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Port of Houston Authority IPublic Affairs INewsroom Page 1 of2
l HL PO RT Of- IWUSlO N AUT II ORIT Y liD USTON TXAS
GenerallnformatiDn I Business DevelDpment I Public Relations I Maritime Operations
Cruise Information I Sam Iouston Boat Tour I Employment I Related Unks
NEWSROOM IIA Sea of Opportunity
Celebration Marks Official Debut of Houstons Only Maritime Transportation Management and Security Degree Program
HOUSTON Sept 29 2010 -- Texas Southern University in partnership with the Port of Houston Authority has officially instituted its new degree program in Maritime Transportation Management and Security Nearly 200 guests including elected officials and leaders in the private and public maritime industry convened to learn about and celebrate the new program during a luncheon themed A Sea of Opportunity on Monday September 27 at TSUs new Science Building
This is the first university degree program related to Maritime Transportation and Security in the Houston area and the first such at any Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the nation Accredited by the state coordinating board the TSU maritime degree program curriculum addresses three nationally recognized priorities -logistics security and environment The first 33 students enrolled in the program this fall semester
Port of Houston Authority Commissioner Kase Lawai a TSU alumnus and recently appointed member of the White House Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations was the keynote speaker at Mondays event The Port of Houston Authority and Texas Southern University share a strong interest in nurturing educational opportunities in the maritime field which offers a broad array of careers said LawaI This is just one more example of TSUs willingness to lead with innovative ideas and programs
In his remarks Texas Southern University President Dr John Rudley stated This partnership with the Port of Houston and the members of the maritime industry is tremendous We couldnt have done this by ourselves This program will provide numerous opportunities and jobs for our students in the future
The premier luncheon sponsor the US Coast Guard was represented by Sector Houston-Galvestons Commanding Officer Captain Marcus Woodring The US Coast Guard is extremely proud to be a partner with Texas Southern University in their new Maritime Transportation Management and Security degree program Woodring said 1 cannot think of a university better positioned to offer such a degree The natural linkage to the Port of Houstons rich maritime heritage and the budding maritime academies at local high schools offer a talented pool of applicants and unparalleled opportunities for post-graduation careers
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia remarked This partnership with the port and TSU is about jobs And in these challenging times we are serving notice to everyone who will listen We are not sitting still We are planning for new growth new jobs and a bright future
According to Port Commission Chairman James T Edmonds the Maritime Transportation Management and Security degree program at Texas Southern University represents a wise investment that is already providing a return of tremendous benefits for Houstons port and maritime industry and paves the way for future generations to continue relying on the port as an economic engine of prosperity
The Port of Houston Authority is also collaborating with Houston ISO and several maritime industry partners on the Port of Houston Maritime Academy The initiative debuted in fall 2009 at Stephen F Austin and Jack Yates high schools and about 250 students have completed the first year of the program The program continues to help students learn about the many opportunities in the maritime industry and the educational paths toward a range of fulfilling well-paying careers such as
bull freight logistics specialist bull shipping manager
httpwww irconnecLcomJpohapagesnews_printer html d=202628ampprint= 1 52212011
II
Port of Houston Authority IPublic Affairs INewsroom Page 2 of2
bull port manageroperator bull port security officer bull maritime policy maker bull maritime transportation planner bull environmental compliance coordinator bull emergency response speCialist
The need for a specialized and sophisticated workforce is critical throughout the global maritime industry and at the Port of Houston in particular According to recent studies Houstons port generates more than 785000 jobs and nearly $118 billion in economic activity in the region annually More than 7700 vessel and 150000 barge calls occur at the port every year Overall the port is a large and vibrant component of the regional and national economy
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 7700 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 Houstons development as a center of international trade The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any US 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 280002007 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 Trades Coffee Sugar amp Cocoa Exchange For more information please visit wwwportofhoustoncom
To access the ports Web site photo gallery please visit httpwwwportofhoustoncompubJicrelationspublicrelationshtmland click the link for Port Authority Photo Gallery
The Port of Houston Authority logo is available at httpwwwglobenewswirecomnewsroornprslpkgid=720
CONTACT Port of Houston Authority Lisa Ashley-Whitlock Director Corporate Communications
(713) 670-2644 Cell (832) 247-8179 lwhitlockpohacom
Felicia Griffin Manager Corporate Communications (713) 670-2893 Cell (713) 294 7185 fgriffinpohacom
Back Port of Houston Authority
111 East Loop Northmiddot Houston Texas 77029 PO Box 2562 bull Houston Texas 77252middot2562
Phone 713-670-2400
Copyright 2009 Port of Houston Authoritymiddot All Rights Reserved For questions and comments send an e-mail
Please include company name and phone number when appropriate so we may better respond to your inquiry
httpwwwirconnectcomlpohalpagesnews_printerhtml d=202628ampprint= 1 52212011
The Houston Fie ld Office of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees the entrance
and exit of all international passengers carriers and cargo within Houston Dallas San Antonio Austin Lubbock Port Arthur Corpus Christi Amarillo Freeport Midland Oklahoma City and Tulsa Oklahoma In 2009 CBP processed more than 359000 cargo containers CBPs guidance to the Port
of Houston involves pol iCY Implementation and qua lity management
The motto Semper Fi or Always Faithful seems to
underscore the passion that Jeffrey O Baldwin Sr embod
ies as Houstons top executive leader in US Customs and
Border Protection or CBP
Its about having the opportunity to make a difference
every day in the pro tec tion of this nation says Baldwin
whos a lso a distinguished Marine Corps ve teran
Indeed CBP is o ne of the larges t and most complex
components of the US Department of Homeland
Security with a priority miss ion of keeping terrorists
and their weapons out of the US The crucial roles CBP
plays in facilitating trade to and from the Port of Houston
involve securing cargo from ac ts of terrorism assuring
that goods arriving at Houstons docks are legitimate and
monitoring that appropr ia te duties and fees are paid
When Baldwin was appointed CBPs director of
Houston field ope rations in 2006 he immediately
recognized the unique cha llenges in protecting this
geographica lly dispersed port and the mass ive vo lumes of
ca rgo -particula rly petrochemica ls- that are transported
through its diverse complex of public and priva te facilities
He has been turning those cha llenges into opportunities
as he continuously str ives to facilitate and strengthen
partnerships between CBP and various law enforcement
and regulatory agencies as well as industry groups
It was important for me to reach out to a ll of them and
make sure our security and risk management philosophies
were in line he says We meet regularly and we undershy
stand that we are in the cant fail business One failure
can have catastrophic consequences for a ll
Baldwin says Houston port security must be an ini shy
ti ative of inclusiveness among local state federal and
internatio na l partners
We have to understand that we have a shared risk and
we have a shared acco untability for managing that risk
he says Eac h agency has its own unique o rganizational
miss ion But we each hold pieces of the puzz le that we
have to put on the table and see where they all fit
Collabo ration is so important to Baldwin that he is
prov iding a ve nue fo r law enforcement pa rtners to inteshy
gra te the ir maritime security efforts The Houston Area
Maritime Opera tions Center focuses on mitigCl ting a ll
maritime threa ts by capitalizing on the intelligence
operationa l and response capabilities of local state and
federa l law enforcement agencies
Baldwin has more than 31 years of federal government
service He has served as field operations director for
CBPs Tampa fie ld office area port director of Svannah
Georgia port director of the Miami Seaport and port
director for Miami International Airport He has a lso repshy
resented the U S on customsrelated matters in Europe
Centra l America South America and Afr ica
Baldwin was recognized by the US Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security for his emergency
respon~ e ro le during Hurricane Ike Hes also received
a commendation fro m the CBP Commissioner for hi~
innovativeness in esta blishing Houston as a model pll[r
- proving that this former Marine continues to serve
faithfully with pride and ingenulry _
THE PORT REPORT BREAKBULK AMERICAS CONFERENCE
Port of HOllS on Authority
The 21 st Annual Journal ofCommerce Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference amp Exhibition Houston makes history as liThe Path Forward captures momentum
More than 3000 sh ippers supply chain p roviders and leading industry experts set record
attendance during the Oct 12 -14 Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition
It was the first time in 21 years that th is leading g lobal indust ry gathering was held in Houston - the
The openlnq ce lemony was l11 ~ rked result of col laborat ive efforts by the Port of Houston Authority the Greater Houston Partnersh ip the WI h ybnlic flbbcHI cutung by City of Houston the Greater Houston Convention amp Visi tors Bureau and the Journal of Commerce Hams Counly Precir1Cl 2 ComnllSIOnel
As the la rgest breakbulk port in the US and a leader inSylvia Garcl Port ot Houston Ath Ity CEO Alec G Dreyer and Alii McEntyre steel and project cargo for more than 90 yea rs the Port of thl J(rn1 ) COIl1n1Rf( Authority hosted the opening day expo at its Sam Houston
Pavil ion Hundreds of conference-goers viewe d Turning Basin breakbu lk fac ilities during tours
aboard the MN Sam Houston Nume rous exhibits highlighted the Port Authori tys strateg ic
initiatives in g lobal trade economic development environmental stewardship sma ll business
development and community outreach The Port Authoritys emergency response capabilities
were also highlighted in displays of its emergency mobile command center a fire t ruck from its
Marine Department and a rescue boat from the US Coast Guard
Houston is Breakbulk and a Lot More The Breakbulk Americas conference provided a platform fo r Port of Houston Authority Chai rman
James T Edmonds and Chief Executive Officer A lec G Dreyer to tout the dynamic host city wh ich
is the largest on the US Gulf Coast and fo urth largest in the nation
It is terri f ic to finall y be able to show off Houston to you Edmonds said during we lcoming rema rks
Houston offers a world -class infrastructure that connects our city to the national and global
community An excel lent airway system major and multiple roads intermodal facili t ies and a deep
sea port are the reasons why Houston is an efficient global gateway and a major corporate center
Dreyerfocused on the big business picture in his re marks stating The biggest dynamic we
believe is this city Houston is big on hospitality and its make-yourself-at-home sp irit is contagious
Breakbulk Goes to School Sessions for college students offered for the first time in conference history
A wide-ranging curriculum was presented by a distinguished faculty of indust ry leaders during the
conferences first Breakbulk Education Day More than 100 students from the maritime transportation
and logistics progra ms at Houston Community College Lone Star College San Jacinto College
Texas AampM Galveston Texas Southern University University of Houston and other schools throughout
the US were able to attend the educational sessions with generous sponsorships from more than
100 breakbulk industry companies and associat ions
Steve Garifalos of Rickmers-Lin ie America d iscussed the art science and global economic importance
of transport ing cargo John Hark from Bertling Logist ics covered the basics on chartering with insight into the relationship among carriers
charterers forwarders and brokers The complexities of managing a series of stakeholders activities and regulatory requ irements were the
focus of the breakbulk supply chain presentation by Grant Wattman of CH2MHill Greg Gowans from CBampI presented a case study that
highlighted the technical lifts method statements and root surveys involved in a major heavylift lIJG project in Peru
A boa our f the HrJuaon Stgtip Chann~ 1
was a highl lgh o f the can r nc~
The PorI Author itys Cham~n Jam-s T Edrnonds and CEO Alec G Droyer tou ted HOUS1on as he larget ( ~3kbu k pOl l in the U5 and il leader in steel and project cargo for more than 90 yeMs
A care r hf for ccllege sturi f-ntll W i
also pa t or 6eakbu lk Educa tion Dy
Keynote Speakers Focus on Global Infrastructure Infrastructure developments around the world are the key to boosting the breakbu lk and project cargo
sectors according to three industry leaders who delivered keynote presentations during the conference
The outlook for engineering procurement and construction (better known as EPC) is strong according
to David Ha mmerl e principal vice president and corporate manager at Bechte l He outlined many
posit ive indications of growth in the capital projects business and provided perspective on sectors
and geographical locat ions that show the most promise
Robert Drew a top logistics executive with Tata Steel Inc shared his comprehensive
perspective on the state of the steel industry including the impact of supply and demand
swings on shipping Drew also had keen insight on Chinas rol e in steel market fluctuations
Despite projections that the general cargo market is slowly recovering from a decline in
2009 and fore cast to remain flat unti l at least 2011 Susan Oatway a sen ior consultant with
Drewry Shipping Consul ta nts exam ined the outlook for global trade for multipurpose
vessels as well as th e factors impacting recovery Susan Oatway
Closing Night Reception Scores Home Run A great variety of food music and optimism filled the
atmosphere as the Port of Houston Authority hosted th e
Breakbulk Americas closing night customer reception at
Minute Maid Park home of the Houston Astros
Guests were greeted by Port ComrngtsIOller
Janes Fonteno p()rt Commsgtloncr Steve Phelps POlt Cor~issiofr Jimmy [3 Hk Houston Mayo Annlse lrker Port of Hosto~ Authoflly Vice Presi lent Qf Origll1ati(n Ricky KlInz ilr1d Gteg
Cliak Preslden amp CEO 0 the (jredter -Iouton
CO1Iention and VisitlJl s Bu()u BrelKbulk conference goes II Mnute Milld I~k
Houston Astros owner Dray tOil Md)gt
From the Houston Astro catcher l1ulIlDmiddottc
QWltEm and 19 nrl~IY tern1er outf Irld nrl first base coach Jose CrUl flank POrt Author y Ve
Presdef1 of Cart-IIr Trml[1ilis Roger Guenther
See You Back Here in 2012 Tal ks are already under way to secure hotel arrangements and reception venues in Houston now
that the Journal o f Commerce has agreed to bring Breakbulk Americas back here in 2012
Hosted annually in New Orleans for two decades th is major marit ime indust ry conference will
now alternate between the Crescent City (2011 and future odd-numbered years) and the Bayou
City (2012 and future even-numbered years) according to Alii McEntyre JOes vice president
of events and publisher of Breakbulk magazine
Both ports are home to powerful trading communities closely tied to the global breakbulk and
project cargo markets McEntyre says The rotation between New Orleans and Houston will
keep the conference program the exhibits and the after-hours networking fresh and interesting
Port of Houston Authority Market Development Manager Brian Reeves described the development as a trifecta success for Houston
Youve got a good mar itime conference provider coup led with the nat ions largest breakbulklproject cargo port and the ports location
in the heartland of t he breakbu lk marketplace of the United States Reeves says
Follow Alec Dreyer on AlecDreyerFind us on
Questions Please direct all inquiries and comments to
The Port of Houston Authority
Public Affairs Division Phone 713-670-2893
111 East Loop North Fax 713-670-2425
PO Box 2562 E-mail fgriffinpohacom
Houston Texas 77252-2562 Web site wwwportofhoustoncom
POI L01 Hou~ton AJlhortty repreSef1t~tlveS greet v105 In the George R Brown Convent C ntBr xhbl hall
James T Edmonds Chairman
Steve Phelps
James W Fonteno Jr
Kase l lawai
Jimmy A Burke
Janiece Longoria
Elyse Lanier
Chief Executive Officer Alec G Dreyer
(An op-ed by F Renee Griffin MBA APR)
Transforming Human Capital Management to Yield Greater Dividends from Houstons Public Schools
Our public school educators deserve to be among the most revered professionals in Houston That elite status has been hindered however by long-standing policies that have treated teachers like interchangeable oneshysize-tits-all mechanical parts As a result ofthis degradation theres been little or no distinction between the highest and lowest performers
Excellent work in the classroom has not always accelerated teachers career tracks Often they have received the same satisfactory evaluations and pay raises as their lower-performing peers Conversely many teachers who have struggled in their performance also have received satisfactory marks on their evaluations but no constructive feedback to help them improve
Under its declaration of beliefs and values the Houston Independent School District has committed to ensure effective teachers and principals in every classroom and school HISD partnered with The New Teacher Project a national nonprofit to analyze the districts policies and practices in teacher hiring firing compensation and performance TNTP also administered online surveys to all Houston teachers principals and unhired teacher applicants to examine appraisal professional development compensation and working conditions
The findings of these studies form the foundation of the four-part strategic plan for human capital management transformation in the nations seventh-largest school system
Establish a rigorous and fair teacher appraisal system to inform key decisions Only 43 percent of teachers in TNTPs survey said that performance evaluations help them improve And even though teachers and principals agree there are significant numbers of low-performing teachers at their schools principals rarely identify improvement areas in appraisals
Clear process timelines expectations and performance standards will heighten confidence in the system Additionally value-added measures such as students engagement levels and work products should augment test-based assessments of teachers impacts on student learning
