As we move further into 2026, I continue to be encouraged by the engagement, collaboration and momentum across EHCMA’s membership and regional partnerships. The strength of our organization comes from members who share expertise, work together and remain committed to continuous improvement in support of our communities, workforce and industry.

EHCMA is delivering a strong year of events and programs. Highlights include our Cybersecurity and Hurricane Forecast webinars featuring respected experts, as well as the 2026 EHCMA Annual Crisis Communications Workshop with Senator Carol Alvarado and Houston Chronicle’s Evan Mintz. The exceptional participation reflects our shared commitment to preparedness, resilience and operational excellence.

Advocacy remains a key priority. In March, EHCMA joined the Economic Alliance and regional partners in Washington, D.C., to advocate for issues critical to industry and economic growth, including infrastructure investment, freight mobility, workforce development, Port infrastructure and the Coastal Texas Project. Those efforts continued in Austin alongside the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, reinforcing policies that strengthen both industry competitiveness and regional resilience.

Closer to home, we continue making progress in how we connect with our communities. The upgraded CAER app has been well received and stakeholders are tapping EHCMA members as panelists, speakers and content contributors.

Thank you for your continued partnership, leadership and engagement. Together, we are building on a strong foundation and advancing meaningful work that benefits industry, our communities and the economy. I look forward to what we will accomplish in the months ahead!

MaryJane Mudd

Executive Director

EHCMA

This October, EHCMA has launched the new enhanced version of its Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) App, designed to provide real-time alerts and faster, clearer communication during industrial incidents across the region. The updated mobile tool gives residents and community leaders instant access to verified safety information, interactive maps, and quick reference guides — with a new option for Spanish translation, improving accessibility for the region’s diverse population.

“Community members asked for clearer, faster, and more accessible information,” said Jeff Suggs, Corporate Emergency Services and Security Manager at Kuraray America Inc. and project lead for the CAER App refresh. “The new CAER app is our response — giving residents the tools to stay informed and confident during emergency events.”

Key new features include:

• Interactive Mapping – View incident locations relative to your area
• Real-Time Push Alerts – Receive timely information during industrial events
• Quick Safety Tools – Access emergency resources and guidance
• Spanish Translation – Use Google Translate for in-app language support

Over the past year, the App was developed in partnership with software firm Saritasa and shaped through collaboration with industry experts, emergency managers, and community representatives.

“This app represents our ongoing commitment to open communication,” said EHCMA Executive Director MaryJane Mudd. “We’re proud to help bridge the gap between industry and community.” The public launch received positive media coverage. On the day of release, Telemundo Houston featured the updated CAER App on their 5:00 p.m. newscast, spotlighting its Spanish-language accessibility for bilingual users. Later in the week, KHOU Channel 11 News aired segments on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday at 6:00 a.m., highlighting the app’s importance for sharing accurate, real-time notifications with the public and community leaders, featuring an interview with Suggs on the role of transparency in building public trust.

The CAER App is free and available for download by searching “EHCMA CAER Online” in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The East Harris County Manufacturers Association launched its Incident Management Accountability (IMA) initiative earlier this year, which is a comprehensive effort designed to enhance operational excellence, improve transparency, and strengthen trust with community stakeholders.

Among its multiple components, the verification process stands out as one of the most essential steps toward achieving these goals. This process ensures that EHCMA member companies are fully prepared to manage and communicate effectively during emergency situations.

During the pilot visit, EHCMA Executive Director MaryJane Mudd and Harris County Office of Emergency Management Incident Liaisons David Waide and Brett Conway toured LyondellBasell’s newly updated Emergency Operations Center, met with the site’s emergency management team, and confirmed their strong preparedness and communication capabilities.

“LyondellBasell set an impressive example of readiness and collaboration,” said Mudd. “Their commitment to continuous improvement helps raise the bar for the entire industry.”

The successful pilot not only validated LyondellBasell’s excellence but also provided valuable insights to fine-tune the verification process for future site visits. As EHCMA continues rolling out the IMA initiative, the verification program will remain a cornerstone in advancing accountability, safety and community trust across the region’s industrial network.

