THE Grampian-Houston Association (GHA) has announced two appointments which are set to play a key role in moving the organisation forward.
Following a two-year stint as vice-chair, Ron McKail has been appointed chair of the Association – with local businessman and entrepreneur, Brett Jackson, to take on the role of vice-chair.
The Grampian-Houston Association was formed following the official twinning of Grampian Region with the City of Houston in 1979.
Its aims are to further the Sister City relationship by promoting and encouraging business, social, educational and cultural links and exchanges.
Ron McKail is the councillor for Westhill and District and was elected for a second term in May 2012.
With a background in education, social work and the RAF, Mr McKail has extensive experience in community work both in Aberdeenshire and further afield.
Aberdeen-born Brett Jackson is the founder and managing director of Granite PR which was established in Aberdeen in 2008 and delivers integrated public relations campaigns as well as business events and networking opportunities.
The company signed its first U.S. client in 2011 and continues to expand its presence on both sides of the Atlantic.
Commenting on his appointment to the post of chair, Ron McKail, said: “Grampian-Houston Association with the involvement of Granite PR and the Houston Grampian Assocation can be the conduit to help local businesses establish contacts in Houston.
“Our relationship with Houston has expanded beyond business, however, and an excellent example of that is the annual exchange of student nurses which takes place between the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and Houston Baptist University.
“We would like to see further such worthwhile exchanges and GHA will do all it can to play a part in maintaining and developing the Sister City relationship.”
Brett Jackson said: “The Grampian-Houston Association has a long history of nurturing links between the two business hubs and I look forward to playing a part in the next phase of the organisation’s activities.”
A Grampian-Houston Association spokesman added: “We are proud of our special relationship developed over the past 34 years with one of America’s largest cities and we look forward to building on that relationship under the leadership of Councillor McKail and Brett Jackson.”
To find out more about the Grampian-Houston Association, visit www.grampian-houston.co.uk.
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Contact: Lesley Eaton
Phone: 01224576071
Email: lesleyeaton@granitepr.co.uk
Website: http://www.grampian-houston.co.uk
