PROMOTION & DEVELOPMENT FUND
IMPROVEMENT PLAN - PORT HOUSTON
AUGUST 14, 2025
PREPARED BY:
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Introduction/Background
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region (Economic Alliance) is a nonprofit organization whose mission since 1986 has been to grow a vibrant regional economy. Supported by impact initiatives focused on:
Economic Development
Public Policy
Workforce Development
Transportation/Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Events/Thought Leadership
Our structure consists of an Executive Board, an Elected Board and eight initiative chairs supported by members through their direct involvement. Our staff of eight works to carry out the directives of each of these bodies in the most efficient and effective way possible.
250 Private Sector Members, 13 Cities/Communities, Port Houston, and Harris County.
8 Taskforces.
Several annual events convening leaders and highlighting one of the World’s most influential energy corridors and trade ports.
7 full-time and 1 part-time professional staff and 1 college intern.
The Houston Port region’s make up is so unique that there is not a blueprint of how to strategize to improve our economic development activities/assets, transportation infrastructure, workforce development entities and investment protections. For this reason, Economic Alliance has established itself as the convening entity in identifying, prioritizing, and promoting issues of Houston Port region significance.
Fiscally responsible economic development organization with revenues derived primarily through contracts with area governments, membership dues and fundraising events.
A driving force in the Houston Port region’s economic prosperity due to participation by our 250 Private Sector Members, 13 Cities/Communities, Port Houston, and Harris County. A well- connected organization, convening a large, trusted network.
Facilitator to market Port Houston as a Global Gateway. Providing publicity to Port Houston programs and initiatives through – New Website Enhancements, Events, Newsletters and Economic Development Project work. Forum for Executive Leadership to discuss the Foreign Trade Zone as an Economic Development Tool, State of Port Operations, Impact as a Growth Engine, Supply Chain Solutions, the Ports effort moving toward Sustainability, and development of economic opportunities through SMWBE and DEI efforts.
A leader in workforce development initiatives to address the growing skilled workforce gap in the Houston Port region. Over the last several years over 400+ Career Path Presentations have been completed, informing 54 000 Potential Workers/Students A diverse audience exposed to our workforce development/job
The Economic Alliance is an exempt organization for federal income tax purposes under the Section 501 (c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Revenues are derived primarily through contracts with area governments, membership dues and fundraising events. Expenses that are directly associated with a particular activity are charged to that activity.
*See the attached audited financial statements of Economic Alliance Houston Port Region comprise the statements of financial position as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, and the related statements of activities, functional expenses, and cash flows for the years then ended, and related notes to the financial statements. See attachment for full document
Unparalleled Global Access via Port Houston Terminals Improvements and Investments by Port Houston Impact of Port Houston as a Growth Engine Foreign Trade Zone Benefits to Existing and New Operations
John Mosely, Chief Commercial Officer at Port Houston was a featured guest on the Gulf Coast Growth Show. Season 10 that aired in June 2025.
John offered a state of the Port overview highlighting the impact and current initiatives including:
Sharing Port Houston is the #1 Port in the US by waterborne tonnage
The impact and growth of the Bayport terminal in container business
The story of Project 11 and its current status
Port Houston’s support for road infrastructure to move goods in the region
The possible impacts of tariffs
The Port’s involvement in the community
HIGHLIGHTING PORT HOUSTON AND THE SHIP CHANNEL REGION WITH NATIONAL SITE CONSULTANTS’ FAMILIARIZATION TOUR
Corporate location decisions are often led by professional site selection consultants who help a company identify the best location for talent availability, operating costs, real estate options, incentives and more.
In March 2025, the Economic Alliance partnered with Greater Houston Partnership to host national site selectors at San Jacinto Maritime Campus to showcase the Port Regions business climate/investment activity, potential incentive offerings, educational institutions, and Port Houston.
