Select USA and U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Business Development Trade Mission
Houston Austin, Texas
U.S. Ambassador to Portugal Business Development Mission
March 23 – 28, 2014
Agenda
Organized by:/ Partners:
DISCLAIMER: This agenda is provided for informational purposes only and as a courtesy to all parties interested in participating in the Road Show. Please be advised that this agenda is subject to change.
Updated: 10/9/2018 1:56 PM
Sunday, March 23
Delegates will arrive at George Bush International Airport on different flights. Upon arrival, delegates will take a taxi.
Check-in at the Westin Galleria Hotel
Location: The Westin Galleria Houston, 5060 West Alabama, Houston,Texas
Telephone:1-713-960-8100
Web:
About the Hotel: Experience theThe Westin Galleria Houston, whichoffers anideal uptown location for anyone looking for a spectacular Houston experience. Connected to the Galleria Shopping Center, our guests have direct access to over 350 shops and restaurants, as well as some of Houston's greatest attractions like Reliant Stadium, Downtown Houston, and the museum district.
6:30 pmGather in hotel lobby to depart for Welcome DinnerSponsored by BBVA Compass
6:45 pmWalk to Restaurant for Welcome Dinner
7:00 pmWelcome Reception Dinner hosted by Ambassador Robert Sherman and Sponsored by BBVA Compass
Location:BBVA Compass Restaurant, 100 Main Street, Houston, TX
Contact: Ana Paula Vila
Telephone: +351-91-871-3845
Dress:Business Casual
About Ambassador Sherman: Robert A.Sherman, a founding member and former co-managing shareholder of the firm's Boston office, has wide-ranging trial and regulatory experience. He focuses his practice on government investigations and litigation, internal corporate investigations - with an emphasis on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance - as well as consumer protection and class action defense. Bob has played many instrumental roles in numerous local and regional political campaigns. Most recently, Bob was an original member of the Obama for America National Finance Committee and a member of President-Elect Obama’s Transition Team, where his principal responsibilities involved vetting for cabinet level positions. A frequent commentator for various local and national media outlets, television, radio and newsprint on legal and political issues, Bob has been interviewed on topics such as the Supreme Court case involving protesting at military funerals, the 2010 midterm elections, the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the constitutional authority of state attorneys general in legal disputes with governors.
9:00 pmFree time
Monday, March 24
8:00 amBreakfast at the hotel
9:00amDelegation gathers in the hotel lobby for departure
9:15 amDepart by bus for GHP-Greater Houston Partnership
10:00 am Welcome and Houston Economic Overview by the Greater Houston Partnership
Location: 1200 Smith St., Suite 700, Houston, Texas 77002, Tower 2
Contact: Gabby Aslaksen, Assistant, International Investment and Trade
Telephone:1-713-844-3606
Dress: Business Attire
Web:
About GHP-Greater Houston Partnership: The GHP is the primary advocate of Houston's business community and is dedicated to building regional economic prosperity. Houston is a dynamic, world-class city. Houston is the fourth largest and the most diverse city in the US. Houston is a leader in numerous industries including manufacturing, healthcare services, engineering, and oil and gas. In addition to great businesses, you’ll find professional sports, first-class museums and theatre, and an exquisite restaurant scene. Houston’s has it all!
12:00pm Lunch with the GHP-Greater Houston Partnership
Location: 1200 Smith St., Suite 700, Houston, Texas 77002
Contact: Gabby Aslaksen, Assistant, International Investment and Trade
Telephone:1- 713-844-3606
Dress: Business Attire
1:00 pm Depart by bus to HTC-Houston Technology Center
1:30 pmBriefing of HTC-Houston Technology Center
Location: 410 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002
Contact/Host: Gabby Aslaksen
Telephone: 1- 713-844-3606,1-713-658-1750
Dress:Business Attire
About HTC-Houston Technology Center: Named by Forbes' as one of "Ten Technology Incubators Changing the World," and as one of "Twelve Business Incubators Changing the World," the Houston Technology Center is the largest technology business incubator and accelerator in Texas, advancing the commercialization of emerging technology companies in the greater Houston area. HTC serves as the nexus of new ideas, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. Each day, the staff and partners of the Houston Technology Center work closely with entrepreneurs and startup companies providing them with in-depth strategic and tactical business guidance, fundraising advice, and connecting them to opportunities, allies, and capital.
3:30 pm Depart by bus to BBVA Compass
4:00pmBBVA Compass Seminar: Outlook on U.S. Economy and briefing on Houston Business Opportunities
Location: 1000 Main St, Houston
Contact/Host: Andreia Madeira
Telephone: 1-713-561-0500
Dress:Business Attire
6:00 pmReception and Networking Event sponsoredBBVA Compass
Location: 100 Main Street, Houston, TX
Contact: Andreia Madeira
Telephone: 1-713-561-0500
Dress:Business Attire
About BBVA Compass: BBVA Compass is the U.S. unit of BBVA, the Spanish-based financial services firm that operates in 32 countries. BBVA Compass has 688 branches throughout its Sunbelt footprint. BBVA Compass Plaza, which has 22 floors and 318,000 square feet, is the first tower to go up in Houston’s Galleria area in 30 years.
8:00 pmDepart BBVA Compass by bus to hotel
8:15 pm Free time for dinner
Tuesday, March 25
8:00 amBreakfast at the hotel
8:45 amDelegation gathers in the hotel lobby for departure
9:00 amDepart by bus for NASA Space Center of Houston
10:00 am ArriveNASA Space Center of Houston
Location: NASA Space Center, 1601 NASA Pkwy, Houston
Contact: Gabby Aslaksen Telephone: 1-713-844-3606, 1-281-244-2100
Dress: Business Attire
About the Space Center: The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's center for human spaceflight training, research, and flight control. The center consists of a complex of one hundred buildings constructed on 1,620 acres (656 ha) in Houston, Texas.[2] Johnson Space Center is home to the United States astronaut corps and is responsible for training astronauts from both the U.S. and its international partners. It is often popularly referred to by its central function during missions, Mission Control. The center, originally known as the Manned Spacecraft Center, grew out of the Space Task Group formed soon after the creation of NASA to co-ordinate the US manned spaceflight program. A new facility was constructed on land donated by Rice University and opened in 1963. On February 19, 1973, the center was renamed in honor of the late U.S. president and Texas native, Lyndon B. Johnson.[3][4] JSC is one of ten major NASA field centers.
12:00 noonLunch at NASA Space Center of Houston
1:30 pmDepart by bus for the Port of Houston
2:30pmBriefing and Tour of Port of Houston
About the Port of Houston: The Port of Houston is a port in Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest city in the United States. The port is a 25-mile-long complex of diversified public and private facilities located a few hours' sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico. The Port of Houston is an economic engine that produces jobs and economic prosperity for the local and state economy. Throughout its history, whenever the port has grown, Houston has grown. Someone once wisely pointed out that Houston is “the town that built the port that built the city.
5:00Depart Port for networking event
6:00 pmNetworking event Sponsored by American Ismaili Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, March 26
7:30 amBreakfast at the hotel
8:30 amDelegation check out and gather in hotel lobby
8:45 amDepart by bus to BBVA Compass Center for B2B Meetings or Individual meetings
9:30One on One B2B meetings begin
Location: BBVA Compass Center, 100 Main Street, Houston, TX Contact: Andreia Madeira Telephone: 1-713-561-0500 Dress: Business Attire
12:30 pmFree time for lunch
1:30 pm Depart by bus from BBVA Compass Center for Austin, Texas
4:30 pmArrive in Austin, Texas
Check-in at InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel
Location: InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, 701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX Telephone: 1 (512) 457-8800 Web:
About the Hotel: The InterContinental Stephen F. Austin provides lodging just four blocks from the Austin State Capitol and puts you within walking distance of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the University of Texas and the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail.
6:00 pmGather in Hotel Lobby to walk (10 minutes) to restaurant for Welcome Dinner
6:30 pmWelcome BBQ Dinner hosted by Ambassador Sherman
Location: Stubbs BBQ, 801 Red River, Austin, TX
Telephone: 1-512-480-834
Dress: Casual
About Restaurant:
9:00 pmReturn to Hotel
Thursday, March 27
7:30 amBreakfast at the hotel
8:15 amDelegation gathers in the Hotel lobby for departure. Walk to Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
8:30 amArrive at Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
Program: Economic overview featuring Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and City of Austin.
