2005 2015 Strategic Plan

The Houston regions economic future is tied to its ability to attract companies to
locate, expand and maintain their operations here, and for Houston area companies
to sell their products and services abroad and / or to operate overseas.
Chamber of Commerce Economic Development World Trade
Strategic Plan Table of Contents
2005 2015 Strategic Plan
Overview 5
Mission 12
MissionDirectives 17
Vision1 21
Vision2 31
Vision3 41
Vision4 49
Appendix 55
The10-yearstrategicplanbecomestheNorthStar.
This10-yearstrategicplanrequiresaninfusionofefort,consolidation,
collaborationandfocusonindustriesthatwillmakeHoustonabusiness
magnet,thusservingastheNorthStartoguidebusinessdevelopment.
Continuedandsustaineddevelopmentoftheseindustrieswillbringnewjobs,
establishnewareasofleadershipandattractnewtalent.This,inturn,willdrive
sustainedeconomicprosperityinthe10-countyregion.

Theplanservesthe10-countyregion.
Thisplanembracesnewideas.ItidentifesthePartnershipsjobasbringing
economicprosperitytothe10-countyregion.Thus, when referenced, Houston is
interpreted as encompassing and being the 10-county region.
ThisstrategicplanoutlinesthePartnershipsprimaryandoverarching
purposeinfourvisions,withtwooverarchingandmutuallysupportive
categoriesbusinessdevelopmentandpublicpolicythatwilldriveand
sustaineconomicgrowth.
TheNewNorthStarfortheComingDecade
20052015
ATrueSynthesisofRoles
Ithasbeen14yearssincetheGreaterHoustonPartnershipdevelopedastrategicplan.Duringthattimeperiod,thePartnershiphas
evolvedastheorganizationalumbrellaforwhathadbeenthreedistinctentitiesHoustonChamberofCommerce,HoustonEconomic
DevelopmentCouncilandtheHoustonWorldTradeAssociation.
This10-yearGreaterHoustonPartnershipstrategicplanoutlinesabold,butachievablevisionthatconsolidatesPartnershiprolesand
embracesonecompellingthemeBuildingEconomicProsperityintheHoustonRegion.
The North Star has traditionally been used to guide navigation. The Star itself is not fxedtherefore, the North Star refects whichever star is furthest to the north.
Janice Karin
Overview
5
BusinessDevelopment
Houstonseconomicprosperitywillbedrivenbynetjobcreation
andnewcapitalgenerated.
BusinessDevelopment
ThePartnershipwillactivelysupportandpromotebusinessdevelopment.We
willdevelopandimplementanaggressivemarketing/businessdevelopment
plantogrow600,000netregionaljobsand$60billionincapitalinvestment
bytheendof2015,therebyestablishingHoustonasaglobalbusinessmagnet.
Wewillachievethesegoalsincollaborationwithregionalbusinessleaders,
governmentalentitiesandinstitutions.
Houstonsexistingeconomywillthrive.Newbusinesseswillcome.
ThisplanrecognizesthatHoustonseconomywillexpandbasedondeveloping
unrivaledleadershipinkeybusinesssegmentsaerospace,alternative
energy,biotechnology,education,energy,entrepreneurialenterprises,health
care,informationtechnology,nanotechnologyandpetrochemicalthat
willenrichthebusinessesalreadyhereandattractnewtalenttodevelopthe
nextphaseofeconomicgrowth.Eachsegmentiscapableofsolidifyingand
expandingHoustonspresenceasaglobalbusinessmagnet.ThePartnership
willworkcloselywiththebusinesscommunitytodevelophigh-impact,high-
yieldprojectsthatwillcontributetojobgrowthandcapitalinvestmentinthe
targetedbusinesssegments.
Houstonwillleadasaglobalregion.Houstonsdiversitywillbeembraced.
Astheworldbecomesanincreasinglyglobalmarketplace,Houstonwill
capitalizeonitsnaturalassetsandthediversityofitsskilledworkforceto
proactivelyexpanditsstatureasaglobalbusinesshub.
Thecombinedforcesofmultimodaltransportationassets,thestrengthsofthe
regionsknowledgeworkersandtheinternationalleadershiprolethatHouston
alreadyplaysinthediplomaticandworldtradearenas,willbeshapedintoan
environmentthatputsHoustononthemapmuchmorevisiblyfroma
globalperspective.
PublicPolicy
Houstonspublicpolicywillcreateanidealenvironmentinwhich
todobusinessanditwillattractthetalentofthefuture.
PublicInfrastructure
ThePartnershipwillmakecertainthatpublicpolicyenablesandhelpssustaina
regionalinfrastructurethatwillsupportbusinessdevelopmentactivities.
Itwilldevelop,advocate,lobbyandpromotepoliciesthatsupport
infrastructuredevelopment.
ThisplanrecognizesthatHoustonmustbeontheforefrontofdeveloping
qualityofplaceinitiativesthatattracttoptalent.Ascompetitionfortalent
becomesfercerinthecomingdecade,Houstonwillbepreparedtowelcome
youngpeople,topknowledgeworkers,andotherskilledlaborersand
internationallyfocusedbusinessleadersforwhomqualityofplaceis
criticallyimportant.
Overview, continued
6
Clear,ambitiousgoalswilldefnepriorities.
ThisplanaddressestheneedforthePartnershiptoalignitselforganizationally
alongthelinesofbusinessdevelopmentandpublicpolicy.Byorganizingthis
way,thePartnershipwillmakecertainallactivitiessupportcleargoalsand
strategiesdesignedtoachievestatedobjectivesinbothareas.Thisalignment
alsoenablesthePartnershiptoprioritizeactivitiessayingyestosome
initiativesandnotoothersbaseduponsupportedPartnershipvisions
andgoals.
The10-yearplanwillattractnewsourcesofinvestment.
Thisplanwillrequiresignifcantnewsourcesoffundingandinvestment,anda
majorexpansionofourMembership.
AchievementofthisplanwillallowthePartnershiptolead,acceleratebusiness
development,achievepolicyfocusandtakefulladvantageofthenexteraof
opportunities.

TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillserveastheleaderand
convenerofideasandinitiativesthatsupporttheobjectivesoutlinedinthisstrategicplan.
Overview
7
JodieL.Jiles
2005Chairman
GreaterHoustonPartnership
ThePoweroftheRegion:
IgniteIdeas.AchieveNewLevels.
AsGreaterHoustonPartnershipChairmanoftheBoard,Iamconfdentthatwe
willfocusourefortsandmakeeconomicprosperitywithintheHoustonregion
ourcollectiveobjective.
Weareuniqueinthatwe,intheHoustonregion,haveahistoryoftakingit
tothenextlevel,whateverthechallenge.WhenpeopleinHoustonsee
potential,weattracttalent;wesolvetheunsolvable.Whetheritsbuilding
theAstrodome,theEighthWonderoftheWorld,orcreatinginnovationin
thefeldofhumanhearttransplants,Houstonisthebeaconthatcallstoand
illuminatesnewpossibilities.
OurchallengenowbecomesoneofaskingHowwilltheGreaterHouston
Partnershipbuildonitspastandstretchtowarddazzlingpossibilitiesfor
thefuture?
Ournexteraisaroundthecorner.TheHoustonregionispoisedtoshapeit,to
buildonourcommunitysdiversity,theresourcesofthePartnershipsMembers
andthoseofthelargerbusinesscommunity.Wearepositionedtoconsolidate
efortsandbecometheregionofchoiceforglobalbusiness,globaltalentand
collegegraduatesthenewgenerationofHoustonians,thebestintheworld.
Houstonscorestrengthisitsabilitytoembracediversity,welcomepeopleto
contribute,thinktrulybigthoughtsandrisetochallenges.
Throughthisstrategicplan,wewillachievedramaticresultsfortheregion.We
willignitetheimaginationofthetalenttogetusthere.Wewillcollaborate.We
willconvene,leadandgalvanizetheregionsstrengthstowardnewlevelsof
economicprosperity.Thisplanwillinspiretheregiontofocus,toinvestandto
participateinthenextlevel.
Bytheendof2015,wewillhavebroughtnewprosperitytotheHoustonregion.
What will the Houston region achieve if we focus
our eforts and make economic prosperity our
collective objective?
8
BruceLaBoon
Chairman
StrategicPlanningTaskForce
ANewProcessforAchievingConsensus
ANewVisionforCollaborationintheFuture
Thisdocumentstartedwiththequestion,Whatisthebestpathforbuilding
economicprosperityintheHoustonregionovercomingdecades?The
processbeganwithablankslate,nothingsetinstone.TheGreaterHouston
PartnershipBoardofDirectorsformedaStrategicPlanningTaskForcethat
synthesizedvisionsfromthecommunity,ideasfromothercommunitiesand
informationabouttheHoustonregionfromaglobalperspective.
Iwanttothankthecommitteememberswhoseworkisrefectedinthisplan.I
alsoacknowledgethestakeholdersandPartnershipstafwhogaveshapeto
ourthoughtsandchallengedthecommitteetoraisethebaronwhatwe
mightachieve.
Theprocesswasopenanddynamic.MembersofthePartnershipand
stakeholdersrepresentingvirtuallyeveryaspectoftheHoustonregionwere
askedtoprovideinput,includingorganizationssuchasthePortofHouston,
METRO,TexasMedicalCenterandchambersofcommercejusttonamea
few.Ourteaminterviewedrepresentativesofleadingindustries,government
entitiesandeducationalinstitutions.Wealsolookedoutward,toothercities
andregionswithintheUnitedStates,whoseenergyanddrivedistinguishthem
andpositionthemforthefuture.
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipsstrategicplanisntaboutthePartnership;
itsaboutagreaterHoustontodayandanevengreaterHoustontomorrow.This
documentinviteseveryonewhoreadsittobecomepartoftheteamtoachieve
ourvisions.
IwouldberemissifIdidnotexpresstwomorethings.First,Ihavebeen
honoredandprivilegedtoparticipateinthisprocessascommitteechairman.
Second,thisplanningprocesswouldnothavesucceededwithoutthe
outstandingadvice,supportandguidanceofAndreaKatesandStevenWalker
ofSUMAPartners.
JefMoseley
PresidentandCEO
GreaterHoustonPartnership
ACommonDirectionfortheComingDecade
Ithasbeen14yearssincetheGreaterHoustonPartnershipcraftedaformal
strategicvision.
Duringthesesame14years,somefeldssuchastraditionalmanufacturing
havebeentotallyredefned.Somebusinessforcessuchasglobalcommerce
haveshiftedsignifcantly.Manyopportunitiessuchasnanotechnologyhave
emergedasnewpossibilitiesforexploration.Wehaveattractedadiverse
communityoftalent,andthatisoneofourcorestrengths.And,wehave
createdanenvironmentthatisfertileforentrepreneurs.
ThisstrategicplanispredicatedonanewdefnitionofHoustonsplaceinthe
sun.Namely,thatwhatisgoodforHoustonasaregioniscloselylinkedtonew
competitiverealitiesontheglobalplayingfeld.
Theplanwillhelpdrivetheregiontowardsomecommondirectionsthatwill
leadthechargeforvitalityinthebusinesscommunity.Thevisionsinthis
strategicplanrefectaspiritofbuildingoncurrentstrengths,butreachwitha
clearsenseofpurposetowardprioritiesthatwillseizetheopportunitiesthatlie
inthefuture.
ThisplandemandsthatweusenewtoolstoolsthatgiveHoustontheinside
trackinaglobalraceforexcellence,toolsthatcostmoney.Thisplanlaysthe
frameworkforusingthosetoolsandchallengesustoraisethenecessaryfunds.
Attheendofthecomingdecade,wewillallbeabletolookbacktotheideas
refectedinthisstrategicplanthatcapturedourimaginationsandseeanew
faceofHoustonyoungpeopleandnewindustrieseagertomovehere,
renewedvitalityinourcoreindustries,aleadingpositionintheglobalarena.
Letusembraceacommondirectiontogether.
9
The timing is perfect for a call to action. The Houston region knows that when we
marshal our resources and focus our assets, we have incredible collective power. The
diversity of our community, the talent we bring to the table now and the new people
that we attract will drive our success over the next 10 years and beyond.
MissionTheGreaterHoustonPartnershipistheprimaryadvocateofHoustonsbusiness
communityandisdedicatedtobuildingregionaleconomicprosperity.
Business Development
Via Marketing
(Role: Economic Development, World Trade)
Economic
Prosperity
Public Policy
Via Advocacy
(Role: Community and Workforce Development)
12
Build Economic Prosperity in the Houston Region
MissionFocusEconomicProsperityintheHoustonRegion20052015
Vision1 BusinessMagnet

TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasabusiness
magnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHoustonandcapitalizeon
corestrengthsandresources.
Vision2GatewaytoGlobalMarkets

TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionastheleading
gatewaytoglobalmarkets.
Vision3InfrastructurethatSetsHoustonApart
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureand
businessenvironmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplaceforbusiness.
Vision4PublicPolicythatPlacesHoustonintheTopFourU.S.RegionsforBusiness
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillbetheaggressivedriveroflocal,regional,stateandfederalpublicpolicy
thatmakesHoustononeofthetopfourregionsintheUnitedStatesforbusiness.
1
2
3
4
13
Houston needs local leadership to set vision and future direction. Strategic planning
must focus on a series of goals that lead to the accomplishment of this vision. Before
starting a journey we have to know where we are going.
Business Development
Via Marketing
(Role: Economic Development, World Trade)
Economic
Prosperity
Public Policy
Via Advocacy
(Role: Community and Workforce Development)
16
MissionTheGreaterHoustonPartnershipistheprimaryadvocateofHoustonsbusiness
communityandisdedicatedtobuildingregionaleconomicprosperity.
Mission Directive 1
Vision1BusinessMagnet
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasabusiness
magnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHoustonandcapitalizeon
corestrengthsandresources.
1
Goals
1EstablishtheGreaterHoustonPartnershipastheregionalleaderand
facilitatorofbusinessinterests

2 Createnationallyrecognizedcentersofexcellence,innovativeprojects
andtargetinginitiativesinaerospace,alternativeenergy,biotechnology,
education,energy,entrepreneurialenterprises,healthcare,information
technology,nanotechnologyandpetrochemical
3 Developandimplementanaggressivemarketingandbusiness
developmentplantogrow600,000netregionaljobsand$60billionin
capitalinvestmentbytheendof2015
Createnewjobs,attractnewbusinessesandbuildincreasedrevenuesforMembercompaniesand
futurebusinessinterests
Vision2GatewaytoGlobalMarkets
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfaciliateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionastheleading
gatewaytoglobalmarkets.
2
Goals
1EstablishHoustonasoneofthetopfourinternationaltraderegionsin
theUnitedStates
2 Increaseforeigntradeintheregionto$225billionoverthenext
10years
3 Developandimplementaplantosubstantiallyincreasedirectforeign
investmentintheregionbytheendof2015
17
Business Development
Via Marketing
(Role: Economic Development, World Trade)
Economic
Prosperity
Public Policy
Via Advocacy
(Role: Community and Workforce Development)
18
MissionTheGreaterHoustonPartnershipistheprimaryadvocateofHoustonsbusiness
communityandisdedicatedtobuildingregionaleconomicprosperity.
Mission Directive 2
Vision3InfrastructurethatSetsHoustonApart

TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureand
businessenvironmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplaceforbusiness.
3
Goals
1AggressivelyengageHoustonsbusinessandeducationleadersinlocal,
regionalandfederalinitiativesrelatedtoinfrastructure
2 Developandfacilitatetheimplementationofaninfrastructure
planthat:
a.promotesandfundsspecialprojectsthatbuildqualityofplace
b.fostersHoustonasaregionofchoiceforemployersandemployees
Advocacyonbehalfofmembershipandfuturebusinessinterests
Vision4PublicPolicythatPlacesHoustonintheTopFourU.S.RegionsforBusiness

TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillbetheaggressivedriveroflocal,regional,stateandfederalpublicpolicy
thatmakesHoustononeofthetopfourregionsintheUnitedStatesforbusiness.
4
Goals
1Leadthestateindrivingbusiness-focusedpublicpolicythatfosters
economicdevelopment
2 EstablishtheGreaterHoustonPartnershipastheregionalfacilitator
toaddressissues,andthedriverandsupporterofpoliciesthatgrow
businessandincreaseforeigntrade
3 Aggressivelyadvocate,lobbyandpromotepoliciesandlegislationthat
positiontheregionsbusinesscommunityasanationaland
globalleader
4 Initiateandenhancecollaborationwithotherorganizationsandkey
stakeholderstopromoteanddeveloppublicpolicy
19
Vision 1 Business Magnet
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregion
asabusinessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiatives
thatdiferentiateHoustonandcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasa
businessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHouston
andcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
Vision1
Vision 1 Houston as a Business Magnet
Goals
1 EstablishtheGreaterHoustonPartnershipastheregionalleaderandfacilitatorofbusinessinterests
2 Createnationallyrecognizedcentersofexcellence,innovativeprojectsandtargetedinitiativesinaerospace,alternative
energy,biotechnology,education,energy,entrepreneurialenterprises,healthcare,informationtechnology,nanotechnology
andpetrochemical
3 Developandimplementanaggressivemarketingandbusinessdevelopmentplantoproduce600,000netregionaljobsand$60
billionincapitalinvestmentbytheendof2015
Evaluatetrends
Examinetheregionscurrentleadingindustriesandcreatespecifc
strategiestoachieveourgoalfornetjobgrowth.Createaformalsystem
forincorporatingnewindustriesintothestrategy
CreateprogramsthatdemonstratethevalueoftheGreaterHouston
PartnershiptoMembersandprospects
Increaserevenuesandopportunitiesforcompanies(Membersand
prospects)intheregion
Buildoncorecompetenciesthatattractnewbusinessestotheregion
Identifyandsupportspecifcinitiativesinindustriesthatareprimed
forgrowthasdeterminedbymarketdemand,economicopportunities,
breakthroughresearchandcriticalmassoftalent
Developconsistentmessagingandproactivecommunications
initiatives
Promotespecifcinitiativesbyhighlightingopportunitiesand
advancementswithineachindustrysegmenttocompaniesand
organizations,nationallyandglobally
Objectives
TheStrategicPlanningTaskForceachievedconsensusonthefollowingobjectives:
23
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasa
businessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHouston
andcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
Vision1
Te Five Key Elements to Becoming a Business Magnet
Element1 Buildoncoreindustryconcentrations
Element2 Attractandretainastrongtalentpool
Element3 Stayaheadofgrowthtrends
Element4 Proactivelyseekoutbusiness
developmentopportunities
Element5 CommunicateHoustonsuniquepositioning
Centersofexcellence,innovativeprojects
andtargetedinitiatives:
ThePartnershipwillleadandfacilitate
projectsincoreindustriesthatwillattract
newjobsandcapitalinvestmenttothe
region.Researchofnational,stateand
regionalindustryclusterswilldrive
selectioncriteria.
We should establish our reputation as the best place in America to grow business, including
small and minority enterprises. We need a strategic plan that will direct us forward then enlist
the support of those willing and capable of doing their part to turn the plan into reality.
25
3,000
2,900
2,800
1
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9
5
2
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1
5
2
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1
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2
0
0
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2
0
0
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2,700
2,600
2,500
2,400
2,300
2,200
2,100
2,000
1,900
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HoustonRegionalEmployment
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasa
businessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHouston
andcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
Vision1
Element1BuildonCoreIndustryConcentrations

Houstonishometoadiverseanddynamicindustrialbasethatwillpropeltheregiontotheforefrontinthe21st
century.WewillidentifykeyindustrieswhereHoustonmaylayclaimtoauniquesetofbusinessassetsthatdrive
focusedefortstobuildcentersofexcellence,createinnovativeprojectsanddeveloptargetedinitiativesthat
willbuildrevenuesandattracttalent.
A AerospaceSinceJohnsonSpaceCenter(JSC)openedmorethan40years
ago,theaerospaceindustryhasmaintainedacommandingpresencein
theHoustonregion.OneofNASAslargestR&Dfacilities,JSCmanagesthe
design,developmentandassemblyoftheInternationalSpaceStation.Italso
ishometothespaceshuttleprogramoperationsandmanagement;itserves
asNASAsleadcenterforlifesciencesresearchandapplications;itcontrols
humanspacefights;anditisintegraltoimplementingtheVisionforSpace
Exploration.Keyenablingtechnologiesinareassuchasmaterials,lifesciences,
propulsion,electronicsandenergystoragearedevelopedatJSCthrough
industrycollaborationandarereadilytransferredtoahostofindustries
throughouttheregionandaroundtheworld.
B AlternativeEnergyWithin the Houston region, extensive research and WithintheHoustonregion,extensiveresearchand
developmentisunderwayondevelopingenergysourcesthatarenotbasedon
theburningoffossilfuelsorthesplittingofatoms(e.g.,solar,geothermal,wind,
tides,hydroelectricandhydrogenfuelcells).Renewedinterestinthisfeld
comesfromthelong-rangeefectsofgreenhousegasemissions,produced
throughtheburningoffossilfuelsandfromenergywastebyproducts.The
Partnershipisworkingwithareaorganizationstodevelopanddemonstrate
advancedhydrogenandfuelcelltechnologiestoreduceournations
dependenceonoil,improveourairqualityandmaintainour
economiccompetitiveness.
C BiotechnologyThe Houston region is a research powerhouse, with TheHoustonregionisaresearchpowerhouse,with
leadershipinfvelifescienceareas:bio-defenseandinfectiousdisease,
cardiovascularmedicine,genetics/genomics,nanotechnologyandoncology.
BioHouston,anofspringoftheGreaterHoustonPartnership,servesasa
catalyst,bringingtogetherpeopleinthecommercial,service,governmental,
academicandentrepreneurial/venturecapitalsectorstopromotecollaboration
andcreationofnewcompanies.Theregionsgoalistocreateanenvironment
thatwillstimulatetechnologytransferandresearchcommercialization,thereby
generatingeconomicwealthandmakingHoustonaglobalcompetitorinlife
sciencecommercialization.
D Education The Census Bureaus 2004 American Community Survey TheCensusBureaus2004AmericanCommunitySurvey
showedthat29.0percentofadultsinourregionhaveabachelorsdegreeor
higher,versus27.0percentnationwide.Houstonsabilitytoretainandattract
awell-educatedandskilledworkforceisdirectlylinkedtotheintellectualand
innovativetalentworkingintheregion.FromNobellaureateinstructorsat
RiceUniversitytocutting-edgeresearchersateliteinstitutionssuchasNASAs
JohnsonSpaceCenter,TexasMedicalCenter,TheJamesA.BakerIIIInstitutefor
PublicPolicy,etc.Houstonhasacompetitiveedgeforthecomingdecade.
TheindustrysectorsidentifedbytheStrategicPlanningTaskForceandcommunitystakeholdersincludeaerospace,alternativeenergy,
biotechnology,education,energy,entrepreneurialenterprises,healthcare,informationtechnology,nanotechnologyandpetrochemical.

