Letter from the President

As a teenager working on the Port Houston docks, I never thought that I would become president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership or anything close to it. I believe that BAHEP is the most highly regarded organization of its kind in the region, and I’ve been so honored and proud to lead BAHEP over the past 15 years. I’ve been the “face” of BAHEP, but my staff, our members, and champions in government have been its “heart.” Not one of our successes would have been possible without them.

I have been extremely fortunate to have a staff of dedicated professionals. They go above and beyond to meet the needs of our members not because they have to but because they want to. Everyone on staff is dependable beyond expectation and hardworking.

BAHEP’s members are equally amazing. The organization’s committees, made up of leading professionals who readily volunteer their expertise, have made huge contributions to our initiatives in aerospace, Ellington Field, education, the coastal barrier system, healthcare, legislative matters, business practices, mentoring veterans, and so much more.

Close relationships with elected officials at all levels of government have been instrumental in the development of the Houston Spaceport; the Coast Guard Command Center at Ellington Field as well as the new control tower there; the congressional approval of the coastal barrier system; and other important initiatives.

I apologize if I’ve left anyone out. In a limited amount of space, I simply want to express how much my staff and our members have meant to me since I originally joined BAHEP in 2001. No one knows better than I do that the notable achievements of BAHEP would not have been possible without their incredible support – mentally, physically, and financially.

I’m retiring as BAHEP’s president on Dec. 31, 2022, with a grateful heart for all the experiences I’ve had and wonderful friendships I’ve made. Words will never be enough to say how much of a difference my staff, our members, and extremely supportive elected officials have made to BAHEP’s growth and influence and to me personally. Thank you for an amazing 15 years!

The 2022 Annual Report focuses on just one of those years, and it’s been a great one. BAHEP’s Council of Mayors and our committees have been preparing our legislative agenda for the 88th Legislative Session beginning in January 2023. The Coastal Barrier Project received congressional approval, and the Gulf Coast Protection District, whose board is chaired by BAHEP member and Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, has been looking at funding mechanisms among other items. BAHEP had a leading role in the ASENDxTexas, Inaugural Southeast Texas Transportation Summit, and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness events which were very successful.

I’m leaving the entire BAHEP family in great hands with President-elect Brian Freedman. I have known and respected Brian for many years. He will not be filling my shoes but will be taking BAHEP to the next level of excellence in his very own capable shoes.

With highest regards,

Bob Mitchell President