Emerald Anniversary event celebrates two decades of golf and giving and surpasses previous fundraising record

We have made the strategic decision to move the 2025 EHCMA Workforce Development Golf Tournament—originally scheduled for October 24—to spring 2026. With so many great events happening this fall, we want to ensure our tournament gets the spotlight it deserves. This event plays an important role in supporting area colleges and building a strong future workforce, and we're excited to make next year's tournament the best yet.

Stay tuned for the new date and details coming soon—we can't wait to see you on the course in spring 2026!

Victor Ortega
Senior Vice President & Plant Manager
Covestro

Alun Phillips
Pasadena Refinery Operations Manager
Chevron U.S.A. inc.

Julio Rodriguez
Site Director
Lubrizol Deer Park

The East Harris County Manufacturers Association Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Victor Ortega, Alun Phillips and Julio Rodriguez unanimously elected as the newest members of the board. These leaders bring extensive expertise and proven leadership in the petrochemical and oil and gas industries, and their insights and experience will further strengthen EHCMA’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, economic growth and community collaboration. Their biographies can be found by clicking the links below their names.

A highly anticipated EHCMA Panel, consisting of some of the most well-respected leaders of EHCMA member companies, focused on “Proactive Risk Management for Plant Operations” at the annual BIC Plant Reliability Inspection Maintenance & Engineering (PRIME) Expo.

Panelists:

• Gary Piana, General Manager, Chevron Phillips Chemical

• Sharon Hulgan, Lead Site Manufacturing Manager, Dow Houston Hub Operations

• Jeremy Holton, Site Leader, Braskem America

• Jessica Vasquez, MBPP Plant Manager, ExxonMobil Product Solutions Mont Belvieu

• (Moderator) Aaron Stryk, Public & Government Affairs, Chemical and Specialty Products, ExxonMobil

These industry leaders discussed and answered questions surrounding the latest strategies and technologies for proactive risk and crisis management. Discussions centered on averting operational crises through holistic approaches that integrate safety culture leadership, advanced inspection practices, and robust crisis communications when an emergency does occur.

EHCMA Executive Director MaryJane Mudd extended her appreciation to the panelists for coming together to share their knowledge and experience with best practices. Mudd also thanked the audience for choosing to attend the session and hear several new and creative ways for mitigating risks as well as the importance of proactively communicating with community leaders and neighbors.  

The Plant Reliability Inspection Maintenance & Engineering (PRIME) Expo is produced by BIC Magazine

Many of us watched the heartbreaking destruction and loss of life unfold across the Texas Hill Country this past weekend due to severe flooding. EHCMA cares about Texas and its communities, and to that end we are sharing some resources below for your reference if you wish to help.

The Red Cross

The American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas has opened shelters in the affected areas. Visit RedCross.org/donate and select “Your Local Red Cross” or Disaster Relief as a donation option. You can also call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) to donate over the phone.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Texas’ mobile kitchen is providing meals and hydration to those affected by the floods. You can support their work by donating at HelpSalvationArmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Kerr County Flood Relief Fund

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has started the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to help vetted organizations that are providing rescue, recovery and relief efforts, the nonprofit says. The organization’s website says the fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort. Visit CommunityFoundation.net for more details.

Kerrville Chamber of Commerce

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce launched the Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund to “support critical rebuilding efforts” for businesses affected. Click here to donate to the Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund.

Austin Pets Alive!

The Austin animal shelter has a team in Kerrville providing medical care and transporting animals to its shelter. APA, which says it has taken in more than 50 pets from flooded areas in Kerr and Williamson counties, is looking for help with fosters, volunteers and donations. Visit AustinPetsAlive.org for more details.

San Angelo Area Foundation

Flooding has impacted hundreds of residents in the Concho Valley. Click here to donate online to the San Angelo Area Foundation’s Disaster Fund.

World Central Kitchen

The nonprofit, founded by chef José Andrés, has a team on the ground in Kerrville providing food and water relief. Visit WCK.org for details on making a donation and to follow for updates. On Friday, volunteers said they were providing meals to stranded campers at Camp La Junta.

