Adam Perdue is an economist at the Institute for Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business. His academic specialization was in Urban & Regional Economics as well as Public Policy.
At the Institute, Adam focuses on factors that affect the whole Houston metropolitan economy, the spatial distribution of economic activity within the Houston area, and the Houston area real estate industry.
Falling oil prices have roiled the Texas economy, causing most forecasting to sharply lower estimates of economic and employment growth since the beginning of 2015. We will explore the expected effects of recent changes in the Oil & Gas industry on Beaumont more specifically.
It's appropriate that next week will be Lamar Day at Rotary, and we can also recognize and honor Oney D. Fitzpatrick, Jr. with the reading of his Memorial Resolution at the meeting.
Oney was a good Rotarian, a member of the Lamar administration, and an avid Cardinal fan.
The first wine-tasting event to benefit the Beaumont Rotary Foundation and the education projects it funds, "Wine Down With Rotary," will take place on Thursday, October 1 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Beaumont Event Centre. Get tickets by linking here.
Envisioned and inspired by President Pat Anderson, the event will recognize the selfless work of the members of the Board of Managers while the Club raises necessary funds for our education projects. And, as Pat has said many times, it will meet the FIFTH question of the Four-Way Test: Is it fun?
We need sponsors for many aspects of the event: $400 underwrites a table of appetizers, $250 funds a case of wine, even your $100 donation will help us give complimentary tickets and gifts to our honorees, cover printing and advertising costs, etc. (Click on image below to see what Sponsorships are still available.)
(Click on image to commit to a sponsorship.)
We are grateful for the sponsors who have already confirmed their support: Sam Fazio/The Printery printed and donated the event tickets, MehaffyWeber Attorneys are underwriting the wine glasses, Angela & Ray Baker are underwriting the evening's entertainment, and a growing number of members and their firms are stepping up to underwrite cases of wine. We will be advertising for them in return for their donation. Please patronize these businesses in return for their support of our efforts and please add your business to the list of sponsors!
Of course, the event will only be successful with lots of people attending. We need Rotarians to purchase and sell tickets! For only $35 (in advance), you and your friends can enjoy a tasting of up to six carefully selected, choice wines. We will soon have tickets for members to take on consignment so you can sell at your workplace and to friends. Please get a bundle at the meeting or phone the Rotary office at 842-1913.
For your convenience, you can purchase tickets at a meeting or go online to make donations by credit card.
It was a great day as Rotarians rose to their feet to welcome one of the newest Rotarians in the world, Alicia McKibbin. Alicia is Executive Director of the Beaumont Heritage Society and is anxious to get involved in the Club's service work. Alicia is welcomed by President Pat Anderson (on left) and her sponsor, Allen Lea, on the right.
Guest speaker today was Texas State Senator Brandon Creighton. Senator Creighton was introduced by W. L. Pate.
On August 26, 2014, Senator Brandon Creighton was sworn in the Texas State Senate to represent the citizens of Senate District 4 which encompasses parts of Montgomery, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson and Galveston counties.
Over 4 terms in the House of Representatives, Brandon earned a reputation as one of the most conservative, hardworking and effective legislators in the Texas Capitol.
During his tenure as State Representative for District 16, he was elected by his peers to serve as Chairman of the Texas House Republican Caucus.
He also served as Chairman of House Federalism Committee, tasked with overseeing the state’s relationship with the federal government and ensuring that Texas’ constitutional rights are protected. Throughout his legislative career, his priorities have distinguished him as a genuine defender of conservative values
including excessive taxation, implementing tort reform, drug-testing for unemployment benefits, standing up for Texas’ 10th Amendment rights and blocking Obamacare's Medicaid expansion.
Senator Creighton replaced long-time Senator Tommy Williams.
Entitled "What Your Texas Legislature Accomplished in the 84th Session," Senator Creighton stated that Texas is known for its independence, its passion, and its leadership on a national level. Besides being a great place to live and raise a family, Texas has led the nation with our economic growth, especially during the past seven years. Senator Creighton stated that "there are only 31 Senators who cover the great state of Texas....fewer folks to convince than the House of Representatives but larger egos!"
"This past election saw the total make-over of our highest levels of leadership. In addition to that, NINE new Senators were elected (the largest turn-over in over 25 years)..."
"The Texas Constitution requires a balanced budget and we were able to accomplish that mandate while adding to the 'Texas Rainy Day Fund' AND reducing the Franchise Tax by 25%." "We must," he stated, "keep our own house in order. Although we are proud of our petro-chemical industry, Texas learned back in the 80s to resist reliance on one industry. As a group, the Senate did not approve any efforts toward an individual income tax and cut $4 billion in property tax. Sales taxes are robust, as well as our efforts toward infrastructure, waterways, and the Port of Beaumont."
Senator Creighton praised Lamar State College, Lamar University, and Lamar Institute of Technology, stating that "colleges now can develop increased revenue through
Tuition Recovery Bonds (TRBs)."
Texas Windstorm was completely re-organized through this Legislative Session.
Senator Creighton concluded his visit by stating that "We got a lot accomplished in the 84th Legislative Session" and "there is NO center aisle (partisanship) when it comes to representing Texas."
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
