BUSINESS BRIEFS Fall 2023

Business Briefs Fall 2023

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Volume 16, Number 2

Letter From the President Inside this issue: 2

Business Assistance Programs

7

Marketing

8

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

This has been such an amazing year for BAHEP. The organization has grown and changed considerably with much of this made possible through our unwavering partnerships and the contributions of our members.

The most obvious change has been the change in leadership. As BAHEP’s new president, I am so honored to have the opportunity to lead this incredible group of multitalented people and for the support I have received. Our success as an organization is based on many factors not the least of which is BAHEP’s hard-working staff.

After more than a decade of our offices being located on Saturn Lane, the board determined that it would be in BAHEP’s best interests to establish a permanent location at 600 Gemini Street. While waiting for completion in the near future of the build-out, we have settled nicely in our temporary location at 1150 Gemini Street.

Throughout BAHEP’s 47-year history, we have continuously expanded our focus to meet the needs of business, industry, academia, and the 1.5 million people who live and work in Bay Area Houston. We are member-driven, and so many of our members donate their time and expertise to actively participate in the initiatives of one or more of BAHEP’s very effective committees.

Our committee structure also changes to reflect the needs of the

region.

This year we created two new committees focused on regional public safety and enBrian Freedman ergy and petrochemicals.

Both have already identified key objectives and are off to a steady start.

BAHEP has experienced record growth this year. This includes a record number of: new members, committee meetings, BAHEP position letters, international delegation visits from 15 countries at meetings welcoming 275 attendees from 127 different companies, and municipal strategic planning sessions. This is in addition to our informative general membership meetings, regional presentations, and diverse economic development projects.

BAHEP began this year in a strong position, and we are ending it even stronger. I’m excited about 2024 and the prospects it promises and opportunities we will work on alongside our incredible partners.

Sincerely,

President Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

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Business Assistance Programs Workforce Development and Education BAHEP and Galveston ISD Explore Partnership for CTE Program BAHEP President Brian Freedman and Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim met with Jennifer Edenfield with the Ball High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program on June 4, 2023, to discuss how BAHEP could partner with the Galveston ISD on CTE programs. Several areas of collaboration were identified, and follow-up meetings will be held to continue discussions.

Certified Manufacturing Training Offered Through BayTech BayTech (Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium) is currently working on a Wagner-Peyser Grant awarded through the Texas Governor’s Office. The purpose of the grant is to train unemployed high school graduates and others as certified composite technicians, certified structures technicians, or certified electrical technicians.

The training is being delivered by the San Jacinto College EDGE Center for advanced manufacturing training located at the Houston Spaceport.

As the Wagner-Peyser Grant ends its second year of funding, there were 36 participants enrolled in the program.

Ten participants enrolled in the electrical technician tract, 16 enrolled in the structures technician tract, and 10 enrolled in the composite technician tract.

Of the 36 enrolled, 19 participants have earned their industry certification,

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal (center) presented special certificates of appreciation to the cochairmen of BAHEP Cares!, John Martinec (left) and Tom Linklater, during the BAHEP General Membership Meeting on Aug. 16, 2023.

Seal cited their long years of service of coaching and guiding military veterans as they made the transition from military to civilian careers.

23 participants completed their online training as well as in-person labs, one student is still working towards their certification, and the remaining students are working through their course modules.

To date, seven participants have been hired by local aerospace and aerospace adjacent companies. The companies include KULR Technologies, Jacobs, EmergentXIII, Collins Aerospace, Weatherford, and one student worked a summer internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratories.

BayTech will track participants after the conclusion of the program and will continue to send their resumes out to companies to assist the students in

finding internship or employment opportunities.

BayTech was awarded a third year of funding to continue to offer this training program to eligible participants. The new funding year began on Sept. 1, 2023, and will run through Aug. 31, 2024.

A total of 35 students will be trained.

To date, seven new students have enrolled – four in the electrical program, two in the structures program, and one in the composite program.

Co-chairs of BAHEP Cares!

Committee Honored During General Membership Meeting BAHEP Executive Director for Eco-

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nomic Development Dan Seal presented special certificates of appreciation to the co-chairmen of BAHEP Cares!, John Martinec and Tom Linklater, during the BAHEP General Membership Meeting on Aug. 16, 2023. Seal cited their long years of service of coaching and guiding military veterans as they made the transition from military to civilian careers.

