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USA

TEXAS JOURNAL

W W W . S U B C U S A . C O M

January 2017

Inspire, Inform & Educate

10th Edition

AUTOARCH Architects:

25 Years of Designing Excellence 19-22

INSIDE

16 By Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Houston Selected As Site For 2020 World Petroleum Congress

In the Subcontractors USA Community...

• City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards • Texas Southern University & TxDOT’s Texas Business Opportunity and Development Program • City of Houston Meet the Buyer

Port Houston Receives First Shipment of Automobiles at the Bayport RoRo Terminal

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Publisher’s Message It is a new year, and this is a great time to grow your business and take advantage of opportunities that the State of Texas has to offer. Texas is diverse, and HUBs and subcontractors are gaining opportunities. The Subcontractors USA Texas Journal highlights opportunities and news relevant to this industry. You will find this issue inspiring, informative, and educational. This month’s issue highlights AUTOARCH Architects (AUTOARCH). For 25 years, AUTOARCH has been a

familiar and well-respected name in the architecture industry, having a reputation for accountability, passion, and design excellence. AUTOARCH believes strongly in the power of good design and its effect on the built environment, the end user, and the community. As always, thank you for your continued support of Subcontractors USA. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

“Small and minority-owned businesses must play a significant role in our efforts to restore economic growth. Small businesses employ half of the Nation’s private sector workforce; create a large share of the Nation’s new jobs; and introduce many groundbreaking ideas into the marketplace.” – President Barack Obama

MR. D-MARS

Behind the Journal SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Taelor Smith MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

Project Coordinator Taelor Smith

14 Education 14 Education Spotlight on Industrial Welding Academy 14 HCC Trains Students for Careers in High-Demand Manufacturing Field

18 Engineering 18 What Is Engineering? New Report Highlights the Legal Definitions 18

19 Cover Story 19-22 AUTOARCH Architects: 25 Years of Designing Excellence 26 Information Technology 26 Survey: CEOs See Competitive Advantage in Technology, Not People 26 Policy, DIGITAL and Workforce Innovation

19-22

• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

28 Manufacturing 28 U.S. Economy Improving But Plan for Future Challenges

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner The Port of Houston Authority Subcontractors USA News Provider

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

16 Energy 16 A Message From Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner 18 U.S. Energy’s Growing Strength In Global Markets

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Charlette Washington

04 Architecture 04 Subcontractors USA Spotlight on Great African American Architects

08 Construction 08 Join the National Safety Stand-Down 10 The Three Most Powerful Ways to Speed up the Building Permit Process

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Tiffany Black

our services

contents

32 Oil and Gas 32 OPEC Secretary General Visits the United States 34 Railroad Commission of Texas News

Talafery media group, inc. 28

36 Petrochemical 36 Analyzing the Global Petrochemical Industry 34 Transportation 34 Texas Central Expands Leadership 36 TxDOT Launches Safe Phone Zones 23 Other News You Can Use 30 In the Subcontractors 23 The Port of Houston USA Community Authority News 30 Community 24 Explore This Career: Built Environment Specialist 28 White Paper on Avoiding Costly Oil Skimming Mistakes

MAIN OFFICE 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 805 Houston, TX 77074 Phone: (713) 272.9511 | Fax: (713) 272.6364 Email Us: contact@subcusa.com Visit Us Online www.subcusa.com

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Certified: HMSDC - Port of Houston - Metro City of Houston - HISD - HUB

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Architecture

Subcontractors USA Spotlight on Great African American Architects D

id you know that in 1930, only about 60 Black Americans were listed as registered architects? There were many African American architects who faced enormous social and economic barriers. Although there have been improvements, there are some African American architects today that have not received the recognition they deserve. This month our journal shines the spotlight on Norma Merrick Sklarek, notable Black architect.

Norma Merrick Sklarek, FAIA (1926-2012) Norma Merrick Sklarek, a pioneer in the field of architecture, was the first registered black female architect in New York. In 1962 she became the first black female licensed architect in California. In 1990 she became the only black woman elected to the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) College of Fellows. Among many prominent designs, her best known projects are Terminal One at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the U.S. Embassy building in Tokyo, Japan.

Norma was born on April 15, 1928 in Harlem to Trinidadian parents. Her father, Dr. Walter Ernest Merrick, was a physician, and her mother, Amy Willoughby, was a seamstress. Norma graduated from Hunter High School and then enrolled in Columbia University’s Barnard College. She transferred to Columbia’s architecture school in 1945 and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in architecture. Unable to find a position with an architecture firm, she went to work for the New York Department of Public Works. In 1954 she passed the grueling four-day New York licensing exam, becoming one of the first African American women to be a licensed architect in the U.S. In 1955 she was offered a position with the prestigious architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. She stayed there for five years, also serving on the architecture faculty at New York City College. From 1960 to 1980 she was director of architecture at Gruen Associates in Los Angeles, passing her California license in 1962, the first black woman to do so. In 1966 she became the first female African American member of the American Institute of Architects, and in 1980

she became the organization’s first black woman to be elected into its College of Fellows. She also served on the architecture faculty at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1972 to 1978. In 1980 she joined the Los Angeles firm of Welton Becket where she was project director for the $50 million domestic passenger terminal at Los Angeles’ LAX (the expansion timed to accommodate travelers to the 1984 Summer Olympics). Her major projects include the $50-million domestic passenger terminal the Downtown Plaza in Sacramento; the all glass Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles; the Queens Fashion Mall, in Queens, New York; the Fox Plaza in San Francisco; the Wilshire La Brea Metro Rail station, and the Los Angeles campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing. In 2008

Norma received the AIA's Whitney M. Young Jr. Award honoring her as a pioneer in the profession. The Young award goes to a person or organization that stands out as a positive force of change. Howard University also awards an architectural scholarship in her name. Norma was quoted as saying, "In architecture, I had absolutely no role model. I'm happy today to be a role model for others that follow." Sources: www.architecture.about.com www.blackpast.org

Building

HOUSTON It’s official! Harris County and the City of Houston have broken ground on the

Joint Processing Center Experienced builders with deep local roots, Clark/Horizon is proud to partner with city and county agencies, and architect PGAL, to deliver this model social infrastructure project. Hats off to Harris County and the City of Houston for bringing this facility to life!

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performing beyond expectations Azteca Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1989 and provides

services ranging from general contracting, construction management, program management, design-build services, and self-perform across a broad spectrum of projects for both public and private sector clients. Industries served include, aviation, transportation, local, state and federal government agencies, hospitality, multi-family housing, entertainment and real estate developers. We are a certified Minority Business Enterprise through the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Hire Houston First, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA), the North Central Texas Regional Agency (NCTRCA), the DFW/MSDC, and the Texas Minority Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). We are a mentor to other minority and small business companies in several mentor-Protégé programs.

DIVISIONS:

• • • •

Dallas, Texas

2518 Chalk Hill Road Dallas, Texas 75212 T: (214) 905-0612 F: (214) 905-0828

Building Division Heavy Civil Construction Steel Fabrication and Erection Multi-Family Housing

Houston, Texas

www.azteca-omega.com

11777 Katy Freeway, Suite 190 Houston, Texas 77093 T: (281) 391-7473 F: (281) 665-2115

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Construction

Join the National Safety Stand-Down To Prevent Falls in Construction MAY 8-12, 2017

atalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 345 of the 874 construction fatalities recorded in 2014 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Fall Prevention Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

What is a Safety Stand-Down? A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on "Fall Hazards" and reinforcing the importance of "Fall Prevention." It's an opportunity for employers to have a conversation with workers about hazards, protective methods, and the company's safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for workers to talk to management about fall hazards they see.

Who Can Participate? Anyone who wants to prevent falls in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. In past years, participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, suband independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employer's trade associations, institutes, worker interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.

Partners

OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), OSHA approved State Plans, State consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), the U.S. Air Force, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.

How to Conduct a Safety Stand-Down Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during May 8-12, 2017. OSHA also hosts an Events page with events that are free and open to the public to help employers and workers find events in your area.

Certificate of Participation Employers were able to provide feedback about their Stand-Down and download a Certificate of Participation signed by Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez following the Stand-Down.

