Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Chairman Art Thomas calls for increased support for small businesses – Port Arthur News

Throughout his 10 years in the U.S. Navy and 23 years with Texas Gas Service, Art Thomas has traveled and worked in many places, including many of Port Arthur’s most influential community members. When he gained attention, his message clearly became something more. local.

“It is important that we recognize the challenges facing small businesses in the Greater Port Arthur region and take action to support their growth and sustainability,” Thomas said.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Let’s work together to create an environment where small businesses can continue to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the economic and social fabric of Greater Port Arthur.”

Thomas delivered that message this week in his speech as president-elect of the 124th General Assembly.^th Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.

While promoting the work, services and products of small businesses that enrich everyday life, we also made sure to outline a range of issues that require local attention.

Thomas said small businesses in the region lack access to technology and marketing tools for finance, recruitment tools, natural disaster response and sustainability.

He urged Chamber members to work with officials from the City of Port Arthur, Lamar State University Port Arthur, and the Small Business Development Center to reach out to small business owners and make them aware of the availability of these resources. He called on the community to show their support by checking in and showing their support. .

Randy Sonnier served as the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Board Chair in 2023. (Steven Hemelt/The News)

parting words

Prior to Thomas’ speech, outgoing Chamber President Randy Sonnier spoke about the successes to be achieved in 2023.

“I am honored to serve as the 109th president of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “The list of past presidents and chairs is very impressive as it includes many leaders, visionaries and prestigious members of the community who have been instrumental in the development and growth of Port Arthur. ”

He noted that Port Arthur’s three refineries process an average of 1.25 million barrels of crude oil per day. With the addition of ExxonMobil, production in Jefferson County will be approximately 1.7 million barrels per day.

“Jefferson County represents 0.0007 people of the U.S. population. Texas refining capacity accounts for one-third of total U.S. production, and the (Port Arthur) refinery accounts for 26 percent of Texas refining capacity. So we’re a big deal.”

He cited U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s recent visit to the Port of Port Arthur and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s visit to Lamar as examples of the community’s strong national standing. emphasized.

Sonnier said participation in the chamber has been strong, with more than 700 members contributing to 32 special events in 2023.

The annual industry show also attracted approximately 1,300 attendees and 130 exhibits.