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THE PORT November/December 2008 OF HOUSTON Port of Houston Authority: Steel Shining Brightly!

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Page 1: Port of Houston Authority: Steel Shining Brightly!

THE PORTNovember/December 2008

OF HOUSTON

Port of Houston Authority:Steel Shining Brightly!

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THE PORTNovember/December 2008

OF HOUSTON

Port of Houston Authority:Steel Shining Brightly!

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28 It Takes People to Make a Great Port

8 Strong Exports Continue to Fuel PHA Growth

10 The 4th Annual Coffee Symposium Wake Up and Smell the

Opportunities in Coffee

20 The World Relies on the Port Foreign Consulates Flock

to Houston

FEATURES

4 A Message from the Executive Director H. Thomas Kornegay, P.E., P.P.M. 6 The Manifest PHA news highlights 26 Clean & Green Sweeping Success 31 Business Connections CME Provides High-tech Training

with Risk-free Curriculum 32 Spotlight on Small Business Kambuso Brings Wealth of

Experience to the Table

IN EVERY ISSUE

COVER STORY

12 Ways the PHA Delivered the Goods in 2008—despite Ike

ContentsNovember/December 2008

A bi-monthly publication.

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The World relies on The PorT

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Executive Office Port of Houston Authority111 East Loop North P.O. Box 2562 Houston, TX 77252-2562 Phone: 713-670-2400 Fax: 713-670-2429

Executive Director H. Thomas Kornegay

Managing Director Wade M. Battles

Director of Trade Development John P. Horan

General Counsel Erik A. Eriksson

Director of Finance and Administration James O. Eldridge

Director of Facilities James B. Jackson

Director of Public Affairs Argentina M. James

Director of Operations Jimmy M. Jamison

Director of Planning and Environment Charlie Jenkins

Director of Small Business Development Gilda Ramirez

Harris County Auditor Barbara J. Schott

Field Offices New York Keith L. MiceliEastern Trade Development Manager3 Executive Drive, Suite 325Somerset, New Jersey 08873Phone: 732-748-3354Fax: 732-748-3387 E-mail: [email protected]

Central & South America(excluding Brazil)

Arturo GamezCentral & South America RepresentastiveAvenida Aquilino De La Guardia y Calle 47Ocean Business Plaza Building, MezzaninePanama, Republic of PanamaTel.: +(507)340-0205Fax: +1-281-754-4647Email: [email protected]

Port of Houston Magazine’s editorial staff: Argentina James, director of public affairs • Lisa Ashley-Whitlock, communications manager • Maggi Stewart, senior publications specialist • Edwin Henry, publications specialist • David Bray, photographer • Chris Kuhlman, photographer • Esther de Ipolyi, freelance writer • Gilbreath Communications, Inc., design and production.

This publication is not copyrighted and permission is given for the reproduction or use of any original materials, provided credit is given to the Port of Houston Authority. Additional information, address changes, extra copies, or advertising specifications may be obtained by writing to the Port of Houston Magazine.

The Port of Houston Magazine is published by the Port of Houston Authority, P.O. Box 2562, Houston, Texas 77252-2562, and is distributed free to maritime, industrial and transportation interests in the United States and foreign countries.

Visit the Port of Houston Authority online

www.portofhouston.com

THE PORT OF HOUSTON

AUTHORIT Y

James T. EdmondsChairman

James W. Fonteno, Jr. Commissioner

Jimmy A. BurkeCommissioner

Elyse LanierCommissioner

Janiece LongoriaCommissioner

Steve PhelpsCommissioner

Kase L. LawalCommissioner

BrazilJohn C. CuttinoBrazil RepresentativePort of Houston AuthorityAv. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 37295th FloorSao Paulo, SP Brazil, CEP: 04538-905Tel. +55 (11) 3323-5878Fax +55 (11) 3323-5916Houston Access (832) 239-5076email: [email protected]

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H. Thomas Kornegay, P.E., P.P.M.

’Tis the season to look back and reflect on the year’s

accomplishments. It’s been our tradition to list the 12 gifts

of the port at this time of the year, one for every month.

And 2008 brought many gifts, including an unexpected

one from Hurricane Ike.

Sometimes a gift isn’t what it seems. Ike may have

brought a path of destruction but it also brought together

PHA staff from all divisions, who worked to get the port

operating again in just a few days. They also accom-

plished the early opening of the Bayport Cruise Terminal

to accommodate Carnival Cruise Lines while Galveston

recovery efforts continued.

PHA’s facilities were built to stand up to a strong hurricane, surviving with minimal damage. In 2008, PHA also initiated a marine terminal optimization and market study (MTOMS) to look at ways to optimize facilities at the port.

But the PHA is only as great as its leaders, the seven members of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, who serve two-year terms without pay. We salute this diverse, dedicated team of ambassadors, who attend monthly commission meetings, serve on

Leadeers

Reaching Out

JobsBusinesses

MESSAGE FROM THE ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Jobs

task forces, participate in overseas trade missions and attend countless community functions on behalf of the port authority.

In 2008, PHA was truly an award-winning port, with recognitions garnered by many of its divisions, from the Presidential E-Star Award for export excellence to accolades for environmental improvements and financial strength and kudos for our marketing and public affairs efforts.

The Houston Ship Channel Security District, a model public-private partnership designed to help improve secu-rity within the ship channel area, got closer to becoming a reality this year. The PHA also received recognition as the world’s first port authority to initiate a Security Management System worthy of certification for ISO 28000:2007.

In 2008, the PHA continued its commitment to conducting port operations and managing resources in an environmentally sensitive and sound manner in a variety of ways.

PHA reaches out to local communities, the mari-time industry and other public servants to cultivate trust and confidence. In 2008, PHA celebrated 50 years of touring visitors along the ship channel with the M/V Sam Houston public tour boat and took the last step in its historic agreement with the City of Seabrook by transferring the Seabrook Wildlife Park to the city. As the local partner with the federal government in maintaining the Houston Ship Channel, PHA works closely with the Texas congressional delegation in obtaining sufficient appropriations.

