The Port of Houston Delivers Economic Growth!

 

Businesses in the East End thrive in the turbocharged economy fueled by the Port of Houston! A major economic engine for the region, the state and the nation, the Port boasts an economic value of nearly $118 billion, and handles more foreign tonnage than any other U.S. port. Containers, steel, petcoke, industrial chemicals, and miscellaneous bulk products are the five big ticket items for the port, with the new Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal reinforcing Houston as the dominant container facility on the Gulf Coast.

The port delivers jobs! In 2007, approximately 785,000 jobs in Texas were related to activity at the port, generating more than $39 billion in personal income according to a Martin and Associates study. These jobs fit into four types – direct, such as dockworkers and terminal operators; induced, such as health care providers; indirect, such as equipment and parts suppliers; and related jobs such as manufacturing and distribution firms. This tremendous growth in economic activity was driven by a nearly 50 million ton increase in cargo during the last six years!

The Port of Houston has been instrumental in the Houston's development as a center of international trade. About 100 steamship lines offer service linking Houston with 1,053 ports in 203 countries. It is also home to a $15 billion petrochemical complex, the largest in the nation and second largest worldwide.

The Port of Houston Authority's Small Business Development Program (SBDP) was created to provide additional opportunities for local small businesses to participate in contracting and procurement at the Port of Houston Authority. According to a recent study, a total of nearly $7 billion in revenue is generated annually by all businesses providing direct services at the Port of Houston. Small businesses that are eligible for the PHA's Small Business Development Program enjoy a significant share of that revenue.

The Port of Houston can deliver economic growth for YOU! Through participation with the East End Chamber, you’ll learn how to do business with the port. The Chamber is YOUR business lifeline in 2009—grab hold and hang on to success!