BUSINESS BRIEFS Summer 2020

BUSINESS BRIEFS INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Business Assistance Programs

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Marketing

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Public Relations & Media Communications

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Special Initiatives

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Storm Surge Protection

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Preserve NASA Funding Levels

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Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium

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Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program

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Membership

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Our Partners

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President’s Letter Our lives have no doubt changed considerably since BAHEP’s Spring 2020 BUSINESS BRIEFS newsletter was published just a few months ago. Little did we suspect then just how devastating COVID -19 would be to the people and economies of the world.

Throughout this pandemic, BAHEP has continued to support the citizens, businesses, and industries of the region in a number of different ways. To date, we have hosted several virtual general membership meetings through ZOOM that have covered the effects of COVID-19 on healthcare, education, and small businesses.

We’ve also heard from Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz about the federal government’s actions during this economic and humanitarian crisis. NASA Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer also joined us virtually to speak about the many exciting things taking place as the United States prepares to return to the Moon and venture on to Mars.

Business Assistance Programs BAHEP Develops White Paper on Importance of Reopening Texas A white paper on the Importance of Reopening Texas for Business was developed by BAHEP on April 17, 2020, and sent to more than 900 BAHEP stakeholders, including all of its local, state,

Bob Mitchell While essential personnel have been doing incredible work at their jobs, the BAHEP staff has continued to work on a number of projects from their home bases in order to attract companies to the region.

BAHEP has also worked with elected officials and other organizations to determine best practices in returning to our places of business and in the economic recovery that lies ahead.

As many others have said, we truly are in this together. By helping each other, we, in turn, help ourselves. Each and every member of BAHEP is a valuable part of this organization. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to assist you in this time of rebuilding. BAHEP returned to work at 18045 Saturn Lane on May 26th. Just call 832.536.3255 with any questions or concerns that you might have.

Kind regards,

and federal elected officials. The purpose of the white paper was to support and encourage Texas elected officials to use all means possible to immediately develop a strong back-to-work plan to reopen Texas for business. An abridged version of the white paper was published in the Houston Business Journal and the South BeltEllington Leader. The complete white paper is posted on the BAHEP website: https://www.bayareahouston.com/

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COVID-19 Resource Page Created on BAHEP Website BAHEP President Bob Mitchell sent an email to members on March 29, 2020, stating, “As we have seen in recent weeks, getting factual information from expert sources is the best way to prepare and protect ourselves over the coming weeks and months.

As part of our effort to support the region’s families, businesses, and industries, BAHEP has developed this webpage as a resource to assist in navigating through the very rough waters created by COVID-19: https://www.bayareahouston.com/content/covid19/ covid19 “Every one of us has been affected by this pandemic, and it will take every one of us, working together for the good of all, to mitigate its personal and economic impact as much as is humanly possible. Ultimately, I believe that this will make us stronger as individuals and as a region.”

CARES Act Details and Clarification Disseminated to BAHEP Members Mark Rush with Hamm, Langston, & Brezina (HL&B) developed a detailed presentation on the CARES Act passed by the U.S. Senate on March 25, 2020, that provides a clearer understanding of this legislation. BAHEP thanks Mark Rush and HL&B for sharing this document, and at the request of HL&B, BAHEP distributed the presentation to its members on March 26, 2020.

COVID-19 Business Impact Survey Sent to BAHEP Members and Allies A survey of economic impact to businesses was sent to BAHEP members and its allies on March 30, 2020, on behalf of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP). The confidential information was used by the GHP to develop an assessment of the impact to various industries in the greater Houston region.

Sen. John Cornyn Addresses BAHEP Members via Webinar On April 9, 2020, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership held a virtual general membership meeting featuring U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and the federal response to COVID-19 as well as Tim Jeffcoat, district director for the Small Business Administration. The meeting was facilitated by BAHEP Marketing Director Jimmy Spence, and more than 180 BAHEP members attended virtually.

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BAHEP President Bob Mitchell opened the meeting with welcoming remarks and appreciation to Sen. Cornyn for his participation who reported that Congress has passed three pieces of legislation to date the latest of which is the bipartisan CARES Act (Coronavirus Sen. John Cornyn Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) that was signed at the end of March.

Sen. Cornyn said that healthcare is obviously the first concern. “We’ve pushed $100 billion out the door of which $30 billion will be going shortly. There’s flexibility on how that money is spent, but the idea is to maintain capacity to make sure the hospitals and professionals are there to take care of those who need them,” he noted.

