April Commerce Club Featuring Robert Howden, Legislative Affairs for Gov. Abbott

The Greater Houston Port Bureau welcomed Robert Howden, Senior Adviser and Director of Legislative Affairs for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, as the featured speaker at the Port Bureau’s April Commerce Club luncheon. Howden joined moderator Andrew Biar, founder of Strategic Public Affairs, for a discussion on the key issues that included   workforce development, infrastructure, energy, water resources, and public safety.

Highlights from the discussion included:

• Improving workforce development and preparing Texans for careers in high-demand industries. Howden highlighted recent legislation that invested $150 million into expanding career and technical education programs, particularly in rural communities and areas experiencing rapid industrial growth.
• Energy reliability, water resources, and infrastructure needs as Texas continues to experience growth in population, industrial activity, and data center development tied to artificial intelligence and technology expansion.
• Public safety and bail reform are ongoing priorities for the governor’s office, particularly in Harris County and the Houston region.
• Continuing support for honoring military veterans and veterans' programs through the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas National Guard.

The importance of collaboration between state and local leadership.  Howden stressed that cooperation across political lines is essential when addressing issues such as disaster recovery, infrastructure improvements, and economic development.

“We’re all Texans,” Howden said in conclusion. “No matter who they are, my job is if they need something and we can help, we’re going to do it.”

 Howden brings decades of experience in Texas government and public policy, having worked for four Texas governors and previously leading two of the state’s most influential business organizations, NFIB/Texas and the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Annual Sponsors:

Buffalo Marine Service, Inc. • Callan Marine • Chevron/Kirby • Energy Transfer • Enterprise Products Partners • Kinder Morgan • Houston Pilots • Intercontinental Terminals Company • Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc. •  PEMEX Deer Park  • Port Houston  • Targa Resources • TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park • Vopak • WGMA 

April Sponsors:

Bay-Houston Towing Co. • Houston Mooring, Inc.