Click Here to View Pictures
Click Here to View Sabeeta Bidasie Singh ‘s Presentation
Click Here to View the Recording
Photo Credit: Bijay Dixit @ Unique Photo Images
Article by Somdatta Basu
Port Houston Shines at IACCGH Small Business Series Event
June 12, Houston, TX – Highlighting a commitment to bolster local enterprise, the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) on June 12 hosted an event spotlighting Port Houston as part of their Small Business series. Sponsored by Wallis Bank and CenterPoint Energy, the event featured Sabeeta Bidasie Singh, Director of Business Equity at Port Houston, as the keynote speaker.
The afternoon commenced with Jagdip Ahluwalia, Founding Secretary of IACCGH, reflecting on the Chamber’s 25-year journey since its inception in 1999. “This marks the beginning of a year-long celebration, underscoring our commitment to community enrichment through monthly small business programs,” Ahluwalia affirmed, emphasizing the enduring partnerships that sustain these initiatives.
Rajiv Bhavsar, President of IACCGH, extended a warm welcome to attendees and expressed gratitude to sponsors and collaborators. The stage was then set for Sabeeta Bidasie Singh, a seasoned leader with extensive international experience, to engage the audience alongside Pedro Garcia and Eduardo Campos from Port Houston.
“Port Houston, since its inauguration of the Houston Ship Channel in 1914, has been pivotal in shaping our economic landscape,” Singh remarked, detailing the port’s evolution and current initiatives. “Our ongoing Project 11 aims to deepen and widen the channel, a sign of our commitment to growth and efficiency,” she added.
Highlighting Port Houston’s substantial economic footprint, Singh revealed, “We catalyze 1.54 million jobs in Texas and 3.37 million nationwide, with a staggering $439 billion economic impact locally and $96 billion across the U.S.” She underscored Houston’s preeminence in exporting propane, ethane, butane, and petroleum products, alongside its status as the leading container port on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Singh also outlined significant investments in infrastructure, citing recent expenditures of $1.26 billion over five years, with plans for an additional $1.7 billion investment in upcoming projects. “Our aim is not just growth but inclusive growth,” she affirmed, underscoring Port Houston’s commitment to fostering diversity and supporting small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
Inviting attendees to engage directly with Port Houston, Singh announced upcoming inclusive procurement initiatives and technical assistance programs designed to facilitate business opportunities. “The port is a gateway to possibilities,” she proclaimed, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage these resources for mutual benefit.
The event also spotlighted Port Houston’s internal strategies to enhance inclusion and compliance across its operations.
Pedro Garcia elaborated on the port’s substantial capital investments and encouraged contractors to explore opportunities within the Supplier Diversity Program and Business Equity Program.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, demonstrating attendees’ enthusiasm for collaborating with Port Houston.
The SBA event exemplified Port Houston’s pivotal role in driving economic prosperity through strategic partnerships and inclusive practices. As Houston navigates future challenges and opportunities, Port Houston stands poised as a frontrunner of growth and community empowerment.