Share Your Story If you want to share information with OSHA on your Safety Stand-Down, Fall Prevention Programs or suggestions on how they can improve future initiatives like this, please send your email to oshastanddown@dol. gov. Also share your Stand-Down story on social media, with the hashtag: #StandDown4Safety. If you plan to host a free event that is open to the public, see OSHA's Events page for more information. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

We’ll wait on YOU, before YOU wait on US Traffic Control in Cypress, Texas American Traffic Control, based in Cypress, Texas, specializes in traffic control and planning services for detours, lane closings, road and freeway closures, and traffic calculation. We provide professional service to the entire United States, while maintaining the highest safety standards for workers and the public.

Quality Service since 2001 American Traffic Control is a small, minority-owned company specializing in a large capacity of traffic control operations, and has been in business since 2001. We are a member of The Associated General Contractors of Texas. Our staff consists of Certified Traffic Control Specialists and Flaggers, some with over 30 years of experience. We aim to always provide costeffective assistance and effective communication with our clients to cement a long-lasting client relationship. We are able to travel any distance to provide outstanding service to our clients. We have provided traffic control services for the following government agencies: Texas Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Transportation. We also provide outstanding services to some of the most prestigious companies, as follows: Kansas City Southern Railroad, Traffic Control Devices, The Levy Company, and numerous others. Our focus on safety awareness is most important to us. Our goal is to provide a safe work zone for the traveling public and the construction workers. Thank you for allowing us to introduce ourselves; we look forward to building a long-lasting work relationship with your company.

American Traffic Control 17240 Huffmeister Road Suite 104 Cypress, TX 77429

Phone: .......281.213.9063 Fax: ...........281.256.9458 Toll Free: ....855.931.9063

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week | Insured, Bonded, & Licensed | Emergency Services Available Based in Cypress, Texas & Proudly Serving All 50 United States & Municipalities

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Construction

The Three Most Powerful Ways to Speed up the Building Permit Process By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

rchitects, developers, contractors, project owners, and others involved in construction projects want to obtain building permits quick so construction can begin on time. When delays occur in processing building permits, for all parties involved in a particular construction project, frustrations begin to rise and thoughts of losing money on the project jump to the forefront as an imminent threat. To avoid headaches and the loss of time and money in obtaining building permits, here are three of the most powerful ways to speed up the building permit process: Plan - Typically most architects and engineers focus on what they were hired to do and that is handling the intricacies of the building or infrastructure design and then completing construction plan sets. At the point of finishing the plan set, if the local jurisdiction’s building codes and zoning ordinances have not been fully considered or checked for the most recent changes, then you can factor in a loss of

time and added costs to obtain your building permit. Key: Proper planning is one of the best steps to eliminate set-backs in city permitting. Get to Know Local Jurisdiction – To move expeditiously through the permitting process, it is important to understand the local jurisdiction processes and regulations. Some jurisdictions only accept electronic submissions and others have a manual process with a certain amount of plan sets to be submitted. For example, Fort Bend County, Texas, is still experiencing strong development in housing, retail, and commercial development. A few of the small municipalities in the county have made changes to their building codes and zoning ordinances, and not being in the loop on these changes will create delays in obtaining building permits and will impact the project owner’s wallet in an adverse way. Key: Stay up-to-date on building codes and zoning laws of local jurisdictions. Use a Permit Expediting Service – Permit Expeditors intimately know local jurisdictions building permit processes, have established relationships in permitting, understand building codes and zoning ordinances, and most importantly, stay abreast of the latest changes that can severely cause

delays in obtaining a building permit. Permit expeditors can review plans for compliance, help complete the right forms, and know the right permitting staff to meet with to move through the permitting process fast. Permit expeditors remove headaches and help to save time and money so that construction projects start according to schedule. Recently during a social gathering, a new pizza place owner shared his frustrations on the months it had taken for him to obtain a building permit. He was not aware of which local jurisdiction his restaurant was located in and after spending an inordinate amount of time going back and forth at one jurisdiction, he finally was informed that he was in the wrong municipality. This was a great shock and he kept saying to me that he was missing the local football season which is a peak time for

Setting Us Apart

projects on 1 Delivers time and on budget to 2 Committed delivering quality &

meaningful service

3 Financial stability bonding 4 Strong capacity

Excellent safety record

Experienced project teams

About Us Horizon International Group, LLC is a certified SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB construction manager with a proven history of providing clients impeccable contracting services since 1994.

Certified MWBE/SBE/HUB Contractor Horizon is a certified MBE, WBE, SBE and State of Texas certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). As such, Horizon is always striving to expand business opportunities, provide added value to our clients, and is actively engaged in procuring goods and services from other talented SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB subcontracting firms. We believe that diversity strengthens the community and the overall small business environment.

Services Horizon provides a range of services including: • Construction Management

• Estimating

• General Contracting • Design/Build

• Owner Representation & Feasibility Studies

• Project Management

• Development Services

• Job Order Contracting

• Program Management

years of industry 7 30+ experience size to deliver 8 Right flexibility of services

and effective responses

Houston First 9 Hire Houston based

company hiring Houston based subcontractors

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4204 Bellaire Boulevard Houston, TX 77025 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

215 W. San Antonio St. San Marcos, TX 78666 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

1999 Gulfmart Ste. 522 San Antonio, TX 78217 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

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his new pizza restaurant. Key: Identify resources that are experts in building permitting. We are excited about the construction opportunities in the Houston area and in Texas. Whether your market area is slow or experiencing strong growth, obtaining a building permit fast is essential to the success of starting ground ups, renovations, and expansion construction projects on time. We’re here to eliminate frustrations and help architects, engineers, developers, and project owners to obtain building permits fast to assist in creating ideal environments to live, work, and play in. Ask us any question on building permitting or visit us at www.permitusnow.com for additional information on expediting your building permit. See you again in Subcontractors USA for our next article on Mayor Turner’s Permitting Transition Team Report and what it means for your next building permit. Helen Callier, CEO of Permit Us Now, is the one-stop building permit expediting firm that helps architects, engineers, contractors, and project owners save half the time and money in obtaining building permits in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and North Texas. Connect with @PermitUsNow on Twitter and Facebook.

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Education

Education Spotlight on Industrial Welding Academy By Dawn Paul Associate Editor

ndre and Miranda Horn, through Industrial Welding Academy (IWA) are providing much needed opportunities for the next generation and those wanting to get a second chance at a career and life. Welding shapes lives. A career in welding is very different than you think, and welding is dynamic and challenging, but also a rewarding career. Welding technology has changed over the years. From manufacturing to construction, the demand for welders is strong. Salaries are also good, given that many jobs don’t require extensive education. IWA places its students on the path to not just a job, but a career, by addressing the shortage of skilled workers in welding and imparting the value of integrity and discipline upon its students. IWA is located in East Houston. IWA’s impressive facility consists of offices, classrooms, and a welding lab. The welding school at IWA is state-of-the-art, and it comfortably accommodates fifteen students per instructor. Because IWA wants to prepare their students to be in the best possible position when entering the welding profession, their facility is designed to resemble and inspire on the job settings.

IWAisisbuilt builtto toaccommodate accommodate IWA realistic welding positionsand and realistic welding positions environment which includes: environment which includes: • Out of position welding • Jack stand welding • On the scaffold welding • Simulation of pipe rack welding layout and fit up • Oxy-fuel • Thermal cutting scenarios

In addition, each student is assigned a welding machine and welding booth for utilization during the course. Providing individual booths for students allows them to utilize their skills individually

and collectively. IWA is committed to providing quality training and education based on welding industry needs. IWA equips students to perform their best, because they have the credentials, discipline, experience, and welding training to produce results. IWA instructors are Certified Welding Educators (CWEs), and they are credentialed by the American Welding Society (AWS). Not only do the IWA instructors prepare the students to pass AWS exams, but they also help them improve their skills while working on-the-job.

Andre Horn is the founder and CEO of the IWA, with over 20 years training experience in the welding industry. Horn is a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), and he has been a senior welding contractor with several major industrial companies, including Zachary Construction, Austin Industrial, Harmony Corporation, and S&B Engineers. Andre could not have taken IWA to its current level without the help of his wife and director of IWA, Miranda Horn. Miranda is a highly experienced, dedicated professional

with more than 10 years of experience in the Workforce Development industry. Her experience also includes several years of managerial skills. She has worked for Neighborhood Centers and Workforce Solutions before she dedicated herself to helping Andre fulfill their vision of helping others. Serving as director of IWA, she is dedicated to teaching students the trade of welding through a uniquely designed curriculum. Miranda credits one reason for IWA’s success as being the continual training of its staff members. The motto at IWA is “Integrity with Attitude.” Since 2007, IWA has opened doors for young welders to become their very best in a quality welding training environment. IWA students are able to compete with the best in the welding industry because of the IWA instructors, and IWA students have gone on to make six figures after graduating from the school’s programs. The Horns have plans for IWA expansion, including locations in Beaumont, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. For more about the Industrial Welding Academy, please visit www.iwatraining.com.

