The North Houston Association and its members recently hosted a private reception to welcome the new city of Houston council members and educate them on the Association’s purpose and role in the community. “A number of council members serve our area, and we want them to know they can turn to NHA as a resource for economic development, environment, transportation, workforce development and legislative issues,” said Catherine Wray, executive director.

NHA Chairman Dennis Petersen, P.E., began the breakfast by welcoming attendees and providing an overview of the Association’s purpose and background. He also introduced a number of Association board members as well as dignitaries from a variety of counties and cities. Following introductions, speakers provided an overview of each committee: Transportation Committee Chairman Glenn Graham, P.E., Environment Committee Chairman Rafael Ortega, P.E., Workforce Development Committee Board Liaison Dr. John Pickelman, and Business Issues and Resources Committee Chairman Steve McPhetridge.

At the event, Council Member Gabriel Vasquez noted that transportation issues were key for his constituents and highlighted the economic development impact of the Downtown Corridor. Council Member Gordon Quan said that he hopes to work with the North Houston Association on common issues, and was impressed with the presentations and information given at the reception.

Council Member Mark Goldberg specifically noted the importance of the North East Water Treatment Plant to his constituents, and expressed interest in working with NHA’s Environment Committee. NHA President Senator Jon Lindsay concluded the event with an invitation to NHA President Senator Jon Lindsay concluded the event with an invitation to all council members to visit with NHA members and staff about particular issues. He encouraged them to utilize the Association’s ability to provide a historic background on a variety of issues. Underwriters of the event were Bank One, Texas, Brown & Gay Engineers, HNTB Corporation, JNS Consulting Engineers, Inc., Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., LJA Engineering & Surveying, Inc., PBS&J, The Betz Companies, Turner Collie & Braden Inc., and Walter P. Moore.