimes it’s important to take a step back from work, gain perspective, and lend a helping hand to the community we love. Without ours and other companies’ support, the SPCA could not fulfill its mission and help the pets, wildlife and farm animals who need us.”

As a member of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, ITC serves as a nationwide property tax consulting and advisory firm that ensures members pay their fair property tax and not a penny more.

WHEELCHAIRS FOR WARRIORS serves veterans and first responders (injured in the line of duty) across the United States with custom-fit, complex-rehab mobility solutions to ensure injured warriors can rejoin their lives at the highest level possible.

Often, the wheelchairs our warriors receive are subpar. Some are falling apart... at times there is a years-long waiting list for a new wheelchair! This not only causes them undue stress but creates a burden for their caregivers who struggle with transporting heavy, bulky chairs. Mobility limitations lead to isolation, which leads to depression.

We custom-fit each wheelchair to the specific physical/ lifestyle needs of our warriors, who sacrificed so much for us. They deserve to have the freedom, independence, and enhanced quality of life our mobility solutions provide!

To donation visit their website: https://www.wheelchairsforwarriors.org/donate

BAYSIDE PRINTING takes Top Honors at the PIA Midamerica Graphex Awards Competition Houston’s Bayside Printing was selected as the 2023 “Best of South Texas” winner at the recent 2023 PIA Midamerica Graphex Awards Gala in Dallas for its printed piece entitled RMHH 40 Years, Decades of Dedication, celebrating Ronald McDonald House Houston’s 40 years of service to families in need. Bayside also won Best of Category honors for The Village Cookbook, a 260 page case bound collection of delicious recipes.

Bayside Printing’s owner, Rose Mary Bundscho, attributes their success to her employees. “Our team continually strives for excellence in all that we do, and Bayside is known for our quality work. This award is a tribute to our talented and dedicated team that works tirelessly to make Bayside Printing one of the premier printing companies in Texas.”

Bayside Printing celebrates 50 years in business in 2023 and specializes in both digital and offset commercial printing, graphic design, in house bindery, fulfillment and mailing services.

MEMBERS IN MOTION

• Most residents across all regions trust the responsible facility or industry’s responsibility to manage industrial incidents.

• Residents in regions with a lower industry sentiment (East End, South Houston) were more likely to trust government authorities (Harris County, Federal or State Government).

• Flooding, roads/infrastructure and taxes were top issues across most all regions.

Mutual communication is critical to any relationship, and industry’s relationship with surrounding communities is no exception. This is why EHCMA includes communication in its mission statement and the EHCMA Communications Committee recently set out to survey neighbors in Deer Park, LaPorte, North Channel, Bay Area, Baytown, Pasadena, South Houston and East End Houston.

“The first part of communicating is listening,” said Aaron Stryk, ExxonMobil Baytown Area Manager of Public and Government Affairs and EHCMA Communications Committee Chair. “Surveys are an essential way to listen and learn about what our stakeholders think about our industry. Only once we understand this can we strengthen relationships that reinforce a safe, well-informed community.”

A third-party organization was hired to assess insights via telephone interviews and text questionnaires. The Communications Committee ensured demographics were as representative as possible of the region and questions covered insights pertaining to safety, environmental responsibility and the value of industry. Findings included:

• The economic value industry provides to the local community is widely acknowledged across all regions - a core component of EHCMA’s promise.

• Roughly 75% of Deer Park and Pasadena residents have a favorable opinion of industry, while the East End, North Channel and South Houston favored industry the least (although the majority of residents in North Channel and South Houston still have a favorable view overall).

• Across all regions, facility operators can gain resident trust by operating with a high degree of ethics and minimizing environmental impact.

• Clean energy initiatives are exceptionally important to South Houston and LaPorte residents.

• While most residents support the role of industry in essential products they use every day, exploring alternatives is a popular idea across all regions.

• There are opportunities to improve favorability with younger, female residents (especially in East End, North Channel and South Houston).