TEXSAR, Texas Search and Rescue: TEXSAR is an Austin-based nonprofit specializing in emergency response. TEXSAR has deployed swiftwater rescue teams, boats, drones, and search dogs to aid in the search for the missing. Click here to donate to TEXSAR’s Guadalupe River Flooding – 4th of July Weekend Fund.

GoFundMe

The popular crowdfunding website has a list of verified fundraisers for Kerrville-area flood victims. GoFundMe says it will add to the list as it's able to verify requests. Under “Texas flood relief,” you can search for fundraisers by location.

EHCMA Board Chair and ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant Manager Kim Haas joined American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President & CEO Chet Thompson and Greater Houston Partnership President & CEO Steve Kean at The Energy Behind It All: The Impacts of Oil & Gas in Daily Life, held July 17 at San Jacinto College’s LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology. The event brought together civic and business leaders to highlight the vital role oil and gas play in the U.S. economy and daily life.

Haas shared key initiatives underway at ExxonMobil, including the Proxxima project, which transforms gasoline molecules into a resin that is stronger, lighter, and has a lower carbon footprint than traditional materials. “Progress doesn’t happen by accident,” she said. “It takes bold ideas, relentless execution and an unwavering belief that the impossible is within reach.” She emphasized the industry’s everyday value—from improving safety and reducing emissions to enhancing global living standards.

Some internships give you a taste of the job. This one hands you the tools, suits you up, and drops you straight into the action.

One person who’s especially inspired him is his Training Supervisor, Tommy K. (Kovalcik), whose career stories have fueled Ashton’s confidence in the path ahead.

“He’s had a great run here. Hearing how much he loves what he does—it gives me confidence that I’m in the right place.”

The 2025 TCC-TCA Awards Banquet was a memorable evening of celebrating outstanding people and companies that drive excellence in our industry. All award winners are posted on the TCC website, along with a link to the full gallery of photos from the event.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners! Your achievements exemplify the best of our industry and the high standards we strive for every day.

The annual awards banquet highlights the defining values of our industry: safety, innovation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The individuals and companies recognized represent not just what they do, but how they do it—with integrity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Their accomplishments are a testament to the pride taken in their work and the positive impact being made in their communities.

Click HERE to view the winners and link to the full photo gallery.

This prestigious honor, presented by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, recognizes agencies that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to building strong partnerships with local government officials and actively supporting community preparedness efforts. The Incident Liaison team was selected for their outstanding dedication to enhancing emergency management capabilities and strengthening community resilience through collaboration, coordination and proactive engagement.

The program is built on the principle of strong partnerships between private industry and local government to enhance public safety. The Harris County team was established in 2004 to address communication gaps between petrochemical industries, emergency managers, and local communities, the program has proven invaluable during major crises, including many severe hurricanes and ice storms impacting the upper Texas coast.

Collaboration with key industry groups such as the East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA) and the Channel Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA) has strengthened trust, enabling swift and coordinated emergency responses. Over time, the program has shifted from a reactive role to a proactive one, focusing on preparedness and planning through regular engagement with industry leaders and emergency response teams.

The program's success led to its expansion in 2019, adding a second liaison to further enhance collaboration and ensure critical industries receive timely information and support. Initiatives like real-time electronic notifications have improved communication between industry, government agencies, and the community.

HCOHSEM’s approach highlights the importance of fostering long-term relationships between government and key industries. While not all communities have large industrial complexes, building partnerships with essential businesses and infrastructure providers can enhance emergency response and resilience in any region.

approach to disaster management. As the industry is faced with increasingly complex challenges, the synergy achieved through effective communication and joint planning is essential for ensuring comprehensive protection, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts.

Congratulations David, Brett and Bubba on receiving the Texas Emergency

Management Partnership Recognition Award.

Three new Paul Harris Fellows were inducted April 2 in the Baytown Rotary Club, Kim Haas of ExxonMobil, Mel’Danci Robinson of Communities in Schools and Blake Hutto of Guarantee Mortgage.  Sun photo by Carol Skewes.

