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As we wrap up 2026, we want to thank our customers, industry partners, and community for another great year! At ISTC, we are proud to serve the industrial community as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, providing high-quality training, education, and services that advance safety and strengthen our workforce.
In this newsletter, you’ll find:
- New Services & Innovations
- Training Highlights
- Community Events
- Team Spotlights
As we look ahead to 2027, we’re excited for new opportunities to grow, collaborate, and continue supporting the industries we serve.
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ISTC Welcomes HASC Occupational Medical Services
as New Occupational Medical Partner
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Dear ISTC Partners,
ISTC is pleased to announce that, effective November 9, 2026, HASC Occupational Medical Services will become our occupational medical partner, succeeding Your Medical Home.
This transition will expand the occupational medical services ISTC is able to deliver through the pre-access process. It will also broaden our ability to serve owners and contractors across the Gulf Coast region and beyond. It reflects our continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the industrial community. New key features include:
- Adam Jaynes, FNP-C, COHC, NRCME, has joined the HASC team and will remain available for all customers and clients.
- 18 Occupational Medicine access locations across the Gulf Coast
- 3 board-certified Occupational Medicine physicians
- 24/7 Telestat services available
- A fleet of mobile medical units
- In-house MROs with (often) less than 24-hour turnaround
To support a smooth transition, Your Medical Home will provide occupational medical services at ISTC until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6. The ISTC clinic will then close for the remainder of the day to allow the transition to begin.
Customers needing services that afternoon may visit either HASC Occupational Medical Services at 1250 E FM 365 #365, Port Arthur, TX 77640, or Your Medical Home’s Bridge City location at 1650 Texas Ave, Bridge City, TX 77611. HASC will begin providing occupational medical services at ISTC on Monday, November 9.
We are working closely with affected owner sites to prepare for the transition. We will provide additional information about scheduling, service locations, and points of contact before November 6. Until then, please continue following the current process for occupational medical services.
Thank you for your continued trust in ISTC. We look forward to sharing more details soon.
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Questions about this transition?
Join us Tuesday, October 27th for our Beaumont Customer Luncheon!
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Be Ready Before the Work Begins: ISTC Offers New JHA Training
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Safety training isn’t just about knowing what to do when something goes wrong. It’s about being prepared before the work begins.
ISTC has added two practical courses designed to give workers and supervisors skills they can put to work immediately: Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and CPR & First Aid.
Job Hazard Analysis: See the Hazard Before It Becomes an Incident
Our JHA course focuses on one of the most important parts of safe work: recognizing and controlling hazards before the job starts.
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JHA isn’t simply a form to complete. It’s a way to think through the work, anticipate what could go wrong and put the right controls in place before people are exposed to risk.
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CPR and First Aid is one of those courses that is simply good to have.
Whether you’re at work, at home or somewhere in the community, knowing how to respond when someone needs help can make a difference. ISTC’s CPR & First Aid training provides practical, hands-on instruction covering CPR, AED use, choking and first-aid response.
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These two courses join ISTC’s growing lineup of specialized training designed to address the real-world needs of today’s industrial workforce.
From Frontline Supervisor Training and JHA to CPR & First Aid, Safety Academy programs and other specialized offerings, ISTC continues to expand the ways we can help owners, contractors and employees build safer, more prepared workplaces.
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What do you need your employees to understand? We’ll help you turn it into training people remember.
ISTC already helps your workforce stay safe, but our training development services go beyond safety. From safety orientations and employee onboarding to workplace policies, new procedures, equipment training, and company culture, we can help you communicate what matters most to your organization.
Our team turns your policies, procedures, processes, and ideas into engaging, customized training designed specifically for your workforce.
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Our E-Training and Communications Clients include: Motiva, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Dow Chemical, Chevron Phillips Chemical and many more!
For more information call (409) 724-2565 or email clientrelations@istc.net.
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ISTC has grown, and our website is growing with us!
We’re excited to introduce a redesigned website that makes it easier for customers, contractors, and industry partners to explore ISTC’s training, services, and resources.
With improved navigation, a searchable course catalog, career opportunities, and easier access to LINK, forms, and training information, the new site is designed with our customers in mind.
As ISTC continues to evolve, we remain committed to providing the training and services that support a safer, stronger workforce.
