It marks the first time in the 100-year history of the organization that a woman has led the nation’s busiest port in terms of foreign waterborne tonnage and barge transits. Longoria indicated that her leadership will be based on collaboration. She acknowledged with great appreciation the demonstration of support from the overflow crowd, which included local elected officials and community leaders joining her to help take the Port Authority to an even higher level of excellence.
“I don’t do this alone,” Longoria said, “I do it with the help of every person in this room, elected officials, labor, private industry, community leaders and members of the Port Commission, acting together for the same goals.”
Longoria noted that the Port of Houston will be marking a major milestone in 2014 when it celebrates its centennial.
“We will be celebrating our 100-year anniversary of economic development, growth and prosperity because of the vision of our predecessors,” she said. “We at the table are stewards of their legacy.”
Survey results released during the meeting further demonstrated the importance of the channel to manufacturing industries. Results showed that companies along the Houston Ship Channel will spend an estimated $35 billion on capital and maintenance improvements over the next three years. That investment is expected to generate more than 111,000 construction-related jobs and an additional $800 million in tax revenues.
Joining Longoria on the seven-member Port Commission are newly appointed Commissioners John D. Kennedy and Dean Corgey. Kennedy was appointed by Harris County Commissioners Court in December and Corgey by Houston City Council last week. Houston Mayor Annise Parker swore Corgey in just prior to Tuesday’s meeting.
The mayor was among a number of public officials and distinguished guests who were in attendance at the Port Authority. They included: Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman, Houston Councilmembers C.O. Bradford and Wanda Adams, Baytown Mayor Stephen Don Carlos, Deer Park Mayor Wayne Riddle, Galena Park Mayor R.P. “Bobby” Barrett, LaPorte Mayor Louis Rigby, Morgan’s Point Pro-tem Mayor Michel Bechtel, Shoreacres Mayor Dolly Arons, Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell and Pasadena City Council member Don Harrison, Pearland Mayor Tom Reid and Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal.
Other distinguished guests demonstrating their support of the Port of Houston included: ILA President Clyde Fitzgerald, Richard Shaw, AFL-CIO, METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia, METRO Board Member Dwight Jefferson, Sports Authority Chairman Kenny Friedman Houston Pilots Presiding Officer Capt. Robert Thompson, NAACP Houston Executive Director Yolanda Smith and Economic Alliance Houston Port Region President Chad Burke.