The PHA continues to exceed container growth with the combined volume of Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals. Kudos to our operations staff, who helped get the port authority up and running as quickly as it did after the direct hits from Hurricane Ike and indirect effects of Tropical Storm Edouard and Hurricane Gustav. Import/export steel figures for 2008 are on the way to breaking another record.

Economic development contributes to our preeminent position among the world’s seaports, helping create and sustain jobs and businesses, building infrastructure to aid maritime commerce, and championing small

business development. The year 2008 saw the sixth PHA Small Business program anniversary event

and fourth Annual Coffee Symposium. PHA operates at a profit, and is now trending to

another operating revenue increase. In 2008, we received the AAPA certificate of

achievement for financial reporting.A testament to PHA’s dedication to its customers was

its ability to effect a quick turnaround after Hurricane Ike. In 2008, PHA also established long-term contracts with major shipping lines.

PHA not only provides a strong workplace for its employees but helps to ensure jobs for others in the region with such initiatives as the Port of Houston-wide job fairs. Also promoting a strong workplace are the PHA SupPORTers, who volunteer in the community.

In 2008, PHA truly delivered the goods. During this season of giving, I wish you all a happy holiday. n

ISO 28000:2007

PO

RT

OF

HOUSTON AUTHO

RIT

Y

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Gibson, Broocks & Longoria, LLP. Among a select group of women lawyers across the United States who have served with distinction as independent

directors of public companies and have worked to advance the value of diversity in board positions, Longoria is a recipient of the 2008 Sandra Day O’Connor Board Excellence Award.

Longoria serves on the Board of Directors of Centerpoint Energy, Inc., and is also one of nine mem-bers of the University of Texas System Board of Regents.

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ELYSE LANIER RE-APPOINTED TO SECOND TERM ON PORT COMMISSION

Harris County Commissioners Court has approved Elyse Lanier’s re-appointment to serve as a member of the Port of Houston Authority’s Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Lanier was initially appointed to the port commission in February 2006 to fill an unexpired term. Lanier serves as chair of the PHA Pilots Task Force and is a member of PHA’s Community Relations

Houston City Council has approved the third re-appointment of Houston attorney, business-woman and civic leader Janiece Longoria to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

Initially appointed in September 2002, Longoria chairs the Inter-national Business Development Task Force and also serves on the PHA Community Relations Task Force and the Small Business Committee.

Longoria is a lawyer and a partner in the law firm of Ogden,

JANIECE LONGORIA RE-APPOINTED TO THIRD TERM ON PORT COMMISSION

Task Force and the International Business Development Task Force.

The wife of former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier is a native Houstonian with strong ties to the Texas Medical Center, the Texas Heart Institute and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The Laniers live in Houston, as do their seven children and 11 grandchildren.

Port commissioners serve two-year terms without pay.

p h a n e w s h i g h l i g h t sTHE MANIFEST

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p h a n e w s h i g h l i g h t sTHE MANIFEST

THE MANIFEST spotlights news briefs exclusively from PHA, its customers, trading partners, and community stakeholders. Submit information in the form of a letter or press release via e-mail to [email protected] or via fax 713-670-2425. The Port of Houston Magazine does not guarantee publication and reserves the right to edit submissions for content and style.

Port of Houston Authority Executive Director H. Thomas Kornegay is the 2008 Maritime Person of the Year. The honor was bestowed upon Kornegay at the Greater Houston Port Bureau and the Marine Exchange of the West Gulf’s November 15 gala.

Kornegay has served as PHA’s executive director for 16 1/2 years after serving as the port authority’s managing director for five years. He joined the port authority’s engineering department in 1972 and was the project engineer on the Fentress Bracewell Barbours Cut Container Terminal, which opened in 1976 and became the busiest container terminal on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

“I have worked closely with Tom since becoming port chairman in 2000,” said PHA Chairman James T. Edmonds. “We have traveled the world together, meeting cus-tomers, and developing new relationships for the benefit of the port. He is always trying to find ways to do things better. This latest honor of being named Maritime Person of the Year is unquestionably deserved as the depth and breadth of his knowledge of the maritime industry never fails to impress me.”

“For over a third of a century, Tom has been a visionary who has not shied away from the challenges of furthering maritime commerce in our nation’s busiest waterway,” said Thomas P. Marian, chair-man of the Greater Houston Port Bureau board. “His leadership and devotion to the Port of Houston have been instrumental in spearheading the ship channel deepening and widening project, constructing the state-of-the-art container terminal at Bayport, and

assisting in the mammoth port recovery operation in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Those undertakings and many others over his distinguished career clearly warranted his selection as the 2008 Maritime Person of the Year.”

“Congratulations to Thomas Kornegay for his selection as the Houston Maritime Person of the Year for 2008,” said William Diehl, P.E., captain of the Port. “The more I work with the Port of Houston, the more I gain an appreciation of the complexities that exist in making such a large port work so efficiently. I think the key to the success of the port is Tom’s

ability to maintain effec-tive communications up and down the ship channel and across the region. His leadership and managerial skills are very evident through-out the port and were definitely most impor-tant in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.”

“Tom Kornegay has been one of the Port of Houston’s greatest suc-cesses,” said Houston Pilots Presiding Officer Robert L. Thompson. “Through his leadership and guid-ance he has fostered good working relationships between the unions, business and industry which has helped to make it the No. 1 port in the United States. The marine community can be proud to have Tom represent us as Houston’s Maritime Person of the Year.”

Earlier this year, Kornegay was recognized by representatives of various Houston engineering organizations as the 2008 Houston Area “Engineer of the Year.”

PHA ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR TOM KORNEGAY NAMED MARITIME PERSON OF THE YEAR

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Since 1999, port authority cargo ledgers reflect double-digit dominance of traditional cargo exports over imports in every year except for 2006.

It has helped drive PHA performance patterns that reflect cargo increases for each of the last eight years.

Small wonder that the port authority was one of only four organizations in the country to win the prestigious 2007 President’s “E Star” Award for export service, in rec-ognition of its continuing support of export growth in the U.S. business community for at least five years.

Softening of the U.S. dollar has played a key role in a nationwide resurgence of export activity – especially in the area of containerized cargo – driven by increased demand for U.S. manufactured and retail goods. However, the types of export cargo flowing across PHA docks for the past decade are strong barometers of the economic

health of the Houston region, the state of Texas and the hinterland that is middle America.

Organic chemicals, cereals, plastics, various chemical products and iron and steel are PHA’s top five export cat-egories for 2007. Rounding out the top 10 export catego-ries are: machinery, inorganic chemicals (such as natural stone), fats and oils, rubber and cotton/yarn fabric.

PHA Marketing Manager Brian Reeves says the desire for these types of cargoes indicates a long-term commit-ment to U.S. products by emerging, as well as, established industrialized nations.

And, because of that long-term commitment, PHA’s export pattern should continue to expand in the coming years.

“Exports remain strong and PHA remains an export-centric port because of the attractiveness of U.S. goods –

Strong exports continue to fueL

PHAGrowthThe Port of Houston Authority’s prominence as an export center was established long before the softening of the U.S. dollar shifted focus to the dynamic of exports.

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significantly, raw materials and machinery components,” Reeves says. “This is due, in part, to the declining value of the U.S. dollar against global currencies, the growth of the Midwest, Texas and the Houston export mar-kets, shifting trade lanes and the capacity constraints of historical routes.”

PHA operates the public terminals of the nation’s largest port in terms of foreign waterborne tonnage and is second-largest in terms of overall tonnage.

PHA has long held the position as the dominant container port on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with an import/export portfolio that has been balanced for most of the past 10 years. However, for 2006, 2007 and 2008, the export side of the equation has shifted to a two-point edge, 51-49 percent.

The opening of the first phase of the Bayport Container Terminal in early 2007 was supposed to relieve the pres-sure building up at the more established Barbours Cut Container Terminal, but world demand has been so intense that, last year, PHA posted another record year of TEU throughput. Cargo flow on PHA’s general cargo docks is just as intense.

“Our terminals are full and the cargo keeps pouring in,” says PHA Turning Basin Terminal Manager Walt Kleczkowski, who has been with the port authority for 21 years. “The old timers have repeatedly mentioned

that they have never experienced the volume of business we are presently handling.” Expect the pace to continue, Reeves says, as a buoyant local and state economy, increased demand, versatility and efficient use of facilities and smart marketing techniques conspire to ensure the boom’s continuance.

“PHA will continue to grow for many decades to come,” Reeves says. “The rate of growth is increasing at an impressive rate and is buoyed by a strong state and local economy. Imports and exports are both fueled by population and business growth – both are expanding in Houston and the state. Because of these strong funda-mentals, PHA will continue its course, barring any major national or international catastrophe, for at least the next 7–10 years.”

“The port authority has a unique capability to simul-taneously handle peaks of all cargo types because of the configuration and operation of its cargo docks,” Reeves adds. “The PHA commissioners, executive team and the Operations and Trade Development staffs are charged with growing the cargo business at the Port of Houston Authority. These teams are meeting with shipping lines, end users, manufacturers, importers and exporters to grow the port’s business. As trade grows, these same teams, led predominatly by the Operations Division, are modifying facilities to accommodate the growth of imports and exports.” n

“ PHA will continue to grow for many decades to come”

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The 4th Annual

Coffee Symposium

Wake Up and Smell the Opportunities in Coffee

Nearly 200 business owners and

would-be business owners learned

the ins and outs of importing coffee

through the Port of Houston dur-

ing the two-day 4th Annual Coffee

Symposium, sponsored by the Port

of Houston Authority the Economic

Alliance Houston Port Region, and the

Greater Houston Coffee Association.

Latin America dominates the coffee trade in North America and is extremely significant to the Houston port region’s economy. In his keynote address, port authority Chairman Jim Edmonds singled out Brazil as the leading source of coffee through the port, followed by Colombia and Mexico.

“Worldwide, Brazil is the largest coffee-producing region, with around 30 percent of total global output of coffee,” said Edmonds. “Between 2006 and 2007, coffee imports from Brazil to the Port of Houston increased by more than 16,000 tons from 38,376 tons to 54,619 tons. Since 2003, all coffee imports to Houston have increased by nearly 35,000 tons, from 140,000 tons to 174,908 tons in 2007.”

Coffee remains a good business opportunity. Alan Kaiser of the National Coffee Association reviewed the latest data concerning coffee trends. The NCA has

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Gourmet coffee beverage consumption

continues to rise.

conducted annual surveys about coffee consumption among adults since 1950 and added questions about con-sumer habits related to consumption of non-traditional coffee such as cappuccino and espresso in 1993.

The percentage of those drinking coffee daily in 2008 declined to 55 from a high of 57 in 2007. Those report-ing having had coffee in the past week also declined to 66 percent from a high of 68 percent in 2006. However, gourmet coffee beverage consumption continues to rise.In comparison, bottled water consumption has continued to rise, while soft drinks have stabilized after declines since 2002. Tea and milk consumption remain flat and juice appears to be declining.

Coffee continues to be consumed more by individu-als aged 60+ years and older than any other age group. Interestingly enough, the percentage of those ages 18 to 24 years old drinking coffee daily has fallen sharply from the high of 37 percent in 2007 to 26 percent in 2008. This follows several years of steady growth, and it is too early to tell if this will develop into a longer term trend. Gourmet coffee consumption is up for all consumers aged 25 and older.

A panel of regulatory and freight forwarding experts reviewed changing legislation and customs requirements. L.B. Booty of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that the amount of imported food has nearly qua-drupled in just 10 years, with confections undergoing the greatest growth followed by fruit and pet foods. Imports from more than 200 countries from about 200,000 foreign registered manufacturers come to the United States.

Food inspection is changing in response to this rapid increase in imports. The inspection process is begin-ning to expand from just inspecting at the port of entry to ensuring safety at the source of foreign manufacture. Increasingly, the FDA is present overseas.

