The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 12 new member companies in the month of February. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region.  New members who joined in the month of February include: Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation: The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation  is a charitable organization to improve the quality of life for Houston residents through the power of literacy. Website. Bon Appetit Management Company: Bon Appetit Management Company is an on-site restaurant company offering full food-service management to corporations, universities, museums, and specialty venues. Based in Palo Alto, CA, they operate more than 1,000 cafés in 33 states for dozens of marquee clients. Website. Conte Investments, Inc.: Conte Investments, Inc. is a private corporation specializing in commercial real estate development.  Energy Tech Nexus: Energy Tech Nexus is a Houston energy and carbontech startup ecosystem builder, empowering founders to grow personally and professionally, thereby driving business growth and accelerating the transition to a decarbonized future. Website. Freese and Nichols, Inc.: Freese and Nichols, Inc. is a professional planning, consulting and engineering firm, consulting civil engineers and offering a full range of municipal engineering and water resources services. Website. Goode Company Restaurants: Goode Company Restaurants is a family-owned and operated business, curating a blend of Texas culture and cuisine since 1977. Website. Houston Trust Company: Houston Trust Company is a trust and investment management services for individuals and families, focusing on superior personal service, competitive investment performance and flexibility in responding to specific client needs. Website. Medley, Inc.: Medley, Inc. is a public relations firm based in Houston, Texas, specializing in helping clients reach diverse markets through public relations, branding, digital media, and culturally competent storytelling. Website. National Center for Urban Solutions: National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS) is a diversified social enterprise with an interdisciplinary approach to solving the needs of urban and underrepresented communities. Website. RINA: RINA specializes in testing, inspection, certification and engineering solutions across a wide range of markets including, among others, marine, energy, real estate, infrastructure and mobility, space and defense, industry 4.0. Website. Shah Smith & Associates, Inc.: Shah Smith & Associates is a consulting mechanical (HVAC), electrical, plumbing engineering firm specializing in design, construction management, commissioning of research, healthcare, higher education, K-12, aviation, governmental and public works facilities. Website. The Village Centers: The Village Centers is a disability services and support organization dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Website. Click here to see the Partnership's Membership Directory.   To learn more about membership with the Greater Houston Partnership click here, or contact membership@houston.org.

The Greater Houston Partnership celebrates our members making important announcements and sharing news about their operations and impact in our region. Learn more about some of those announcements over the last months below.  Business Moves Liskow breaks ground in New York City and expands its maritime practice group, offering significant expertise to accommodate clients in this important port region. Repsol wins three awards at the 2024 Platts Global Energy Awards hosted by S&P Global, including Energy Company of the Year, Energy Transition – Downstream Award honors, and Strategic Deal of the Year Award for the company's modernization efforts, carbon emission reductions, and strategic investments in sustainable energy solutions. Lone Star College-Montgomery has opened its new Maverick Care Center to support its students, offering a variety of essential services like a fully equipped food pantry; a clothing closet with casual and career clothing; and mental health and crisis support resources. Memorial Hermann Health System is committing $231 million for an expansion in Fort Bend County. Education A student-lead team from the University of Houston and Texas A&M University were awarded $5,000 in prize money during the Switch Energy Alliance Case Competition for their plan to address energy poverty in Egypt and Turkey. Fort Bend Health and Human Services will partner with Sam Houston State University to create an internship program in environmental health. H-E-B awards a total of $28,000 to educators and schools. The University of Houston submits an appropriations request for $200 million to expand opportunities for students in the medical field. Two University of Houston professors are recognized by the Biden Administration for excellence in STEM fields. The University of Houston Athletics and Plano-based sports signed a multiyear renewal of their partnership seeking to double its athletic revenue. Energy Transition  Texas A&M offers land to four cutting-edge companies to bring more nuclear power to the Texas electric grid. BP has started up a utility-scale solar project outside Corpus Christi, the first to power a facility operated by Exxon Mobil Corp. Health Care Texas Medical Center CEO announces more buildings and connection points to other member institutions for Helix Park’s continued growth. UTHealth Houston begins a multiphase renovation of the Harris County Psychiatric Center. Exxon Mobil donates $10 million to MD Anderson Cancer Center to launch the Be Well Beaumont program that aims to promote wellness and lower cancer risks. Innovation  New open-source image analysis platform designed by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, and the University of Houston to capture the full diversity of cellular responses. A synthetic biology research breakthrough by Rice University paves the way for advanced disease therapies which could "revolutionize" autoimmune disease and cancer therapeutics. MD Anderson Cancer Center physician and professor, Simrit Parmar, has completed promising Phase 1b testing to fight against myelofibrosis. Transportation  Harris County receives $2 million federal grant to secure the safety of East End railroad crossings. Port Houston has been awarded nearly $25 million to develop a hydrogen fueling station for large, heavy-duty trucks in the Bayport 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.