The 6th Annual Economic Development Forum, once again sponsored by the East Aldine District focused on “Facts not Fiction” as an underlying theme. In the past or at other area economic forums, a large emphasis was and is placed on economists and forecasts of future economic possibilities. This year the Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee, Divisional Vice Chair, Richard Cantu of the East Aldine District, directed the focus on accurate information and projections by the City of Houston and the state comptroller’s office.
“This year’s Economic Forum offered our business leaders very helpful information, which was presented first hand by the city controller and the deputy state comptroller as well as critically important tips that can ‘seal the deal’ when doing business with Mexico/Latin America & China,” Richard Cantu said. “The Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce and the East Aldine District are at the forefront of facilitating economic development in the North Houston area.”
Presenting those facts were, Ronald Green, City of Houston Controller, and Robert Wood, Director of Economic Development and Analysis, State of Texas Comptroller Office. With accurate information of the city’s and state’s past performance and projected revenues, it gave those attending accurate information to projects and programs that will impact the local and state economy.
To begin the day the 10am workshops were “Doing Business with Mexico/Latin America” and “Doing Business with China”. Those regions were selected for this year’s forum due to the trade missions to each of those countries by the East Aldine District, led by Ray Lawrence (to China) and Reggie Gray, HICC to Mexico.
The Presenters for the event were Alejandro Del Valle, President, CEO the HBC International – Mexico; and JC Yu, President US Chinese Chamber of Commerce – China.
Well over 100 attended the event held at the Airport Marriott located on JFK Blvd, near Bush Intercontinental airport – the enter and exit point for international business to Houston.
Several organizations and corporations attended and sponsored the event, reported by those in attendance to be “one of the best” since the forum started six years ago.
