BAHEP Business Briefs Winter 2022 - Spring 2023

Business Briefs Winter 2022 — Spring 2023

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Volume 15, Number 4

Letter From the President Inside this issue: 2

Special Honors

3

Business Assistance Programs

8

Marketing

10

Public Relations & Media Communications

10

Special Initiatives

10

Storm Surge Protection

11

Preserve NASA Funding Levels

12

Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium

12

Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program

14

Membership

16

Our Partners

It’s a new year, and I wish all of you the very best as we walk this new path united in our purpose. I want to begin by expressing how appreciative I am for the opportunity to serve as president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. BAHEP is an outstanding organization due in large part to the guidance provided by our board and the effective participation of our members. Your expertise over many years has provided the basis for BAHEP’s successful endeavors. I look forward to continuing and building upon this valued relationship with you all.

I’m also grateful for the guidance provided in BAHEP’s 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. The plan’s vision is to “Stimulate Sustainable, Long-Term Economic Prosperity for Bay Area Houston.” By adhering to the directives outlined within the Strategic Plan, we will continue our work of supporting and expanding upon the already great economic vitality of the region.

The groundwork has already been laid for many of BAHEP’s 2023 initiatives. We are well prepared to advocate for regional interests, including specific items for each industry clus-

ter, during the 8 8 t h Texas L e g i s la t u r e .

This is due to Brian Freedman the monthslong efforts of our Political Protocol Committee and Council of Mayors. BAHEP and its partners will make multiple trips to Austin between January and the end of May to emphasize the legislative agenda items that we’ve discussed with our regional representatives during meetings held last year.

Sens. Mayes Middleton and Carol Alvarado and Reps. Greg Bonnen, MD, Dennis Paul, Briscoe Cain, Ana Hernandez, Mary Ann Perez, and Ed Thompson have been great champions for BAHEP and our region. I commend their efforts and appreciate their support. We will also make several trips to Washington, D.C., to support NASA, storm surge protection, and several other issues.

Activity in each of the regional industry clusters is flourishing: NASA’s budget was just approved for $25.4B, up from $24B last year, and we con-

Page 2

L to R: Kenny Koncaba, Home Bank; then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; Sen. Larry Taylor; and then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman gather for a photo at the November tribute for the retiring senator.

Metro Houston created 108,600 jobs through the first nine months 0f 2022. That makes the year the fifthbest on record for job growth.

Houston should end ’22 with a net gain of 130,000 or more jobs.

Business Briefs

tinue to work on a number of projects related to NASA, the Houston Spaceport, and the broader aerospace industry. Travel is booming, and we are excited to welcome Great Wolf Lodge, Compass by Margaritaville, and others to the region in 2023. The healthcare and specialty chemical industries continue to thrive and expand with numerous new projects and many more in the pipeline. The maritime and logistics industries remain strong, and the new opportunities in transportation will further increase their capacity to remain on track. Finally, just before Christmas, the Coastal Barrier System was formally authorized by Congress with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act; so, now our focus will turn to appropriations.

I would like to thank Bob Mitchell

BAHEP is a recognized leader in regional economic development from the Houston Mayor’s Office to the Texas State Capitol to Capitol Hill in Washington. I’m excited to see what the future holds as we all work to create that future together.

Brian Freedman President

Special Honors Tribute to Senator Larry Taylor Hosted by BAHEP BAHEP honored State Sen. Larry Taylor (Dist. 11) during a tribute on Nov. 2, 2022, at the Waters Edge Venue. Sen. Taylor, who is not seeking re-election, was recognized for his 20 years of service to the region, first as state representative, then as state senator.

State Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD (l) and then Sen.-elect Mayes Middleton are pictured at the Larry Taylor Tribute.

for his years of service to this organization, Kenny Koncaba for his leadership as Chairman of the Board through a year of major transition, and Tim Kropp, Gwen Griffin, John Mulholland, and Jennifer Bowers for their commitments to the organization as the 2023 officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, respectively.

The event was attended by more than 150 business leaders, educators, and elected officials including State Sen. – elect Mayes Middleton, State Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD, State Rep. Dennis Paul, Seabrook Mayor Tom Kolupski, Pasade-

na Mayor Jeff Wagner, Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner, Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman, Taylor Lake Village Mayor Jon Kenney, Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Kemah City Council Members Robin Collins and Teresa Evans, Pasadena City Council Member Don Harrison, Nassau Bay City Council Member Ashley Graves, Seabrook City Council Member Michael Giangrosso, San Jacinto College Board Chair Marie Flickinger, Clear Creek ISD Board Member Jeff Larson, and then CCISD Interim Superintendent Karen Engle.