Kim Haas, EHCMA Board Chairman and Baytown Area site manager for ExxonMobil, has been named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International—an honor reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service and leadership.

The recognition was presented by the Rotary Club of Baytown in appreciation of Haas’s continued support of local programs, leadership in the industrial community and dedication to building stronger partnerships between industry and the region it serves. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is named after Rotary’s founder and is one of the organization’s highest honors.

“Kim exemplifies the spirit of service above self,” said a Rotary representative. “Her commitment to collaboration, transparency and community outreach makes a lasting difference in Baytown and beyond."

In her role as EHCMA Board Chair, Haas plays a key part in advancing the organization’s mission to promote safety, environmental responsibility and sustainable economic growth across East Harris County. Haas also actively supports education and workforce development initiatives, aligning with both ExxonMobil’s and EHCMA’s long-standing priorities in the region.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition underscores Haas’s legacy of service and reinforces EHCMA’s continued commitment to leadership rooted in community connection and accountability.

EHCMA member company INVISTA continues to be an example for caring for its neighbors in East Harris County, supporting education, emergency preparedness and community well-being through a series of impactful initiatives.

Supporting First Responders

INVISTA Houston’s Emergency Response Team recently completed immersive fire training at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) fire field. This hands-on experience equips the team to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency, enhancing plant safety and community protection.

Restocking the Rucker Food Pantry

Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to local schools, INVISTA recently restocked the food pantry at Rucker Elementary. The effort aims to combat food insecurity and support students’ potential by ensuring children have access to nutritious food, therefore helping students stay focused and ready to learn. By providing access to healthy meals, INVISTA is investing in both academic performance and the long-term well-being of area children.

Bringing STEM to Local Classrooms

Through a partnership with the Children’s Museum of Houston, INVISTA sponsors the Geek Visits Program, which delivers STEM-based activities directly to local elementary schools. These interactive visits are designed to spark curiosity and introduce students and their families to fun, hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and math—helping build the foundation for future innovation.

Students to Receive Achievement Scholarships

In continued support of academic excellence, INVISTA announced the recipients of its annual Outstanding Student Scholarships. This year, ten high school seniors will receive scholarships to assist with their post-secondary education. The program reflects INVISTA’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

From strengthening emergency response to nurturing educational growth, INVISTA is committed to the people and progress of their neighboring community and East Harris County.

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) Incident Liaison Program has been nominated for the 2025 Texas Emergency Management Partnership Recognition Award, presented by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). The award honors outstanding collaboration between local agencies and private partners to strengthen emergency preparedness and response across Texas.

Launched in 2004, the Incident Liaison Program—formerly known as the Industrial Liaison Program—was created to bridge communication gaps between petrochemical industries, emergency managers and local communities. Its mission: build enduring public-private partnerships to protect lives and property in one of the nation’s most heavily industrialized regions.

Over the years, the program has become an essential asset during major regional emergencies, including Hurricane Ike in 2008, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Winter Storm Uri in 2021. In each event, the program played a critical role in uniting industry leaders, first responders and local government through real-time communication and coordinated decision-making.

Key collaborations with groups like the East Harris County Manufacturers Association and Channel Industries Mutual Aid have fostered trust and operational efficiency. These partnerships allow for timely information sharing and coordinated responses that directly benefit both industrial facilities and surrounding communities.

“The strength of this program is rooted in its proactive engagement and sustained relationships with essential industries,” said David Wade, an incident liaison with HCOHSEM. “Our goal is to ensure that critical infrastructure partners are fully informed and supported before, during and after an incident.”

The Incident Liaison Program has broadened its focus on all-hazards preparedness—not just industrial emergencies. Incident liaisons now work closely with HCOHSEM’s planning section to provide continuous updates between the field and the Emergency Operations Center during a wide range of emergencies, from chemical releases to severe weather events and public health crises.

TDEM’s Emergency Management Partnership Recognition Award celebrates exemplary partnerships that enhance disaster resilience through communication, coordination, and cooperation. Winners will be announced at the Texas Emergency Management Conference later this year.