Sen. Cornyn said that the Tim Jeffcoat key to dealing with the pandemic is ultimately developing drugs that can treat COVID-19. He stated, “Having a vaccine is the goal, but that’s probably going to be towards fall at the earliest. In the meantime, individuals and businesses need a lifeline; so, the federal government is providing by direct deposit to your bank account.

The senator also said that it is necessary to make sure jobs are still going to be there for people when this economy starts coming back. He offered, “That’s Bob Mitchell why we established through SBA certified lenders the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

During the virtual meeting, Mitchell expressed his apprehension in regard to financial relief for 501(c) (6) non-profit organizations, like BAHEP. Sen. Cornyn said that the goal is to allow non-profits to keep their employees on the payrolls, too. Mitchell

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then questioned if the EIDL advances are available now.

Jeffcoat answered, “They absolutely are.” He continued, “In many cases for businesses, it makes sense to pursue both the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, since it is for a much longer period of time and covers operating costs, as well as the PPP, because its emphasis is going to be on payroll.”

Jeffcoat continued to answer numerous questions from the audience, clearing up a lot of confusion about the various government assistance programs available to small businesses.

BAHEP Members Hear Healthcare Panel Discuss COVID-19 Challenges On Thursday, April 30, 2020, a panel of healthcare professionals used the power and convenience of the internet to speak to more than 175 BAHEP members of the ways in which regional hospital systems have adapted to COVID-19. They also looked to the future as everyone will be operating under this new normal for some time to come.

The panel consisted of Todd Caliva, CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake; Stephen K. Jones, Jr., CEO, UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus; Dan Newman, CEO, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital; Kelly Ochoa, Vice President of Operations, Memorial Hermann Southeast and Memorial Hermann Pearland; and Gulshan Sharma, MD, MPH, Vice President, Chief Medical & Clinical Innovation Officer, UTMB. BAHEP President Bob Mitchell served as panel moderator while BAHEP Marketing Director Jimmy Spence provided technical support.

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hospital.” Other questions addressed the status of the development of a vaccine, availability of antibody tests, safety of elective procedures, and safety surrounding the reopening of businesses.

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell ended the meeting by thanking all those who took time out of their extremely busy schedules to participate in the panel discussions.

Click the link to view the General Membership Meeting on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=G31llyyLWBY. BAHEP Participates in Harris County Economic Equity and Opportunity Initiative Annie Yang, director, Harris County Economic Development Office, invited BAHEP to participate in the Harris County Economic Equity and Opportunity Department workshops held on March 11 and May 6, 2020. The workshops, initiated by County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, sought input to the strategic and organizational study being conducted by TIP Strategies located in Austin, Texas.

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, and Marketing Manager C.A. Shields engaged in the discussions on BAHEP’s regional economic development program and how it can support this new department and its goals.

BAHEP submitted responses to the Harris County Economic Equity and Opportunity Survey as requested.

The panelists began the discussion by providing an overview of what was taking place within each hospital system. Although specific actions vary between systems, the hospitals also have much in common. The days are consumed by temperature checks and screenings of patients, visitors, and employees. Testing is also a huge priority.

Additionally, there are command center conference calls that address personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand and what may be needed. There are physician calls where the medical staff is given an administrative update sharing new policy and procedures that are evolving, because things constantly change. Strategic priorities have been put in place across all systems to safeguard employees and the public.

BAHEP Hosts Virtual Meeting on COVID-19 Responses by Local Educational Institutions BAHEP hosted a Virtual General Membership Meeting on May 5, 2020, on “How the Region’s Educational Institutions are Responding to COVID-19” featuring Dr. Ira K. Blake, president, University of Houston-Clear Lake; Dr. Brenda Hellyer, chancellor, San Jacinto College District; Dr. Warren Nichols, president, College of the Mainland; Mr. Lloyd Graham, superintendent, La Porte Independent School District; Dr. DeeAnn Powell, superintendent, Pasadena Independent School District; Mr. Thad Roher, superintendent, Friendswood Independent School District, and Dr. Greg Smith, superintendent of Schools, Clear Creek Independent School District. The meeting was facilitated by Harv Hartman, long-time chair of BAHEP’s Education and Workforce Development Committee.

Following the overview and discussion, members of the panel then answered questions that had been submitted by virtual attendees, such as, “Is it is safe to go to the

More than 100 BAHEP members attended the meeting to learn how each of the educational institutions is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click the link to view

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the General Membership Meeting on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OEPId1mmEVQ Jankowski Presents State of the Economy to BAHEP Members Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president, Research, Greater Houston Partnership, on March 2, 2020, presented the uncertainties surrounding the region’s economy as the COVD-19 virus was beginning to entrench itself into daily life and businesses.

Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president, Research, Greater Houston Jankowski gave a state of the Partnership, presented a State of the Economy address to BAHEP then oil industry and the poten- members on March 2, 2020. tial economic impacts of the China trade deal in January, the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement in January, and the BAHEP Partners with UTMB on potential lowering of interest rates by the Federal ReEnvironmental Literacy Grant serve System. He noted that the economy is growing BAHEP has collaborated with the University of Texas which is good for the region’s economy. However, Medical Branch (UTMB) Office of Education on a Jankowski’s biggest concern was how the coronavirus NOAA Environmental Literacy grant, entitled the Rewas going to affect the oil industry. siliency, Environmental Literacy, and Action for Texas Educators and Students (RELATES) program. This Jankowski closed his presentation with a list of “stay program targets the greater Galveston County/Bay safe” practices like “wash your hands frequently.” area/Harris County (GBH) region of Texas and is designed to educate and empower teachers, students, and their communities to develop action plans/solutions to BAHEP Assists Harris County with 2020 Extreme Weather Events/environmental hazards inCensus Outreach At the request of Harris County Precinct 2 Commiscluding preparedness, planning, and recovery. REsioner Adrian Garcia, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell LATES will develop a model program for future widedeveloped a public service video conveying the imporspread regional implementation with a particular fotance and urgency for individuals to complete the cencus on the more vulnerable populations/areas. sus information by responding online, by phone, or by mail. This public service announcement will be on the BAHEP will act as a lead to assist in providing reHarris County website and other selected media outlets. gional industry contacts to 1) recruit speakers from industries in the region who can describe business Mitchell’s message was, “I’m participating in the 2020 strategies for recovery from devastation and the ecoCensus, and it’s important that you respond, too. Did nomic effects of extreme weather (hurricanes, floods) you know that census data helps communities recover and 2) recruit industry representatives to attend a Stufrom natural disasters and secure funding for hospitals? dent Symposium where students will present their School lunch programs, plans for future highways, and community resilience and disaster preparedness prosupport for firefighters and families in need are all dejects. pendent on the census data. Please take a couple of minutes and fill out your census information. It’s so BAHEP Supports Harris County/H-GAC Small easy to do and so important for our community, our Business Loan Program families, and our future. Thank you!”

At the request of Annie Yang, director, Harris County

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Economic Development Office, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell wrote a letter of support on April 2, 2020, for the then proposed Harris County/Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Small Business Loan Program.

The loans are targeted for small businesses that have sustained significant injury due to the COVID-19 disruption.

Mitchell followed up on his letter of support by testifying in support of the loan program via a teleconference call before the Harris County Commissioners Court on April 7, 2020. Mitchell’s testimony was, in part, “The program being contemplated today is being designed to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by offering zero-interest, forgivable loans to meet ordinary and necessary operating expenses and obligations. This is exactly the kind of measure that is needed now to assist our area businesses.” The Commissioners Court approved the loan program during the meeting.

BAHEP Participates on IEDC’s League City Resiliency Panels League City Economic Development Director Scott Livingston invited BAHEP to participate on three discussion panels during the “International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Technical Assistance to League City, Texas,” an economic resilience program, on Feb. 25, 2020, held at the League City Civic Center. BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal participated on the Local and Regional Economic Development Stakeholders Panel, Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger participated on the Healthcare Leaders Panel, and Marketing Manager Jimmy Spence participated on the Petrochemical, Aerospace, and Services Leaders Panel. Information gained during these panel discussions and other panel discussions will enable the City of League City to develop a path for economic resilience for the city.

BAHEP Assists Nassau Bay’s Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee BAHEP Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger participated in Nassau Bay’s Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting on April 22, 2020. CPAC is designed to provide guidance to the overall process of updating the Comprehensive Plan – how a city will develop and/or redevelop over time. The plan will guide growth and development for the next 20 years with a review every five years. This was the second of three planned meetings. The committee reviewed the objectives and short-term priorities. Participants were shown a presentation on renewed infrastructure followed by a group discussion.

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Small Business Panel of Experts Discuss COVID-19 and Recovery The BAHEP Virtual General Membership Meeting had an audience of 121 members for the May 14, 2020, panel discussion on COVID-19 impacts to small businesses and what to expect during the recovery process. The panelists were Phil Griffis, president, Law Offices of Phil Griffis; Mark Conrad, BAHEP Small Business Committee chairman and owner of Express Employment Professionals; and Tim Jeffcoat, Houston district director, Small Business Administration. Griffis focused his discussion on small businesses “keeping business out of the court room.” He advised businesses to work to avoid litigation by entering into a “standstill” agreement with creditors and vendors. Conrad discussed the issues with a “return to business.” Issues included which employees to retain, dealing with employees who do not want to return to work, childcare, and supply chain disruption. Jeffcoat provided an update of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and addressed the concern of federal scrutiny or audit of how the PPP funds are utilized.

The meeting was a huge success by providing key information to small business owners. Click on the following link to hear the meeting on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ yVqBo_BXVaY. Sen. Ted Cruz Addresses BAHEP Members During Virtual General Membership Meeting BAHEP hosted Sen. Ted Cruz for its May 28, 2020, virtual General Membership Meeting. Cruz began the meeting by saying he was focused on two priorities: the public health crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. He said he’s very concerned about the 20 percent unemployment rate, the largest since the Great Depression, and worried about small businesses either going out of business or into bankruptcy. Cruz fielded questions from the audience of more than 150 on a range of topics, including the NASA Commercial Crew launch on a SpaceX rocket, the eligibility of 501(C) (6) non-profits like BAHEP in the fourth recovery bill, BAHEP’s initiative to recruit the U.S. Space Force command to Sen. Ted Cruz Ellington Airport, workforce education legislation, and China’s influence on the U.S. economy. The senator closed the meeting by thanking BAHEP for “making a difference” and said that Texans and Americans will stand together during this time of crisis.

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Marketing BAHEP Works to Recruit U.S. Space Force Assets to Ellington Airport BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Marketing Manager Jimmy Spence met with Houston Spaceport GM Arturo Machuca and Texas Military Preparedness Commissioner Tom Duncavage on April 7, 2020, to determine next steps in attracting United States Space Force (USSF) assets to the Houston area. Houston’s military assets, federal agencies’ presence, and talented workforce produce a unique synergy that should be attractive to the USSF. Following this meeting, representatives of BAHEP, the Houston Airport System, the Greater Houston Partnership, and NASA Johnson Space Center held a teleconference meeting with a representative from the Office of the Chief of Space Operations on May 1, 2020, to discuss the best approach for recruitment of USSF assets to Ellington Airport. As a result of this meeting, the group agreed to develop two unsolicited proposals for the U.S. Government. The proposals will focus on the available assets and capabilities in the Houston area and how these contribute to meeting key national interests.

BAHEP Participates in Galveston County Economic Development Teleconferences BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger, and Marketing Manager Jimmy Spence participated in weekly Galveston Region Economic Development Alliance teleconference calls facilitated

by Galveston County Economic Development Director Dane Carlson. Stakeholders, including municipal economic development professionals, discussed best practices related to the COVID-19 disruption and provided updates on activity in their communities.

The initial meeting on March 18, 2020, was dominated by a discussion on personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants in the teleconferences included Devin DePascal / League City, Nick Finan / Texas City, Karen Capps / Friendswood, Scott Jones / Dickinson, and Fred Welch / consultant.

BAHEP Participates in HREDA/GHP Weekly Economic Development Teleconferences BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger, and Marketing Manager Jimmy Spence

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participated in weekly Houston Region Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) teleconference calls facilitated by the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP). More than 165 stakeholders, including municipal economic development professionals, discussed available resources, tools, and best practices related to the COVID-19 disruption during the initial meeting on March 20, 2020. Seal provided a regional update on COVID-19 recovery during the April 9, 2020, teleconference meeting at the request of meeting facilitator Craig Rhodes with CenterPoint Energy. Seal reported the good news that four of the key industry clusters – Specialty Chemical, Maritime, Aerospace, and Healthcare/Life Sciences – are mostly okay; however, the fifth industry cluster, Recreation and Tourism, is struggling.