Volume 15, Number 4

Page 3

Business Assistance Programs Workforce Development & Education BAHEP Healthcare Workforce Assessment Released The Education and Workforce Development Committee’s (EWDC) Healthcare Workforce Assessment addressed the core question, “How can we create a regional approach to healthcare workforce issues that is manageable, viable, and responsive to healthcare institutions’ and education institutions’ missions, capabilities, capacity, and resources?”

EWDC interviewed 19 healthcare executives from Houston Methodist, Houston Physicians Hospital, University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB), MD Anderson, and smaller clinics to determine the needs and challenges of the healthcare industry workforce. The EWDC worked with local education institutions from K-12, community colleges, and universities to examine and revise current healthcare-related programs and curricula that will assist in guiding students to the many medical field opportunities in the Bay Area Houston region.

The education institutions that participated in the assessment included Clear Creek ISD, Dickinson ISD, Friendswood ISD, Hitchcock ISD, La Porte ISD, Pasadena ISD, Santa Fe ISD, Alvin Community College, College of the Mainland - Galveston, and San Jacinto College District as well as

Texas A&M University at Galveston, University of Houston - Clear Lake, and UTMB. BAHEP Advises San Jacinto College on New Engineering Technology Program BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris participated in an early planning session for San Jacinto College’s new Engineering Technology Program on Oct. 4, 2022. The program will provide critical skills needed in the regions’ industries. Seal and Morris sit on the Program Advisory Committee and provided guidance to San Jacinto College regarding curriculum development.

Military Veterans Receive Mentoring from BAHEP Cares!

BAHEP Cares! has consistently assisted veterans by providing resume services and mentorship. This quarter the committee met with welldecorated and experienced veterans to assist them in planning their transition from military to civilian careers.

BAHEP Cares! has encouraged several veterans to pursue professional certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to ease their transition into the civilian workforce. Furthermore, BAHEP Cares! has continued to offer small grants to assist veterans in pursuing these certifications and their professional and academic goals and leverage its expertise to help veterans

Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman (l) and Arturo Sanchez, NASA Johnson Space Center, stop for a photo at the Larry Taylor Tribute.

It’s taken nearly three years, but the U.S. rig count has recovered nearly all its pandemic losses. Baker Hughes reports that 784 rigs were working in the U.S. the week before Thanksgiving. That puts the count just below the 790 working midFebruary ’20.

State Rep. Dennis Paul (l) and then BAHEP Presidentelect Brian Freedman were among the attendees at the tribute for Sen. Larry Taylor.

Business Briefs

Page 4

maximize their military benefits.

Committee Chairman John Martinec and committee member Tom Linklater arranged for mentors to coach and guide the veterans through this process.

Business Assistance Transportation Summit Emphasizes Need for Infrastructure Investment Port Houston supports the creation of nearly 1.35 million jobs in Texas, 3.2 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling $339 billion in Texas – 20 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product (GDP) – and $801.9 billion in economic impact across the nation.

U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Brian Babin, DDS, spoke with a group of constituents during the Transportation Summit held at the Pasadena Convention Center.

During the November midterm elections, the City of Houston had a total of seven bond proposals totaling $478 million. Most of the funds, $227 million, will go toward public safety without increasing property taxes.

Meeting infrastructure requirements to support the tremendous growth at the port and in the region is critical to minimize supply chain disruptions.

To bring awareness to this urgent need, the leadership within the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran), and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region hosted the Inaugural Southeast Texas Transportation Summit on Oct. 25, 2022, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Attended by many of the region’s elected officials, including U.S. Reps.

Sheila Jackson Lee and Brian Babin, DDS, a panel, moderated by then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, spoke of the Coastal Barrier System and Project 11, the widening and

deepening of the ship channel. Panelists were Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, board president, Gulf Coast Protection District; James Koch, Texas Department of Transportation director of transportation planning; Bryon Williams, deputy district engineer, Army Corps of Engineers; and Charlie Jenkins, Port Houston senior director of asset management.

BAHEP Helps Lead Initiative to Highlight Enormous Impact of Human Trafficking In collaboration with the Houston Airport System, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership hosted a meeting of stakeholders to discuss human trafficking, how to help publicize the severity of this problem, especially in the Houston – Galveston region, and how the community can work together to prevent this heinous crime.

Then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell said, “Federal statistics reflect that 70 percent of victims are trafficked through airports. A huge number of people pass through our region’s airports annually. We must and can do something to end this.”

Subsequent to this meeting, BAHEP and the Houston Airport System organized a committee to address the issue and plan a public event to bring focus to the extent of the problem in the region. The committee organized an event, Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention, held on Nov. 4, 2022, at the Lonestar Flight Museum.

Houston Airports and its partners are

Volume 15, Number 4

committed to end human trafficking.

The advice shared during the event empowered approximately 450 members of the community to identify human trafficking and take action should they suspect a person’s life might be in danger.

Chief External Affairs Officer Saba Abashawl, Houston Airports, and emcee of the press conference, said, “Every single day women, men, children – both boys and girls – are targeted and groomed by traffickers who want to profit off the forced work done by victims, victims who are often trafficked, unfortunately, through airports. In line with the City of Houston’s Zero Tolerance Policy, Houston Airports is committed to fighting human trafficking.”

Abashawl introduced Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner who spoke on how Houston has served as a model for other U.S. cities and cities/countries around the world. He reported, “There are over 55 million people who pass through our airport system annually. That makes our airports a critical partner in raising awareness through the many communication touchpoints available.”

In 2015, the Houston Mayor’s Office was the first city in the country to establish a full-time position within the mayor’s cabinet to address human trafficking. The office has developed a comprehensive model for Houston that includes leveraging city departments, like Houston Airports. In October 2019, Houston Airports be-

Page 5

came the first airport system in the country to formally partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its Blue Campaign.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez spoke about Harris County’s efforts and successes. Among other survivors, Rhonda Kuykendall, Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council, shared her story and talked about how victims are targeted and groomed by criminals operating in communities across the region.

Karinda Washington, Department of Homeland Security executive director, Social Impact & Campaigns, spoke about DHS’s Blue Campaign.

Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.

Then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman, Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole, and Marty Pell, Wellby Financial (l to r) attended the Transportation Summit held in October.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently told the Brookings Institution that there is a “long way” to go before inflation is tamed; so, rates will be higher in the coming year.

Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to develop general awareness training, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization within vulnerable populations. Through the initiative, Houston Airports has trained more than 20,000 badged airport employees on how to identify and safely report human trafficking. The training is ongoing.

State Legislators Review Legislative Agenda The BAHEP Political Protocol Committee developed the legislative agen-

Then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell speaks before the gathering at the Transportation Summit.

Page 6

Business Briefs

da, which will be presented by a BAHEP-led delegation to the 88th Texas Legislature on Feb. 28, 2023.

Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman (l) speaks with Kerri Taylor, Unbound Now Houston, and Congressman Randy Weber at the Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention event held at the Lonestar Flight Museum.

Harris County residents dropped 45,000 policies this year due to rate increases on flood insurance policies.

Texas leads the nation with more than 67,000 dropped policies.

In preparation for the trip to the State Capitol in February, BAHEP presented the legislative agenda to its local state legislators for a review and feedback on Nov. 16, 2022. Legislators participating in the review were State Sen.-elect Mayes Middleton and Reps. Greg Bonnen, MD, Biscoe Cain, Dennis Paul, and Ed Thompson. The legislative agenda topics are: • Education and Workforce Development • Supporting the Region’s Healthcare System • Gulf Coast Protection District (Coastal Barrier System) • Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program and Texas Aerospace Scholars Program • Transportation Funding / BayTran • Economic Development Incentives • Council of Mayors’ Legislative Priorities • State Leadership in Space and Spaceport Trust Fund The legislators were very supportive of the legislative agenda but thought several of the issues needed more work in order to be acceptable to the legislature. The BAHEP committee chairs took actions to resolve these issues prior to the trip to the State Capitol in February.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez speaks at the Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention event held in November.

CSFI Advocates for Lower Flood Insurance Rates BAHEP continues to partner with the Coalition for Sustainable Flood In-

surance (CSFI) advocating for affordable and inclusive flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). BAHEP Contracts Director Bob Payne attended weekly virtual CSFI meetings which provided updates on congressional actions and reports on residential and commercial impacts from the Risk Rating 2.0 established by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

BAHEP and CFSI are advocating for more transparency with respect to FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 algorithm and calculations to ensure accuracy and affordability. The CSFI is also pushing to reduce the rate hike cap to 9 percent per year compared to the current 18 percent annual hike until the policy meets full risk rate. Sticker shock from premium increases has resulted in 45,000 Harris County policies being dropped this year. Texas leads the nation with more than 67,000 dropped policies.

BAHEP Discusses Upcoming Legislative Session with Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman met with Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Oct. 3, 2022, to discuss BAHEP’s legislative agenda for the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023, the projected state budget surplus, and its implications for Bay Area Houston. The meeting followed Comptroller Hegar’s update on the state’s finances at a breakfast meeting hosted by Strategic Public Affairs.

Tim Kropp, MRI Technologies, 2023

Volume 15, Number 4

BAHEP chairman, attended the meeting with Freedman.

BAHEP Hosts Congressman Troy Nehls for Discussions on Regional Issues Then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman met with Congressman Troy Nehls (TX Dist. 22) on Nov. 28, 2022, for discussions on regional issues, including transportation and the Coastal Barrier, and the upcoming state legislative session in 2023.

U.S. Rep. Nehls, a resident of Fort Bend County, is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

BAHEP Participates in Santa Fe Comprehensive Plan Committee Meetings BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal attended the Santa Fe Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) meetings on Oct. 11 and Nov. 15, 2022.

Seal, an ambassador for the CPAC, gave his “6 Game Changers” presentation to the committee during the Oct. 11 meeting. The presentation focused on economic trends in the region.

Pasadena Economic Development Corporation Invites BAHEP’s Input BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal participated in the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation Strategic Plan Steering Committee meeting on Nov. 10, 2022. Seal was invited to provide information to the committee which is developing the plan that

Page 7

provides a baseline assessment of the existing conditions that drive the economy in Pasadena. It is intended to help local stakeholders and city staff implement strategies that contribute to the city’s economic health.

Healthcare Committee Learns Value of Working Together BAHEP’s new Healthcare Committee chairperson, Jennifer Anderson, director, Marketing Communications, Shriners Children’s Texas, showed a video during the Nov. 15, 2022, meeting from a conference she recently attended, “The Courage to Go Together: Change How You Work, Live and Lead,” given by keynote speaker Shola Richards. This concept is derived from Ubuntu, an African proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together.’

Attending the meeting: Jennifer Anderson / Shriners Children’s Texas, Ashley Alexander and Trevor Foreman / MD Anderson, Kelly Waterman / U.S. Rep. Brian Babin’s office, Carolann Peters / BACODA, Devin DePascal / City of League City, Melissa Everett / Dickinson ISD, Erin McDonald / Frost Bank, Monica Mill i can / Pr i me Le n d in g , L is a Holbrook / AMOCO Federal Credit Union, Rhonda Bell / San Jacinto College, Sonia Garza / Hilton, and Barbara Cutsinger, BAHEP marketing manager.

BAHEP Participates in Business Assistance Activities Staff members made presentations, participated in conferences, seminars,

Tim Kropp, 2023 BAHEP chairman; Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar; and then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman (l to r) met to discuss BAHEP’s legislative agenda for the 88th Texas Legislature following a breakfast meeting hosted by Strategic Public Affairs in October.

A new report ranked Houston No. 42 globally and No. 1 in Texas. Resonance Consulting recently released its 2023 World’s Best Cities Report, ranking the top 100 cities with metro populations of more than one million based on a city’s performance across 24 areas.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner addressed attendees at the Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention event.

Page 8

It was a “packed house” at BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee meeting in October when Congressman Brian Babin, DDS, visited to get an update on aerospace activities in the region.

The Houston Ship Channel contributes more than $800 billion to the U.S. economy and is a critical link to transporting goods and commerce with more than 200 countries around the world. In 2021, Port Houston was ranked number one for waterborne tonnage.

Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD, (l) and U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, DDS, take a few minutes to talk following BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee meeting in October.

Business Briefs

forums, and industry and municipal meetings to assist BAHEP members.

Please contact BAHEP if more information is needed on any of these events. These included: • Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar breakfast meeting Oct. 3 • State of the Airports, presented by Houston Airport Director Mario Diaz, hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership Oct. 5 • State of Space Luncheon, featuring NASA JSC Director Vanessa Wyche, hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership Oct. 11 • Texas Chemical Council / Association of Chemical Industry of Texas Annual Meeting where BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman discussed industry trends and the 88th Texas Legislature during a panel discussion.

Oct. 13 • Houston Region Economic Development Alliance meeting hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership Oct. 13 • Texas Military Preparedness Commissioner Tom Duncavage meeting on military expansion opportunities at Ellington Field Oct. 17 • National Association of Industrial and Office Properties luncheon Nov. 3  Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights VIP and Media Preview Nov. 10

• San Jacinto College State of the College featured speaker Chancellor Brenda Heller at the LyondellBasell Center for Petroleum, Energy, and Technology.

Nov. 10 • Shriner’s Children’s Hospital tour and briefings Nov. 11 • NASA Artemis I Launch Event in NASA Mission Control Center attended by then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, and BAHEP guest, Santa Fe Mayor Bill Pittman Nov. 15 • Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network (BACREN) luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas, with Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel speaking about the Gulf Coast Protection District Nov. 17 • College of the Mainland Grand Opening of Industrial Careers Building Nov. 21 • Galveston Economic Development Partnership Annual Summit Dec. 1 • Nassau Bay Mayor Phil Johnson meeting with BAHEP to discuss regional issues Dec. 3 • Pumps and Pipes “ION to Infinity” event hosted by the Ion Dec. 5

Marketing BAHEP Projects in Pipeline The BAHEP marketing staff is currently working on 24 projects for Bay Area Houston. The majority of the

projects are in manufacturing or related projects. Collectively, the 24 projects have the potential to bring more than 1,800 jobs to the region.

