The Greater Houston Partnership celebrates our members making important announcements and sharing news about their operations and impact in our community. Learn more about some of those announcements over the last month below.  Business Moves The AES Corp. is doubling its Houston office space and plans to expand its renewable energy talent pool to over 100 employees to hit its energy transition goals.   Bechtel Energy Inc. opens its new Houston offices in the Westchase District and will finish moving its employees to the new location by the summer.   Comcast RISE returns to Houston to award business support grants, providing $500,000 in grants plus technology make-overs, marketing support, coaching and education resources.  H-E-B expands to Katy-Fulshear area, boasting a 121,179-square-foot floor plan.  LyondellBasell secures 208 megawatts of renewable energy capacity from a solar park in Germany, aiming to purchase at least half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.   Mitsubishi joins the Houston-based Starlab Space LLC joint venture as a strategic partner and equity owner to drive innovation and catalyze advancements in space exploration.  Education  Houston Community College plans to reopen its associate degree program for students working to become registered nurses after a closure.   Prairie View A&M University receives a donation of nearly $1.68 million from BP and Shell to create an energy trading program.   Rice University breaks ground on $76 million Susan and Fayez Sarofim Hall to create an arts district.  The University of Houston has launched its latest micro-credential course that focuses on how AI and robotics can be used in inspection processes for the energy industry.  Health Care  Houston Methodist and HCA Houston Healthcare continue expansions in the northwest Houston area with over 11 new locations.   The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Institute for Data Science in Oncology (IDSO) have announced its inaugural cohort of 33 scientists, clinicians, and staff to advance collaborative projects that will bring the power of data science to decisions made at the hospital.  Energy Transition  BP and Baker Hughes have facilitated a large, full-scale series of studies on emissions abatement technology, flare.IQ, to quantify methane emissions from its flares. Chevron and University of Houston leaders are appointed to federal emissions reductions committee for the first time, joining the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC).   EnCap Energy Transition Fund, sponsored by Encap Investments, has launched a platform that will take minority equity stakes in battery storage systems, solar energy systems, and other energy transition projects in the U.S.   Exxon Mobil announces a pilot project to capture carbon directly from the air.  Innovation  Gulf Coast Authority approves purchase agreement with Pearland, granting Pearland to treat water flowing down the GCWA’s American Canal from the Brazos River and reducing the city’s dependence on Houston water.  NASA continues to develop its emerging Exploration Park, agreeing to lease 207 of the development’s 240 acres for both commercial and space defense manufacturing.  Transportation  United Airlines introduces new nonstop flight to Medellin, Colombia for the first time ever this fall, bringing United to 52 routes from Houston to Latin America alone.  Rice University has partnered up with the Texas Department of Transportation's ConnectSmart program to help students find eco-friendly travel options in the Houston area.  If you are a member and want us to help communicate news about your organization, please send a press release or information about the announcement to member.engagement@houston.org and we will share it with our content team for possible inclusion in an upcoming roundup. Learn more about Partnership membership. 

HOUSTON (May 2, 2024)— All metrics indicate Houston’s global economy is positioned for continued success, according to the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2024 Global Houston report. The report, which provides an analysis of the global economy and its tie to the Houston region, illustrates how Houston’s international activity in 2023 continued to set records: The Houston-Galveston Customs District continues to rank first in the country in tonnage handled (exports and imports) with over 404.7 million metric tons of goods and commodities, an increase of 6.4 percent from 2022. The Houston-Galveston Customs District ranked first in total value with $344.5 billion for the second consecutive year. Houston led the U.S. in exports, shipping more than $175.5 billion in goods and commodities. Foreign direct investment (FDI) remains strong, with an 18% increase as 52 foreign-owned companies with plans to relocate, expand or start operations, surpassing the 44 projects announced in 2022. The Houston Airport System handled 12.6 million international passengers, finally surpassing pre-COVID levels and setting a record. For the second consecutive year, international migration accounted for the largest share (37.6%) of the region’s population growth. The region attracted 52,500 migrants in 2023, an increase of more than 10% compared to 2022. According to the report, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions remain as global challenges in 2024. Fortunately, foreign governments recognize Houston’s pivotal role in global trade and foreign investment. "While economists expect a slightly weaker year ahead, Houston's robust ties to global markets and the ongoing growth of our major trading partners will continue to support our economy," said Partnership Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research Patrick Jankowski. "We remain confident in the strength and resilience of Houston's global economy." The Global Houston report also provides additional statistics and information about Houston’s international business ties and ranks the region’s top 20 trade partners. Top 10 Houston trade partners and the value of trade in 2023: China -- $31.8 billion, down from $32.1 billion in 2022. Mexico -- $28.7 billion, down from $32.0 billion in 2022. Netherlands -- $26.5 billion, up from $19 billion in 2022. South Korea -- $22.9 billion, down from $24.7 billion in 2022. Brazil -- $15.6 billion, down from $20.3 billion in 2022. Germany -- $15.1 billion, up from $15.0 billion in 2022. Japan -- $13.1 billion, down from $14.2 billion in 2022. United Kingdom -- $13.1 billion, down from $15.9 billion in 2022. India -- $13.0 billion, down from $15.5 billion in 2022. Singapore -- $11.4 billion, down from $14.0 billion in 2022.