BAHEP Cares! has consistently assisted veterans by providing resume services and mentorship. 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. Martinec and Linklater arranged for mentors to

coach and guide the veterans through this process.

Furthermore, BAHEP Cares! has continued to offer small grants to assist veterans in pursuing these certifications and their professional and academic goals and leverage their expertise to help these veterans maximize their military benefits.

Col. Walters Speaks of Present and Future of Ellington Field JRB The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) hosted Col. Travis D. Walters, 147th Attack Wing commander, U.S. Air Force, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, on Aug. 16, 2023, who spoke to BAHEP’s members on Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base – Today and Tomorrow.

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More than 150 business leaders, educators, and elected officials attended including: State Rep. Dennis Paul; Mayor Michel Bechtel, City of Morgan’s Point; Mayor Mike Foreman, City of Friendswood; City of El Lago Councilmember Charles Parette; City of Houston Councilmember Sallie Alcorn; City of League City Councilmember Tom Crews; City of Pasadena Councilmembers Pat Van Houte and Thomas Schoenbein; City of Seabrook Councilmember Joe Machol; City of Webster Councilmember Martin Graves; Southeast Regional Director Kelly Waterman for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz; Senior Regional Director Will Carter for U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, DDS; District Director Beverly Ferguson for State Sen. Mayes Middleton; District Director Cyndy Butcher for State Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD; and

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) hosted Col. Travis D. Walters, 147th Attack Wing commander, U.S. Air Force, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, on Aug. 16, 2023, who spoke to BAHEP’s members on Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base – Today and Tomorrow. Shown seated at the honoree table are (l to r): Houston Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Martin, Texas State Rep. Dennis Paul, and Scott Watson, director of Regulatory and Emerging Markets, United Commercial Energy Partners.

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John Moon, Board of Trustees, San Jacinto College.

In his presentation, Walters discussed the various aspects of Ellington Field and its significance in the community. He highlighted the collaborative effort between military services and civilian partners on the base. He emphasized Ellington Field’s role as a multifunctional installation housing different branches of the military, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps. Walters also acknowledged the economic impact of the military presence in the region.

He provided insights into the operations of the National Guard and the multiple roles it plays, both in federal missions and responding to state-level emergencies.

airmen stationed at Ellington Field.

In closing, Walters highlighted the various topics covered, including infrastructure, mental health, new aircraft, and the future of Ellington Field. He accentuated that the future of Ellington Field is not solely reliant on facilities or aircraft, but rather on the dedication and pride of the airmen who serve there. He shared a picture of the airmen of the 147th Attack Wing, showcasing their commitment to the Air Force mission and the Houston community. Walters expressed confidence that the future of Ellington Field is secure due to the passion and dedication of its airmen, some of whom may continue serving for decades to come. He concluded his presentation by thanking the audience for their time and attention.

BAHEP President Brian Freedman and Col. Travis D. Walters, 147th Attack Wing commander, U.S. Air Force, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, pose for a quick photo opportunity.

Walters spoke of the MQ-9 Reaper, an unmanned aerial platform used for reconnaissance and armed missions.

He explained the capabilities and features of the MQ-9, highlighting its extended flight duration and surveillance capabilities. He also touched on the Air Support Operations Squadron’s role in integrating air and ground operations during conflicts. The colonel then explained how the National Guard plays a role in domestic operations, such as assisting during natural disasters like winter storm URI. He emphasized the Guard’s commitment to serving both nationally and locally.

Walters then spoke of ongoing and

planned developments at Ellington Field. He presented a map highlighting new buildings, remodeling projects, new roads, and land acquisition initiatives. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong infrastructure to support the mission of the Air National Guard. Walters emphasized the need for a running track as a top priority for infrastructure development and expressed gratitude for the community’s support in pursuing this project.

He also addressed the significance of community support in improving facilities and ensuring the well-being of the

BAHEP & Texas Commissioner Discuss Military Asset Expansion at Ellington Field Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal met with the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC) and Texas Commissioner Tom Duncavage on July 7, 2023, to discuss the military presence at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base (JRB). Duncavage has been working closely with Col. Travis D. Walters, the base commander at Ellington Field JRB, to prepare an application for an upcoming Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) for military asset expansion at the base.

Small Business Committee Learns about SBA Programs BAHEP’s Small Business Committee (SBC) provides its members with an excellent opportunity to come together, network, and learn about the lat-

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est trends and best practices for small business owners. Mark Winchester, deputy district director for the Houston District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), was the guest speaker at the SBC’s meeting on May 17, 2023.