Volume 15, Number 4

Site Selectors Tour Houston Spaceport and EDGE Center BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris coordinated with the Houston Airport System and the Greater Houston Partnership to organize a tour of the Houston Spaceport, the EDGE Center, and NASA JSC facilities for three site selectors from California, New York, and Texas on Nov. 16, 2022. BAHEP arranged briefings for the site selectors, which included a site selector specializing in the aerospace industry.

BAHEP Promotes Bay Area Houston to Aerospace Companies Outside Region Then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman met with 10 aerospace companies from outside of the Houston region about their needs and interest in Bay Area Houston.

BAHEP member Draper Laboratory facilitated the meeting on Nov. 3.

BAHEP Hot Projects Feature New Developments in Region BAHEP Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger gave her Hot Projects presentation to meetings of the Space City Rotary on Oct. 3, 2022, to AMOCO Federal Credit Union Select Partners on Dec. 6, 2022, and to Leadership Galveston on Dec. 16, 2022. The Hot Projects highlight new developments in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in Bay Area Houston. The Hot Projects News is published on the BAHEP website at: Hot Projects - Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

Prospect Review Meeting Held BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger conducted a Prospect Review meeting on Dec. 7, 2022. Following a review of BAHEP’s newest projects, representatives from its member municipalities provided reports on economic developments in their respective communities.

Attending: Mike Lykes, Tiko Hausman, Victoria Lara, and Doug Peterson / Harris County Precinct 2, Courtland Holman and Landis Adams / City of Dickinson, Devin DePascal / City of League City, Steve Spillette / CDS Market Research, Tim Gregory and Mallory Kelly / JLL, Kim Hillman and Chaundra Broughton / Keller Williams Clear Lake, Cynthia Foteh / Powers Brown, Evelyn Hernandez / Home Bank, Greg Holmes / Avera, Michelle Hundley / CenterPoint Energy, Michael Lerner / Moody Bank. Ray Gutierrez / Houston Construction Services, Mark Witte / JA Billipp Co., James Brockway / BACREN, Lisa Holbrook / AMOCO, Kim Morris / BAHEP, Helen Hodges / SSCI, Wayne Rutledge / Rutledge Commercial Real Estate, Dennis Swoboda / Criss Cross Commercial Group, Noosha Smith and Diana Tabor / Terracon, Katy Hicks / Webster, Oscar Lazaro / BAHEP intern, UHCL, Leigh Martin / Schaumberg & Polk, Renee Ethridge / Meador Staffing Services, David Potts / Kelsey Seybold.

Page 9

BAHEP’s Prospect Review meetings are always well attended. Pictured above are just some of the participants in December’s meeting.

The Port of Galveston is investing an estimated $33 million in cruise-related infrastructure projects as the demand continues to grow.

“You’ve got to spend money to make money,” Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO, wrote in a recent newsletter.

Cindy DeWease (l) and Shari Sweeney, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, are shown at Space Center Houston’s rebranding event.

Business Briefs

Page 10

Public Relations & Media Communications BAHEP Supports TMAC’s Strategic Alliance Proposal to Texas Workforce Commission Then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell wrote a letter of support to the Texas Workforce Commission expressing this organization’s enthusiastic support of TMAC’s Strategic Alliance proposal.

Space Center Houston President and CEO William Harris (l) gave Texas Sen. John Whitmire a tour of the worldfamous facility during the senator’s Houston visit in October.

Mitchell wrote, “Funding under this award will facilitate the development and expansion of the statewide manufacturing and supplier network, which will help stabilize and bolster the supply chain for Texas manufacturers. This proposal will also provide much-needed support for cyber secu-

rity assistance to help manufacturers protect their assets and secure contracts in the DOD industrial base.

Funding under this proposal will also provide a means to introduce advanced manufacturing technology to manufacturers across the state and provide workforce training. This proposal will help solidify Texas as the nation’s leader in manufacturing.

“We at BAHEP commit to supporting TMAC for services delivered under this TWC strategic manufacturing alliance. We feel that the areas of focus outlined in the proposal are needed to support the manufacturing industrial base for the state of Texas.”

Special Initiatives Capital improvement projects are underway at Bush and Hobby Airports aimed at creating a better experience for passengers and accommodating increased demand.

The IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP) includes a new 17lane security checkpoint, roadway improvements, a new concourse, a fully renovated Terminal D, and more.

