Efforts continued throughout the week to meet with area leaders, governmental bodies, and businesses concerning their commitments toward a minimum revenue guarantee to begin air service to DFW with American Airlines. $650,000 was committed in public votes with additional  votes expected in the coming week. An additional week of fundraising is needed to reach a goal of $1.5 million dollars.  The enthusiastic support throughout the region has been heartwarming. The Snider Law Firm is completing the legal work to re-establish the Southeast Texas Coalition for Air Service, LCC which will be the legal entity to manage the revenue guarantee and the service with American Airlines. The trust  department at BBVA Compass Bank will manage the funds. Managing partners will be Bill McCoy (Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce), Jim Rich, Gail Shook, Larry Beaulieu, Dean Robinson, and Gisela Houseman. Once the revenue guarantee is in place, plans will commence to market the flights before the expected February 14 start date.

The Government Affairs Division led by Joe Domino met on Tuesday. They received an update on environmental issues, reviewed a proposed program of work for 2012-2013, and met with former Congressman Nick Lampson.

Jim Rich was proud to bring a great speaker to the Wednesday meeting of the Rotary Club of Beaumont. Joe Mayer, Senior Manager, Business Development & External Relations for Lockheed Martin spoke on the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle being built as the replacement for the Space Shuttle. Orion will take Astronauts to the Moon and beyond. Work on Orion is spread across 42 states.

The Jason Alliance of Southeast Texas led by Ted Moor met on Thursday to discuss the plans for the Jason Project for the school year and for the sessions at Lamar University in January 2013.

The Fiscal Affairs Division led by Michael Kiefer met on Thursday to review budgets and approve a revised fiscal policy.

Jim Rich attended the presentation of the Orange County Storm Surge Protection Study completed by Carroll & Blackman, INC, and other groups. The recommendations could provide additional protection for Downtown Beaumont and the assets at ExxonMobil.

Jim Rich attended the dedication of the new Amtrak Train Station on Friday. What an improvement for passengers visiting our city!

If you are interested in having an exhibit table please contact Rene' at rlatiolais@bmtcoc.org. Exhibit tables are $50.

Texas Windstorm Insurance Quick Facts:

Because insurers have increased their withdrawal of their products from Coastal Counties at an exponential rate, TWIA has grown from the year 2000 to 2011, as follows:

Number of TWIA policies has increased 337%, from 76,000 to 256,000;

TWIA Insurance in force has increased under those policies 594%, from $11.9 billion to $71.7 billion;

Premiums paid by policyholders to TWIA has increased 910% , from $44.5 million to $403.7 million.