Education

HCC Trains Students for Careers in High-Demand Manufacturing Field By Subcontractors USA News Provider orbes Magazine says Houston is the best city in America for manufacturing and in less than 10 years, companies will need to fill more than three million manufacturing jobs. Houston Community College (HCC) is positioned to fill the skills gap by educating and training individuals at the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence. HCC leadership, Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella and members of the community celebrated the grand opening of the Center, housed at the newly constructed Stafford Workforce Building on the HCC Stafford Campus. Stafford is home to the largest concentration of pipe, valve and fitting manufacturers in the United States.

"We offer a lot here, and Stafford should certainly be proud of what it has cultivated as a result of its relationship with Houston Community College," said Mayor Scarcella. "We look forward to making this one of the premier workforce development destinations in the country." The HCC Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence offers degrees in Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology and certificates in plumbing, welding pipefitting, mechatronics, industrial robotics and automation in collaboration with the School of Continuing Education and the HCC Material Science Center of Excellence. "In support of local industry, this

Center of Excellence offers opportunities for upskilling incumbent workers who must keep up with technology and industry changes," said Dr. Madeline Burillo, HCC Southwest President. Advanced Manufacturing students have access to state-of-the-art industrial technology laboratories, CNC machines, a makerspace with 3-D printers, woodworking and machining tools and, most importantly, a pipeline to prosperous careers. Robert Glaser, Vice Chair of the HCC Board of Trustees, owns a manufacturing business in Stafford and noted that he has the same equipment in his shop. "Whether our students are straight out of high school or have come to change careers, this is what you want them to be

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learning on," Glaser said. "I am pleased to be part of what HCC is doing," said Nathan Byman, Industry partner and Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Advisory Board. "Its recognition of the importance of manufacturing to the strength of our community is tremendous." Chancellor Cesar Maldonado said that HCC students are at the right place at the right time. "In the next decade, we are going to see a convergence of IT, manufacturing, big data, machine tools and construction, all before our eyes - and it is going to be happening here at this Center," said Maldonado. Source: www.mfgnewsweb.com

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Energy

Houston Selected As Site For 2020 World Petroleum Congress By Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor

he third time was the charm for Houston in the competition for the triennial meeting of the World Petroleum Congress. In voting held in Bahrain recently, WPC delegates awarded the 2020 WPC to Houston. The Bayou City beat out Vancouver for the coveted event that has an estimated economic impact of $60-80 million and draws as many as 10,000 top-level international oil executives together every three years. It was Houston’s third try. The 2014 and 2017 events were lost to Moscow and Istanbul. The last time Houston was selected as the host was 1987. “I want to thank the U.S. bid committee for their hard work,” said Mayor Turner. “We spent six years building relationships with WPC delegates and it paid off. Houston is the epicenter of energy on the global scale and this is where the new technologies are being developed. The Houston event will feature strong speakers, strong technical tours, strong sponsorships and strong corporate and community support. This all combines with our diversity, welcoming attitude, entertainment and cultural offerings to create the best convention the WPC has ever seen.” A key factor in Houston’s win over Vancouver was a promise to dedicate 100% of the net profit from the Houston event to establish a Global Legacy Program that will benefit the next generation of energy industry young professionals. The funds will be redistributed

around the world by the WPC to select Legacy Projects that align with WPC Legacy Committee initiatives, including educating and developing the future of the energy industry. “The young people in school today will be the industry professionals and innovators of tomorrow,” said Turner. “They will develop the solutions needed to conquer our global energy challenges. We have to

invest in their futures.” “This decision was due to the hard work of a diverse team that covered all the bases,” said Galen Cobb, U.S. WPC Bid Committee Chair. “The federal government, City of Houston, Houston First, Consular Corp, industry trade associations, energy company operators and service companies joined together for the common purpose of promoting Houston as the world energy city leader it is. We have so much to be proud of and want to showcase it to the world in 2020.” “This is a major win for the city of Houston and for our energy sector,” says Mike Waterman, executive vice president of Houston First. “WPC will bring thousands of the top minds in this industry to Houston from across the globe. Not only will the event have a significant economic impact on our city—filling our hotels and restaurants—it will also help create new business opportunities for our energy companies. Capitalizing on the strength of Houston’s core industries when going after business is a growing focus for us at Visit Houston.” Mayor Turner and members of the U.S. WPC Bid Committee traveled to Bahrain to make the final pitch on Houston’s behalf and to witness today’s vote by WPC delegates. The mayor’s itinerary also included meetings with the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce, the Bahrain Ministers of Education and Oil, the Bahrain Economic Development Board and the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission.

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Serving local small businesses who are seeking to do business with Houston Community College Assisting small businesses and Contractors by providing opportunities, information, and support

For information about the Small Business Development Program, visit hccs.edu/sbdp For current bid opportunities, visit hccs.edu/procurement

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Energy

U.S. Energy’s Growing Strength In Global Markets By Subcontractors USA News Provider nergy trade publisher and data provider S&P Global Platts reports that recently (November 2016) the United States is a net exporter of natural gas, exporting an average of 7.4 billion cubic feet a day (bcf/d) – topping the 7 bcf/d the U.S. imported. Given the fact it has been nearly 60 years since the U.S. exported more natural gas than it imported annually, that’s a pretty big milestone. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projected the U.S. would become a net exporter annually in 2018, but quite clearly it’s already starting. Perhaps more importantly, the November natural gas export/import numbers suggest new U.S. muscularity in the global energy marketplace, built by America’s domestic energy renaissance. Record natural gas output, largely developed with advanced hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, is creating export opportunities for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and increasing U.S. energy influence globally.

The Wall Street Journal reports: … the exports show how American shale energy producers continue to expand their influence in ways few

predicted a decade ago. “Gas is just one of the first signs of the growing strength of U.S. production power,” said Anthony Yuen, global energy strategist at Citigroup.

More from the Journal:

Overseas producers now have to deal with the growing clout of the U.S. energy industry, which is aggressively looking to ramp up its global market share to help offset a long period of low prices. “It’s indicative of things to come,” said Sid Perkins, managing partner at the brokerage Ion Energy Group. Natural gas is “going to be taking on the characteristics of a global-

macro market, like crude, where global factors will influence what happens to gas.”

LNG exports are increasing. Shipments from Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass terminal on the Louisiana/Texas border now average 1.5 bcf/d, the Journal reports. Other export projects have been approved by the government and could begin shipping out LNG next year and in 2018. The newly expanded Panama Canal is a boon for U.S. LNG export terminals along the Gulf Coast eying potential buyers in Asia, including Japan. We know that European allies are eager for U.S. gas – as the ambassadors

of seven central and eastern European countries recently made clear. This summer a NATO communique connected stable, reliable, diverse energy supplies with the ability of the alliance’s European members to “increase our resilience against political and economic pressure.” Click here for detailed analysison Europe’s tense energy relationship with Russia. The larger point is one we’ve made before: The global LNG market is developing, and the United States is wellpositioned – thanks to abundant domestic natural gas – to be a major player in it. We need policies that strengthen America’s competitiveness in the evolving marketplace – chiefly, to clear away any unnecessary delays in bringing U.S. export projects online. Currently, 30 applications for approval to export are pending with the U.S. Energy Department, almost half of them submitted in 2014 or earlier. Members of Congress are discussing energy legislation that could be completed during the current session. Provisions to expedite LNG export project approvals should be included in the finished legislation. Source: breakingenergy.com

Engineering

What Is Engineering? New Report Highlights the Legal Definitions

new National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) report provides a comprehensive look at how state laws define “the practice of engineering.” Defining engineering practice is critical to understanding the professional engineer’s obligation to the public health, safety, and welfare. While the public places great trust in professional engineers, many people— legislators and regulators included— don’t know that engineering practice is, in fact, legally defined or that the definitions vary from state to state.

