Highlighting the issues affecting the region’s key economic drivers will be the focus of the 2016 Port-to-Plains Energy and Ag Summit co-hosted by the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance March 30 – 31 at the Arbor Hotel and Conference Center in Lubbock, Texas.
“This is quite a volatile time for energy and agriculture, which are the industries that are critical to the economies throughout the Ports-to-Plains Corridor region. That is why we think it is so important for business and community leaders to learn as much as possible about the key issues we are facing so that we can overcome challenges, identify opportunities and thrive economically,” said Ports-to-Plains President Michael Reeves.
“The dynamic changes in our energy sector right now are of major interest to Lubbock businesses, as those changes drive business decisions both short-term and long-term. Likewise, agriculture continues to be the cornerstone of our community and an industry that will continue to drive Lubbock’s economy for years to come,” said Lubbock Economic Development Alliance CEO John Osborne.
The two-day conference will feature speakers from throughout the Ports-to-Plains region that stretches from Alberta, Canada to Mexico. Former House Ag Committee Chairman will give an overview of critical issues in agriculture. Representatives from Monsanto and Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest will give updates on their recently announced projects that will be significant job creators on the South Plains.
Energy presentations will showcase the region’s diverse and productive energy production portfolio from oil and gas to renewable sources such as wind and solar. Consul General of Canada Sara Wilshaw will discuss trade opportunities with the United States largest trade partner and northern neighbor, while presentations from Ports-to-Plains partners in Mexico will share the developments in Texas’ largest foreign trade market.
A strong transportation infrastructure is critical to moving the region’s ag and energy products to market, and these issues will be featured as well. Lubbock Mayor and Ports-to-Plains Treasurer Glen Robertson will give an update on efforts to extend Interstate 27. Texas Department of Transportation Interim Director of Freight and International Trade will speak on the Texas Freight Mobility Plan and what it means for the Ports-to-Plains Corridor.
“We are putting together a great agenda that can provide critical insights for our region,” said Reeves.
Registration is required and information and full details about the Energy and Ag Summit are available on the Ports-to-Plains website at portstoplains.com.
Ports-to-Plains is a grassroots alliance of over 275 communities and businesses, including alliance partners Heartland Expressway, Theodore Roosevelt Expressway and Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor Coalition, whose mission is to advocate for a robust international transportation infrastructure to promote economic security and prosperity throughout North America’s energy and agricultural heartland including Mexico to Canada. Additional information on the Ports-to-Plains Alliance is available at portstoplains.com.
(Press Release from Ports-to-Plains Alliance)
