Presents The 11th Annual
Infrastructure & Growth Opportunities
December 03, 2024
Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex
7403 Lone Tree Rd, Victoria, TX 77905
NEED A PLACE TO STAY?
Event Location:
Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex
7403 Lone Tree Rd, Victoria, TX 77905
We blocked off rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn at a special rate for the night of December 2nd, 2024. Call to book and mention that you’re in town for the conference to get the rate for our guests at $105.00 + Taxes.
We Connect Founders From Around The Globe To Share The Latest.
The Transportation Committee of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 11th annual Transportation Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3rd , 2024, from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. This event will take place at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex and is themed “Infrastructure and Growth Opportunities.” We’ve put together an exciting program featuring speakers who will delve into pertinent transportation topics. Some of the key subjects on the agenda include the “Green Ammonia Opportunities for South Texas”, “A sustainable Future for the Transportation Industry,” “Broadband Panel discussion,” and TxDOT’s Electrical Vehicle Plan. Our keynote speaker is Michael Rosales, from the US Department of Commerce who will discuss Transportation issues from a federal perspective.
We aim to provide an engaging conference that addresses transportation issues affecting our daily lives. For Licensed Professional Engineers, the conference will offer CEU credit hours. We will honor the FAA as our South Texas Transportation Partner of the Year. Additionally, we will award three engineering scholarships to three high school students who have submitted applications and will be selected by the Transportation Committee.
This year’s program is full of exciting opportunities. As the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, I extend an invitation for you to join us as a sponsor this year or simply attend for networking opportunities and a great catered lunch. We really appreciate the support you have given us over the last several years. If you have any questions or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Registration information can be accessed through the link provided below, and this year’s agenda follows. Thanks for your consideration.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Steve Schellenberg
Mr. Steve Schellenberg, Vice President of Business Development, IMS Worldwide, Inc. has been involved in logistics, manufacturing, distribution and transportation for over thirty years. His experience includes managing all aspects of automotive supply chains, global distribution, and third-party logistics.
He has extensive experience in the North America Free Trade Agreement trading regions and has managed air cargo, freight forwarding and air charter operations.
For the past fifteen years, Mr. Schellenberg has conducted assessments of global supply chains and has performed evaluations related to the impacts of global trade and trade routes on industrial development and investment strategies.
In addition, Mr. Schellenberg has participated in numerous air cargo Master Plan and cargo studies. He has provided multiple evaluations related to the impact of global cross-border e-commerce trade on airports and related facilities, while providing insight regarding the infrastructure required to support this new sector of commerce.
Jeffrey DeCoux
Jeffrey DeCoux, Founder and Chairman of the Autonomy Institute. DeCoux is the Founder of ATRIUS Industries, Autonomous Infrastructure enabling the Robotic Edge. Prior, DeCoux was CEO and Founder of Hangar, the world’s first robotics-as-a-system data acquisition platform.
Mr. DeCoux has raised over $100 million for venture and business operations. Mr. DeCoux has over 30 years of experience within the high-tech industries where his attention has been focused on Founding companies that enhance business productivity through automation.
Mr. DeCoux builds large collaborative teams to develop system-of-systems platforms. Lead the engineering of complex platforms supporting high performance computing, networking, and operational controls. Built the nation’s first high-performance online database that provided real-time access to terabytes of information in 1999. Invented the first enterprise relationship management system in 1994 which led to over a dozen patents including the foundational systems used in industry today. Developed the architecture for the leading autopilot for small drones used in 195 countries, having executed over one million missions.
Sydney Murphy
Judge Sydney Brown Murphy was elected Alliance Chair in 2018 and has been enthusiastically advocating for the advancement of I-69. She encourages transportation advocates to be forward thinking and ardently support transportation infrastructure projects, and has been proactive herself in staying ahead of the tremendous growth coming to both the region of East Texas and the entire state. Since 2015, she has been involved in the I-69 Coalition Board and the Brazos Transit Board of Directors. Prior to being elected Polk County Judge in 2015, she was executive director of the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce for six years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A & M University and two Master of Education degrees from Sam Houston State University.
Terry Canales
State Representative Terry Canales was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2012 to represent District 40, which encompasses the heart of Hidalgo County. In 2021, Canales was re-appointed by Texas Speaker of the House to serve as the Chair of the House Committee on Transportation—the first Latino to hold that position—and reappointed to the powerful Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. In 2021, Terry Canales was recognized by Texas Monthly in 2021 as one of the top 10 best legislators in the state.