Definitionsofofthe thePractice of Definitions Practice of Engineering - TEXAS Engineering - TEXAS The following compilation of laws relating to the definitions of the practice of engineering in Texas has been developed by NSPE. 1. “Design coordination” includes the review and coordination of technical submissions prepared by others, including the work of other professionals working with or under the direction of an engineer with professional regard for the ability of each professional involved in a multidisciplinary effort. 2. “Engineering survey” includes any survey activity required to support the sound conception, planning, design, construction, maintenance, or operation of an engineered project. The term does

not include the surveying of real property or other activity regulated under Chapter 1071. b. In this chapter, “practice of engineering” means the performance of or an offer or attempt to perform any public or private service or creative work, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training, and experience in applying special knowledge or judgment of the mathematical, physical, or engineering sciences to that service or creative work. c. The practice of engineering includes:

1. consultation, investigation, evaluation, analysis, planning, engineering for program management, providing an expert engineering opinion or testimony, engineering for testing or evaluating materials for construction or other engineering use, and mapping; 2. design, conceptual design, or conceptual design coordination of engineering works or systems; 3. development or optimization of plans and specifications for engineering works or systems; 4. planning the use or alteration of land or water or the design or analysis of

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works or systems for the use or alteration of land or water; 5. responsible charge of engineering teaching or the teaching of engineering; 6. performing an engineering survey or study; 7. engineering for construction, alteration, or repair of real property; 8. engineering for preparation of an operating or maintenance manual; 9. engineering for review of the construction or installation of engineered works to monitor compliance with drawings or specifications; 10. a service, design, analysis, or other work performed for a public or private entity in connection with a utility, structure, building, machine, equipment, process, system, work, project, or industrial or consumer product or equipment of a mechanical, electrical, electronic, chemical, hydraulic, pneumatic, geotechnical, or thermal nature; or 11. providing an engineering opinion or analysis related to a certificate of merit under Chapter 150, Civil Practice and Remedies Code; or 12. any other professional service necessary for the planning, progress, or completion of an engineering service. Source: National Society of Professional Engineers

January 2017 | 19

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Fort Bend County, Mission Bend Library Fort Bend County

Project Name & Location:

Fort Bend County, Mission Bend Library

Description of Project:

Client:

Description of Services:

Programming, Planning, Schematic Design for the Propose Library in Fort Bend County, program to include Lobby, mu room, Adult, young adults, children area, computer room, room, administration and staff support area.

Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage 281 433 4444 cell, Prestjam@co.fort-‐bend.tx.us Mr. James Knight Director -‐ Facilities & Planning Department Jamesknight@fortbendcountytx.gov 281.633.7018, Cell 281.642.0799 Programming, Planning, and complete Architecture and Int services.

Construction cost:

E $5,000,000

Design Name:

AUTOARCH Architects LLC.

Construction Time:

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Proposed February 2017

20 | January 2017

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

A Leader in the Architect By Subcontractors USA News Provider

or 25 years, AUTOARCH Architects (AUTOARCH) has been a familiar and well-respected name in the architecture industry, having a reputation for accountability, passion, and design excellence. AUTOARCH believes strongly in the power of good design and its effect on the built environment, the end user, and the community. Those beliefs are not just of the co-founders and principals, Michael and Lina Sabouni, but that mindset permeates through the firm, from principal to project manager. AUTOARCH has built a great reputation for innovative design, superb delivery, and efficient management of its teams and projects since 1991. AUTOARCH has not only survived for the past 25 years, but the company has thrived, having been recognized as a leader in this industry by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and throughout Texas. Today with the exponential growth of technology and computing advancement, the company is optimistic for the future growth in both quantity and quality of projects. AUTOARCH does not consider themselves as only an architectural firm, but rather a valued partner to their clients. Their goal each and every time is to make the client’s goal a reality. “The most important factor underlying this mutually successful relationship is trust. Our company has built a solid reputation of trust over the last 25 years. We come to the table as a trustworthy partner who offers innovative ideas, a passion for the project, and the experience to take the project from an idea to a built reality,” says Michael Sabouni.

AUTOARCH––The TheHistory History AUTOARCH AUTOARCH was founded in 1991 by architects Michael and Lina Sabouni, who both had a passion for design and were excited about the technologies that were emerging in this industry. This was a period that saw growth in personal computer use and the shift from hand-generated drawings to the reliance on computer programs. AUTOARCH’s focus was not only on the technologies available, but even more important was the quality of service. This emphasis went into creating their founding core beliefs that remain as the mission statement of the firm today. AUTOARCH’s projects have changed drastically since the beginning. AUTOARCH’s entry into the education sector over 20 years ago was an auditorium renovation project for Houston ISD. From that project’s success, they were awarded a larger renovation package which had a drastic impact on the image and functionality of the school. Twenty years later, AUTOARCH is watching one of their newly designed high schools get built for the same client. AUTOARCH started as a firm of Architects, and now consists of architects, plan-

LEFT TO RIGHT: Lina Sabouni, Houston Mayor Turner and Michael Sabouni at the AUTOARCH Anniversary Event

FBISD Madden Elementary School

ners, facility assessors, LEED AP (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professionals), interior designers, and technical and graphic designers. This diversity in expertise adds greatly to their organizational knowledge and the quality of their designs.

AUTOARCH–– Meeting Meeting the AUTOARCH the Challenge Challenge The biggest challenge facing this industry today is the rapidly changing business environment caused by the exponential

advancement of technology. AUTOARCH sees these challenges as the biggest opportunity ahead. The company utilizes a “think tank” mentality for developing new trends of innovation, creativity, and sustainability in the built environment. Today, after 25 years of practicing architecture, this firm has more passion and excitement about the future and what the exponential technology and computing power will enable them to do. The success and the continued growth of AUTOARCH over the last 25 years is

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due to the insistence on producing quality products and services that are the best available in the design profession. AUTOARCH team members have been recognized for the unique ability to both create and deliver buildings of distinction through their award-winning architectural, interior design, and planning services. 90% of AUTOARCH projects are from repeat clientele, and that speaks to the quality of services and commitment to the firm’s mission statement. It delivers successful projects for clients and the end users. To ensure

January 2017 | 21

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ture Industry

takes the firm’s history and experience and continues to build on it. The firm conducts its own research in-house and strives to educate its team and community. For example, through lessons learned from over 20 years of school design, the principals at AUTOARCH are pioneering a design shift to address the challenges of building 21st century schools within budget.

“At AUTOARCH, you will find a firm of people with the same core values and commitment to their profession and the community. We do not view the firm as pure business, but rather we see our practice as an ongoing research lab where we develop, enhance, and advance human lives through the power of design.” — Lina Sabouni, AIA, NCARB, Co-Founder and Principal of AUTOARCH Architects

AUTOARCH currently is using cuttingedge technology and state-of-the-art programs and methods that allow for a high level of digitizing and improvements to the design process. Moving forward, the firm will continue exploring new trends and potentials that advancements in computing will empower it to achieve. The design process will be more engaging, and future breakthroughs will add layers of technology and sensors to designs that will enable these buildings to be smarter and more interactive for the end users in its functionality.

AUTOARCH––AADiversity DiversityChampion Champion AUTOARCH Though there are less female architects than male in the industry, AUTOARCH believes that there should be no difference between the capabilities of a male or female. AUTOARCH focuses on performance and productivity as the main drive for business success. AUTOARCH’s Director of Planning, Farrah, is a great example. She is an

r Sylvester H 25th

MIT graduate with two graduate degrees from the prestigious university, a Registered Architect, a Registered Planner, and a LEED AP. AUTOARCH has blossomed with the employment of female architects and offers equal opportunities for architects as well as great mentorship. It is an environment where one can truly excel.

AUTOARCH––Community-Driven Community-Driven AUTOARCH Michael and Lina Sabouni have a lifelong commitment to education and community, which is deeply engrained in the firm and has helped form AUTOARCH’s focus on education and emphasis on paying it forward in the community. As a community-based firm, they firmly believe in contributing to this profession, the local business community, and the community at large. Because AUTOARCH has received help along the way, the company pays it forward, helping others find their way, giving them hope and providing them opportunities. AUTOARCH is an active local business that believes in improving Houston and the surrounding community just as much as they believe in quality design. For the last 25 years, AUTOARCH has been a major supporter and contributor to public education, local teachers and students, young architects, and a variety of community causes ranging from education foundations to the American Cancer Society. On a personal level, with a lifetime commitment to education, Lina Sabouni has served as a board member for the Houston ISD Foundation, Fort Bend Education Foundation, Houston Community College Foundation, the Arab American Education Foundation, and the Bilateral US Arab Chamber of Commerce as the Education Chair. Lina Sabouni says, “‘Do the right thing’ is our motto. It’s simple, but it is 100% percent what we believe. As we move into the future, with our entrepreneurial ability and drive for excellence, we will continue evolving and using a ‘think tank’ mentality for developing new trends and exploring new potentials.” AUTOARCH understands that a client’s project is a long-term commitment, backing up their designs with strong project management, honed over decades of experience. To read more about AUTOARCH Architects, please visit www.autoarch.net.