BAHEP Identifies Opportunity Zones for Real Estate Developer BAHEP was contacted by a real estate development company seeking information on federally approved Opportunity Zones in the region. BAHEP provided information and possible sites located in the cities of Pasadena and Houston and portions of Galveston County that qualify. The group did not specify a particular project scope but asked for commercial and industrial sites that would be ripe for development while qualifying for federal tax credits and benefits.

Bayport Industrial District Company Looks to Expand its Footprint BAHEP was contacted by an existing manufacturer that is looking to expand its footprint in the City of Pasadena’s portion of the Bayport Industrial District.

The company has competing sites and is exploring the possibility of incentives and other enticements that would help ease the financial burden of the possible expansion. BAHEP continues to work with the company to find all possible benefits that would encourage the firm to invest over $100 million in a new project that would create high-paying jobs and additional revenues to the county, city, and school district.

Public Relations & Media Communications Community Impact Newspaper Reports on Bob Mitchell’s Reaction to Gov. Abbott’s Plan to Reopen State for Business During an interview with Community Impact News-

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paper on April 17, 2020, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell spoke in support of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen the state and emphasized that life should not immediately return to normal for Bay Area residents.

Mitchell said that based on what he knows about how area medical centers are operating, he supports the decision to begin allowing nonessential surgeries. “Health centers like the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have begun sending doctors and nurses home, and local hospitals are no longer filled to capacity,” he added. “People have common sense; they know how serious this is now. It’s a different world out there,” Mitchell said shortly after the governor’s Friday afternoon press conference.

Re-stimulating the economy by sending people back to work will be imperative in avoiding years’ worth of negative economic fallout from the pandemic, Mitchell said.

However, he agreed with Abbott that having every sector of the workforce return immediately to normal is not feasible. For example, some workers may be afraid to return to their offices, and those people should not be penalized for feeling that way, he said. “Not all businesses can open at once on May 1,” he said. “A more strategic approach is required to ensure that we don’t reopen just to have to shut down once again. [The] openings announced today [will] include activities that should pose little to no threat to expand COVID-19.”

Seal Comments on COVID-19 Economic Impact with Community Impact Newspaper BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal was interviewed by Jake Magee, Community Impact Newspaper editor, for an article on COVID-19’s economic impact to businesses. The article was published on March 26, 2020.

Seal said, “The Bay Area is beginning to see a slowdown, with tourist destinations, hotels, restaurants and other businesses all feeling the effects. However, it is too early to say what the long-term effects may be. Most of the area’s large companies are still operating, and their employees are still being paid. Many businesses in the Bay Area, including in the medical, petrochemical, and aerospace industries, are considered essential and allowed to remain open. That should mitigate this disruption somewhat.

“We probably have more than our fair share of these industries than other places around the country. However, many smaller companies are struggling, and it will take them time to bounce back, if they can at all. There’s no doubt there’s going be some of that.”

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BAHEP Thanks Healthcare Workers for Their Critical Work and Sacrifices BAHEP President Bob Mitchell sent a letter via email to BAHEP’s healthcare members thanking the healthcare workforce by saying, “Most of you don’t know me, but I know you. You are the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, and uncles who leave your families behind every day to become the frontline heroes in this war against COVID-19. Although I cannot be with you to thank you personally, please know that the members of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership team, as well as their own families, send heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the critical jobs that you do. No matter what your job is in the healthcare setting, it is a vital link that serves to support the entire system. We at BAHEP will continue our work on behalf of everyone in the region as we walk these incredibly difficult roads together. So, again, thank you so very much. Please keep safe and know that our thoughts are with you and your loved ones.”

BAHEP Promotes Donation of PPE for Longshoremen BAHEP posted an announcement on its Facebook page on April 23, 2020, encouraging the donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) for longshoremen. The post says, “… by way of donating masks and gloves you can help keep our economy moving.”

Letter of Support for Staggers Rail Act BAHEP President Bob Mitchell wrote a letter to the Surface Transportation Board on March 3, 2020, requesting that the board not take any action that would hinder the ability of freight railroads to reinvest in the rail network.

The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 primarily deregulated railroads, leading to a freight rail renaissance that continues to provide measurable benefits to businesses, consumers, taxpayers, and the economy.

