Economic Alliance

*/ ?>

Latest Episodes:

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Willie Wells, IBR & Blair Williamson, Austin Industrial Nov 17, 2025

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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Earl Hersh, Owner & Supplier, No More Carbon USA Oct 06, 2025

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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show, David Ellis, President, Packwell Sep 29, 2025

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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show, Dani Grant, Senior Human Resources Manager, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Sep 22, 2025

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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show – Michael Richter, President & CEO ABC Greater Houston and CMEF Jul 30, 2025

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

Gulf Coast Growth Show – Victor Ortega, Executive Vice President, North American Operations, Covestro Jul 21, 2025

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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show – Traci Pelter & Florian Martin of Houston Business Journal Jul 10, 2025

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 media landscape. With deep roots in the community and a passion for storytelling, they discuss HBJ's mission, its award-winning coverage, and how they stay on top of Houston's explosive growth. They also reflect on their personal journeys, recent promotions, and the mentors and family who helped shape their paths. Expect highlights on upcoming HBJ events, local nonprofit involvement, and what continues to drive their success. 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 Jason Lee 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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show – State Representative Jared Patterson, N. Texas’ House District 106 – Whoop Jul 07, 2025

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 reflects on Winter Storm Uri’s impact, noting how natural gas outperformed under pressure and how decades of federal renewable subsidies shifted investment from reliable base-load generation. Since then, Texas lawmakers have taken steps to strengthen grid reliability and prevent future outages. Whoop! 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, filling in for Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith! 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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show – Ryan Sitton, Founder & CEO of Pinnacle and former Railroad Commissioner Jun 30, 2025

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 transforming decision-making in oil & gas. He also shares what facilities must do to stay competitive—and why Pinnacle is at the center of it all. - Featuring his book Crucial Decisions - Insights on market shifts & tech adoption - Real talk on costs, margins & innovation 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, filling in for Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith! 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/

Gulf Coast Growth Show – Host Jason & Co-Host Zeke Talk Importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Jun 23, 2025

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 that mental well-being is a top safety priority. Just like physical hazards, mental health challenges can impact focus, performance, and lives. It’s vital that employees feel safe speaking up, and that employers foster a culture where mental health is treated with the same urgency as any other safety concern. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988—the national Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. Let’s break the stigma and support one another. Always remember a caring phone call, text, or email communication could help a friend in need. 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, filling in for Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith! 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/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected