Annual Industry Show Drives Crucial Networking for Businesses and Subcontractors

The annual Industry Show, held at the Bob Bowers Civic Center and organized by the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, attracted 109 vendors this year, providing a vital platform for networking and business development. Among the participants was Baron NDT, a Florida-based company with a Beaumont office, which specializes in non-destructive testing (NDT).

Owner Mike Benson emphasized the importance of the event for subcontractors like Baron NDT, which rely on direct connections with fabrication companies. "We’re one down the line,” Benson explained. “These people build it; they need people to inspect it. It’s really important for us to be able to meet these people because they’re our customers. When it comes to non-destructive testing, which is what we do, they aren’t aware of us unless we get out and meet them and shake hands with them.”

Latisha Poledore of the Chamber of Commerce noted that the Industry Show is regarded as one of the largest networking events by many of the businesses involved. The event’s success was evident, with several vendors already securing their spots for next year.

The Industry Show provided attendees the opportunity to explore vendor booths from a wide range of industries, including giants and subcontractors alike. Larry Kelley, Executive Director and CEO of the Port of Port Arthur, highlighted the event as an effective outreach platform. “We basically have almost 200 vendors working at our Port, and we have a contractor outreach program that encourages local women-owned, minority-owned, veteran, and disabled veteran-owned businesses,” Kelley said.

The event was marked by the presence of towering cranes, standing 100 and 265 feet above the ground, with banners from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 450. These massive cranes, provided by contractors Maxim Cranes, Deep South Crane and Rigging, and Sarens Crane, underscored the scale and significance of the 2024 Industry Show, where vendors and industry leaders gathered to forge connections and discuss potential collaborations.