Canales served 3 sessions on the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and has been a leader at the Capitol on creating a smarter, safer criminal justice system in Texas. Canales owns a law practice in Edinburg, Texas specializing in personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. He is married to the love of his life, Erica, and has five children: Juliana, Terry Andres, Caleb Ezra, Trigo, and Catalina.
Michael Rosales
Director, U.S. Commercial Service – Central & South Texas Region, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
Mr. Michael Rosales is the U.S. Commercial Service Director for the Central & South Texas Region, which covers 81 counties and 14 Congressional Districts and is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. He is a visionary and strategic leader that works directly with American exporters to advance their global market share with the support of his colleagues at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. He also works with his colleagues to support Foreign Direct Investment, which provides a soft landing for overseas companies to make TX their home, manufacture locally, and create jobs for the great state of Texas. Driven by professional integrity, Michael is committed to serving all members of each unique ecosystem. He listens directly to the needs of his stakeholders, customers, and global industry partners alike. He zealously leads American industry, building unique and lasting relationships, and leverages the U.S. Commercial Service as the backbone of the American economy. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Michael is 100% committed to this business community and advancing international trade for the State of Texas. Mr. Rosales earned both his BA and MBA from the University of Texas – San Antonio.
Michael Chamberlain
Michael Chamberlain is the Director of Data Management within TxDOT’s Transportation Planning and Programming Division and has been with TxDOT for 24 years. His experience includes the creation of numerous GIS productivity tools, statewide datasets, and applications, including the Statewide Planning Map, Project Tracker, and the Geospatial Roadway Inventory Database (GRID). Current projects include developing the Alternative Fuel Corridors, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, and managing the statewide rollout of EV charging in Texas.
Molly Waller
Andrew Kirchhoff
Jeffery Vinklarek
Texas Dept. of Transportation – Yoakum District
District Engineer
Jeff started his career at TxDOT in 1998 as a summer employee. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and received his engineering license in 2006. He has worked in various capacities throughout the district including: Maintenance Engineer, Director of Operations, and Director of Transportation Planning and Development for the Yoakum District. He currently serves as the District Engineer for the 11 county Yoakum District.
Jeff Billo
Jeff Billo is the Director of Operations Planning at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). In this role he oversees load, wind, and solar forecasting, ancillary services, and grid analysis efforts at ERCOT. Mr. Billo has been at ERCOT for twenty-one years. Before his current position, he held various roles in the area of transmission planning. Mr. Billo is active in the ERCOT stakeholder process and in various industry forums, including North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) committees and the International System Operators Network (ISON). He has also coauthored papers on the topics of transmission planning, forecasting, and wind generation. Mr. Billo holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
As a longtime District 27 resident, he is committed to serving his fellow Texans in our district. And as a husband and father, he recognizes the urgency of transforming Washington and preserving for future generations the liberty and prosperity we enjoy as Americans.
Darrek Ferrell
Darrek Ferrell joined the City of Victoria on January 13, 2020, and brings over 12 years of local government experience with nearly five of them as a city manager. Ferrell’s areas of expertise include economic development, overall administration, lean management and finance, and budget.
During his time in Commerce, Ferrell focused on organizational leadership by rebuilding the management team and improving the city’s bond rating from a BBB to an A, further indicating the city’s credit quality. In addition, he worked with the State Legislature to pass a bill that will pave the way for Commerce to build a hotel and convention center in the community. Prior to joining the City of Commerce, Ferrell began his career with the City of Brenham and the City of San Antonio in the Office of Management & Budget.
He also spent some time working for the City Manager’s Office in McKinney, and in the City of Mount Vernon as its city administrator and economic development director. Ferrell earned a master’s degree in public service and administration from Texas A&M University and is a Credentialed Manager through the International City/County Management Association. Ferrell oversees the following departments: Police Department, Fire Department, Information Technology, Building & Equipment Services, and Municipal Court
Cintia Ciancio
Cintia Ciancio is the Chief Executive Officer of Hoctant, a consulting firm that supports clients in achieving success by effectively managing strategic initiatives and projects. Cintia has over 24 years of global experience leading and supporting a portfolio budgeted over $38B in several industries, including Energy, Oil & Gas, Mining, Engineering and Construction, Maritime, and Transportation. Cintia provides technology and risk-based solutions to assist clients in leading energy transition, future fuel, sustainability, and business model optimization initiatives.
Ann-Kathrin Merz
Ann-Kathrin Merz is the Industry and Strategy Lead at First Ammonia, a New York-based green ammonia producer dedicated to fluctuating ammonia production with the highest efficiency technology.
At First Ammonia, Ms. Merz covers a wide array of topics such as market intelligence, regulatory, policy and environmental issues, partnerships, and strategic communication.
