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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-15 Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors RICHARD WARREN, PRESIDENTRICHARD WARREN, PRESIDENTMIKE CLAUSEN, BOARD MEMBERMIKE CLAUSEN, BOARD MEMBER MIKE COOKSLEY, VICEMIKE COOKSLEY, VICE--PRESIDENTPRESIDENTRANDY WOODARD, BOARD MEMBERRANDY WOODARD, BOARD MEMBER JAY MARTIN, BOARD MEMBERJAY MARTIN, BOARD MEMBERNANCY OJEDA, BOARD MEMBERNANCY OJEDA, BOARD MEMBER CHUCK ENGELKEN, BOARD MEMBERCHUCK ENGELKEN, BOARD MEMBER CITY OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING AGENDACITY OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING AGENDA Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the City of La Porte Development Corporation to be held on Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the City of La Porte Development Corporation to be held on March 9, 2015March 9, 2015, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 W. Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, , at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 W. Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, beginning at 5:00 PM to consider the following items of business:beginning at 5:00 PM to consider the following items of business: 1.CALL TO ORDERCALL TO ORDER 2.AUTHORIZATIONSAUTHORIZATIONS (a)Consider approval or other action of the minutes of the meeting of the La Porte Consider approval or other action of the minutes of the meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board held on February 23, 2015 Development Corporation Board held on February 23, 2015 -- P. Fogarty P. Fogarty 3.SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETINGSET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING 4.STAFF REPORTSSTAFF REPORTS (a)Receive 2014Receive 2014--2015 Annual Report from Chad Burke, President/CEO of the Economic 2015 Annual Report from Chad Burke, President/CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Alliance Houston Port Region -- S. Livingston S. Livingston 5.Board member comments regarding matters appearing on agenda; Recognition of Board member comments regarding matters appearing on agenda; Recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policies.specific factual information or existing policies. 6.AdjournAdjourn The La Porte Development Corporation Board reserves the right to meet in closed session on any The La Porte Development Corporation Board reserves the right to meet in closed session on any agenda item should the need arise and if applicable pursuant to authorization by Title 5, Chapter 551, agenda item should the need arise and if applicable pursuant to authorization by Title 5, Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code (the Texas open meetings laws).of the Texas Government Code (the Texas open meetings laws). In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of La Porte will provide for reasonable In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of La Porte will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending public meetings. To better serve attendees, requests should be received accommodations for persons attending public meetings. To better serve attendees, requests should be received 24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary, at 281.470.5019.24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary, at 281.470.5019. CERTIFICATIONCERTIFICATION I certify that a copy of the March 9, 2015, agenda of items to be considered by the Board of the La Porte Development I certify that a copy of the March 9, 2015, agenda of items to be considered by the Board of the La Porte Development Corporation was placed on the City Hall Bulletin Board on March 3, 2015.Corporation was placed on the City Hall Bulletin Board on March 3, 2015.        Patrice Fogarty, City SecretaryPatrice Fogarty, City Secretary   RICHARD WARREN, PRESIDENT MIKE CLAUSEN, BOARD MEMBER MIKE COOKSLEY, VICE PRESIDENT RANDY WOODARD, BOARD MEMBER CHUCK ENGELKEN, BOARD MEMBER NANCY OJEDA, BOARD MEMBER JAY MARTIN, BOARD MEMBER MINUTES OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 February 23, 2015, The City of La Porte Development Corporation Board met on at the City Hall Council 5:00 p.m Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at . to consider the following items of business: 1. CALL TO ORDER President Richard Warren called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The following members of the La Porte Development Corporation Board were present: Board members Martin, Clausen, Woodard, Engelken and Ojeda. Absent: Vice-President Cooksley. Staff Present: Corby Alexander, Patrice Fogarty, Scott Livingston, Michael Dolby and Clark Askins. 2. AUTHORIZATIONS (a) Consider approval of minutes of the meeting of La Porte Development Corporation Board held on February 9, 2015 P. Fogarty Board member Engelken moved to approve minutes of the meeting of La Porte Development MOTION PASSED Corporation Board held on February 9, 2015. Board member Clausen seconded. . Ayes: President Warren, Board members Ojeda, Woodard, Clausen, Engelken and Martin Nays: None Absent: Vice-President Cooksley (b) Consider approval or other action authorizing staff to execute payment in the amount of $9,338.94 to Ronda Stockton, owner of And Sew It Began S. Livingston Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston provided a summary, and Ronda Stockton gave also provided a brief update. Board member Martin moved to authorize staff to execute the payment in the amount of $9,338.94 to MOTION PASSED Ronda Stockton, owner of And Sew It Began. Board member Clausen seconded. . Ayes: President Warren, Board members Ojeda, Clausen, Woodard, Engelken and Martin Nays: None Absent: Vice-President Cooksley Page 1 of 4 February 23, 2015, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes (c) Consider approval or other action authorizing staff to publish 60-day public notice of a public hearing to consider awarding Hardware for an amount not to exceed $350,000 S. Livingston Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston provided a summary; and Frank Herrera, General , provided information for expanding and improving the business. Board member Woodard asked if the ownership of the building is in a limited partnership or owned by an individual. Mr. Herrera responded the building is owned by both Mike Breaux and Rod Rothermel. Board member Woodard asked Mr. Breaux if he and Mr. Rothermel have a limited partnership. Mr. Breaux responded yes. Board member Woodard asked the name of the partnership. Mr. Breaux Board member Woodard asked if the $1.2 million investment will be to enclose the lumber yard and change the façade. Mr. Breaux responded yes. Board member Woodard asked if bids were done for the second phase of the expansion. Mr. Breaux responded not yet; the business is investigating programs that will assist with the expansion. Mr. Breaux also advised they will go out for bids in 2015, but he is not certain of the month. Board member Woodard asked if Do It Best is the primary lender of the program and if they are helping. Mr. Breaux advised not at the moment, but their biggest contribution will be merchandise. Board member Woodard asked if it has been discussed with the corporation the cost to improve the additional 15,000 square feet and double the area. Mr. Breaux responded that to take down the wall and put up a beam is a minimum of $50,000. Board member Woodard asked why not expand the business before spending on the façade. Mr. Breaux responded they were not planning on expanding the square footage on the inside until the project came about and realized the store is not large enough, and then considered tearing the wall down and having a full lumber yard, which will increase sales by 15 to 20 percent. Pres entire expansion will cost $750,000. Mr. Breaux responded no, they are requesting up to $350,000 and will spend an additional $750,000. Board member Woodard commented the board has tried to stay at about 10 years for paybacks. Board member Engelken commented the project is worthwhile, but his concern is the board usually has a cap at 25% and the payback is usually less years than what's proposed; and based on the facts he has heard at this point, the business needs to go back and sharpen up the plans and get bids with more details. Board member Engelken advised he is not ready to approve the grant at this point and would suggest the board deny the request. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston informed the board there is not a policy that limits anything at 25%. The Pipeline Grill project was at 25%, and there are 5 other projects that are coming for consideration. He would like the board to consider the City of La Porte's 5-year Strategic Plan for beautification. This project is not an enhancement grant. Board member Woodard commented the payback period has been discussed more than once. Mr. Livingston responded yes he just want the board to consider the beautification and staff trying to fulfill the goals set by City Council with the 5-year Strategic Plan. City Manager Corby Alexander commented the 25% and payback of 10 years has been a rule of thumb without a policy. Page 2 of 4 February 23, 2015, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes Board member Woodard asked if the board shoot for to help them with the business plan in order to come back to the board. Board member Engelken commented the general practice has been 25% with payback of 10 years or less; and if they honor the guidelines, he would be more inclined to give a thumbs up instead of a thumbs down. Mr. Breaux advised now that they know the guidelines, they can work within them and come back. Board member Martin commented the board needs to adopt guidelines to have in place for projects that may be coming to the board for consideration. President Warren commented it is a good project, but the board does need guidelines. Board member Engelken moved to deny authorizing staff to publish a 60-day public notice of a public Hardware for an amount not to exceed $350,000 due to lack of information. Board member Martin MOTION PASSED seconded. . Ayes: President Warren, Board members Ojeda, Woodard, Clausen, Engelken and Martin Nays: None Absent: Vice-President Cooksley 3. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING S. Livingston Board members set the next meeting dates for Monday, March 9, 2015, at 5:00 p.m.; March 23, 2015, at 4:45 p.m., and April 13, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. 4. STAFF REPORTS (a) Receive Financial Report M. Dolby; Finance Director Michael Dolby provided a Financial Report. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS regarding matters appearing on agenda; recognition of community 5. members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policies. Board member Engelken commented the board needs to have a future workshop meeting to develop guidelines for the economic development incentive programs; Board member Woodard commented he visited the Pipeline Grill in Baytown, and he was impressed with the operation of the restaurant; Board member Martin commented he would like to see economic development incentive grant policies from the Cities of Baytown, Deer Park and Pasadena; Board member Clausen agreed with a workshop meeting and commented he would like to educate the public on what are the board's duties with sales taxes for economic development; City Manager Corby Alexander advised staff will be scheduling a workshop meeting; and President Warren thanked everyone for attending the meeting and agreed with everyone's comments. 6. ADJOURN There being no further business, Board member Engelken moved to adjourn the meeting MOTION PASSED at 5:53 p.m. Board member Clausen seconded. . Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary Page 3 of 4 February 23, 2015, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes Passed and approved on this 9th day of March, 2015. ____________________________________ President Richard Warren Page 4 of 4 February 23, 2015, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes REQUEST FOR LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AGENDA REQUEST FOR LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AGENDA ITEMITEM March 9, 2015March 9, 2015AppropriationAppropriation Agenda Date Requested:Agenda Date Requested: N/A N/A Scott D. Livingston Scott D. Livingston Source of Funds:Source of Funds: Requested By:Requested By: Account Number:Account Number: Economic Development/Tourism Economic Development/Tourism Department: Amount Budgeted:Amount Budgeted: Report:Resolution:Resolution:Ordinance:Ordinance: Amount Requested:Amount Requested: Exhibits: Budgeted Item:Budgeted Item:YESYESNONO 1. Presentation for the Annual Report of the 1. Presentation for the Annual Report of the Economic Alliance Houston Port RegionEconomic Alliance Houston Port Region 2. 2014--2015 Annual Report2015 Annual Report--DetailedDetailed SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONSSUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS Chad Burke, President/CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region will be preparedChad Burke, President/CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region will be prepared to present and discuss the Economic Allianceto present and discuss the Economic Alliance’’s 2014 s 2014 --2015 Annual Report.2015 Annual Report. Action Required by the La Porte Development Corporation:Action Required by the La Porte Development Corporation: None. Approved for the La Porte Development Corporation AgendaApproved for the La Porte Development Corporation Agenda Corby D. Alexander, City ManagerCorby D. 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Marucc on s asadena s Sha xR k temb U H E ee n r S , gr gr k, Transportati tion by D m by h i re n o ir eve W.tNMatt Todd i r Comy Scan Alec n n Petrochem cff Tom rke red Congress ratedModerated w oCo e a a e t a Bryan F HL Rt1gistr S eCJ e e d c Ry u Silvia 902 e Feat p e i d John i (Mo Jan Se r . r Lo 7( P D Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Annual Report of Economic Development Activities City of La Porte Year End June 30, 2015 Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 1 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS The Board of Directors and members of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region are privileged to serve the City of La Porte. Contents of this services report include: Part 1 - Executive Summary Key Highlights - Pages 3-5 This summary captures key activities performed by the Economic Alliance for the report period. Part 2 - Project/Leads Report - Pages 6-8 This section provides a status report of projects/leads that are wins facilitated by the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. The projects are displayed in a table format with the most recently identified projects/leads listed first. Format headings help the user identify key project elements, such as the argeted geographic location. Part 3 More Detailed Sampling of Services - Page 9-37 This section is provided to augment the Executive Summary and provides other details or samples of services performed during the report period. Part 4 2013 Economic Alliance Annual Members Report Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 2 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Part 1 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY KEY HIGHLIGHTS Toured the Houston Port Region with the Ambassador of Norway and the Ambassador of Korea The Economic Alliance toured companies in the Houston Ship Channel Region and - Bayport Terminal. Dr. Sallie Kay Janes and Capt. Mitch Schacter of San Jacinto College Maritime Center showed the Ambassadors the simulator and spoke about training students for the maritime industry. Karen