Houston Spaceport and Edge Center Featured in Facebook Post BAHEP posted an announcement on its Facebook page regarding the San Jacinto College Edge Center at the Houston Spaceport offering classes in the fall of 2020 for those interested in the aerospace and aviation industries.

Special Initiatives Storm Surge Protection Initiative for Bay Area Houston BAHEP Attends Coastal Texas Study Open House BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development

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Dan Seal participated in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Texas General Land Office open house on Feb. 13, 2020, regarding the Coastal Texas Study. The purpose of the open house was to explain the different options for coastal surge protection and seek public feedback. More than 200 people attended the event which included exhibits by the USACE and various stakeholders. The event was held at the Harris County Precinct 2 Bay Area Community Center located at 5002 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook 77586.

Preserve NASA Funding Levels Mark Geyer, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center, gives Update on NASA BAHEP hosted Mark Geyer, director, NASA Johnson Space Center, for a virtual General Membership Meeting on May 7, 2020.

BAHEP Board of Directors President Robert McAfoos introduced Geyer saying, “Mark Geyer is the right leader at the right time.”

Geyer spoke about the role of NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in the various Mark Geyer human space exploration programs.

These included NASA’s returning humans to space on U.S. spacecraft, the status of the International Space Station, and the planned human exploration mission to the Moon. He explained how the return to the Moon will prepare NASA for a mission to Mars.

Geyer closed his presentation Robert McAfoos by addressing how JSC has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and the preparations in progress that will safely allow the return of employees.

BAHEP Works to Preserve NASA Contractor Funding during COVID-19 Crisis BAHEP President Bob Mitchell worked with the Texas congressional delegation to develop language in the coronavirus relief bill that ensured NASA contractors would be funded during the COVID-19 cri-

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sis. The benefit to Bay Area Houston is that the 9,000 NASA JSC contract employees will receive their paychecks during this economic downturn.

Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) NASA JSC Facility Support For calendar year 2019, BayTech executed approximately $105,000 in agreements with commercial companies for their use of NASA JSC capabilities.

To date, in calendar year 2020, BayTech has executed approximately $34,000 in agreements with commercial companies. The customers BayTech is supporting with this work include traditional aerospace organizations and suppliers and oil & gas service companies. NASA JSC personnel began working remotely in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NASA JSC RITF facility suspended all workmanship classes in mid-March as well; so, no training activity has been executed since then. BayTech and NASA JSC RITF did support one customer, EaglePicher LLC, in April with x-ray examination testing of resistors. BayTech continues in discussion with Samtec Inc. to determine if it can support their component testing needs. In addition, BayTech is in discussion with a local company, LDARTools, to provide thermal vac testing.

BayTech, NASA JSC Human Health and Performance (HH&P) Directorate, and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) have suspended, for the time being, discussions regarding identification of common research interest areas, research collaborations, and the potential for utilization of the HH&P state-of-the-art biomed labs by UTMB biotechnology startup organizations due to the COVID19 pandemic. These discussions will resume at a later date.

Fiber Optic Technician Training BayTech completed a Wagner-Peyser grant awarded through the Governor’s Office to offer fiber optic technician training to unemployed military veterans and offer placement services in 2019. This grant concluded on Nov. 30, 2019. A total of 51 veterans were trained between five classes. Since BayTech’s goal was to train 47 veterans, it was able to lower the grant program cost per student by training 51 veterans (approximately 9% more) at the same cost. Bay-

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Tech is developing a new Wagner-Peyser proposal to provide Certified Production Technician (CPT) training, utilizing the new San Jacinto College EDGE Center located at the Houston Spaceport. CPT training will be offered in a variety of advanced manufacturing disciplines and result in a Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) industry recognized certification. The solicitation for new Wagner-Peyser proposals has been delayed indefinitely by the Governor’s Office due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. BayTech’s proposal will be delivered once the solicitation is opened again.

Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) What is SATOP? The Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) is a State of Texas funded program that helps small businesses, especially minority- and women-owned businesses, faced with technical challenges by providing up to 40 hours of FREE technical assistance for qualified requests. This is accomplished by utilizing the vast engineering expertise of NASA and participating Alliance Partners (NASA contractors, subcontractors, or colleges).

SATOP is designed to speed the transfer of the U.S. Space Program’s knowledge and technology to the private sector, to provide economic benefits to the community, and to raise public awareness of the Space Program.

