Sanfilippo Syndrome is a rapidly degenerative and fatal disease in children, currently with no available treatment or cure.
It is often likened to late-stage Alzheimer's, but in children. It is an unfair sentence on any child and family.
Will you help Frankie by donating to Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, a US-based nonprofit dedicated to curing Sanfilippo?
Your support helps bring hope in the way of new research, clinical trials, opportunities, and HOPE to not only save these children, but reduce their suffering.
In our fast-paced and interconnected world, one of the most vital resources we possess isn’t a physical asset—it’s knowledge. The ability to share economic sector knowledge efficiently and effectively with our members is one of the key value propositions the Economic Alliance brings to the region. That is why I want to emphasize the critical importance of information transfer.
Whether it is capital investment trends, policy movements, or infrastructure plans for the next 20 years, the flow of information helps speed our collective success. In working with our members, we have a trusted position in gaining vital information that is shared intentionally through our events and committee meetings to unlock and drive the potential of this region.
Whether it is in an Economic Forecast, an Industrial Procurement Forum, or a policy trip to DC, I see it as our role to push that information out to our members so they can make informed decisions to benefit their companies or communities.
Thank you for being part of a community that values knowledge and its power to transform.
God Bless,
Chad Burke
President & CEO
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region
203 Ivy Avenue, Suite 200 Deer Park, TX 77536 (281) 476-9176
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Chair: Robert Bacon, ExxonMobil
Treasurer: Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College
Secretary: Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates
Vice Chair: Ryan Sitton, Pinnacle
Vice Chair: Michel Bechtel, Gulf Coast Protection District
Vice Chair: Charles Neal, Kuraray America, Inc.
Vice Chair: Arienne Brint, Lyondellbasell
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD
Sarah Arroyo, Lubrizol
Heather Betancourth, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC
Sara Cronin, TPC Group
Amanda Fenwick, San Jacinto College
Jason Lee, Exponent Prosperity Accelerator Advisors, LLC
Lori Pace, ADIM Media, LLC
Lauren Gonzales, LyondellBasell
Bill Stephens, Chevron
Aaron Stryk, ExxonMobil
Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil
Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations
Tess Hammock, Community First ER
MaryJane Mudd, East Harris County Manufacturing Association
Brian Waddle, Lee College
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE STAFF
Chad Burke, President & CEO
Chad Carson, VP of Economic Development
Marisela Ramirez, Events & Membership Director
Amanda Baucum, Marketing & Communications Director
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE’S LARGEST EVENT of the year brings together industry, government, and community stakeholders to share knowledge relevant to the Houston Port region. This year we are celebrating 15 years of bringing the Gulf Coast Industry Forum to the region.
Event bringing insights and forecasting by leaders of the petrochemical, manufacturing, maritime, and logistics industries along the gulf coast.
WITH OUR MEMBER INPUT Economic Alliance works to improve our economic development assets, transportation infrastructure, workforce development entities and investment protections.
Convene representatives, government agencies, associations, and our members/businesses to work together seamlessly. Our strategic approach directly impacts the growth and maintenance of the most sought-after region in the world for petrochemical, manufacturing, maritime and logistics operations.
Identifying, prioritizing, and promoting issues of Houston Port region significance.
CONVENING LEGISLATORS AND STAKEHOLDERS
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
FOR POLICY BENEFITING THE HOUSTON PORT REGION ORGANIZE
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS and COMMUNICATION CHANNELS with our ELECTED OFFICIALS to provide an UNDERSTANDING OF REGIONAL PRIORITIES.
CONSENSUS AND/OR STATE & FEDERAL FUNDING
MEMBERS IN MOTION
ANGLER CONSTRUCTION
Angler Construction, a full-service general contractor in the industrial, retail, corporate interiors, and banking sectors has completed construction at Port 99, the 1.3M SF development for Provident Realty. The two buildings are complete with 6,400 SF of TI spaces and include 17 acres of trailer storage. The industrial park was built in 12 months with support from Tellepsen, Ware Malcomb, and Langan Engineering.