Gregory, Chairman of the Board, Economic Alliance, and Randy Drake, The Drake Companies, were tour guides. Meeting with State Representative Mary Ann Perez State ED Incentives The Economic Alliance staff met with State Representative Mary Ann Perez to discuss - state level economic development incentives. Representative Perez sits on the House Economic Development Committee that will be reviewing incentives in the next legislative session. The EA surveyed its member cities and industries on which programs were productive and what changes need to be made. Meeting with Praxair and Scott Livingston, City of La Porte, about Expansion Plans Marie McDermott met with Greg Sweeney, Praxair, and Scott Livingston about - expansion plans. The firm is talking about pipelines and site plans. They wanted details on power, water and incentives. One aspect of the incentive is the Industrial District Agreement in La Porte. Mayors Advisory Council Meeting The Economic Alliance hosted the Port Region Mayors Advisory Council meeting. In - attendance where mayors from the 11 cities in the region, Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Jack Morman, Leadership from San Jacinto and Lee Community Colleges, State Senator Larry Taylor and State Representative Mary Ann Perez. Purpose of the meeting was to gather information and issues that need to be pursued during the 2015 State Legislative Session on behalf of the Houston Port Region. 2014 Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference fifth annual Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook - Conference in the Pasadena Convention Center on September 4th. More than 650 representatives from business, industry, government and education heard presentations and panels discuss the imp Port Region. M.V. Sam Houston Tour of Ship Channel for EHCMA Workforce Development Committee The Economic Alliance organized a tour of the Houston Ship Channel on the M.V. Sam - Houston for the Workforce Development Committee of EHCMA. The committee conducted regular business as well as learned about the activity happening in industry along the channel. Gulf Coast Natural Gas Initiative Conference & Workshop Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 3 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Chad Burke provided a group of about 100 an economic update and forecast for the - Coast Natural Gas Coalition in an effort to raise awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of converting commercial fleets to natural gas. Additional speakers included; State Representative Jason Isaac, Port of Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther, , Westport Randy Russell, Parkway Heather Oglesby, Nat-G Balu Balagopal, and Port of Houston Chairman Janiece Longoria. Met with Greater Houston Partnership and Project Pelican, a Korean firm The company is looking for a site of $100 million steel pipe manufacturing facility in - Harris County. They are seeking 100 acres to construct a 330,000 square foot production unit and create 150 -200 jobs. The Korean firm visited six sites. The 228 site was on Beaumont Highway. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 4 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Part 2 - PROJECT/LEADS WINS REPORT Below is the Project Summary currently being worked in 2013 by the New Business Development Task Force of the Economic Alliance. This Committee meets bi-monthly to hear updates on this project list. Level: Number Capital Lead/ Project Target Date Last Location of Est. Investment Prospect/ Comments Name Industry Updated Jobs ($1mm) Win/ Dead A facility that wants to repurpose the site and have logistics be the key. Project Corn Logistics P Prospect 8/29/2014 A prospect was interested in the property. Met with the owner of the Project restaurant & he is Hospitality LP Lead 6/30/2014 Parker interested in serving the territory. Lead came from CenterPoint Energy. The firm wants to build a Project Logistics C 20 $60 Lead 8/29/2014 pipeline at their site. Jones CP Tank Farm & fractionate oil, fuel to military. 17 acres A Florida business is looking for tank farms to purchase. The site must have a pipelines, rail, or possibly barge access. Project Logistics C, P Prospect 8/29/2014 Considering buying a 22 Colonial acres site that has +600,000 barrels of storage capacity. They are looking for multiple sites. A local firm wants to invest $190mm to build a plant and hire 15 -20 jobs. The company Project Land PetroChem LP 20 $190 Prospect 7/21/2014 wanted to know if they could get an Industrial District Agreement for a little longer than the normal time. The firm is looking for 7 - Project Manf Lead 8/1/2014 12 acres to export Goldstar recycled steel globally. The company is looking to purchase 20+ acres with rail connection for Project Bill Logistics PL, P Prospect 8/21/2014 the purpose of storing heavy equipment and distributing to rail. I sent him sites. 20-50 acres to store Project Logistics 10 Prospect 6/30/2014 containers. Relocating Sandpiper from FLA. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 5 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Level: Number Capital Lead/ Project Target Date Last Location of Est. Investment Prospect/ Comments Name Industry Updated Jobs ($1mm) Win/ Dead Power Blending plant. The market is the Houston Port Region & Project Freeport area. They Manf 20 Prospect 8/11/2014 Charlotte have a customer in Houston which is drawing them here. Rail to the site is an option. Distribution Center is Project Logistics C 65 $18 Prospect 7/27/2014 seeking 100,000 sq. ft. Gilbert building in Channelview. Getting an update at the Board meeting. They want to put an education Project Egret Office SB 25 $10 Lead 6/30/2014 and activities center in the region, about 10 acres. Called Seabrook EDC for an update. Expansion of terminal storage, 10 new tanks, Project Pine Logistics P 10 Prospect 8/29/2014 they have 9 storage tank started. Construction through by 4th quarter. Expansion plans & dock space. Administration Project Logistics P 10 Prospect 8/29/2014 Building to be finished by Loblolly 4th qtr. They are looking for land to expand more. They acquired the land, 30 acres and 1 acre. Project Mark Manuf P 50 $5 Prospect 8/21/2014 The deal is putting the deal together. The company, along with other firms, is creating a firm that meets the gaps for inventory of Project Ring Manuf Lead 8/23/2014 emergency projects. They may need a warehouse to store the products. Dock space needed. Polyethylene manufacturing. Schedule to be complete in the summer. One of three projects being undertaken by the company. The growth is Project expected increase PetroChem LP 30 $300 Prospect 8/23/2014 Harvey annual ethylene capacity by an estimated 1.85 billion pounds, for a total estimated capacity of 11.8 billion pounds in North America. Construction is set to finish early next year. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 6 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Level: Number Capital Lead/ Project Target Date Last Location of Est. Investment Prospect/ Comments Name Industry Updated Jobs ($1mm) Win/ Dead A California company wants to set up Kobelco operations in the Compressors Houston Port Region, a America, Inc. Manf LP 10 2 WIN 7/21/2014 sales office. The - Project company does work for Corona the oil and gas industry, like Chevron. They make portable, blast-proof, buildings and Hunter Bldgs market to the refinery - Project Manf C 85 3 WIN 1/10/2014 and petrochemical Scientist business. International customers. Growing 50 acres next to current site. A chemical firm, epoxy additives and polyurethane additives, is considering this area with highly trained operators. The company is going thru demolition of the site Project Jack PetroChem P 40 $55 Prospect 8/23/2014 & waiting for a survey for a Harris County Tax Abatement. Letter of Support from the Commissioner Morman for the project. Competitors: Los Angeles, CA Firm is expanding into "dry gas" to make Project Dry chemicals. The project is PetroChem DP 10 $700 Prospect 6/30/2014 Gas still looking promising, but no decisions have been finalized yet. A Joint Venture with a local firm to produce a synthetic line, renewable base oils for the lubricants market. Banks are talking to the Project PetroChem DP 50 $120 Prospect 8/29/2014 company. Advising the Falcon firm on different incentives: Texas Enterprise Fund; Chap 313; Industrial District; & FTZ. Competing sites would be NC and SC. An existing firm wants to expand it operations to Project Hot PetroChem P 10 $75 Prospect 8/29/2014 three units, ultimately Dogs $90 mm in capital investment in 2014. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 7 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Level: Number Capital Lead/ Project Target Date Last Location of Est. Investment Prospect/ Comments Name Industry Updated Jobs ($1mm) Win/ Dead The project is slated for 4 acres. Heat treating for the tubular pipe used in OCTG - the oil and gas markets. Manf SH 100 50 WIN 8/29/2014 Project David Financing: SBA 504 funding from Capital CDC. Funding should be within 60 days. Pipeline & Storage company, supported by a 30 - year service agreement. Enterprise Products Partner wants to export ethane. The facility is expected to begin operation in the 3rd qtr of 2016. They Enterprise also plan to construct a Products - Logistics M 30 1300 WIN 6/12/2014 pipeline from its Mont Project Map Belvieu natural gas liquids fractionation and storage complex. Enterprise signed a long- term agreement with the Port of Houston Authority for use of its facilities adjacent to its existing terminal at Morgan's Point. The manufacturing company in Rochester, New York. The company develops and manufactures performance-leading insulation products currently used in thermal packaging systems for the transportation of Project Heart Manf PL 100 Lead 4/16/2014 valuable biomedical, pharmaceutical, medical device and clinical trial and diagnostic industries. I advised the company of a conference & expos, Medical World Americas Conference in Houston. The 50/50 joint venture Ienos Olefins will produce 470 kilotons & Polymers per annum of bimodal USA / Sasol HDPE (high density Chemicals PetroChem LP 30 400 WIN 6/9/2014 polyethylene) use No America - Innovene S process Project technology. The plant Nebula/Carl start-up is expected in (GHP) 2016. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 8 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Level: Number Capital Lead/ Project Target Date Last Location of Est. Investment Prospect/ Comments Name Industry Updated Jobs ($1mm) Win/ Dead Asset-based third party logistics company. They offer the customers warehousing, transportation, distribution, cross- docking, load Project Core Logistics SB 25 $70 Lead 8/29/2014 consolidation, and inventory management. The company uses Automated Robot System to move around the goods. 40 acres. New rail connections coming near their site. TOTAL 750 $3,358 2013 Total Wins 225 $1,755 From 2008 to 2014, the Economic Alliance has supported over 40 successful projects that have helped create over 4,400 new jobs and over $5.5 billion of capital investment to the Houston Port Region. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 9 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Part 3 MORE DETAILED SAMPLING OF SERVICES 2014 rd June 3 Meeting with Rentech Nitrogen Pasadena The Economic Alliance met to discuss possibilities of expansion of their site. They are considering logistics related with barge access. Dennis Corn, said a consultant, they want to grow through acquisition or organically. th June 5 Congressman Ted Poe Breakfast Symposium The Economic Alliance attended a Business Forum with Congressman Ted Poe, hosted by Strategic Public Affairs, a member of the Economic Alliance. Topics discussed were: Congressional Appropriations, Houston Ship Channel Dredging Funding, Homeland Security, and the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. th June 5 Brazil Delegation Visit and Campus Tour at San Jacinto College The Economic Alliance attended and spoke to a Brazilian higher education delegation at San Jacinto partnerships between economic development, industry and education. They were interested in duplicating the model used here in the Houston Ship Channel Region in their country. th -th June 11 13 Texas Economic Development Council Marie McDermott went to the Texas Economic Development Council for Mid-Year Conference in San Antonio. TEDC Conferences are a resource for learning from economic development experts on issues and trends, as well as from your peers through our Peer Group Roundtables. Recipients of the Workforce Excellence Award and the Economic Excellence Recognition program are recognized at the Mid-Year Conference. TEDC committees met at Mid-Year Conferences.; like the Transportation, the Legislative and Water Committees. th June 11 Port of Houston Appreciation Day The Economic Alliance attended, and had a booth, at the annual East End Chamber of Commerce, th June 11 TxDOT Texas Transportation Plan 2040 40, and provided comments regarding Freight Mobility, Maritime Mobility and identified contacts for future discussions and inclusion of East Harris County stakeholders in future transportation plan discussions. th June 12 EHCMA Workforce Development Committee Meeting Michelle Hundley attends the monthly meetings of the East Harris County Manufacturers Association, Workforce Development Committee as a member of the committee. During each meeting, projects and activities are identified to further the goal of marketing the career opportunities available to local students, parents, teachers, and counselors in the petrochemical industry. th June 12 Attended Commerce Club luncheon The Economic Alliance was invited by the Houston Pilots to attend the Commerce Club luncheon featuring Rick Shannon, President of Atlantic Ro-Ro. The speaker, an expert with over 40 years in the Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 10 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services transportation industry, provided best practices and lessons learned from international transportation partnerships and projects. th June 17 Houston Regional Workforce and Education Forum The Economic Alliance attended a roundtable discussion hosted by GHP at HCC Central with Texas Education Agency Commissioner, Michael Williams; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner, Raymund Paredes; and Texas Workforce Commission Chairman, Andres Alcantar. th June 18 Houston District Export Council The Economic Alliance attended a Houston District Export Council outreach event focused on supporting the reauthorization of the U.S. Export Import Bank. th June 18 Texas Freight Mobility Plan Draft Recommendations Listening Session Comments were provided on highways, rail, maritime, and funding and policy. The plan is slated to be completed by the end of the year. The Economic Alliance also extended a special invitation to Caroline Mays, Manager of the Freight Transportation Planning Branch to come and meet with a focused group of cities and industries from the Houston Ship Channel Region. th June 18 Meeting with Novvi LLC, Project Falcon Marie McDermott met with John Carnahan, C.O.O., of Novvi LLC, with a tax consultant, Grant Thornton about their proposal. Novvi was interested in bank financing to operate in the Houston Port Region. th June 18 Attended & Helped Market the Kaneka Education Center Grand Opening The Economic Alliance wrote the press release and assisted with the marketing of the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Kaneka North Am story appeared in The Pasadena Citizen, Guidry News, and Change Magazine. L to R: Kazuhiko Fujii, President at Kaneka North L to R: Kazuhiko Fujii, Billie Pettis, David Thompson, America LLC and Alvin Proctor, Vice