Storm Surge Protection for Bay Area Houston U.S. Congress Approves Legislation for Coastal Barrier The advocacy of BAHEP and its allies paid dividends when the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate voted to authorize the construction of the Coastal Barrier System during December. The Texas Coastal Study (Coastal Barrier), a project within the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, was approved as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The act includes authorizations for a $34 billion plan. The bill went to the president’s desk for signature and was

signed on Dec. 29, 2022. Appropriation of the federal funding is the stakeholders’ challenge, along with the state’s matching funds.

International Maritime Advisory Committee Hears Update on Coastal Barrier BAHEP’s International Maritime Advisory Committee (IMAC) met on Nov. 17, 2022, to receive a briefing from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Texas Coastal Study, also known as the Coastal Barrier.

Dr. Kelly Burks-Copes, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Galveston District Chief of Programs Support Branch, Mega Project Division, briefed IMAC attendees on pathways to funding of

Volume 15, Number 4

the Texas Coastal Study, project timelines within the study, and ongoing stakeholder engagement. Dr. BurksCopes provided a detailed look at how the Texas Coastal Study will be implemented once it is fully funded.

Preserve NASA Funding Levels CSE Planning for Advocacy Meetings on Capitol Hill The Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE), a subcommittee of BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee (AAC), initiated development of the messaging for the 2023 U.S. Congress outlining the importance of NASA to the nation’s economy and national security. CSE congressional meetings help advance support for human space exploration and demonstrate a large, grassroots constituency for space exploration.

BAHEP Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris began planning activities during this quarter for 1) the freshman congressional members meetings in Washington, D.C., scheduled for March 2023, 2) Space Day Texas activities at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, in February and March 2023, and 3) the annual CSE meetings with remaining congressional members in Washington, D.C., on May 22 – 24, 2023.

Then BAHEP President-elect Gives Presentation to JSC Small Business Forum Then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman participated in the NASA

Page 11

JSC Small Business Council’s Annual Small Business Conference at the University of Houston – Clear Lake on Nov. 1, 2022. Freedman gave a presentation that focused on economic development in Bay Area Houston and the potential economic impact of BAHEP’s 24 industrial and commercial projects.

BAHEP Hosts Texas Senator John Whitmire for Tour BAHEP hosted the Dean of the Texas State Senate, Sen. John Whitmire, on Oct. 5, 2022. BAHEP had the opportunity to provide Sen. Whitmire an update on regional issues, visit Space Center Houston to discuss efforts there as well as those of NASA, and visit the Houston Spaceport and the San Jacinto College EDGE Center to talk about all the innovative progress, workforce training, and opportunities at the spaceport. Sen. Whitmire is a member of the Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. He is an advocate for the Texas aerospace industry, especially in the Houston region.

Then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, then President-elect Brian Freedman, Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris coordinated with the Houston Airport System, Space Center Houston, Intuitive Machines, and San Jacinto College to arrange tours and briefings. Seal gave a briefing to Sen. Whitmire on the Bay Area Houston region and its opportunities. Trent

Texas Sen. John Whitmire (l) was joined by San Jacinto College Chancellor Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D., and then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell as the senator was given a tour of Intuitive Machines. BAHEP hosted Sen. Whitmire, the Dean of the Texas State Senate, to give him an update on regional issues especially in regard to aerospace initiatives.

Space Center Houston is dramatically expanding its footprint with a new master plan unveiled October 18. The plan will be implemented in phases in the years to come, with more details slated to be revealed in 2023.

Business Briefs

Page 12

Santa Fe Mayor Bill Pittman (far right) joined BAHEP’s Kim Morris, Brian Freedman, and Dan Seal (l to r) in NASA Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control Center to view the launch of Artemis I. Then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell also attended the successful launch on Nov. 15th.

The Bayou City ranks No. 14 out of 80 cities examined on the top real estate markets list from the Urban Land Institute and PwC. Houston’s ranking is up 10 spots from its No. 24 placement on last year’s list.

On. Nov. 11, Keith Gray, Galveston Economic Development Partnership (l), and then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman joined Jennifer Anderson of Shriners Children’s Hospital Texas for a tour and briefings about the facility. Jennifer is the new chair of BAHEP’s Healthcare Committee.

Martin, vice president, Aerospace Services, Intuitive Machines, conducted a tour of the Intuitive Machines facility at the spaceport for the group, and Dr. Janis Fowler, director, Aerospace EDGE Center, San Jacinto College, led a tour of the EDGE Center.

Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) What is BayTech?

BayTech was formed by BAHEP and has built a network of partners across multiple industries and academia creating a resource pool which will be drawn on as collaborations are identified and research funding is pursued.

BayTech’s goals are to 1) acquire public and private research and technology development funding for the Bay Area Houston region and 2) pursue partnerships to support technology development.

