The North Houston Association presented its annual awards to outstanding community leaders at the Association’s Annual Awards Luncheon, held May 24. Anthony Chan, Ph.D., Banc One In vestment Advisors, spoke at the event.
Wesley Freise, P.E. received NHA’ s highest honor – the North Star Award. “This year’s award recipient has made a direct contribution to the area’s continued eco nomic growth; we know that a good transportation system provides benefits for the entire region,” said Carolyn Wright, executive director. Freise recently celebrated more than 17 years at the Harris County Toll Road Authority. He has overseen all phases of design and construction in addition to setting the structure for toll operations and collections on both the Hardy Toll Road and the Sam Houston Tollway.
The North Star Award is given to an individual who has made a long-term impact on the quality of life in north Houston. Past award recipients include Chris Olavson, Congressman Jack Fields, John Pickelman, Ph.D., W.W. Thorne Sr., former Mayor of Humble, Haden McKay, Elise Lanier, and Senator Jon Lindsay.
The Association’s Compass Award was presented to Jack Drake, Greater Greenspoint District, for his tireless efforts to improve and strengthen the Greenspoint area. When accepting his award, Drake thanked his staff members and board of directors. NHA’s Compass Award is bestowed on an individual who has made significant contributions to the projects and programs of the Association.
The third award, Environmental Impact, is given to a company that has taken strides to preserve north Houston’s environment. Hines received this award for their efforts on the environmental front, and in March 2001, the company was recognized by the Environ mental Protection Agency’s (EPA)Energy Star Program for the strides made at energy conservation in buildings it owns and/or manages.
EPA Administrator Chris tin e Todd Whitman commended Hines’ accomplishments in a dinner ceremony held in recognition of the award winners. According to the EPA, Hines’ energy management performance was exemplary in relation to its peers. Hines-managed properties consume significantly fewer BTUs per square foot than those of its industry competitors.
Economy expert Anthony Chan, Ph.D., spoke at the awards luncheon and shed some light on the nation’s economic future. After reviewing national numbers including the gross domestic product, consumer spending and credit, and corporate debt, he had some good news.
‘”The nation will not go into a recession,” said Chan. “We’re still growing.” He said the primary reason it may feel like a recession is because the economy shifted from fast to slow growth in a very short amount of time. Chan also discussed his research on the current tax cut, and how it will benefit the nation.
“When taxes are cut, people save more, but the rate of consumer spending increases,” he said. He predicted that the Federal Reserve will continue to lower interest rates, and the stock market will do a little better than last year. But he warned those who have long-term investments against making quick switches in and out. Chan is managing director and chief economist for Banc One. He is a frequent guest on a number of national television broadcasts, including CNBC, CNN, CNNfn, Energy News Live Network and Reuters Financial Television . Chan has also been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The New York Times, Investor’s Business Daily, Business Week and The Bond Buyer.
He is also one of the nine members on Banc One Investment Advisors’ In vestment Policy Committee, which sets the investment agenda for approximately $130 billion dollars of as sets under management. He is also a member of the prestigious Blue Chip Monthly Forecasting Panel as well as the following other fore casting panels: Business Week’s Annual Macro Panel; National Association of Business Economists Quarterly Macro Panel; and the Forbes, Bridge News, Bloomberg and Futures News weekly indicator panels.