President of Ann Pitts, Melissa Lassiter, Melissa Bowman, Alvin Human Resources officially open the new Learning and Proctor (The Learning Group). . Education Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony June 20 Neighborhood Centers Workforce Development Presentation to Community Leaders (in Spanish) The Economic Alliance Workforce Development Committee worked with Neighborhood Centers to arrange a bi-lingual presentation to community leaders at the Neighborhood Centers Cleveland-Ripley location in Pasadena. The presentations focused on raising awareness about the high-paying careers in the Petrochemical, logistics, and maritime industries. Topics included an overview of the recent economic shift, career pathways, educational opportunities, and financial literacy. Presenters included: Alfredo Gomez, Education Planner, San Jacinto College; Judith Gonzalez, Project Coordinator, San Jacinto College; Miguel Hernandez, Maintenance Excellence Specialist , Shell Deer Park; Michelle Hundley, Vice President of Public Affairs, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region; Adelina Gomez, Director of Business Development and Marketing, Beacon Federal Credit Union; Bolivar Fraga, Civic Engagement Manager, Neighborhood Centers; Dr. Allatia Harris, Chairman Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 11 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Economic Alliance Workforce Development Committee & Vice Chancellor, Strategic Initiatives, San Jacinto College. th June 24 Crisis Management Workshop for Industry & Government in Greater Houston The Economic Alliance participated in an Emergency Management Workshop and Disaster Scenario for Business, Industry, and Area Governments provided by the International Economic Development Council. th June 25 Board & Membership Meeting Patrick Jankowski The Economic Alliance hosted its Board & Membership meeting at the newly renovated and County owned Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Members heard reports from Committee Chairs on activities throughout the region. Senior VP of Research of the Greater Houston Partnership, Patrick Jankowski provided an economic overview and update for the Greater Houston area. th June 26 TxDOT Transportation Commission Public Meeting The Economic Alliance attended the TxDOT Transportation Commission Public meeting at the Bayport Cruise Terminal where regional transportation projects were discussed. st July 1 Toured the Houston Port Region with the Ambassador of Norway and the Ambassador of Korea The Economic Alliance toured the companies and the Houston Ship Channel Region and Bayport Terminal. Dr. Sallie Kay Janes and Capt. Mitch Schacter of San Jacinto College Maritime Center showed the Ambassadors the simulator and spoke about training students for the maritime industry. Karen Gregory, Chairman of the Board, Economic Alliance, and Randy Drake, The Drake Companies, were tour guides. rd July 3 Meeting with State Representative Mary Ann Perez State ED Incentives The Economic Alliance staff met with State Representative Mary Ann Perez to discuss state level economic development incentives. Representative Perez sits on the House Economic Development Committee that will be reviewing incentives in the next legislative session. The EA surveyed its member cities and industries on which programs were productive and what changes need to be made. th July 9 Meeting with Praxair and Scott Livingston, City of La Porte, about Expansion Plans Marie McDermott met with Greg Sweeney, Praxair, and Scott Livingston about expansion plans. The firm is talking about pipelines and site plans. They wanted details on power, water and incentives. One aspect of the incentive is the Industrial District Agreement in La Porte. th July 9 NA Industries and Community Representatives The Economic Alliance participated in a luncheon for the purpose of introducing our new President. a new assignment in Europe. Leon Connor provided an update of their operations. Guest included Mayor Glenn Royal, City of Seabrook; City Manager Gayle Cook of Seabrook; Lou Ann Nolan, Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 12 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Economic Development, City of Pasadena; Scott Robbins, Plant Manager, Styrolution; and Marie McDermott. th July 8 Meeting with Houston Center for Literacy Chad Burke with the HCL. th July 18 Organized ExxonMobil Plant Tour w/ Neighborhood Centers The Economic Alliance arranged for and participated in a tour of the ExxonMobil Baytown facility for Neighborhood Centers CEO Angela Blanchard key members of her staff. The purpose of the tour was to provide a deeper understanding of the petrochemical industry itself and the variety of career opportunities available. Neighborhood Centers is a partner of the Economic Alliance Workforce Development Committee. Representing the Economic Alliance on the tour was: Dr. Allatia Harris, Chairman Economic Alliance Workforce Development Committee & Vice Chancellor, Strategic Initiatives, San Jacinto College, and Tamara Nicholl-Smith, Director of Communications, Economic Alliance. nd July 22 Mayors Advisory Council Meeting The Economic Alliance hosted the Port Region Mayors Advisory Council meeting. In attendance where mayors from the 11 cities in the region, Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Jack Morman, Leadership from San Jacinto and Lee Community Colleges, State Senator Larry Taylor and State Representative Mary Ann Perez. Purpose of the meeting was to gather information and issues that need to be pursued during the 2015 State Legislative Session on behalf of the Houston Port Region. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 13 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services nd July 22 - New Business Development Task Force Meeting The Task Force met and reviewed the Summary of Leads for July. The cities went over the business development in their respective areas. We had a presentation from Elizabeth Huff, Economic Development Manager, about the 8 county territories that they do economic development. She talked about deals that they share with the cities and other regional entity and site consultants. rd July 23 Galveston Bay Foundation Quarterly Meeting The Economic Alliance Y Oil Spill volunteers for oil spill clean-up, as well as planning and response of the spill by governmental and non-governmental authorities. Michelle Hundley is an Advisory Board member of the GBF. th July 24 CEO Roundtable Chad Burke met with plant managers from facilities that have maritime operations to discuss issues related to dredging and permitting with the Corps of Engineers. These oil & gas companies are concerned with rising dredging costs, frequency of dredging opportunities, limited contractors and the inability to forecast costs and schedules. th July 28 Meeting with Congressman Al Green The Economic Alliance participated in a breakfast meeting with Congressman Al Green focusing on support for the reauthorization of the U.S. Export Import Bank. Other interested parties at the breakfast meeting were the GHP, Houston District Export Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among others. th July 30 Met with Denbury Resources, Inc. Met with Denbury Resources, Inc. they reviewed there expansion growth in the Gulf Coast. Denbury is an oil company specializing in enhanced oil recovery using carbon to develop significant stranded reserves of American oil by injecting carbon dioxide into mature oil fields. They have a facility in Pearland. The company plans to expand in the State. th August 4 Joint Committee Hearing on Storm Surge Chad Burke to travel to Galveston to testify before the Joint House/Senate Committee on surge protection. The Mayors spoke on the effects of Hurricane Ike on their communities. th August 4 Meeting with Congressman Gene Green The Economic Alliance and some of its members met with Congressman