ThefollowingisasummaryofstrengthsthatHoustonbringstoeachofthese10sectors:
26
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasa
businessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHouston
andcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
Vision1
E EnergyThe Houston region is the U.S. energy headquarters and work TheHoustonregionistheU.S.energyheadquartersandwork
centerforvirtuallyeverysegmentofthepetroleumindustry.Forty-seven
percentofHoustonseconomicbaseemploymentisenergyrelated.The
morethan3,600energy-relatedestablishmentslocatedwithintheregion
includenearly600explorationandproductionfrms,morethan170pipeline
transportationestablishmentsandhundredsofmanufacturersandwholesalers
ofenergy-sectorproducts.Theregionsstrengthsrangefromthecapability
tobuildandmanufacturestructuresandequipmentneededtodevelop
andproduceenergytotheknowledgemanagementandintellectualcapital
requiredtosupportandsupplytheworldsfutureenergyneeds.Houston
hasthelargestconcentrationofhumancapitalandinfrastructureforenergy
research,developmentandproductioninthenation.
F EntrepreneurialEnterprisesEvidenced by more than 5,000 small Evidencedbymorethan5,000small
businessesandfueledbyacandoattitudeofitsbusinessownersand
inhabitants,entrepreneursthriveintheregion.Adynamiceconomy,
well-developedinformationtechnologysector,talentedworkforce,business-
friendlyenvironment,lowcostsofliving,easeofdoingbusinessandan
outstandingqualityoflifecreateanenvironmentsupportiveofnewstart-ups.
Entrepreneurswillhelptobuildtheregionaleconomy.
G HealthCareThere are a wealth of medical facilities in the Houston region, ThereareawealthofmedicalfacilitiesintheHoustonregion,
andmanyarelocatedintheTexasMedicalCenterthelargestcollection
ofhealthcarefacilitiesandacademicmedicalinstitutionsintheworld.
Themedicalcenterservesmorethan5millionpatientseachyear.Itsthree
universitieshaveresearchbudgetstotalingmorethan$600millionperyear,
includingnationallyrecognizedclinicalresearchprograms.And,therehasbeen
arecentexpansionofhigh-technologyresearchinareassuchasthehuman
genomeproject,biomedicalimaging,nanotechnology,protontherapy,adult
stemcelltransplantationandtransgenicmurinemodelsofhumandisease.
H InformationTechnologyThe Houston metropolitan areas strong TheHoustonmetropolitanareasstrong
informationtechnologyindustrysupportsinnovation,businessdevelopment
andanentrepreneurialculture,anditissustainedbynumerous
communications,dataprocessingandsoftwarepublishingservices,and
computerandelectronicsmanufacturingfrms.Theregionishometomore
than300softwaredevelopmentcompanies,morethan350establishments
providingtelecommunicationsservicesandmorethan100providingon-line
dataservices.Additionally,Houstonsabilitytokeeppacewiththetechnical
breakthroughsintheinformationtechnologysectormakesitoneoftheprime
hubsforadvancementanddevelopment.
I NanotechnologyHouston is the birthplace of nanotechnology, the worlds Houstonisthebirthplaceofnanotechnology,theworlds
leadingcenterforthestudyofBuckyballsandBuckytubes,andthedestination
oftwoofthethreeNobelprizesawardedthusfarinthisrapidlyemerging
feld.HoustonsprestigiousRiceUniversityhousesTheCenterforNanoscale
ScienceandTechnologyaswellasTheCenterforBiologicalandEnvironmental
Nanotechnology.And,fvemajorresearchinstitutionsoftheTexasMedical
CenterhaveformedtheAllianceforNanoHealth,thefrstcollaborativeresearch
endeavorbridgingthegapsbetweenmedicine,biology,materialssciences,
publicpolicyandnanotechnology.
J PetrochemicalThe Texas Gulf Coast has a crude operable capacity of 3.53 TheTexasGulfCoasthasacrudeoperablecapacityof3.53
millionbarrelsofrefnedpetroleumproductspercalendarday.Thisis6.2
percentoftheTexastotaland22.percentoftheU.S.total.TheHoustonMSA
hasmorethan30chemicalmanufacturingestablishments,withaggregate
employmentexceeding34,200.TheHouston-GulfCoastregionhasnearly
40percentofthenationsbasepetrochemicalsmanufacturingcapacityand
dominatesU.S.productionofthreemajorresinspolyethylene(3.7percent
U.S.capacity);polypropylene(4.4percentU.S.capacity);andpolyvinyl
chloride(35.9percentU.S.capacity).
We see Houston as a vibrant, visionary, community, technologically advanced, with the infrastructure to
design, create and develop integrated products and services that build life-enhancing experiences for citizens
across the region and around the world.
Greater Houston Partnership Technology Infrastructure Task Force
27
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasa
businessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHouston
andcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
Vision1
Element2AttractandRetainaStrongTalentPool

Ittakespeopletomakeindustrywork.Talentedpeopleareattherootofeconomicsuccessandresulting
competitiveadvantagesthattheHoustonregionenjoys.Knowledgeworkersareourfuture.
TheTexasWorkforceCommissionforecaststhatemployment(includingself-
employed)intheGulfCoastWorkforceDevelopmentAreawillgrowby41,900,
or1.7percent,between2002and2012.Ofthisgrowth,37.7percentwillbe
inmanagement,business,fnance,professionalandscientifcoccupations
occupationsforwhichabachelorsdegreeormoreadvancededucation
isprerequisite.
In2004,only29.0percentoftheregionsadultpopulationheldatleasta
bachelorsdegree,accordingtotheCensusBureau.Theneedtoincreasethe
numberofpeoplewithcollegedegreesthroughmigration,increasedaccess
tohighereducationorbothismanifest.
28
2002
Management/Business/Finance
25,00010.0%
Professional/Scientifc
49,05019.0%
Business&PersonalServices
46,4001.2%
Sales
274,45010.7%
Ofce/AdministrativeSupport
11,65016.2%
Farming/Fishing/Forestry
11,6500.5%
Construction/Installation
302,60011.7%
Production/Transportation/MaterialsMoving
355,15013.%
2,575,750100.0%
2012
Management/Business/Finance
30,5010.6%
Professional/Scientifc
619,70027.1%
Business&PersonalServices
604,7502.3%
Sales
316,400.7%
Ofce/AdministrativeSupport
456,250.3%
Farming/Fishing/Forestry
12,5000.2%
Construction/Installation
353,35010.5%
Production/Transportation/MaterialsMoving
35,506.4%
3,057,650100.0%
CHANGE20022012
Management/Business/Finance
50,5019.7%
Professional/Scientifc
130,65026.7%
Business&PersonalServices
136,35029.1%
Sales
41,95015.3%
Ofce/AdministrativeSupport
39,009.6%
Farming/Fishing/Forestry
507.3%
Construction/Installation
50,75016.%
Production/Transportation/MaterialsMoving
30,700.6%
TOTAL
41,9001.7%
EmploymentGrowthbyOccupation2002-2012
GulfCoastWorkforceDevelopmentArea*
*DefnedasAustin,Brazoria,Chambers,Colorado,FortBend,Galveston,
Harris,Liberty,Matagorda,Montgomery,Walker,WallerandWhartoncounties.
Source:TexasWorkforceCommission,2004
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasa
businessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHouston
andcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
Vision1
ThekeytobecomingabusinessmagnetistoensuretheHoustonregions
currentstrongeconomiccapabilitiesarecloselylinkedtofuturetrends.
ThePartnershipmustimplementaprocessformonitoringchangesin
economic,regulatoryandcompetitivedriversbasedonindependent,
objectivemetrics.Economicandindustrytrendswilldrivethedirection
takenbyHoustonscentersofexcellence,innovativeinitiativesand
exceptionalenterprises.
ThisprojectwaslaunchedbytheStateofTexastoidentifyitseconomicdevelopmentopportunities.
Thereportoutlinedspecifcstrategiesformaximizinggrowthinavarietyofindustryclusters,by
region.ThefollowingfndingsaredirectlyrelevanttoHoustonsfuture.
Houstonsuniquestrengths,asoutlinedintheStatesreport,includethefollowing:
Advancedtechnologiesacrossmultiplemarketsaerospace,energy,informationtechnology,
medicalandnanotechnology
Logisticshubairports,broadband,highways,informationtechnologyandports
Centerfordistributionandsupplychainfulfllment
Source:EnginesoftheTexasEconomy,2005
Thefollowingemergingbusinessindustries
representpotentialapplicationsthattrackwith
projectedgrowthtrends:
The Texas Industry Cluster Initiative
Cybersecurity
Homelandsecurity
Logistics/supplychainsolutions
Nanotechnology
Newprocessesinrefningandchemicals
Personalizedhealthinformation
RFIDsmartcards
Supercomputing
Wirelessapplications

Source:EnginesoftheTexasEconomy,2005
29
Element3StayAheadofGrowthTrends

Futureindustrytrendsarenotthesameasthecurrentsnapshot.Houstonsfuturedependsuponcapitalizingon
growingmarketsandtransformingourcurrentresourcesintohigh-yieldinitiativesby2015.
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionasa
businessmagnet.ThePartnershipwillsupportandpromotevisibleinitiativesthatdiferentiateHouston
andcapitalizeoncorestrengthsandresources.
Vision1
ACreateawarenessandencouragerelevantorganizationsand
companiestobeginusingHoustonasafocalpointfortheiractivities
inthosesegments
B Encouragecommitmentoffnancialandhumanresourcesbykey
businessdecision-makerstotheHoustonregion
CEnableMembersandprospectstobuildeconomicprosperity(jobsand
revenues)viastrong,focusedmessaging
DPositionHouston(ascomparedwithotherregions)asthemarketleader
inourtargetedindustries
E Stronglycommunicatethequalityofplaceissuesthatsupport
theworkforceofthefuturetobusinessdecision-makersand
potentialemployees
RealPerCapitaPersonalIncome
Thegoalistogrowrealpercapita
incomeby2.7percentperyear,
exceedingthecompoundannual
growthrateof1.94percentrecorded
from1969to2003.
1969 1974 1979 194 199 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
C
o
n
s
t
a
n
t

