Welcome and Opening Remarks
Josephine Miller
Executive Director
San Patricio Economic Development Corporation
Since 2004, Ms. Miller has served as the Executive Director of the San Patricio Economic Development Corporation. Her goals are to market San Patricio to industry, support existing business and continue to raise the awareness of our towns as tourist destinations. She formerly served for 12 years as the County Judge of San Patricio County.
Ms. Miller has a BA from the University of Texas, Teacher’s certifications in English, Spanish, and Library Science.
Josephine’s awards include the Road Hand Award – Texas Department of Transportation, Government Award – YWCA Women in Careers, Leadership Texas, 2000, Leadership San Patricio, Regional Leadership – Coastal Bend, Humanitarian Award – National Conference of Christians and Jews, Literary Angel – San Patricio County, and Mental Health Mental Retardation Award – San Patricio County.
Social Media
Sam White
Social Media Manager
Texas Engineering Extension Service
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Charles Ring
President
San Patricio County Farm Bureau
Charles Ring is a 3rd generation farmer and rancher in San Patricio County. Charles farms 3100 acres of cotton, 1900 acres of sorghum, and 2000 acres of corn. Charles has farmed and ranched since graduating Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in 1977.
On the local level, Charles currently serves as President of San Patricio County Farm Bureau, Director of Smith Gin Coop, Director of South Texas Cotton and Grain Association, Vice-Chairman of San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District, member representing Agriculture on the Coastal Bend Regional Water Planning Group, member of TAMU College of Agriculture Development Council, and a member of the Sinton Rotary club.
On the state and national level, Charles is Chairman of the Texas Corn Producers Board Research committee, member of the Texas Corn Producers Board Education and Finance committees, Vice-Chairman of the National Corn Growers Association mycotoxin task force, U.S. Grains Council Asia Action Team, and the Texas State Chemist Advisory Board member.
Charles is also a graduate of the 2002-2004 Texas Agriculture Leaders for Life (TALL) Class VIII.
Keynote Address – Tomorrow Begins Today – Go Green!
Rick Rhodes
Assistant Commissioner -
Rural Economic Development Division
Texas Department of Agriculture
Rick is a native Texan. After growing up in Sweetwater, Texas, he earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. His career includes ownership of a successful small business, assignments in banking and mortgage lending, serving four terms as the Mayor of Sweetwater, and leading Governor Perry’s job creation initiative for two years.
Rick currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner for Rural Economic Development for the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Panel – Sustainable Energy Endeavors
Loy Sneary
President – CEO
Gulf Coast Green Energy
Loy Sneary joined Gulf Coast Green Energy (GCGE) to head up the company in December, 2007.He is also founder of Sagomi, a business development consulting firm. He was afounding partner of Innovative Capital Resources, a capital acquisition firm. Loy has been a successful businessman, consultant, County Judge, and rancher in South East Texas. He has spent much of his career at the intersection of industry and government, promoting economic growth and improving the dialogue between business, and government at the state and national levels. He has held a Presidential Cabinet level foreign trade policy advisory position. At the urging of friends and supporters, he has twice run for the U.S. Congress, which allowed him to build a network of community, government, and industry leaders from Texas to Washington D.C. He is the founder of Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation, and organized the Coalition of County Judges which promoted economic diversity and development as well as championing the cause of it’s 20 member counties in Austin and Washington D.C.
He has started several successful businesses and has provided business consulting to a wide array of businesses.
Loy has spent much of his career at the intersection of industry and government, promoting economic development and improving the dialogue between community groups, business organizations, and government.
Loy is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and served his country as a United States Naval Officer for six years.
Panel – Sustainable Energy Endeavors
Jimmy Garrett
Alternative Power Solutions
Panel – Sustainable Energy Endeavors
Thad Chambers
SIPS Texas
Panel – Sustainable Energy Endeavors
Jim Brannen
Market Development Manager
Soutwest Windpower
Jim has 5 years experience in the Community Wind Market and 25 years experience of providing equipment and services to the Oil & Gas, Power Generation and Water Treatment industries. Jim began working in the renewable industry at Northern Power and is now focused on the community wind industry in Texas. Mr. Brannen has extensive experience developing markets for US manufactured products in international markets, particularly Latin America. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.
“In Texas we have been blessed with natural resources that should, with the right choices allow us to provide energy for generations to come. With the right choices we can begin to look beyond the economic results of the next quarter and the next year and prepare an infrastructure to provide clean, sustainable energy, in various forms. Working together is critical.”
Session – LEED – Building for Sustainability
Rick Sebenoler
Program Officer
USDC – Economic Development Administration
Rick is a former US Army Infantry Officer, educated at the University of Georgia, Texas A&M University and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. He is certified as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professional by the US Green Building Council and has been with the Economic Development Administration since 1990.