John A M l Chi f C i l Offi P H id d i f i i upg
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SUPPORTING PORT HOUSTON INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING, GOODS MOVEMENT, MARITIME WORKFORCE, AND WATERWAY PROTECTIONS
For ten years the Economic Alliance has organized a leadership team to travel to Washington D.C. to advocate for issues important to Houston Port Region. This annual federal advocacy trip provides our industry members and community leaders exclusive access to members of the US Senate, Congress, and their staff, executive branch policymakers, and representatives from key federal agencies.
The Economic Alliance promotes the Port Houston priorities of ongoing Federal funding and policies critical to the growth, maintenance, and operations of the Houston Ship Channel. Port issues are the #1 priorities of the 2025 Federal White Paper.
When Port Houston seeks opportunities to secure funding and grants from Federal and State initiatives, providing letters of support from local communities and industries is a key element for consideration. Over the years Port Houston has requested local support in these efforts, and the Economic Alliance has been proud to submit Letters of Support on behalf of the Port.
Clean Ports Program Proposal
Support for Port Houston’s Bayport Container Southern Access Road
Chairman Beckendorff, HGAC Transportation Policy Council Chairman
Michael S Regan, Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Economic Alliance convenes local/state elected officials, Port Houston, petrochemical association partners and private sector members to deliver.
Economic Alliance is making certain the Houston Port region is connecting mobility, safety, environmental issues, economic opportunity with Port Houston unprecedented growth.
The mission has been to deliver TxDOT and key leadership a prioritized transportation/infrastructure project list based on stakeholder consensus and critical investment need. Economic Alliance has advocated for the study, funding and completion of transportation projects impacting Port Houston movement of product, enhancing safety and impacts on congestion and the environment. With the support of all stakeholders the Economic Aliance has:
Secured the funding and construction of all Beltway 8/Ship Channel 8 direct connectors.
Secured commitment by TXDOT to study the redesign of SH 225 and 610 Ship Channel Bridge.
Secured commitment from TXDOT for the repaving of SH225 for immediate improvements.
Scheduled for July 2024, over 200 guests were registered to attend this informative event highlighting growth and investment in Port Houston and the road infrastructure that supports port activity. The Economic Alliance promoted this event featuring TXDOT district engineer Eliza Paul and incoming Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins for several weeks via social media and its extensive mailing list Unfortunately, Hurricane Beryl had other plans and made landfall three days earlier, leaving the event venue unavailable for use Fortunately Charlie Jenkins was able to share his information at the Gulf Coast Industry Forum held in September
The Economic Alliance cohosted the bi-annual event on October 10, 2024 that brought together respected transportation and infrastructure experts to share updates on Logistics and Distribution for the Petrochemical Industry, Rail, Space, Air, Port and Ground Transportation panels. Ryan Mariacher, Port Houston Chief Port Operations Officer along with Economic Alliance’s Chad Burke moderating, conducted the Port update discussion “Port Houston- What’s Next” where Ryan shared information about near term plans and long term vision of the Ports future.
Economic Alliance’s Economic Development services provide a professional relationship to navigate the multiple facets of the site selection/expansion process, including the facilitation to the Houston Port region economic development support network
In November 2024, the Economic Alliance coordinated with the Houston Regional Economic Regional Alliance (HREDA) to bring together the Houston area economic development professionals to learn about the local maritime industry opportunities and to hear a Port Houston update The meeting was held at the San Jacinto College Maritime campus and attendees were treated to a demonstration in the simulator Rina Lawrence, Port Houston Economic Development Manager, was invited to discuss the principles of FTZs and to provide a Port Houston economic update
Currently there are 18 economic development projects totaling over $5 7 Billion of capital investment and creation of over 2,600 new jobs in our project pipeline '25 Early stages of evaluating multiple locations across the Houston Port region/Ship Channel
These projects have received an overview of support programs- they may be eligible to support new, expanding and relocating operations
The Gulf Coast Industry Forum continues to be a vital point for knowledge sharing, networking and thought leadership around issues facing Port Houston.
