Ports in Southeast Texas — along with the railways that supply them — play an important part in the global economy.

As a result, the Southeast Texas chapter of the Texas Association of Business will conduct a transportation summit dealing with ports and rails from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 13 in the Spindletop Room at the University Reception Center in the Gray Library on the eighth floor at Lamar University in Beaumont. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and fees are $20 per person.

Rep. Ted Poe is the special guest speaker.

Lee Ann Fuselier, TAB Regional Coordinator said the seminar is an event to update members and businesses on ports and navigation districts and their effect on the local economy.

“Our ports and navigation districts are going through global changes,” Fuselier said. “These are opportunities for developing continued growth in our area.”

This is the first seminar focused primarily on transportation. The next seminar will focus on road and air transportation.

Fuselier said business owners will be able to take on an active role in the legislative process.

“It helps develop leaders and they can lobby for the area. The funds needed for this area are in competition with other regions,” she said.

A continental breakfast will be served and reference materials and a certificate of participation are included. Registration online is at http://events.txbiz.org.

The event is sponsored by Leap Engineering in association with The Greater Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Bridge City and Nederland Chambers of Commerce.

For more information, contact Fuselier at lfuselier@txbiz.org, or 409-313-4041.