The refineries and chemical plants have started warming up and should reach capacity again within the next 4-6 weeks. Many of the major employers in the region have done the smart thing: Valero bought 50 mobile homes and is promising their people company-funded disaster relief...
But the real issue is that although the refineries and chemical plants escaped much damage, many of the small businesses that served them, including reps and distributors, did not. It is not clear yet whether this will impact startups, or whether it will have longer term effects on the way the industry supply chains work in the future.
Right now, though, the need is still for relief. If YOU or your company haven't given, please do so.
Walt