HCC Coleman Lobby

effective delivery, AUTOARCH has quality assurance in-house backed by decades of experience and highly qualified professionals who oversee the project from initial sketches to the final built form and beyond. After the project, they will still be there. From 4:00AM concrete pours, to midnight punch lists and walkthroughs, they have done it all to ensure successful projects. A competitive advantage for AUTOARCH is firm size. The firm size allows it to place the best talent on a project, while maintaining the proper people resources to

back them up. Their firm size is the perfect balance, not too large so it can remain nimble, and not too small so it has enough manpower, depth, and resources to complete quality projects.

AUTOARCH––Innovative Innovative AUTOARCH AUTOARCH is not only current with the trends, but an active contributor in creating trends in this industry. As a knowledge-based firm, AUTOARCH is continuously innovating, which means it

City of Houston Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center and Vinson Branch Library

Testimonial “AUTOARCH Architects were engaged on several Fort Bend County Projects; the new Jail Expansion, Missouri City Annex, Precinct Three’s North Annex, Mission Bend Library, and the Fort Bend County Seniors building remodeling. AUTOARCH’s performance on these projects has really reinforced our decision to employ them as architects and planners. AUTOARCH principals and staff members consistently demonstrate their commitment to the county’s interests and work very well with policy makers and staff to ensure a quality project. We recommend AUTOARCH Architects for any planning or architectural services without reservation. They are an intelligent, capable, and imaginative company.” – W.A. “Andy” Meyers, Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 3.

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Port of Houston Authority News

Port Houston Receives First Shipment of Automobiles at the Bayport RoRo Terminal HOUSTON- (BUSINESS WIRE)- “Bayport RoRo Terminal received its first shipment of new automobiles,” Executive Director Roger Guenther announced in his report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority recently. Grimaldi Line’s M/V Grande Sierra Leone delivered 428 FIAT® 500X automobiles to the terminal, soon after this year’s lease agreement with Auto Warehousing Company to handle these vehicle imports. Guenther reported that the “operation went seamlessly” through the “collaborative coordination of staff, customers, and labor” who “all helped make this first call a success.” Through the month of November, Port Houston’s general and container cargo facilities collectively handled more than 32 million tons of total tonnage. Noteworthy actions taken by the Port Commission today included its approval to reissue and amend Port Authority Tariffs Nos. 8, 14 and 15, covering the Turning Basin Terminals, Barbours Cut Terminal and Bayport Container Terminal, and rescind Tariff No. 17, covering cruise operations at all Port Authority terminals, all effective January 1, 2017. During the meeting, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria also praised the Congressional passage of a new water resources development bill. Ms. Longoria acknowledged the bipartisan support for the bill’s passage noting matters of particular interest in regards to the maintenance of the 52¬mile long Houston Ship Channel. Port Houston is the local sponsor of the Houston Ship Channel, the busiest waterway in the United

States with annual vessel calls of more than 8,300 large ships. The next regular Port Commission meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2017.

About Port Houston For more than 100 years, the port has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine

for the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the nation. It supports the creation of nearly 1.175 million jobs in Texas and 2.7 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling almost $265 billion in Texas – 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product – and more than $617 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit Port Houston’s website at: www.porthouston.com. Source: Port Houston

T H E H O U S T O N A I R P O RT S Y S T EM P ROUD

TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A “2016 TOP 25 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPION”

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Explore This Career: Built Environment Specialist

from building owners or management. There may be times when the job can get confrontational, if owners or management oppose inspections.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider very time you enter a building, you put your life in the hands of the people who designed and constructed it and those who now maintain it and all the systems inside. If they have done their jobs right, you have nothing to worry about. The walls are solid. The roof is supported. The floors are steady beneath your feet. There are no rats or termites hiding in the walls. The air inside is safe to breathe. If a fire breaks out, an alarm will warn you, and sprinklers may activate to douse the flames. You don’t think about these things when you enter a building. Environmental health practitioners who specialize in the safety of our built environment do. Built environment specialists are environmental health practitioners who monitor the safety of homes, apartments, schools and other buildings. They are trained to assess basic structural soundness and to inspect buildings for evidence of poor maintenance, infestation, fire hazards, blocked exits, lead paint, poor air or water quality, improper sanitation and other potential health concerns. They often work for government agencies to help enforce codes and standards, and they may be empowered to issue citations, assess fines and even lock down unsafe properties. Other built environment specialists focus on design and planning, applying the latest research about potential hazards, such as asbestos or mold, to improve building design and reduce risks.

Working WorkingConditions Conditions Built environment specialists usually work a standard 40-hour week. They spend some time in an office, writing reports and coordinating their work with other

AcademicRequirements Requirements Academic Most environmental health practitioners earn a fouryear college degree with a scientific major. Some states offer certification for environmental health practitioners who have a specified amount of work experience and pass an examination. Many built environment specialists have a master’s degree in environmental health science or civil engineering. Because environmental health practitioners must work with many different types of people and report their findings, good written and communication skills are essential. It also helps to have acute senses and be highly observant.

PreparationTimeline Timeline Preparation professionals. The rest of their time is spent inspecting buildings. The work can be fast-paced, with tight deadlines and multiple pressures. Building inspections fall into two general categories: Routine and problem-focused. Routine inspections involve verifying that a building believed to be safe is, in fact, safe. This involves visually examining various parts of the building according to a checklist. Equipment also may be used to assess air quality and test for other potential issues. Problem-focused inspections happen when a complaint has been filed or the inspector has a reason to believe a structure is unsafe. In this case, the built environment specialist may encounter unpleasant or even dangerous conditions, as well as potential opposition

In high school • Take plenty of courses in math, life sciences, physical sciences and English/writing. • Seek opportunities to volunteer with environmental protection or public health organizations or businesses. • Design a science fair project that addresses how a building can impact someone’s health and how to reduce risk. In college • Major in civil engineering, chemistry, biology, geology, hydrology, physics, environmental engineering or some other scientific area. • Enroll in a summer program or internship that focuses on environmental health. Source: explorehealthcareers.org

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MEP Engineering

Commissioning

Program Management

When you need experience, we have it covered. Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.

6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212 Houston, TX 77036 | 713-482-2300 | www.ricegardner.com Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

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Information Technology

Survey: CEOs See Competitive Advantage in Technology, Not People By Subcontractors USA News Provider wo-thirds of the CEOs surveyed by Korn Ferry report they see technology, not their workforce, as their greatest future competitive advantage. The survey of 800 business leaders of multi-million and multi-billion companies, including leaders in the oil and gas sector, found that:

• 63 percent of CEOs said that, in five years, technology will be the firm’s greatest source of competitive advantage • 67 percent say that technology will create greater value in the future than people will • 44 percent said the prevalence of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence will make people “largely irrelevant” in the future of work

When asked to rank their organization’s top five assets five years from now, CEOs did not list their workforces. Instead, technology ranked first, followed by research and development/innovation; product/service, brand; and real estate such as offices, factories and land. Technology has become so central to CEOs’ thinking and execution that it occupies 40 percent to 60 percent of their priorities on strategic focus, fi-

Policy, DIGITAL and Workforce Innovation Ahead in 2017, Says EY US Oil and Gas Outlook HOUSTON -- As tax reform and regulatory easing across the US oil and gas industry are anticipated in a new administration, EY expects innovation in financial and operational excellence will be a main driver of value and competitiveness in 2017. Continued advances are especially necessary as abundant supply and resilient shale production are anticipated to cap oil prices — creating a ceiling around $50 to $60 per barrel. "The industry's hopes have been buoyed thanks to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) output agreement in early December and the Trump Administration's positions on energy thus far," said Deborah Byers, US Energy Leader, Ernst & Young LLP. "However, value is still king in the era of abundant oil, and US oil and gas companies must continue to lower debt and cut costs while making cautious investments to boost flexibility and efficiency. Cash flow and returns on invested capital will govern

nancial investment and C-suite time, Korn Ferry, a global people and organizational advisory firm, said in a Nov. 29 press statement. One possible reason CEOs are so focused on technology is shareholder pressure. Forty percent of the CEOs surveyed said they had experienced this pressure to focus investment towards tangible assets such as technology, Korn Ferry said. “Leaders may be facing what experts call a tangibility bias,” said Jean-Marc Laouchez, global managing director for solutions at Korn Ferry, in the press re-

lease. “Facing uncertainty, they are putting priority in their thinking, planning and execution on the tangible – what they can see, touch and measure, such as technology investments. Putting an exact value on people is much more difficult, even though people directly influence the value of technology, innovation and products.” While technology will play a critical role in the future workforce, people are not going away altogether, Alan Guarino, vice chairman, CEO and board services with Korn Ferry, stated in the release.

