Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

What Economic Alliance Houston Port Region does

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is a nonprofit business-led economic development corporation founded in 1989 and headquartered in Deer Park, Texas, operating within the 25-mile Houston Ship Channel area — home to the world's second-largest petrochemical complex and the largest U.S. exporting port. The organization serves as the designated convening body for regional economic development, uniting 200+ private industries (including BASF, ExxonMobil, Shell, Dow, LyondellBasell, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Valero, Marathon Petroleum), 17 member communities, Port Houston, and Harris County. Its core outputs are membership engagement, project facilitation (77 project wins and $17.8B in capital investment over ~15 years), workforce pipeline development, transportation/infrastructure advocacy, public policy engagement, and signature events including the annual Gulf Coast Industry Forum (17 years running), the Industrial Procurement Forum, and the Women's Leadership Luncheon, plus the Gulf Coast Growth Show podcast (199+ episodes over 7 years).

The Alliance operates a tiered annual membership model with dues ranging from $750 (Proprietor, ≤5 employees) to $5,000 (Partner, 100+ employees), supplemented by event sponsorship revenue across Platinum, Gold, Bronze, and Supporting tiers — Platinum sponsors of the 2026 Gulf Coast Industry Forum include Texas Mutual, Port Houston, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Houston Community College, San Jacinto College, and HC P3, with Gold sponsors Chevron Phillips Chemical, Shell, Targa Resources, and LyondellBasell. The organization is supported by a 7-person staff led by President & CEO Chad Burke (in role since 2011) and is governed by an Executive Board, Elected Board, and Public Appointed Board Members spanning petrochemical, maritime, logistics, construction, and public-sector leadership. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, and the organization relies on membership dues (with YTD collection rates of 80-86% in 2026) and event sponsorships as primary funding streams. No technology products, AI capabilities, patents, or external funding rounds are associated with the entity.

Name

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

Legal name

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

Website

https://allianceportregion.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is a nonprofit economic development corporation founded in 1989, serving as the designated convening body for the Houston Ship Channel area — uniting 200+ private industries, 17 member communities, Port Houston, and Harris County through membership programs, signature events, workforce development, and regional advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Maritime & Port Authorities (Public Ports, Harbors, Ferries Terminals) (BPAIALAF)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Regional advocacy
• Workforce development
• Public policy advocacy
• Membership organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Deer Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues paid by private sector companies, cities, communities, and institutions. Membership tiers range from $750 (Proprietor, 5 or fewer employees) to $5,000 (Partner, 100+ employees). This is the primary revenue stream sustaining the organization's operations and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is a nonprofit business-led organization that serves as the designated economic development corporation for the Houston Ship Channel Region. It markets the region to secure business investment, supports public policy that promotes a stable business climate, and convenes industry, government, and education stakeholders through task forces, signature events, and direct project facilitation services for petrochemical, maritime, and logistics companies.

Product overview

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is a nonprofit economic development organization (not a technology product company) offering a portfolio of events, publications, and professional services. Core offerings include the annual Gulf Coast Industry Forum (largest event), Gulf Coast Growth Show podcast, quarterly newsletter 'The Current', and weekly activity updates. Service offerings encompass economic development assistance, workforce development marketing, transportation infrastructure advocacy, and public policy engagement. The organization operates membership programs at four tiers (Partner, Stakeholder, Corporate, Proprietor) serving petrochemical, maritime, and logistics industries along the Houston Ship Channel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gulf Coast Growth Show: A knowledge sharing podcast platform where industry leaders with backgrounds in petrochemical, transportation/infrastructure, workforce development, capital investment, logistics, and governmental sectors are interviewed.
• Gulf Coast Industry Forum
• Industrial Procurement Forum
• Women's Leadership Luncheon