The conference began when Houston Port region leaders recognizing the need for a forecasting conference in the industry. They asked the Economic Alliance to produce a conference that would provide information for the overall industrial economy. The Petrochemical and Maritime Outlook Conference (PMOC) was first introduced in 2010 and later became known as the Gulf Coast Industry Forum (GCIF) in 2016. Since 2010 the event has consecutively grown with more people in attendance each year. In 2024, GCIF had over 800 people attend.
The Gulf Coast Industry Forum since its inception in 2010 has given Past Chairman and the Director opportunities to highlight Port Houston activities/growth/investments and position as a world class trade operation.
15 SPEAKERS/PANELIST
RIC CAMPO KEYNOTE SPEAKER SINCE 2019
CHARLIE JENKINS INFRASTRUCTURE PANELIST
PORT HOUSTON EXHIBITOR BOOTH IN FRONT OF 800+ ATTENDEES
PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORSHIP
Economic Alliance distributes a quarterly newsletter highlighting Houston Port region businesses, partners, industry news/events, upcoming classes and workshops, and resources our office and partners provide Port Houston has been featured in articles in Economic Alliance newsletters that have a distribution of more than 10,000+ recipients
2005 Legislative Kickoff Forum /Q4-2024: The Economic Alliance hosted a 89 Texas Legislative kickoff event to hear from 5 local state officials. Port Houston Cam Spencer Director of Government Relations provided a brief to the officials on the state priorities the Port will pursue.
th Port Houston Improvements and Investments to Keep the Houston Port Region /Q2-2025: As part of the overview of the Houston Port Region the article dedicated a section that summarized $1 Billion Project 11 the deepening and widening of the ship channel to accommodate larger ships. Container terminal growth and cargo data was also addressed.
PORT COMMISSION COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Economic Alliance CEO and President Chad Burke was selected to participate in the Port Commission Advisory Council (PCCAC) for the 2025-2026 term.
"Joining the PCCAC means becoming part of a collaborative council that brings together voices from across the Houston Ship Channel region to foster open communication and community engagement with Port Houston. Members play a key role in promoting dialogue, sharing perspectives, and helping shape initiatives that reflect the needs and interests of the surrounding communities." – Chad Burke
ANNUAL PRESENTATIONS TO 13 MEMBER CITIES HIGHLIGHTING PORT ACTIVITY
Once a year Economic Alliances Chad Burke attends City Council or City Economic Development Corporation meetings to present an annual report to each of the 13 member cities. The presentation provides an update on economic development wins, workforce development activity, progress in transportation initiatives, and Port Houston economic activity and updates These presentations provide local leaders and citizens in attendance with current information and insights that strengthens support for the Port and regional economy.
Port Houston was a Gold Sponsor of our Annual Membership Banquet that recognizes Economic Alliance stakeholders and installs officers for the upcoming year.
Port Houston Gold Sponsorship highlights the recognition of current ship channel stakeholders and highlights the importance of the years accomplishments that have impacted the growth of the Houston Port region economy.
360 ATTENDEES GOLD LEVEL SPONSORSHIP
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR PORT HOUSTON’S APPLICATION TO EPA CLEAN PORTS PROGRAM GRANT. ECONOMIC ALLIANCE SUPPORT LETTER HIGHLIGHTED
The Houston’s PORT SHIFT for zero-emission technology deployment includes deploying up to two hundred and fi y (250) zero-emission trucks, twenty (20) pieces of cargo handling equipment, associated hydrogen fueling and electric charging infrastructure Houston’s PORT SHIFT for climate and air quality planning includes a community-port outreach campaign to engage low-income and disadvantaged near-Port Houston communities in port region
The Economic Alliance is committed to working with Port Houston to advance policies and initiatives promoting the energy transition to a more sustainable future that will benefit our communities.
TRAE CAMBLE, SEASON 7 GULF COAST GROWTH SHOW
Trae Camble, Director of Environmental Affairs at Port Houston participated in the Gulf Coast Growth Show Season 7 Ep 18 which is available for viewing on YouTube.