The EHCMA Communications Team has hosted two webinars on survey methodology and results and is considering offering more in 2023. Some recommendations from survey input, like championing events that enable area operators to demonstrate and illustrate impact on the local community, are already under way. In addition, improved communications is foundational for 2023, with Communications Strategy being one of three “Big Rocks,” or critical priorities.

“If you do it right, communication is a continuous activity. It must be mutual to be effective,” said MaryJane Mudd, EHCMA Executive Director. “Our survey has been a great way to develop a baseline of information from which we can determine what our neighbors care about. We have also been able to offer value to our members with the results, which is important to us.”

More information will be forthcoming throughout the year.

EAST HARRIS COUNTY MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION Community Survey Reveals Support for Industry, Areas for Improvement

SHELL DEER PARK CHEMICALS

violence crisis center

donation supports expansion of domestic and sexual

From a three-year-old girl traumatized by seeing things at home that would shock an adult to teens in despair and considering suicide because of trauma from domestic abuse violence, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc. (The Bridge) shelter is experiencing an increasing number of children and teens in need of their services, including counseling and education programs prevention and education programs.

To help more young people break the cycles of domestic and sexual violence and rebuild their lives, The Bridge launched a $7.3 million capital campaign to build The Bridge for Kids, a new facility focused on children from birth to 18 years of age. Shell Deer Park Chemicals, a long-time sponsor and community partner with The Bridge, donated $500,000 to the campaign to build a gymnasium for the children to play and exercise with safety and security.

“Children in crisis situations need specialized care and a stable environment to thrive. They also need advocates – people who will assess their needs and ensure they get what they need to achieve a healthy, successful future,” said TBOTW Executive Director Olivia Rivers. “Thanks to the generosity of Shell and others, we will be able to strengthen our capabilities to help more people overcome crises in their lives.”

“The Bridge is the sixth-largest domestic and sexual violence crisis center in Texas and has been on a mission for 45 years to provide a safe place for people in the city of Pasadena and the Greater Houston area,” said Shell Deer Park General Manager Nathan Levin. “Shell believes in Powering Lives not just with our products and services but by supporting an inclusive community and offering a helping hand to those in need.”

MEMBERS IN MOTION

Doubles current youth capacity

The Bridge for Kids new facility will be able to:

• Provide services to more than 200 children and teens per day, doubling the current capacity and impact.

• Enable all children and youth programming and services to be delivered in one centralized location, increasing effectiveness and efficiency.

• Allow The Bridge to increase adult capacity and services by repurposing space in existing buildings.

• Provide age-appropriate, dedicated spaces for young children, pre-teens and teenagers to gather and engage.

• Help stop the cycle of violence.

To make a difference in the lives of children consider donating to The Bridge for Kids.

The Bridge for Kids grand opening, ribbon cutting and press conference are scheduled for 5 pm CDT on June 8, 2023. For details or to RSVP, go to the TBOTW website.

SHELL DEER

PARK CHEMICALS offers students an opportunity to learn about the industry, careers.

After a two-year absence due to Covid restrictions, the annual Shell Deer Park symposium with the Deer Park Independent School District is back and better than ever, expanding the traditional focus on engineering to include craft occupations.

Nearly 80 high school students participated in the first day of the symposium on March 22, when Shell Deer Park volunteers visited the school to provide a unique learning opportunity. The next day, nearly 20 seniors were given a tour of the Deer Park facility.

“We talked about Shell Deer Park in general, what the petrochemical industry is all about and how we interact with our community,” said Process Engineering & Quality Assurance Manager Ramón Ramos, who led the Shell team with Maintenance Manager Marcus Conch. “Then we held breakout sessions across engineering and craft fields, and the students were able to attend as many as possible.”

“This event was all about the students and being able to expose them to an industry that they may not have much awareness of,” Conch said. “We want them to introduce them to the opportunities in our industry and if they are interested, guide them to the next steps to reach their goals.”

