July Letter from the Chairman

On January 1, 2023, the Greater Houston Port Bureau will increase annual membership dues.

Unanimously approved by the Port Bureau Board of Directors in June, this is our first rate increase in five years. Houston’s port is ranked first in the nation for exports and waterborne tonnage, moving 50 million tons more than any other port in the U.S. As the trade organization exclusively dedicated to continued advancement of this thriving maritime complex, it is important that we invest in ourselves to offer more to our members.

 Last year the Board hired a consulting firm who asked us – and our membership at large – a lot of “what ifs” to build out a strategic plan for the Port Bureau. We listed many exciting possibilities based on our 250+ member companies continuing to work together to grow port business for all. We saw big dividends could result from increasing our collective advocacy, digitalization of information, and expanding networking events for industry. We were also realistic in understanding that to get to the next level, we had to commit more to time and funding.

Throughout the strategic planning process, it was universally agreed that realigning our membership levels and increasing membership dues appropriately to bolster resources was a priority in moving the Port Bureau forward as part of a robust port community.

Although the new rates and structure do not take effect until 2023, we wanted to share now so that you can plan accordingly. In 2023, membership dues and structure will be as follows:

Executive Partner:      $9,000
Corporate:                   $3,000
Individual:                   $1,000

Please visit txgulf.org/membership-information for details on the benefits of each level.

I’ll leave you with the Board’s thought: if we don’t invest in ourselves to help make the port better, faster, cheaper, who will? Our goal is that every Port Bureau company see the business potential in place at the port and we strive together to keep this a great place to be in business.

Please call me or any board member to discuss your membership in more detail. Please consider getting more involved – our strength is in our unity.

Sincerely,

Bernt Netland
Chairman, Greater Houston Port Bureau