decisions in the new year." Given the expectation of a lower but stable oil price band, EY anticipates the following trends to dominate the US oil and gas industry in 2017:

automation, is one solution that can be deployed easily with a quick return on investment. This not only drives performance, it also frees up employees to focus on value-added or customer-facing activities

Adoption of of digital digital Adoption Digital advances — from big data and analytics to the digital oilfield — have the potential to play a significant role in transforming the oil and gas industry. A recent EY survey of global executives showed 61% of oil and gas companies are already experiencing positive change around cash flow as a result of digital transformation. However, it also found oil and gas companies are allocating less of their capital budgets to digital transformation than the global average of other industries. "We believe one of the biggest hurdles for digital is, simply, determining where to start," Byers said. "The industry has traditionally focused technology investment on core business functions — finding and producing oil and natural gas. However, oil and gas companies that successfully apply digital technology across their organizations will gain efficiencies and distinguish themselves from competitors." Given the industry's current state, oil and gas companies need digital investments to make an immediate impact on cost reductions. Digital labor that automates repetitive high-volume tasks to make them more efficient and cost effective, also known as robotic process

Transformation of Transformation of the workthe workplace place Everything about the workplace is changing, and fast, especially for oil and gas companies that face market and skills challenges never before seen. Across many industries, workspaces are shrinking and virtual teams are the norm as businesses drive value from real estate and improve collaboration among employees and contractors — who are working from home more and more. Meanwhile, senior leaders are increasingly recognizing the value of being a purpose led organization as younger generations vocalize their preference for companies with strong community ties. Oil and gas companies are also facing market challenges specific to the industry. As US shale organizations add and cut production based on oil price, they will need a new approach to staffing that is more in line with a swift, reactive strategy. Lean, flexible workforces, the ability to staff up and down quickly as needed, and the contingent workforce will play a key role. The influx of millennials in the global workforce will also create challenges for the industry in 2017 and beyond. "Oil and gas is increasingly compet-

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“Soft skills such as the ability to lead and manage culture will become critical factors of success for companies in the future of work as they seek to maximize their value through their people,” Guarino commented. In recent years, the oil and gas industry has become more focused on digital technology to enhance the efficiency and productivity of their operations. The oil price downturn has prompted oil and gas companies to look to technology to reduce costs. But rather than replacing human workers, the growth of automation and digitalization is expected to create new job opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Robotics and cognitive/artificial intelligence processing are two areas where oil and gas companies are expected to invest in, according to IDC Energy Insights’s 2017 Top 10 Predictions for Worldwide Oil & Gas. By 2020, 25 percent of new underwater submersibles will be semiautonomous, and 10 percent of new drilling rigs will move themselves to the next site, with both adding “intelligence” in the future. Eighty percent of large oil and gas companies, also by 2020, will run their business with help from a cognitive/artificial intelligence agent capable of learning, reasoning, and solving complex problems. Source: www.downstreamtoday.com

ing for workers against other industries that — rightly or wrongly — are seen as more attractive to millennials," Byers said. "Attracting innovative thinkers and fresh talent will be critical to future competitiveness, and forward-looking organizations are already retooling and seeking new ways to attract, retain and engage workers of all generations."

Position growth Position for growth Consensus over a lower-for-longer oil price outlook and, as a result, greater stability in the industry has companies considering their growth agenda again. Investments in digital and labor are two examples of how EY expects US oil and gas companies to prepare for future growth. Mergers and acquisitions will play an important role in achieving growth goals in 2017. As stronger companies realign portfolios to emphasize core strength areas, weaker players will combine equity or even restructure balance sheets in order to salvage their positions. "Historically, oil and gas companies have either focused on survival during a downturn or on the race to drill and produce as much as possible during an upturn," Byers said. "During 2017, and as long as abundant supply is expected to cap prices, companies will focus on managing near-term value while positioning for medium- and long-term growth. With the future in mind, paying attention to 'weak signals' — signs of potential change within the industry — will be essential for US oil and gas competitiveness and success." Source: Ernst & Young LLP

January 2017 | 27

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FLUOR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM

Connecting for Opportunities Fluor is committed to excellence in supplier diversity. As a global company, Fluor operates across highly diverse markets that are best served by correspondingly diverse resources, including suppliers and subcontractors. Visit us at www.fluorprocurement.com for a list of the products and services that Fluor buys and create your company profile.

AV20160111-003 ADAV133416b.indd 1

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Manufacturing

U.S. Economy Improving But Plan for Future Challenges By Subcontractors USA News Provider orecasts at the AMT Global Forecasting & Marketing Conference (GFMC) indicate that the U.S. economy/GDP will improve by low-single digit percentages for 2017 and the near term, however, it would be wise to plan for future challenges. This is one of the key takeaways from the recently held AMT GFMC in Miami, FL. Hosted annually for over 40 years by AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, GFMC brings together economic forecasters, sales and marketing specialists and industry leaders. These experts shared their insight into the market factors driving manufacturing and how companies can outpace the competition in this business environment. The theme of this year's conference was "Turn Insight Into ACTION." Conference attendees were told the economy is on the ascent with a stronger 2017 and 2018. Forecasts predict

this upturn due to improvements in oil prices, GDP growth and increasing industrial production. Commodity price increases, manufacturing capacity utility rate growth and positive business cycle pressure will also contribute to this upturn. Manufacturing machine technology orders are forecasted to increase by

low- to mid-single digit percentages for next year. The main impetus for this is advancements in machine technology and quality productivity enhancements. These investments are now required due to a lack of skilled labor in the metalworking manufacturing sector. Source: www.mfgnewsweb.com

White Paper on Avoiding Costly Oil Skimming Mistakes By Subcontractors USA News Provider

banaki Corporation has created "The 7 Pitfalls of Oil Skimming," a white paper designed to help customers avoid common mistakes when it comes to purchasing or using an oil skimmer. "Oil in wastewater can cause a multitude of problems in manufacturing processes. When the proper guidelines are followed, oil skimming can be a simple, cost-effective and environmentally sound method for removing unwanted oils from water," said a company spokesperson. This white paper lists the seven common mistakes that are made when purchasing an oil skimmer and how to avoid them. "Choosing the right oil skimmer for an application can be a complex process and it can be difficult to effectively consult a vendor. This guide from Abanaki can assist customers through the decision-making process and help them to navigate around the common pitfalls that can occur when selecting an oil skimmer, such as undersizing the skimmer to save costs, choosing the wrong oil skimming material, improper placement and more," said the spokesperson. Source: www.mfgnewsweb.com

TSG INDUSTRIES BUILDING YOUR CAPITAL SOLUTIONS

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In the Subcontractors USA Community...

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.subcusa.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards

Texas Southern University & TxDOT’s Texas Business Opportunity and Development Program

City of Houston Meet the Buyer

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SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ON THE MOVE Take your company to new heights!