Gene Green in his district office during the summer Congressional Break. Members discussed issues of importance to our organization such as: the reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, dredging concerns, transportation funding, and continued support for economic development in the region. th August 7 Meeting with Junior Achievement Economic Alliance staff met with Junior Achievement to coordinate Economic Alliance participation with Lee College, San Jacinto College, EHCMA, and other interested parties in the JA Inspire events to be held in January and February of 2015. These events will include inviting all schools within the San Jacinto and Lee College service footprints to participate in a collective workforce development event highlighting all HB 5 categories of career opportunities. In addition, these events will also have breakout sessions where stude-on-one discussions with potential employers. th August 7 Galena Park/Jacinto City CIP meeting alth Director, Environmental Health Service and Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, discussed how researchers look for links between air pollution and health effects, to summarize what is known from earlier studies about the Houston area, and what studies are currently underway. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 14 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services th August 8 TX American Shore & Beach Preservation Association Meeting Michelle Hundley attended the August meeting of the TX ASBPA in Galveston. The meeting focused on the policies and procedures of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Colonel Richard Pannell, Galveston District, provided an overview and then four section leaders discussed policies and procedures covering: Hydraulics and Hydrology in the Galveston Bay/Houston Ship Channel region, Operations and Maintenance Dredging, and Permitting and Compliance. th August 13 Greater East End Chamber of Commerce & Speaker Michael Creel, CEO, Enterprise Products The Economic Alliance attended the East End Chamber of Commerce where the keynote speaker was jobs to be created are 30 positions and capital investment for the project is $1.3 billion. The Port of hour. th August 13 SEACAP Meeting The Economic Alliance attended and participated in the meeting. Mitch Schacter, Director of the Maritime Program at San Jacinto College, said that San Jacinto College is 50 years old, and has 3 campuses North, Central and South serving 30,000 students. The Maritime Program was started in 2010 to meet the needs of the local maritime industry for a better educated, advanced entry level professional mariner. The program consists of three divisions Logistics and Supply Chain (North Campus), Maritime Administration (South Campus) and Vessel Operations (Central Campus). San Jacinto College purchased property in the Bayport Terminal Facility across from Odfjell Terminals to build a Maritime Building. It will have 46,000 sq. ft. of space for classrooms and labs, and for 5 full size ships bridge simulators, a large meeting room and training docks, including a water survival training tank. Mitch said he plans for 15 classrooms and 15 faculty offices to be filled with new teachers. Crews will be trained for American flagged vessels. Scheduled to open in 2015, the new Maritime Technology and Training Center will also host a Crew Training dock for G&H Towing. Plant Updates for the following companies: Poly-One - David said the plant is having its best start in years - with orders remaining strong American Acryl - Doug Smith reported that the general business: Seeking to fill vacancies: HR Specialist; Process Operators (2) LBC Terminal is Business is Good / Expansion Continues with Ship Dock 4 In progress NA Industries, Inc. - Business outlook continues to be excellent Styrolution - Turnaround preparation underway Odfjell Terminals - General business: Business remains good Total Petrochemicals - Business continues to be good and HDA construction continues th August 20 East Harris County Manufacturers Association Golf Tournament Kick-Off Dinner The Economic Alliance attended the kick- foundation funding for both Lee and San Jacinto Colleges. All proceeds from the Golf Tournament on October 10 will be given to these Foundations for scholarships for students enrolling in CTE courses at either college. The Economic Alliance is also supporting this tournament by requesting donations, collecting donations, and preparing golf bags for golf teams. st August 21 Attended Breakfast Session with Congressman Gene Green The Economic Alliance attended a breakfast session to hear a presentation by Congressman Gene nd August 22 ExxonMobil Baytown Expansion Project Celebration The Economic Alliance attended the Expansion Project Celebration at ExxonMobil in Baytown. Speakers and elected officials discussed the tremendous impact to the economy that this project will bring. ExxonMobil also introduced scholarship winners that will be getting degrees in middle skill disciplines critical to the success of the industry. th August 26 Meet with LJB Engineering at the Greater Houston Partnership The Economic Alliance met with Rod Sommers, CEO, LJB Engineering, and Nolan Miller, Principal of the Houston area. They are locating in Houston (Deer Park) to grow their business. The company Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 15 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services was founded in 1966, and concentrated in safety for the petrochemical industry, infrastructure, structural engineering and concrete tilt-wall. th August 26 Pasadena Community Advisory Council The Economic Alliance participated in the Pasadena CAC session and the topic was Health Impacts from Environmental Exposure. Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Department was asked and provided data comparing the reasons for mortality in Pasadena to the reasons people die in Texas as a whole. Erin Selvera, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Air Pollutant Watch List Coordinator, provided members how the agency uses air monitoring data and emissions data to protect public health. She described the program and reported on the status of the APWL site for benzene in Galena Park and any other local APWL sites. PCAC plants described briefly their routine medical surveillance programs, any patterns in work- related illness at their plant, and whether and how their companies monitor employee health during active work years and retirement related to plant hazards. Host Plant Intro and Safety Moment by Houston Products Processing. th August 27 Houston Port Region Industry Reverse Trade Show The Economic Alliance partnered with the Associated Chemical Industries of Texas (ACIT) and the rd Texas Chemical Council (TCC) to host the 3 Annual Reverse Trade Show. This show brings the refining and chemical industry owners to the Trade Show as booth participants, and all of the venders to the industry get a chance to meet their procurement and project personnel. Over 450 attended. th August 28 Workforce Development Meeting with Houston Community College Jacinto College, met with Houston Community College to discuss bringing them into the effort. Economic Alliance has been approached by HISD and the City of Houston to extend the Workforce Development Initiative to Houston and plans have begun to do so. September 4th 2014 Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference th The 5 Annual Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference in the Pasadena Convention Center exceeded every expectation and broken previous attendance records. And with more than 650 representatives from business, industry, government and educatio economic revival, the event was, perhaps, the most important. Chad Burke, President/CEO of the Economic everyone can have a better idea of what is happening. ty are the words of the day. But do we have growth? Do we have the proper government regulations to regulate the way we do business without being overbearing? Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 16 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services meaningful discussions about these important issues. From that perspective, this conference was a c expansion going strong will require reasonable, sensible regulations and a well-trained workforce. In the past 18 months, petrochemical companies have announced more than $40 billion in capital investment. Major expansions are now underway or about to begin at Chevron Phillips Chemical Cedar Bayou, LyondellBasell, Enterprise Products, and Dow Chemical of Freeport. These projects alone are expected to create 30,000 construction jobs and more than a thousand permanent jobs. Port of Houston Authority (PHA) Chairman Janiece Longoria told the audience that PHA was expanding its capacity to service rapidly increasing tonnage and vessels moving through the Houston Ship Channel. To service larger ships, PHA is increasing the operating depth of the channel from 40 to 45 feet at two container terminals, and is widening or realigning channels by up to a hundred feet. Already tonnage moving through the channel has increased five percent from last year, and is on a record-setting pace for 2014. PHA is spending $325 million in maintenance this year, and plans to spend $700 million over the next at its Barbours Cut Container Terminal, and $1 billion over the same decade to expand its Bayport Container Terminal. Industries that move raw materials to the Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 17 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Gulf Coast, which store or warehouse products, or which carry products to other locations are also heeding the need to expand for what some say will be 10-15 years of prosperity. The Port Terminal Railroad Association maintains 172 miles of track and 20 bridges along the Houston Ship Channel, and handles about 58,000 railroad cards with an average of 1,200 engine starts each month. Sixty- Companies which warehouse petrochemical products in storage tanks are building pipelines, storage units and control facilities to handle increasing volumes. And companies which move products up and down the channel and through inter coastal waterways by barge or boat are noticing huge spikes in business. According to Tom Marian of Buffalo Marine Service, Inc., each month sees more than 11,000 tons across the Houston Ship Channel and along 406 miles of Texas inter coastal waterways. Ninety-nine percent of the cargo derives from the energy industry. Marian predicts a 4-5 percent growth this year. Tank barge orders were up 28 percent in 2013, and are already up 15 percent in 2014, he reported. us their exports are likely to double perhaps even triple in the next two-to- . Rep. Gene Green of the Texas 29th Congressional District said the story playing out along the Texas Gulf Coast is the biggest e Gulf Coast All in all, the 2014 Petrochemical and Maritime Outlook Conference told a story of job growthupstream and down, in petrochemical, manufacturing and a variety of supporting industriesfor the next 15 to 20 years. It was a story Burke and company at the Economic Alliance enjoyed telling. September 10th SEACAP Meeting The Economic Alliance attended and participated in the SEACAP Meeting which was hosted by Styrolution at Styrolution building. The CAP opened the meeting with introductions, welcoming Louis Meneghetti, who returned to the CAP in a new job for Total. Rebecca Alvarado attended with Chris Horton and will be replacing him on the CAP for the Houston TCEQ office. Anja Borski and Scott Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 18 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services Jones were invited to the meeting to present a briefing on the new Report Card that the Galveston Bay Foundation is developing. GBF serves as the watchdog for Galveston Bay. Its conservation programs focus on wetlands preservation and restoration. The goal of the education program is to develop a knowledgeable constituency, ranging from school children to public officials, which recognizes the positive quality-of-life benefits that a healthy Galveston Bay system provides for the created wetlands and restored habitat across Galveston Bay. GBF has also participated in citizen- based water quality monitoring through the use of volunteers. Plant Updates for the following companies: American Acryl, Bayport Terminal, LBC Terminal, NA Industries, Inc., Styrolution, Odfjell Terminals, Poly One, and Total Petrochemicals. th September 11 M.V. Sam Houston Tour of Ship Channel for EHCMA Workforce Development Committee The Economic Alliance organized a tour of the Houston Ship Channel on the M.V. Sam Houston for the Workforce Development Committee of EHCMA. The committee conducted regular business as well as learned about the activity happening in industry along the channel. September 15th - TxDOT Freight Mobility Session Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing their Freight Mobility Plan, which will outline strategies to ensure the state freight system can support the continued success of the Texas economy. The Economic Alliance organized a special TxDOT listening session exclusively for the Transportation Task Force and key members impacted by issues of freight mobility. Attendees heard the Freight Mobility Plan and provided input into the development of draft policy, program, and September 16th Gulf Coast Natural Gas Initiative Conference & Workshop Chad Burke provided a group of about 100 an economic update and forecast for the Houston Port an effort to raise awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of converting commercial fleets to natural gas. Additional speakers included; State Representative Jason Isaac, Port of Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther, , Westport Randy Russell, Parkway Heather Oglesby, Nat-G Balu Balagopal, and Port of Houston Chairman Janiece Longoria. September 16th Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education Marie McDermott participated with the Board members to do a strategic planning session for the organization to promote maritime education in the Universities, Colleges and High Schools in the Houston Port Region. Treasurer of the Partners in Maritime Education, we designed the goals, objectives and activities of the Budget Charter and Fundraiser Committee for the year of 2015. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 19 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services September 17th Economic Alliance Meeting with GHP on Workforce Development Chad, Tamara Nicholl-Smith and Michelle Hundley met with Peter Beard of GHP to work through strategies to take advantage of the existing model and program that the Economic Alliance and East Harris County Manufacturing Association has in place to create awareness of high-paying careers in demand in the petrochem industry to high school students in the greater Houston area. rd September 23 Houston Regional Monitoring Annual Members Meeting Michelle Hundley our Vice President of Public Affairs and Tamara Nicholl-Smith, our Director of Communications attended the annual Houston Regional Monitoring meeting. A presentation summarizing recent air quality trends in the greater Houston area was made followed by a keynote presentation by Mr. Richard Hyde from TCEQ covering some of the noteworthy accomplishments of the agency this past year, and challenges in the future. September 24th - State Economic Development Incentives Hearing Chad Burke was invited to testify before the TX House of Representatives Select Committee on Economic Development Incentives at O'Quinn Great Hall, Athletic Alumni Center, at the University of Houston. The purpose of the committee is to assess the economic benefit provided by state and local incentive programs and make