TRANSPORTATION

HMSDC recently hosted Transportation Industry Day, sponsored by the Port of Houston. This event was designed to provide valuable information to suppliers about the transportation industry and future trends. The day was divided into four parts.

Jamila Owens, Transportation Manager at the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) discussed the State of Transportation both locally and nationally, addressing challenges and planning conducted by 13 counties in the region. The L.E.A.D. Conversation was presented by Adam Galland, P.E., with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), providing an overview of significant projects and federal funding in the pipeline for TxDOT. The proposed funding is more than $85 billion. Mr. Galland emphasized the importance of understanding how to do business with TxDOT and encouraged diverse companies to pursue these projects.

There was also a panel on "How to Do Business with METRO, Port Houston, and TxDOT," led by Otis Johnson, METRO; Brandon Davis, Port of Houston, and Carlton Cooper with TxDOT. The panelists discussed critical criteria for conducting business with their respective organizations, emphasizing the importance of capacity and preparedness. Suppliers were encouraged to build relationships and collaborate with these organizations to prepare for the significant business opportunities that lie ahead.

The day ended with Matchmaking where suppliers were strategically matched with METRO, Port Houston, and TxDOT. Thirteen companies had the opportunity to meet with these organizations to discuss their value propositions and learn about specific contracting opportunities based on the products and services they provide.