Minority-owned Small Businesses Receive Critical Technical Assistance Two entrepreneurs located in Harris County seeking help for their innovative products received technical assistance from SATOP putting them on a path to complete the development of their new products.

Spencer Obie, founder of Dropless Dropaids, was referred to SATOP by Roberta Skebo at the University of Houston Small Business Development Center (UH SBDC). When Obie approached the UH SBDC with his challenge, Skebo knew that SATOP would be able to help him. SATOP accepted Obie’s technical challenge of enhancing the design of his Disposable Eye Drop Applicator, which is designed to apply a prescribed amount of fluid to the eyeball. An engineer at New Mexico State University, a SATOP Alliance Partner, volunteered to research and provide recommendations for materials to manufacture the applicator tip and handle. The material recommendations included pharmaceutically appropriate woven textiles for the tip. SATOP’s technical assistance has given Obie the ingredients needed to help bring this innovative product to market.

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Kevin Selva, CEO of Hybrid Ingenuity Designs, a Houston -based entrepreneurial firm, needed assistance with material engineering and analysis for a new shoe insert design that will have long-lasting protection for plantar, arch, and heel support. SATOP Alliance Partner New Mexico State University (NMSU) was able to provide detailed information on the appropriate materials, generative design, and improved ergonomics for this next generation product. The structural analyses and material recommendations provided by the NMSU engineer will allow Selva to bring his product to market sooner, creating additional high-paying jobs and contributing to the tax base.

MEMBERSHIP Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership owes much of its success to the active participation of its members. Following is a current list of BAHEP members: New in 2020

Acadian Ambulance Service ACU of Texas Advantage BMW Mini of Clear Lake AECOM The Aerospace Corporation AeroSys, LLC Aexa Aerospace, LLC Aggreko Airbus DS Space Systems, Inc. All Points Logistics, LLC Allegiance Bank Texas Alpha Space Test & Research Alliance, LLC Al-Razaq Computing Services The AM Agency Amazon Web Services Amegy Bank of Texas American Acryl American Cancer Society American Heart Association AMOCO Federal Credit Union Anadarko Industries, LLC Archer Group ARES Aerospace and Technology Services ASRC Federal AssuredPartners AVERA Companies Ayrshire Corporation Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network (BACREN) Bancorp South Bank Barlow Jones, L.L.P. Barrios Technology Bastion Technologies, Inc. Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre Bay Area Houston Magazine Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BAYTRAN) Bay Area Surgicare Center

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Bay Area Turning Point, Inc. Bay Oaks Country Club Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) Boatman Realty, LLC The Boeing Company Booz Allen Hamilton Bowers & Sadler, LLP Brewer Construction Services The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. Brookfield Properties Capital Bank - Pasadena CDS Community Development Strategies CenterPoint Energy Charles Schwab & Co. Chemical Process and Production, Inc. CHI St. Luke’s Health Patients Medical Center Cimarron City of Clear Lake Shores City of Dickinson City of El Lago City of Friendswood City of Houston City of Houston, Houston Airport System City of Kemah/KCDC City of Kemah City of La Porte City of League City City of Morgan’s Point City of Nassau Bay City of Pasadena City of Seabrook City of Taylor Lake Village City of Webster CIVET Real Estate CLC Properties Clear Creek Independent School District Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Coldwell Banker United Realtors College of the Mainland Colliers International Collins Aerospace Comcast Business Communities In Schools - Bay Area, Inc. Community Impact Newspaper Courtyard By Marriott Houston NASA/Nassau Bay Coventry Development Corporation - Houston Craig Technologies Crean & Associates Criss Cross Commercial Group Crowder Funeral Homes Ruby Cubley Curran Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Cyber One Solutions, LLC CYFOR Technologies, LLC Cypress Bay Subdivision/Marina Bay Village DB Consulting Group Del Papa Distributing Company

