Summer 2024

Business Briefs

Letter From the President Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

As we advance through 2024, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support and dedication to this great organization. I’m proud to lead such a passionate and dedicated group of individuals, and excited to share with you some highlights of the work that we have been involved in over the last few months.

BAHEP continues to grow and change along with the region. We have settled nicely in our new permanent office at 1150 Gemini Street, and if you haven’t seen it yet we’d welcome the chance to show you around our new space.

For 30 years, BAHEP has presented its acclaimed Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence to an outstanding elected official or business leader who has demonstrated a strong and continued effort to support the business foundations of the Bay Area Houston community. This annual banquet has steadily grown into a destination event, and at this year’s sold-out Gala, William T. Harris, President, and CEO of Space Center Houston was honored for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the economic prosperity of the region.

Throughout BAHEP’s 48-year history, we have continued to evolve to meet the needs of our members, industry, academia, and the larger Bay Area community. We are a member-driven organization, and we are always grateful for the large number of our members who donate their time and resources to participate in the initiatives that find voice in our unique and collaborative committee structure. Joining a committee is a fantastic way for our members to get engaged in the topics that are most important to them, and nurturing

meaningful collaborations is always a top priority for us.

I am always happy to report that our membership continues to grow, and many of our initiatives are bearing fruit for our members, the organization, and the community.

On the heels of co-hosting the third annual ASCENDx Texas 2024 Conference in February, there is truly some exciting stuff happening, and I’m confident that by working together we can continue to experience tremendous growth in this great region. In the first two months of this year alone, BAHEP has already hosted three international trade delegations seeking to bolster their presence in Houston, in addition to also hosting two fantastic speakers at our most recent General Membership Meetings. Bay Area Houston has a rich history of resilience and innovation, and I have no doubt that this great community will continue to thrive throughout the rest of 2024 and far beyond!

Thank you once again for your support and dedication to BAHEP. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.

Sincerely,

President Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Brian Freedman

Special Honors

Space Center Houston President William T. Harris Recognized with 2024QuasarAward

For 30 years, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has presented its acclaimed Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence to an outstanding elected official or business leader who has demonstrated a strong and continual effort to support the business foundations

of the greater Bay Area Houston communities.

On Jan. 26, 2024, William T. Harris, president / CEO, Space Center Houston, was honored for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the region’s tourist industry at the Quasar Award Banquet held in the beautifully transformed Crystal Ballroom at South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center in League City, Texas.

Many representatives of the region’s leadership from business and education as well as elected officials attended the 2024 sold-out banquet, including Congressman Brian Babin, DDS; Mayor John Whitmire, City of Houston; and Houston Councilmember, District E, Fred Flickinger who represents both the Clear Lake and Kingwood communities.

Tim Kropp, 2023 BAHEP board chair and executive vice president, MRI Technologies, noted the organization’s 2023 accomplishments and introduced the evening’s honoree.

Harris said in part, “As we know from NASA, you can't do it alone. It takes a team. I couldn't be successful here without that remarkable team. I want to take

Business Assistance Programs

Workforce Development and Education

Successful Certified Manufacturing Technician Training Continues

BayTech (Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium) in collaboration with San Jacinto College, has 15 participants enrolled in the Certified Manufacturing Technician Training Program. Four participants are enrolled in the electrical technician tract, five enrolled in the structures technician tract, and six enrolled in the composite technician tract.

The training is funded through a WagnerPeyser 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. BayTech was awarded a third year of funding to offer this training program to eligible partici-

a moment to recognize the members of my board of directors who are here this evening. Please stand for a moment and be recognized.

“Inspiration changes the world. For me, fundamentally, what we are about is helping people pursue ambition, excellence, inspiration, and push out those boundaries and realize what they can contribute.”

“Always remember that we have a lot of privilege living in this country and that we have an obligation to give back. “

“Thank you so much for this incredible recognition which I accept on behalf of my team. I'm truly humbled.”