2
0
0
4

D
o
l
l
a
r
s

p
e
r

Y
e
a
r

BEAEstimate Projected+2.7%CAGR
30
Element4ProactivelySeekOutBusinessDevelopmentOpportunities

TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillinitiateanaggressivebusinessdevelopmenteforttoensurethatthe
Houstonregiondevelopsapowerfulglobalpresence.Acomprehensivemarketingcampaignwillbedeveloped
andimplementedtocommunicatethevirtuesofdoingbusinessintheHoustonregion.Thisefortwillfocus
oncommunicatingthebusinessadvantagesemanatingfromthegrowthopportunitiesenvisionedwithinthe
centersofexcellence.
Element5CommunicateHoustonsUniquePositioning

TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillcreateandimplementafocusedcommunicationsandmarketing
campaign,directedtobusinessdecision-makers,bothnationallyandglobally.
Vision 2 Gateway to Global Markets
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablish
theHoustonregionastheleadinggatewaytoglobalmarkets.
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionas
theleadinggatewaytoglobalmarkets.
Vision2
Vision 2 Gateway to Global Markets
Goals
1EstablishHoustonasoneofthetopfourinternationaltraderegionsintheUnitedStates
2Increaseregionalforeigntradeto$225billionoverthenext10years
3Developandimplementaplantosubstantiallyincreasedirectforeigninvestmentintheregionbytheendof2015
Objectives
TheStrategicPlanningTaskForceachievedconsensusonthefollowingobjectives:
MeasureHoustonagainstglobalcompetitors
Incorporateattributesthatdefneaglobalregioninto
ourbenchmarking
Galvanizestrengthsthroughcollaboration
FacilitatecoordinationofassetstoportrayHoustonasaninternational
hubforcommerce(regionalportsandairports,I-69Corridor,
infrastructure,talent,internationalresidents,industryleadership,etc.)
CollaboratewiththeHoustonAirportSystemtobecomeoneofthetop
10largestinternationalpassengergatewaysintheUnitedStates
IncreasethePortofHoustonscontainerizedshippingrankingtooneof
thetopfourintheUnitedStates
IncreaseHoustonsConsularCorpsrankingtonumberoneinthecountry
Pursuehighlyvisibleinternationalcommerceinitiatives
Implementabusinessdevelopmentandmarketingcampaign
Developandimplementanaggressiveinternationalbusiness
developmentandmarketingcampaigntargetedatspecifcinternational
pointsoforiginthatareidentifedassignifcantinternationaltradeand
investmentsourcesalignedwithourcentersofexcellence
Createawarenessaboutthecapabilitiesoftheregionalportsand
airports,theI-69Corridor,theregionalrailroadinfrastructureandother
regionalentrypoints
Informglobaldecision-makersabouttheregionsadvantagesasa
destinationareacapableofglobaldistribution
We will establish ourselves as the international trade portal, with strong links to Central and South
America, India, China and Mexico. We will capitalize on our strengths and continue to diversify our
business base.
33
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionas
theleadinggatewaytoglobalmarkets.
Vision2
Globalizationisaneconomicphenomenon,anditsimpacthasrevolutionizedbusinessesintheHoustonregion.Houstonsroleasa
businessmagnetoferstremendousopportunitiestostrengthenandexpandregionalcommerceintheglobalmarketplace.
TherecommendationistoselectkeyindustrieswhereHoustonmaylayclaimto
auniquesetofbusinessassetsandcompetitiveadvantages.Thenwewilldrive
focusedefortstocentersofexcellence,createinnovativeprojectsanddevelop
targetedinitiativesthatwillfuelinternationalcommerceandrevenuesand
attracttalent.
Onelookatthestatisticsonforeigntradeleadstotheconclusionthatthisisone
ofthechiefdriversoftheregionseconomy.A2001Partnershipstudyestimated
that3percentofthejobsinthemetropolitanareaaresupporteddirectlyor
indirectlybyinternationalbusiness.
Houstonsexistinginternationalinfrastructure,includingthePort,thepotential
ofafreight/raildistrict,theI-69Corridor,theHoustonAirportSystemandthe
Internet,isthefoundationforfutureprosperity.Thisfoundationenablesthe
Houstonregiontodevelopintooneoftheworldspre-eminentinternational
commercecenters.
ThePartnershipwillcollaboratewithbusinessleaders,governmententitiesandorganizationstoincreaseglobalcommerce.
ValueofForeignTrade
IncreaseforeigntradepassingthroughHoustonoverthenext10years
250
$

B
i
l
l
i
o
n
s
Source:WorldInstituteofStrategicEconomicResearch
1992
$39.2billion
200
150
100
50
0
93 95 97 99 01 03 05 07 09 11 13 15
2004
$104.6billion
2015
$225billion
PortofHoustonForeignTonnage
Increaseforeigntonnageby20percentbytheendof2015
250
T
o
n
s