ExxonMobil has achieved a major industry milestone with the installation and operation of the first high-hydrogen burner in steam cracking pyrolysis furnaces at its Baytown Olefins Plant.

Announced publicly in January 2025, the breakthrough represents a significant step toward decarbonizing one of the petrochemical industry’s most challenging processes. Steam cracking is a key step in producing ethylene and other base chemicals, and the new burner technology is designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions during this energy-intensive process.

“This marks a major achievement not only for ExxonMobil but for the industry as a whole,” said Kim Haas, Baytown Area Site Manager and EHCMA Board Chair. “This innovation demonstrates real progress in our efforts to lower emissions and operate more sustainably.”

The Baytown deployment is expected to serve as a model for similar upgrades across the industry as companies seek practical, scalable solutions to meet decarbonization goals.

In response to community feedback and the need for more accessible, real-time information, EHCMA is preparing to launch an updated CAER (Community Awareness Emergency Response) app this fall. This enhanced version aims to provide users with a more intuitive and informative experience, ensuring they stay informed about industrial incidents and other relevant events.

Why a New App?

Jeff Suggs, Corporate Emergency Services and Security Manager for Kuraray America Inc., EHCMA Emergency Management Committee co-chair and lead for the CAER update project, explained the motivation behind the update. “Community members asked for clearer, faster and more accessible information about incidents in their area,” he said. “The new app not only delivers real-time push alerts but also features interactive maps, helping users understand their proximity to reported incidents.” By improving accessibility and clarity, he explained, EHCMA aims to strengthen communication between industry and the community.

What’s New?

The updated CAER app features a sleek, modern design and new capabilities to enhance usability, including:

• Interactive Mapping: Visualizes incident locations in relation to users' areas
• Enhanced Notifications: Push alerts keep users informed in real time
• Quick Reference Page: Provides easy access to key safety resources and guidance

Collaboration and Development

To bring this project to life, EHCMA partnered with Saritasa, a software development company specializing in user-friendly applications. A dedicated cross-functional team representing industry, offices of emergency management and other essential stakeholders ensured the app meets the needs of both industry and community members. The development process, spanning seven to eight months, has prioritized responsiveness, clarity and ease of use.

A Commitment to Transparency

EHCMA remains dedicated to open and transparent communication. “This app is designed to provide clear, accessible information that keeps our community informed and engaged,” said Suggs. “With a more intuitive interface, users can quickly find what they need and stay up to date with confidence.”

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is proud to announce its 2025 EM Impact program.

EM Impact is a FREE, two-day event designed to provide a supportive and educational environment for young women (ages 18-29) interested in exploring a career in Emergency Management. The program will be hosted on June 24-25 at the Houston TranStar Conference Center (6922 Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024). Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided during the event.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Explore careers related to disaster and emergency response.
• Develop leadership and decision-making skills.
• Connect and engage with other successful women in the field.

Below is the event flyer to share with your staff, partners and potential applicants. Please distribute through your networks, as appropriate.

Download Flyer	Download FAQ

Thank you for considering this opportunity to help young women embark on their educational and professional journey. If you have any questions, please visit our Link Tree for more information and ways to contact us. Click here:
https://linktr.ee/emimpact

About HCOHSEM: Day-to-day operations for HCOHSEM include coordinated efforts to reduce threats to life and property from potential disasters to its 4.7 million Harris County residents. The office prides itself in being a model of best practices in emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery.

Shared by EHCMA on behalf of the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.

Several Covestro volunteers and guests helped make the community a brighter place as part of United Way of Greater Baytown and Chambers County’s annual Day of Caring event, a community-wide initiative where volunteers come together to support a wide variety of service projects. With projects ranging from installing a wheelchair ramp to maintenance work, constructing a student resource room and helping with upgrades to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, volunteers put in sweat equity to help area non-profits and those in need.

Day of Caring Project Leads included Carrie Campbell, John Hensley and Brandon Meismer and each helped develop project plans for their respective sites to ensure they had all the plans, materials and tools needed for the day of activity. The three Covestro sites were its Goose Creek Partner in Education School James Bowie Elementary, VFW Post 912 and a local resident’s home.