Location: 535 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX
Contact: Ben Ramirez, City of Austin, 512-974-6416 or Andrea Maceyra, Austin Chamber Telephone: 1-512-478-9383 (Chamber Main number)
Dress:Business Attire
About the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce: The Austin Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of 2,800+ business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Its mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for its members. Investing in the Austin community through Chamber membership supports a program of work that includes economic development, education and talent development, public policy, transportation and infrastructure, technology, as well as business attraction, retention, and expansion. The Austin Chamber builds its program of work around the three core principles an investment in membership brings: business connection, community impact and economic development.
About the City of Austin: The City of Austin has established itself as a world leader in technology, innovation, energy, music and creativity that has led to significant business expansion and overall growth. To effectively support and recruit business in Austin, the Economic Development Department has integrated a core global focus while supporting local initiatives through Cultural Arts, Music, Redevelopment/Downtown, Economic and Small Business Development. The City’s Economic Development Department works to promote these industries and connect companies and communities worldwide to Austin. Fact Sheet:
10:30 pmDepart by bus to IC² Institute at the University of Texas
11:00 pmArrive IC² Institute for lunch and briefing
Location: 3925 West Braker Lane, Austin, TX
Contact: Dave Gibson
Telephone: 512-305-0000
Dress:Business Attire
Program:
Overview of IC2 Programs
Global Commercialization Program
Tours of UT by industry sector of interest: IT, Renewable Energy, Biotech
About University of Texas: For more than 130 years, The University of Texas System has been committed to improving the lives of Texans and people all over the world through education, research and health care. The University of Texas System is one of the nation’s largest systems of higher education, withnine academic institutions and six health institutionsthat educate more than 216,000 students and employ 87,000 faculty and staff. Each year, UT’s academic institutions award more than one-third of all undergraduate degrees in Texas, and its health institutions grant two-thirds of all health professional degrees. In addition, UT System health professions provide care to millions of patients each year, and UT System faculty and students are engaged in cutting-edge research and making significant discoveries that benefit society.Over the past two years, The University of Texas System’s ground-breaking strategic plan, called theFramework for Advancing Excellence, has cemented UT as a national leader in higher education
About the IC² Institute: The IC² Institute was founded in 1977 as a “think and do” tank to test the belief of its founder, George Kozmetsky, that technological innovation can catalyze regional economic development through the active and directional collaboration among the university, government, and private sectors. Since then, the Institute has researched the theory and practice of entrepreneurial wealth creation and has been instrumental in Austin’s growth as an innovation and technology center and in the development of knowledge-based economies in over 30 countries, including Portugal. The Austin Technology Incubator harnesses business, government and academic resources to provide strategic counsel, operational guidance, and infrastructure support to its member companies to help them transition into successful, high growth technology businesses. Student mentoring and research programs educate in entrepreneurial practice while directly assisting member companies. ATI has helped more than 250 companies collectively raise $1 billion of investment; its 2012 graduating class alone raised over $175 million in investor capital, with more than 85% of that class receiving funding.
2:30 pmDepart by bus to Four Seasons Hotel for “Texas One” meetings
2:50 pmDelegation arrives
3:00pmState Presentation “Doing Business in Texas”
Meet with the Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism
Location: The Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Contact: Brandyn Raymond
Telephone:1 (512) 476-3700
About the Governor Rick Perry: Fifth generation Texan, Governor Rick Perry has taken an extraordinary Texas journey, from a tenant farm in the rolling West Texas plains to the governor's office of our nation's second largest state. Texas' 47th governor, and the first Texas A&M graduate to occupy the Governor's Mansion, Rick Perry has led a life of public service, starting in the United States Air Force and continuing over two decades in elected office. Governor Perry's administration has focused on creating a Texas of unlimited opportunity and prosperity by improving education, securing the border and increasing economic development through classic conservative values.
About the Economic Development and Tourism Division: The EDT of the Governor's Office markets Texas as one of the world's premier business locations and travel destinations. The division pursues business expansion and relocation prospects, with the goal of developing job creation and export opportunities for Texas. EDT is also responsible for a highly effective and award-winning tourism marketing campaign. The division works in partnership with local convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, and private travel-related organizations to promote economic opportunity and prosperity for Texas through both domestic and international tourism. The office's marketing is targeted to areas with high travel propensities that yield the greatest return on marketing investment.