recommendations to make those programs more effective and programs and maintain funding mechanisms in order to continue competing globally for businesses. th September 24 Met with Greater Houston Partnership and Project Pelican, a Korean firm The company is looking for a site of $100 million steel pipe manufacturing facility in Harris County. They are seeking 100 acres to construct a 330,000 square foot production unit and create 150-200 jobs. The Korean firm visited six sites. The 228 site was on Beaumont Highway. th September 25 Foreign Trade Zone Conference The Economic Alliance attended the Port of Houston Authority conference on how the Foreign Trade Zone operates and what the rules for business that use the FTZ. Many companies in Harris County import and export product and they would benefit by using the program. September 25th John Culberson Business Forum As part of our goal to strengthen our relationships with elected officials to benefit the region, The Economic Alliance attended a business forum luncheon featuring Congressman John Culberson. We were able to meet his new District Director. September 30th October 2nd - 2014 Breakbulk Conference The Economic Alliance attended the 2014 Breakbulk Americas Conference. Breakbulk Americas is the largest exhibition & educational forum in the Americas addressing the needs of traditional breakbulk and project cargo logistics professionals. Special thanks to the Port of Houston Authority for nd October 2 La Porte Chamber of Commerce The Economic Alliance met with the Economic Development Committee and they reviewed governmental affairs and transportation issues; marketing and tourism points of interest; old and new business to La Porte; and, the M/V Sam Houston Boat tour of the Port of Houston. October 2nd 2014-2015 Annual CTE District Steering Committee Meeting The Economic Alliance was invited to participate in an advisory panel discussion by Goose Creek Independent School District during their Annual CTE District Steering Committee Meeting. October 2nd - TEDC Presentation: Workforce Development Case Study Chad Burke presented the Economic Alli objectives and strategies to the Texas Economic Development Council during their Annual Meeting in Tom Stellman of TIP Strategies, provided comments regarding a national perspective down to the Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 20 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services -on- were in attendance. The greatest take-away was the knowledge that a program can be built to educate students, teachers, counselors and parents about the great careers and pathways to those th October 9 Roundtable Discussion with Energy Secretary Moniz on Workforce Development Chad Burke and Michelle Hundley participated in the roundtable discussion with Energy Secretary Moniz hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership. Secretary Moniz was interested to hear about the model and activities currently underway in this region supporting technical training for the growing petrochemical industry. th October 9 Meeting with Norwegian Consulate Marie McDermott met with Ambassador Mykletun and Oyvind Lyngen Laderud, the International Affairs of City of Kristiansand, about the upcoming trip in May from Norway. There will be 25 people traveling to the Houston Port Region and to go to the Offshore Technology Conference. This will be the third trip to the area. th October 10 Houston Center for Literacy Provider Meeting pportunities to under-employed people throughout the Houston area. thth October 10 The 4 Annual Houston Shipping & Offshore Conference Members of the New Business Development Task Force attended the conference from several countries including Norway, Korea, and Brazil. Topics included: Filling the Funding Gap in the Shipping & Offshore Industry; Staying Global: Cases of Success in Different Business Cultures; The Challenges of the Labor Market: How to Attract Young and Talented Professionals; and, New Technologies and Designs in the Shipping and Offshore Business. th October 15 Introductory Meeting w/Galena Park Mayor The Economic Alliance invited the new Mayor of Galena Park, Esmeralda Moya to the Economic Alliance offices to meet the Economic Alliance staff, learn about the services the Economic Alliance provides the cities, and discuss the Galena Park gateway project. nd October 22 Meeting with James Rhame, Plant Manager, Flint Hills Resources Chad Burke met with James Rhame, Plant Manager at Flint Hills Resources to discuss his new position there, the acquisition of PetroLogistics by Flint Hills, and their plans existing and future plans for expanding the facility on Highway 225. rd October 23 Procurement Managers Breakfast The Economic Alliance hosted its Industrial Procurement Managers Breakfast at the Pasadena Convention Center. Over 250 attendees heard presentations from the Upstream, Midstream and Downstream sectors of the Oil & Gas industry. These presentations were followed by a Panel of Procurement Managers who spoke on how to do business with industry. Panelists included: ExxonMobil Jim Poggi, ExxonMobil Global Services Company LyondellBasell David Romick CPSM, MBA, MPM, Procurement Supervisor, Bay Area and Channelview Region Kinder Morgan Crystal Ward, Manager of Purchasing Air Products Flint Hills Resources James Rhame, Plant Manager Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 21 of 22 Economic Development Services Report to City of La Porte 2014 - 2015 Services th October 29 Economic Alliance Board & Membership Meeting The Economic Alliance hosted its Board and Membership meeting at the Armand Bayou Nature Center in Pasadena. Members heard from Committee Chairman the activities and initiatives underway. Keynote speaker was Jesse Thompson, Senior Research Analyst from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Houston Branch. He provided the group an economic update and forecast for the Greater Houston area. th November 5 - Region 4 Career & Technical Education Conference Chad Burke, Dr. Allatia Harris, Vice Chancellor and San Jacinto College and Chairman of the Economic Alliance Workforce Development Committee, Debi Jordan of Lee College, and Miguel Hernandez, Maintenance Manager at Shell Deer Park made a presentation to the CTE directors and teachers of Region 4. The presentation included an economic overview of the petrochemical industry, the jobs and wages in demand now, and the pathways for students to attain those jobs. th November 18 - New Business Development Task Force Meeting The Task Force met and reviewed the Summary of Leads for October. The cities went over the business development in their respective areas. We had a presentation from Adrienne Bishop, Partner, Atlas Recruiter about the maritime industry. 2015 details can be provided later in the year if requested. Routinely during the report period During the report period, the Economic Alliance compiled demographic information for several entities making inquiries of its member communities. The Economic Alliance routinely interacts with TEDC and other groups, including participation in the state TEDC conference held during this report period. One professional member of the Economic Alliance attends each conference to ensure networking opportunities with state economic development groups are utilized. The Economic Alliance hosts in its offices located in Deer Park, a Small Business Development Center satellite office of San Jacinto College located in Economic Alliance Building. The Economic Alliance pays administrative expenses for this satellite office and provides office equipment to support this service for Harris County small businesses. The partnership between Economic Alliance and San Jacinto Community College District is providing a SBDC office to provide small business counseling and help with business planning continues. Presented by: Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Page 22 of 22