Trae highlighted what Port Houston is doing to leave a more environmentally friendly footprint across the Houston Port region and highlighting:
Sustainability efforts and goals; the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report they are working on. Reduction of the ports carbonfootprint~55% over the last 5-6 years.
Importance and impact of Project 11.
Role as a Board Member for the Galveston Bay Foundation.
Our mission “To provide a platform that highlights the exceptional women leaders and empower women in the Houston Port Region”. The committee hosts 3 lunches annually featuring local accomplished women who share their inspiring journeys to leadership.
Port Houston Commissioner Wendy Montoya
Cloonan was the featured Keynote subject at the July ’24 luncheon “Lunch with a Mentor” moderated by Texas State Representative Mary Ann Perez
Port Houston’s Monica Glover, Sr Manager, Government Relations was an invited panelist at the March ’25 luncheon “Women who Shape Public Policy”
Port Houston and women owned businesses participate in exhibitor booths highlighting services and business offerings.
3 LUNCHES
425+ ATTENDEES
1,232 TOTAL ATTENDANCE
The Economic Alliance Business Growth Task Force promotes business opportunities for local small and MWBE companies by hosting the Industrial Procurement Forum (IPF) twice a year featuring Owner and Contractor guest panelists. The panelists discuss both current and planned projects sharing information with the attendees on potential business opportunities they can pursue.
Port Houston has hosted booths at several past IPFs enabling small/MWBE company representatives the opportunity to have one on one discussions with Port representatives and receive Port collateral.
Activities by staff facilitate the promotion of workforce development initiatives to address the growing skilled workforce gap. Focused on marketing high paying careers in the petrochemical, maritime, logistics, and construction industries to local students to connect life changing employment opportunities.
Economic Alliance leverages partnerships with EHCMA and 9 community colleges to recruit and train a qualified workforce that is needed in the Houston Port region.
Filling a key role with industry partners in identifying and prioritizing the high-demand, high-paying careers that support the petrochemical, maritime, and construction industries.
Economic Alliance Workforce Development Manager serves on the Port Houston’s “Partners in Maritime Education” Board of Directors where her knowledge and classroom experience as a CTE Director offers best practices suggestions in program initiative outreach to the board.
Every year Port Houston Representatives participate in the GCIF Student Breakfast giving students insight to careers in maritime and logistics.
In June 2025 the Economic Alliance hosted local CTE teachers and other educators to a day on the Port Houston MV Sam Houston to tour the Houston Ship Channel and learn more about the Maritime Industry. Port Houston Workforce Coordinator Devan Short spoke about the Four Sectors of the maritime industry and job opportunities at Port Houston. He invited the guest to take advantage of the many initiatives and engagement opportunities Port Houston has to offer.
A driving force in the Houston Port region’s economic prosperity and successes are growing faster than ever due to the participation by our members We convene a large, trusted network and well-connected organization
17 ORGANIZED AND HOSTED EVENTS across ‘24/’25 in addition to our monthly taskforce and board meetings, provide members, industry leaders, and community stakeholders opportunities to network, gain knowledge, and engage in information sharing.
Events such as the Industrial Procurement Forum provides insight to small and midsize businesses on how to do business with large industries including Port Houston. The Women’s Leadership event empowers women to succeed in industry, and the Gulf Coast Industry Forum have been well represented by key Port Houston team members.
17 EVENTS ‘24/’25
326 (YTD) AVERAGE ATTENDEES
4,573 (YTD) TOTAL ATTENDANCE
Workforce Development Taskforce: Jacquie Young-Hall, Maritime Education Outreach Manager, Port Houston. Ms Young-Hall participates in the discussion to formulate strategic initiatives and promotion of workforce development activities to address the growing skilled workforce gap
The group is the liaisonto the Dream It Do It Southeast Texas program– a non-profit educational foundation d b h E i Alli k i h h i l i i l i i d i
