In the follow-up to the Galveston Coastal Windstorm Conference held June 1, plans are underway to welcome Corpus Christi and Galveston leaders to Beaumont  for the next conference on October 12. State Representatives Todd Hunter, Craig Eiland, and Larry Taylor are expected to join our local delegation for the event. Please mark your calendars to attend. This article provides some background worth reading.

The Advancing New Technologies at Lamar University Division chaired by Louis Wilson with ExxonMobil had their monthly meeting on Thursday. Lamar University Deans Jack Hopper and Henry Venta provided updates and plans are being made to present to the Plant Manager Forum on July 26. Paul Latiolais provided an update on the Innovation and Commercialization Center. The $11 million dollar grant to build the center is going through the approval process with the General Land Office, the state agency who will manage the federal funds. A champions breakfast will be planned for the fall.

Cheryl Kizer is making her rounds of all area businesses who received Hurricane Ike Forgivable Loans. Under the loan agreements, one half of the loan amount is forgiven after one year providing certain criteria are met. The entire loan can be forgiven after two years. The site visit is a vital part of compliance and the determination process.

Jim Rich attended the Team Texas Showcase Event in Dallas on Friday and Saturday. The weekend event is designed to network with site selection consultants and business relocation prospects.   

Jim Rich (front left) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit last month.

The Leadership Beaumont Youth Leadership program is the first-day activity of a six-week summer youth employment program known as the ExxonMobil Future Leaders. During the program, students will be employed at Lamar University, Beaumont Independent School District or the City of Beaumont.  

Click Here for more information and schedule of events. 

The Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization hosted their monthly happy hour at The Grill this past Thursday.  If you are interested in this organization please contact Jessica or Rene' at 838-6581.  Thank you to The Grill for their support!