As a result of the tremendous success of Port 99, Houston Business Journal selected the industrial park to be a finalist at the 2025 Landmark Awards. The Landmark Awards celebrate projects that will have a lasting impact on Houston; through innovation, job creation and environmental impact. We thank the outstanding project team for their excellence in planning, design, and construction.
BAYTRAN
ATR SMARTPROCEDURES
ATR SmartProcedures® is expanding their sales force and partnering with San Jacinto College - LyondellBasell, Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology. ATR is a leading provider of innovative software solutions tailored for high-risk industries, including oil & gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. As ATR continues to grow, they are expanding to better serve our global customer base. We would like to introduce Craig Wurster as our new Director of Sales and Marketing.
San Jacinto CPET has partnered with ATR Inc., to deliver cutting-edge training and education for students and industry professionals through access to state-of-the-art tools and training resources needed in the petrochemical and energy sectors. This premier Digital Lifecycle Management system brings expertise specific to procedure digitization, change/approval, storage & training and use on mobile devices.
BayTran’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan outlines a bold vision to enhance transportation, increase member value, and operate with efficiency. Our core goals focus on championing mobility projects, delivering educational and networking opportunities, and strengthening regional partnerships to drive economic growth.
Key initiatives include advocating for critical infrastructure improvements like the Coastal Spine and Grand Parkway expansion, offering insightful forums such as the State of the Counties (May 19) and Infrastructure Summit (June 16), and engaging members through committees shaping transportation policy.
With a commitment to safety, collaboration, and innovation, BayTran is leading the way in regional mobility solutions. Get involved and help shape the future of transportation in Bay Area Houston!
EAST HARRIS COUNTY EMPOWERMENT
Holiday Experience Changes Students’ Lives!100 Students received laptops, attended exclusive events, and participated in a special college day to prepare for their future. These experiences help bridge the digital divide and open doors to new opportunities. Get full story here: https://eastharriscounty.org/impact-story-uhe/
HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE SOUTHEAST
HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, through its foundation and employee initiatives, actively engages in community-facing efforts, focusing on improving health, and addressing local needs through partnerships. Our recent initiatives have focused on strengthening the health and well-being resources available to mothers and babies right here in southeast Harris County.
HCA has been a supporting partner of March of Dimes for over 20 years, and again in 2025 Yasmene McDaniel, CEO of HCA Southeast, is the Houston Area Campaign Chair for the March for Babies happening on April 27 at the TMC Helix Park. Our collective goal this year is $1.6 million and we need your support for an even greater impact. Please click www.marchforbabies.org/hcahouston for more information on how you can join us by forming a team or contributing locally to this life-changing cause.
CITY OF LA PORTE
La Porte Breaks Ground on New City Hall, Designed for Innovation and Community Connection
The City of La Porte has begun construction on its new $27 million City Hall, a 36,000-square-foot, two-story building designed to enhance city services and support future growth. Bellows Construction was awarded the contract to bring this vision to life within 18 months.
The new City Hall will improve public accessibility, streamline operations, and create space for departmental growth. The building will also feature flexible meeting rooms to enhance civic engagement, along with a public plaza and a park that will provide an inviting space for the community.
This modern, innovative, and community-focused space marks a new era for La Porte, ensuring the city remains responsive, efficient, and prepared for the future.
THE
RIGHT TRAINING PARTNER RIGHT TRAINING PARTNER SUCCESS STARTS WITH
San Jacinto College offers customized training across East Harris County for:
• Operators
• Maintenance workers
• Safety technicians
• Pipefitters/welders
• Diesel mechanics
• HVAC-R technicians
• Logistics managers
• Maritime pilots
• And more
LANEMKTG WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
laneMKTG is thrilled to announce Marina Moncada as our new Director of Operations! With extensive experience in digital marketing and business development, Marina brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
As a former business owner and marketing strategist, Marina excels at crafting impactful campaigns and optimizing processes for success. Her expertise in brand positioning, content strategy, and customer acquisition will be invaluable as laneMKTG embarks on ambitious growth plans for 2025.