Ms. Merz brings a deep understanding of the hydrogen economy from research experience at the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, where she worked for Anne-Sophie Corbeau and Dr. Julio Friedmann. She further drafted parts of the ICEF Low-Carbon Ammonia Roadmap for the Japanese government.
Ms. Merz previously worked on innovation policy, supply chain sustainability, and hydrogen at the European Parliament’s Diplomatic Office in Washington D.C. and the Boston Consulting Group in Berlin, Germany.
She studied the political, technical, and financial dimensions of the energy transition at Columbia University and international energy politics at Georgetown University.
Michael Cloud
Michael Cloud is a Constitutional Conservative who represents the 27th District of Texas in the U.S. Congress and defends American values, while working for economic growth, our Constitutional liberties, and a strong national defense.Thanks to his experience as a small business owner, Michael understands the importance of cutting regulations and getting federal bureaucracy out of the way to allow our economy to thrive.
As a longtime District 27 resident, he is committed to serving his fellow Texans in our district. And as a husband and father, he recognizes the urgency of transforming Washington and preserving for future generations the liberty and prosperity we enjoy as Americans.
Amy Mundy
Amy Mundy is the Executive Director of Victoria College Advancement & VC Foundation. She provides operational leadership for the development, implementation and growth of a comprehensive program advancing the mission of Victoria College and the Foundation.
This includes grant development, scholarships, community relations and legislative affairs. Amy currently serves on the board of Texas Association of Community College Foundations, Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity, Victoria Police Foundation and Victoria Main Street Program.
She was featured in the Victoria Advocate Business Review Magazine in 2021, awarded the Chamber of Commerce Committee Chair of the Year in 2013 and was named JLV Sustainer of the Year in 2013 and 2021 for her contributions to the community.
Jeff Bauknight
Jeff Bauknight is the mayor of the City of Victoria. He was born in Austin and raised in Victoria. Bauknight earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University. Upon returning to Victoria in 2004, he started Crossroads Mechanical, Inc., a mechanical contracting firm.
He is also a member of the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation, Victoria Economic Development Corporation, Legislative Committee, Compensation Committee, and the Appraisal District board. He was first elected to the City Council in 2013.
Geanie Morrison
State Representative Geanie W. Morrison has a record of being an effective conservative leader for Texas House District 30 and always strives to improve the lives of her constituents. She believes in individual liberty and personal freedom and votes to empower the people of Texas, not politicians and special interests.
For the 87th Legislative Session, Representative Morrison was appointed to serve on the House Committees on Redistricting, Appropriations, and Environmental Regulation. Geanie is married to her husband Jack and they have two children and two grandchildren. House District 30 consists of Aransas, Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Refugio, and Victoria County.
Ben Zeller
Ben Zeller is an 8th-generation Texan whose deep roots in The Lone Star state date back to Stephen F. Austin’s “Old 300” settlers. Ben graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston-Victoria with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and later earned an MBA from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
He worked in the financial sector for several years at Wells Fargo Bank and Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU). While working at TDECU as a Senior Loan Officer, Ben ran for Victoria County Judge and was elected in November of 2014 as one of the youngest County Judges in Texas. Ben has been passionate about public policy since his teen years and is the President of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. He was chosen by the University of Houston – Victoria as their 2018 Young Alumnus of the Year for outstanding professional accomplishments.
He was also chosen by Texas A&M University-San Antonio in 2018 as the recipient of their inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award based on professional accomplishments and reputation. He currently serves on the boards of the Texas I-69 Alliance, Victoria Economic Development Corporation, and as an ex officio member of the Citizens Medical Center Board of Managers, among others. He is also a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness & Response and the Victoria Rotary Club. He previously served as President of the South Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association, a board member of the Texas Association of Counties, a mentor in VISD’s high schools, and as an elected member of the State Republican Executive Committee.
An avid sportsman, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time on his family’s ranch. Ben and his wife Jamie, a former VISD high-school teacher, have been married since 2008. They have three young children and are active members of Parkway Church in Victoria
Lenny Llerena
Lenny Llerena is the Executive Director of the Victoria Regional Airport in Victoria, TX. The Airport resides on 1,700-acres of the former Foster Air Force Base. Mr. Llerena leads, directs, and is responsible for the overall management of the Victoria Regional Airport.
This includes leadership and oversight of the business operations, administration, staffing, financial administration, community and government relations, marketing, air service planning and development, facilities construction and maintenance, and the safety and security of the Airport. Prior to joining the Victoria Regional Airport, he was Airport Director of New Braunfels Regional Airport.
Edward Emmett
Judge Edward M. Emmett is a Fellow in Energy and Transportation at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Currently, his research efforts are focused on freight mobility, building a resilient global supply chain and understanding the past, present and future role of highways.