(
0
0
0
.
0
0
0
)
200
150
100
50
0
1990 1994 199 2002 2006 2010 2014
Actual
Goal
Trend
34
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionas
theleadinggatewaytoglobalmarkets.
Vision2
1 OverviewIn2004,Texasrankedfrstamongthestatesinvalueof
merchandiseexports.HoustonexportstotheAmericasrepresented
3percentofitstotalexports.Between1991and2004,thetotaldollar
valueofHouston-Galvestoncustomsexportsandimportsalmost
tripled.In2004,theHouston-Galvestoncustomsdistrictrankedas
thesixth-largestexporterbydollarvalueinthenation,withnearly
$40billioninexports.Therearemorethan3,000Houstonareafrms,
foreigngovernmentofcesandnonproftorganizationsinvolvedin
internationalbusiness.Nearly470Houstonfrmswithsubsidiariesin
129countries,andmorethan600frmsinHoustonreporthavingforeign
ownership.Oftheworlds100largestnon-U.S.-basedcorporations,at
least51haveoperationsinHouston.
2 InternationalgovernmentalrepresentationMorethan0nations
haveconsularofcesintheregion,rankingtheHoustonConsularCorps
amongthenationslargest.Atleast42foreigngovernmentsmaintain
tradeandcommercialofceshere.Between1992and2004,thenumber
ofconsulatesinHoustonincreasedbyalmost50percent.Houston
representsthethird-largestconsularcorpsintheUnitedStates,behind
NewYorkandLosAngeles.
3 InternationalpopulationMorethan1millionHoustonians(more
thanoneinfve)areforeign-born.Thesteadyriseinimmigration
supportsHoustonspositionasaninternationalcenter.Theregions
numberofforeign-bornalmostdoubledbetween1990and2003.Major
employersoftheHoustonareaareinternationalinscope.Employees
ofthesecompaniesaretransferredinternationally,bringingbackwith
themknowledgeandexperienceofcompetingabroad.
4 SupportforInternationalismTheWorldEnergyCitiesPartnership
(WECP),anorganizationcomprisedof14internationalmember-cities,
hasnamedthePartnershipasitsPermanentSecretariat.WECPs
forumencouragescityadministrationstoexchangeexpertise
andexperienceinthepetroleumindustryandineconomicand
infrastructuredevelopmentstrategies,withtheemphasisoneconomic
andbusinessdevelopment.
ThefollowingisasummaryofstrengthsthatHoustonbringstointernationalcommerce:
The World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP)
encouragescitieswithenergy-basedeconomiesto:
provideaworldwidenetworkofindustrysupportservices
andresources;
facilitatetrademissionsforlocalbusinessestotraveltomember
citiesandcapitalizeonbusinessdevelopmentopportunities
provideinformation,liaisonsandsupporttoprospective
frmsinterestedininvestmentandbusinessopportunities,in
ordertofacilitateaccesstoeachothersmarkets;and
shareexperiencesandcontactsandprovidesupportforeach
otherintacklingcommonindustryissues.
GreaterHoustonPartnershipafliate
Globalization and World Cities Ranking
1. London
2. Paris
3. NewYork
4. Tokyo
5. Chicago
6. Frankfurt
7. HongKong
. LosAngeles
9. Milan
10.Singapore
Houstonmustbeonthislistby2015.
Source:GlobalizationandWorldCitiesRoster,1999
35
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionas
theleadinggatewaytoglobalmarkets.
Vision2
International Multimodal Transportation Hub
Fromitsfounding,Houstonhasbeenknownastheplacewheretherailroadsmeetthesea.Fromthesebeginnings,Houstonhasgrown
anddevelopedaworld-class,multimodaltransportationsystemservinginter-regionalandinternationaltrafc.Astheeconomicengineof
thestate,Houstonhasdevelopedintoamajorinternationaltransportationhub.
SurfaceTransportation
TheGreaterHoustonregionhasoneofthemostextensiveanddynamic
roadwayandtransitnetworksinthecountry.Theregioncontinuestoplanfor
signifcantsystemgrowthtomeetthedemandsofagrowingpopulationand
businesscommunity.Roadwaytrafcisprojectedtogrowfrom125million
vehiclemilestraveledperdayin2002to21millionvehiclemilestraveled
perdayby2025.Tomeetthischallenge,$65billioninroadwayandtransit
improvementsareplanned.Thisinvestmentisforecastedtoresultina60
percentreductioninfuturecongestion,eventhoughtheregionwillbeadding
approximately3millionadditionalresidents.Theregionalsoisinvestingin
maximizingtheefciencyofthesurfacetransportationsystembyimproving
travelersafety,movingvehiclesthatblocktravellanesandsynchronizingtrafc
signalsformoreefcienttrafcprogression.
SeaPorts
ThePortofHoustonisthesixth-largestportintheworldandthesecond
largestintheUnitedStates.Itranksfrstnationallyinforeigntonnage.
Exponentialgrowthisforecast.ThePortsBarboursCutterminalhandles
morethan90percentofTexaswaterbornecontainershippingmarket,with
0percentofthosecontainersaccessingthePortviatheregionsroadways.
SignifcantinvestmentinthePortsnewBayportContainerTerminalwilltriple
thePortscontainercapacity.
ThePortofGalvestonishometoagrowingcruiselinebusiness.Itownsand
operatesfor-hirepublicwharves,transitsheds,openandcoveredstorage
facilities,warehousesandfreight-handlingfacilities.ThePortofTexasCityis
thelargestprivatepetrochemicalportintheUnitedStatesandranksasthe
eighth-largestportinthecountry.BothportsarelocatedinGalvestonCounty.
PortFreeport,locatedinBrazoriaCounty,isthe12th-largestportinthe
UnitedStatesintermsoftonnage.Ithasa400-foot-wide,45-foot-deep
channelandmorethan7,500acresavailablefordevelopment,including1,400
environmentallymitigatedacres.
RegionalAirports
Thereare12TexasAirportSystemPlan(TASP)airportslocatedwithinthe
region.Thisincludesthreeairportsthatservecommercialtrafcandnine
generalandprivateaviationfacilities.Additionally,therearemanyother
privateairfeldsorairparkslocatedthroughouttheregionthatserveprivate
companiesandindividuals.
TheHoustonAirportSystem,comprisingGeorgeBushIntercontinental
Airport(IAH),WilliamP.HobbyAirportandEllingtonField,isamajorfactor
intheregionalandstateeconomies.TheSystemisresponsibleformorethan
$billionineconomicactivityannually,anditgeneratesmorethan90,000
jobsfortheregion.IAH,theSystemsprimaryaircargofacility,canhandle
30milliontonsofcargoamonth,andrecentlyopenedanew$125millionair
cargofacilitycontaining550,000squarefeetofstoragespaceforprocessing
anddistribution.
FreightRail
Houstonisacriticallinkforfreightmovementduetotherapidgrowthof
thePortofHoustonandincreasedtraderesultingfromNAFTA.Regional
stakeholdersareworkingtogethertodevelopacomprehensiveplanof
short-andlong-rangeimprovements,includingtheultimatedevelopmentofa
high-speed,high-capacityloopthatcouldbypasscongestedareas.
36
The Greater Houston Partnership will lead and facilitate initiatives that establish the Houston region as
the leading gateway to global markets.
Vision 2
NORTH
HOUSTON
Port of
Houston
Bush
Intercontinental
Airport
Ellington
Airport
Hobby
Airport
Houston
Ship
Channel
Multiple
Rail Yards
Controlled
Access Highway
System
Barbours Cut
Container
Terminal
Bayport
Container
Terminal
Humble
Baytown
Alvin
Rosenberg
Katy
Tomball
Dayton
Missouri
City
Pasadena
Port of
Galveston
Liberty
Prairie
View
West Houston
Lakeside Airport
Houston
Southwest
Airport
Hooks Airport
Pearland
Airport
Scholes
Airport
Houston
Gulf
Airport
La Porte
Municipal
Airport
Houston
Hull
Airport
Baytown
Airport
Friendswood
Sugar
Land
Lake
Houston
Galveston
Bay
To Port of
Freeport
Intracoastal
Waterway
Port of
Texas City
Gulf of
Mexico
Trinity
Bay
Anahuac
Spring
The
Woodlands
Wharton
Richmond
League
City
Texas
City
Galveston
Port Bolivar
Mont
Belvieu
Pipeline
Hub
Katy
Natural Gas
Pipeline Hub
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionas
theleadinggatewaytoglobalmarkets.
Vision2
Interstate69(I-69)
Currentlyundergoingenvironmentalreview,I-69isthecombinationoftwo
federallydesignatedhigh-prioritycorridorsthattraversetheregion.When
completed,I-69willserveasthemostdirecttraderoutelinkingtheindustrial
centersofMexico,theUnitedStatesandCanada.Itisakeycomponenttothe
continuedgrowthanddevelopmentofallTexasports.TheTexasDepartment
ofTransportationsTrans-TexasCorridorprojectisleveragingofcurrentstudies
foritsTTC-69planthatwillincorporateexistingandnewhighways,railways
andutilityrights-of-wayinanetworkacrossTexas.
Pipelines
Pipelinesareinstrumentalintransportingproductinto,outofandwithinthe
region.Fifteenofthenations20largestpetroleumproductsandcrudeoil
pipelineoperatorshavecorporateordivisionalheadquartersorownership
interestsinHouston.These15controlmorethan64,000miles,or45.percent,
ofthenations139,901milesofliquidpipelines.Fourteenofthenations
20largestnaturalgastransmissioncompanieshavecorporateordivisional
headquartersintheregion,accountingfor57.5percentofthenations195,03
milesofgaspipelines.
The Alliance for I-69 Texas
wascreatedin1994bytheGreaterHoustonPartnershiptopromote
thedevelopmentofI-69inTexas.Membershipincludesgovernment
andbusinessinterestsin34countiesfromeasttosoutheastTexas.
DesignatedbyCongressasahigh-prioritycorridor,I-69,when
completed,willbethemostdirectinterstatelinkingtheindustrial
centersofMexico,theUnitedStatesandCanada.
FederalstatuteidentifesthegenerallocationofI-69inTexasasU.S.
59fromTexarkanatoLaredoandtwolegsintothelowerRioGrande
ValleyalongU.S.77fromVictoriatoBrownsvilleandU.S.21from
GeorgeWesttoProgreso.
I-69Texashasbeenselectedasoneofonlyseventransportation
constructionprojectsintheUnitedStatesthatwillreceiveaccelerated
environmentalreviewunderanEnvironmentalStreamliningExecutive
Orderannouncedin2002.
Environmentandlocationstudiesareunderwayalongthe
approximately950milesofI-69inTexas.Thesestudiesareprojected
tobecompleteby2010,withconstructiontargetedtobeginonsome
segmentsasearlyas2006.
TheTexasDepartmentofTransportationsTrans-TexasCorridorproject
isleveragingoftheCorridor1and20studiesforitsTTC-69plan
thatwillincorporateexistingandnewhighways,railwaysandutility
rights-of-wayinanetworkacrossTexas.
GreaterHoustonPartnershipafliate
[Regarding regional / statewide transportation
projects] We have put together a string of amazing
systems that are vitally important and that generate
better business for all of us.
County Judge Robert Eckels, Harris County
38
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillleadandfacilitateinitiativesthatestablishtheHoustonregionas
theleadinggatewaytoglobalmarkets.
Vision2
Houston
20
37
10
35
45
49
55
10
20
40
70
35
30
16
75
95
25
10
8
5
15
80
5
84
15
90
94
80
70
64
40
80
35
40
40
Port of
Veracruz
Port of
Altamira
Port of
New York
-New Jersey
Reynosa
Port of
New Orleans
Port of
Miami
Port of Lazaro
Cardenas
Port of
Manzanillo
Oklahoma
City
Dallas
San Antonio
Memphis
Indianapolis
Windsor
Laredo
Atlanta
Kansas
City
Mexico
City
Montreal
Toronto
Winnipeg
Quebec
Chicago
Pittsburg
Minneapolis
Detroit
Port of
Cleveland
Port of
Charleston
Monterrey
Port of Houston
Port of Texas City
Port of Galveston
Port of Freeport
Cancun
Cozumel
Port of
Havana
Port of
Jacksonville
Ports of
Los Angeles/
Long Beach
Port of
Oakland
Port of
Seattle
Juarez
El Paso
Phoenix
Denver
Port
Huron
Austin
69
Pipeline
Corridors
Houston
Vision 3 Infrastructure
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureand
businessenvironmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplaceforbusiness.
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureandbusiness
environmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplacetodobusiness.
Vision3
Vision 3 Houstons Infrastructure
Supports Business
Goals
1AggressivelyengageHoustonsbusinessandeducationleadersinlocal,regionalandfederalinitiativesrelatedtoinfrastructure
2Developandfacilitatetheimplementationofaninfrastructureplanthat:
a. promotesandfundsspecialprojectsthatbuildqualityofplace
b.fostersHoustonasaregionofchoiceforemployers
Objectives
TheStrategicPlanningTaskForceachievedconsensusonthefollowingobjectives:
Identifycriticalcomponentsthatdrivesuccesswithregardtoquality
ofplace
ServeasaleaderorstewardtoensurethatHoustonofersbasicbuilding
blocksthatareconducivetobusinessafordablehousing,airquality,
education,greenspace,healthcare,transportationandregional
mobility
Setprioritiesbasedonresearch
Benchmarkagainstotherregionsandcitiestoprioritizeinfrastructure-
relatedtopicsthatcontributetoeconomicprosperity(jobs,revenues,
talent,etc.)
Pinpointinitiativesthathavethepotentialtocreatenewjobs,drawnew
industriesandincreaserevenuesforcompaniesintheregion
AligninfrastructureinitiativeswithgrowthprospectsforHoustons
centersofexcellence
Leadinitiativesthatkeeppolicyalignedwithregionaleconomic
prosperity
Leadersmustexemplifyavisionaryspiritinaddressingqualityofplace
Developexcellenceinitiativesthatdiferentiateoverallqualityoflife
42
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureandbusiness
environmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplacetodobusiness.
Vision3
QualityofPlaceThekeytosupportingaregionidentifedasabusiness
magnetisaninfrastructureagendadesignedtomakecertainitcompares
favorablywithcompetitorcities.Infrastructureinitiativesmustaddressissues,
includingaesthetics,afordablehousing,airquality,costof
living,education,entertainmentandrecreation,healthcare,
informationtechnologyinfrastructure,mobility,power,transportationand
waterquality.
Regionalprosperitywillrequireaconcertedefortfromeverysectortoattract
andretainknowledgeworkersandcreateatruequalityoflife
forHoustonians.
The Quality of Life Coalition,
agroupofrepresentativesledbytheGreaterHoustonPartnership
fromHoustonscivic,businessandenvironmentalcommunities,
mobilizespublicandprivatesectorstofundandimproveHoustons
aesthetics,foodcontrolandrecreationalamenities.Thisfocus
onquality-of-lifefactorsisessentialtoHoustonsabilitytoattract
businessesandskilledworkers.Recommendationsincludeplanting
trees,landscapingfreeways,addingparks,improvingwaterway
waterqualityandestablishingacanoetrailsystem,amongothers.

GreaterHoustonPartnershipafliate
43
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureandbusiness
environmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplacetodobusiness.
Vision3
AirQualityThePartnershiphasledtheeforttoimprovetheregionsair
qualitythroughformationoforganizationssuchastheBusinessCoalition
forCleanAir,theTexasEnvironmentalResearchConsortiumandtheTexas
CleanAirWorkingGroup.Theseorganizationsworktodevelopaconsensus
onairqualitygoalsandstrategies,improveairqualityscienceandimplement
efectivereductionprogramswithoutjeopardizingjobsoreconomicprogress.
Businesssectorsandindividualcompaniespursuenewtechnologiesand
programsthatmakethem,andtheregion,leadersininnovativeapproachesto
cleaningtheair.
Aftersuccessfullyaddressingtheone-hourozonestandard,theTexas
CommissiononEnvironmentalQualitynowplanstoachievetheneweight-
hourozonestandardsetfortheregion.Theywillaccomplishthisbyworking
alongsidethePartnershipandotherstakeholderswithavestedinterestin
publichealth,qualityoflifeandeconomicvitality.
Byworkingtogether,businesses,electedofcials,thepublicsector,trade
associations,environmentalgroupsandcitizenswillhavetremendousimpact
onairquality,ensuringtheregionacompetitiveadvantagetoattractand
retainbusinesses.
CostofLivingFromitsoutsetnearlyfourdecadesago,theACCRA Cost-of-
Living IndexhasconsistentlyshownthatHoustonenjoyslivingcostswellbelow
thenationwideaverage.Thisenablestheregionacompetitiveadvantageover
othermajormetropolitanareasofmorethan2million.Inthe2005survey:
Houstonsoverallafter-taxeslivingcostswere12percentbelowthenationwide
averagefornearly300areas.
Ofthe20metropolitanareaswithpopulationsofmorethan2millionthat
participatedinthesurvey,Houstonshousingcostswere44percentbelowthe
averageforthelargemetroareas,anditsoverallcostswere23percentbelow
theaverage.
Houstonsgroceryprices,21percentbelowthemajor-metroaverage,were
alsothelowest;itsutilitycostswere10percentbelowtheaverage;its
transportationcostswere9percentbelow;itshealthcarecostswere7percent
below;anditscostsformiscellaneousgoodsandserviceswere11percent
belowtheaverage.