Welcome, Marina! We are excited to have you on board.
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE LAUNCHES LOGISTICS DEGREE
San Jacinto College is launching a new Bachelor of Applied Technology in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, which will roll out in Spring 2026.
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 19% growth in logistics jobs by 2033 and the median salary for logisticians in Texas at $78,998 (according to Texaswages.com), the demand for highly skilled professionals continues to rise. The Greater Houston area, a key hub for global trade and transportation, faces an increasing need for degreed professionals who can navigate the complexities of modern supply chains.
The new San Jacinto College logistics degree offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional four-year institutions while providing industry-relevant curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and direct connections to local employers.
MEADOR STAFFING SERVICES
At Meador Staffing Services, we proudly host quarterly, complimentary client seminars and virtual HR Coffee & Conversations. These one-hour events bring together an impressive list of clients and prospects, fostering valuable discussions and insights throughout the year. Seating for client seminars is reserved exclusively for our clients.
In 2025, we kicked off with an impactful seminar led by Trisha Barita, Managing Attorney at Barita Law Firm, PLLC, who addressed AI and ChatGPT in the workplace. HR Managers gained valuable insights on how businesses use AI in hiring, recruitment, and onboarding, potential legal challenges, and best practices for ethical AI integration. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the relevance and practical takeaways.
Our virtual Coffee & Conversations continue to provide HR professionals with a confidential space to discuss challenges, share successes, and exchange solutions.
For more information, please call 713-941-0616 or email Rita at rtownsend@meador.com.
MEMBERS IN MOTION
SYNCHRONY GROUP
Synchrony Group recently served as a fractional industrial marketer for a global leader in process control and thermal management, guiding the 12-month commercialization of a new IIoT platform.
Our role required deep technical product knowledge, working across engineering, R&D, and sales, and consistently presenting to global leadership. Acting as an extension of our customer’s product team, we managed the transition from development to market readiness, ensuring alignment across functions.
We provided market positioning, messaging, and go-to-market planning, ensuring the product was successfully launched. Our expertise in technical marketing and project management enabled a smooth handoff to internal teams when the product was ready to launch.
This project highlights our ability to quickly integrate into complex organizations, drive go-to-market success, and deliver strategic, hands-on support as a fractional industrial marketing partner.”
TEXAS MUTUAL INVESTS $1.3M IN UNITED WAY OF GREATER HOUSTON
Through our longstanding partnership with United Way, we’re able to help build stronger, safer and more resilient communities. We recently invested $1.3 million in United Way of Greater Houston to help families access the resources needed to achieve economic stability and support disaster preparedness in the Houston community.
https://www.texasmutual.com/
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH 2025
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE IN MOTION
2024 STATE ADVOCACY TRIP
Three trips, including with members and partners for Chemistry Day, with the City of Baytown and the Texas Economic Development Council Winter meeting. We held 13 meetings with regional representatives and senators, as well as the Speaker of the House.
In each meeting, members highlighted the priorities of our State White Paper including:
• Reliable & resilient energy
• Port Houston & transportation investments
• Critical Infrastructure protections
• Workforce development & job readiness
• Economic development tools
• Local government autonomy for our cities
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE BOOK CLUB
In the first quarter our first book was Atomic Habits, By James Clear. The book was about small, consistent changes lead to big results. Focus on building systems, not goals. Identity shapes habits—be the kind of person who does the habit, not just someone chasing an outcome. Tiny habits, when repeated, compound into massive change. If you’re looking for a great book to read, this one’s a go to.
Our next book is The Let Them Theory, by Mel Robbins. We are exited to get started on the read!
Suggestions for books are welcome, send your ideas to Karen Gregory at karen@allianceportregion.com
BUSINESS GROWTH TASK FORCE
The Business Growth Task Force mission is to engage and serve the broad range of contractors and smaller companies that serve the owners and operators of the major operators that make up this important economic engine along and surrounding the Houston Ship Channel.