3:30 pm B2B meetings with TexasOne members
Location: The Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Contact: Brandyn Raymond
Telephone:1 (512) 476-3700
Web:
About TexasOne: TexasOneSM is a program of Texas Economic Development Corporation created for the purpose of marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location. Marketing activities include trade and industry events, business recruitment missions, special events, advertising and public relations, and an interactive web presence. TexasOneSM efforts champion Texas as the premier location for business expansion and relocation and have resulted in a significant number of new jobs, relocations, and expansions benefitting Texas. TexasOnemembers represent a broad range of organizations, including Texas-based Fortune 500 companies, privately-held enterprises, city chambers, and community-based economic development councils. They represent all corners of the state, from the major cities to more rural communities, and share a common vision of growth for their communities and for Texas. Texas' economic development and marketing successes are a direct result of the financial contributions, collaborative input and innovative vision of TexasOneSM members. Together, we have created a successful public-private partnership. Visit
5:30 pmB2B meetings conclude. Return to InterContinental Hotel
5:30 pm Free Time
Friday, March 28
8:00 amBreakfast at the hotel
8:45 amDelegation gathers in the Hotel lobby for departure
9:45 amWalk to Office of the Governor Economic Development & Tourism (6 blocks)
10:00 amWalk (Across the street) to the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas for tour of the Capitol
Location: 221 E. 11th St. 4th Floor, Austin, Texas 78701 Contact: Cammy Jones, Director, Intl Protocol, Office of the Secretary of State of Texas Telephone: 1-512-463-5268 (office); 1-512-739-5426 (cell) Dress: Business Attire
About the State Capitol:
About the Texas Secretary of State: The Secretary of State is one of six state officials named by the Texas Constitution to form the Executive Department of the State. The Secretary is appointed by the Governor, with confirmation by the Senate, and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The first Secretary of the Republic of Texas was Stephen F. Austin. The Secretary serves as Chief Election Officer for Texas, assisting county election officials and ensuring the uniform application and interpretation of election laws throughout Texas. The Office of the Secretary of State also provides a repository for official and business and commercial records required to be filed with the Office. The Secretary publishes government rules and regulations and commissions notaries public. The Secretary also serves as keeper of the state seal and attester to the Governor's signature on official documents. In addition, the Secretary serves as senior advisor and liaison to the Governor for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs, and serves as Chief International Protocol Officer for Texas.
12:00 noon Return to the Hotel
12:30 pmEnd of Road Show – Rest of Afternoon free or Transport to the Airport for return flights, depending on individual's schedule
Important Contact Phone numbers:
Houston:Genaro J. Peña, VP GHP, , Tel: 1-713-447-9695
Gabby Aslaksen, GHP, , Tel: 1-713-844-3606
Bojan Vukovic, GHP, , Tel: 1-713-844-3636
Fred Welch, CEcD, Vice President, GHP, , Tel: 1-832-523-3013
Steve Recobs, Houston Export Assistance Center, , 1-713-209-3105
Austin:Jose Romano, Office of the Governor, , Tel: 1-512-470-8650
Ben Ramirez III, City of Austin, , Tel: 1-512-974-6416
Karen C. Parker, Austin U.S. Export Assistance Center, , Tel: 1-512-916-5939
Brandyn Raymond, Texas One, , Tel:
Paulo Ferreira, The University of Texas at Austin, , Tel: 1-512-471-3244
Andrea Maceyra, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, , 1-512-322-5680
Cammy Jones, Office of the Secretary of State of Texas, , 1512-463-5268 (office);
1-512-739-5426 (cell)
Lisbon: Mark Russell, U.S. Embassy Lisbon,, Tel:+351-91-931-9781; 1-760-715-0662,
Ana Paula Vila, U.S. Embassy Lisbon, , Tel: +351-91-871-3845,
Pedro Ferreira, U.S. Embassy Lisbon, , Tel: +351-91-871-3844,
Graça Didier, AmCham Portugal, , Tel:+351-213-572-561
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