The Government & Public Affairs Division met on Tuesday with Vernon Pierce presiding in place of Joe Domino. Mike White, on behalf of the Associated General Contractors of Southeast Texas, asked for support in the adoption of new hire local first guidelines. The guidelines would be presented for adoption by all public entities. There was discussion about the definition of local and other language in the proposed policy. We agreed to come back at our June meeting with clearer language and to call for a vote of support. We further discuss the Coastal Windstorm Insurance Coalition plans to conduct a conference in Galveston on June 1. They asked us to either join the conference or plan one of our own. We decided we needed to educate local citizens about the insurance crisis facing our area and plan to organize a Jefferson county conference in September. Meanwhile we plan to attend and support the Galveston gathering.

Jim Rich met with Jason French, the new Director of Government & Public Affairs for Cheniere Energy, Inc. on Tuesday for lunch. Plans for the expansion of their Cameron Parish facility are moving forward with an investment estimated at $10 billion dollars.

We hosted the monthly meeting of the steering committee for Golden Triangle Days on Friday. Pat Avery with TOTAL is serving as the chairperson. Save the date e-mails have been sent and we are preparing letters to offer opportunities for sponsorships.

The Southeast Texas Young Professionals hosted their quarterly lunch at Café Del Rio this past Thursday. Mr. Jeff Dyson was the featured guest. His discussion included the history of M&D Supply and how each generation faced certain obstacles and how their leadership skills have lead M&D Supply to where it is today. If you are interested in the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization please contact Jessica Hill or  Rene' Latiolais.

The Golden Triangle Days committee met in the Chamber board room this past Friday. The meeting included individuals from the Jefferson and Orange Counties. Mark your calendars for March 3  - 5, 2013. If you are interested in being involved or would like to sponsor GTDA 2013, please contact Rene'.

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