Based on feedback from both the school staff and students, the Shell Engineering and Craft

The Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ new center for children and youth incorporates numerous environmentally friendly initiatives, including energy-efficient materials and recycled components.

Symposium was very well-received and the team is already looking to make the event even better for the next school year. Ramos reports the engineering sessions were highlighted by a strong level of engagement and lots of questions; while Conch described the craft program and the site tour as eye-openers for many students who have new alternatives for choosing a career path. “The Shell volunteers also experienced the value of this event and that it is time well-spent to support the school and the community,” he said.

“At some point we were all where these students are today, trying to decide what to do,” Ramos said. “We encouraged them to take the next step and know that the sky is the limit.”

SUDDUTH SEARCH After a few high-growth years from 2019 to 2022, Houston-based, retained, executive search firm Sudduth Search, reached operational capacity this year. Their authority and trust have grown significantly, and management has become a “go to” source on attracting and retaining talent, transformational leaders, and multiple-position searches. Sudduth Search is also being called upon to speak at industry events and to the media, including via regular columns for Forbes and Houston InnovationMap. The company is now pleased to share that it has hired two more experienced recruiters. Danielle Smith most recently comes from Apple and Lowes, and Zack Hamilton comes from KORE1 and Parker+Lynch. In their new roles, Danielle and Zack will be working across all industry verticals and responsible for candidate sourcing and candidate management.

TEXAS MUTUAL announces Jeanette Ward as new President and CEO Texas Mutual has named longtime employee and former chief operating officer, Jeanette Ward, as President and CEO. Ward assumed her new role in March 2023, following the retirement of Rich Gergasko, who served as president and CEO for the past 10 years. Ward, who has been with Texas Mutual for 29 years, has served in a variety of roles across the organization and is committed to helping us build on our strong history of taking care of Texans. Learn more at bit.ly/new-CEO-named-for-Texas-Mutual

ROYAL HARBOR PARTNERS WEALTH MANAGEMENT is growing! In January 2023 Justin Haywood, CFP® joined the RHP team as a Financial Advisor. We are also actively hiring for a Senior Operations Manager, this position requires at least 5 years of RIA operations experience. Ready to join our team? Use the QR code below to apply & submit your resume to: Contact@RoyalHarborPartners.com.

Upcoming seminars you won’t want to miss!

Women and Wealth will be held Thursday, April 27th from 4pm to 6pm at Chelsea Wine Bar. At this happy hour you will learn how to attain, maintain, and grow your wealth.

A Lunch & Learn will be held Wednesday, May 10th at 12pm in the Economic Alliance Board Room.

To stay up to date on the latest market news, give RHP Market Talk Podcast a follow on your preferred streaming device.

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING

was hosted by Economic Alliance on behalf of HGAC Freight staff “Regional Goods Movement Plan” EOM, DOW, TSG, HD, Clark Freight, ExCargo and more contributed input on freight needs and trends in the region.

PASADENA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR We attended the Pasadena “State of the City” on February 16th, where Melinda Torrison, Meador Staffing Services President was awarded the Pasadena Citizen of the Year! We know firsthand that she very well deserved this award! Congratulations Melinda!

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Harris County Houston Sports Association announcement: Houston will hosting the 2024 College Football Championship.

LEADING2GETHER LUNCHEON Chad Burke attended the luncheon at North East Community Center - James Driver Park

EAST END CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VISION 2023 Marisela Ramirez and Intern Sol Sanchez attended the East End Chamber of Commerce Vision 2023 Luncheon on February 2nd at the Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Commissioner Adrian Garcia shared a “State of the Precinct 2” report on his vision for the precinct. He also discussed opportunities for business, the workforce and the community. Upcoming East End Developments and expansions were also shared including the opening of PAR 3 Course – East River 9.

PORT REGION STAKEHOLDERS MEETING with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on issues relevant to the region.

Economic Alliance President Chad Burke and Mayor Michel Bechtel discuss Port Region priorities with Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner.