Gwen Griffin, 2024 BAHEP Board of Directors Chairwoman and CEO, Griffin Communications Group, closed out the evening with an inspiring speech that included this statement, “My vision for the year can be summed up in one word: Thriving. Not just BAHEP, but each of your companies, our families, and our state. Thriving. Is that easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely!”

pants. The current grant year began on Sept. 1, 2023, and will run through Aug. 31, 2024.

Of the 15 enrolled, three participants have earned industry certification, seven participants completed the online training and in-person labs, two students are currently enrolled in labs, and the remaining students are either working through the course modules or working towards earning their certifications.

As students are just beginning to wrap up their coursework, BayTech is starting

Space Center Houston President William T. Harris receives 2024 Quasar Award

the process of assisting students in finding internship and/or full-time employment opportunities. One student was able to secure a position as an avionics technician with FireFly Aerospace. BayTech will track participants after the conclusion of the program and will send their resumes to companies to assist students in finding internship or employment opportunities.

Education Committee Addresses Transportation and Aerospace Needs

BAHEP's Education and Workforce Development Committee launched an initiative last year to review the workforce needs and the educational implications for the region’s major business sectors with an initial focus on transportation and aerospace.

Transportation

The committee had an in-depth conversation with senior leaders from the transportation and related construction services sectors. These leaders reminded committee members of the extensive road construction work going on in the area (i.e. I-45 in Webster to Galveston, Highway 146 in the Seabrook and Kemah area, and the pending Grand Parkway extensions) and how important this is to the economic vitality of the region. They also spent time looking ahead to the significant construction work on the horizon as “dirt begins to fly” on the Coastal Barrier project.

Education leaders gained a renewed appreciation for the workforce challenges and encouraged the business leaders to explore partnerships with schools that could provide talent that met their needs. One outgrowth of this particular meeting was that the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BAYTRAN) began exploring more in-

Aerospace

The Education and Workforce Development committee had in-depth conversations with leaders in the aerospace sector to learn about their workforce needs, both now and into the future. It was decided to hold a future session to focus on the workforce needs of the commercial/ entrepreneurial space sector.

San Jacinto College Engineering Technology Advisory Committee Meeting

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris participated in the San Jacinto College Engineering Technology Advisory Committee meeting on Nov. 30, 2023. Seal and Morris provided input on future curriculum for San Jacinto’s new engineering technology program.

Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp Speaks at BAHEP’s GMM

BAHEP hosted its General Membership Meeting luncheon at the South Shore Harbor Resort & Conference Center on Nov. 28, 2023. BAHEP President Brian Freedman welcomed the audience citing significant economic developments in the region, including the Great Wolf Lodge in Web-

ster, Texas, and then recognized the impactful training and industry collaborations of BAHEP’s member universities and colleges.

The featured speaker at the luncheon, Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp, was introduced by Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D. and former Aggie, who gave an informative and entertaining introduction to Chancellor Sharp. Topics discussed by Chancellor Sharp included the recent announcement about the creation of the new Texas A&M Space Institute that will be built adjacent to NASA Johnson Space Center.

More than 175 business leaders, educators, and elected officials attended, including Jay Guerrero, representing U.S. Sen. John Cornyn; Kelly Waterman, representing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz; Will Carter, representing U.S. Congressman Brian Babin, DDS; State Sen. Mayes Middleton; Beverly Ferguson, representing Sen. Mayes Middleton; State Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD; Seabrook Mayor Tom Kolupski; then Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Katie Shelton, representing Houston City At-Large Council Member Sallie Alcorn; La Marque City Council Member James Ross; Pasadena City Council Member Thomas Schoenbein; San Jacinto College Board Trustee Dan Mims; San Jacinto College Board Trustee John Moon; and San Jacinto College Board Trustee Erica Davis Rouse.

Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp speaks at BAHEP’s December General Membership Meeting

ternships and externships with interested educational institutions.

Council of Mayors Briefed on Flooding Issues

BAHEP conducted a Council of Mayors meeting on October 25, 2023. Following an update from each mayor on his or her respective city, the Intergovernmental Relations Manager of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC), Cynthia Jones, led a roundtable discussion on the resources available to local governments, including training, cost-share programs, HGAC’s nationwide cooperative, and future grant opportunities. A discussion on floodrelated matters, and the repercussions of past legislative actions on the cities followed this discussion.