Products and services

• Membership Programs Annual membership program providing four tiers of engagement (Partner, Stakeholder, Corporate, Proprietor) for private-sector companies, cities, communities, and institutions seeking regional networking, visibility, task force participation, and policy advocacy benefits in the Houston Ship Channel area.
• Economic Development Services Professional assistance for companies navigating expansion, retention, and relocation in the Houston Port Region, including site selection, incentive guidance, permitting advocacy, and coordination with the economic development support network.
• Workforce Development Services Workforce pipeline development services that market career paths and job opportunities in petrochemical, maritime, logistics, and construction industries to local students and connect potential candidates with employment opportunities.
• Public Policy Advocacy Public policy advocacy services that work with representatives, government agencies, associations, and members to eliminate unnecessary procedures and shape policy directly impacting growth of the Houston Port Region.
• Transportation Infrastructure Task Force Convening entity that identifies and prioritizes transportation and infrastructure projects in the region, working with TxDOT and key leadership to deliver a prioritized project list based on stakeholder consensus.
• Gulf Coast Industry Forum Annual flagship conference now in its 17th year, bringing together industry, government, and community stakeholders for knowledge sharing, networking, panel discussions, and exhibitions relevant to petrochemical, maritime, and logistics industries.
• Industrial Procurement Forum Annual event connecting suppliers, contractors, and service providers directly with companies awarding industrial work in the petrochemical, energy, and logistics sectors, featuring keynote speakers and procurement-focused programming.
• Women's Leadership Luncheon Signature women-in-leadership event series showcasing prominent female leaders in petrochemical, maritime, and logistics industries and encouraging dialogue on female leadership success.

Quantifiable outcome

• 77 project wins generating $17.8B in capital investment and 3,856 jobs created over ~15 years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered platinum sponsor, venue partner, podcast sponsor, gold sponsor, supporting partner, bronze sponsor, keynote speaker, event host, education partner, project partner, regional partner and media partner.

• Texas Mutualplatinum sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Texas Mutual Insurance Company is the presenting/platinum sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026. Texas Mutual is a workers' compensation insurer focused on the Texas market, promoting safety in the workplace.
• Port Houstonplatinum sponsorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2026Port Houston is both a member of the Economic Alliance (Stakeholder-level) and a platinum sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum. As the governing body of the Houston Ship Channel, Port Houston is central to the region's economic development mission.
• Satterfield & Pontikes Constructionplatinum sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Satterfield & Pontikes Construction is a platinum sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and a Stakeholder-level member of the Economic Alliance.
• Houston Community College (HCC)platinum sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Houston Community College is a platinum sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and a Partner-level member of the Economic Alliance, supporting workforce development initiatives in the region.
• San Jacinto Collegeplatinum sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026San Jacinto College is a platinum sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and a Partner-level member. It operates the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology, a key workforce development asset for the region.
• HC P3 (Harris County Public Infrastructure)platinum sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026HC P3 is a platinum sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026. It provides public infrastructure project delivery services for Harris County.
• Pasadena Convention Centervenue partnerOthers · 17 September 2026Pasadena Convention Center is the venue for the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 (September 17, 2026, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77507). The City of Pasadena EDC is also a supporting partner.
• Chevron Pasadena Refinerypodcast sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Chevron Pasadena Refinery sponsors the Gulf Coast Growth Show podcast, produced by the Economic Alliance. This is a content sponsorship relationship supporting thought leadership and industry storytelling.
• Chevron Phillips Chemical Companygold sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is a Gold sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and a Partner-level member of the Economic Alliance.
• Shellgold sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Shell is a Gold sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and a Partner-level member of the Economic Alliance, with its Deer Park manufacturing site in the region.
• Targa Resourcesgold sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Targa Resources is a Gold sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and operates midstream infrastructure in the Houston Port Region.
• LyondellBasellgold sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026LyondellBasell is a Gold sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and a Partner-level member. It operates major facilities at Channelview and La Porte and sponsors the San Jacinto College LyondellBasell CPET.
• East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA)supporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2026EHCMA is a Partner-level member and supporting partner of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum. It collaborates with the Economic Alliance on workforce development, public policy, and industry initiatives in East Harris County.
• Texas Chemistry Council (TCC)supporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2026Texas Chemistry Council is a supporting partner of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum, representing the Texas chemical manufacturing industry and collaborating on policy and workforce initiatives.
• Texas Chemistry Alliance (TCA)supporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2026Texas Chemistry Alliance is a supporting partner of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum, working with the Economic Alliance on industry advocacy and workforce development.
• Associated Builders & Contractors Greater Houston (ABC Greater Houston)supporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2026ABC Greater Houston is a supporting partner of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum and collaborates with the Economic Alliance on workforce development, safety, and contractor relations. Their Chairman (Sarina Landers) appears on the Gulf Coast Growth Show podcast.
• Union Pacific Railroadbronze sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 September 2026Union Pacific Railroad is a bronze sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and supports freight rail connectivity in the Houston Port Region.
• Greater Houston Partnershipbronze sponsorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2026Greater Houston Partnership is a bronze sponsor of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2026 and a Proprietor-level member. It serves as the regional economic development organization for the Greater Houston area.
• Verde CO2 (Charles Fridge, CEO)keynote speakerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2026Verde CO2 CEO Charles Fridge is the keynote speaker at the May 21 Industrial Procurement Forum, discussing carbon capture as a capital investment opportunity and the carbon capture market.
• LyondellBasell (host for Taskforce Tour Stop #2)event hostStrategic or Co-development PartnerLyondellBasell hosted the second Taskforce Tour stop ('The Process') at its La Porte site, where 40+ members toured chemical production facilities to learn about products used in toys, paints, coatings, food packaging, and automotive safety glass.
• San Jacinto College (LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology)education partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSan Jacinto College operates the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology (CPET), a workforce development center of excellence supported by the Economic Alliance. The college's Maritime Campus hosts Economic Alliance board meetings. The Industrial Procurement Forum is held at San Jac CPET.
• Marathon Petroleum / MPLX & ONEOK (Texas City LPG Export Terminal)project partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic Alliance facilitated meetings with Baytown and Mont Belvieu officials for the $1.4B Texas City Logistics LPG Export Terminal project. This represents a major economic development win facilitated by the organization's convening role.
• Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC)regional partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerHGAC collaborates with the Economic Alliance on transportation planning and hosts the Greater Houston Freight Committee meetings. The Houston Port Region's freight mobility depends on HGAC's regional coordination.
• KHOU-11 (CBS Houston)media partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerKHOU-11 (CBS Houston affiliate) has engaged in partnership discussions with the Economic Alliance. David Loving (President & GM) and James Lopez (Account Executive) met with Chad Burke and Chad Carson to explore collaboration.