Vera Braun of Coffee America (USA) Inc. pointed out that even though the Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is voluntary, compli-ance does have the benefit of reducing the number of Customs inspections and priority processing. This helps to make delivery times to market become more

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reliable. The NCA’s support program allows suppliers to fill out one security questionnaire instead of many, making compliance even easier.

The SAFE Port Act, which requires additional data 24 hours prior to loading of the vessel at origin, has been modified to include a security filing initiative called 10+2. It is called 10+2 because it requires 10 data elements from the importer and 2 data elements from the carrier before a ship sails to a U.S. port, according to Tammy Deininger of Volcafe USA LLC.

Deininger reported that the U.S. Office of Management & Budget approved the rule on November 6, 2008, and Congress as a 15-day review period. She anticipated pub-lication in Federal Register by Thanksgiving 2008 and a 12-month phase-in period. Each of the panelists stressed the importance of understanding this regulatory environ-ment and being prepared to provide the information on purchase orders and contracts.

This full day of presentations was followed up with a day that included a tour of the most integrated coffee facilities in the world as well as the port’s facilities. That evening, one of the symposium’s sponsors, the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, held the Sippin’ and Cruisin’ Business Excellence Awards Gala at the new Bayport Cruise Terminal. n

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1. LeadershipThe PHA is only as great as its leaders, the seven members of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. The chairman and commissioners serve two-year terms without pay. They make up a diverse, dedicated team of ambassadors, who attend monthly commission meetings, serve on task forces, participate in overseas trade missions and attend countless community functions on behalf of the port authority. Serving with Chairman Jim Edmonds are Commissioners Steve Phelps, James W. Fonteno, Jr., Kase L. Lawal, Jimmy A. Burke, Janiece Longoria and Elyse Lanier.

As we salute the entire Commission, we also recog-nize those individuals who were re-appointed in 2008. Jim Edmonds was appointed to his fifth term as chairman. Under his stewardship, PHA has implemented some of the most innovative environmental, security and opera-tions initiatives ever, while experiencing the most aggres-sive growth, capital expansion and profitability in the PHA’s history. He is president of Edmonds & Company, a business consulting firm.

Houston attorney, businesswoman and civic leader Janiece Longoria was re-appointed to her third term.

Ways the PHA Delivered the Goods in 2008—despite Ike

From great leadership at the top to

a strong workforce, from dedicated

customer service to financial vitality,

the Port of Houston Authority even

overcame a high category 2 hurri-

cane to deliver the goods in 2008.

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Prominent civic leader Elyse Lanier was re-appointed to her second term. The native Houstonian is the wife of former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier.

2. Award-Winning PortTruly an award-winning port, the PHA garnered recogni-tions by many of its divisions in 2008.

Among only four organizations to receive the 2007 President’s “E Star” Award for export service, PHA was recognized for its continuing support of export growth in the U.S. business community. The port’s sustained growth from 2002 to 2006 was fueled by its central location, a robust regional economy and the expansion of major trad-ing partners’ need for U.S. goods. PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds and PHA Executive Director Tom Kornegay accepted the award at a White House ceremony during World Trade Week.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)-Houston honored PHA’s Public Affairs Division with four awards in their annual competitions. PHA received an Award of Excellence for the Port Report. Honorable Mentions recognized the Port of Houston magazine and the “Clean & Green Program Kickoff.” PHA also received a Silver Excalibur Award from the PRSA-Houston Chapter for its 2006 Annual Report. The 2007 reports have already won the Lantern Award, the highest recognition given by the Houston chapter of the Business Marketing Association.

The Port of Houston Authority was named “Best of Category” in the Services/Industrial category of the American Marketing Association – Houston Chapter Marketer of the Year competition for Public Affairs’ efforts in community brand awareness.

Commute Solutions named the PHA among eight local businesses as 2008 Best Workplaces for Commuters. Under a program co-sponsored by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of Harris County and the Houston-Galveston Area Council, PHA leases 11 vans for employee vanpools, with more than 80 employees participating.

3. Bayport Cruise Terminal Opening

Hurricane Ike’s strong winds and even stronger storm surge caused another whirlwind of activity as PHA staff had

to ready the Bayport Cruise Terminal for its unexpected early opening in September. With the Port of Galveston’s Cruise Terminal temporarily inoperable due to the storm, Carnival Cruise Lines asked the PHA to receive cruise ships at its not-yet-completed cruise terminal.

Only five days after Ike hit, the cruise terminal was ready. Thanks to Herculean efforts by staff, the cruise business continued operating in the Texas region. PHA operated Carnival’s Conquest and Ecstasy cruise ships through November 1, when Galveston’s port had recov-ered. According to cruise manager Kay Adams, the thou-sands of passengers who sailed were impressed with the results, with many echoing the comment, “You’re doing a great job!” One of the few cruise terminals custom-designed and custom-built for the cruise industry, the 96,000-square-foot Bayport Cruise Terminal can handle the largest ships sailing today.

4. Improving Facilities and Waterways

A high category 2 hurricane with more than 100 mph winds and a powerful storm surge, Ike tested PHA’s facili-ties, but they were built to stand up well and survived with minimal damage.

This year, the PHA also initiated a marine terminal optimization and market study (MTOMS) to look at ways to optimize facilities at the port. The study con-cluded that the PHA is doing the right thing, making infrastructure and investment available to the right cus-tomers at the right time, but there are still ways to tweak what it is already doing, and small changes can often make a big difference.

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Leadership Award-Winning Port

Bayport Cruise Terminal Opening

Improving Facilities and Waterways

A Safe and Secure Port Environmental Protector, Steward

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Strong Community, Industry and Government Relations

Operational Excellence

Economic Development Financial Strength

Customer Service A Strong Workplace

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5. A Safe and Secure PortIn 2007, port authority efforts helped pass legislation allowing for the creation of the nation’s first-of-its-kind Ship Channel Security District, a public-private partnership designed to help improve security within the ship channel area, by assisting with the local share and operations and maintenance of security projects along the entire waterway. Industry and local officials reached out to the facilities, with informational meetings about the petition to create the district. Once a major-ity signs the petition and Harris County Commissioners Court approves it, the district will be a model for port security nationwide.

