HOUSTON, Aug. 1, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- By a unanimous vote, the Harris County Mayors' and Councils' Association has re-appointed Jimmy A. Burke to the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) Commission for another two years. Initially appointed to the PHA commission in August 1999, Burke also is a member of the board of Pilot Commissioners. PHA commissioners serve two-year terms without pay.
"We warmly welcome Commissioner Burke's return," said PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds. "His leadership and tenure on three port authority committees has been exemplary. Jimmy works diligently to serve 26 Harris County cities, and his dedication to his constituents has been instrumental in helping maintain the port's economic vitality. We look forward to continuing our work with him."
Burke is chairman of the PHA's international business development task force and a founding member of the community relations committee. He also serves as chairman of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. The Alliance, in collaboration with the PHA, the Greater Houston Coffee Association, and the City of Pasadena will present the first Coffee and Cocoa Symposium on Thursday, October 20, 2005 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Texas. The theme "Java and Jobs: Creating Economic Stimulus in the Region" reflects the Houston region's rising stature in the global coffee trade and the powerful overall role of coffee in the area's economic development. The day-long symposium will feature unique opportunities to network and gain inside knowledge of Houston's coffee supply chain -- from shipping, warehouse storage and distribution, to roasting, packaging and retail marketing.
"I have a life-long interest in community service and will continue to focus on economic development activities that are on point with the Port of Houston Authority," Burke said. "As I continue to work with and serve the small cities, enhancing opportunities for businesses will be a top priority. It is gratifying to serve as a commissioner of the sixth largest port in the world, working with fellow commissioners who each bring special expertise to make significant contributions to the port and the entire Houston area."
A Deer Park resident since 1954, Burke retired from Shell Oil Co.'s manufacturing complex following 35 years of service. Commissioner Burke also has been active in the Deer Park community in both civic and governmental activities for more than 40 years. His achievements include serving nine terms as mayor from 1981 to 1999, as well as serving on city council from 1969 to 1981.
Burke has an extensive background in governmental involvement and has served on numerous committees and boards, including Texas Municipal League Group Benefits Risk Pool Board (1993-1999); Texas Municipal League, board of directors president (1997-1999); Texas Municipal League, board of directors member (1992-1999); National League of Cities, board of directors (1992-1999); and Small Cities Council, steering committee, board of directors, chairman (1991-1992). He also is a life member of the Deer Park Jaycees and has served on various youth sports leagues.
Burke received a bachelor's degree in electronics from the University of Houston. He and his wife Peggy have four sons and one daughter.
Commissioner Burke's civic enthusiasm permeates the communities along the Houston Ship Channel. "I've gotten to know Commissioner Burke really well this past year and I am really impressed with him," stated Pasadena Mayor John Manlove. "He really has a genuine interest in this area of the port region. He's a forward thinker. When it comes to the vision of possibilities for this area, Commissioner Burke and I are on the same page. I think he is a very valuable asset to the port and our community."
Jan Lawler, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port region said, "Jimmy Burke's reappointment to the Port of Houston Authority Commission comes as tremendous news for communities in southeast Harris County. With years of demonstrated public service and consensus building, Commissioner Burke brings experienced leadership to compliment the commission as it works to ensure our port economy continues to bring jobs and commerce to citizens."
Morgan's Point Mayor Peggy Arisco said, "Commissioner Burke is a great friend who has helped increase communication and understanding between our community and the port authority. Thanks to his efforts, the port authority has helped us complete projects that have helped improve our community. He's doing great things for the whole Houston area as he fulfills his mission as a port commissioner, and we look forward to continuing to work with him."
Baytown Mayor Calvin Mundinger said, "Commissioner Burke has a contagious passion for doing positive things for the port and east Harris County. He is a pleasure to work with and I am confident that he is going to continue his positive efforts for the benefit of the port and the citizens in the surrounding communities."
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, more than 6,600 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and sixth largest in the world. The PHA 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. 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
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