Date: January 27, 2012
Contact: Joe Stinebaker
Communications Director
O) 713-755-4027
C) 713-503-2610
Joe.Stinebaker@cjo.hctx.net


NEWS RELEASE

FOURTH ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE
TO FOCUS ON REGION’S ROLE AS
“GATEWAY OF NORTH AMERICA”
Day-Long Forum Features Top Transportation and Trade Experts

Top transportation experts from around the region and across the nation will converge on Harris County next week to discuss how Harris County and the Texas Gulf Coast can position themselves to be the 21st century’s premier shipping hub for the North American continent.

Experts in economics, international shipping, transportation and logistics are signed up to attend and speak at the Fourth Annual Harris County International Trade & Transportation Conference on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The conference, organized by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, will begin at 8 a.m. at the InterContinental Houston hotel near the Galleria.

The focus of this year’s conference is “The Gateway of North America” and will highlight the region’s upcoming role as the premier center of North American trade and transportation. The keynote speaker is Brian Beaulieu, the chief economist for Vistage International, CEO of the Institute for Trend Research and the author of “Make Your Move.” Beaulieu provides economic forecasts with 96% accuracy so that companies may improve their performance and profits. Others appearing include executives from railroads, ocean carriers, trucking firms, ports and major shippers.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett has organized the conference for four years in an effort to address current events in trade and transportation and to foster growth in the Texas Gulf Coast region.

All events are being held at the InterContinental Houston hotel at 2222 West Loop South in the Galleria area. Attendance is open to the public, but registration is required. Those wishing to register can do so at www.harriscountyevents.net.