HCHSA Board member Chad Burke pictured with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Hispanic Chamber President Laura Murillo and HCHSA Board member Robert Woods.

H. Franklin CEO & Founder

Horak-Brown President & CEO Kirsten Whittingham Director of Revenue, Operations

Melinda Torrison President & CEO

DC TRIP 2023 ADVOCATING FOR THE REGION

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region returned to Washington DC March 27-29 for our annual policy trip. Over those few days, the 45-person Economic Alliance Leadership Team conducted 40 meetings with Senate, Congressional and Association representatives, along with a Congressional Dinner to discuss the Houston Port regions Federal Policy Priorities. Each year, 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 seeking support for the critical issues important to our region including Ship Channel infrastructure improvements, Coastal Barrier appropriation support, and Community College priorities. It was another great year on The Hill.

FEDERAL POLICY PRIORITIES '23

HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL SUPPLY CHAIN IMPROVEMENTS

Allocations in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, USACE Work Plan, and Inland Waterway Trust Fund for Houston Ship Channel upgrades and maintenance.

PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY EFFICIENCIES/PARTNERSHIPS

Reforms to Surface Transportation Board policies to impact product movement and enhanced partnerships with industry to use the most innovative technologies/materials for infrastructure rebuilds.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Economic Alliance supports policies to enhance port/supply chain infrastructure, skilled worker growth, industry partnerships, and coastal protections for critical economic assets. 1 2 3 4

Increased training funds via the Department of Labor, reforms to Pell Grant eligibility and appropriations from the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a Maritime Center of Excellence at San Jacinto College.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

COASTAL BARRIER ECONOMIC ASSET PROTECTIONS

Phased appropriations through the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for the design/construction of a coastal barrier protecting the Texas/Louisiana portion of the U.S. Gulf Coast, impacting our national supply chain/ economy.

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION

CITY MANAGER’S LUNCHEON

Economic Alliance hosts the monthly Southeast Texas City Managers group meetings which work to collaborate best practices and foster relationships between regional cities.

PEARLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNUAL AWARDS Chad Burke attended with Economic Alliance Board Member and Pearland incoming Chairman Stuart Cayer of Kelsey Seybold.

NAPTA WINTER MEETING Chad Carson presented an economic overview of the Houston Port Region and highlighted the critical nature that workforce development plays in attracting new capital investment to the region.

TRANSPORTATION CLUB PRESENTATION

Chad Burke’s presentation focused on production growth and critical freight related infrastructure projects the Economic Alliance are working on in the Port Region.

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE BOOK CLUB

Economic Alliance staff and board members have begun a professional development “Book Club” that meets once a month. The first book of 2023 was Extreme Ownership; How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.

PROJECT JOY & HOPE Marisela Ramirez, Event & Membership Director and Women in Alliance Co-Chair Monica Beynaerts of Coastal Ice & Water visited Project Joy & Hope in Pasadena on March 30th. Jan Wheeler and Shelly Fuller gave them a full tour of the facility including a home that was being prepared to welcome a new family. Project Joy & Hope provides supportive care services for children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Texas. The Tulip Project provides shelter and supportive care services for up to twelve families each and every day. Here families with seriously ill children discover JOY & HOPE and benefit from a peaceful, private environment as their child undergoes transplant, cancer treatment, or utilizes hospice and palliative care services. Their aim is to provide a strong support system, thereby helping families remain stable and intact at this challenging time in their lives. We highlighted them at our Women’s Leadership Luncheon on March 22nd and donated to this organization.

To donation visit their website https://joyandhope.org/donate/power-of-24/

CHEMICALS DAY Chad Burke and several members of the Public Policy Task Force traveled to Austin to participate in the Texas Chemical Council’s Chemical Day. Economic Alliance members attended the annual TCC Dinner and met with 5 of our region’s elected officials, delivering the State White Paper and discussed regional priorities.