Attending: Mayors Thom Kolupski, Seabrook; Louis Rigby, La Porte; Kevin Cole, Pearland; Michel Bechtel, Morgan’s Point; Robin Collins, Kemah, Randy Chronister, Clear Lake Shores, Shawn Findlay, El Lago, and Jerry Mouton, Deer Park; Brian Freedman, and Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Glenn Freedman, president of EduSafe Systems, Inc.

Adriana Cruz Provides Update on Economic Development in Texas

Adriana Cruz, executive director of Economic Development and Tourism within the Office of the Governor, was the featured speaker at the Feb. 13, 2024, General Membership Meeting held at the South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center in League City, Texas. BAHEP Board of Directors Chairwoman Gwen Griffin introduced Cruz to the large audience, citing her strong background and experience in economic development.

Cruz spoke enthusiastically about the strong Texas economy and its attraction to businesses seeking a business-friendly state. She talked about how Texas leads the nation as the best state for business and job

growth, with the most corporate relocation and expansion projects, and an economy that has been growing faster than the nation as a whole Cruz said that if Texas were a nation, which she said it has been a nation, its economy would be the eighth largest in the world.

Following a question and answer session, BAHEP President Brian Freedman thanked Cruz and closed the meeting

BAHEP Facilitates Meeting between Pasadena Mayor and Houston First Corporation

BAHEP Executive Director of Economic Development Dan Seal and Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger arranged for Pasadena Economic Development Corp. (EDC), mayor of Pasadena, and Pasadena Community Relations director to meet with the Houston First Corp. on Dec. 4, 2023, to discuss the new Pasadena arena being built at the Pasadena Convention Center. This new development will be a

tremendous regional asset to attract more conventions and conference activities to Pasadena.

Mayor Jeff Wagner gave an informative presentation that explained the convention center expansion and the new arena which will seat 7,500 people. It’s expected to be completed by the time the World Cup comes to Houston; so, hopefully, some related events might be held there. An invitation to the groundbreaking was extended to the Houston First team.

Attending the meeting from Pasadena were Rick Guerrero, executive director of the Pasadena EDC; Karina Tomlinson, manager, EDC Economic Development; and Community Relations director Rex Lindberg.

Attending from Houston First Corp. were Michael Heckman, president and

Adriana Cruz, Director, Economic Development & Tourism, Office of Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at BAHEP’s February General Membership Meeting

CEO; Nathan Tollett, vice president, Citywide Convention Sales; and Jennie Bui-McCoy, director, Public Relations.

BAHEP’s Public Safety Committee Hosts Forum on Critical Incident Response

BAHEP’s Public Safety Committee, chaired by RJ Boatman, executive director of TABI, LLC, hosted a panel of seasoned regional experts who shared their insights on pre-empting, navigating, and recovering from critical incidents. The panel discussion was moderated by Constable Justin West, Galveston County Precinct 4 located in League City, Texas. Highlights of the panel discussion included:

• Understanding the anatomy of critical incidents and their impact on businesses and communities.

• Exploring best practices in crisis management and response.

• Learning from real-life case studies shared by the panelists, including natural disasters, active shooters, Petro-chemical plant issues, and organized crime.

BAHEP Projects in Pipeline

The BAHEP marketing staff is currently working on 26 projects for the region. The majority of these projects are in manufacturing or related projects. Collectively, these projects have the potential to bring more than 2,000 jobs to the region.