Stay tuned for the launch!
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ISTC’s Safety Academy delivers instructor-led, hands-on training focused on the 12 Life-Saving Rules designed to help strengthen safety culture, improve workforce readiness, and reduce serious incidents across industry.
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Built alongside leading owner partners across Southeast Texas, the Safety Academy helps prepare workers with the critical knowledge and practical skills needed in high-risk environments.
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Wayne Roccaforte
Training Supervisor
From Fire Service and Industry to a Second Career in Safety
For Wayne Roccaforte, known to most as “Rock,” safety has been at the center of his career for decades. After 25 years with the Port Arthur Fire Department, retiring as a Battalion Chief, and 12 years as an operator at the Valero Port Arthur refinery, Rock brought a wealth of emergency response and industrial experience to ISTC.
Rock joined ISTC in 2023 as a part-time instructor, never expecting it to become a full-time career. Within a year, he transitioned into the role of Assistant Supervisor before eventually becoming Training Supervisor.
“I never intended to work full time,” Rock says. “But the job, the phenomenal people and positive culture at ISTC inspired me to commit to a full-time career.”
For Rock, it’s the people and shared sense of purpose that make ISTC special. He values working alongside a team that understands the importance of safety training and the difference it can make in people’s lives.
“Be good to each other, help everyone and have pride in your workplace and the job we do.”
With decades of experience in public service and industry, Rock brings a unique perspective to training. One of his favorite parts of the job is mentoring and helping develop future leaders.
“I enjoy mentoring and seeing the development of the future leaders,” he says.
Despite his responsibilities as Training Supervisor, Rock still makes time to teach ISTC’s Frontline Supervisor course alongside Training Coordinator Brandi Morazan, helping participants build practical leadership skills they can take back to the workplace.
Outside of work, Rock enjoys spending time with his wife, Lisa, and their children, Rhett, Mallory, and Cade. He loves traveling, golfing, trying new foods, and listening to classic rock. Scotland and Paris are among his favorite destinations, and a photo from one of his golf adventures hangs in his office as a reminder of his “happy place.”
A dual Italian American citizen, Rock also considers himself a pretty good cook and enjoys being part of the ISTC cook team. His latest hobby is building watches, and he’s even a member of ISTC’s wildlife management team, with photos of relocated raccoons to prove it!
From firefighting and refinery operations to industrial safety training, Rock has built a career around serving others, sharing knowledge, and helping people go home safely.
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Destiny Johnson
Badging Supervisor
Seven years into her career at ISTC, Destiny Johnson has grown into a leader who genuinely enjoys what she does and her coworkers. As ISTC’s Badging Supervisor, she combines her experience, creativity, and passion for helping others to make a difference every day.
Destiny began her ISTC journey just five days after turning 18. What started as one of her first professional roles has grown into a career, bringing her full circle as she now leads the department where she spent much of her time learning and growing.
“I’ve had the opportunity to grow from one of my first professional roles into becoming the Badging Supervisor,” she says. “It’s special to look back and realize how much I’ve grown alongside the company.”
A graduate of Lamar State College–Orange with an Associate of Arts in General Studies, Destiny has continued building her knowledge through the various roles she has held at ISTC.
For Destiny, one of the most rewarding parts of her job is helping others navigate challenges and find solutions.
“I love being able to help people, whether it’s in a big or small way,” she says. “Being able to step in, find a solution, and help get them where they need to be is extremely rewarding.”
As ISTC continues to grow, Destiny looks forward to expanding her knowledge and helping her team develop along the way.
Outside of work, Destiny enjoys painting, reading, exploring the outdoors, and traveling with family. She recently celebrated a special milestone, marrying her high school sweetheart in August! Her family also includes two beloved dogs, a Weimaraner and a Dachshund, who she proudly calls her “pride and joy.”
A fan of Mexican food here in Southeast Texas, Destiny hopes to one day visit Italy to experience its food, culture, history, and scenery.
Destiny’s journey is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, a first job can become much more than just a job. It can become a lasting career and a place to grow.
We’re proud to have Destiny as part of the ISTC team and look forward to seeing where the next chapter takes her!
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Showing Students What’s Possible
ISTC recently joined the ABC Southeast Texas Chapter’s Build Your Future student outreach event, where Training Coordinator Brandi Morazan and Instructor Mitchelle Zubiri gave high school students a hands-on look at careers and safety in the industrial workforce.
Students learned the basics of fall protection, including how to inspect and properly put on a harness. They asked questions, talked about career interests, and got a glimpse of what working in industry can actually look like.
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For Mitchelle, who has been instructing for about five years, seeing the students’ excitement was the highlight.
“My favorite thing was seeing high schoolers express their interest and excitement for fall protection and other crafts, as well as potentially being of help to them if they do work in the industry to stay safe.”
Mitchelle also sees tremendous potential in events like this.
“For kids who are interested in working in the refinery, it’s important to show them the opportunities and benefits that come with it, as well as the dangers and risks they would face in the field.”
Brandi summed up the experience simply:
“We weren’t just talking about jobs; we were helping them see that there are many paths to a successful future.”
Sometimes, all it takes is one hands-on experience to make a young person think, “I could do that.”
ISTC is proud to help Southeast Texas students see what’s possible—and introduce the next generation to the opportunities waiting right here at home.
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Find ISTC on the Golf Course This Fall
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ISTC has been busy hitting the greens this fall, supporting community and industry golf tournaments throughout Southeast Texas!
We kicked off the season at the Chevron Phillips Chemical and Buckner Golf Tournament, where the ISTC Safety Smokers fired up the BBQ pit and served up a crowd favorite: barbecue ribs, smoked Gouda mac & cheese, and sausage.
Since then, we’ve continued the fun at the YMCA/Valero Tee-Off for Children Golf Tournament, connecting with fellow industry professionals and supporting great causes along the way.
From serving up good food to spending time with our industry and community partners, these tournaments give ISTC another opportunity to get involved and give back.
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And the season isn’t over yet! We’ll be back on the course for the upcoming Greater Port Arthur Chamber Golf Tournament. If you’re participating, be sure to stop by, say hello, and see what the ISTC Safety Smokers are cooking up!
We’ll see you on the course!
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Join us for our next complimentary Customer Quarterly Luncheon! We’ll cover the latest news and exciting ISTC updates, and we want to hear your feedback on how we can improve.
This meeting is particularly useful for Office Admins, Schedulers, Accounting, and Safety Representatives.
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ISTC and GTBR are excited to spread a little extra holiday cheer this season!
Join us in giving back to our community through our annual Toy Drive benefiting Texas Family Care Network. From November 2nd to December 8th, we’re collecting toys to help bring joy to children and families in need this Christmas.
Every donation makes a difference, and we appreciate your support in making the holidays a little brighter!
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Donation drop-off:
3749 US 69 N. Beaumont, TX 77705
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Spindletop Showdown BBQ Cook-Off
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March 6, 2027
Doggett Ford Park – 5115 I-10, Beaumont, TX 77705
The Spindletop Showdown BBQ Cook-Off returns in 2027, bringing together industry partners, local businesses, and the community for a day of friendly competition, great BBQ, and networking. Held in conjunction with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Industry Show, these two events offer an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and support Southeast Texas industry.
Team and Sponsorship Opportunities coming soon!
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March 29 – April 1, 2027
Events throughout the week
Women in Industry Week connects female industry leaders with students across Southeast Texas through networking, mentorship, and educational events. The week highlights career opportunities in STEM and industry while inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in the workforce.
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August 2027
The Contractor Safety Awards, presented by ISTC and GTBR, recognize contractors across Southeast Texas for their outstanding commitment to workplace safety. This annual event brings together industry leaders, owners, and contractors to celebrate safety excellence, recognize achievements, and highlight the importance of building a stronger safety culture throughout our region.
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Thanksgiving Holiday
ISTC will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving. We’re thankful for our customers, partners, and community and wish everyone a wonderful holiday!
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Christmas Holiday
ISTC will be closed in celebration of Christmas. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and time together!
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New Year’s Day
ISTC will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day. Thank you for being part of another great year! We look forward to all that 2027 has in store.
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Follow ISTC on LinkedIn and Facebook – Join industry leaders, safety professionals, and business owners who rely on us for updates on safety training, compliance standards, and workforce development.
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