Provide effective individualized support and professional development for teachers Most teachers in TNTPs study said they do not feel that they receive support that helps them improve or address their students needs And instead of doing paperwork or attending meetings principals said they are eager to spend more time visiting classrooms observing teachers and providing feedback on instruction
Offer meaningful career pathways and differentiated compensation to retain and leverage the most effective teachers Data show high-performing teachers leave HISD at similar rates as their lower performing peers According to TNTPs study 61 percent of teachers support accelerated salary schedule increases for high rates of student growth They also favor additional rewards for strong classroom performance including school leadership opportunities
Strengthen recruiting and staffing policies and practices to attract top talent TNTPs studies show late hiring timelines cause applicants to withdraw This has been especially hurtful to schools in Houstons high poverty communities which have the fewest high-performing teachers To recruit the strongest teacher candidates HISD must hire earlier and make hiring process communications more responsive timely and clear
We must elevate the status of teaching so the most talented people will enter and stay in the profession to deliver on the promise of an excellent education for all HISDs human capital management transformation strategies promise to eradicate what has become a culture of indifference to excellence and failure
ADDITIONAL WRITING SAMPLES F (Felicia) Renee Griffin APR
Downloadable Writing Samples (magazine articles press releases editorials)
httpwwwslidesharenetiFeliciaGriffinfelicia-griffin-writing-samples
The Port Report monthly newsletter October 2010 edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-Oct1 Opdf
Breakbulk special edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-BBAC-201 Opdf
Professional 810g httpMyPRgativewordpresscom
I I
Port of Houston Authority IPublic Affairs INewsroom Page 2 of2
bull port manageroperator bull port security officer bull maritime policy maker bull maritime transportation planner bull environmental compliance coordinator bull emergency response speCialist
The need for a specialized and sophisticated workforce is critical throughout the global maritime industry and at the Port of Houston in particular According to recent studies Houstons port generates more than 785000 jobs and nearly $118 billion in economic activity in the region annually More than 7700 vessel and 150000 barge calls occur at the port every year Overall the port is a large and vibrant component of the regional and national economy
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 7700 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 Houstons development as a center of international trade The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any US 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 280002007 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 Trades Coffee Sugar amp Cocoa Exchange For more information please visit wwwportofhoustoncom
To access the ports Web site photo gallery please visit httpwwwportofhoustoncompubJicrelationspublicrelationshtmland click the link for Port Authority Photo Gallery
The Port of Houston Authority logo is available at httpwwwglobenewswirecomnewsroornprslpkgid=720
CONTACT Port of Houston Authority Lisa Ashley-Whitlock Director Corporate Communications
(713) 670-2644 Cell (832) 247-8179 lwhitlockpohacom
Felicia Griffin Manager Corporate Communications (713) 670-2893 Cell (713) 294 7185 fgriffinpohacom
Back Port of Houston Authority
111 East Loop Northmiddot Houston Texas 77029 PO Box 2562 bull Houston Texas 77252middot2562
Phone 713-670-2400
Copyright 2009 Port of Houston Authoritymiddot All Rights Reserved For questions and comments send an e-mail
Please include company name and phone number when appropriate so we may better respond to your inquiry
httpwwwirconnectcomlpohalpagesnews_printerhtml d=202628ampprint= 1 52212011
The Houston Fie ld Office of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees the entrance
and exit of all international passengers carriers and cargo within Houston Dallas San Antonio Austin Lubbock Port Arthur Corpus Christi Amarillo Freeport Midland Oklahoma City and Tulsa Oklahoma In 2009 CBP processed more than 359000 cargo containers CBPs guidance to the Port
of Houston involves pol iCY Implementation and qua lity management
The motto Semper Fi or Always Faithful seems to
underscore the passion that Jeffrey O Baldwin Sr embod
ies as Houstons top executive leader in US Customs and
Border Protection or CBP
Its about having the opportunity to make a difference
every day in the pro tec tion of this nation says Baldwin
whos a lso a distinguished Marine Corps ve teran
Indeed CBP is o ne of the larges t and most complex
components of the US Department of Homeland
Security with a priority miss ion of keeping terrorists
and their weapons out of the US The crucial roles CBP
plays in facilitating trade to and from the Port of Houston
involve securing cargo from ac ts of terrorism assuring
that goods arriving at Houstons docks are legitimate and
monitoring that appropr ia te duties and fees are paid
When Baldwin was appointed CBPs director of
Houston field ope rations in 2006 he immediately
recognized the unique cha llenges in protecting this
geographica lly dispersed port and the mass ive vo lumes of
ca rgo -particula rly petrochemica ls- that are transported
through its diverse complex of public and priva te facilities
He has been turning those cha llenges into opportunities
as he continuously str ives to facilitate and strengthen
partnerships between CBP and various law enforcement
and regulatory agencies as well as industry groups
It was important for me to reach out to a ll of them and
make sure our security and risk management philosophies
were in line he says We meet regularly and we undershy
stand that we are in the cant fail business One failure
can have catastrophic consequences for a ll
Baldwin says Houston port security must be an ini shy
ti ative of inclusiveness among local state federal and
internatio na l partners
We have to understand that we have a shared risk and
we have a shared acco untability for managing that risk
he says Eac h agency has its own unique o rganizational
miss ion But we each hold pieces of the puzz le that we
have to put on the table and see where they all fit
Collabo ration is so important to Baldwin that he is
prov iding a ve nue fo r law enforcement pa rtners to inteshy
gra te the ir maritime security efforts The Houston Area
Maritime Opera tions Center focuses on mitigCl ting a ll
maritime threa ts by capitalizing on the intelligence
operationa l and response capabilities of local state and
federa l law enforcement agencies
Baldwin has more than 31 years of federal government
service He has served as field operations director for
CBPs Tampa fie ld office area port director of Svannah
Georgia port director of the Miami Seaport and port
director for Miami International Airport He has a lso repshy
resented the U S on customsrelated matters in Europe
Centra l America South America and Afr ica
Baldwin was recognized by the US Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security for his emergency
respon~ e ro le during Hurricane Ike Hes also received
a commendation fro m the CBP Commissioner for hi~
innovativeness in esta blishing Houston as a model pll[r
- proving that this former Marine continues to serve
faithfully with pride and ingenulry _
THE PORT REPORT BREAKBULK AMERICAS CONFERENCE
Port of HOllS on Authority
The 21 st Annual Journal ofCommerce Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference amp Exhibition Houston makes history as liThe Path Forward captures momentum
More than 3000 sh ippers supply chain p roviders and leading industry experts set record
attendance during the Oct 12 -14 Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition
It was the first time in 21 years that th is leading g lobal indust ry gathering was held in Houston - the
The openlnq ce lemony was l11 ~ rked result of col laborat ive efforts by the Port of Houston Authority the Greater Houston Partnersh ip the WI h ybnlic flbbcHI cutung by City of Houston the Greater Houston Convention amp Visi tors Bureau and the Journal of Commerce Hams Counly Precir1Cl 2 ComnllSIOnel
As the la rgest breakbulk port in the US and a leader inSylvia Garcl Port ot Houston Ath Ity CEO Alec G Dreyer and Alii McEntyre steel and project cargo for more than 90 yea rs the Port of thl J(rn1 ) COIl1n1Rf( Authority hosted the opening day expo at its Sam Houston
Pavil ion Hundreds of conference-goers viewe d Turning Basin breakbu lk fac ilities during tours
aboard the MN Sam Houston Nume rous exhibits highlighted the Port Authori tys strateg ic
initiatives in g lobal trade economic development environmental stewardship sma ll business
development and community outreach The Port Authoritys emergency response capabilities
were also highlighted in displays of its emergency mobile command center a fire t ruck from its
Marine Department and a rescue boat from the US Coast Guard
Houston is Breakbulk and a Lot More The Breakbulk Americas conference provided a platform fo r Port of Houston Authority Chai rman
James T Edmonds and Chief Executive Officer A lec G Dreyer to tout the dynamic host city wh ich
is the largest on the US Gulf Coast and fo urth largest in the nation
It is terri f ic to finall y be able to show off Houston to you Edmonds said during we lcoming rema rks
Houston offers a world -class infrastructure that connects our city to the national and global
community An excel lent airway system major and multiple roads intermodal facili t ies and a deep
sea port are the reasons why Houston is an efficient global gateway and a major corporate center
Dreyerfocused on the big business picture in his re marks stating The biggest dynamic we
believe is this city Houston is big on hospitality and its make-yourself-at-home sp irit is contagious
