Caption: Associated Testing workers.

Founded in 1959 by Edward Scearce, Associated Testing Laboratories is a pioneer for testing technology. It is a local small business with nearly 50 employees – an accredited multi-discipline engineering and testing firm that specializes in construction materials testing and geotechnical engineering.

Precise testing and accurate sampling are key factors to making sure construction materials meet engineering specifications, noted Javier Infante, executive vice president for Associated Testing Laboratories. From asphalt and concrete to soil or steel inspections, they handle a number of diverse projects, such as the Houston Ship Channel Bridge Project where they recently performed materials testing.

With the Port of Houston being one of the largest industrial complexes in the state of Texas, there’s no surprise that the company chose to become certified with Port Houston’s small business program.  

“The Port’s small business program is one of the best around compared to those that we have been involved with. There are no other programs like the Port’s,” said Infante. “The contract and training opportunities are well communicated by the small business staff.” The company’s exposure and knowledge about the Port has helped them win many projects through business development.

“It is organizations like Port Houston that keep our small businesses thriving in the community. There are many project opportunities available. We are fortunate to have had success and results with our involvement in the program by meeting prime contractors at Port Houston’s events,” Infante said. 

The company has also worked with both Houston airports, local school districts, METRO Houston, the City of Houston and Harris County.

Associated Testing Laboratories understands the value of engineering and supporting their people who work hard to make the projects happen. “Our people are the foundation of our company. We are committed to their development, motivation and recognition,” said Jasbir Singh, president of Associated Testing Laboratories. “The primary purpose of our business is to provide prompt, accurate and cost-effective geotechnical and construction materials testing.”

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Port Houston Senior Director of Small Business and Education Outreach, Gilda Ramirez, received the Texas Southern University 2018 Paul Cuffee Maritime Leadership Award at the college’s advisory board meeting Nov. 15.

The award is given to an individual or organization that supports minorities in the maritime industry along the Texas Gulf Coast.

“I am honored to have received this award given to professionals that have made a difference in the maritime industry,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez has led the port’s small business development efforts since the program’s inception in 2002 and has been a driver of the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education program, a nonprofit that offers education opportunities and scholarships to students in the Houston region.

She is native Houstonian from the East End region and joined Port Houston in 2002 as manager of Small Business Development. Under Ramirez’ leadership, the port has received numerous awards by organizations. She has served on various boards, is an active member of several chambers of commerce and continues to work as a small business advocate. 

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Port Houston exceeded the two million TEU mark in September. Container volume at Port Houston’s container terminals remains vigorous as cargo movement continues to lead last year’s pace showing a 10 percent growth through the third quarter.

In 2015, history was made when Port Houston broke the two million twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) barrier for the first time.

“In fact, we already surpassed the two Million TEU mark in September, the earliest by far that we have reached that milestone,” Executive Director Roger Guenther said in his report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority during its regular monthly meeting held in October.

All indicators point toward container activity to maintain this stride through the end of the year. “There is still a lot of activity across our docks and the trends are positive through Port Houston terminals as we make the stretch run through the end of 2018,” Guenther said.

Import steel at Port Houston terminals continues at a solid rate through the third quarter, pushed by the strength of production in the energy sector, Guenther noted in his report. The general cargo terminals handled 3.5 million tons year-to-date with more than 478,000 tons in steel recorded in September alone.

Overall tonnage for the year reflects a healthy growth of 8 percent over last year, with more than 31 million tons recorded.

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Port Houston held its semi-annual Port University workshop Oct. 11-Nov. 1. Port University, a four week training course, is an outreach program designed to educate small businesses about procurement opportunities at the port. The workshops are presented in collaboration with the University 0f Houston Small Business Development Center.

More than 30 small business representatives attended the class, where they learned about port procurement opportunities, port facilities small business program, contracting language, bonding, insurance requirements and the port’s BuySpeed Procurement System. Since inception in 2003, more than 650 small business owners have graduated from Port University.

Port Houston staff from the procurement, legal, risk management, environmental and project and construction management departments provided insight on doing business with the port.

“These staff driven workshops are a great resource for small businesses looking to find contracts and projects with the port,” said Pedro Gonzales, Port Houston Small Business Program Manager. “It provides an overview of how these businesses can be successful throughout the process.”

In addition to the course, the Port Authority offers a small business mentoring program for companies enrolled in the port’s small business program. Since the beginning of the program, awards and commitments to small businesses have totaled more than a half a billion dollars.

The Port Authority Small Business and Education Outreach department participates in roughly 200 events every year through the collaboration with various chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and private/public agency partners.

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