Prospect Review Meeting

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, Marketing Managers Barbara Cutsinger and Kim Morris, and SATOP Program Manager

Mark Mitchell conducted the Prospect Review meeting on Dec. 6, 2023, to discuss new leads and prospects that BAHEP is working to locate in the Bay

Galveston County SBDC Director is New Chair of Small Business Committee

Amy L. Reid, director of the Galveston County Small Business Development Center, has been selected to chair BAHEP’s Small Business Committee. She officially assumed the chairmanship during the Wednesday, March 6, 2024, which reflects a permanent change to the committee’s meeting schedule. Going forward, the SBC will meet on the first Wednesday of each month, with a coffee social from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., followed by the meeting from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

BAHEP President Brian Freedman said, “More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. Small businesses also create about two-thirds of annual new U.S. jobs. Our Small Business Committee has been a great source of information and assistance for our small business members over many years. We are very fortunate to have a person of Amy’s caliber accept this important role in our organization. I encourage all BAHEP small business members to ex-

Marketing

Area Houston Region. More than 40 people attended, including representatives from six BAHEP member cities and counties.

After the review of BAHEP’s latest projects, Michael Prats, CDS Market Research, talked about the company’s activities and how he sees the market over the next year. Following the project review, the attendees heard economic development updates from BAHEP’s member cities and counties in attendance.

Attendees in-person: Mark Witte / JA Billipp, Jeff George & Chaundra Hugel Broughton / KW Clear Lake, Tiko Reynolds-Hausman, Chris Saddler, Daniel Uribe and Doug Peterson / Harris County Precinct 2, Noosha Smith and Diana Tabor / Terracon Consultants, Brian Bolton / League City Chamber of Commerce,

plore the SBC’s activities and opportunities under her guidance.”

BAHEP Hosts Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO

BAHEP President Brian Freedman, Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris, and Board of Directors Chairman Tim Kropp hosted the incoming president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), Steve Kean, to a discussion over lunch on Dec. 8, 2023, to explore future opportunities for collaboration between BAHEP and the GHP.

BAHEP’s Dan Seal Delivers Speech to HIREBA

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal delivered a speech to the Houston Independent Real Estate Brokers Association (HIREBA). Seal’s speech included current economic development activities occurring in the Bay Area Houston region as well as updates on the economic outlook and its effects on growth opportunities in Houston. Approximately 40 real estate brokers attended.

Leigh Martin / Schaumburg & Polk, Inc, Erin McDonald / Frost Bank, Wayne Rutledge / Rutledge Commercial Real Estate, Courtland Holman / City of Dickinson, Brian Gaige / TXU, George Ayala / Galveston County, Dionne Burnham & Scott Blank / Comcast Business, Haley Bowers /City of La Porte, Barry Ferguson / Wycoff Development & Construction, Devin DePascal / Hitchcock EDC, Kristin Edwards / City of Texas City, Katy Hicks / City of Webster, Robyn Honeycutt / Wells Fargo, Scott Livingston / City of League City, James Brockway / BACREN, Aaron Munsart / ESE Partners, Ryan Dennard / Criss Cross Commercial Group, Renee Ethridge / Meador Staffing Services, Jo Drake / SSCI Environmental, and Brian Freedman, Kim Morris, Mark Mitchell, Dan Seal, and Barbara

Public Relations & Media Communications

Galveston Harbor Channel Extension

Dredging and Levee Raise Letter of Support

BAHEP President Brian Freedman wrote a letter to the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget and the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works expressing BAHEP’s grave concern regarding the critical need for emergency dredging and levee raise for the Galveston Harbor Channel Extension. The accumulation of sediment (shoaling) due to tidal activity from various tropical storms and hurricanes, coupled with delayed routine maintenance, poses a significant threat to the safe and efficient navigation of commercial vessels, jeopardizing the economic vitality of the Galveston/Houston region and beyond.

Freedman outlined the specific concerns and issues and concluded his letter by saying, “We understand the challenges in securing emergency funding, but the dire circumstances facing the Galveston Harbor Channel necessitate prompt and decisive action. We remain confident that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recognizes the gravity of this situation and will take the necessary steps to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of this crucial maritime artery.”

Letter of Support for UHCL to Establish Center for Aerospace Engineering Research

BAHEP President Brian Freedman on behalf of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) wrote a letter of

Preserve NASA Funding Levels

Citizens for Space Exploration Planning for Advocacy Meetings on Capitol Hill

support to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center for the proposal to establish a center for aerospace engineering-related research at the University of HoustonClear Lake (UHCL). Freedman wrote, “Our members include business partners encompassing 18 cities and Galveston and Harris counties. As a firm believer in the power of education and research to drive innovation and progress, BAHEP is confident that this initiative will not only enhance the academic landscape at UHCL but also contribute significantly to the advancement of the proposed aerospace engineering program as a regional talent development hub.

“BAHEP and UHCL have a strong strategic partnership in supporting academic and pre-professional programs which has created many opportunities for STEM student engagement. The proposed cSTER@UHCL would provide undergraduate students with internships and other pre-professional experiences. Through its comprehensive network in the aerospace alliance in Greater Houston, BAHEP will support and facilitate the internship programs that are mentioned in the proposal. These opportunities will not only expose students to real-world applications of their academic knowledge, but also equip them with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in their future aerospace engineering careers. The center will play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of aerospace workforce to fulfill the growing job market in the region and nationally. Fostering a supportive learning environment, the center will inspire students to pursue careers in aerospace engineering and make

Special Initiatives

The Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE), a subcommittee of BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee, initiated development of the messaging for the annual trip to Washington, DC on May 20 –22, 2024, outlining the importance of NASA to the nation’s economy and national security.

meaningful contributions to the industry, the community, and the nation. Furthermore, BAHEP will provide strategic mentorship to the MIRO cSETR@UHCL for the sustainment of the center.

“In conclusion, BAHEP endorses the proposal to establish a cSETR@UHCL and commends the university for its commitment to student success and academic excellence. I am confident that the center will serve as a beacon of innovation and collaboration within the field of aerospace engineering and look forward to witnessing its positive impact on students, faculty, and the broader community.”

BAHEP and BayTech Brief Galveston Daily News on Projects

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris met with Shannon Caldwell, a freelance writer for the Galveston Daily News Profile Magazine, on Nov. 16, 2023. Seal and Morris provided information about the work BAHEP does as well as the Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) projects, and the rapidly growing commercial aerospace industry in this region.

Morris introduced a previous electrical technician student trained through the BayTech Wagner-Peyser Grant. The student, Corrinne Saenz, now works for Houston’s Venus Aerospace. She may be interviewed in the future for an article to run in the Galveston Daily News.

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 the fourth quarter of 2023 for

the annual CSE meetings with congressional members in Washington, D.C., during May 2024, trip.

BAHEP Hosted Sen. Ted Cruz’s Staff for Roundtable of Space Industry Leaders

On Oct. 12 - 13, 2023, BAHEP hosted U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz staff members Duncan Rankin and Simone Perer and Ed Mohr, NASA employee detailed to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. BAHEP arranged for the group to meet with aerospace officials to discuss human space exploration missions and the future of the space industry. Following the meeting, JSC provided guided tours facilities and laboratories.

The staff members gathered information during the meeting and tour for Sen. Cruz who is the Senate’s ranking member on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commercial Space

BAHEP Hosts Governor’s Policy Advisor at Aerospace Advisory Committee Meeting

BAHEP hosted Blake Calvert, Budget and Policy Advisor with Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, to discuss the Texas Space Commission and the state’s investment in commercial space during the Nov, 1, 2023, Aerospace Advisory Committee meeting. More than 50 business leaders and government officials attended the meeting to hear Calvert speak.

BAHEP

Hosts Inbound Delegations for Commercial Space Collaborations

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris coordinated with the Greater Houston Partnership, NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston Airport System, San Jacinto

College, and Rice University to provide tours and briefings to the inbound delegations listed below.

Italian Delegation

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal provided an economic development overview of the Bay Area Houston Region to an Italian delegation consisting of 20 various Italian aerospace-related companies on Oct. 24, 2023. The companies could have plans to expand business operations into the region in the future.

Connect with CNES Delegation

BAHEP Marketing Manager Kim Morris participated in a meeting with the Connect with CNES delegation on Dec. 14, 2023, to discuss future collaborations between the French and Houston aerospace communities. Attendees in the meeting included the Connect with CNES officials, French Consulate officials, and a CNES representative.