44
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureandbusiness
environmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplacetodobusiness.
Vision3
EducationandWorkforceMaintainingacompetitiveedgeinaknowledge-
basedeconomymeansoferingawiderangeofopportunitiesforformal
educationandworkforcetraining.Houstonisamajorcenterofhigherlearning.
Infall2004,theHoustonregionhad313,664studentsenrolledinmorethan
60degree-grantingcolleges,universities,institutesandtechnicalschools.
TheseincludeRiceUniversity,oneofAmericaseliteteachingandresearch
universities,theUniversityofHouston,theregionslargestpublicresearch
andteachinguniversity,andnumerousotherprivatecolleges,universitiesand
institutions.

HoustonHigherEducationStatistics
Colleges,UniversitiesandInstitutions 60+
Fall2004Enrollment 313,664
DegreesAwarded2003AcademicYear 25,000+
Vocational,Technical,BusinessSchools 100+
Sources:Houston Facts, 2005,TexasHigherEducationCoordinatingBoard
Houstonhastheeducationinfrastructuretodevelopknowledgeworkers
The Center for Houstons Future
hasidentifedfourareasthatmustbeaddressedinorderto
advanceHoustonsglobalcompetitiveness.Theyinclude:
innovationsupportwithventurecapitaldevelopment;
humancapitalandworkforcedevelopment;
regionaleconomicdevelopmentstrategies;and
leveragingglobalconnectionsintoglobalcorporateservicesinthe
areasoffnance,accounting,lawandmedia/advertising.
GreaterHoustonPartnershipafliate
The Houston regions economic well-being increasingly depends upon its ability to nurture, attract and retain
skilled and creative knowledge workers and high-tech companies.
Houston Area Survey (2005), Stephen L. Klineberg
45
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureandbusiness
environmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplacetodobusiness.
Vision3
HealthCareHoustonisoneofthefastestgrowingregionsofthecountry.
Morethan4millionpeoplelivehere.Theregionboaststheworldslargest
medicalcenter.
ThePartnershipsPublicHealthCareTaskForcerepresentspublicofcials,
publicandprivatehealthserviceproviders,medicalschooladministrators,
andbusinessandcommunityleaders.Recently,thetaskforceexaminedthe
publichealthdeliverysysteminHoustonandHarrisCounty.Theyidentifed
thecontrastbetweentheregionsabundanceofphysiciansandwidevarietyof
treatmentavailable,juxtaposedwithrapidlyrisinghealthcareandinsurance
costs,andmaderecommendationstoalleviatethecurrenthealthcare
conditions.
Includedintherecommendationswasthedevelopmentofadditionalhealth
carecentersdesignatedwithFederallyQualifedHealthCenter(FQHC)status.
Thisdesignationallowssignifcantlyexpandedaccesstohealthcarefor
underservedresidents.IncreasednumbersofFQHCsalsowillhelpproduce
morejobsandeconomicgrowth.
ThePartnershipwillcontinuetoconveneleadershiprepresentinghealth-
relatedissuesthatsupportthemissionofbuildingeconomicprosperityand
improvingoverallqualityofplace.

Health care excellence in Houston is driven by the outstanding clinical and research activities in the worlds
largest medical center. The community is energized to expand technology transfer and commercialization
and create new companies whose products will improve health and create economic wealth.
TexasMedicalCenterOverview
Area 00+acres
PermanentBuildings 100+
TotalEmployment 65,300
CapitalInvestment(cumulative) $.2billion+asofDecember2004
PatientVisitsPerYear 5.2million
ForeignPatientsPerYear 10,456in2004
LicensedBeds 6,344plus373bassinets
StudentEnrollment 22,000
CombinedOperatingBudgets(allinstitutions) $5.4billion(2001)
TotalResearchGrants(200-2004) $3.5+billion
Sources:TexasMedicalCenter2005 Facts and FiguresandHouston Facts 2005
RegionalHealthCareAssets*
Physicians 10,497
Hospitals 99
Hospitalbeds 1,600
*GreaterHouston10-countyregion
Source:Houston Facts 2005
46
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheproactivevisionarytobuildandmaintainaninfrastructureandbusiness
environmentthatsetHoustonapart,nationallyandglobally,asthemostattractiveplacetodobusiness.
Vision3
InformationTechnologyInfrastructureInformationtechnologyincludes
broadband,telecommunications,informationsystems,networks,wireless
Internetandcriticalcomponentsessentialtodevelopingandmaintainingan
infrastructurethatgivesHoustonthecompetitiveadvantage.Sustaininga
stronginformationtechnologyarchitectureallowsindustry,governmentand
businessorganizationstocreate,store,exchangeandutilizeinformationinits
variousforms,frome-mailtomultimediapresentations,andcommunicatewith
keybusinessandcommunityinterestsonadailybasis.
Informationtechnologyrecommendationsinclude:

Increasingcommunityandinstitution-wideaccesstowirelessInternetportals
andproducts;
Revisingprocedurestoautomateandstreamlineproductionactivities;
Enhancedandalternativecommunicationssuchasteleconferencingand
electronicfleexchange;
Usingcomputerhardwareandsoftwaretoautomateandaugmentclerical,
administrativeandmanagementtasksinorganizations;
Satellitetechnologiesforremotebusinessmanagementandaccessto
information;
Collocationanddatamanagementsystemstoprovidesecurityandredundancy
ofinformation.
MobilityOverthenextdecade,thePartnershipmustaggresivelyexpand
theprocesstoimprovemobilitythroughouttheregion.Houstonmustcontinue
tomakeaconcertedeforttoexploreallalternativestoestablishacoordinated
systemofmasstransitimprovementatthelowestpossiblecost.
Thekeyinitiativesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,lightrailexpansion;
innovativetollroadstrategies;amajorincreaseinbusservice,including1,000
newbusroutes;anaggressiveexpansionoftheI-10freeway;developmentof
theI-69Corridor;andimplementationofasmartstreetsinitiative.
Houstonwillcontinuetomakeaconcertedeforttoexploreallalternatives
toestablishacoordinatedsystemofmasstransitimprovementatthelowest
possiblecost.
The Partnership needs to be instrumental in dealing with air quality. It is a critical component of being a
region of choice.
The Gulf Coast Regional Mobility Partners
(Houston-Galvestonregion)andTheHouston-GalvestonArea
Councilseektoincreasetransportationfundingandpromote
regionalissues,projectsandprioritiesatthestateandfederal
levels.Recommendationsfocusontollways,managedandhigh
occupancylanes,freewayexpansion,pass-throughtolling,and
improvementoffreightmovementandat-gradecrossingsafetyin
ordertoimprovemobilityandreducecongestion.
GreaterHoustonPartnershipafliate
47
Vision 4 Public Policy
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillbetheaggressivedriveroflocal,regional,stateandfederalpublic
policythatmakesHoustononeofthetopfourregionsintheUnitedStatesforbusiness.
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheaggressivedriveroflocal,regional,stateandfederal
publicpolicythatmakesHoustononeofthetopfourregionsintheUnitedStatesforbusiness.
Vision4
Vision 4 Public Policy
Goals
1Leadthestateindrivingbusiness-focusedpublicpolicythatfosterseconomicdevelopment
2EstablishtheGreaterHoustonPartnershipastheregionalfacilitatortoaddressissues,andthedriverandsupporterofpolicies
thatgrowbusinessandincreaseforeigntrade
3Aggressivelyadvocate,lobbyandpromotepoliciesandlegislationthatpositiontheregionsbusinesscommunityasanational
andgloballeader
4Initiateandenhancecollaborationwithotherorganizationsandkeystakeholderstopromoteanddeveloppublicpolicy
Objectives
TheStrategicPlanningTaskForceachievedconsensusonthefollowingobjectives:
Engageleadersinpolicydevelopment
PositionHoustonbusinessleadersonlocal,regional,stateandfederal
policycommittees
Establishsolidworkingrelationships
Developstrategiccollaborativerelationshipswithinthe10-countyregion
Engagetheregionsbusinessleadersinlocal,regional,stateandfederal
committeesandinitiativesthatelevatetheregionsvisibility
Speakwithonevoice
Createaunifedvoiceforregionalbusinessinterests
Promoteaunifedpublicimage
Promotestrengths
Capitalizeoncurrentregionalstrengths
Focusonspecifcsectors,industriesandagegroups
LinkPartnershipgoalstoemergingtrends
CreateadynamicmechanismforlinkingPartnershipgoalswith
trendsandtodataregardingtheeconomicprosperitydrivers,thereby
anticipatingandcreatingpolicyinitiativesthatwillbuildtheregions
competitiveeconomicstrength
Communicateandlobbybasedonpriorities
Initiateastrong,proactive,coordinatedandcollaborative
communicationsstrategydirectedtowardlocal,regional,stateand
federallegislativebodies
50
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheaggressivedriveroflocal,regional,stateandfederal
publicpolicythatmakesHoustononeofthetopfourregionsintheUnitedStatesforbusiness.
Vision4
ThePartnershipsroleasconvenerisanimportantcomponentinitsactive
involvementinpublicpolicyissuesthatfacetheregion.Astheregions
primarybusinessadvocate,thePartnershipisastrongvoiceforcooperative
actionshapingthedirectiononregionalissuesthatsupporttheorganizations
mission.ThePartnershipworkswithdecision-makersatalllevelstoensurethe
regionhasthebestbusinessenvironmentpossible.
TheI-69Corridorinitiativepromisesanewtradecorridorthatwillenhance
Houstonsroleasatradinganddistributioncenter.ThePortofHoustonand
GeorgeBushIntercontinentalAirporthaveexperiencedtremendousgrowth
thatcallsforfundingforadditionalimprovements.