Breakbulk Goes to School Sessions for college students offered for the first time in conference history
A wide-ranging curriculum was presented by a distinguished faculty of indust ry leaders during the
conferences first Breakbulk Education Day More than 100 students from the maritime transportation
and logistics progra ms at Houston Community College Lone Star College San Jacinto College
Texas AampM Galveston Texas Southern University University of Houston and other schools throughout
the US were able to attend the educational sessions with generous sponsorships from more than
100 breakbulk industry companies and associat ions
Steve Garifalos of Rickmers-Lin ie America d iscussed the art science and global economic importance
of transport ing cargo John Hark from Bertling Logist ics covered the basics on chartering with insight into the relationship among carriers
charterers forwarders and brokers The complexities of managing a series of stakeholders activities and regulatory requ irements were the
focus of the breakbulk supply chain presentation by Grant Wattman of CH2MHill Greg Gowans from CBampI presented a case study that
highlighted the technical lifts method statements and root surveys involved in a major heavylift lIJG project in Peru
A boa our f the HrJuaon Stgtip Chann~ 1
was a highl lgh o f the can r nc~
The PorI Author itys Cham~n Jam-s T Edrnonds and CEO Alec G Droyer tou ted HOUS1on as he larget ( ~3kbu k pOl l in the U5 and il leader in steel and project cargo for more than 90 yeMs
A care r hf for ccllege sturi f-ntll W i
also pa t or 6eakbu lk Educa tion Dy
Keynote Speakers Focus on Global Infrastructure Infrastructure developments around the world are the key to boosting the breakbu lk and project cargo
sectors according to three industry leaders who delivered keynote presentations during the conference
The outlook for engineering procurement and construction (better known as EPC) is strong according
to David Ha mmerl e principal vice president and corporate manager at Bechte l He outlined many
posit ive indications of growth in the capital projects business and provided perspective on sectors
and geographical locat ions that show the most promise
Robert Drew a top logistics executive with Tata Steel Inc shared his comprehensive
perspective on the state of the steel industry including the impact of supply and demand
swings on shipping Drew also had keen insight on Chinas rol e in steel market fluctuations
Despite projections that the general cargo market is slowly recovering from a decline in
2009 and fore cast to remain flat unti l at least 2011 Susan Oatway a sen ior consultant with
Drewry Shipping Consul ta nts exam ined the outlook for global trade for multipurpose
vessels as well as th e factors impacting recovery Susan Oatway
Closing Night Reception Scores Home Run A great variety of food music and optimism filled the
atmosphere as the Port of Houston Authority hosted th e
Breakbulk Americas closing night customer reception at
Minute Maid Park home of the Houston Astros
Guests were greeted by Port ComrngtsIOller
Janes Fonteno p()rt Commsgtloncr Steve Phelps POlt Cor~issiofr Jimmy [3 Hk Houston Mayo Annlse lrker Port of Hosto~ Authoflly Vice Presi lent Qf Origll1ati(n Ricky KlInz ilr1d Gteg
Cliak Preslden amp CEO 0 the (jredter -Iouton
CO1Iention and VisitlJl s Bu()u BrelKbulk conference goes II Mnute Milld I~k
Houston Astros owner Dray tOil Md)gt
From the Houston Astro catcher l1ulIlDmiddottc
QWltEm and 19 nrl~IY tern1er outf Irld nrl first base coach Jose CrUl flank POrt Author y Ve
Presdef1 of Cart-IIr Trml[1ilis Roger Guenther
See You Back Here in 2012 Tal ks are already under way to secure hotel arrangements and reception venues in Houston now
that the Journal o f Commerce has agreed to bring Breakbulk Americas back here in 2012
Hosted annually in New Orleans for two decades th is major marit ime indust ry conference will
now alternate between the Crescent City (2011 and future odd-numbered years) and the Bayou
City (2012 and future even-numbered years) according to Alii McEntyre JOes vice president
of events and publisher of Breakbulk magazine
Both ports are home to powerful trading communities closely tied to the global breakbulk and
project cargo markets McEntyre says The rotation between New Orleans and Houston will
keep the conference program the exhibits and the after-hours networking fresh and interesting
Port of Houston Authority Market Development Manager Brian Reeves described the development as a trifecta success for Houston
Youve got a good mar itime conference provider coup led with the nat ions largest breakbulklproject cargo port and the ports location
in the heartland of t he breakbu lk marketplace of the United States Reeves says
Follow Alec Dreyer on AlecDreyerFind us on
Questions Please direct all inquiries and comments to
The Port of Houston Authority
Public Affairs Division Phone 713-670-2893
111 East Loop North Fax 713-670-2425
PO Box 2562 E-mail fgriffinpohacom
Houston Texas 77252-2562 Web site wwwportofhoustoncom
POI L01 Hou~ton AJlhortty repreSef1t~tlveS greet v105 In the George R Brown Convent C ntBr xhbl hall
James T Edmonds Chairman
Steve Phelps
James W Fonteno Jr
Kase l lawai
Jimmy A Burke
Janiece Longoria
Elyse Lanier
Chief Executive Officer Alec G Dreyer
(An op-ed by F Renee Griffin MBA APR)
Transforming Human Capital Management to Yield Greater Dividends from Houstons Public Schools
Our public school educators deserve to be among the most revered professionals in Houston That elite status has been hindered however by long-standing policies that have treated teachers like interchangeable oneshysize-tits-all mechanical parts As a result ofthis degradation theres been little or no distinction between the highest and lowest performers
Excellent work in the classroom has not always accelerated teachers career tracks Often they have received the same satisfactory evaluations and pay raises as their lower-performing peers Conversely many teachers who have struggled in their performance also have received satisfactory marks on their evaluations but no constructive feedback to help them improve
Under its declaration of beliefs and values the Houston Independent School District has committed to ensure effective teachers and principals in every classroom and school HISD partnered with The New Teacher Project a national nonprofit to analyze the districts policies and practices in teacher hiring firing compensation and performance TNTP also administered online surveys to all Houston teachers principals and unhired teacher applicants to examine appraisal professional development compensation and working conditions
The findings of these studies form the foundation of the four-part strategic plan for human capital management transformation in the nations seventh-largest school system
Establish a rigorous and fair teacher appraisal system to inform key decisions Only 43 percent of teachers in TNTPs survey said that performance evaluations help them improve And even though teachers and principals agree there are significant numbers of low-performing teachers at their schools principals rarely identify improvement areas in appraisals
Clear process timelines expectations and performance standards will heighten confidence in the system Additionally value-added measures such as students engagement levels and work products should augment test-based assessments of teachers impacts on student learning
Provide effective individualized support and professional development for teachers Most teachers in TNTPs study said they do not feel that they receive support that helps them improve or address their students needs And instead of doing paperwork or attending meetings principals said they are eager to spend more time visiting classrooms observing teachers and providing feedback on instruction
Offer meaningful career pathways and differentiated compensation to retain and leverage the most effective teachers Data show high-performing teachers leave HISD at similar rates as their lower performing peers According to TNTPs study 61 percent of teachers support accelerated salary schedule increases for high rates of student growth They also favor additional rewards for strong classroom performance including school leadership opportunities
Strengthen recruiting and staffing policies and practices to attract top talent TNTPs studies show late hiring timelines cause applicants to withdraw This has been especially hurtful to schools in Houstons high poverty communities which have the fewest high-performing teachers To recruit the strongest teacher candidates HISD must hire earlier and make hiring process communications more responsive timely and clear
We must elevate the status of teaching so the most talented people will enter and stay in the profession to deliver on the promise of an excellent education for all HISDs human capital management transformation strategies promise to eradicate what has become a culture of indifference to excellence and failure
ADDITIONAL WRITING SAMPLES F (Felicia) Renee Griffin APR
Downloadable Writing Samples (magazine articles press releases editorials)
httpwwwslidesharenetiFeliciaGriffinfelicia-griffin-writing-samples
The Port Report monthly newsletter October 2010 edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-Oct1 Opdf
Breakbulk special edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-BBAC-201 Opdf
Professional 810g httpMyPRgativewordpresscom
I I
The Houston Fie ld Office of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees the entrance
and exit of all international passengers carriers and cargo within Houston Dallas San Antonio Austin Lubbock Port Arthur Corpus Christi Amarillo Freeport Midland Oklahoma City and Tulsa Oklahoma In 2009 CBP processed more than 359000 cargo containers CBPs guidance to the Port
