HOUSTON, July 27, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority approved and adopted a vision, mission statement and the core values of the Port of Houston Authority, as well as a Memorandum of Friendship and Trade Cooperation between the Port of San Pedro, Cote d'Ivoire, and the Port of Houston Authority, among several matters acted on during the July 26 meeting.
The Port Commission endorsed the Port Authority's vision to serve as "the maritime gateway to Texas and the heartland of America by leading in global commerce, environmental stewardship, community focus and economic prosperity."
Port Commissioners also gave brief updates on recent meetings of the standing task forces organized at the May 24 Port Commission meeting. Commissioner Jim Fonteno said discussions were under way on financial reporting and the other matters that would be the focus of the Audit Task Force, and he expected the group's formal charter to be brought to the Port Commission for consideration next month. Commissioner Steve Phelps reported that the Governance Task Force would begin its work by reviewing sample bylaws and current policies. Commissioner Elyse Lanier pointed out the significance that Port Authority contributions have for surrounding communities and its commitment to being a good citizen and good neighbor. She also noted that there would be separate meetings to cover the two missions of the Small Business Development and Community Relations Task Force.
In his monthly report, Chief Executive Officer Alec Dreyer said that steel continued its strong growth in June, but container operations saw a dip from last year's levels during the short summer lull for customers.
Even though container tonnage was down in June approximately 2 percent, it is up for the first half of the year over 7 percent, which he said is a good indication that the Texas economy is continuing to perform at a pace ahead of the rest of the nation.
"It means the container liner companies that service Houston are handling more vessels with higher profitability — more cargo per ship — and in the long run, this means the Texas economy is expanding," Dreyer said.
Steel tonnage for June was 442,000 tons, nearly three times the level of June 2010. For the first six months of this year, steel has increased over last year by 886,000 tons or 86 percent. The monthly total for July is expected to be nearly half a million tons.
"Turning Basin revenue was up 38 percent in June and is up 31 percent for the first half of the year, directly attributable to the much higher levels of steel this year over last," Dreyer said. "Turning Basin revenue is also ahead of budget by some 8 percent overall."
EXECUTIVE
(Agenda G1) Port Commissioners approved and adopted the proposed vision, mission statement and core values of the Port of Houston Authority, which staff had developed and presented at the June 28, 2011, special workshop meeting to consider 2011 strategic initiatives:
Vision
The Port of Houston Authority serves as the maritime gateway to Texas and the heartland of America by leading in global commerce, environmental stewardship, community focus and economic prosperity.
Mission Statement
The Port of Houston Authority facilitates commerce, navigation and safe waterways promoting sustainable trade and generating economic development for the Houston region, Texas and the nation, while being a model environmental and security steward, and a community-focused and fiscally responsible organization.
Core Values
The Port of Houston Authority is governed by its core values and recognizes these guiding principles as being crucial to the organization and its continued standing as an industry leader serving the Port of Houston:
Economic Development—Deliver economic development to our stakeholders, provide quality service and operations to our public and private partners, and ensure an efficient ship channel.
Corporate Integrity—Cultivate an ethical business environment, preserve the fundamental principles of fairness, transparency and integrity, and promote good relationships with all stakeholders.
Financial Responsibility—Provide transparent and fiscally sound business practices that demonstrate our commitment to continued growth and improvement.
Environmental Stewardship—Proactively lead in environmental compliance and continually strive to enhance and sustain natural and man-made environments for future generations.
Security Commitment—Work with public and private partners to provide secure facilities for the community, for our customers, businesses, and employees, and for the others who work and visit here.
Community Partnerships—Bring together local communities, the maritime industry, and our other stakeholders to build partnerships that enhance the region, and also provide opportunities for the development of local small businesses.
Workforce Development—Attract, develop, and retain the best talent for maritime business, valuing diversity, and fostering a mutually respectful and ethical environment
ORIGINATION
(Agenda M1) The Port Commission approved a Memorandum of Friendship and Trade Cooperation with the Port of San Pedro, Cote d'Ivoire, to expand mutual understanding and cooperation and promote economic benefits for both ports. The Port Authority and the Port of San Pedro share a mutual interest in generating new business by promoting the all-water route between them. The parties may also elect to undertake joint marketing activities and share information regarding trade, marketing, modernization and improvements, training programs and technology.
About the Port of Houston Authority
The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile-long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, there are more than 7,700 vessel calls at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in overall total tonnage. The port authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. The second recertification of those facilities in 2009 included an extension for the state-of-the-art Bayport Container Terminal. The port authority is the first port authority in the world to receive ISO 28000:2007 certification for its port police and the perimeter security operations at both the Barbours Cut and Bayport Terminals. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee "C" futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade's Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com
The Port of Houston Authority logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=720