The committee meets monthly—on the first Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Economic Alliance Board Room. These meetings provide an open forum for members to share updates, discuss projects, and celebrate recent wins. Each meeting also features a “Member Highlight,” offering a deeper look into one of our member companies. This month, we spotlighted Sudduth Search, whose mission is to connect companies with exceptional leaders who foster thriving company cultures and drive sustainable growth.
In addition to monthly meetings, the committee actively plans impactful events throughout the year. One of our events, the Economic Update Forecast, was held on March 6 at Lee College – Rundell Hall. The event featured:
• Jesse Thompson, Senior Business Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch
• Michael Bergen, Executive Vice President, Industrial
on
• A closing panel discussion moderated by Jeremy Osterberger of BIC Alliance, with both Jesse and Michael providing key insights and forecasts
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• Q2 Industrial Procurement Forum – June 26 Focus: Small Owners & Large EPCs
• Q3 Products & Plant Managers Forum – July 17 Topic: “What they make & what it makes”
• Q4 Industrial Procurement Forum – November 13 Focus: Large Owner Companies
Stay tuned for more details on these events, including how to register or become a sponsor. We look forward to your continued engagement as we work together to drive regional business growth and collaboration.
DID YOU KNOW?
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE HOUSTON PORT REGION
Organizes and hosts11+ events a year, in addition to our monthly task force and board meetings, providing members, industry leaders, and community stakeholders opportunities to network, gain knowledge, and engage in information sharing.
TASK FORCE, COMMITTEE & EVENTS
WOMEN IN ALLIANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Women in Alliance Committee is dedicated to showcasing female leaders across our industries and fostering empowering conversations around their achievements and impact.
Through signature events like the Women’s Leadership Luncheon, we provide meaningful platforms to highlight exceptional women, share their stories, and celebrate their leadership. These initiatives are designed to inspire, uplift, and connect women throughout the Houston Port Region—strengthening both personal growth and the collective success of our community.
This year, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new networking event and a Lunch and Learn, and we hope you’ll join us for both! Kicking off the year with great energy, the committee hosted its first-ever Galentine’s Event at the new Kendra Scott store in Baybrook. It was a fun and engaging evening filled with networking, shopping, and meaningful connections. Attendees included industry leaders from ExxonMobil, Chevron Pasadena Refinery, the Health and Safety Council, and Meador Staffing Services. The event set a positive tone for the year and reflected our ongoing commitment to creating spaces where professional women can connect, collaborate, and grow.
In February, the Women in Alliance Committee had the privilege of giving back to the community by volunteering at The Bridge Over Troubled Waters. The Bridge’s mission is to offer support, provide safety, and prevent domestic and sexual violence.
Our committee members rose early to prepare and serve a warm, hearty breakfast for the shelter’s clients and their children. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect, serve, and support an organization doing vital work in our region. We’re proud to stand with The Bridge and remain committed to making a positive impact in the community.
The first Women’s Leadership Luncheon of the year also took place on Thursday, March 27. With over 400 attendees, this event was a resounding success, highlighting the growing interest and importance of women’s leadership in shaping public policy. The panelists—Mia McCord from the Texas Chemistry Council, Arienne Brint from LyondellBasell, and moderator Dani Grant from Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.—shared valuable insights and experiences, fostering meaningful conversations around advocacy, representation, and the role of women in driving legislative and industry change, and sharing their journey throughout the process. Held at the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology, the luncheon provided a vibrant platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration among professionals committed to empowering women leaders.
This committee meets every second Wednesday of the month at 3:00pm, if you’d like more information on how to get involved, please reach out to Marisela at marisela@ allianceportregion.com.
BE PART OF THE GROWTH
The Gulf Coast Growth Show is an extension of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region where our mission is to market and grow a vibrant regional economy.