of Houston involves pol iCY Implementation and qua lity management
The motto Semper Fi or Always Faithful seems to
underscore the passion that Jeffrey O Baldwin Sr embod
ies as Houstons top executive leader in US Customs and
Border Protection or CBP
Its about having the opportunity to make a difference
every day in the pro tec tion of this nation says Baldwin
whos a lso a distinguished Marine Corps ve teran
Indeed CBP is o ne of the larges t and most complex
components of the US Department of Homeland
Security with a priority miss ion of keeping terrorists
and their weapons out of the US The crucial roles CBP
plays in facilitating trade to and from the Port of Houston
involve securing cargo from ac ts of terrorism assuring
that goods arriving at Houstons docks are legitimate and
monitoring that appropr ia te duties and fees are paid
When Baldwin was appointed CBPs director of
Houston field ope rations in 2006 he immediately
recognized the unique cha llenges in protecting this
geographica lly dispersed port and the mass ive vo lumes of
ca rgo -particula rly petrochemica ls- that are transported
through its diverse complex of public and priva te facilities
He has been turning those cha llenges into opportunities
as he continuously str ives to facilitate and strengthen
partnerships between CBP and various law enforcement
and regulatory agencies as well as industry groups
It was important for me to reach out to a ll of them and
make sure our security and risk management philosophies
were in line he says We meet regularly and we undershy
stand that we are in the cant fail business One failure
can have catastrophic consequences for a ll
Baldwin says Houston port security must be an ini shy
ti ative of inclusiveness among local state federal and
internatio na l partners
We have to understand that we have a shared risk and
we have a shared acco untability for managing that risk
he says Eac h agency has its own unique o rganizational
miss ion But we each hold pieces of the puzz le that we
have to put on the table and see where they all fit
Collabo ration is so important to Baldwin that he is
prov iding a ve nue fo r law enforcement pa rtners to inteshy
gra te the ir maritime security efforts The Houston Area
Maritime Opera tions Center focuses on mitigCl ting a ll
maritime threa ts by capitalizing on the intelligence
operationa l and response capabilities of local state and
federa l law enforcement agencies
Baldwin has more than 31 years of federal government
service He has served as field operations director for
CBPs Tampa fie ld office area port director of Svannah
Georgia port director of the Miami Seaport and port
director for Miami International Airport He has a lso repshy
resented the U S on customsrelated matters in Europe
Centra l America South America and Afr ica
Baldwin was recognized by the US Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security for his emergency
respon~ e ro le during Hurricane Ike Hes also received
a commendation fro m the CBP Commissioner for hi~
innovativeness in esta blishing Houston as a model pll[r
- proving that this former Marine continues to serve
faithfully with pride and ingenulry _
THE PORT REPORT BREAKBULK AMERICAS CONFERENCE
Port of HOllS on Authority
The 21 st Annual Journal ofCommerce Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference amp Exhibition Houston makes history as liThe Path Forward captures momentum
More than 3000 sh ippers supply chain p roviders and leading industry experts set record
attendance during the Oct 12 -14 Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition
It was the first time in 21 years that th is leading g lobal indust ry gathering was held in Houston - the
The openlnq ce lemony was l11 ~ rked result of col laborat ive efforts by the Port of Houston Authority the Greater Houston Partnersh ip the WI h ybnlic flbbcHI cutung by City of Houston the Greater Houston Convention amp Visi tors Bureau and the Journal of Commerce Hams Counly Precir1Cl 2 ComnllSIOnel
As the la rgest breakbulk port in the US and a leader inSylvia Garcl Port ot Houston Ath Ity CEO Alec G Dreyer and Alii McEntyre steel and project cargo for more than 90 yea rs the Port of thl J(rn1 ) COIl1n1Rf( Authority hosted the opening day expo at its Sam Houston
Pavil ion Hundreds of conference-goers viewe d Turning Basin breakbu lk fac ilities during tours
aboard the MN Sam Houston Nume rous exhibits highlighted the Port Authori tys strateg ic
initiatives in g lobal trade economic development environmental stewardship sma ll business
development and community outreach The Port Authoritys emergency response capabilities
were also highlighted in displays of its emergency mobile command center a fire t ruck from its
Marine Department and a rescue boat from the US Coast Guard
Houston is Breakbulk and a Lot More The Breakbulk Americas conference provided a platform fo r Port of Houston Authority Chai rman
James T Edmonds and Chief Executive Officer A lec G Dreyer to tout the dynamic host city wh ich
is the largest on the US Gulf Coast and fo urth largest in the nation
It is terri f ic to finall y be able to show off Houston to you Edmonds said during we lcoming rema rks
Houston offers a world -class infrastructure that connects our city to the national and global
community An excel lent airway system major and multiple roads intermodal facili t ies and a deep
sea port are the reasons why Houston is an efficient global gateway and a major corporate center
Dreyerfocused on the big business picture in his re marks stating The biggest dynamic we
believe is this city Houston is big on hospitality and its make-yourself-at-home sp irit is contagious
Breakbulk Goes to School Sessions for college students offered for the first time in conference history
A wide-ranging curriculum was presented by a distinguished faculty of indust ry leaders during the
conferences first Breakbulk Education Day More than 100 students from the maritime transportation
and logistics progra ms at Houston Community College Lone Star College San Jacinto College
Texas AampM Galveston Texas Southern University University of Houston and other schools throughout
the US were able to attend the educational sessions with generous sponsorships from more than
100 breakbulk industry companies and associat ions
Steve Garifalos of Rickmers-Lin ie America d iscussed the art science and global economic importance
of transport ing cargo John Hark from Bertling Logist ics covered the basics on chartering with insight into the relationship among carriers
charterers forwarders and brokers The complexities of managing a series of stakeholders activities and regulatory requ irements were the
focus of the breakbulk supply chain presentation by Grant Wattman of CH2MHill Greg Gowans from CBampI presented a case study that
highlighted the technical lifts method statements and root surveys involved in a major heavylift lIJG project in Peru
A boa our f the HrJuaon Stgtip Chann~ 1
was a highl lgh o f the can r nc~
The PorI Author itys Cham~n Jam-s T Edrnonds and CEO Alec G Droyer tou ted HOUS1on as he larget ( ~3kbu k pOl l in the U5 and il leader in steel and project cargo for more than 90 yeMs
A care r hf for ccllege sturi f-ntll W i
also pa t or 6eakbu lk Educa tion Dy
Keynote Speakers Focus on Global Infrastructure Infrastructure developments around the world are the key to boosting the breakbu lk and project cargo
sectors according to three industry leaders who delivered keynote presentations during the conference
The outlook for engineering procurement and construction (better known as EPC) is strong according
to David Ha mmerl e principal vice president and corporate manager at Bechte l He outlined many
posit ive indications of growth in the capital projects business and provided perspective on sectors
and geographical locat ions that show the most promise
Robert Drew a top logistics executive with Tata Steel Inc shared his comprehensive
perspective on the state of the steel industry including the impact of supply and demand
swings on shipping Drew also had keen insight on Chinas rol e in steel market fluctuations
Despite projections that the general cargo market is slowly recovering from a decline in
2009 and fore cast to remain flat unti l at least 2011 Susan Oatway a sen ior consultant with
Drewry Shipping Consul ta nts exam ined the outlook for global trade for multipurpose
vessels as well as th e factors impacting recovery Susan Oatway
Closing Night Reception Scores Home Run A great variety of food music and optimism filled the
atmosphere as the Port of Houston Authority hosted th e
Breakbulk Americas closing night customer reception at
Minute Maid Park home of the Houston Astros
Guests were greeted by Port ComrngtsIOller
Janes Fonteno p()rt Commsgtloncr Steve Phelps POlt Cor~issiofr Jimmy [3 Hk Houston Mayo Annlse lrker Port of Hosto~ Authoflly Vice Presi lent Qf Origll1ati(n Ricky KlInz ilr1d Gteg
Cliak Preslden amp CEO 0 the (jredter -Iouton
CO1Iention and VisitlJl s Bu()u BrelKbulk conference goes II Mnute Milld I~k
Houston Astros owner Dray tOil Md)gt
From the Houston Astro catcher l1ulIlDmiddottc
QWltEm and 19 nrl~IY tern1er outf Irld nrl first base coach Jose CrUl flank POrt Author y Ve
Presdef1 of Cart-IIr Trml[1ilis Roger Guenther
See You Back Here in 2012 Tal ks are already under way to secure hotel arrangements and reception venues in Houston now
that the Journal o f Commerce has agreed to bring Breakbulk Americas back here in 2012
Hosted annually in New Orleans for two decades th is major marit ime indust ry conference will
now alternate between the Crescent City (2011 and future odd-numbered years) and the Bayou
City (2012 and future even-numbered years) according to Alii McEntyre JOes vice president
of events and publisher of Breakbulk magazine
Both ports are home to powerful trading communities closely tied to the global breakbulk and
project cargo markets McEntyre says The rotation between New Orleans and Houston will
keep the conference program the exhibits and the after-hours networking fresh and interesting
Port of Houston Authority Market Development Manager Brian Reeves described the development as a trifecta success for Houston
Youve got a good mar itime conference provider coup led with the nat ions largest breakbulklproject cargo port and the ports location
in the heartland of t he breakbu lk marketplace of the United States Reeves says
Follow Alec Dreyer on AlecDreyerFind us on
Questions Please direct all inquiries and comments to
The Port of Houston Authority
Public Affairs Division Phone 713-670-2893
111 East Loop North Fax 713-670-2425
PO Box 2562 E-mail fgriffinpohacom
Houston Texas 77252-2562 Web site wwwportofhoustoncom
POI L01 Hou~ton AJlhortty repreSef1t~tlveS greet v105 In the George R Brown Convent C ntBr xhbl hall
James T Edmonds Chairman
Steve Phelps
James W Fonteno Jr
Kase l lawai
Jimmy A Burke
Janiece Longoria
Elyse Lanier
Chief Executive Officer Alec G Dreyer
(An op-ed by F Renee Griffin MBA APR)
Transforming Human Capital Management to Yield Greater Dividends from Houstons Public Schools
Our public school educators deserve to be among the most revered professionals in Houston That elite status has been hindered however by long-standing policies that have treated teachers like interchangeable oneshysize-tits-all mechanical parts As a result ofthis degradation theres been little or no distinction between the highest and lowest performers
Excellent work in the classroom has not always accelerated teachers career tracks Often they have received the same satisfactory evaluations and pay raises as their lower-performing peers Conversely many teachers who have struggled in their performance also have received satisfactory marks on their evaluations but no constructive feedback to help them improve
Under its declaration of beliefs and values the Houston Independent School District has committed to ensure effective teachers and principals in every classroom and school HISD partnered with The New Teacher Project a national nonprofit to analyze the districts policies and practices in teacher hiring firing compensation and performance TNTP also administered online surveys to all Houston teachers principals and unhired teacher applicants to examine appraisal professional development compensation and working conditions
The findings of these studies form the foundation of the four-part strategic plan for human capital management transformation in the nations seventh-largest school system
Establish a rigorous and fair teacher appraisal system to inform key decisions Only 43 percent of teachers in TNTPs survey said that performance evaluations help them improve And even though teachers and principals agree there are significant numbers of low-performing teachers at their schools principals rarely identify improvement areas in appraisals
Clear process timelines expectations and performance standards will heighten confidence in the system Additionally value-added measures such as students engagement levels and work products should augment test-based assessments of teachers impacts on student learning
Provide effective individualized support and professional development for teachers Most teachers in TNTPs study said they do not feel that they receive support that helps them improve or address their students needs And instead of doing paperwork or attending meetings principals said they are eager to spend more time visiting classrooms observing teachers and providing feedback on instruction
Offer meaningful career pathways and differentiated compensation to retain and leverage the most effective teachers Data show high-performing teachers leave HISD at similar rates as their lower performing peers According to TNTPs study 61 percent of teachers support accelerated salary schedule increases for high rates of student growth They also favor additional rewards for strong classroom performance including school leadership opportunities
Strengthen recruiting and staffing policies and practices to attract top talent TNTPs studies show late hiring timelines cause applicants to withdraw This has been especially hurtful to schools in Houstons high poverty communities which have the fewest high-performing teachers To recruit the strongest teacher candidates HISD must hire earlier and make hiring process communications more responsive timely and clear
We must elevate the status of teaching so the most talented people will enter and stay in the profession to deliver on the promise of an excellent education for all HISDs human capital management transformation strategies promise to eradicate what has become a culture of indifference to excellence and failure
ADDITIONAL WRITING SAMPLES F (Felicia) Renee Griffin APR
Downloadable Writing Samples (magazine articles press releases editorials)
httpwwwslidesharenetiFeliciaGriffinfelicia-griffin-writing-samples
The Port Report monthly newsletter October 2010 edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-Oct1 Opdf
Breakbulk special edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-BBAC-201 Opdf
Professional 810g httpMyPRgativewordpresscom
I I
THE PORT REPORT BREAKBULK AMERICAS CONFERENCE
Port of HOllS on Authority
The 21 st Annual Journal ofCommerce Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference amp Exhibition Houston makes history as liThe Path Forward captures momentum
More than 3000 sh ippers supply chain p roviders and leading industry experts set record
attendance during the Oct 12 -14 Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition
It was the first time in 21 years that th is leading g lobal indust ry gathering was held in Houston - the
The openlnq ce lemony was l11 ~ rked result of col laborat ive efforts by the Port of Houston Authority the Greater Houston Partnersh ip the WI h ybnlic flbbcHI cutung by City of Houston the Greater Houston Convention amp Visi tors Bureau and the Journal of Commerce Hams Counly Precir1Cl 2 ComnllSIOnel
As the la rgest breakbulk port in the US and a leader inSylvia Garcl Port ot Houston Ath Ity CEO Alec G Dreyer and Alii McEntyre steel and project cargo for more than 90 yea rs the Port of thl J(rn1 ) COIl1n1Rf( Authority hosted the opening day expo at its Sam Houston
Pavil ion Hundreds of conference-goers viewe d Turning Basin breakbu lk fac ilities during tours
aboard the MN Sam Houston Nume rous exhibits highlighted the Port Authori tys strateg ic
initiatives in g lobal trade economic development environmental stewardship sma ll business
development and community outreach The Port Authoritys emergency response capabilities
were also highlighted in displays of its emergency mobile command center a fire t ruck from its
Marine Department and a rescue boat from the US Coast Guard
Houston is Breakbulk and a Lot More The Breakbulk Americas conference provided a platform fo r Port of Houston Authority Chai rman
James T Edmonds and Chief Executive Officer A lec G Dreyer to tout the dynamic host city wh ich
is the largest on the US Gulf Coast and fo urth largest in the nation
It is terri f ic to finall y be able to show off Houston to you Edmonds said during we lcoming rema rks
Houston offers a world -class infrastructure that connects our city to the national and global
community An excel lent airway system major and multiple roads intermodal facili t ies and a deep
sea port are the reasons why Houston is an efficient global gateway and a major corporate center
Dreyerfocused on the big business picture in his re marks stating The biggest dynamic we
believe is this city Houston is big on hospitality and its make-yourself-at-home sp irit is contagious
Breakbulk Goes to School Sessions for college students offered for the first time in conference history
A wide-ranging curriculum was presented by a distinguished faculty of indust ry leaders during the
conferences first Breakbulk Education Day More than 100 students from the maritime transportation
and logistics progra ms at Houston Community College Lone Star College San Jacinto College
Texas AampM Galveston Texas Southern University University of Houston and other schools throughout
the US were able to attend the educational sessions with generous sponsorships from more than
100 breakbulk industry companies and associat ions
Steve Garifalos of Rickmers-Lin ie America d iscussed the art science and global economic importance
of transport ing cargo John Hark from Bertling Logist ics covered the basics on chartering with insight into the relationship among carriers
charterers forwarders and brokers The complexities of managing a series of stakeholders activities and regulatory requ irements were the
focus of the breakbulk supply chain presentation by Grant Wattman of CH2MHill Greg Gowans from CBampI presented a case study that
highlighted the technical lifts method statements and root surveys involved in a major heavylift lIJG project in Peru
A boa our f the HrJuaon Stgtip Chann~ 1
was a highl lgh o f the can r nc~
The PorI Author itys Cham~n Jam-s T Edrnonds and CEO Alec G Droyer tou ted HOUS1on as he larget ( ~3kbu k pOl l in the U5 and il leader in steel and project cargo for more than 90 yeMs
A care r hf for ccllege sturi f-ntll W i
also pa t or 6eakbu lk Educa tion Dy
Keynote Speakers Focus on Global Infrastructure Infrastructure developments around the world are the key to boosting the breakbu lk and project cargo
sectors according to three industry leaders who delivered keynote presentations during the conference
The outlook for engineering procurement and construction (better known as EPC) is strong according
to David Ha mmerl e principal vice president and corporate manager at Bechte l He outlined many
posit ive indications of growth in the capital projects business and provided perspective on sectors
and geographical locat ions that show the most promise