Scale indicators23 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Greater Houston Partnership: The umbrella regional economic development organization for the greater Houston area. Both organizations sell membership-based convening, advocacy, and project-facilitation services to overlapping enterprise members, with the Alliance operating as a sub-regional EDO and GHP representing the broader metro.
• East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA): A closely overlapping industry-association peer representing manufacturers in the same East Harris County / Houston Ship Channel geography. EHCMA is itself an Economic Alliance member and supporting partner of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum, illustrating the tight ecosystem of comparable convening organizations in the region.

Regional players

• San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation: A regional EDO with a corporate-partner model serving a major US port and cross-border logistics corridor. Comparable on convening of industry-government stakeholders around port-region infrastructure and capital investment.
• South Louisiana Economic Council: A regional economic development council serving the petrochemical corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Highly comparable in mission (parish-level coordination, project facilitation, advocacy on behalf of industrial members) but operating in a different geographic territory.
• Greater Birmingham Economic Partnership: A regional EDO with a portfolio membership model, project-facilitation focus, and industrial/energy member base. Useful as a comparable for how a midsize US regional EDO structures corporate membership tiers and project-tracking reporting.
• Greater New Orleans Inc. The regional economic development organization for Southeast Louisiana — a comparable port-and-petrochemical corridor EDO with a similar membership-based convening model. The business model (corporate-funded, project facilitation, public-policy advocacy) and target member profile (energy, maritime, logistics) closely mirror the Economic Alliance.

Broad incumbents

• Houston-Galveston Area Council: The regional council of governments providing transportation planning and convening the Greater Houston Freight Committee. Economic Alliance partners with HGAC on freight mobility, and the two organizations have overlapping scope in prioritizing port-region infrastructure investment.
• Louisiana Economic Development: The state-level public economic development agency for Louisiana that pursues many of the same capital-investment and job-creation initiatives for petrochemical and port-region members, often competing for the same prospective industrial projects crossing the Texas-Louisiana border.
• Port Houston (Port Authority): The governing port authority for the Houston Ship Channel and the Alliance's largest stakeholder member. Port Houston operates the actual port infrastructure and could in principle absorb many of the Alliance's convening and advocacy functions, making it a strategic incumbent peer rather than a direct competitor today.

Others

• Texas Chemistry Council: The statewide trade association representing the Texas chemical manufacturing industry, including extensive activity in the Houston Ship Channel. While more policy-focused than the Alliance, it serves overlapping enterprise members and is itself a strategic supporting partner of the Gulf Coast Industry Forum.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/econalliance
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A
• Facebookfacebook.com/EconomicAllianceHoustonPortRegion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/economicalliancehoustonportregion

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Economic Alliance Houston Port Region