Winchester presented information on the programs the SBA makes available for business owners serious about growing their businesses and achieving their goals.

FEMA Rate Risk 2.0 Flood Insurance Changes have Huge Impact on Homeowners BAHEP continues to partner with the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI) advocating for af-

fordable and inclusive flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). During recent meetings involving stakeholder members of the CSFI, it was announced that the FEMA implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 for the National Flood Insurance Program continues to negatively impact the cost of homeowners’ flood insurance policies. FEMA has proposed to eliminate grandfathered policies, properties that were built in compliance with the Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that were effective at the time of construction. This would result in a significant premium increase for many policyholders.

Ten states, including the State of Tex-

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as, filed a lawsuit in June 2023 against FEMA declaring, among other reasons, that Risk Rating 2.0 is unconstitutional.

Stakeholders Address Need for Water Taxi System BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger met with stakeholders on July 26, 2023, who addressed the need for a water taxi system to serve the local tourism industry. A steering committee was formed to provide guidance on the next steps. Representatives from BayTran, City of Kemah, City of Seabrook, City of League City, City of Clear Lake Shores, and the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau participated in the meeting.

Houston City Council District E Candidate Forum Attracts Community Leaders The BAHEP Political Protocol Committee, chaired by San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor of External Relations Teri Crawford, hosted a forum on Oct. 12, 2023, for the two candidates running for the open Houston City Council District E position. The current District E council member, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, is term limited with his tenure ending at the end of 2023.

More than 110 business leaders, community residents, and elected officials attended the event.

The BAHEP Political Protocol Committee, chaired by San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor of External Relations Teri Crawford, hosted a forum on Oct. 12, 2023, for the two candidates running for the open Houston City Council District E position. Shown (l to r) are: Cindy DeWease, president and CEO, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (CLACC); Crawford; Candidate Martina Lemmond Dixon; Rebecca Lilley, director, Physician Development, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital; Candidate Fred Flickinger; Glenn Royal, partner, portfolio manager, Royal Harbor Partners, LLC; BAHEP President Brian Freedman; and Lisa Holbrook, executive director, South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce. (Update: Garnering 57 percent of votes cast on Nov. 7, Flickinger won the District E race.)

The candidates, Martina Lemmond Dixon and Fred Flickinger, both residents of Kingwood, answered questions from the event moderator, Glenn Royal of Royal Harbor Partners, which focused on how each candidate would balance priorities between Kingwood and the Clear Lake area.

During their closing comments, both Dixon and Flickinger assured the audi-

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Business Briefs

Houston City Council District E Candidate Forum

October 12, 2023

Attending the District E Candidate Forum were (l to r, top to bottom): Marie Flickinger, chair, San Jacinto College Board of Trustees; Dwayne Busby, vice president, Government Affairs, Wellby Financial; Doug Peterson, Bay Area Houston Liaison and Special Projects, Harris County Precinct 2; Amy Skicki, executive director, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran); Kathryn Tijerina, membership director, Shari Sweeney, vice president, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce; Wayne and Laurie Rutledge, Rutledge Commercial Real Estate; Ezreal Garcia, vice president, Community Health Network Government Affairs and Public Relations; and Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin. ence that they would manage the district so that the Clear Lake area priorities are addressed.

Freedman Addresses Pasadena EDC Board BAHEP President Brian Freedman and

Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger attended the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation meeting on July 27, 2023, to learn more about the proposed multi-use convention center that will be attached to the existing convention center. During the public

comments’ session, Freedman gave a brief update on BAHEP initiatives.

BAHEP Official Provides Economic Development Overview to SHERM BAHEP Executive Director for Eco-

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nomic Development Dan Seal was invited to provide an economic development overview of the Bay Area Houston region to the membership of the Texas Bay Area Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHERM). The meeting was well attended and held at the Bay Oaks Country Club on July 13, 2023.

BAHEP Hosts its First Exploratory Energy Committee Meeting BAHEP hosted its first meeting for the Exploratory Energy Committee on Sept. 27, 2023. The committee’s goals include bringing together professionals working within the energy industry, and related fields, to represent opportunities for improvement, enhanced communication, facilitation, and collaborations within the energy sector. Ten professionals in the energy sector attended and had robust discussions.

BAHEP Officials Discuss the Planning of Horsepen Bayou Flood Mitigation Project Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia invited BAHEP President Brian Freedman and Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal to participate in a virtual meeting held Aug. 1, 2023, for the planning of the Horsepen Bayou Flood Mitigation project. The project will widen the channel from Bay Area Boulevard to Clear Lake City Boulevard.

BAHEP Official Speaks at Meador Staffing Services Panel Discussion Event BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal was invited to participate in a Meador Staffing Services panel discussion on professional networking and rela-

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tionship building which was held at the Baker Ripley-Pasadena Campus on Aug. 3, 2023. Other panelists at the event included Meador Staffing Services President Melinda Torrison and Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President Cristina Womack.

Marketing BAHEP’s Dan Seal Elected to Serve on HREDA Steering Committee Board BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal was elected to represent the East region for the Houston Region Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) Steering Committee board through the end of Dec. 31, 2024. Comprised of the greater Houston area’s leading economic development organizations, HREDA collaborates on major projects occurring throughout the region and is dedicated to helping shape the future.

Seal participated in the HREDA Steering Committee meeting on Aug. 9, 2023, to discuss economic development programs through the end of 2023.

Prospect Review Meeting Held BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Marketing Managers Barbara Cutsinger, Kim Morris, and Mark Mitchell hosted the third quarter Prospect Review meeting on Sept. 26, 2023, to discuss new leads and prospects that BAHEP is working to locate in the Bay Area Houston region. The newest BAHEP projects, as well as older projects, were reviewed. Following this introductory review, representatives from BAHEP’s member municipalities provided reports on economic

developments in their respective communities. Approximately 40 people were in attendance including representatives from six BAHEP member cities and two counties.

BAHEP Discusses Recent Economic Development Trends with Architectural Firm BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Marketing Managers Barbara Cutsinger and Mark Mitchell met with representatives from Powers Brown Architecture, a BAHEP member, on July 10, 2023, to discuss economic development trends in the Bay Area Houston region. Additional topics discussed included future collaboration opportunities between Powers Brown Architecture and BAHEP. BAHEP Official Speaks at 2023 IMPACT Pasadena Economic Opportunity Event BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal made a presentation to the 2023 IMPACT Pasadena leadership development participants on July 11, 2023. Seal spoke at the request of San Jacinto College to discuss aerospace economic development in the Bay Area Houston region.

Joining Seal were Jimmy Spence, Houston Spaceport marketing executive, and Clint Harris, director of Aerospace Education and Workforce Development at the San Jacinto College EDGE Center.

BAHEP Participates in Interview with Hickey Global BAHEP President Brian Freedman, Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris participated in an interview with Hickey Global on July 17, 2023. Hickey Global is a national site consultancy firm that has been contracted by the Greater

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Houston Partnership (GHP) to perform an aerospace industry research study on aerospace activity within the greater Houston region. BAHEP and GHP collaborate closely to advance the growth of the aerospace industry within Houston.

Public Relations & Media Communications BAHEP Provides Letter of Support for Harris County Flood Control Grant Proposal BAHEP President Brian Freedman wrote a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on July 26, 2023, in support of the Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) WRDA Sec. 7001 proposal to reduce flood risk in the Buffalo Bayou Watershed by excavating additional storage volume in the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. This proposed project will increase the reservoirs’ storm water storage capacity by as much as 140,000 acre-ft.

Freedman wrote, “Specifically, efforts to reduce drainage outflows from these west-side reservoirs into the Buffalo Bayou system could ultimately ease inflows into Galveston Bay and be advantageous to the Bay Area Houston region. For this reason, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership strongly supports the HCFCD Section 7001 proposal.”

BAHEP Supports Port Houston’s Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Proposal Port Houston has applied for a grant under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Project Discre-

Business Briefs

tionary Grant program for an expansion project at its Bayport Container Terminal. BAHEP President Brian Freedman wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation stating, “The BAHEP Board of Directors and its members are pleased to add their support for this project. It provides benefits to the U.S. and Texas as well as supports the administration’s priorities of environmental justice and supply chain relief.

“The greater Port of Houston, which is comprised of the Port Authority’s terminals along with 200-plus private facilities, is a national economic engine.

It is home to the nation’s largest petrochemical manufacturing complex, is the top U.S. crude oil export port, and is in the country’s number one exporting region. This activity sustains three million U.S. jobs and generates $801

billion in national economic impact annually.

