The Houston economy was significantly impacted by the fall in oil prices in late 2014. Economic growth in Houston has since has been at a lower rate than its average annual growth rate. On top of that, the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey last year and its aftermath had another major impact on the economy as homes, businesses, infrastructure, plants and many facilities were destroyed or shut down. Displacement and layoffs resulting from the economic downturn impacted many Houston families.

The Houston economy is resilient of course. Future economic growth for Houston is looking promising.  Crude prices are jumping up. The price was up close to $73 a barrel in May for the first time since November 2014. If the oil prices stay above $60 a barrel in 2018 as forecast, the Houston metropolitan area is projected to add around 75,000 jobs. Good news for Houstonians!

PMI Houston feels the pain the professional community of Houston is going through. We have been trying to help job seekers in our monthly meeting, networking events and through job posting on our website. I am pleased to report that we are embarking on another initiative. PMI Houston is planning a series of events to help job seekers. The first non-traditional event is being scheduled for July 2018. It will be a workshop titled ‘How to Land Your Next PM Job in 40 Days’. Stay tuned for details.

If there are potential employers and recruiters who wish help in this initiative, please get in touch with us. This has to be a collective effort to help those who are in need at this point in their lives.

PMI Global Headquarters plans events throughout the year globally for career and leadership development for our professional communities. One such annual event is held in the US for Region 6: South Central North America, comprising 26 chapters. The PMI Houston Chapter is part of Region 6.

The 2018 Region 6 meeting was held earlier this month in St. Louis, Missouri. A group of VPs, directors, and leaders from PMI Houston Chapter attended the 2-day meeting. It was a well-planned and perfectly executed event. Kudos to the Region 6 leadership and St. Louis Chapter leaders and volunteers! We had a great learning experience, ample networking opportunities and, most importantly, a lot of fun. There were several new leaders from the Houston group. We enjoyed the company and got to know one another better. It was an excellent team building environment.

PMI Houston Chapter organizes several events every year which inspire our experienced and emerging leaders and help enhance their leadership skills and provide personal growth opportunities. They are open to all our members through the Chapter’s volunteering opportunities. Come join us! The 2019 elections for PMI Houston Chapter will be underway soon. Several Board positions are open. One of the legacies a leader can leave behind is a pipeline of leaders who are ready to take the organization to the next level.

Step in. Step up. We’ll walk with you step by step to help achieve your leadership dreams!

Food for thought: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams