Alberto Alemán Zubieta to Speak About the $5.25 Billion Panama Canal Expansion

Oct. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- The Real Estate Council and Dallas Regional Chamber invite the community on Friday, Oct. 26, to hear Alberto Alemán Zubieta speak about the $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal during The Real Estate Council's Bank of Texas Speaker Series presented by The Dallas Morning News. Zubieta is the former CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, the autonomous agency that manages the Panama Canal, and a graduate of Texas A&M University. The event will be held at the Westin Galleria from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

“Alberto Alemán Zubieta will provide unique insights about one of the world’s most ambitious engineering projects that is changing the global transportation system and will undoubtedly impact Texas,” said Linda McMahon, president of The Real Estate Council.

The Panama Canal is the leading inter-oceanic waterway serving world maritime commerce. With a major port in Houston and significant inland port in North Texas, the Panama Canal expansion has the potential to have a significant impact on regional economic growth in the years ahead.

“The North Texas business community is keeping an expectant eye to the south, anticipating a positive economic impact once the expansion of the Panama Canal is completed,” said Jim Oberwetter, president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber.  “We are pleased to partner with The Real Estate Council to provide the business community with an inside look at the project and it’s expected global and local impact from an expert who has led the charge for almost two decades.”

Zubieta lead the Panama Canal Authority for two seven-year appointments, returning to the private sector on Sept. 3, 2012. Under his leadership, the Panama Canal Authority´s vision has been to transform the Canal into a world leader in services to the maritime industry, to be the cornerstone of the global transportation system, and a model of excellence, integrity, and transparency. Previously, Zubieta served as Administrator of the former Panama Canal Commission, the United States Government federal agency which was responsible until December 31, 1999, for the administration and operation of the Panama Canal, from 1996 to 1999.

Tickets for this event can be purchased online for $82.40. Click here to purchase tickets and register. Full, sustaining and platinum members of The Real Estate Council may attend at no charge.  Tables of 10 and sponsorships for this event are still available. Companies interested in sponsoring this event may contact Debby Hanson.

The Real Estate Council's Bank of Texas Speaker Series is graciously sponsored by Bank of Texas, The Dallas Morning News, Compatriot Capital and Stewart Title.

ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE COUNCIL:
Founded in 1990, The Real Estate Council is a dynamic organization of more than 1,300 commercial real estate professionals and 500 companies representing 95% of the top commercial real estate businesses in North Texas. The Real Estate Council pursues industry advocacy efforts on local and statewide public policy issues and works to improve the quality of life in Dallas with initiatives that address housing, education, job creation and the environment. The organization is a leader of efforts shaping the future of Dallas including the original $1.5 million investment that spearheaded Klyde Warren Park, as well as $6.3 million in pro bono legal and title services and $250,000 in funding that helped create Dallas’ Urban Land Bank. In 2010 the City of Dallas was awarded a $2.225 million U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant made possible by a $275,000 Transit Oriented Development study funded by The Real Estate Council and two of its Community Partners. Find out more at recouncil.com or by calling 214.692.3600.

ABOUT THE DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER
The Dallas Regional Chamber is the area’s leading membership-driven business organization committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The Chamber works to ensure the Dallas region will become the most economically prosperous region - and the most desirable place to live and work - in the United States. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization comprised of businesses, which represent all facets of the North Texas business community. For more information, please contact the Dallas Regional Chamber at (214) 746-6600 or visit www.dallaschamber.org.