Economic Alliance

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, host Zeke Smith welcomes back MaryJane. She shares updates on the relaunch of the CAER App, industry led safety initiatives, membership growth, and what’s ahead for 2026. A great conversation on transparency, community engagement, and the future of manufacturing along the Gulf Coast. Contact MaryJane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjmudd/ EHCMA Website: https://www.ehcma.org/ Get the CAER App: https://www.ehcma.org/page/caer-online SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1 Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/ Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Girls Show, Zeke Smith sits down with Tammie Nielsen, Advancement Director for New Beginnings Sarah’s House. Tammy shares her personal journey, the mission of Sarah’s House, and how they support homeless women, families, and survivors of domestic violence. She also discusses their growing community services, upcoming Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser, and why one of their top priorities is partnering with local industry to expand impact. Learn how you or your company can get involved, volunteer, or become an industry partner to support this vital work in our community. Get involved today: https://sarahshouse.org/ Reach out to Tammie Nielsen for more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammienielsen/ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1 Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/ Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

Join us on the Gulf Coast Growth Show as Host Zeke Smith, Director, Marketing & Workforce Development, Apache Industrial sits down with Willie Wells, President & CEO of Industry Business Roundtable (IBR), and Blair Williamson, Director of Talent Development, Austin Industrial to discuss workforce development, industry collaboration, and addressing the skilled labor shortage. Learn how owners, contractors, and community partners are coming together to build the next generation of craft professionals. Reach out to get involved or for more info: https://www.ibrt.us/ Willie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-willie-wells-49082b27/ Blair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-williamson-622526a3/ Melissa Wolkenhauer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-wolkenhauer-1445363a/ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1 Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/ Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, host Chad Burke, President & CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, sits down with Earl Hirsch, founder of No More Carbon USA. Earl shares how his company is helping fleets and industries extend engine life, cut fuel costs, and reduce emissions—all while finding creative ways (like bacon!) to build relationships and grow business. Tune in for a conversation about innovation, efficiency, and the power of genuine connection. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1 Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/ Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Chad Burke sits down with David Ellis, President of Packwell. David shares his career journey and how Packwell has become a leader in resin packaging and exports, supporting global trade through the Houston Port Region. They dive into the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and workforce development, along with the exciting growth projects shaping Packwell’s future. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1 Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/ Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Chad Burke talks with Danny Grant, Senior HR Manager at Mitsubishi Chemical. Danny shares her journey from the Marine Corps to HR, her passion for workforce development, and her leadership roles in the community. They discuss the upcoming October 24th Golf Tournament at Wildcat Golf Club, which has already raised over $2 million for student scholarships, and highlight the high demand careers this effort supports. More than golf, it’s about building the future workforce pipeline for our industry. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1 Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/ Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, hosts Jason Lee and Zeke Smith sit down with Michael Richter—President & CEO of ABC Greater Houston and the Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF). Michael shares his inspiring journey from being the youngest master plumber in Texas to leading two organizations committed to workforce development, safety, and advocacy in construction. Learn how ABC and CMEF are addressing the skilled labor shortage, supporting high school trades programs, championing mental health in the industry, and advocating for fair competition. A must-watch for anyone in or connected to the industrial and construction sectors! SUBSCRIBE: / @theeconomicalliance Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: / jasonleeexponent Zeke Smith: / zekesmith Amanda Baucum: / mandy-baucum-5540013a

Victor Ortega shares his global career journey from Spain to Germany, Baytown, and back, working in chemical engineering and plant leadership roles. Covestro’s Baytown site produces key materials used in everyday products like foams, coatings, and plastics, supporting over 2,100 workers. Victor highlights industry challenges like global competition and labor shortages but is optimistic about U.S. innovation and talent. Covestro is committed to sustainability—aiming for climate neutrality by 2035—and gives back through community volunteering and local partnerships. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1 Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/ Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

Traci Pelter, Market President & Publisher, and Florian Martin, Growth Team Editor at the Houston Business Journal, bring a wealth of insight into the city’s rapid development and the evolving […]

State Representative Jared Patterson, a four-term legislator and leader at Able Power Management & member of Economic Alliance shares insight on the challenges of managing Texas’ real-time electric grid. He […]

Ryan Sitton, former Railroad Commissioner and CEO of Pinnacle, joins us to break down where the energy industry is headed. We talk outsourcing, capital trends, and how data analytics is […]

In this episode podcast Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith talk about the importance of Men’s Health Awareness. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—a crucial time to recognize […]

In this video, we catch up with John Moseley and dive into his incredible career journey—from his early beginnings to becoming the Chief Commercial Officer at Port Houston. We explore […]

Why Should You Attend the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2025? Chad and Russell share an inside look at what’s in store — from an exciting lineup of keynote speakers to […]

In this episode, we sit down with Yasmene McDaniel, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, to discuss the hospital’s recent growth, investments, and commitment to expanding access to […]

Tune in to hear Co-Host Zeke Smith’s mom Kathy Smith’s Inspiring Journey as a mother, wife & “Meecie” (Grandmother). Kathy shares her journey of balancing family life with a long […]

Marcus joins the show to share his journey from the NFL to leading in the business world. He discusses Houston’s booming economy, Bartlett Cocke’s role in supporting regional growth, and […]

A special Podcast Guest Congressman Brian Babin D.D.S., 36th District of Texas. A rare glimpse into Mr. Babin’s life, family, seventeen grandkids, and his upbringing. He dives into a few […]

Jerimiah McGhee Ferguson and Zachary Labbe share their inspiring journey as students at San Jacinto College – LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology — recently named a Top 3 […]

Join us this week as we welcome special guest David Avila Jr., Director of the San Jacinto Museum & Battlefield. David takes us on a journey through the rich history […]