The PHA also received recognition as the world’s first port authority to initiate a Security Management System (SMS) worthy of certification for ISO 28000:2007. The certification came after a three-year process of the development of the PHA’s SMS and its application to Port Police and the perimeter security operations at both the Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals. The SMS was modeled after PHA’s highly successful Environmental Management System, which made it the first port authority in the world to attain ISO 14001 certification in 2002.

6. Environmental Protector, Steward

The PHA is committed to conducting port operations and managing resources in an environmentally sensitive and sound manner, including implementation of industry-leading technologies, ISO recertification and renewal of its participation as the only port in the EPA Performance Track Program.

The installation of a state-of-the-art electronic gate access system at the Barbours Cut Terminal has reduced vehicle wait time by about 80 percent, thus reducing fuel usage and emissions.

The first year of the Clean & Green program, a cleanup and restoration initiative for Buffalo Bayou, produced outstanding results. From its August 2007 inception, 1,845 cubic yards of trash have been removed from the banks and waters of the bayou, enough to fill 74 garbage truckloads.

PHA’s new dunnage recycling program committed to a goal of collecting enough dunnage to fill 25 40-cubic-yard dumpsters each month for recycling.

7. Strong Community, Industry and Government Relations

PHA continues reaching out and actively engaging with local communities, the maritime industry and other public servants to foster effective communication and continue building on the growth of jobs and eco-nomic activity at the port.

In 2008, the PHA took the last step in its historic agreement with the City of Seabrook by transferring the new 41-acre Seabrook Wildlife Park to the city, taking the last step of their historic November 2007 agreement. The park will help provide a natural buffer between activity at the PHA’s Bayport terminal and the commu-nity of Seabrook.

Also, as the local partner with the federal govern-ment in maintaining the Houston Ship Channel, PHA continues working closely with the Texas congressional delegation in obtaining sufficient appropriations for this critical waterway.

One of the important ways the port relates to the com-munity is through the M/V Sam Houston tour boat, which provides visitors with an upfront view of how the port delivers the goods. The Sam Houston began its journey in July 1958 and is celebrating 50 years of touring about 1.5 million people.

8. Operational ExcellenceThe PHA continues to exceed container growth with the combined value of Barbours Cut and Bayport con-tainer terminals.

A testament to the dedication of operations staff, they helped get the port authority up and running as quickly as it did after the direct hits from Hurricane Ike and indirect effects of Tropical Storm Edouard and Hurricane Gustav. Import/export steel figures for 2008 are on the way to breaking another record, with a projected total of 6.3 million tons.

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9. Economic DevelopmentEconomic development contributes to the Port of Houston’s preeminent position among the world’s seaports, helping create and sustain jobs and busi-nesses, building infrastructure to aid maritime com-merce, and championing small business development. Annually, the Port of Houston helps generate more than 785,000 statewide jobs, nearly $118 billion of statewide economic activity, and $3.7 billion of state and local taxes in 2006 alone.

The phenomenal growth of the Small Business Development program over the past six years was the focal point of this year’s anniversary event. Since its inception, the program has had a goal of awarding 35 percent of all eligible PHA contracts to certified small businesses.

Since 2002 (as of the third quarter of 2008) more than $250 million or 39 percent of contracts were awarded.

“Coffee Gateway to Latin America” was the theme of the fourth Annual Coffee Symposium, sponsored by the PHA, the Greater Houston Coffee Association and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. The two-day event culminated in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region’s Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala, held at the new Bayport Cruise Terminal.

10. Financial StrengthPHA continues to operate at a profit and be AAA rated, trending to a ninth consecutive year of operating revenue growth, the 12th such year over the past 13.

The AAPA Finance Committee for Excellence in financial reporting presented the PHA with a Certificate of Achievement for the year 2006, the 33rd consecu-tive year of the GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program for fiscal year reporting December 31, 2006. Year-end numbers project that total operating revenues will be up from $201 million in 2008 to $218 million in 2009 or about 8.5 percent.

11. Customer ServicePHA was able to serve its customers just a few days after Hurricane Ike hit due to a quick turnaround. PHA’s customers range from steel importers to shipper services and breakbulk carriers, from processors to warehousers and storage and marine transportation companies. Building reciprocal relationships through the years helps business run smoothly during daily

operations as well as after out-of-the-ordinary experiences such as a hurricane.

Also a testament to PHA’s dedication to its custom-ers is the establishment of long-term contracts with major shipping lines.

PHA provides a high degree of customer service because of its excellent facilities/infrastructure that offer seamless service at competitive pricing; a wide variety of cargo and a well-run foreign trade zone.

Also attesting to its great customer service, the annual PHA customer reception, hosted by PHA Commissioners, executives and trade development managers, drew about 600 representatives of the maritime industry of Houston – the largest turnout yet – for an evening of networking and fellowship.

12. A Strong Workplace PHA not only provides a strong workplace for its employ-ees but helps to ensure jobs for others in the region with such initiatives as the Port of Houston-wide job fairs. The first Port of Houston-wide Job Fair in October 2007 was such a success, another job fair was held in May. Event sponsors included the City of Houston Council District D; Greater Houston Partnership; Houston Community College System; Port of Houston Authority (PHA); West Gulf Maritime Association and Workforce Solutions. The two job fairs offered 2,200 open positions, rang-ing from administrative and clerical to engineering, longshoremen and welding, encompassing both laborer and executive jobs.

Also promoting a strong workplace are the PHA SupPORTers, who volunteer in the community. Volunteer opportunities in 2008 included such activities as Junior Achievement, MS 150, River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash. PHA also sponsors a summer internship program for college students. Volunteers also helped out residents in the city of Shoreacres, whose homes were flooded from Hurricane Ike, by distributing food and supplies.

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The World relies on The PorTThese 89 consulates provide vital links between the port and trade opportunities throughout the world. Many are among the port’s top 50 trading partners. Every one of them is treated as if they represented the port’s most important trading partner.

