The Houston District Export Council (HDEC) serves current and future exporters in 33 counties in Southeast Texas. Founded in 1977, HDEC was one of the earliest DEC's formed in the country. THE COUNCIL EDUCATES AND ASSISTS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY REGARDING EXPORTING OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS, ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING EXPORTS BY INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES. THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO STIMULATE U.S. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CREATE JOBS THROUGH COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTERS, PROMOTING GREATER EXPORTING ACTIVITY, AND ASSISTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE ASSISTANCE NETWORKS.