Robert Drew a top logistics executive with Tata Steel Inc shared his comprehensive
perspective on the state of the steel industry including the impact of supply and demand
swings on shipping Drew also had keen insight on Chinas rol e in steel market fluctuations
Despite projections that the general cargo market is slowly recovering from a decline in
2009 and fore cast to remain flat unti l at least 2011 Susan Oatway a sen ior consultant with
Drewry Shipping Consul ta nts exam ined the outlook for global trade for multipurpose
vessels as well as th e factors impacting recovery Susan Oatway
Closing Night Reception Scores Home Run A great variety of food music and optimism filled the
atmosphere as the Port of Houston Authority hosted th e
Breakbulk Americas closing night customer reception at
Minute Maid Park home of the Houston Astros
Guests were greeted by Port ComrngtsIOller
Janes Fonteno p()rt Commsgtloncr Steve Phelps POlt Cor~issiofr Jimmy [3 Hk Houston Mayo Annlse lrker Port of Hosto~ Authoflly Vice Presi lent Qf Origll1ati(n Ricky KlInz ilr1d Gteg
Cliak Preslden amp CEO 0 the (jredter -Iouton
CO1Iention and VisitlJl s Bu()u BrelKbulk conference goes II Mnute Milld I~k
Houston Astros owner Dray tOil Md)gt
From the Houston Astro catcher l1ulIlDmiddottc
QWltEm and 19 nrl~IY tern1er outf Irld nrl first base coach Jose CrUl flank POrt Author y Ve
Presdef1 of Cart-IIr Trml[1ilis Roger Guenther
See You Back Here in 2012 Tal ks are already under way to secure hotel arrangements and reception venues in Houston now
that the Journal o f Commerce has agreed to bring Breakbulk Americas back here in 2012
Hosted annually in New Orleans for two decades th is major marit ime indust ry conference will
now alternate between the Crescent City (2011 and future odd-numbered years) and the Bayou
City (2012 and future even-numbered years) according to Alii McEntyre JOes vice president
of events and publisher of Breakbulk magazine
Both ports are home to powerful trading communities closely tied to the global breakbulk and
project cargo markets McEntyre says The rotation between New Orleans and Houston will
keep the conference program the exhibits and the after-hours networking fresh and interesting
Port of Houston Authority Market Development Manager Brian Reeves described the development as a trifecta success for Houston
Youve got a good mar itime conference provider coup led with the nat ions largest breakbulklproject cargo port and the ports location
in the heartland of t he breakbu lk marketplace of the United States Reeves says
Follow Alec Dreyer on AlecDreyerFind us on
Questions Please direct all inquiries and comments to
The Port of Houston Authority
Public Affairs Division Phone 713-670-2893
111 East Loop North Fax 713-670-2425
PO Box 2562 E-mail fgriffinpohacom
Houston Texas 77252-2562 Web site wwwportofhoustoncom
POI L01 Hou~ton AJlhortty repreSef1t~tlveS greet v105 In the George R Brown Convent C ntBr xhbl hall
James T Edmonds Chairman
Steve Phelps
James W Fonteno Jr
Kase l lawai
Jimmy A Burke
Janiece Longoria
Elyse Lanier
Chief Executive Officer Alec G Dreyer
(An op-ed by F Renee Griffin MBA APR)
Transforming Human Capital Management to Yield Greater Dividends from Houstons Public Schools
Our public school educators deserve to be among the most revered professionals in Houston That elite status has been hindered however by long-standing policies that have treated teachers like interchangeable oneshysize-tits-all mechanical parts As a result ofthis degradation theres been little or no distinction between the highest and lowest performers
Excellent work in the classroom has not always accelerated teachers career tracks Often they have received the same satisfactory evaluations and pay raises as their lower-performing peers Conversely many teachers who have struggled in their performance also have received satisfactory marks on their evaluations but no constructive feedback to help them improve
Under its declaration of beliefs and values the Houston Independent School District has committed to ensure effective teachers and principals in every classroom and school HISD partnered with The New Teacher Project a national nonprofit to analyze the districts policies and practices in teacher hiring firing compensation and performance TNTP also administered online surveys to all Houston teachers principals and unhired teacher applicants to examine appraisal professional development compensation and working conditions
The findings of these studies form the foundation of the four-part strategic plan for human capital management transformation in the nations seventh-largest school system
Establish a rigorous and fair teacher appraisal system to inform key decisions Only 43 percent of teachers in TNTPs survey said that performance evaluations help them improve And even though teachers and principals agree there are significant numbers of low-performing teachers at their schools principals rarely identify improvement areas in appraisals
Clear process timelines expectations and performance standards will heighten confidence in the system Additionally value-added measures such as students engagement levels and work products should augment test-based assessments of teachers impacts on student learning
Provide effective individualized support and professional development for teachers Most teachers in TNTPs study said they do not feel that they receive support that helps them improve or address their students needs And instead of doing paperwork or attending meetings principals said they are eager to spend more time visiting classrooms observing teachers and providing feedback on instruction
Offer meaningful career pathways and differentiated compensation to retain and leverage the most effective teachers Data show high-performing teachers leave HISD at similar rates as their lower performing peers According to TNTPs study 61 percent of teachers support accelerated salary schedule increases for high rates of student growth They also favor additional rewards for strong classroom performance including school leadership opportunities
Strengthen recruiting and staffing policies and practices to attract top talent TNTPs studies show late hiring timelines cause applicants to withdraw This has been especially hurtful to schools in Houstons high poverty communities which have the fewest high-performing teachers To recruit the strongest teacher candidates HISD must hire earlier and make hiring process communications more responsive timely and clear
We must elevate the status of teaching so the most talented people will enter and stay in the profession to deliver on the promise of an excellent education for all HISDs human capital management transformation strategies promise to eradicate what has become a culture of indifference to excellence and failure
ADDITIONAL WRITING SAMPLES F (Felicia) Renee Griffin APR
Downloadable Writing Samples (magazine articles press releases editorials)
httpwwwslidesharenetiFeliciaGriffinfelicia-griffin-writing-samples
The Port Report monthly newsletter October 2010 edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-Oct1 Opdf
Breakbulk special edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-BBAC-201 Opdf
Professional 810g httpMyPRgativewordpresscom
I I
Keynote Speakers Focus on Global Infrastructure Infrastructure developments around the world are the key to boosting the breakbu lk and project cargo
sectors according to three industry leaders who delivered keynote presentations during the conference
The outlook for engineering procurement and construction (better known as EPC) is strong according
to David Ha mmerl e principal vice president and corporate manager at Bechte l He outlined many
posit ive indications of growth in the capital projects business and provided perspective on sectors
and geographical locat ions that show the most promise
Robert Drew a top logistics executive with Tata Steel Inc shared his comprehensive
perspective on the state of the steel industry including the impact of supply and demand
swings on shipping Drew also had keen insight on Chinas rol e in steel market fluctuations
Despite projections that the general cargo market is slowly recovering from a decline in
2009 and fore cast to remain flat unti l at least 2011 Susan Oatway a sen ior consultant with
Drewry Shipping Consul ta nts exam ined the outlook for global trade for multipurpose
vessels as well as th e factors impacting recovery Susan Oatway
Closing Night Reception Scores Home Run A great variety of food music and optimism filled the
atmosphere as the Port of Houston Authority hosted th e
Breakbulk Americas closing night customer reception at
Minute Maid Park home of the Houston Astros
Guests were greeted by Port ComrngtsIOller
Janes Fonteno p()rt Commsgtloncr Steve Phelps POlt Cor~issiofr Jimmy [3 Hk Houston Mayo Annlse lrker Port of Hosto~ Authoflly Vice Presi lent Qf Origll1ati(n Ricky KlInz ilr1d Gteg
Cliak Preslden amp CEO 0 the (jredter -Iouton
CO1Iention and VisitlJl s Bu()u BrelKbulk conference goes II Mnute Milld I~k
Houston Astros owner Dray tOil Md)gt
From the Houston Astro catcher l1ulIlDmiddottc
QWltEm and 19 nrl~IY tern1er outf Irld nrl first base coach Jose CrUl flank POrt Author y Ve
Presdef1 of Cart-IIr Trml[1ilis Roger Guenther
See You Back Here in 2012 Tal ks are already under way to secure hotel arrangements and reception venues in Houston now
that the Journal o f Commerce has agreed to bring Breakbulk Americas back here in 2012
Hosted annually in New Orleans for two decades th is major marit ime indust ry conference will
now alternate between the Crescent City (2011 and future odd-numbered years) and the Bayou
City (2012 and future even-numbered years) according to Alii McEntyre JOes vice president
of events and publisher of Breakbulk magazine
Both ports are home to powerful trading communities closely tied to the global breakbulk and