Each year, the Port of Houston Authority participates in three events held specifically for the members of the Consular Corps.

“There is a cruise that the Port of Houston hosts for the Consular Corps members aboard the M/V Sam Houston during the spring, a reception every December, and the port authority is also a major sponsor of the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce’s annual Consular Ball held every October,” said Robert Morgan, Jr., PHA trade development manager. “This year marked the 57th year that a consular ball was held.”

Morgan works closely with the director of Houston’s International Protocol Alliance, Deanea LeFlore. The Houston International Protocol Alliance is a department of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and serves as the office of protocol for the city of Houston.

LeFlore counsels the mayor and the city council on international affairs and protocol and assists the mayor and other city officials in their interactions with international dignitaries. The Protocol Alliance is the

city’s official liaison to Houston’s Consular Corps and advises the corporate community and the general public on matters of protocol, cross-cultural relations, international affairs, etiquette and event planning.

“The port is really helpful with government officials who visit Houston and want to see the port,” said LeFlore. “They will host luncheons, make special presentations, and conduct tours on the water on the Sam Houston. Sometimes a visiting dignitary will contact the port directly for a visit and others work through the Protocol Alliance.”

The Protocol Alliance works with organizations such as the port authority to increase the consulate presence in Houston. With 89 consulates, Houston trails Los Angeles (111) and New York (109).

Rwanda recently established a presence in Houston. Namibia’s move to Houston is a result of former Houston Mayor Lee Brown’s trade mission to Africa. Port commis-sioner Kase Lawal joined Brown in persuasively lobbying the Namibian government about the usefulness of having a consulate in Houston.

Representatives of countries visiting Houston follow the international business trends, according to Morgan. China has been actively visiting for the past decade and Africa has become more active.

“Nigeria and South Africa are both under-represented in Houston,” said LeFlore. Securing their presence here is a goal of the Consular Corps Task Force. n

Robert Morgan, Jr.

Deanea LeFlore

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Foreign ConsulaTes FloCk To housTonHouston’s leadership in world trade has made it the home of the third-highest number of foreign consulates in the United States. Only New York and Los Angeles surpass Houston’s total.

Here are the top imports and exports by value from each country represented by a foreign consul in Houston*:Albania Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Meat

Angola Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

Argentina Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Synthetic Rubber

Australia Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

Austria Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Insulated Wire

Bangladesh Top Import: Textiles Top Export: Machinery Parts

Barbados Top Import: Ethyl Alcohol Top Export: Polymers of Ethylene

Belgium Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Acyclic Hydrocarbons

Belize Top Import: Track, Ski & Swim Suits Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Bolivia Top Import: Carpentry of Wood Top Export: Special Purpose Motor Vehicles

Botswana Top Import: Sweaters Top Export: Machinery Parts

Brazil Top Import: Motor Cars Top Export: Machinery Parts

Cameroon Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Machinery Parts

Canada Top Import: Crude Oil Top Exports: Ethers

Chile Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

China Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Cyclic Hydrocarbons

Colombia Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Acyclic Hydrocarbons

Costa Rica Top Import: New Tires Top Export: Polymers of Ethylene

Cyprus Top Import: Aluminum Top Export: TV & Radio Parts

Czech Republic Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Nuts

Denmark Top Import: Electric Generating Sets Top Export: Antiknock Preps

Ecuador Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Egypt Top Import: Unclad Iron & Steel Top Export: Machinery Parts

El Salvador Top Import: T-shirts Top Export: Polymers of Ethylene

Equatorial Guinea Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

Ethiopia Top Import: Coffee Top Export: Fixed Vegetable Fats & Oils

Finland Top Import: Electric Motors & Generators Top Export: Hand Tools

France Top Import: Ethyl Alcohol Top Export: Antiknock Preps

Georgia Top Import: Cyclic Hydrocarbons Top Export: Molybdenum Ores

Germany Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Synthetic Rubber

Ghana Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Motor Vehicles

Great Britain Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Machinery Parts

Greece Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Electric Generating Sets

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Guatemala Top Import: Coffee Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Guyana Top Import: Crustaceans Top Export: Trucks

Haiti Top Import: Sweaters Top Export: Wheat

Honduras Top Import: T-shirts Top Export: Insulated Wire

Hungary Top Import: Motor Cars Top Export: Air or Vacuum Pumps

Iceland Top Import: Frozen Fish Top Export: Artificial Corundum

India Top Import: Clad Iron & Steel Top Export: Nitrile-Function Compounds

Indonesia Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

Ireland Top Import: Odoriferous Mixture Top Export: Polymers of Propylene

Israel Top Import: Aircraft Parts Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Italy Top Import: Glazed Paving & Hearth Tiles Top Export: Nuts

Ivory Coast Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

Jamaica Top Import: Beer Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Japan Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Amine-Function Compounds

Jordan Top Import: Men’s or Boys’ Suits Top Export: Motor Cars

Korea Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Nitrile-Function Compounds

Kyrgyzstan Top Import: Sweaters Top Export: Charity, Return Articles

Latvia Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Nuts

Lebanon Top Import: Furniture Top Export: Motor Cars

Lithuania Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Meat

Malaysia Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Turbojets

MaltaTop Import: Books Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Mexico Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Mongolia Top Import: Feldspar Top Export: Pulley Tackle & Hoists

Namibia Top Import: Fish Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Netherlands Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

New Zealand Top Import: Butter Top Export: Machinery Parts

Nicaragua Top Import: Men’s or Boys’ Suits Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Norway Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

Pakistan Top Import: Linens Top Export: Cotton

Panama Top Import: Compression Ignitions Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Papua New Guinea Top Import: Coffee Top Export: Machinery Parts

Paraguay Top Import: Cane or Beet Sugar Top Export: Prepared Media for Sound

Peru Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Philippines Top Import: Boilers Top Export: Petroleum Gases

Poland Top Import: Insulated Wire & Cable Top Export: Synthetic Rubber

Portugal Top Import: Natural Cork Top Export: Nitrile-Function Compounds

Qatar Top Import: Petroleum Gases Top Export: Machinery Parts

Romania Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Meat

Russia Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Machinery Parts

Rwanda Top Import: Coffee Top Export: Animal & Vegetable Fats & Oils

Saudi Arabia Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

Senegal Top Import: Repaired Imports Top Export: Vinyl Chloride Polymers

Singapore Top Import: Cyclic Hydrocarbons Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Slovenia Top Import: Furniture Top Export: Synthetic Rubber