BAYPORT TERMINAL TOUR Chad Carson and Chad Burke toured the Bayport Container Terminal to gain a better understanding of the flow of imports and exports through the largest terminal on the US Gulf Coast.

HASC SAFETY TAILGATE EXTRAVAGANZA

A few of the Economic Alliance staff had the pleasure of attending our member HASC’s event alongside another member and event sponsor, Coastal Ice & Water.

TASK FORCE, COMMITTEE & EVENTS

The Business Growth Task Force continues to meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 9am in person with a virtual option. Committee members share business updates and news in the region. Every meeting we highlight a member, and they share insight and how to connect with their business. This committee plans 4 events a year. The first event being the Economic Forecast Reception that took place on April 6th. All events have opportunities for sponsorship and booth options to share promotional information, check our website for future events. For more information on the task force and to be signed up to receive meeting invites, contact Marisela Ramirez at marisela@allianceportregion.com.

BUSINESS GROWTH TASK FORCE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE

The February 22nd meeting was held at the San Jacinto College LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology better known as CPET. The group received an overview and tour of the largest petrochemical training facility on the Gulf Coast, highlighting how students, via innovative ways, are connecting with our industry partners.

We are busy scheduling the remaining meetings for 2023. Keep a look out!

WOMEN IN ALLIANCE COMMITTEE

The Women in Alliance Committee has been working tirelessly to complete the line up of speakers for the next two events. This committee plans the 3 Women’s Leadership Luncheons throughout the year. Our Luncheon in June will be a panel of 3 ladies, moderated by our former Chairwoman Melinda Torrison. Our last event Sold Out and we are excited to see another great turn out in June. This committee meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 3:00pm. If you have any questions in regard to the Women in Alliance committee and how to get involved, please feel free to contact Marisela Ramirez at marisela@allianceportregion.com.

Membership Highlight: Greg Miller presented on behalf of Paycor at the January meeting.

Membership Highlight: Lindsey (Mehne) Boatman presented on behalf of ARCO Design & Build at the February meeting.

Membership Highlight: Rob Carlson presented on behalf of SBDC Texas Gulf Coast Network at the March meeting.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCEDREAM IT. DO IT.

ANNUAL BANQUET

Our Annual Membership

Banquet was the kickoff to events for 2023. We enjoyed the night with great food, drinks, and friends. This year our keynote speaker gathered a crowd of over 450 attendees. Leif Babin, Co Author of Extreme Ownership brought an inspiring message. Commissioner Adrian Garcia swore in the 2023 Board of Directors, and we honored our Volunteer of the Year, Kristi Claypool, Executive Account Manager for Meador Staffing Services. Thank you to our members for their continued support!

The goal of the Dream It Do It Southeast Texas program is to highlight career opportunities in our region by working with our industry partners who volunteer. We focus on petrochemical, logistics, transportation, maritime and construction industries. In 2022 we made over 7000 connections.

During the first quarter of 2023 we have had 14 events where we spoke with over 1750 students, parents, teachers, administrators, and underemployed adults. We visited eight career fairs, three classrooms, two large groups, and one conference. One of the career fairs included 26 school districts and the conference included 27 school districts. The remainder of our presentations covered nine school districts and Houston Community College.

Dream It Do It took part in the Workforce Solutions

Youth Expo and panel discussions with One Goal Graduation.

Our volunteers bring invaluable insight into the high-demand, high-wage careers in our area. Thank you to Alysha Decou (Turner Industries), Stacy Putman (Ineos), Blake Goodall (ExxonMobil), Stephen Rowland (San Jacinto College), Jeff Pearce (San Jacinto College), Tyler Padgett (San Jacinto College) and Stacey Swan (College of the Mainland) for volunteering.

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

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

Over 450 men and women attend the first Women’s Leadership Luncheon of the year at the San Jacinto College – LyondellBasell CPET building. We heard an inspiring message from Kate Lightfoot, Plant Manager of ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins. The next Women’s Leadership Luncheon is on Wednesday, June 21. Sponsorships, tables, booths, and individual registration is now open on our website. Register today as this event will sell out quickly!

ECONOMIC FORECAST AND UPDATE

On April 6th over 100 attendees joined us for the Economic Forecast Reception with Keynote Speaker Patrick Jankowski, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at Greater Houston Partnership. Patric shared insight to the economy changes and an outlook for 2023.

STUDIO UPGRADE

On March 3rd Economic Alliance hosted Tifanie Steele, Refinery Manager, Chevron Pasadena Refinery as our first guest of Season 8 of the Gulf Coast Growth Show. Chevron Pasadena Refinery sponsored the studio upgrade, in which we are grateful for their generosity. A portion of the funds went towards the awesome signs that were created and installed by five students and their teacher from Sam Rayburn High School.

The creation of the custom signs was quite the project. The initial stage of the project involved the students trying to come up with the proper colors, sizes, and proportions for the sign based on the Chevron requirements. The students were worried that they would not get the materials in time, and would not have enough time to cut and assemble in the end, but they persevered. Once I was able to spend a little time with them things started to come together. The signs consisted of ¾” walnut plywood, ¾” clear cast acrylic, ¼” cast acrylic, LED standoffs, and some vinyl lettering. The acrylic was cut on an X-Carve CNC, and the vinyl was cut on a Cricut machine. The students were very excited to see the project come to completion and they were impressed with the final results. When they saw the signs in the podcast room, they felt a huge sense of accomplishment. For many of the students it was their first time using a CNC machine. The sign project was challenging and a great learning opportunity for the students.

- Brock Wilson, Engineering, Industrial Arts, Technology, Robotics

Left to right: Brock Wilson, Engineering Teacher, Sam Rayburn High School & Senior students: Anthony Ivon, Emiliano Herrera, Gerson Cantu, Eriberto Borrego. Not pictured: Diego Gutierrez

Left to right: Chad Burke, Jennifer Silva, Tifanie Steele, Jason Lee, Brock Wilson, Ezequiel Garcia - Pasadena ISD

UPCOMING EVENTS 2023

MAY

Business Growth Task Force

Wednesday, May 3 9:00am – 10:00am

Women In Alliance Committee

Wednesday, May 10 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Industrial Procurement Forum -Contractors

Thursday, May 11 8:00am - 10:00am (doors open @ 7am)

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee

Tuesday, May 16 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Public Policy

Tuesday, May 23 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Economic Development

Wednesday, May 24 3:00pm - 5:00pm

JUNE

Business Growth Task Force

Wednesday, June 7 9:00am – 10:00am

Women In Alliance Committee

Wednesday, June 15 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee

Tuesday, June 20 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Women's Leadership Luncheon

Wednesday, June 21 11:00am - 1:00pm

Public Policy

Tuesday, June 27 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Economic Development

Wednesday, June 28 3:00pm - 5:00pm

JULY

Business Growth Task Force

Wednesday, July 5 9:00am – 10:00am

Women In Alliance Committee

Wednesday, July 12 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee

Tuesday, July 18 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Public Policy

Tuesday, July 25 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Economic Development

Wednesday, July 26 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Topical Forum: The Four Legs of Houston’s Economy

Thursday, July 27 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Women's Leadership Luncheon

Wednesday, June 21

San Jacinto College - LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical Energy, & Technology 7901 W Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77507

Topical Forum: Four Legs of Houston’s Economy

Thursday, June 27

San Jacinto College - LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical Energy, & Technology 7901 W Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77507

Gulf Coast Industry Forum

September 21, 2023

Pasadena Convention Center 7902 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77507

MEMBER-DRIVEN AND MEMBER SERVICE ORGANIZATION

OUR STRUCTURE consists of an Executive Board, an Elected Board and eight initiative chairs supported by members through their direct involvement. Our staff works to carry out the directives of each these

Upon becoming a member, you are invited to attend a Task Force meeting, luncheon, or other events so that you can get a better idea of how we operate and what Economic Alliance offers.