“Through the grant application, The Port Authority requests $90,000,000, or 45 percent, of the total project’s cost. The Port Authority is anticipating 2023 Port Infrastructure Development funding for this project to cover 25 percent. The Port Authority will provide the remaining $58,950,000, or 30 percent, of the project cost.

“Thank you for your consideration of this nationally impactful project.”

BAHEP Supports TXDOT Highway 225 Redevelopment Plan BAHEP President Brian Freedman wrote a letter to the TXDOT regional engineer, Eliza Paul, on Aug. 9,

Attending the completion ceremony on July 5, 2023, of the Texas Clear Lanes Project (I-45 — NASA Road 1 to FM 518) were (l to r): Robin Armstrong, MD, commissioner, Precinct 4, Galveston County; BAHEP President Brian Freedman; Jay Guererro, regional director SE Texas, Office of Sen. John Cornyn; Amy Skicki, executive director, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran); and Tim Kropp, chair, BAHEP Board of Directors, executive vice president, MRI Technologies.

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Initiative for Bay Area Houston Corps of Engineers’ Update on Coastal Texas Project: The Path Forward was the topic of discussion for the Sept. 27, 2023, BAHEP general membership meeting. The panelists included: Lt. Col. Ian P. O’Sullivan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District’s deputy commander for Mega Projects; Dr. Kelly Burks-Copes, USACE Galveston District’s interim program manager for the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Project and chief of the Programs Support Branch in the District’s Mega Projects Division; and Nicole Sunstrum, inaugural executive director of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD); who are shown seated l to r in the top left photo. Retired State Sen. Larry Taylor served as panel moderator. Also attending the meeting were (top right) Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, president, GCPD Board of Directors shown with Sunstrum; (bottom left) Kerri Taylor, executive director, Unbound Now Houston; Cindy DeWease, president and CEO, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce; and Kenny Koncaba, Houston Market president, Home Bank, and member of BAHEP Board of Directors; (bottom right) Scott Watson, director of Regulatory and Emerging Markets, United Commercial Energy Partners; and Dr. Brenda Hellyer, chancellor, San Jacinto College District. (Article on pp. 10-11) 2023, in support of the TXDOT Highway 225 Redevelopment Plan stating, “On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of BAHEP,

I want to express our firm support for the TXDOT 225 Redevelopment plan.

The necessity to increase freight capacity and connectivity to the corridor is

paramount to our region’s growth.

“BAHEP is bound by its 2022-2024 Strategic Plan to support regional infra-

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During this quarter, BAHEP hosted visiting delegations interested in the growing aviation / aerospace opportunities in the region. Delegations included those from (clockwise — top left): Hungary, Norway, Tasmania, Japan, and Italy.

structure projects for the coastal barrier, transportation, utilities, and public safety. We partner with government agencies, universities/schools, and businesses to support numerous regional initiatives to include the TXDOT Highway 225 Redevelopment plan.

“After reviewing TXDOT’s seven proposed alternatives for redevelopment, we strongly support Alternative #5, which ‘Adds Elevated Managed Lanes,’ creates the capacity to meet growth, and successfully addresses safety, multimodal, evacuation, and infrastructure needs.”

BAHEP Writes Letter of Support for San Jacinto College ECLMI Grant Proposal BAHEP President Brian Freedman wrote a letter to San Jacinto College (SJC) Chancellor Brenda Hellyer,

Ed.D., on July 31, 2023, strongly supporting the SJC Ensuring Cleaner Energy in The Maritime Industry (ECLMI) grant proposal and committing to partner with SJC to help ensure success of the program. Freedman wrote, “Following is an outline of BAHEP’s role in the planned partnership for this Clean Energy Grant proposal:  Promote awareness of clean energy initiatives and the activities Ensuring Cleaner Energy in The Maritime Industry (ECLMI) among maritime companies,  Solicit input and assistance for education and training program design, advisory council membership, and curriculum development from members,  Collaborate with Workforce Solutions’ local offices to encourage enrollment in course.”

Special Initiatives Storm Surge Protection Meeting Features ‘Initiative for Bay Area Houston Corps of Engineers’ Update on Coastal Texas Project: The Path Forward’ This was the topic of discussion for the Sept. 27, 2023, BAHEP general membership meeting. Held at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas, the program featured a panel of experts who are deeply involved in this mega project. Retired Texas State Sen. Larry Taylor moderated the panel. More than 150 business leaders, educators, and elected officials attended the event.