BAHEP Co-Hosts Highly Successful ASCENDx Texas 2024 Conference

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development

Dan Seal and Marketing Manager Kim Morris coordinated with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), NASA, Houston Airport System, local aerospace companies, and other stakeholders to organize the 2024 AIAA ASCENDxTexas conference on Feb. 14-15, 2024, at South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center in League City, Texas.

Highlights of the conference include the announcement of an agreement between NASA and Texas A&M University System for establishing the new Texas A&M Space Institute on property adjacent to the space center. NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche and Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp discussed the benefits of the new space institute and commended the Texas Legislature for passing legislation that allows for the creation of the space institute. Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D., chairman of the Texas House Appropriations Committee, followed Wyche and Sharp with comments

Brian Freedman, Vanessa Wyche, Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D., John Sharp, Mark Welsh, and Rob Ambrose at ASCENDx Texas Conference

on the state-of-the-art space institute that will help pave the path for a return of humans to the moon and human exploration of Mars. Bonnen acknowledged the support of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for the space institute and the allied Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.

BAHEP President Brian Freedman moderated a very informative panel discussion with Wyche and Bonnen titled, “Texas as a Case Study – Space-Forward StateCooperation.” The panelists outlined the benefits of collaborations between NASA and commercial space companies and the impact this will have across the state.

The AIAA ASCENDx (Accelerating Space, Commerce, Exploration, and New Discov-

ery) Conference is an annual event sponsored by the AIAA and BAHEP that brings together technical experts, executives, entrepreneurs, and engineers to discuss civil and commercial space. This was the third conference held in Bay Area Houston.

BAHEP Participates in TAMU Space Institute Industry Workshop

BAHEP President Brian Freedman, Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris, and SATOP Director Bob Payne attended the Texas A&M University Space Institute Industry Workshop at the University of Houston – Clear Lake on Nov. 14, 2023, to provide input into the planning process. Over 130 aerospace industry experts attended the event to discuss requirements for TAMU's proposed $200 million state-

Storm Surge Protection

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.

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 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; Nicole Sunstrum, inaugural Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD); and lastly,

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

of-the-art facility to be built adjacent to NASA Johnson Space Center and to understand the needs and expectations of the local aerospace industry and alliance partners.

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.

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.

State Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D., and Texas A&M Chancellor Sharp at ASCENDx Texas Conference (Above)

At BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee ,the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI) announced it would become the second tenant of NASA’s Exploration Park. (Right)

Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium

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 Training Technicians for Local Industries

See page 2 for a summary of the current technician training program.

Standing (l to r): Adriana Cruz, Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D., Rob Ambrose, Mark Welsh, Donna Shafer and Brian Freedman. Seated: Vanessa Wyche and John Sharp at lease signing for the Texas A&M Space Institute at Exploration Park (Above)

Mike Flores, LCDC, on “Responding to the Fentanyl Crisis” at BAHEP’s February Healthcare Committee Meeting (Above)

New Member Wine & Cheese Reception ( Above and left)

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 minority- and 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). 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 com-

munity, and to raise public awareness of the Space Program

Expanding SATOP Program to Reach Underserved Areas

SATOP is a successful statewide program 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 fund-

ing for SATOP for the FY2024-FY2025 biennium to expand the program to all regions in Texas with a focus on underserved areas such as the Rio Grande Valley.

SATOP is 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 engineering skills to provide technical solutions to the small businesses, startups,

and entrepreneurs.

Texas A&M University Engineering Capstone Design Program Assists Houston Startups

Through an agreement with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, SATOP offers small businesses and startups extensive 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 hands-on learning experience. The values to small businesses in this program are innovative designs, new manufacturing alternatives, and prototype development.

SATOP entered 11 small business and startup projects into the fall 2023 semester Capstone Design Program for design and prototyping of new, innovative products. The projects include medical products, consumer products, and a virtual reality environment. During the fall 2023 semester, the students completed the design phase for nine projects and completed prototypes for two of the projects. The nine design projects will have prototypes built during the spring 2024 semester.

