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 underway 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."