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Deloitte Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Dickinson Independent School District DRDA, PLLC Economic Alliance Houston Port Region EduSafe Systems, Inc. Edward Jones – Roy Salas Elizabeth Smith Life and Health Express Employment Professionals The Eye Clinic of Texas Fast Signs - Clear Lake Friendswood Chamber of Commerce Friendswood Independent School District Frost Bank Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston County Galveston County Daily News Galveston Economic Development Partnership Galveston Regional Chamber GB Tech, Inc. GeoControl Systems, Inc. Greater Houston Partnership Greer, Herz & Adams, LLP Gregg & Gregg, P.C. Griffin Communications Group Griffin Partners, Inc. Guidry News Service Gulf Coast Authority Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc. Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP Harris County Haute Flowers & Events HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast HIGHER Up Texas Higginbotham Highpoint Insurance Group, LLC Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake HomeTown Bank, N.A. Houston Area Safety Council Houston Association of Realtors Houston Chronicle Media Group Houston First Corporation Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Houston Pediatric Specialty Group, LLC Houston Precision Fasteners ImageNet Consulting Intuitive Machines, LLC J&P Technologies J. A. Billipp Company Jacobs JES Tech Joiner Architects, Inc. JSC Federal Credit Union Kaneka North America LLC KBR Keller Williams Realty Clear Lake

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Kemah Boardwalk Keough Law Firm, PLLC Kuraray America, Inc. La Porte Independent School District Lakewood Yacht Club The Law Office of Phil Griffis League City Regional Chamber of Commerce Leidos Lexus of Clear Lake Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Lockridge Packaging, LLC Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. Logical Innovations, Inc. Lone Star Flight Museum MadisonMarquette Marina Bend at Clear Creek Marsh Darcy Partners, Inc. MDT Financial Advisors, LLC Meador Staffing Services, Inc. Media Riders, Inc. Medistar Corporation MEI Technologies, Inc. Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Merrill Lynch Minuteman Press - Bay Area Moody Bank Mori Associates MRI Technologies My FlooringAMERICA NanoRacks, LLC NASA Alumni League - JSC Chapter NASA Johnson Space Center Nestle Waters N.A. NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals Norman Frede Chevrolet Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Oceaneering Space Systems, Inc. One Stop Tents & Events PAE Pasadena Economic Development Corporation Pasadena Independent School District Pasadena Texas Chamber of Commerce Payne’s Plants PBK Pearland Economic Development Corporation Pelican View Drone Services Pennino and Partners Peraton Perry’s Restaurant Group Port Houston PrimeLending — A PlainsCapital Company Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services The Rothe Companies — Houston Operations Royal Harbor Partners, LLC S&K Global Solutions SAIC San Jacinto College District Savills, Inc. Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. Shriners Hospital for Children

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Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies Sierra Nevada Corporation Signature Flight Support South Belt-Ellington Leader South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center Southwest Airlines Company Space Center Houston Space City Films, Inc. SSCI Environmental & Consulting Services Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Star Service, Inc. Staybridge Suites NASA Clear Lake Summit Management Group TechTrans International (TTI) Teledyne Brown Engineering Terracon Consultants, Inc. Texan Bank Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas Central Texas Chiropractic College Texas Citizens Bank Thrivent Financial Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar Truist Bank Trustmark National Bank, Texas TXU Energy UHCL Center for Economic Development & Research United Airlines United Equities, Inc. Universities Space Research Association-USRA University of Houston-Clear Lake University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Uprite Services UTMB Health Veritex Community Bank Welcome Group, LLC Wells Fargo Business Banking Whitley Penn Wendell Wilson & Dr. Pat Potter Wilson Wings Over Houston Air Show YMCA of Greater Houston Zann Commercial Brokerage, Inc.

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18045 Saturn Lane Houston, Texas 77058 P.O. Box 58724 Houston, Texas 77258-8724 Phone: 832.536.3255 Fax: 832.536.3258 Web: www.bayareahouston.com E-mail: info@bayareahouston.com Facebook: BayAreaHoustonEcon Twitter: @BAHEP

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, or BAHEP, is a member-driven organization that provides the leadership to stimulate regional economic development and employment. Utilizing a collaborative committee structure, we engage more than 265 investor companies, business professionals, local governments, and educational institutions, in southeast Texas, to bring about prosperity and a high quality of life for the 800,000 people who live and work in the region. Our members include business partners within our 14 member cities, Galveston and Harris counties, the Houston Airport System, and Port Houston.

Clear Lake Shores Dickinson El Lago Friendswood Houston Kemah La Porte League City Morgan’s Point Nassau Bay Pasadena Seabrook Taylor Lake Village Webster

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership sincerely thanks Harris County, Galveston County, Port Houston, the Houston Airport System, CenterPoint Energy, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines without whose continued support BAHEP’s work on behalf of the region would not be possible.