Spain Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Nuts

Sweden Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Oil (Not Crude)

Switzerland Top Import: Oils from High Temperature Coal Top Export: Turbojets

Syria Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Seeds

Thailand Top Import: Unclad Iron & Steel Top Export: Oils from High Temperature Coal

Trinidad and Tobago Top Import: Acyclic Alcohols Top Export: Machinery Parts

Tunisia Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Machinery Parts

Turkey Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Cotton

Ukraine Top Import: Tubes & Pipes Top Export: Air Conditioners

Uruguay Top Import: Oil (Not Crude) Top Export: Hair Preparations

Venezuela Top Import: Crude Oil Top Export: Machinery Parts

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*2005 data from the U.S. Maritime Administration

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For the third time since the EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Program Partnership developed the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000, the Port of Houston Authority has been honored. This year’s win for Clean & Green is in the partnership category.

The Gulf Guardian award singles out the businesses, community groups, individuals and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf of Mexico healthy, beautiful and productive. It exemplifies innovative solutions that come about when resources are pooled to create ways to positively impact quality of life and economic well-being.

The port authority won the government category on the first year of the Gulf Guardian awards for its innova-tive use of dredge material from the project to deepen and widen the Houston Ship Channel. Approximately 88.3 million cubic yards of dredged material over the 50-year life of this project is being recycled to create 4,250 acres of intertidal marsh and various wildlife habitats, includ-ing bird islands in Galveston Bay and the ship channel.

In 2004, the port authority won again in the govern-ment category for the partnership that launched and supported the stormwater pollution cleanup program using the skimmer boat Mighty Tidy.

Clean & Green takes the success of the skimmer boat and magnifies it by adding a workforce to remove the trash that clings to the banks of the bayou, out of the reach of the skimmer boat. For example, during the first 12 months of the program, 1,845 cubic yards of trash was removed. That is nearly double what the skimmer boat alone could capture during the year before Clean & Green began (1,022 cubic yards).

A vital partner in both the skimmer boat operation and Clean & Green is the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. The organization’s annual Buffalo Bayou Ball fundraiser selected its honorees for their leadership in creating and

funding Clean & Green: Elyse and Mayor Bob Lanier, Kim Ogg, the Port of Houston Authority, and Shell Oil Company represented by Hasting Stewart.

When she accepted her honor, Lanier shared that before becoming a port commissioner, she assumed, like countless other Houstonians do, that the stormwater sys-tem is supposed to be used to carry trash and litter off city streets. Once she saw how that litter pollutes the port’s waterway and covers the banks of the bayous, she got busy with Kim Ogg finding a way to solve the problem and fund the solution.

This year’s Keep Houston Beautiful annual Mayor’s Proud Partners Awards also selected Clean & Green as one of its shining examples of “the many miracles per-formed by community and corporate volunteers who have taken increased responsibility for our city and its environment,” according to Houston Mayor Bill White. In 2005, the port authority was selected as the Mayor’s Outstanding Proud Partner during these award ceremo-nies in recognition of its numerous environmental initia-tives and leadership both locally and nationally.

While Clean & Green sweeps home some awards, it is also keeping busy on the job. During October, Clean & Green collected 106 cubic yards of stormwater trash. This brings the grand total to 2,163 cubic yards collected since this award-winning effort began in 2007. That much trash would fill 86.5 trash trucks, and all of it is now recycled, including the plastics, rubber, paper, metal, glass, wood and electronics. n

Clean & Green has not only been

cleaning up area waterways. It has

also been cleaning up on awards.

Clean & GreenS w e e p i n g S u c c e S S

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Hasting Stewart, Shell Oil Company; Gilda Ramirez, Port of Houston Authority; Port Commissioner Elyse Lanier and Mayor Bob Lanier; Kim Ogg, The Ogg Law Firm; Mike Garver, Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Page 29: Port of Houston Authority: Steel Shining Brightly!

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The PHA operates eight primary terminals and is made up of eight divisions: Executive, Administration, Facilities, Operations, Planning and Environment, Public Affairs, Small Business Development and Trade Development. Within those divisions are about 20 departments and within those departments are offices and areas where the nearly 600 individual staff members do their specific jobs.

It takes people to make a great port. People from every division doing their share, from operating and maintaining the facilities to ensuring environmental excellence, from constructing new facilities to watch-ing the budget and purchasing the goods. It takes people communicating to the public through such vehicles as this publication, others making sure the property is safe and secure, working with small businesses or working to promote global trade.

Employees contribute to the port authority’s continu-ing success by focusing on one or more of the PHA’s eight key objectives: economic development; a premier container, cargo and cruise port; a safe and secure port; environmental protector, steward; improving our facilities and waterways; strong community, industry and government relations; financial strength; and a strong workplace.

Just like the Port of Houston and its array of public and private facilities,

the Port of Houston Authority is made up of several distinct elements

that all come together. The many achievements made by the PHA each

year could not happen without a team of dedicated employees working

at their particular jobs.

It Takes People

to Make a Great

Page 31: Port of Houston Authority: Steel Shining Brightly!

Individual workers’ collective efforts are responsible for the port’s high ranking among the world’s seaports. Their contributions continue to help the port create and sustain jobs and businesses, build infrastructure to aid maritime commerce and champion small business development.

Employees’ hard work, commitment to customer ser-vice and premier preparation have resulted in premier container and cargo performances, which are laying the foundation for another record year for the port authority.

Keeping the port safe and secure from both man-made catastrophes and natural disasters, PHA staff work to secure it with fencing and other measures, while others are involved in intelligence and information sharing with neighboring law enforcement personnel. All PHA employees share the responsibility by having security awareness.

Promoting proactive environmental compliance and stewardship, staff maintain PHA’s commitments to pollu-tion prevention and continual improvement to preserve and enhance the natural and man-made environment.

“ When our team works together, we can do anything.”

It Takes People

to Make a Port

Page 32: Port of Houston Authority: Steel Shining Brightly!

Staff support the maintenance of top-tier facilities and waterways through a capital improvements, dredging and maintenance program fueled by federal and local taxes and a substantial amount of PHA operating funds.

Through outstanding financial management, staff are helping PHA trend to its ninth consecutive year of operating revenue growth.

To ensure the port authority remains successful, employees recruit, develop and retain a diverse, talented and continually improving team. Staff also lend their support to Port of Houston-wide job fairs, which benefit the entire region.

Staff work with local communities, the maritime industry and elected officials to enhance confidence in the port authority. Every year, employees take advantage of the many volunteer opportunities the port delivers. Whether they’re planting trees for the first anniversary of the successful Clean & Green program or teach-ing elementary and middle school students through Junior Achievement, cleaning up trash at the Annual Trash Bash, giving food to the Houston Food Bank or blood through the Gulf Coast Blood Drive, PHA

employees benefit the community, the port authority and themselves. On average, these employees collectively volunteer more than 600 hours of their off-work time annually, and these efforts attract hundreds more volun-teers from the larger community. To date, this year, those numbers have more than doubled to 1,240 because of an increase in events.

Then there are the extraordinary cir-cumstances that arise, as witnessed during the recent hurricane, when job duties change and expand and employees really rise to the occasion. How else could the PHA have opened for business again so soon after being hit by a once-in-a-quarter-century storm?

As H. Thomas Kornegay, PHA executive director, said in response to employee efforts in the aftermath of Ike, “When our team works together, we can do anything.” n

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Most mariners realize the sea can be a cruel and unforgiving headmistress. Despite her vastness, and the fact that — for eons — seafarers have used her for on-the-job development of their skills, she doesn’t always provide the safest venue for critical exercises in trial and error.

Little missteps in real time can result in big conse-quences involving huge losses of money, equipment, environmental integrity and lives. The sea can be a ruthless instructor. Worst-case scenarios don’t allow for second chances in her “classroom” for survival.

There is a better way to learn as you go. Enter the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) Center for Maritime Education (CME), which annually provides advanced nautical training to more than 1,600 mariners through simulator-based facilities located in Paducah, Ky., and Houston.

“Let’s face it, mariners will face adversity at sea,” says Captain Stephen Polk, director for the Center of Maritime Education in Houston. “It’s how you deal with the chal-lenges that determines the likelihood of a casualty, par-ticularly when dealing with the human element.”

“We believe that by addressing training issues proac-tively, we will increase the safety and professionalism of vessel crews. “I can run the same scenario on these simu-lators with 100 different mariners and have 100 different outcomes,” Polk says. “That’s because you have people involved in the process.”

Involving people in the process of improving their skills as mariners is what Polk’s organization is all about.

The 7 1/2-year-old Houston center – a $5.5 million, 17,000-square-foot facility with about $8 million in training simulators designed to address the training and simulation needs of those who work the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf Coast ports – was financed through the collaborative efforts of the Port of Houston Authority, the State of Texas General Land Office and a number of leading maritime industry companies. Polk, a veteran of the U.S. Navy with more than 10,000 hours of tac-tical and underway command experience, credits a sup-port staff including: Captain Bill Douglas, Unlimited Master Mariner; retired Houston Pilot Raymond Fincher;

Captain Bob Bush, Unlimited Master Mariner with 45 years’ experience; Captain Magdi Girgis, Unlimited Master Mariner; Hank Cummings, licensed as Master Towing Vessels; Coast Guard Academy graduate Mike DeCesare, licensed as Chief Mate Unlimited and Master Towing Vessel; Registrar Kim Murray and Chaplain Pam Stephens with making the Center a success.

The Houston center provides a controlled setting in which seasoned mariners look over the shoulders of a current generation of seafarers. More than 800 receive training each year at the facility.

The training facility features four simulation-based bridges and pilothouses that offer full visual imaging in a 25-foot-radius theater.

A Polaris computer is the brains for the system, which utilizes 22 projectors, the two full-mission visual bridges providing 230-degree forward and 35-degree view aft. The two smaller wheelhouses have three 50" LCD screens.

All bridges have VHF, sound and vibration to create an extraordinarily realistic environment.

SCI’s in-house team created databases that not only simulate the visual aspects, but also all the radar, land, navigation aids and bathymetrics, as well as tidal current approximations. These are the first databases to be built from the ground up, specifically for towboats, instead of being adapted from ocean simulators.

The center provides databases for more than 130 vessel models as well as open-sea exercises.

With the rapid advances of technology, Polk sees train-ing centers such as his as the laboratories of the future. Immediate plans for Houston are to work on integrating security procedures and maneuvers into the curriculum. n

BUSINESS CONNECTIONSCME Provides High-tech Training with Risk-free Curriculum

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With a combined 45 years’ professional experience between them, Georges Nge and Stephen Collins bring a wealth of oilfield and construction expertise to the table through their Kambuso Construction firm.

Founded as a multi-service, oilfield services and supplies company with an international scope, Kambuso has sharp-ened its focus to a local venue and last year acquired the Port of Houston Authority as a client.

The 3-year-old company was enlisted to complete two crucial rehab projects on PHA docks 19 and 41, respec-tively. The projects involved shoring up the site, re-bar and pouring concrete. The first was a $34,000 project; the second was done at a cost of $18,000.

PHA’s own engineers did the designs and specs for the process, while Kambuso handled the actual construction.

Kambuso is a certified small business, bringing together the talents of Nge, who has about 15 years of drilling and construction experience through his work with

ExxonMobil and Halliburton, and Collins’ 30 years of experience gained primarily through the ownership and operation of a construction company.

Nge considers the relationship with PHA a mutually rewarding one, citing “reliability and fairness” as the two attributes he has seen from the port authority. n

SPOTLIGHT ON SMALL BUSINESS

Kambuso Brings Wealth of Experience to the Table

Georges Nge and Stephen Collins

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