Session – LEED – Building for Sustainability
Elizabeth Chu Richter
CEO
Richter Architects
Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA is an architect and CEO of Richter Architects. The firm, based in Corpus Christi, has received national and state design excellence awards from the American Institute of Architects, Texas Society of Architects, the Brick Industry Association, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
In 2002, Elizabeth was named “Newsmaker of the Year” by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. The newspaper recognized that she was at the forefront during a crucial time for Corpus Christi, her award-winning work educated the public as to why architecture mattered and her fight to preserve and enhance public spaces and create spaces where people want to be would likely leave an imprint that would last for generations.’
Elizabeth is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and was President of the Texas Society of Architects in 2007. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas in Austin. Elizabeth is currently a board member of CHRISTUS Spohn Health System and the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation. She is a former Director of the Board and past Chairwoman of the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Introduction of Speakers
Judge Terry Simpson
County Judge, San Patricio County
Judge Simpson worked for San Patricio County as a Deputy Sheriff for 27 years, Justice of the Peace-Precinct 1 for 7 years and has served as San Patricio County Judge since being elected in 2003. Shortly after being elected, Judge Simpson was successful in getting legislation passed for San Patricio County to have a seat on the Port of Corpus Christi Authority which was a major accomplishment that brought new growth to the county.
The county has been proactive with alternative energy resources with wind generators on-line and more being built which brought, and will continue to bring, new jobs as well as over a billion in new taxable property when all are completed. These wind generators provide direct financial tax payments to Taft, Sinton and Odem-Edroy Independent School District’s and when finished to Gregory-Portland ISD. Judge Simpson’s alliance with the Corpus Christi Regional Economical Development Corporation has helped to bring a billion dollar plant to the county from China which will start building before the end of the year as soon as the state grants the remaining permits. All of this and more, during Judge Simpson’s two terms, has helped increase the county’s wealth which not only prevented the need to increase taxes but also allowed for some decreases while maintaining stable tax rates to sustain county budgets and provide assistance to the residents.
Judge Simpson has been instrumental in securing grant funds for sewer and waterlines for underdeveloped areas within the county, housing rehabilitation for low income families and Disaster Relief repair/reconstruction to homes severely damaged by weather.
Blown Away with Wind Energy
Spivey Paup
Assistant Development Manager
E.ON
Spivey Paup has worked for E.ON Climate & Renewables since 2008. He has performed wind project development work in eight states, including the recently-commissioned Papalote Creek II Wind Farm in San Patricio County, TX. Prior his career in renewable energy, he spent five years as a policy advisor in the U.S. House of Representatives. A Texas native, Spivey earned a BA in International Studies from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
This presenter will discuss the following topics:
- E.ON Climate & Renewables overview
- Papalote Creek Wind Farm overview
- Economic and Land impacts of wind farms
- Q&A from audience
Blown Away with Wind Energy
Marina Martinez
Project Manager of the Wind Energy
Institute, Texas Tech University
Marina Martinez holds a BBA in INternational Business and Marketing and a MS in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentration in Wind Energy, Business, and Education from Texas Tech University. Marina was recently hired by the Texas Wind Energy Institute to develop wind energy workforce solutions. She currently is the project manager at the Institute.
Introduction of Speaker
Josephine Miller
Executive Director San Patricio Economic Development Corporation
Wind Farm Effects on Air Traffic Control and Compatible Siting Collaboration
Captain Mark A. McLaughlin
Commanding Officer
Naval Air Station, Kingsville. Texas
Capt. McLaughlin has a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree with specialties in human factors and aviation operations from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University.
Born in Omaha, Neb., and raised in Caldwell, Idaho, Captain McLaughlin earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in economics and received his commission through the Navy ROTC program at Texas A&M University in December 1986. Following primary flight training in NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla., and advanced jet training in NAS Beeville, Texas, he earned his Wings in April 1989 and was selected to be an attack pilot in the A-6E Intruder.
He has accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours, 761 carrier landings and 87 combat missions during a 23-year aviation career. In addition to various campaign and service decorations, Capt. McLaughlin has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and the Air Medal (four strike flight awards).
Session – Wind Farm Considerations – Collaborating for Compatible Siting Solutions
Captain McLaughlin will discuss the impact wind farms have on the Naval Air Station and importance of collaboration between the Naval Air Station and surrounding communities when considering the placement of wind farms.
Applying Innovative Water Technologies
Karen Ivey
San Patricio Water District
Here are some of Ms.Ivey accomplishments in her field:
Facilitated $30,000 recycle/reuse grant for East Elementary it Taft, Texas – also installed 3,000 gallon rain tank for elementary gardens.
Worked with Green Acres Demonstration Gardens in Rockport – had 2,500 gallon rain tank for gardens, also installed smaller rain barrels where needed in children’s garden.
Worked with San Patricio/Aransas County Master Gardeners and published In Our Coastal Gardens - a comprehensive native and adapted plant guide for the coastal bend.