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The panelists who led the audience along that path included: Lt. Col. Ian P. O’Sullivan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District’s deputy commander for Mega Projects; Dr. Kelly BurksCopes, USACE Galveston District’s interim program manager for the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Project and chief of the Programs Support Branch in the District’s Mega Projects Division; and Nicole Sunstrum, inaugural executive director of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD).

More than 150 business leaders, educators, and elected officials attended the meeting including: Mayor Randy Chronister, City of Clear Lake Shores; Mayor Shawn Findley, City of El Lago; Mayor Robin Collins, City of Kemah; Mayor Michel Bechtel, City of Morgan’s Point; Mayor Phil Johnson, City of Nassau Bay; Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Fenwick, City of Clear Lake Shores; Mayor Pro Tem Steve Rockey, City of Friendswood; Mayor Pro Tem Buddy Hammann, City of Seabrook; City of Friendswood Councilmember Joe Matranga; City of Nassau Bay Councilmember James Abbey; City of Pasadena Councilmember Pat Van Houte; City of Webster Councilmember Chris Vaughan; Senior Regional Director Will Carter for U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, DDS; District Director Jared Bargas for U.S. Rep. Randy Weber; District Director Beverly Ferguson for State Sen. Mayes Middleton; District Director Cyndy Butcher for State Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD; Bay Area Houston Liaison Doug Peterson for Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia; and Director Theresa Gustafson for the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District.

Dr. Kelly Burks-Copes and the panelists discussed in great detail The Path Forward during the hour-long meeting.

Following is a brief summary of that discussion: The GCPD is working closely with the USACE and the GLO to advance storm surge reduction projects within the GCPD’s jurisdiction. The GCPD serves as the non-federal sponsor for two major programs: the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Project and the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Project.

1. Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management project: This program is focused on reducing storm surge risks along the coast.

The project is currently underway in Jefferson and Orange counties, with segments under construction. The GCPD collaborates with the Corps of Engineers in the planning and implementing of this program.

2. Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration project: This project was authorized by Congress in December 2022 and is crucial for coastal protection in Texas. However, funding is a significant requirement to move this project forward. The GCPD is actively working with federal and state partners, including the GLO, to secure the necessary funding for the program.

The GCPD is also engaged in efforts to plan, sequence, and prepare for the projects even before full funding becomes available. This involves studying and sourcing for both GLO and GCPD projects, working on sequencing plans, and collaborating with drainage districts and stakeholders in the region.

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The key challenge mentioned above is the need for federal funding to advance these critical coastal protection projects, despite generous state funding support in previous sessions. Collaboration with multiple agencies and entities is a central part of their strategy to make progress on these initiatives.

Preserve NASA Funding Levels Citizens for Space Exploration Plan for Advocacy Meetings on Capitol Hill The Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE), a subcommittee of BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee, initiated development of the messaging for the 2024 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 the annual CSE trip to Washington, D.C., during May 2024.

BAHEP Hosts International Delegations Exploring Opportunities in Bay Area Houston During this quarter, BAHEP hosted five foreign delegations seeking partnerships or collaborations with businesses in Bay Area Houston, especially aerospace companies.

Tasmanian Science Minister BAHEP briefed the Tasmanian Science Minister on July 21, 2023, regarding space-related activities in the region.

The minster is seeking collaborations to help expand the government’s space program.

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Joshua Rodriguez (left), Workforce Solutions, Texas City, joined Kylie Wischnewsky, BayTech marketing project manager, and Kim Morris, BayTech director, at the Workforce Solutions | BayTech Job Fair held on July 27, 2023.

Japanese Space One and JAXA BAHEP hosted a Japanese delegation representing the Japanese Space One company and its spaceport and JAXA program on Aug. 4, 2023. The delegation wants to expand collaborations with NASA and the aerospace community.

Italian delegation BAHEP partnered with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and GHP to support a delegation of Italian aerospace companies in Houston Oct. 23 – 24, 2023. There were approximately 25 in the group representing 19 Italian aerospace companies. They were in Houston to focus on its aerospace ecosystem and seek out potential collaborations with the aerospace industry.