» Capital Investment
» Sustainability
» Workforce Development
» Logistics & Supply Chain
» Infrastructure & Transportation
» Public Policy
» Quality of Life
FEATURED SPEAKERS: This is only a few of the great speakers we’ve had on the show
» Tifanie Steele, General Manager, Chevron Pasadena Refinery
» Rob Bacon, Venture Manufacturing Mgr. Major Growth Ventures, ExxonMobil
» Kate Lightfoot, Baytown Olefins Plant Manager, ExxonMobil
» Captain Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots
» Kim Haas, Plant Manager, ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant
» Jim Griffin, Associate Vice Chancellor, SR VP, San Jacinto College, LyondellBasell CPET
» Janis Burke, President and CEO, Houston Sports Authority
» Ryan Todd, CEO, Headversity
» Scott McAlister, President, Coastal Ice and Water
» Amy Skicki, Executive Director, Bay Area Transportation Partnership (BAYTRAN)
» Mark LaCour, Editor In Chief, Oil & Gas Global Network (OGGN)
» Tim Sensenig, Chief Executive Officer, TMSfirst
» Russell Carter, Director of Business Development, Bohler
» Jonathan Schmaltz, Dir. Business Development, McCarthy Building Company, Inc
UPCOMING EVENTS 2025
MAY
Business Growth Task Force
Wednesday, May 7
9:00am – 10:00am
Women In Alliance Committee
Wednesday, May 14
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee
Tuesday, May 20
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Economic Development
Wednesday, May 22
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Industrial Procurement Forum - Contractors
Thursday, May 23
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Mugs & Mingle Networking Event
Tuesday, May 27
9:00am - 11:00am
Public Policy
Tuesday, May 27
3:00pm - 5:00pm
JUNE
Business Growth Task Force
Wednesday, June 4
9:00am – 10:00am
Women In Alliance Committee
Wednesday, June 11
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee
Tuesday, June 17
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Economic Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 19
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Workforce Development
Tuesday, June 10
10:00am - 12:00pm
Public Policy
Tuesday, June 24
3:00pm - 5:00pm
New Member Orientation
Thursday, June 5
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Industrial Procurement Forum
Thursday, June 26
8:00am – 10:00am
JULY
Business Growth Task Force
Wednesday, July 9
9:00am – 10:00am
Women In Alliance Committee
Wednesday, July 9
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Gulf Coast Industry Forum Committee
Tuesday, July 15
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Business Growth Event
Thursday, July 17
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Public Policy
Tuesday, July 23 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Women’s Leadership Luncheon
Thursday, July 30 11:00am - 1:00pm
Economic Alliance powers growth in the Houston Port Region, creating unmatched opportunities for our members. Join our influential network to connect, lead, and thrive in a thriving business environment.
Stakeholder, Corporate, and Proprietorship Members
*STAKEHOLDER MEMBERS IN BOLD
3rd Rock Renewables
3V Industrial, LLC
ADS Custom Signs
Aecon Industrial Construction Corporation
AG&P Americas Inc.
All About Business
ALULA
Angler Construction
Apache Industrial
Apache Oil Company
Arete Advisors
Arkema Inc.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Association of Bayport Companies
Assurance Resources. Inc
ATR Inc
Austin Fire Systems, LLC
BakerRipley
Bank of Texas
Bartlett Cocke
Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
Bayport Polymers, LLC (Baystar)
BE&K Building Group
BGE
Blast Resource Group, LLC
Boral Agency
Brady, Chapman, Holland and Assoc.
Butler-Cohen
Calpine Energy Solutions
Capital One Bank
Cenikor Foundation
Champions Insurance
Chaparral Industrial Services
CHI St. Luke’s Health Patients
Medical Center
Cima Services, LP
Clark Freight Lines Inc
Coastal Ice & Water LLC
Community First ER
Core Trucking of Texas
Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc.
Craig & Heidt, Inc
Del Mar Safety Solutions
Dunavant Trans Gulf Transportation & Distribution Group
