Coverage of Houston Port Region Affairs and Companies Summer and Fall Edition
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.
We are proud to count among our members cities, communities, chambers of commerce and other government entities
Community
City of Galena Park
City
Buddy Tucker, Ohmstede Industrial Services Inc.
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, Frost Bank
Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology
Jonathan Schmaltz, McCarthy Building Companies
Katie Heckt, LJA Engineering
Kristi Claypool, Meador Staffing Services
Leonard A. Bedell, Mobil Steel International, Inc.
David Szafranski, Enterprise Holdings
Nathanael Ince, Pinnacle
Russell Carter, Bohler Engineering
2024 Board of Directors
Brent Cockerham, Moody Bank
Dave Tolson, Arete Advisors
Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations
Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College
John Grimes, LBC Tank Terminals
Marcelo Moacyr, BGE
Paul J. Plauché, MobilOps
Robert Bonner, Diamondback Works
Stephen Kelman, Wood
Dr. Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College
Melissa Wolkenhauer, BIC Alliance
Bryan Wooten, INVISTA
Rina Harris, CenterPoint Energy
Danielle Parks, Truist Bank
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
Captain Clint Winegar, Houston Pilots
Mark Bookmyer, LyondellBasell
Brittany Wong, Shell Deer Park
Scott Tanley, Kent
Rick Brown, Arkema
Peter Dumont, AG&P Americas
Aundrea Young, Competitive Choice
Kevin Griffin, Satterfield & Pontikes
Thomas Reeves, City of Baytown
President’s Letter
I want to talk briefly about what we make here and how it makes the world a much better place. Our partners at the American Chemistry Council do a great job of laying it out: “Chemistry plays an essential role in many of the products and technologies that people use every day.” Here are a few examples of products that are made from products we make here:
• Personal Care Products: From lotions, soap and shampoo to makeup and deodorant and many more, personal care products often rely on surfactants that help make these products easy to apply and effective.
• Cleaning Products: Chemistry ingredients in household cleaning products, laundry detergents and other products can help safely and effectively removing soils, germs and other contaminants, helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and control allergens, such as dust and mold.
• Sports Equipment: Cyclists, skiers, hikers, mountain climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts often rely on carbon fiber-reinforced plastic gear and safety equipment, from skis, boots, helmets and shin guards to goggles and other protective eyewear products.
• Electronics and Appliances: From televisions, computers and cell phones to appliances like refrigerators, microwaves and more, chemistries including silicones, polycarbonate plastics, phthalates and more can help make these products durable, heat resistant and enhance performance.
As an example, I help coach a youth football team that my grandson plays on. Here is the list of items he put on last night to practice that includes materials made right here in the Houston Port Region:
• Helmet
• Mouthpiece
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Hip, thigh and knee pads
• Jersey
• Pants
• Cleats
• Gel inserts for his feet
In my mind, that alone is a convincing argument that chemistry and the products made from our chemical industry improves the quality of life for a very specific and loved 10-year-old. Just one of the many reasons I believe in our mission to grow this regional economy.
Thanks,
Chad Burke, President & CEO
MISSION
GROW AND MARKET A VIBRANT REGIONAL ECONOMY
203 Ivy Avenue, Suite 200 Deer Park, TX 77536 (281) 476-9176
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Chair: Robert Bacon, ExxonMobil
Treasurer: Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College
Secretary: Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates
Vice Chair: Ryan Sitton, Pinnacle
Vice Chair: Michel Bechtel, Chairman of Gulf Coast Protection District
Vice Chair: Charles Neal, Kuraray America, Inc.
Vice Chair: Arienne Brint, Lyondellbasell
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD
Sarah Arroyo, Lubrizol
Heather Betancourth, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
Sara Cronin, TPC Group
Amanda Fenwick, San Jacinto College
Jason Lee, Exponent Prosperity Accelerator Advisors, LLC
Lori Pace, ADIM Media, LLC
Lauren Gonzales, 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
Marisela Ramirez, Events & Membership Director
Michael Kloska, Marketing & Communications Director
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE CONVENES a Transportation Infrastructure Task Force to review mobility issues around freight growth, road safety, environmental impacts and the nearly $50B in production facility investments in the Houston Port region.
Collection of local/state elected officials, Port Houston, petrochemical association partners and private sector members.
Deliver TxDOT a prioritized project list based on Houston Port region consensus and critical investment needs to aging infrastructure.