Minority / Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) projects comprise 75 percent of the projects entered into the Capstone Design Program. The majority of these businesses are located in Southeast Texas.

Houston Startup Wins First Place in TAMU Virtual Project Showcase

A SATOP-sponsored Capstone project won first place overall among 109 teams and also won the Health Sector award in the Virtual Project Showcase. The winning project, named "Virtual Reality Cloud,"

was developed by Indigo Affect, a Houston -based MBE startup and SATOP client, and a team of three Texas A&M University senior Computer Engineering students.

The project is an interactive simulated classroom for educational and therapeutic purposes using Cloud-based Virtual Reality (VR) technology to create an immersive learning environment. The innovative use of Cloud-based technologies for streaming allows accessibility to the VR world without large, expensive, hardware thus opening VR opportunities to many people who could not previously afford it, especially in low income countries.

SATOP Manager Participates as Judge in TAMU Showcase

SATOP Program Manager Mark Mitchell participated as a judge in the Texas A&M University’s (TAMU) 2023 Fall Semester Virtual Project Showcase on Nov. 30, 2023, for the Engineering Capstone Program. Mitchell watched five prepared videos for specific Capstone projects and virtually judged each project according to TAMU’s judging rubric.

The Ion’s Cup of Joe-Y Highlights Startups

BAHEP President Brian Freedman, SATOP Director Bob Payne, SATOP Manager Mark Mitchell, Project Engineer Troy Morris, and Associate Project Engineer Marcela Barton participated in the Cup of Joe-Y monthly sessions at Space Center Houston. 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 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 non-profit incubator and accelerator for startups in the Houston Region.

SATOP Participates in Johnson

Space Center Small Business Council Fall Conference

SATOP Director Bob Payne and Associate Project Engineer Marcela Barton participated in the NASA Johnson Space Center Small Business Council Fall Conference on Nov. 1, 2023. The event hosted “matchmaking” sessions where companies met with each other for the purpose of networking and discovering one another’s industry roles and business opportunities. SATOP met with 10 companies and received interest from three companies to become an Alliance Partner. The seven remaining companies were either given resource referrals or were interested in receiving free technical assistance for their product development.

TAMU Aerospace Design Team Presents at BAHEP’s AAC Meeting

BAHEP hosted its monthly Aerospace Advisory Committee (AAC) meeting on Nov. 1, 2023. Prior to the meeting, SATOP collaborated with TAMU’s Aerospace Design Team to discuss promoting the student organization at the AAC meeting. The team gave a special presentation to more than 50 aerospace company executives. Topics discussed included the overall program and the team’s goals as well as additional information about the aerospace design competitions in which the students are competing. For those who were interested in attending, the team provided its upcoming competition schedule.

SATOP Participates in the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Connections Podcast

SATOP Director Bob Payne participated in the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (COC) Connections Podcast on Nov. 13, 2023. Payne discussed the SATOP program’s history, mission, recent funding increase, and various successful projects that have occurred since the inception of the program. The podcast will be released to over 200 members of Clear Lake Area COC and will also be published on the chamber’s YouTube channel.

SATOP Participates in ION District – Houston Startup Showcase

SATOP Director Bob Payne attended the Ion District’s Houston Startup Showcase on Nov. 15, 2023. The showcase’s attendees consisted of nine startups, seven startup development organizations, and three investor groups. The Ion District holds this

event periodically to give attendees the opportunity to explore companies and organizations that are leading the way to the future in Houston. Payne met with various startups to discuss the SATOP program and the ways it can help small businesses with technical problems.

SATOP Attends Texas A&M University’s Engineering Capstone Project Presentations

The SATOP team traveled to the Texas A&M University’s College Station campus on Dec. 1, 2023, to take part in the 12 engineering Capstone project presentations that SATOP co-sponsored. Nine of the Capstone teams presented their final designs. The other three Capstone teams presented their final academic prototypes, concluding their two-semester project. SATOP members attending were Bob Payne, program director; Mark Mitchell, program manager; and Troy Morris, project manager.

