BUSINESS BRIEFS INS IDE THIS ISSUE:
Business Assistance Programs
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Marketing
5
Public Relations & Media Communications
6
Special Initiatives
6
Storm Surge Protection
6
Preserve NASA Funding Levels
7
Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium
7
Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program
8
Membership
9
Our Partners
12
V O L U M E
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N U M B E R
S U M M E R
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2
President’s Letter
Bob Mitchell
As a nation, we are faced with so many challenges which we share with the rest of the world. There are no easy solutions to these very difficult problems, but to stop trying paves the road to failure. “Failure is not an option” is the famous tag line from the 1995 movie Apollo 13. One of the very best things about living in this region is the “can do” attitude of the people. We’ve faced some pretty tough challenges such as: the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) possibility at Ellington Field, the cancellation of the Constellation program, the government shutdown, the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike, and the ramifications of the pandemic which have affected everyone everywhere. The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership worked with its many partners in business, industry, education, and government to find solutions to these challenges and many more. The effort in some instances has taken years to realize progress, but the wheels of progress continue to turn. I am incredibly proud of BAHEP and its members who are very active within the organization. The Aerospace Advisory Committee (AAC) and its Citizens for
Space Exploration (CSE) subcommittee have an amazing track record of accomplishment. The International Maritime Advisory Committee (IMAC) has been instrumental in advancing the cause of building a coastal spine to protect us from storm surge. The Political Protocol Committee works year-round to give the needs of the region a voice in Austin and to inform the rest of our members of those issues. The Small Business Committee has become an important resource for many. The Education and Workforce Development Committee has been working for years to understand the requirements of the region’s industries in order that a qualified workforce is readily available. The Healthcare Committee has been doing similar work in that field. Finally, our BAHEP Cares! Committee is doing a tremendous job assisting our veterans who are returning to civilian life. Even with all the daily challenges we face, there is much to be thankful for in Bay Area Houston.
Business Assistance Programs
EduSafe Systems, will draft the Council of Mayors Legislative Priorities point paper based on specific issues brought forth by the mayors. Some of the issues discussed include: (a) legislation in support of solutions to the region’s flooding and drainage issues and storm surge protection; (b) legislation that allows budget flexibility to be retained by cities versus state influence; (c) support for maintaining the use of tolls for highway funding and State Highway 99 (SH 99) as an evacuation route through Galveston, Brazoria,
Council of Mayors Discusses Multiple Issues During Meetings BAHEP conducted a Council of Mayors meeting on May 25, 2022. Following an update from each mayor on his respective city, the mayors discussed the Council of Mayors Legislative Priorities for the 88 th Legislative Session. Dr. Glenn Freedman, the council facilitator and president of
Kind regards,