CONTRACTORS

SMALL BUSINESS UNIVERSITY (SBU)

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METRO’s OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS OFFERS: • Outreach

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For more information, contact METRO’s Office of Small Business at smallbusiness@RideMETRO.org or call 713.739.4844

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Oil and Gas

OPEC Secretary General Visits the United States By Subcontractors USA News Provider PEC Secretary General, HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, has embarked on a recent week-long visit to the United States for meetings with the International Monetary Fund, the United States Energy Information Administration, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Columbia University and IHS Markit. Recently the Secretary General and his accompanying delegation visited energy consultancy IHS Markit in Washington, D.C., for a meeting with Vice Chairman, Dr. Daniel Yergin and senior staff members. The Secretary General briefed Dr. Yergin and his staff on the OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, which recently concluded with the agreement of non-OPEC countries to reduce production by almost 600,000 b/d. He noted that extensive bilateral consultations had taken place in the lead-up to the meeting and were key factors in achieving the agreement, the first of its kind in decades. He also reported on the recent OPEC Ministerial Meeting at which the Organization’s Member Countries decided to adjust production by 1.2 mb/d effective January 1, 2017. The two parties also discussed oil market developments in light of these agreements, which are expected to eliminate the current stock overhang during the second half of 2017, contributing to an accelerated market recovery. The OPEC delegation also visited the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, where they were received by Dr. Maurice Obstfeld, the IMF’s Economic Counsellor and Director of Research. Dr. Obstfeld introduced the Secretary General and his delegation to a

large audience of IMF officials and staff in attendance. The Secretary General then delivered remarks in which he underlined the importance of stability as a central tenet of both organizations. “Our two organizations share something important: a preoccupation with stability,” he said. “The loans and technical assistance the IMF provides to developing countries – including OPEC Member Countries – are based on rigorous analytical work with the aim of fostering financial stability. At OPEC, our consensus-based decisions – which are informed by our own research and analytical work – are also designed to bring stability. And our actions – which result from negotiations among our Member Countries – are designed to foster discipline when global market conditions are often agitated or disordered.” Following his remarks, Dr. Jorge Leon from OPEC’s Energy Studies Department presented the key findings from OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2016, the tenth edition of the Organization’s flagship publication. The OPEC delegation then met with analysts and staff from the IMF's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Department for technical discussions on the medium to long-term outlook for oil production and demand in the MENA region. The visit also took the OPEC delegation to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a prominent international policy and research institution in Washington, where the Secretary General delivered opening remarks and Dr. Jorge Leon presented the Organization’s World Oil Outlook. In his remarks, the Secretary General emphasized the importance of the United States as one of the world’s largest oil and gas consumers, making it a very important, longstanding customer to OPEC’s Member Countries.

He expressed his desire that the meetings in the United States would help open up a new chapter of dialogue and cooperation between OPEC and the United States. “It is my hope that our meetings and consultations here will open up a new cycle of ongoing dialogue between our Organization and the United States,” he stated. “Both parties have nothing to lose and everything to gain with this type of cooperation—it is a true win-win scenario.” He added that the recent agreements in Vienna have served as a reminder to the world that OPEC still plays an important stabilizing role in the world oil markets. “In the last few years, there has been talk that perhaps OPEC was no longer important and that it had possibly lost the key role it has played in the world of energy since its founding,” he said. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am here to report to you that OPEC is alive and well. Any naysayers that may have had doubts about OPEC’s efficacy were proven wrong with the historic decisions made in Vienna at the last OPEC Ministerial Conference and between OPEC and non-OPEC countries.” After his remarks, the Secretary General joined John Hess, Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation and a member of CSIS’ Board of Trustees, for a conversation and exchange of views on the future outlook for the global oil market. The discussion was moderated by Sarah Ladislaw, Director and Senior Fellow of Energy and National Security Program at CSIS. Issues discussed included prospects for tight oil production, peak oil theories, the recent Paris Agreement, the importance of producer-consumer dialogue, the necessity of industry investment, and the prospects for future price development. The conversation was followed by a question and answer session, during which the Secretary General and John Hess ad-

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dressed questions from attendees and members of the media. Mr. Hess concluded the meeting by stating that the Secretary General’s visit to the United States was historic and signaled the beginning of a new era of cooperation between OPEC and the United States, as well as between global oil and gas producers and consumers. After the meeting, CSIS invited the OPEC delegation to a private roundtable luncheon attended by a prominent group of Washington-based energy experts and officials. Discussions centered on prospects for the future energy landscape, including issues related to technology advancement, energy subsidies, climate change, economic growth and oil demand. The Secretary General and the accompanying delegation visited the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), an independent agency of the US government created in 1974 to regulate futures and options markets. Mr. Timothy Massad, CFTC Chairman, and his senior staff provided the OPEC delegation with a detailed briefing on the Commission’s duties regarding oversight and surveillance of the financial markets in relation to different commodity contracts, including West Texas Intermediate (WTI), heating oil and gasoline. Following a question and answer session in which the delegation raised some queries regarding different methods of surveillance in the US financial market, the Secretary General expressed his appreciation, on behalf of OPEC, for the informative meeting and the close cooperation at this crucial time in which the market is in dire need of stability and investment. Source: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

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Oil and Gas

Railroad Commission of Texas News: Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics AUSTIN -- Production for October 2016 as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) is 73,565,318 barrels of crude oil and 582,136,569 mcf (thousand cubic feet) of total gas from oil and gas wells. These preliminary figures are based on production volumes reported by operators and will be updated as late and corrected production reports are received. Production reported to the Commission for the same time period last year, October 2015, was: 74,686,442 barrels of crude oil preliminarily, updated to a current figure of 90,084,363 barrels; and 636,226,447 mcf of total gas preliminarily, updated to a current figure of 739,709,848 mcf. The Commission reports that in the last 12 months, total Texas reported production was 987 million barrels of crude oil and 8.1 trillion cubic feet of total gas. Crude oil production reported by the Commission is limited to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the Commission. Texas preliminary October 2016 crude oil production averaged 2,373,075 barrels daily, compared to the 2,409,240 barrels daily average of October 2015. Texas preliminary October 2016 total gas production averaged 18,778,599 mcf a day, compared to the 20,523,434 mcf daily average of October 2015. Texas production in October 2016 came from 181,637 oil wells and 91,812 gas wells.

TABLE 1 - OCTOBER 2016 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION RANK

COUNTY

CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

TABLE 2 - OCTOBER 2016 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION RANK

COUNTY

TABLE 3 - OCTOBER 2016 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TOTAL GAS (MCF)

RANK

COUNTY

CONDENSATE (BBLS)

MIDLAND

5,716,075

WEBB

57,754,611

DIMMIT

1,984,528

KARNES

5,303,474

TARRANT

36,716,047

KARNES

1,241,376

MARTIN

3,886,812

DIMMIT

22,873,842

WEBB

1,062,603

LA SALLE

3,778,017

PANOLA

20,916,865

CULBERSON

986,478

UPTON

3,523,686

KARNES

20,125,390

DEWITT

982,761

DEWITT

3,179,480

JOHNSON

18,518,432

REEVES

504,108

REEVES

3,073,956

DEWITT

18,037,221

LIVE OAK

380,533

GONZALES

2,962,919

LA SALLE

17,851,360

LOVING

245,698

MCMULLEN

2,824,555

WISE

15,928,005

LA SALLE

221,889

ANDREWS

2,823,688

DENTON

13,823,250

HEMPHILL

181,802

About the Railroad Commission Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including almost 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Commission has jurisdiction over alternative fuel s safety, natural gas utility, surface mining and intrastate pipeline industries. Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. To learn more, visit www.rrc.texas.gov. Source: Railroad Commission of Texas

Transportation

Texas Central Expands Leadership and Adds Experienced DesignBuild Executive Carlos F. Aguilar By Subcontractors USA News Provider • Aguilar named CEO of Texas Central and brings more than 30 years of experience leading major infrastructure development projects • Tim Keith becomes President and will lead capital raising and external affairs • Appointment marks evolution of high-speed train project with focus on construction and operations As part of the progression to build the nation’s first high-speed train, the Board of Directors of Texas Central Partners, LLC (Texas Central) recently announced that it has named Carlos F. Aguilar as the new Chief Executive Officer of Texas Central and its subsidiaries. The announcement highlights the progress of Texas Central’s project from the development stage to the planning, engineering and construction phase. Over the last two years, Texas Central has been proceeding with the necessary environmental, design, engineering, field studies and related work as part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s

(FRA) preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement as well as discussions with those FRA components responsible for safety and technology issues. Texas Central is the private Texasbased company developing the nation’s first high-speed passenger train connecting North Texas and Houston, with a midway stop in the Brazos Valley. The company’s market-led approach is backed by private investors, not government grants, a new business model for infrastructure projects. Aguilar, formerly a senior vice president at CH2M Hill, a global engineering company, has an extensive background in industrial and infrastructure work, and his appointment – effective December 12 – reflects the Texas project’s focus on the next phase of construction and operations. “Carlos brings a significant mix of construction management and engineering experience, making him an ideal fit for our team as we move forward on this transformational project,” said Richard Lawless, chairman of the Texas Central board. “He has proven a leadership record in the management of large-scale infrastructure projects and has excelled in the energy, transportation and rail industries. We look forward to his many contributions as we continue to set the pace on providing a new and muchneeded transportation alternative.” Aguilar, 58, said he is eager to build on the success of the company’s current efforts. 2 “The Texas Central project is a once in a lifetime opportunity to de-

velop the country’s first true high-speed train and I look forward to leveraging the great team in place and excited to be a part of it. This is a project that not only will address the state’s growing transportation demands but also will provide an economic catalyst and jobs in local communities for generations to come.” Aguilar, while at CH2M, served on its Management Committee and was Chairman of the CCPP Project Consortium for the Ichthys LNG Facility. Before that, he was President of BrightSource Construction Management and Senior Vice President at BrightSource Energy, developer of large-scale solar thermal power plants. He led the development, engineering, procurement and construction of the company’s portfolio of projects, including the development and construction of Ivanpah Solar Electricity Generating System, the largest solar thermal plant in the world. In his 12 years with Bechtel Corp. he held several leadership roles, including Principal Vice President, Bechtel Power Corp.; President, Bechtel Financing Services; and COO of United Infrastructure Company, Bechtel Group’s civil infrastructure investment company. He also was Regional Operations Manager,

