ACIT Today
Governor Perry praises chemical industry
Governor thanks industry for hurricane response and economic contribution at TCC/ACIT Annual Meeting
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Gov. Perry keynotes |
Governor Rick Perry praised the
Speaking Oct. 16 to a capacity crowd at TCC/ACIT Annual Meeting Luncheon, Perry thanked the state’s chemical industry for contributing more than $20 million and volunteer assistance to storm-stricken communities.
“I wanted to come here today and say ‘thank you’ to those of you in the chemical industry for what you did,” the governor told a luncheon audience of more than 250 industry representatives. “You have gone beyond the call of duty to help your fellow citizens.”
Perry also praised TCC member companies for their commitment to safely restarting their facilities that had been shut down or damaged by hurricanes Hurricane Ike. “Your industry didn’t wait for the federal government to show up down here to clean everything up,” he said. “You were back doing that when the sun came up [the next] day, helping your neighbors, compassionately working with folks.”
As examples, the governor cited Shell Chemical’s Deer Park facility for donating a large generator to a temporary shelter at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center; Kaneka Texas Corporation in Pasadena for opening its contractor parking lot for FEMA and recovery workers; and Puffer‑Sweiven in La Porte for hosting a blood drive in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.
“These are great examples of the humanitarian assistance, the corporate citizenship we have in this state,” Perry said.
The governor also lauded the chemical industry for being an important economic engine for the state. He stated that the
“Although Texas will not escape the impact of the current international credit crisis,” Perry said, “the state has a fundamentally sound economy and is well positioned to lead an eventual national rebound.” State positives include a well-educated workforce, healthy business climate, low taxes and reasonable regulatory environment, he noted.
“Our foundation is strong,” Perry said. “When they find the bottom … and the financial markets get turned around, Chairman Kraft presents Leadership Award to governor
After the speech, TCC Chairman Greg Kraft presented Perry with the 2008 TCC Leadership Award and thanked the governor for his support of the chemical industry and commitment to the state’s economy, environment and disaster responsiveness.
“Throughout your administration, you have been a champion for economic development and job growth,” Kraft told the governor. “You have also led the charge for lawsuit reform and … demonstrated a strong commitment to improving our state’s air quality by signing into law the Texas Emissions Reduction Act. Finally, you have led the development of one of the most sophisticated state emergency management departments in the country.”
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Industry Appears Grazed, but not Pummeled, by Hurricane Ike
In the wake of Hurricane Ike, preliminary assessments are trickling in from our member companies – and the picture taking shape is that injuries to people and damage to our facilities have been mercifully light. 
More than 100 petrochemical plants were affected by the massive storm, which has caused at least 30 deaths in eight states. Nearly two million Texas residents and many chemical plants are without power as of this writing – although more than 7,500 utility employees are working to restore service in an area the size of New York State. TCC offers condolences to those who are suffering from this disaster, while also giving thanks that many other lives, homes and businesses have been spared.
News reports and postings to various company websites indicate that more refineries and chemical facilities came through Ike with light or no damage, although some are reporting moderate damage. However, extensive damage to power lines and infrastructure are hampering efforts to restore power to production facilities and residents alike along the Gulf Coast. Details remain scarce, but a TCC survey of company reports and announcements revealed the following snapshot of industry conditions as of Friday, Sept. 19:
• Nearly 30 facilities remain shut down, although several are expected to be back on line this week. Others will require a week or more to re-start.
Managing the Stormy Season
ACIT Members Get Hurricane Briefing in Real Time
Michael White, assistant emergency management coordinator of Jefferson County, spoke recently to ACIT members at the Golden Triangle Regional Dinner Aug. 28 in Beaumont. As Hurricane Gustav roared toward the Gulf Coast, White displayed images of the massive storm in real time as he explained emergency procedures that were being put in place throughout the county.
Mark Viator of Partnership Strategies LLC also spoke to approximately 70 dinner attendees about the Golden Triangle’s workforce initiatives. Viator pointed out that the Golden Triangle will see over $15 billion in new investment. Companies investing in these projects will need more than 13,000 skilled workers to meet new construction and turnaround needs, he said.
Photo: Michael White