Jim Rich attended the 2011 Workforce STAR Awards on Wednesday and was recognized for his five years of board service to Workforce Solutions of Southeast Texas.  Chamber board members Chuck Kalkbrenner and Paul Szuch were also recognized for their fifth anniversaries.

Jim Rich and Eddie Bates, Transportation Division Chair, attended the special workshop conducted by the Jefferson County Commissioners concerning air service to and from the Jack Brooks Regional Airport. The information presented indicates 1600 passenger flights per day to and from Southeast with only 2% using the local airport. We intend to support efforts to promote the airport and the best alternatives for future development. The proximity to a major airport hub is a challenge to similar airports around the country. Airline bankruptcies, mergers, and high fuel prices also make for a difficult landscape. Any input from members is welcomed.

The Budget and Finance Division led my Michael Kiefer reviewed the chamber budget at the half way point for the year.               

The Sabine-Neches Navigation District today announced the launch of its new website, www.navigationdistrict.org. The new and improved, user-friendly website features information on the Navigation District including the organization's staff and appointed commissioners, the Sabine-Neches Waterway, project details, bid packages, environmental ordinances and permits, information on operations of the navigation district and a calendar of upcoming meetings and events.  

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

A Southeast Texas Transportation Update  presented by

Texas Association of Business - Southeast Texas Chapter     

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 (8:30 -11:30 AM) 

Featuring

Phil Wilson, Executive Director - Texas Department of Transportation
Tom Pauken, Chairman - Texas Workforce Commission
Texas State Representative - Joe Pickett of El Paso

Conference Agenda   

Ports, Rail & International Commerce - Preparing for Opportunity  Niels Aalund, Senior V.P. Maritime Affairs - West Gulf Maritime Association
Bart Owens, General Manager  - GT Logistics / GT Omni Port

Jobs, Workforce Training, and Transportation Working Together  Tom Pauken, Chairman - Texas Workforce Commission

Innovative Integration of Planning & Financing  Duane Gordy - CDE

New Mechanisms to Fund Transportation Projects  Texas State Representative, Joe Pickett (El Paso)

MOVING FORWARD - The Future of Transportation in Texas  Phil Wilson - Executive Director, Texas Department of Transportation

Distinguished Panel Forum / Moderated by Kal Kincaid, President of APAC Texas

Engage in conversation with area experts, elected officials, and distinguished panelists.

Register online at www.txbiz.org.

- $20 per person (Early Bird Registration)  -  $25 per person (After May 10th)
- $200 Table Sponsor - $100 Program Sponsor - $50 General Sponsor  

For  Information Contact Lee Ann Fuselier at 409-313-4041 or access@gt.rr.com.

Leadership Beaumont conducted its 40th class graduation May 3, 2012 for 38 2012 class participants at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.  Two new programs organized in 2012 in recognition of LB's 40th anniversary year, Leadership Plus and YPO, were also recognized.  Amy Denison was introduced as Leadership Beaumont's new executive director, and Shirley Bartos, retiring executive director, was presented a journal signed by the 40th class participants and the steering committee.

The Leadership Development division presented certificates to four mentees and mentors for their participation in the Mentorship Program.  Mentees in the 2012 program were Amy Denison, American Valve & Hydrant, & mentor, Kathleen Jackson, ExxonMobil, Karl Huch, Tri-Con, & mentor, Vernon Pierce, Entergy, Aimee Slott, JP Morgan Chase Bank & mentor, Jeff Dyson, Lamar University, and Robin Williams, American Personnel with mentor, Sally Broussard, Spindletop Center. To win a $25 gift card from Mobiloil Federal Credit Union, be the first to reply with "I Found It" in the subject line.