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Chief Engineer and Environmental Officer for the private sector equity and financing arm of the InterAmerican Development Bank Group. While serving as COO of United Infrastructure Company, he oversaw the initial financing of the first five year program for the $30 billion 30-year project to upgrade the London Underground's Jubilee, Piccadilly and Northern Lines. Aguilar received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University, a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Technological Economics from the University of Stirling in Scotland. For the last 16 months, Tim Keith has been the CEO, responsible for managing all aspects of the development phase of the project, including planning, government relations, public and business community engagement, regulatory processes and the raising of equity capital. He will continue as Texas Central president, reporting to Aguilar and will continue to focus on capital markets and financing, operations and external affairs. “I’m proud to be part of this innovative project with the tremendous progress we have made and look forward to partnering with Carlos and using his experience to accelerate the pace of the overall project development,” Keith said. Source: www.texascentral.com

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Petrochemical

Analyzing the Global Petrochemical Industry By Subcontractors USA News Provider

he petrochemical industry of today is an indispensable part of the manufacturing and consuming sectors, churning out products which include paint, plastic, rubber, detergents, dyes, fertilizers, textiles, and even solvents. The 21st century is seeing a paradigm shift from West to East in the Petrochemicals business, with the Middle East emerging as global production hub with natural advantages of low cost feedstock. Major consumption centers are shifting to Asia, given the rapid growth in demand in China on account of chemical intensive and export driven industry & India emerging as global consumption centers. This trend is likely to also shake up the global petrochemical industry with emergence of National Chemicals and Oil Companies as global players and established western companies having to exit or shrink unless they realign by moving eastwards through partnerships or strategic alliances to be near the consumption centers to catch up with Asia Petrochemical boom. However, as regional petrochemicals development continues, the industry will face significant challenges relating to energy and feedstock availability and to climate change, particularly carbon dioxide emissions. The Global Petrochemical Industry is analyzed in detail by Aruvian Research in its research report Analyzing the Global Petrochemical Industry 2016, which presents a very fundamental understanding of the various petrochemical derivatives underlined with their commercial outlook in the global petrochemical indus-

try. The report also elaborates in detail on the region-wise competitive moves and overtures into the global petrochemical industry as well as the emergence of new heavyweights as Asian producers into the top echelons of the global petrochemical industry. The report explains the deepening impact of the current financial crisis which hit the global petrochemical industry before it has progressed onto the other sectors of the world economies. In conclusion, the report presents close understanding of the major chemical as well as petro players such as Dow Chemical, DuPont, Total, ExxonMobil, Shell, British Petroleum and others through tools such as a SWOT analysis and presents in detail the financial performances of the world majors. The report begins with an analysis of the global petrochemical industry through global market developments, present industry scenario, the emergence of shale gas and how it has impacted the

global petrochemical industry, supply and demand scenario of petrochemicals worldwide, industry overview in both developed as well as emerging markets, etc. We also analyze the market for gasoline and gasoil/diesel, the market for naphtha, the market for bunker fuel and the market for jet fuel. Global petrochemical industry growth is looked at for both present-day scenario and an outlook. We particularly look at the outlook for chlor-alkali and acetic acid, acrylic acid and Tio2. The report also analyzes the cost competitiveness of the industry. Moving on, the report analyzes the market for some key petrochemicals and looks at both the present industry situation as well as an industry outlook. Key petrochemicals analyzed in our report include benzene, bisphenol A, cumene, dimethyl terephthalate, ethylbenzene, methylene di-p-phenylene isocyanate, orthoxylene, paraxylene, phenol, phthalic anhydride, styrene, terephthalic acid,

toluene, toluene diisocyanate, butadiene, ethylene, propylene, 2-ethylhexanol, acetic acid, acetone, acrylic acid, ammonia, ethanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, polycarbonate, HDPE, polypropylene, polystyrene, styrene butadiene rubber, urea and vinyl chloride monomer. Each petrochemical is analyzed through their prices, technologies involved in their production, uses and market scenario as well as a market outlook. The report also looks separately at polyolefins and monoethylene glycol and analyzes the market through an industry overview, applications, etc. Leading regions in the petrochemical industry and the key markets are then analyzed. Regions analyzed include Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, South and North America. Countries analyzed in the report include Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Australia, India, China, Japan, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Qatar, the UAE, Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa and the United States. Major industry players are analyzed through a corporate profile, an analysis of their business segments, a financial analysis and a SWOT analysis. The report analyzes nearly 50 leading petrochemical companies of the world. Overall, Aruvian Research's report Analyzing the Global Petrochemical Industry 2016 is a comprehensive and elaborate study which will equip the reader with a strong fundamental basis of this industry as well as give new insights for further analysis. For more information, please visit www.Reportbuyer.com. SOURCE: ReportBuyer

Transportation

TxDOT Launches Safe Phone Zones, Sponsored By Geico, At Rest Areas, Travel Information Centers Across The State By Subcontractors USA News Provider AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Transportation recently announced the implementation of Safe Phone Zones at 55 Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers (TICs) across the state. The GEICO sponsored Safe Phone Zones are part of the Department’s Sponsor Acknowledgement Program, which seeks companies to fund various benefits for drivers – such as free Wi-Fi at Safety Rest Areas and TICs – in exchange for receiving public recognition through highway signage. “We are pleased to partner with our first sponsor to create these Safe Phone Zones so people will pull off the road to use their phone rather than using them as they drive,” said Mark Marek, TxDOT’s director of Engineering and Safety Operations. “With more than 100,000 crashes in Texas each year in-

volving distracted driving, we hope to curb this deadly habit by encouraging drivers to pull over at TxDOT Safety Rest Areas and Travel Information Centers to use apps, check email and surf the Web in a safe location.” Sponsorship funds pay for free Wi-Fi service for travelers at high-traffic Safety Rest Areas and TICs, while the highway signs encourage safer driving habits by reminding motorists to utilize their mobile devices only while stopped at the convenient facilities. Free Wi-Fi service is available at 22 Safety Rest Areas with more available in the coming months. “The number of traffic fatalities nationwide continues to move in the wrong direction, and distracted driving is no doubt a contributing factor,” said Dan Beacom, regional vice president at GEICO’s Richardson office. “GEICO is pleased that we can partner with the Texas Department of Transportation to

support dozens of Safe Phone Zones, and we're confident these locations will help make highways in Texas safer for all drivers.”

AboutTxDOT TxDOTSafety SafetyRest RestAreas Areas About andTravel TravelInformation InformationCenters Centers and TxDOT currently has 80 Safety Rest Areas and 12 Travel Information Centers (TICs) placed strategically throughout the state. These facilities are essential safety features on the highway system as they allow drivers to rest and get travel information. The TICs are staffed by professional travel counselors who welcome visitors to Texas, help with routings and provide information on points of interest, events and road conditions.

AboutGEICO GEICO About GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the

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Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 14 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 23 million vehicles (auto & cycle). The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, they deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. Source: Texas Department of Transportation

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GIVING

Y U MORE WAYS TO SHINE

DIvErSE SuPPLIErS aDD CrEaTIvITy, InnovaTIon anD vaLuE To our buSInESS Strong working relationships and forward-thinking approaches are important in our business. That’s why we count on diverse business partners to bring unique perspectives, and the desire to go the extra mile to provide value for our customers. It’s also good for our local communities when diverse suppliers have an opportunity to compete for our business. Learn why mutually beneficial relationships with diverse suppliers are important to CenterPoint Energy. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SupplierDiversity

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Building the Future As one of the nation’s largest builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture. We are devoted to making contributions that not only strengthen the local economy, but also reflect the demographics of the community at large. Turner is proud to celebrate our 20th year of The Turner School of Construction Management in partnership with The City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow capacity in Small, Minority and Women owned enterprises in the

communities where we work.

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