ADVOCATE WITH TXDOT TO STUDY TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
CONNECTING TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
1 2 MOVEMENT OF MARITIME FREIGHT/CARGO 3 4 5 ENHANCED EVACUATION ROUTES
REGIONAL GROWTH AND INVESTMENTS
SAFETY AND MOVEMENT OF RESIDENTS/WORKERS
UPGRADES TO AGING INFRASTRUCTURE
FREIGHT MOVEMENT IN THE REGION CONTINUES TO GROW AS PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY PRODUCTION EXPANDS AND IMPORTS RISE YEAR OVER YEAR.
100%
INCREASE IN TEU’S THROUGH PORT HOUSTON - GROWING FROM 2M TO 4M TEU’S (‘16 - ‘22)
“TxDOT is excited to get to the completion of our SH225 Preliminary Engineering study soon. I want to thank Economic Alliance and all the stakeholders along SH225 and the surrounding region in assisting us by providing valuable input to the study. With the input from all stakeholders, TxDOT will be able to design SH225 reconstruction in a way that will handle the freight traffic in the area and build a roadway that will benefit all traveling public in the region.” Eliza Paul, Houston District Engineer, TxDOT
7 years of member/stakeholder work is represented in the announcement of TxDOT’s SH225 Redevelopment Plan.
Delivered a project list based on Houston Port region consensus and identification of critical investments to upgrade our aging infrastructure.
IDENTIFY PROJECTS AND BUILD CONSENSUS
Study/design for the reconstruction and raising of the I-610E Ship Channel Bridge
Start of Schematic: Fall ‘24
Construction Cost: $2B
ELEVATED LANES IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
Elevated lanes in the center of the roadway or between the frontage roads and general-purpose lanes.
Reconstruction of 225 to meet current design standards.
Approval for constructing 8 direct connectors at SH225 and Beltway8 Ship Channel Bridge
Letting: Summer ‘24
Construction Cost: $310M
Re-paving of SH225 from Beltway8 to East Boulevard
Letting: Summer ‘25
Construction Cost: $11M
MEMBERS IN MOTION
New Division Announcement
H+M Industrial EPC is proud to announce the launch of its new division, H+M Modular. This dedicated division provides custom-fabricated equipment, modules, and skids tailored to meet the unique needs of the industrial sector. By integrating our proven capital project process into modular design and fabrication services, H+M Modular aims to serve current clients and reach new ones across the energy and chemicals industries. Visit hm-modular.com
Meador Staffing Services Recognition
Meador Staffing Services was regognized among the 59 Best Family-Owned Businesses in Houston in 2023 and now in 2024!
San Jacinto College recognized for Veteran Education Excellence
San Jacinto College has been honored with the Silver 2024 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission. The College ranks among 24 Texas public institutions of higher education honored by the Commission. The award recognizes the depth and breadth of services provided to veteran students and their families. San Jacinto College is home to three veteran centers dedicated to ensuring that veterans and their dependents have the support they need to transition smoothly into higher education. Read more at: https://bit.ly/San-Jac-Veteran-Award.
MEMBERS IN MOTION
Texas Mutual committing $8 million in grants through 2024 community funding program
Through our 2024 community funding initiatives, Texas Mutual will be awarding $8 million in grants to Texas nonprofits focused on supporting working families and fortifying businesses to strengthen the state’s economy. Texas Mutual is proud to have recently awarded $4 million to 57 nonprofits across the state through their generational learning grant cycle. They will be accepting applications for our workforce development and safety training grant cycle starting August 19 and will be investing in organizations focused on training the workforce, creating pathways for middle-skill jobs and upskilling and reskilling adult learners. Learn more at texasmutual.com/communityfunding
Mobil Steel: providing industry-leading safety and quality steel fabrication for 55 Years
Mobil Steel celebrates its 55th anniversary with multiple recognitions for quality steel fabrication and industry-leading safety performance.
Mobil Steel earned its 18th consecutive American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) quality certification renewal earlier this year. AISC certifies Mobil Steel as maintaining steel fabrication operations that meet international quality standards for steel building structures. AISC’s rigorous audit demonstrated Mobil Steel exceeds international industry benchmarks, including ISO standards.
On July 19th, Associated Builders and Contractors awarded Mobil Steel its sixth consecutive Diamond Level STEP recognition for top-level safety performance. Overall, Mobil Steel has earned nine STEP safety awards.