Emmett has received numerous awards and honors, including Distinguished Alumnus of Rice University, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and the Presidential Call to Service Award.
Gerald Schwebel
As a key resource to IBC Bank’s international customers, Mr. Schwebel offers special expertise in international trade and finance, industrial/economic development and transportation.
Widely regarded as a leading expert on international trade and finance, Mr. Schwebel frequently represents IBC Bank and its customers with top government and business leaders in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His knowledge and unique overview have led him to present expert testimony before Congress on issues regarding U.S.-Mexico trade including the United States, Mexico, Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) and the former North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), transportation and logistics, international finance, and U.S. immigration reform. Mr. Schwebel’s perspectives on various topics related to international trade, economics, and banking have been featured in some of the major business publications in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst is a fifth generation Texan, with ancestral roots dating back to the Texas War of Independence. Married to her high school sweetheart Jim, she is a dedicated mother and small business owner. Born and raised in Senate District 18, she attended public schools before graduating from Texas Christian University.
Known by her colleagues for being a hard worker, Kolkhorst has passed legislation that impacts every code of Texas law, ranging from increased government transparency to fighting human trafficking. A longtime voice for private property rights, Senator Kolkhorst has worked with land owner groups to stop eminent domain abuse.
To protect and increase funding for our state parks and historic sites, she authored Proposition 5 in 2019, which passed statewide with overwhelming support. She has also led efforts to enhance Texas roads, ports and trade corridors delivering millions of dollars in funding for the state highways across her district. Senator Kolkhorst and her husband are blessed with two children, Lois Kate and Jake. A frequent volunteer at her church, Senator Kolkhorst also enjoys hobbies such as hunting, fishing and gardening.
Geir Eilif Kalhagen
Geir Eilif Kalhagen has served as the director of the Maritime Division at the Texas Department of Transportation since April 2020. He brings over three decades of experience in the global supply chain, with an emphasis on the maritime sector, global logistics and international commerce.
Kalhagen’s global experience in the private sector along with his tenure as CEO and executive director in the Washington State Public Port system has led to appointments to national and international organizations. He has served as the first vice president of the Americas for the International Association of Ports and Harbors and was appointed by Washington Governor, Jay Inslee, to the state’s Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board.
Kalhagen holds an MBA from the University of Oregon, a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of South Alabama, and an AS in Business Management from Norwalk Community College. He has also earned a U.S.C.G. Limited Masters and a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Virginia Essary
Virginia Essary started her investigative career with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors in September of 2012–starting as an Investigator I and working her way up to Investigator IV in the Compliance & Enforcement Department. Prior to joining the Board, Virginia worked with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin, Texas. She is a native of Austin, Texas, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Texas State University.
April L. Butler
April L. Butler is the City Council representative for District 3. She is a local business owner and national franchise business consultant. She has a background in child welfare and worked within the Harris County Department of Education and the nonprofit organization Devereux Behavioral Health prior to her current role.
She is an active member of the Victoria Rotary, Victoria County Republican Women, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Program, Victoria Professional Express Network and American Business Women’s Association, and she serves on the Victoria County Child Welfare Board, HOPE of South Texas Board, Victoria Chamber of Commerce Board and Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation.
She attended Texas Tech University and earned her master’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York (SUNY) in 2016. She is a past member of Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Delta Kappa, and she has earned awards for exceptional leadership, dedication to fostering a positive culture and commitment to promoting a growth mindset.
Dr. Jennifer Kent
Dr. Jennifer Kent became the sixth president of Victoria College in 2020 after serving as Senior Vice President at Ranger College for two years. She previously worked in public education for 19 years, including 11 years as a secondary school district administrator. From her start in education as a teacher and coach in Port Lavaca, Texas, Dr. Kent has prioritized building relationships with students, employees, and community members to increase student success. She was recently selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Aspen Institute’s Presidents Fellowship. She and the other fellows will work towards advancing strategies aimed at delivering excellent student outcomes for all students. Dr. Kent remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering students to enter careers with family-sustaining wages, obtain upward economic mobility, and reach their full potential, ultimately contributing to the social and economic landscape of the Golden Crescent region.
Preliminary Agenda
Infrastructure & Growth Opportunities
8:15
Welcome
Color Guard and Presentation of Colors by CWV Post 1269
Dr. Jennnifer Kent, President- Victoria College
April Butler – City Council, District 3
Honorable Ben Zeller, Victoria County Judge
Honorable Geanie Morrison, Texas State Representative, District 30
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Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex
7403 Lone Tree Rd, Victoria, TX 77905