BayTech Offers Pathway to Certified Aerospace Technician Training BayTech (Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium) is currently working on two WagnerPeyser grants awarded through the Texas Governor’s Office. The goal for the first grant is to train 50 unemployed high school graduates and others as certified aerospace composite technicians or certified aerospace electrical technicians. This training is being delivered by the San Jacinto College EDGE Center for advanced manufacturing training located at the Houston Spaceport. The new grant

has the goal of training an additional 50 unemployed high school graduates and others as certified aerospace composite technicians, certified aerospace electrical technicians, or certified structures technicians.

Students who complete the training and pass a composites or electrical SpaceTEC/CertTEC certification test will be awarded this nationally recognized industry certification. BayTech is working with industry partners and is identifying potential internship and employment opportunities for these students during and after their training. Once they have successfully completed the training, BayTech will facilitate the students’ placement into industry thereby helping to create a pipeline of needed technician talent.

Currently 56 students have enrolled in the first grant with 13 in the process of completing the coursework, 7 in the process of earning their certification, 23 awarded industry certification, and 13 achieving full-time employment. In the second grant, 5 students have enrolled, 4 are completing the coursework, and 1 is in the process of earning certification.

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 minorityand women-owned businesses, faced

Volume 15, Number 4

with technical challenges by providing up to 40 hours of FREE technical assistance. 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.

Small Businesses Request Technical Assistance Three small businesses located in the Houston region are developing new products and have requested technical assistance with materials from SATOP. NASA JSC has accepted two of the projects, and the University of Houston - Clear Lake has begun work on the third project.

Texas A&M Engineering Students Help SATOP Clients SATOP entered 12 small business projects into the Texas A&M University Engineering fall 2022 semester Capstone Design Program for design and prototyping of new, innovative products. The projects include medical products, consumer products, and a hydroponic vegetable growing system. The students plan to complete prototypes for five projects and complete the design of an additional seven projects, which will be prototyped during the spring 2023 semester. Minority / Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) projects comprise 75 percent of the projects entered

into the Capstone Design Program.

Through an agreement with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, SATOP can offer small businesses and startups additional technical assistance from the Texas A&M University Engineering Capstone Design Program. Senior engineering students, led by a professor of practice, work on a SATOP project for two consecutive semesters as a handson learning experience. The values to small businesses in this program are innovative designs, new manufacturing alternatives, and prototype development.

The Ion’s Cup of Joe-Y Highlights Startups Then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman participated in the “Cup of Joe-Y” sessions at Space Center Houston on Oct. 19 and Nov. 15, 2022, and SATOP Director Bob Payne participated in the Dec. 20, 2022, event.

The events brought together aerospace companies, NASA Johnson Space Center executives, and startups to meet and discuss opportunities for collaboration, including applying for SATOP’s free technical assistance.

The Oct. 19 event was the inaugural “Cup of Joe-Y” in Bay Area Houston.

A similar event is held each Friday morning at the Ion in Houston. The event is named for Joey Sanchez, director, Innovation, Ion, who conceived the event and hosts the sessions at the Ion and in Bay Area Houston. The Ion is a non-profit incubator and accelerator for startups in the Houston region.

Page 13

On Nov. 16th, then BAHEP President Bob Mitchell hosted regional legislators, Sen.-elect Mayes Middleton and Reps. Greg Bonnen, MD, Dennis Paul, and Ed Thompson, to conduct a review of BAHEP’s legislative priorities for the Texas 88th Legislative Session.

Houston’s population continues to mature. In ’11, the region’s median age was 33.4 years. In ’21, the median was 35.3. The median for the U.S. is 38.8 years. Seniors (residents over 65) accounted for 12.1% of our population in ’21, up from 8.9% in ’11.

Cup of Joey attendees included (l to r) Jimmy Spence, Houston Spaceport at Houston Airport System; then BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman; Robert McAfoos, Barrios Technology; Scott Rodriguez, NanoRacks; and Sam Gunderson, NASA, Johnson Space Center.

Business Briefs

Page 14

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 members in 2022 / 2023 are shown in boldface.

Acadian Ambulance Service ACU of Texas ADACEN Inc. Advanced Dermatology and Skin Care AECOM Aegis Aerospace Inc. The Aerospace Corporation AeroSys, LLC AEXA Aerospace, LLC Airbus DS Space Systems, Inc. All Points Logistics, LLC Allegiance Bank Texas Alvin Community College Amazon Web Services American Acryl American Heart Association AMOCO Federal Credit Union Anadarko Industries, LLC Archer Group ARES Aerospace and Technology Services ASRC Federal AssuredPartners, Inc. Aulds Media Holdings LLC / i45 NOW AVERA Companies Axiom Space, Inc. Ayrshire Corporation b1BANK Bancorp South Bank Barlow Jones, L.L.P. Barrios Technology Bastion Technologies, Inc. Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance

Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network (BACREN) Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol (BACODA) Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre Bay Area Houston Magazine Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran) Bay Area Turning Point, Inc. Bay Oaks Country Club Baybrook Mall - Brookfield Properties Beacon Federal Credit Union Bernard J. Roan Law Office BlueTriton (formerly Nestlé Waters N.A.) BMWC Constructors BMW-Mini of Clear Lake The Boeing Company Booz Allen Hamilton Bowers & Sadler, LLP The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. Brooksource Burns & McDonnell Capital Bank - Pasadena Clear Creek Independent School District CDS Community Development Strategies CenterPoint Energy Chemical Educational Foundation 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 Hitchcock City of Houston City of Houston, Houston Airport System 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 Santa Fe City of Seabrook City of Taylor Lake Village City of Webster CLC Properties Clear Creek Independent School District Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce 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 Criss Cross Commercial Group Crowder Funeral Homes 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

Deloitte Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Dickinson Independent School District Draper Laboratory DRDA, PLLC Economic Alliance Houston Port Region EduSafe Systems, Inc. Elevate Hospital Group Elizabeth Smith Life and Health Eolian Energy Express Employment Professionals The Eye Clinic of Texas Fast Signs - Clear Lake Felicis Properties, Inc. Friendswood Chamber of Commerce Friendswood Independent School District Frost Bank Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston County Galveston County Daily News Galveston County Small Business Development Center Galveston Economic Development Partnership Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce GB Tech, Inc. GEO Consultants Corporation GeoControl Systems, Inc. Greater Houston Partnership Greer, Herz & Adams, LLP Gregg & Gregg, P.C. Griffin Communications Group Griffin Partners, Inc. Group 1 Automotive Gulf Coast Authority

Volume 15, Number 4

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 Health & Safety Council HIGHER Up Texas Highpoint Insurance Group, LLC Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake Hitchcock Independent School District Home Bank (formerly Texan Bank) HomeTown Bank, N. A. Houston Association of Realtors Houston Construction Services Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Houston Precision Fasteners Illuminate Video IMA Financial Group ImageNet Consulting Implemetrics Intuitive Machines, LLC J&P Technologies J. A. Billipp Company Jacobs J E Dunn JES Tech JLL JMK5 Holdings, LLC Joiner Architects, Inc. Kaneka North America LLC KBR Keller Williams Realty Clear Lake Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Kemah Boardwalk Kevton Industries, LLC

King’s BierHaus / EggHaus Gourmet™ Kuraray America, Inc. La Porte Independent School District Lakewood Yacht Club The Law Office of Phil Griffis League City Regional Chamber of Commerce Leidos Lewis Jewelers Lexus of Clear Lake Lighthouse Video Surveillance Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Lockridge Packaging, LLC Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. Logical Innovations, Inc. Lone Star Flight Museum Mackinnon and Partners Main Event Entertainment MDT Financial Advisors, LLC Meador Staffing Services, Inc. Media Riders, Inc. Medistar Corporation Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake Merrill Lynch METECS Monica Millican Minuteman Press - Bay Area Moody Bank MRI Technologies MRM Proposal Solutions My FlooringAMERICA NanoRacks, LLC NASA Alumni League - JSC Chapter NASA Johnson Space Center Norman Frede Chevrolet Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Oceaneering Space Systems, Inc.

Page 15

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 Productions Peraton Perry’s Restaurant Group The POM Group, LLC Port Houston Powers Brown Architecture The Ray Tax Group Rothe Development, Inc. Royal Harbor Partners, LLC Rutledge Commercial Real Estate S&K Global Solutions Sage Commercial Group, LLC SAIC San Jacinto College District Santa Fe Independent School District Savills, Inc. Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. Shriners Children’s Texas Sierra Space South Belt-Ellington Leader South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center Southwest Airlines Company Space Center Houston Space City Films, Inc. SSCI Environmental & Consulting Services Star Service, Inc. Summit Management Group TechTrans International (TTI)

Teledyne Brown Engineering Terracon Consultants, Inc. Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas Chiropractic College Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar Truist Bank Trustmark National Bank, Texas TXU Energy UHCL Center -Economic Development & Research Unbound Now Houston United Airlines United Commercial Energy Partners (UCEP) United Equities, Inc. Universities Space Research Association-USRA University of HoustonClear Lake The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Uprite Services UTMB Health Veritex Community Bank Waters Edge Venue Welcome Group, LLC Wellby Financial Wile Interests Wendell Wilson & Dr. Pat Potter Wilson Wings Over Houston Air Show YMCA of Greater Houston Zann Commercial Brokerage, Inc.

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

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 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, 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 280 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 16 member cities, Galveston and Harris counties, the Houston Airport System, and Port Houston.

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.