8 TASK FORCES AND INITIATIVES SUPPORTED BY MEMBER INVOLVEMENT

Economic Development Task Force

To facilitate new and expanded capital investment and job creation along the Houston Port Region.

Workforce Development Task Force

To provide a forum that facilitates information sharing and promotion of workforce development initiatives to address the growing skilled workforce gap.

Quality of Life Task Force

To enhance our region’s marketable image and quality of place, including assets marketed to attract both tourists and corporate relocation.

Women’s Leadership Luncheon

To showcase female leaders in our industries and encourage an empowering dialogue on the success of female leadership in the industries they represent.

Transportation Task Force

To identify and support transportation projects in order to accommodate rising freight demand in the economy and ensure safety and quality of life for citizens.

Public Policy Task Force

To provide a forum that facilitates information sharing and education on public policy issues affecting the Houston Port Region’s economic development.

Business Growth Task Force

To provide mechanisms for the education and development of regional businesses in order to sustain and grow regional commerce for our communities.

Gulf Coast Industry Forum

To bring industry, government, and community stakeholders together to hear regional information affecting the Houston Port Region.

MEMBER BENEFITS

ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IS A DRIVING FORCE in the Houston Port Region. Economic prosperity and successes are growing faster than ever due to the participation by our members. We convene a large, trusted network and encourage you to join our talented, well-connected organization.

A VALUED MEMBER:

MCCARTHY BUILDING COMPANIES, INC. deeply values our membership with the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. All they do, advocating for and advancing the interests of the economic powerhouse that is the Houston Ship Channel, and surrounding areas, is amazing and appreciated. Thank you Chad Burke and Team!

JONATHAN W. SCHMALTZ, DIRECTOR, BD

MEMBER BENEFITS ARE REFLECTED IN ENHANCING YOUR OPERATIONS NETWORK

Expand your immediate circle of acquaintances and begin meeting new people in adjacent circles — and beyond. Members, staff and partners can be the solution and lead resources related to your operations.

Become recognized as an active business member of a world class team within the Houston Port Region. Our service footprint is the most sought-after region in the World for Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Maritime and Logistics operations.

Align yourself with strategic initiatives that are making an impact on our regional economy and residents.

Economic Alliance is one of the most impactful and influential business organizations in Texas. Participate in economic development, public policy, transportation/infrastructure, workforce development and quality of life initiatives.

Gain knowledge and contribute to the information sharing and convening of industry leaders. Events and taskforces can highlight your operations and/or be a vehicle to gain insights from fellow members.

Leverage relationships and established communication channels to have issues heard.

Economic Alliance develops regional priorities through our members input and the organization is a respected voice with invaluable connections to key decision makers.

JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF MEMBERS!

PARTNER LEVEL

Stakeholder, Corporate, and Proprietorship Members

*STAKEHOLDER MEMBERS IN BOLD

3PBD

3V Industrial, LLC

ADS Customs Signs

AL Law Group

American Acryl

Angler Construction

Apache Industrial

Apache Oil Company

ARCO Design/Build

Arete Advisors

Arkema Inc.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Association of Bayport Companies

Audubon Engineering

BakerRipley

Bank of Texas

Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol (BACODA)

Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Bayport Polymers, LLC (Baystar)

Belt Harris Pechacek, LLLP

Bendel Tank & Heat Exchanger

BGE

Blast Builders

BMF Industries

BMWC Constructors

Brady, Chapman, Holland and Assoc.

Bridgepoint Consulting LLC

Butler-Cohen

Capital One Bank

CarbonTEK Houston/Laredo

CDT3 Training

Cenikor Foundation

Chemic Engineers & Constructors, Inc.

Cherry Companies

CHI St. Luke’s Health Patients Medical Center

Cima Services, LP

Clark Freight Lines Inc

Clark Industrial Services, LLC

Clough USA

Colson X-Cel USA

Community First ER

CommunityBank of Texas

Core Trucking of Texas

CRA, Inc

Craig & Heidt, Inc

Cumulus Digital Systems

DCW Squared Management Consultants LLC

Del Mar Safety Solutions

Detection & Measurement Systems

Diamond Rigging and Crane Inc

Dunavant Trans Gulf Transportation & Distribution Group

Dupre Logistics

Earmark Management and Consulting LLC

East Harris County Empowerment Council

Economic Incentive Services, LLC

Edna Rice Executive Recruiters Inc.

Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

EnviroAI

Epic IPD

Excargo Services

Farley & Partners LLP

Fifth Ring

First Horizon Bank

Gallant Builders

Galveston Bay Foundation

Gateway Printing & Office Supply, Inc.

Get Choice

Global Relations

Greater Houston Partnership

Gulf Coast Authority

Gulf Coast Solutions Inc

H+M Industrial EPC

Halff Associates, Inc.

Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP

Hanson Professional Services

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors

HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast

HDR Engineering, Inc.

Houlden Enterprises, LLC

Houston Chronicle Media Group

Houston Construction Services

Houston ILA Dock & Marine

Houston Pilots Association

Houston Wilderness

Houston Yacht Club

Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston

Industrial Tax Consulting

Innovative Alternatives, Inc.

Innovative Office Environments

InnovEarth Corp.

Invista

iOne Benefits Group Inc

JBJ Management

Kai Koa IT Solutions, LLC

Kaneka North America LLC

KCI Publishing Corporation

Kenco Bucket Trucks

KeyHire Solutions

Knudson LP

Lakewood Yacht Club

LaneMKTG

Langan Engineering and Environmental Services Inc.

Les Ellard Insurance Agency, Inc.

Linbeck Group

Liquid Capital Business Funding

Live Oak Bank

Longleaf Industrial Lubrizol

Magnolia Park Arts & Community

McDermott

McDonough Engineering Corporation

Meador Staffing Services

Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.

Moody National Bank

Mosher Seifert & Company, CPA

MPACT Strategic Consulting

National Property Holdings

Nissan Chemical Houston Corp

Northern Air

Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc.

Orbital Engineering, Inc.

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Paycor

PDG Architects

Pfeiffer and Son, Ltd.

Phelps State Farm Insurance

Pinnacle

PKF of Texas, P.C.

Place Chaplains

PlainsCapital Bank

Plantgistix

Pro Citrus Network

Project One Logistics

Pulido Transport

Qualified Properties, Inc.

Ram Alloys, LLC

Reliant Nationwide Staffing

Riner Engineering

Ritter Forest Products

Roadrunner

Royal Harbor Partners

Sam Houston Area Council, BSA

San Jacinto River and Rail

Sesco Cement

Shell Federal Credit Union

Sign Craft

Sky High for Kids

Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc.

SMART Group Houston

Southern Fasteners & Supply, Inc

Space City Services

SRI Global Inc

Statesman Corporation Finance, LLC

Stellar Bank Stockstill & Associates

Structure Tone Southwest

Sudduth Search

Sunstate Equipment LLC

Swagelok Southeast Texas

Tandem LAMarr Trucking & Excavating, Inc

Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Terrapass

Texas Advantage Community Bank

Texas Deepwater Partners (TDWP Partners

LLC)

Texas First Bank

Texas JDC Diving Inc

Texas Mutual Insurance Co

Texas Southern University

The Boeing Company

The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc.

The Gates at Main Steet/Linensndecor

The McDonnel Group

Tier 1 Integrity

Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc.

TPC Group Truist Financial

Trustmark National Bank

UBS Financial Services Inc.

Union Pacific Railroad

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Uprite Services

VLS Environmental Solutions

Voovio Technologies US Inc

Wheelchairs for Warriors

Wildcat Solutions

Wood Workforce Solutions

203 Ivy Avenue, Suite 200

Deer Park, TX 77536

281.476.9176

allianceportregion.com