SATOP Requestor Meetings (Above)

SATOP UHCL Lunch & Learn Event (Above)

BAHEP at the Houston Rodeo with Texas A&M Faculty Members (Above)

Intuitive Machines CTO Tim Crain gives a review of history-making Nova-C Odysseus mission (Above)

Texas City La Marque Chamber of Commerce State of the Cities Luncheon (Below)

Houston Day Panel at Space Center Houston (Below)

BAHEP represented at ICSC Retail Trade Show in Dallas (2 Photos Above)

BAHEP’s February General Membership Meeting

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 2024 are shown in blue boldface.

Acadian Ambulance Service

ACMI Group / American Center for Manufacturing & Innova

ACU of Texas

ADACEN

AECOM

Aegis Aerospace, Inc.

The Aerospace Corporation

AeroSys, LLC

AEXA Aerospace, LLC

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

Alert Tech

All Points Logistics, LLC

Alvin Community College

American Acryl

American Heart Association

AMOCO Federal Credit Union

ARES Aerospace and Technology Services

Arrow Science and Technology, LLC

Aspell Services, Inc.

AssuredPartners

Aulds Media Holdings/i45NOW

AVERA Companies

Axient

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.

Battelle Memorial Institute

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

Membership

Bernard J. Roan Law Office

BMW-MINI OF CLEAR LAKE

The Boeing Company

Booz Allen Hamilton

Bowers & Sadler, LLP

The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc.

Burns & McDonnell

Capital Bank - Pasadena

Clear Creek Independent School District

CDS Community Development Strategies

CenterPoint Energy

Charles Schwab & Co.

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 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 CorporationHouston

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

DK's Dustbusters, Inc.

Draper Laboratory

DRDA, PLLC

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

EduSafe Systems, Inc.

Elizabeth Smith Life and Health

Energy Architecture, Inc.

Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) Partners

Express Employment Professionals

The Eye Clinic of Texas

Family Promise of Clear Lake

Fast Signs - Clear Lake

Felicis Properties, Inc.

Fogo de Chao Friendswood, LLC

Friendswood Chamber of Commerce

Friendswood ISD

Frost Bank

Galveston - Texas City Pilots

Galveston Bay Foundation

Galveston County Daily News

Galveston County Health District

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 Federal

Credit Union

Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc.

Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD)

Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP

Harris County Precinct 2

Summit Management Group

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 Pilots

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

JES Tech

JMK5 Holdings, LLC

Joiner Architects, Inc

Kaneka North America LLC

KBR

Keller Williams Realty Clear Lake

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

Kemah Boardwalk

Kindred Hospital Clear Lake

Kuraray America, Inc.

La Porte - Bayshore Chamber of Commerce

La Porte Independent School District

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)

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

New Horizon Strategies, LLC

Norman Frede Chevrolet

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Novium LTD

Oceaneering Space Systems, Inc.

One Stop Tents & Events

PAE

Pasadena Economic Development Corporation

Pasadena Independent School District

Pasadena Texas Chamber of Commerce

Paterson Consulting Partners LLC/PCP

Digital

Payne's Plants

PBK

Pearland Economic Development Corporation

Peraton

Perry's Restaurant Group

Powers Brown Architecture

Québec Delegation Houston

The Ray Tax Group

Rhodium Scientific

Rothe Development, Inc.

Royal Harbor Partners, LLC

Rutledge Commercial Real Estate

&K Global Solutions

Sage Commercial Group, LLC

San Jacinto College District

Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

Sante Fe ISD

Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Sea Star Base Galveston

Shriners Children's Texas

Sierra Space

Sophic Synergistics

South Belt Ellington Leader

South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce

South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Ctr.

Southwest Airlines Company

Sox Erosion Solutions

Space Center Houston

Space City Films, Inc.

SSCI Environmental & Consulting Services

Star Service, Inc.

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

Transwestern

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

W. Derrell Curry - Savills, Inc.

Waters Edge Venue

Welcome Group, LLC

Wellby Financial

Wells Fargo - Private Bank

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

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 cities and Harris and Galveston counties.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership sincerely thanks Harris County Precinct 2, and 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.