Thequalityofeducation,levelsofeducationalattainment,airquality,mobility,
publictransportation,workerscompensation,asbestosandtortreform,
healthcare,qualityofplace,fooding,waterquality,subsidenceandhomeland
securityareongoingpublicpolicyconcernsthatafectbusinessesintheregion.
ThePartnershipsupportsgovernmentpolicies,lawsandregulationsthat
enhancetheabilityofHoustonareafrmstoconductinternationalbusiness.
Itmonitorsissuesatthefederallevelthatafecttheinternationalbusiness
climateanddevelopsadvocacyinitiativesthatrepresentMemberbusiness
interestsbeforecongressionalandexecutivebranchofcials.
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillbuildonexistingstrengthsandtrendsforfuturegrowthpotentialbyservingastheprimary
advocateforkeyregionalbusinessinterestsandindustries.
Itscollaborativerelationshipswithotherorganizationsinthe10-countyregionwilltrulyrepresentregionalbusinessinterests.
What the Partnership does better than any other organization in Houston is bring together a broad group of
stakeholders to hammer out an issue. I cant think of any other group with the clout and credibility to be able
to serve this role.
51
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheaggressivedriveroflocal,regional,stateandfederal
publicpolicythatmakesHoustononeofthetopfourregionsintheUnitedStatesforbusiness.
Vision4
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillcreateabusinesstaxandregulatoryenvironmentthatissecondtonone.
Inthepast,thePartnershipjoinedastatewidecoalitiontolowerthecosts
ofworkerscompensationbypushingforchangesinTexaslaws.Statutory
changeswereimplementedthatprovidedworkerscompensationbenefciaries
withprompt,optimum,nationallyacceptedmedicaltreatment,withan
emphasisonreturningtowork.
Inconjunctionwithstatewidetortreformeforts,thePartnershippushedfor
legislativereforms.

ThePartnershipcontinuestopushforpermanentreinstatementofastatesales
taxdeductionallowanceonfederaltaxreturns,whichwillsaveTexansnearly
$700millioninfederalincometaxesannually.
Overthenextdecade,thePartnershipwillcontinuetosetprioritiesforpolicy
thatcreatesanidealenvironmentfordoingbusiness.
The ideal environment is one that has a diverse economic and ethnic base, ofers a high-quality mass
transit system and provides employers with a large pool of highly qualifed workers. Houston must continue
to attract new business to the area, work with governmental organizations on mass transit, air quality
and other quality of life issues and foster educational opportunities, both at the high school and higher
education levels.
52
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipmustbetheaggressivedriveroflocal,regional,stateandfederal
publicpolicythatmakesHoustononeofthetopfourregionsintheUnitedStatesforbusiness.
Vision4
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwillserveastheregionsprimarypublicpolicyadvocateforbusiness.
ThefollowingissuesarewithinthescopeofthePartnershipsinterests:
BusinessDevelopment
Economicdevelopment
Taxandregulatoryissues
Worldtradeandinvestment
EducationandWorkforce
Publicschoolaccountability
Publicschoolfnance
Statewideeducationreform
Environment
Airquality
Waterquality
HealthCare
Accessandafordability
Costcontainmentandefciency
Expansionofresearchandtechnologytransfer
Integratedregionalhealthcaredeliverysystem
Level1traumacapacity
InformationTechnologyInfrastructure
Broadbandandwirelessinfrastructure
Emergencyresponseandpublicsafety
Infosystemsandnetworking
Telecommunications
QualityofPlace
Aesthetics
Greenspace
Infrastructure
TransportationandMobility
Freightrailservice
Passengerrail
Urbanmobility
53
Appendix
This type of plan wont happen on its own. In the past, Houston has been the benefciary of location
and the tremendous assets we have attracted in specifc felds. Now, we have a new urgency to build
regional economic prosperity as a result of global competition, a fattening of the overall playing
feld and aggressive initiatives from other regions.
MikeBallases
JPMorganChase
JosephDilg
Vinson&ElkinsL.L.P.
CharlesW.DuncanJr.
DuncanInterests
JamesEdmonds
Edmonds&Company
KellyFrels
Bracewell&Giuliani,LLP
JohnHofmeister
ShellOilCompany
HaroldHook
MainEventManagementCorp.
BruceLeslie,Ph.D.
HoustonCommunityCollege
JacquelineMartin
J.S.MartinAssociates,LP
WayneMcConnell
McConnell,Jones,Lanier&Murphy,LLP
DraytonMcLane
HoustonAstrosBaseballClub
JohnMendelsohn,M.D.
UniversityofTexasM.D.AndersonCancerCenter
DavidMendez
JPMorganChase
CharlesMiller
MeridianNational,Inc.
WalterMischerJr.
MischerInvestments,L.P.
RobertMosbacherJr.
MosbacherEnergyCompany
PatrickOxford
Bracewell&Giuliani,LLP.
JanePage
CrescentRealEstateEquities
RolandRodriguez
MirFox&Rodriguez,P.C.
PriscillaSlade,Ph.D.
TexasSouthernUniversity
GioTomasini
TomasiniW2K
StephenTrauber
UBSInvestmentBank
AlanVera
TheQuestBusinessAgency,Inc.
UmeshVerma
BlueLance
MasseyVillarreal
PrecisionTaskGroup,Inc.
RichardWeekley
WeekleyDevelopmentCompany
StrategicPlanConsultingTeam
SUMAPartners,L.P.
www.suma.com
2005 Strategic Planning Task Force Members
JodieL.Jiles
2005Chairman
GreaterHoustonPartnership
FirstAlbanyCapital
BruceLaBoon
Chairman
StrategicPlanningTaskForce
LockeLiddell&SappLLP
ChipCarlisle
2006Chairman
GreaterHoustonPartnership
WellsFargoBank
JefMoseley
PresidentandCEO
GreaterHoustonPartnership
56
ChipCarlisle
2006Chairman
GreaterHoustonPartnership