Installed a 3,000 gallon rain tank and outdoor classroom at Stephen F Austin Elementary in Gregory, Texas.
Installed two 10,000 rain catchment systems and a native plant garden site with drip irrigation at the San Patricio County Fairgrounds.
Worked with Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists on Native Grass Exhibit at Welder Wildlife Refuge – furnihsed site 3,000 gallon rain tank and drip irrigatin equipment.
Applying Innovative Water Technologies
Don Roach
San Patricio Water District
Mr.Roach is the Assitant General Manager to San Patricio Municipal Water District.
In his many accomplishments two major projects stand out. First, the Aransas Pass Reuse Project, which supplies approximately 1.2 MGD from the Aransas Pass wastewater plant to Sherwin Alumina. Second is the Plant “C” Membrane Treatment Plant, a 8.0 MGD Micro-Filtration Plant supplying potable water customers and Ingleside Co-Generation; which was later expanded two different times, finally reaching its 21 MGD. This was the first micro-filtration plant in the State of Texas and the largest in the US at the time of construction.
Christians and Jews, Literary Angel – San Patricio County, and Mental Health Mental Retardation Award – San Patricio County.
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability at Port of Corpus Christi Authority
Sarah Garza
Environmental Compliance Manager
Port of Corpus Christi Authority
Gathering Traction for the Unconvetional – New Options for Energy
Soll Sussman
Renewable Program Energy Specialist
Texas General Land Office
Soll Sussman coordinates the division’s Texas-Mexico border cooperation and alternative fuels programs.The border energy program has organized the annual US-Mexico Border Energy Forum since 1994.
Session – Gathering Traction for the Unconventional – New Options for Energy
Texas’ wealth of energy resources gives us the opportunity to make sensible choices for the future that find common ground for economic development and environmental protection.
Getting Started with Renewable Energy Projects
Pam Groce
Program Manager
Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO)
Pam has been with SECO for 14 years promoting energy efficiency, conservation and sustainability.
“We want our children to have a bright future, still there are times when its the kids that remind us that we must care for our earth today because tomorrow is for them.”
Panel – Getting Started with Renewable Energy Projects
This panelist will discuss Texas renewable energy resources and how SECO funds public entities projects that demonstrate the use of a variety of technologies.
Getting Started with Renewable Energy Projects
Travis Brown
Renewable Energy Program Manager
Texas Department of Rural Affairs
Travis Brown is the renewable energy program manager for the Texas Department of Rural Affairs. He also serves as coordinator for the Rural Alliance for Renewable Energy and is co-chair of the Texas 25x’25 Alliance. Before joining TDRA in 2005, Travis worked three years as energy projects director for the Texas Office of Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group. He previousy worked many years as a reporter and editor, including reporting for newspapers in Dallas, El Paso, Lubbock, Temple, Denton and Sacremento, California.
Panel – Getting Started with Renewable Energy Projects
This panelist will discuss how rural communities can use renewable energy to boost their economoies and cut their energy cost by developing their renewable energy resources. He will also discuss how rural communities can find funding for renewable energy projects.
Getting Started with Renewable Energy Projects
Sylvia Zamponi
District Director
US Small Business Administration
Sylvia Zamponi is currently serving as District Director of the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley Distric Office in Harlingen, Texas.
The district is serviced by a team of eight professional and support employees in the Harlingen office and three additional professionals in the Corpus Christi Branch Office. Together they reach out and provide service to over 115,000 small businesses, and collaborate with SBA grantees consisting of two Small Business Development Centers, two SCORE chapters, a Women’s Business Center, Veterans Business Outreach Center, an International Trade Center and DOD grantees consisting of two Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.
Renewable Energy: From the Farm to the City
Bruce Henderson
Zone Conservation Agronomist
USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service
Bruce Henderson was raised on a small farm/ranch near Belton. He attended Texas A&M in College Station, and while attending college, started working for the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), now known as the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), as a student trainee in 1988. Bruce received his B.S. in Agronomy 1983. He has worked in Hamilton, Bartlett, Brenham, Dumas, Uvalde, and Corpus Christi on Field, Area, Zone and State staffs. Currently, Bruce is the Zone Conservation Agronomist for Zone 3, covering 52 counties in Central and South Texas.
Panel – Renewable Energy from the Farm to the City
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps people help the land by conserving, and enhancing their natural resources – which includes renewable energy. NRCS remains focused on steps to advance clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing our economy. The session will provide an overview of available programs and assistance.
Opening Remarks
Gary Sera
Agency Director
Texas Engineering Extension Service
Gary Sera has served as Agency Director for the Texas Engineering Extension Service since December 2007. Prior to that, Sera was the agency’s interim director beginning in March 2007 and has more than 17 years of service to the agency. He served as the agency’s Director of Technology and Economic Development(TED) before being named Interim Director. The division conducts training, technical assistance and technology transfer with a focus on economic development,information technology, manufacturing, technology commercialization and emergency response planning.