The VFW Post 912 project ranged from small projects including painting outdoor picnic tables, carpentry to the turkey shoot building, electrical work and plumbing. Volunteers were Hensley, Darren Robertson and Guido Persiani. Hensley said it was an enjoyable time volunteering as this year’s project lead.

“I feel it is important for Covestro and the CHAMP (Covestro Helping Armed Military Personnel) program to reach out and assist the community whenever possible. Covestro and CHAMP greatly impact the community by assisting the Baytown VFW, and being able to share our time to make others’ lives better is immensely fulfilling. I just want to say thank you to CHAMP and other members for their assistance during the Day of Caring. We could not have accomplished the project needs for the Baytown VFW and community without them,” said Hensley.

Across town at James Bowie Elementary, a large group installed and stocked a resource room with clothing and hygiene kits. Volunteers included Carrie Campbell, Leslie Schmuck, Jay Spencer, Lili Schulz, Lawrence Goudeau, Donald Ingold, Ashleigh Jones and Mike Baker. The effort was led by Carrie Campbell, who also helped coordinate a clothing drive to help stock the resource room, which will benefit both students and parents in need.

“As Covestro’s Partner in Education liaison, I am always thrilled when we have an opportunity to support not only the local United Way, but our Partner in Education School Bowie Elementary,” said Campbell. The team had a great time outfitting and stocking the resource room, where parents will have access to clothing and supplies to help keep their kids in school. Attendance makes all the difference!”

Nearby in the community of Pelly, a crew performed some yard cleanup as well as installed a wheelchair ramp for a resident in the Baytown Meals on Wheels program. The project included pressure-washing concrete, trimming tree limbs, general yard cleanup and the assembly and installation of the wheelchair ramp. Volunteers included Project Lead Brandon Meismer, who provided the majority of the tools and helped ensure everything ran smoothly, Meismer’s wife Tiffany, Chris Hazen, Tyler Malchar, Tom Ash, Yennhi Nguyen, Elias Keedy, David Bell and Eric Hoffman.

“I had the pleasure of getting to work together with an awesome team of my Covestro colleagues, as well as Baytown Meals on Wheels and The United Way, to build a wheelchair ramp for one of our neighbors in need during Day of Caring,” said Meismer. “We were also able to clean up the yard, giving the homeowners more access and mobility to move around. The wheelchair ramp will allow the recipient to more easily get out to make trips to the store, or just be able to enjoy their yard whenever they choose. I am so grateful to work for a company like Covestro that not only encourages us to give back, but also allows time off from our jobs to make it happen!”

Volunteer support coupled with monetary contributions to the United Way produces phenomenal results. A huge “thank you” to everyone who volunteered their time in the Baytown community for this year’s Day of Caring event!

Last fall, employees and contractors from Chevron Phillips Chemical’s (CPChem’s) Cedar Bayou Plant grabbed their clubs and headed out to play a round of golf at Tour 18 Golf Course in Humble, to raise funds for CAN Behavioral Health (CAN), a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Baytown, focused on making a difference in the lives of those suffering from behavioral health, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders and the dysfunctions caused by such.

With 36 teams and 19 sponsors, the course was full of individuals there for a good time and for a good cause. The tournament was a huge success and raised over $30K directly benefitting CAN and its patients.

“After a brief hiatus post COVID, the CPChem Cedar Bayou Charity Golf Tournament has been brought back to life,” said Community Relations Representative Sagan Greenville. “The success from this year and the amazing support from our employees and contractors was incredible to see.”

There to share CAN’s mission and help participants learn more about the organization was CAN President John Havenar, Development & Philanthropy Lead Jennifer Havenar and some passionate volunteers from the organization. "On behalf of CAN Behavioral Health, I want to extend our gratitude to CPChem for organizing such a fantastic event and for choosing CAN as the beneficiary of the proceeds,” said John. “It is inspiring to see a major company so dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and mental health in our community. We are grateful for the collaboration and engagement of industry partners like CPChem, which plays a crucial role in helping us establish access to quality mental health services. These additional funds will significantly strengthen CAN’s programs and operations. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in our community."

