HOUSTON – The Port of Houston Authority will now be marketed commercially as Port Houston, with the adoption of a new brand and logo designed to ensure the port continues to broaden its business base. The move, effective immediately, is designed to trigger heightened awareness of the port. The professional branding campaign is anchored by “Port Houston: The International Port of Texas,” with the accompanying logo highlighting the famed Lone Star State and featuring a simple yet bold modern maritime theme. Growing and diversifying the port’s business base by developing a strong brand identity—and a proactive market development plan—was one four major goals identified in recent strategic planning process. That action by the Port Commission was tied to a renewed emphasis on strategic planning initiated in early 2014 aimed at defining the Port Authority’s goals, mission and vision for the future. Extensive research was conducted to determine how the community, employees and customers viewed the port. Customers embraced stability of service as key and view the port as the Texas gateway and a keystone in the logistics supply chain. The customer research was conducted by a third party interviewing key beneficial cargo owners and ocean carriers. The findings indicate a solid foundation is in place to make the port even stronger and more marketable, Chief Commercial Officer Ricky Kunz said. “This is a significant and exciting development that will lead to increased understanding of the port and its important role in international commerce,” Kunz said. “As an economic engine and job creator for more than a century, Port Houston adds value to the region, state and nation. And we will continue to expand our business.” The new brand identity was derived from multiple elements throughout the branding process. The colors red, white, and blue help convey our vision as America’s distribution hub for the next generation. The logo showcases ships, the star of Texas, and the area that was essentially dredged to make a massive port and channel that has become a significant economic engine.