project cargo markets McEntyre says The rotation between New Orleans and Houston will
keep the conference program the exhibits and the after-hours networking fresh and interesting
Port of Houston Authority Market Development Manager Brian Reeves described the development as a trifecta success for Houston
Youve got a good mar itime conference provider coup led with the nat ions largest breakbulklproject cargo port and the ports location
in the heartland of t he breakbu lk marketplace of the United States Reeves says
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Questions Please direct all inquiries and comments to
The Port of Houston Authority
Public Affairs Division Phone 713-670-2893
111 East Loop North Fax 713-670-2425
PO Box 2562 E-mail fgriffinpohacom
Houston Texas 77252-2562 Web site wwwportofhoustoncom
POI L01 Hou~ton AJlhortty repreSef1t~tlveS greet v105 In the George R Brown Convent C ntBr xhbl hall
James T Edmonds Chairman
Steve Phelps
James W Fonteno Jr
Kase l lawai
Jimmy A Burke
Janiece Longoria
Elyse Lanier
Chief Executive Officer Alec G Dreyer
(An op-ed by F Renee Griffin MBA APR)
Transforming Human Capital Management to Yield Greater Dividends from Houstons Public Schools
Our public school educators deserve to be among the most revered professionals in Houston That elite status has been hindered however by long-standing policies that have treated teachers like interchangeable oneshysize-tits-all mechanical parts As a result ofthis degradation theres been little or no distinction between the highest and lowest performers
Excellent work in the classroom has not always accelerated teachers career tracks Often they have received the same satisfactory evaluations and pay raises as their lower-performing peers Conversely many teachers who have struggled in their performance also have received satisfactory marks on their evaluations but no constructive feedback to help them improve
Under its declaration of beliefs and values the Houston Independent School District has committed to ensure effective teachers and principals in every classroom and school HISD partnered with The New Teacher Project a national nonprofit to analyze the districts policies and practices in teacher hiring firing compensation and performance TNTP also administered online surveys to all Houston teachers principals and unhired teacher applicants to examine appraisal professional development compensation and working conditions
The findings of these studies form the foundation of the four-part strategic plan for human capital management transformation in the nations seventh-largest school system
Establish a rigorous and fair teacher appraisal system to inform key decisions Only 43 percent of teachers in TNTPs survey said that performance evaluations help them improve And even though teachers and principals agree there are significant numbers of low-performing teachers at their schools principals rarely identify improvement areas in appraisals
Clear process timelines expectations and performance standards will heighten confidence in the system Additionally value-added measures such as students engagement levels and work products should augment test-based assessments of teachers impacts on student learning
Provide effective individualized support and professional development for teachers Most teachers in TNTPs study said they do not feel that they receive support that helps them improve or address their students needs And instead of doing paperwork or attending meetings principals said they are eager to spend more time visiting classrooms observing teachers and providing feedback on instruction
Offer meaningful career pathways and differentiated compensation to retain and leverage the most effective teachers Data show high-performing teachers leave HISD at similar rates as their lower performing peers According to TNTPs study 61 percent of teachers support accelerated salary schedule increases for high rates of student growth They also favor additional rewards for strong classroom performance including school leadership opportunities
Strengthen recruiting and staffing policies and practices to attract top talent TNTPs studies show late hiring timelines cause applicants to withdraw This has been especially hurtful to schools in Houstons high poverty communities which have the fewest high-performing teachers To recruit the strongest teacher candidates HISD must hire earlier and make hiring process communications more responsive timely and clear
We must elevate the status of teaching so the most talented people will enter and stay in the profession to deliver on the promise of an excellent education for all HISDs human capital management transformation strategies promise to eradicate what has become a culture of indifference to excellence and failure
ADDITIONAL WRITING SAMPLES F (Felicia) Renee Griffin APR
Downloadable Writing Samples (magazine articles press releases editorials)
httpwwwslidesharenetiFeliciaGriffinfelicia-griffin-writing-samples
The Port Report monthly newsletter October 2010 edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-Oct1 Opdf
Breakbulk special edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-BBAC-201 Opdf
Professional 810g httpMyPRgativewordpresscom
I I
(An op-ed by F Renee Griffin MBA APR)
Transforming Human Capital Management to Yield Greater Dividends from Houstons Public Schools
Our public school educators deserve to be among the most revered professionals in Houston That elite status has been hindered however by long-standing policies that have treated teachers like interchangeable oneshysize-tits-all mechanical parts As a result ofthis degradation theres been little or no distinction between the highest and lowest performers
Excellent work in the classroom has not always accelerated teachers career tracks Often they have received the same satisfactory evaluations and pay raises as their lower-performing peers Conversely many teachers who have struggled in their performance also have received satisfactory marks on their evaluations but no constructive feedback to help them improve
Under its declaration of beliefs and values the Houston Independent School District has committed to ensure effective teachers and principals in every classroom and school HISD partnered with The New Teacher Project a national nonprofit to analyze the districts policies and practices in teacher hiring firing compensation and performance TNTP also administered online surveys to all Houston teachers principals and unhired teacher applicants to examine appraisal professional development compensation and working conditions
The findings of these studies form the foundation of the four-part strategic plan for human capital management transformation in the nations seventh-largest school system
Establish a rigorous and fair teacher appraisal system to inform key decisions Only 43 percent of teachers in TNTPs survey said that performance evaluations help them improve And even though teachers and principals agree there are significant numbers of low-performing teachers at their schools principals rarely identify improvement areas in appraisals
Clear process timelines expectations and performance standards will heighten confidence in the system Additionally value-added measures such as students engagement levels and work products should augment test-based assessments of teachers impacts on student learning
Provide effective individualized support and professional development for teachers Most teachers in TNTPs study said they do not feel that they receive support that helps them improve or address their students needs And instead of doing paperwork or attending meetings principals said they are eager to spend more time visiting classrooms observing teachers and providing feedback on instruction
Offer meaningful career pathways and differentiated compensation to retain and leverage the most effective teachers Data show high-performing teachers leave HISD at similar rates as their lower performing peers According to TNTPs study 61 percent of teachers support accelerated salary schedule increases for high rates of student growth They also favor additional rewards for strong classroom performance including school leadership opportunities
Strengthen recruiting and staffing policies and practices to attract top talent TNTPs studies show late hiring timelines cause applicants to withdraw This has been especially hurtful to schools in Houstons high poverty communities which have the fewest high-performing teachers To recruit the strongest teacher candidates HISD must hire earlier and make hiring process communications more responsive timely and clear
We must elevate the status of teaching so the most talented people will enter and stay in the profession to deliver on the promise of an excellent education for all HISDs human capital management transformation strategies promise to eradicate what has become a culture of indifference to excellence and failure
ADDITIONAL WRITING SAMPLES F (Felicia) Renee Griffin APR
Downloadable Writing Samples (magazine articles press releases editorials)
httpwwwslidesharenetiFeliciaGriffinfelicia-griffin-writing-samples
The Port Report monthly newsletter October 2010 edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-Oct1 Opdf
Breakbulk special edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-BBAC-201 Opdf
Professional 810g httpMyPRgativewordpresscom
I I
ADDITIONAL WRITING SAMPLES F (Felicia) Renee Griffin APR
Downloadable Writing Samples (magazine articles press releases editorials)
httpwwwslidesharenetiFeliciaGriffinfelicia-griffin-writing-samples
The Port Report monthly newsletter October 2010 edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-Oct1 Opdf
Breakbulk special edition - httpportofhoustoncompdfpubaffairsPortReport-BBAC-201 Opdf
Professional 810g httpMyPRgativewordpresscom
I I