“CPChem is committed to being a good neighbor and to supporting the communities in which we operate,” said Sagan. “We are hopeful that the funds raised from this event will allow CAN to have a lasting and meaningful impact on people’s quality of life.”

A special thank you to the sponsors of this year’s charity golf tournament:

C2C Technical Services TEAM Inc., USA DeBusk, Nalco Water, CIMA Services, Baytown Ace Industrial Services, Lance Rental Company, 4D Construction Services, HMT Tank, H+M Industrial EPC, UPS Industrial, Sunbelt Rentals, Starcon, Wesco, Rush Resources, Audubon, Cooling Towers USA, eConsultants Inc., Metalforms and LD Signs.

For the 2024 holiday season, local non-profits were asked to submit a list of holiday wishes and CPChem employees and contractors then provide items from the lists. CPChem’s Cedar Bayou and Pasadena Plastics plants supported the following local agencies: Hearts and Hands of Baytown, Love Network, Communities in Schools, ACE District Baytown, families from Goose Creek CCISD and Pasadena ISD, Baytown Animal Services, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Baytown Police Department’s Blue Santa program, Pasadena Police Department’s Officer Santa program, and Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department’s Toys for Tots toy drive. 

Over 375 items were donated including everything from hygiene products and kitchen utensils to bicycles, backpacks and toys.

A huge thank you to the CPChem employees for their continued generosity and for their help making wishes come true for members of our communities. We look forward to continuing to spread a little holiday cheer year after year.

Employee Shoe Donation - INVISTA employees donated more than 60 new pairs of shoes and socks to Rucker Elementary to ensure students started the school year with comfortable footwear. The new shoes not only meet a practical need but also boost the confidence and morale of the young recipients.

Food Pantry for Essential Nutrition - With consistent access to food as fundamental to a child's health and academic performance, a food pantry has been established at a local elementary school near INVISTA. The creation of the food pantry is a proactive step towards addressing food insecurity and ensuring all students have the sustenance required to focus, learn and achieve their potential.

Turkey Vouchers for Families in Need - In the spirit of the holiday season, turkey vouchers were distributed to families in need at both Rucker and Patterson Elementary Schools. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with food expenses, especially for holiday preparations, allowing families to enjoy a festive meal together. By providing these vouchers, the INVISTA community has come together to help ensure families do not have to go without essentials during the special time of year.

Shell Deer Park not only supported those in need but also created a culture of volunteerism and teamwork that continues to inspire the workforce. They remain committed to empowering their employees to make a positive impact in the community where they operate. To get a better idea of the positive initiatives and see the employees in action, please take a moment to watch the attached videos from the two events: May Volunteer Day and November Volunteer Day.

May Volunteer Day link: https://fb.watch/x16omG6bLI/

November Volunteer Day link: https://fb.watch/x16bd6Zqli/

EHCMA member LyondellBasell (LYB) recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Bayport Polymers facility, a key contributor to the global production of high-quality polypropylene and catalloy resins. Since opening in 1974, the Bayport facility has been central to the company’s success and commitment to operational excellence, technological innovation and sustainability.

Family Fun and Reflection

LYB marked the anniversary with a family day celebration at Clear Lake Park, bringing together current employees and retirees for an afternoon of fun, reflection and recognition. The anniversary event celebrated 50 years of achievements and honored the dedicated individuals who helped build the facility’s legacy. The gathering was a time for reconnecting, reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future.

A Strong Community Partner

The Bayport facility has been an important economic driver for the region, providing jobs and supporting local initiatives. La Porte Mayor Rick Helton congratulated the company on the anniversary, acknowledging the facility’s contributions to the community saying, “LyondellBasell Bayport Polymers is an important provider of economic growth and employment stability, both essential to the region and deeply appreciated. This remarkable achievement reflects decades of innovation, excellence, and a strong commitment to sustainability and community. Here's to many more years of success and growth.”

Looking Forward

As LYB looks toward the future, the Bayport facility remains focused on innovation, sustainability and advancing technology to reduce environmental impact. The company is excited about the next 50 years.