“Our skilled employees, safety performance, AISC quality certification and spacious steel fabrication facilities ensure we’ll meet your project objectives safely, on-time and reliably,” said Leonard A. Bedell, president & CEO.
Winkler Public Relations Announces Addition of Accomplished Anchor/Reporter
Adam Winkler
Winkler Public Relations, which recently celebrated 20 years of providing crisis, stakeholder and issue management services to help industry connect and collaboratively solve problems, has hired Emmy award-winning journalist Adam Winkler as Director of Media Strategy and Storytelling. Adam pivots to Winkler Public Relations after an extraordinary career in local news, during which he most recently excelled in a multifaceted role for ABC13/KTRK-TV in Houston.
As an unparalleled storyteller, Adam enhances Winkler Public Relations’ unique toolbox and will help amplify the company’s reputation as a first-class public relations firm committed to building and maintaining relationships. Winkler Public Relations will incorporate Adam’s multimedia skills like writing, reporting and on-camera work into the company’s long-standing pillars of helping clients enhance image, reputation and brand awareness to target audiences.
MEMBERS IN MOTION
UES Recognized as #1 on the Zweig Group’s 2024 Hot Firm List for the 4th Consecutive Year
UES is the nation’s fastest-growing engineering and consulting firm in terms of revenue, projects, and size. With nearly 4,000 professionals across 85+ branches, we specialize in geotechnical engineering, environmental, materials testing, and inspection services to clients across the United States. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety, integrity, and sustainability of our communities’ land and structures, from development to redevelopment. STRIVE defines our UES team’s values: Safety, Teamwork, Responsiveness, Integrity, Value, and Excellence.
CenterPoint Energy is taking action now to improve its resiliency, customer communications and community partnerships, and better prepare for the next major storm or hurricane. On August 5, the company announced the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, which details more than 40 actions to strengthen resiliency, improve communications, and develop stronger local community partnerships. Nearly all of these items, including the core resiliency actions of replacing more than 1,000 poles with stronger fiberglass poles, installing more than 300 system automation devices and trimming or removing high-risk vegetation near 2,000 miles of power lines, were completed before the end of August and ahead of schedule. For more information on CenterPoint’s progress toward its goal of becoming the most resilient coastal grid in the country. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/TakingAction.
CenterPoint Energy
Gulf Coast Indusrty Forum 2024 Recap
In 2024, the Gulf Coast Industry Forum celebrated a significant milestone: the 15th anniversary. GCIF has grown into a significant gathering of folks engaged in the Petrochemical, Maritime, Logistics, Manufacturing industries and most importantly members of the Economic Alliance Houston Port region.
The conference began due to Houston Port region leaders recognizing the need for a forecasting conference in the industry. They asked the Economic Alliance to produce a conference that would provide information for the overall industrial economy. The Petrochemical and Maritime Outlook Conference (PMOC) was first introduced in 2010 and later became known as the Gulf Coast Industry Forum (GCIF) in 2016. In its first year, PMOC had an attendance expectancy of 200 people. The Economic Alliance finished the conference with over 450 attendees and has consecutively grown with more people in attendance each year. In 2019, GCIF had over 1,000 people attend.
Reflecting on the journey from that initial event in ‘10 to today’s expansive network of panelist, keynote speakers and attendee networking, the 15-year mark is not just a celebration but also a testament to the enduring relevance of the Houston Port region and its impact on the world’s economy.
Economic Alliance with our “Thought Leadership” is continuing a vision of creating a shared space where experiences, challenges, and solutions drive our industry towards a culture of shared responsibility and continuous delivery. The 15th year anniversary symbolizes not only a look back on our region’s achievements of the past decade and a half but also anticipates the future of the Houston Port region. GCIF ‘24 featured keynotes from:
- Dan Patrick, Lt Governor, State of Texas; Ric Campo, Chairman, Port Houston and Ryan Sitton, Founder & CEO, Pinnacle. discussing the State of Texas as a destination for investment, the State of Port Houston operations and Texas’ role in the global energy market.
While our 11-panelist engaged in dialogue around: Houston Port region land and water infrastructure, petrochemical industry outlook/ local investments, a midstream oil and gas updates and the future of the Texas power grid.
These speakers shared their insights, experiences, and dialogue to move us into the future and maintain our status as one of the most influential energy corridors and trade ports in the world. This 15th anniversary of GCIF represents a significant voice and the event is making a difference to provide a positive business climate in the Houston Port region as well as foster growth.