Hungarian Delegation BAHEP participated in the HungarianTexan Business Forum on Sept. 19,

Business Briefs

2023, at Space Center Houston. In attendance were the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as other high level Hungarian government officials. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss HungarianTexan aerospace cooperation. The Hungarian officials also attended an agreement signing ceremony with Axiom Space.

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.

Norwegian Space Delegation BAHEP partnered with GHP to host a Norwegian space delegation Nov. 6 – 7, 2023. There were approximately 22 in the delegation representing 11 organizations. They were in Houston to learn about its aerospace ecosystem and the Houston Spaceport and to investigate areas for collaboration with its ecosystem.

Certified Manufacturing Training Offered Through BayTech See page 2 for a summary of the current technician training program.

ASCENDx Texas 2024 Conference Planning Begins BAHEP is coordinating with the AIAA, NASA, Houston Airport System, local aerospace companies, and other stakeholders to host the 2024 AIAA ASCENDx (Accelerating Space, Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery) Texas conference during March 2024, at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center. The AIAA ASCENDx Texas Conference is an annual event that brings together technical experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and engineers to discuss space and its opportunities. This will be the third conference held in Houston, Texas.

Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program 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 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).

Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium

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.

BayTech was formed by BAHEP and has built a network of partners across

SATOP Program Expands to Reach Underserved Areas SATOP is a successful statewide pro-

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gram with a focus on Southeast Texas that has assisted more than 1,100 small Texas businesses in solving technical challenges through a network composed of NASA Johnson Space Center, aerospace companies and their engineers, and educational institutions, collectively designated as Alliance Partners.

The 88th Texas Legislature increased funding for SATOP for the FY2024FY2025 biennium to expand the program to all regions in Texas with a focus on underserved areas such as the Rio Grande Valley. SATOP is

ing skills to provide technical solutions to the small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs.

BAHEP and Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) Collaborate BAHEP President Brian Freedman and SATOP Director Bob Payne met virtually with TMAC’s Executive Director Rodney Reddic and Director of Business Operations Dr. Monica Cortez on June 14, Aug. 30, and Sept. 29, 2023.

Topics discussed included potential areas of collaboration, such as TMAC referring small businesses that need

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orating with SATOP regarding a program where students interested in business and entrepreneurship can receive mentoring and guidance.

The Ion’s Cup of Joe-Y Highlights Startups BAHEP President Brian Freedman, SATOP Director Bob Payne, Marketing Manager Mark Mitchell, Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris, Marketing Project Man ager Kylie Wischnewsky, and Associate Project Engineer Marcela Barton participated in the “Cup of Joe-Y” monthly sessions at Space Center Houston. The events

September 2023 Cup of Joey

expanding its economic development organization (EDO) network to reach more small business owners. Each EDO will promote the program to its small business community and qualify small businesses for this free technical assistance program.

To meet the anticipated increase in small businesses, SATOP is working to expand its Alliance Partner network, especially adding aerospace companies which have the engineer-

technical assistance to SATOP for the 40-hour Technical Assistance Program or the Capstone Design Program.

SATOP Discusses Collaborations with San Jacinto College Generation Park Campus SATOP participated in a meeting with Dr. Destry Dokes, executive director of the San Jacinto College Generation Park Campus, on April 14, 2023. Dr. Dokes discussed the potential of collab-

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 program. 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 nonprofit incubator and accelerator for startups in the Houston region.

Business Briefs

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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 2023 are shown in blue boldface with an *.

Acadian Ambulance Service ACU of Texas ADACEN Advanced Dermatology and Skin Care AECOM Aegis Aerospace, Inc. The Aerospace Corporation AeroSys, LLC AEXA Aerospace, LLC Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. *Alert Tech SMT All Points Logistics, LLC Alvin Community College Amazon Web Services American Acryl American Heart Association AMOCO Federal Credit Union ARES Aerospace and Technology Services *Arrow Science and Technology, LLC ASRC Federal AssuredPartners Aulds Media Holdings/ i45NOW AVERA Companies Axiom Space, Inc. Ayrshire Corporation b1 Bank Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network (BACREN) Barlow Jones, L.L.P. Barrios Technology Bastion Technologies, Inc. Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol

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 *Baylor College of Medicine Center for Space Medicine Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium Beacon Federal Credit Union BMWC Constructors BMW-MINI OF CLEAR LAKE The Boeing Company Booz Allen Hamilton Bowers & Sadler, LLP The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. Burns & McDonnell Cadence Bank Capital Bank - Pasadena 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 Marque 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 Texas City City of Webster CLC Properties Clear Creek ISD Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce College of the Mainland Collins Aerospace Comcast Business Communities In Schools Bay Area, Inc. *Community Health Network (MYCHN) Community Impact Newspaper Courtyard By Marriott Houston NASA/ Nassau Bay Coventry Development Corporation Houston Craig Technologies Criss Cross Commercial Group Crowder Funeral Homes *Crown Castle Chris Curran - Wells Fargo Advisors Cyber One Solutions, LLC CYFOR Technologies, LLC Cypress Bay Subdivision/ Marina Bay Village *Dave & Busters / Main Event DB Consulting Group Del Papa Distributing Company Deloitte Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Dickinson ISD Draper Laboratory DRDA, PLLC Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

EduSafe Systems, Inc. Elevate Hospital Group Elizabeth Smith Life and Health *Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) Partners Express Employment Professionals The Eye Clinic of Texas Fast Signs - Clear Lake Felicis Properties, Inc. *Fogo de Chao Friendswood, LLC Friendswood Chamber of Commerce Friendswood ISD Frost Bank Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston County Galveston County Daily News Galveston County Small Business Development Center Galveston Economic Development Partnership *Galveston ISD Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce GB Tech, Inc. GEO Consultants Corporation GeoControl Systems, Inc. *Global Business Management Consultants Greater Houston Partnership *Green Appraisal, LLC Greer, Herz & Adams, LLP Gregg & Gregg, P.C. Griffin Communications Group Griffin Partners, Inc. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Gulf Coast Authority Gulf Coast Educators FCU Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc. Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP Harris County

Volume 16, Number 2

Haute Flowers & Events HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast Health and Safety Council HIGHER Up Texas Highpoint Insurance Group, LLC Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce Hitchcock ISD Home Bank HomeTown Bank, N. A. Houston Association of Realtors Houston Construction Services Houston First Corporation Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Houston Precision Fasteners IMA Financial Group ImageNet Consulting Implemetrics, Inc. *International Plant Services, LLC Intuitive Machines, LLC J&P Technologies J. A. Billipp Company Jacobs JE 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 / Kevton Technologies King's BierHaus / EggHaus Gourmet Kuraray America, Inc. La Porte - Bayshore Chamber of Commerce La Porte ISD

Lakewood Yacht Club 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 *Manhattan Construction Company MDT Financial Advisors, LLC Meador Staffing Services, Inc. Media Riders, Inc. Medistar Corporation Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake Merrill Lynch *MI-GSO|PCUBED– Houston (Program Planning Professionals) Monica Millican Minuteman Press - Bay Area Moody Bank *MORI Associates, Inc. MRI Technologies MRM Proposal Solutions My FlooringAMERICA NanoRacks, LLC NASA Alumni League - JSC Chapter NASA Johnson Space Center *Navarro Insurance Group Norman Frede Chevrolet Northrop Grumman Corporation *Novium LTD Oceaneering Space Systems, Inc. One Stop Tents & Events

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PAE Pasadena Economic Development Corporation Pasadena ISD Pasadena Texas Chamber of Commerce *Paterson Consulting Partners LLC/ PCP Digital Payne’s Plants PBK Pearland Economic Development Corporation Peraton Perry’s Restaurant Group 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 San Jacinto College District Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Santa Fe ISD Savills, Inc. Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. Schlumberger Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) Shriners Children’s Texas Sierra Space *Sophic Synergistics South Belt-Ellington Leader South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce 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 TABI, LLC *Tannos Development Group, LLC TechTrans International (TTI) Teledyne Brown Engineering Terracon Consultants, Inc. Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas Chiropractic College Texas City ISD Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar TXU Energy UHCL Center -Economic Development & Research Unbound Now Houston United Airlines *United Commercial Energy Partners United Equities, Inc. (Clear Lake Center LP) Universities Space Research Association-USRA University of Houston-Clear Lake The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTMB Health *V2X *Venus Aerospace Waters Edge Venue Welcome Group, LLC Wellby Financial *Wells Fargo—Private Bank Wile Interests Wendell Wilson & Dr. Pat Potter Wilson Wings Over Houston Air Show *Wycoff Development & Construction, LLC YMCA of Greater Houston Zann Commercial Brokerage, Inc.

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

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 1150 Gemini Street (Temporary Address) 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 1.5 million people who live and work in the region. Our members include business partners within our 18 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.