FromPlantoAction
AsincomingPartnershipChairman,Iwanttoexpressmypersonal
endorsementofthisstrategicplanandtheprocessthatcreatedit.AsChairman,
IwillworkwiththeExecutiveCommitteeandtheBoardtoinstituteaprocess
anddisciplinethatwillincorporateanannualreviewofthisplanaspartof
theprioritizationandbudgetprocess.Iwillleadaggressiveimplementation
efortstocommunicatethepreceptsoutlinedinthedocumenttotheBoard,
theMembershipandthecommunityatlarge.Iwillalignourgovernance,
committeestructureandprioritiestothevisionsthatcomprisethecoreofthe
Partnershipsstrategicfocusbusinessdevelopmentandpublicpolicy.
IamexcitedbythepossibilitiesofdevelopingHoustonscoreassetsinto
magnetsthatwillcreateeconomicprosperityforourMembersandregional
businesses,thatwillattractthenextgenerationofknowledgeworkersandset
Houstonapartasaglobalhubforbusiness.Wewillbuildtheinfrastructureand
createthepublicpolicyenvironmentthatdistinguishesourregionasaquality
ofplaceleader.
Iammotivatedbythechallengesembeddedinthisdocument.AsaBoard,
wewillinspireothers,attractnewsourcesofcapitalandcollaboratewithour
Members,ourstakeholdersandotherorganizations.
Thisstrategicplanallowsmetosetanewprecedentforeverychairman
whoseleadershipwillhelpmovetheGreaterHoustonPartnershiptowardthe
fulfllmentofour2015visionstoembrace,tochallenge,toinspireandto
aligntheBoardtowardthesuccessfulachievementofgoalsandobjectivesthat
willtakeHoustontoanewlevelofdistinctionoverthenextdecade.
IpledgemysupportandleadershipandthankthemembersoftheStrategic
PlanningTaskForceandthecommunityforsettingusonadynamiccourse.
57
Stakeholders
SabaAbashawl
ExecutiveDirector,InternationalEconomic
Development
CityofHouston,HoustonAirportSystem
WillieAlexander
President
W.J.AlexanderandAssociates
IrisCorrea-Alvarez
President
HoustonHispanicChamberofCommerce
AngelosAngelou
AngelouEconomics
CharleneAnthony
AssociationGeneralContractorsofAmerica
HerbAppel
President
GreaterFortBendEconomicDevelopmentCouncil
MichaelMcAtamney
Director,WestRegion
TIAA-CREF
BillBarnett
DirectorEmeritus
BakerBottsL.L.P.
DomingoBarrios
GrantOfcer
HoustonEndowment
JohnBeddow
Publisher
HoustonBusinessJournal
AndrewBiar
StrategicPublicAfairs
CraigBland
VicePresidentandGeneralManager
Univision,TV45
JackBlanton
DirectorEmeritus
GreaterHoustonPartnership
PeggyBoice
DirectorofPublicPolicy
UnitedWayoftheTexasGulfCoast
DennisBonnen
StateRepresentative
District25
RonBourbeau
CEO
SouthMontgomeryCountyWoodlands
EconomicDevelopmentPartnership
KevinBrady
UnitedStatesRepresentative
District
JohnBreeding
President
UptownHoustonDistrict
JamieBrewster
PresidentandExecutiveDirector
HoustonIntownChamberofCommerce
TomBritton
President
GreaterHeightsChamber
MikeByers
President
HumbleAreaChamberofCommerce
KirbyjonCaldwell
SeniorPastor
WindsorVillageUnitedMethodistChurch
DeborahCannon
PresidentandCEO
HoustonZoo,Inc.
NancyChang
PresidentandCEO
TanoxInc.
DonnaCole
PresidentandCEO
ColeChemical&Distributing
RonCookston
Manager
GatewaytoCare
MichaelDee
ManagingDirector
MorganStanley
GeorgeDeMontrond
President
DeMontrondAutomotiveGroup,Inc
PeterDiaz
GeneralManager
KHOU-TV,Channel11
DonnaDishman
COO
PAWSHouston
GeorgeDonnelly
ManagingPartner
LiloVentures
JackDrake
President
GreaterGreenspointManagementDistrict
DavidDunlap
ManagingPartner
JacksonWalker,LLP
RobertEckels
CountyJudge
HarrisCounty
MarkEllis
CouncilMemberAt-Large
Position1
RodneyEllis
Senator
StateofTexas
BobEury
President
CentralHouston,Inc
PeterEvans
GroupVicePresident
Jacobs
TheGreaterHoustonPartnershipwishestothankthefollowingcitizenleaderswho
providedinputonhowwemayservethe10-countyregionoverthenextdecade.
58
RichardEverett
ChairmanandCEO
CenturyDevelopment
HenryFlorsheim
PresidentandGeneralManager
KTRK-TV,Channel11
DougFoshee
PresidentandCEO
ElPasoCorporation
GraceFox
TASConstruction
LupeFraga
President&CEO
TejasOfceProducts,Inc.
MarkFury
SpecialAssistant
HarrisCountyPrecinct#3
SylviaGarcia
CountyCommissioner
Precinct2
JamesHowardGibbons
Editor,EditorialPage
HoustonChronicle
ShelleySekula-Gibbs
CityCouncilMember
CityofHouston
RonaldGirotto
PresidentandCEO
TheMethodistHospitalSystem
QuinceGodge
Linbeck
JayGogue
President
UniversityofHouston
AllenGrainey
NationalElectricalContractorsAssociation
TaraGresham
TDIndustries
KennethGuidry,CPA
PresidentandCOO
PannellKerrForsterofTexas
RandyHageman
MarekBrothersSystems,Inc.
AnthonyHall
ChiefAdminOfcer
CityofHouston
MaryMargaretHansen
President
GreaterEastEndDistrict
RobertHebert
CountyJudge
Ft.BendCounty
DonHenderson
VicePresidentandManagingDirector
HyattRegencyHouston
ThomHerrmann
ExecutiveLiaisontothePresident
MemorialHermann
BillHiggsandPaulRedmon
Co-Founders
MustangEngineering
AnnF.Hodge
PresidentandCEO
KatyAreaChamberofCommerce
LeeHogan
ExecutiveChairman
St.LukesEpiscopalHealthSystem
NedHolmes
ChairmanandCEO
ParkwayInvestments/Texas
RogerHord
President
WestHoustonAssociation
RichardHuebner
ExecutiveDirector
HoustonMinorityBusinessCouncil
HelenHuey
Consultant
HCA
DavidHuntley
VicePresident,ExternalAfairs
SBC
KenJanda
VicePresident
Apogee
JimJard
MetroNational
LimasJeferson
ChairmanandCEO
JefersonAssociates,Inc.
MichaelJhin
PresidentandCEOEmeritus
St.LukesEpiscopalHealthSystem
RichKinder
PresidentandCEO
KinderMorgan
TomKornegay
Director
PortofHoustonAuthority
BobandElyseLanier
LandarHoldings,L.P.
RichardLapin
DeputyChiefofAdministration
CityofHouston
CarlosLara
LaraandAssociates
JanLawler
President
EconomicAllianceHoustonPortRegion
Stakeholders continued
59
60
AnnLents
PresidentandCEO
CenterforHoustonsFuture
HerbLipsman
SeniorVicePresident,MarketingandBusinessDevelopment
TheRedstoneCompanies
ReneeLogans
PresidentandCEO
AccessDataSupply,Inc.
YolandaLondono
CommunityAfairs
JPMorganChase
AlexLopez-Negrete
PresidentandCEO
LopezNegreteCommunicationsInc.
FranciscoJavierAlejoLopez
TradeRepresentativeforNorthAmericanStates
ConsulateofMexico
JefLove
ManagingPartner
LockeLiddellandSapp,LLP
KarenLove
DirectorofPracticalGrowth
PannellKerrFosterofTexas,P.C.
ElenaMarks
DirectorofHealthPolicy-OfceofMayor
CityofHouston
MichaelMcAtamney
Director,WesternRegion
TIAA-CREF
TraceyMcDaniel
ExecutiveDirector
TexasDepartmentofEconomicDevelopment
RaymondMesser
President
WalterP.MooreandAssociates
TravisMiddleton
Owner
TrademarkInsuranceAgency
SteveMiller
ChairmanandPresident
SLMDiscoveryVentures,Inc.
DarcyMingoia
President
Cy-FairHoustonChamberofCommerce
GasperMirIII
ExecutiveGeneralManagerStrategicPartnerships
HoustonIndependentSchoolDistrict
JosephMontes
USSmallBusinessRegionalAdministration
EricMunson
RegionalAdvocate,RegionIV
SmallBusinessAdministration
JamesNadler
SeniorMedicalDirector
CIGNAHealthCareofTexas,Inc.
TomOGrady
AssociateVicePresident
HNTBCorporation
WayneONeil
SeniorManager
GilbaneBuildingCompany
LuisE.Perez
DeputyDirectorofAviation
Marketing,CommunicationsandCommunityAfairs
CityofHouston,HoustonAirportSystem
SoniaPerez
Sr.VicePresidentforExternalAfairs
SBC
RayPerryman
Economist
ThePerrymanGroup
JamesRaborn
Partner
BakerBotts
SteveRadack
Commissioner,Precinct#3
HarrisCounty
JimReinhartsen
President
BayAreaHoustonEcononomicPartnership
MauriceRobison
VicePresidentHealthcare
IrvineTeam
OlgaLlamasRodriguez
HarrisCounty
Precinct2
LisaRowland
VicePresidentofSalesandMarketing
Humana,Inc.
JimRoyer
CEO
TCBINC.
KimRuth
President,HoustonRegion
BankofAmerica
AbeSaavedra
Superintendent
HoustonIndependentSchoolDistrict
AlanSadler
CountyJudge
MontgomeryCounty
RobertSakowitz
HazakInc.
BetsySchwartz
ExecutiveDirector
MentalHealthAssociationofHouston
MarcShapiro
Consultant
JPMorganChase
JimSlack,Jr.
Slack&CompanyContracting,Inc.
L.E.Simmons
President
SCFPartners
Stakeholders continued
61
MattSimmons
ChairmanandCEO
SimmonsandCompany
DavidStedman
PresidentandCEO
EconomicDevelopmentAllianceforBrazoriaCounty
JackSteele
ExecutiveDirector
Houston-GalvestonAreaCouncil
ManfredSternberg
PresidentandCEO
BluegateCorporation
MichaelStevens
Chairman
MichaelStevensInterests,Inc.
KathrynStream
SeniorVicePresident
TexasMedicalCenter
TomSullivan
ChiefCounselforAdvocacy
SBA
JackSweeney
PublisherandPresident
HoustonChronicle
CynthiaTauss
GulfCoastRegionalRepresentative
EconomicDevelopmentandTourism,
OfceoftheGovernor
StateofTexas
VicTamborella
CEO
VT2MediaDesign
BillTeague
PresidentandCEO
GulfCoastRegionalBloodCenter
TomThierheimer
BritainElectric
JordyTollett
PresidentandCEO
GreaterHoustonConvention&VisitorsBureau
PeterTraber
PresidentandCEO
BaylorCollegeofMedicine
AnnTravis
OfceoftheMayor
CityofHouston
DavidTurkel
Director,EconomicDevelopment
HarrisCounty
BobTurnbull
Director,EconomicDevelopment
CenterPointEnergy
SylvesterTurner
StateRepresentative
District139
DawnUllrich
Director,ConventionandEntertainment
CityofHouston
RichardM.Vacar,AAE
Director
CityofHouston,HoustonAirportSystem
LoriVetters
President,HoustonRegion
WachoviaBank,N.A.
RichardWainerdi
President,CEOandCOO
TexasMedicalCenter
MarkWallace
PresidentandCEO
TexasChildrensHospital
JacquelineNorthcuttWaugh
President
BioHouston
CarringtonWeems
WeemsInterests
FredWelch
ExecutiveDirector
PearlandEconomicDevelopmentCorporation
LouieWelch
FormerMayor
CityofHouston
JamesWillerson
President
UniversityofTexas-HoustonHealthScienceCenter
BillWhite
Mayor
CityofHouston
DamonWilliams
ExecutiveDirector
GreaterSoutheastManagementDistrict
KenWilliams
ExecutiveVicePresident
FrostBank
LarryWilliams
MarekBrothersSystems,Inc.
TrishWise
PresidentandCEO
GreaterSouthwestHoustonChamberofCommerce
DanWolterman
PresidentandCEO
MemorialHermannHealthcareSystem
MarthaWong
StateRepresentative
District134
JimYarbrough
CountyJudge
GalvestonCounty
SusanYoung
President
SouthMainCenterAssociation
Stakeholders continued
NOTE: Quotes used throughout this document are by stakeholders listed on pages 57-60 unless otherwise attributed.
62
Defnitions
Businessdevelopment(page12)Amergerofworldtradeandeconomicdevelopmentintoasingledeliverysystemmeasuredbynewnetjobs,capital
investment,directforeigninvestmentandexports.
CentersofExcellence(page25)Nationallyandinternationallyrecognizedindustries,institutionsororganizationsthatservetoattractresearchdollars,
andknowledgeworkersaswellasdrivejobgrowthwithintheirindustrycluster.
Communitydevelopment(page12)Foundationalrequirementforbusinessandworkforcedevelopmentthatbeginswithaformalassessmentand
prioritization.Issuesaddressedaregenerallylinkedtoinfrastructureandmayincludeculturalorsocialactivities.
Economicdevelopment(page12)Thecreationof600,000netregionaljobsand$60billionincapitalinvestmentby2015inthe10countyHoustonregion.
ThePartnershipplanstomeetthisgoalthroughcollaborationwithgovernmentalentities,businessleadersandinstitutions.AspartofthePartnerships
economicdevelopmentrole,theywillalsotakeanactiveroleinmarketingtheregion.
Knowledgeworkers(page2)Highlyskilled,highlyeducated,highlypaidemployeeswithuniquetalents.Ingeneral,knowledgeworkersprovideskills
thatcannotbeoutsourcedandprovidecompetitiveadvantagefortheirindustrycluster.
Publicpolicy(page19)Asprimaryadvocateforthebusinesscommunitytopromoteregionaleconomicprosperity,thePartnershipformulatespositions
andactivelylobbiesonbehalfoflocal,stateandfederalissues.ThePartnershiprequiresBoardapprovalforapositiontobecomepartoftheagendafor
lobbyingactivities.
Qualityofplace(page43)Anintegralcomponentofcommunitydevelopment.ThePartnershiplinksqualityofplacetotheregionsabilitytoattractand
retainknowledgeworkersandprovideacompetitiveadvantageinworkforcedevelopment.
Regionaleconomicprosperity(page17)Economicvitalityforthe10-countyregion(page62)measuredthrough2015bynetjobscreated,directforeign
investment,exportsandcapitalinvestment.RegionaleconomicprosperityisthecoreconceptofthePartnershipsmission(page12).
Workforcedevelopment(page12)TrainingandretrainingoftheregionslaborpooltokeeptheHoustonregiongloballycompetitive.Thisisacritical
componentofcommunitydevelopment.
What is the Greater Houston Partnership?
Witharichtraditionofexceptionalcivicleadership,theGreaterHouston
Partnershipistheregionspremiervolunteer-drivenbusinessorganization.The
Partnershipfulfllsthemultiplerolesofatraditionalchamberofcommerce,an
economicdevelopmentorganizationandaninternationaltradeassociation.
ThePartnershipisgovernedbya13-memberBoardofDirectors.Eachdirector
isthetopregionalofcialoftheirMembercompany,andcollectivelythe
directorsareresponsibleforsettingoverallpoliciesforthePartnership.The
volunteerworkofthePartnershipisconductedthroughanextensiveand
diversecommitteestructure,whichincludesfourBoard-onlycommittees,
10high-leveladvisorycommitteesand47othercommitteesandtask
forces.Overall,2,500volunteersareactivelyinvolvedinthedevelopmentand
implementationoftheorganizationspoliciesandprograms.Aprofessional
stafof79,supportstheworkofthevolunteerleaders.
ThesuccessofthePartnership,inexecutingthestrategicandannualplans
oftheorganization,dependsontheactiveinvolvementoftheMember
companiesexecutivesandselectemployeerepresentatives.Thenearly2,000
MemberfrmsofthePartnershipspantheentireHoustonregionandrepresent
across-sectionofdedicated,civic-mindedcompaniesandinstitutionsboth
largeandsmall.Whiletwo-thirdsofthePartnershipsMembershavefewer
than50employees,thevastmajorityoftheregionsFortune 500companiesare
activelyengagedinPartnershipinitiativesonadailybasis.
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