The significance of GCIF extends beyond mere celebration. There is not an organization in Houston, let alone the state of Texas, that makes as much of an impact on its footprint when you combine our Members, Stakeholders, Businesses, Government, Residents, and Educational partners. Representing and impacting the most sought-after region in the world for Petrochemical, Maritime, Logistics and Manufacturing operations, talent and assets.
Industry Icon Award ’24 – Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations
Dennis Winkler currently serves as part of the leadership team of Winkler Public Relations, a woman-owned business helping companies establish and protect a positive brand, image and presence with diverse communities. The firm’s unique public relations, government affairs and crisis communication skills assist companies in building relationships, awareness and trust with key stakeholders and target audiences.
Dennis over the Last 16 years has been a leader and integral part of advancing the Houston Port region businesses, infrastructure, assets and the economy. Serving in that same timeframe as the original and current Public Policy Chair for the Economic Alliance. Dennis’s unique skills of communication, temperament and relationship building has made Economic Alliance the convening point for issues important to the Houston Port Region. His strategic and unified approach is positively recognized at the state and federal levels and is integral to our representatives understanding the policy priorities impacting the Houston Port region. Each year he leads the region in advocating with one voice, both during our D.C. trip held annually and bi-annual State Legislative sessions. Dennis has and continues to ensure our region stays a world class destination for investment through, Houston Ship Channel Supply Chain Improvements, Petrochemical Manufacturing Regulation Impacts, Community Colleges Workforce Development Support, Coastal Barrier Economic Asset Protections and a host of TxDOT infrastructure upgrades.He is THE person to step in during times of trial too. Both EHCMA and TCC turned to Dennis during the 2019 ITC incident, serving as interim Executive Director of EHCMA when they needed his leadership the most.
Dennis’s successful leadership is truly “iconic”. A true leader through his work by improving the Houston Ship Channel, advocating for sound policy for our industry, leading in times of crisis and protecting our assets that have made generational impacts on our region.
A friendly disposition, spirited nature, a great friend and champion to the industry is Dennis Winkler.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Industrial Procurement Forum
Tuesday, November 5
7:00am - 10:00am
Business Growth Task Force
Wednesday, November 6
9:00am - 10:00am
Women in Alliance Committee
Wednesday, November 13
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee
Tuesday, November 19
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Christmas Open House Thursday, December 5
7:00am - 10:00am
Legislative Kickoff Forum
Wednesday, December 11 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Annual Membership Banquet
Thursday, January 30 6:00pm - 9:30pm
SUCCESS STARTS
WITH THE
RIGHT TRAINING PARTNER RIGHT TRAINING PARTNER
San Jacinto College offers customized training across East Harris County for:
• Operators
• Maintenance workers
• Safety technicians
• Pipefitters/welders
• Diesel mechanics
• HVAC-R technicians
• Logistics managers
• Maritime pilots
• And more
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
IN MOTION
Workforce Task Force
The Workforce Task Force was welcomed by Dr. Allatia Harris, Chairman and Vice Chancellor of San Jacinto College to a Zoom on Thursday, May 2.
We explored “How social media is used in recruitment and selection.” Sharing their expertise in their field were Amanda Fenwick, VP for Marketing and Public Relations, Alex Lane, Owner @ laneMKTG, LLC/Digital Marketing Expert, and Toni Rosario, Executive Recruiting Manager @ BIC Recruiting. This information was very helpful to all but especially our Career and Technical Education representatives who have daily contact with students preparing for careers. Our last meeting on August 15 was in person at Economic Alliance where welcomed our guest speaker, Peter Dumont, the CEO of PrairieDog and the Chief Innovation and Digitalization Officer and Managing Director, Americas, for AG&P. He brought 30 years of engineering and construction experience developing and executing projects across the U.S. and globally to our group on the topic of Artificial Intelligence. There were lots of questions and some very thought provoking conversations.
This task force usually meets on the third Thursday every other month, from 3:00pm – 4:00pm, unless on site options require a different time. Our next meeting is May 2 via Zoom.
DIRECT REFERRALS LEAD TO
permanent placements within the oil and gas industries.
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
IN MOTION
Dream It. Do It.
The goal of the Dream It Do It Southeast Texas (DIDI) program is to highlight career opportunities in our region by working with our industry partners who volunteer. We focus on the petrochemical, logistics, transportation, maritime and construction industries.
Through the 3rd quarter of 2024 we have attended 26 events and connected with over 3600 students, teachers, counselors, administrators, and community members. With these events we have made contact with 34 ISD’s, 9 Community Colleges, 4 community groups, 1 charter school, 2 trade schools, and 1 university. In July we attended a state convention and spoke with 172 school leaders. We worked together with The Science Mill to provide a summer staff development for 3rd grade STEM teachers in Houston ISD and Barbers Hill ISD.
We can’t do this without our volunteers. Thank you to our volunteers in our 2nd and 3rd quarter who bring such valuable insight into the high-demand, high-wage careers in our area –Jeff Pearce(San Jacinto College), Kelly Groaning(San Jacinto College), LaJasmine Fitch(Kuraray), Ceola Hart(Shell Pipeline), Stacy Putman(Ineos), Mikayla Mora(Turner Industries), Chad Burke(Economic Allliance), Blake Goodall(ExxonMobil), and Derek Bell(ExxonMobil).
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
Economic Development Task Force
Approximate 100 member representatives participated in The Economic Development Taskforce meetings this past May, July and September at major industrial operations investing and creating jobs in the Houston Port region.
Specifically, in May the group got a tour and behind the scenes look at Sulzer a leading service provider for rotating equipment. The Houston Service Center, located in La Porte, Texas, is their largest facility and specializes in customized solutions for maintenance and repairs of all makes and models of turbomachinery.
Then in July the group participated in extensive overview and tour of LyondellBassell’s multi-billion-dollar Channelview complex. The complex covers approximately 4,000 acres and is one of the largest petrochemical facilities on the Gulf Coast. The olefin units at the north side facility manufacture ethylene,
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION
propylene, butadiene and benzene. The southside facility uses these products to produce propylene oxide, styrene monomer, other derivatives, and gasoline-blending products. CVO is also home to one of the world’s largest propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol (PO/TBA) plants. The group got to meet staff, a tour of a world class operations center and the actual production facility.
The most recent Economic Development Taskforce meeting in September was held at Teadit’s North American headquarters on Red Bluff. During the meeting the group got to meet the CEO and key staff along with exploring the 100,000 sq. ft. production facility and warehouse, O2 clean room and on-site gasket testing lab. Additionally, they had the opportunity to learn about and witness the manufacturing and fabrication of the various gasket products they produce.
These meeting gives our municipalities and existing operations an opportunity to showcase their investments/facilities to the community. In turn creating stronger relationships amongst our members, stakeholders, and existing businesses.
PARTNER LEVEL MEMBERS
Stakeholder, Corporate, and Proprietorship Members
*STAKEHOLDER MEMBERS IN BOLD
3rd Rock Renewables
3V Industrial, LLC
ADS Custom Signs
AG&P Americas Inc.
All About Business
ALULA
Amerant Bank
Angler Construction
Apache Industrial
Apache Oil Company
Arete Advisors
Arkema Inc.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Association of Bayport Companies
ATR Inc
Austin Fire Systems, LLC
BakerRipley
Bank of Texas
Bartlett Cocke
Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol (BACODA)
Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
Bayport Polymers, LLC (Baystar)
BE&K Building Group
BGE
Blast Resource Group, LLC
BMF Industries
Brady CFO
Brady CFO
Brady, Chapman, Holland and Assoc.
Butler-Cohen
Capital One Bank
Cenikor Foundation
CG Infinity Champions Insurance
Chaparral Industrial Services
CHI St. Luke’s Health Patients Medical Center
Cima Services, LP
Clark Freight Lines Inc
Colson X-Cel USA
Community First ER
Core Trucking of Texas
Craig & Heidt, Inc
Del Mar Safety Solutions
Diamond Rigging and Crane Inc
Dunavant Trans Gulf Transportation & Distribution Group
E.E. Reed Construction, L.P.
Earmark Management and Consulting LLC
East Harris County Empowerment Council
Economic Incentive Services, LLC
Edna Rice Executive Recruiters Inc.
Enterprise Mobility
Ethox Chemicals, LLC
Excargo Services
Fifth Ring Fire Security, Inc.
First Horizon Bank
Frost Bank
Gallant Builders
Galveston Bay Foundation
Greater Houston Partnership
Gulf Coast Authority
Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc.
Gulf Coast Solutions Inc
H+M Industrial EPC
Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP
Hanson Professional Services
Hargrove Engineers + Constructors
Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity
