BAY AREA HOUSTON, Texas – Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership was recently selected from more than 35 economic development organizations in the region to be honored as the 2007 Houston’s Greatest Economic Ally at the Wortham Theater Center.

The Fourth Annual Houston’s Greatest Awards ceremony is the region’s premier event that recognizes excellence in the business community and economic development.

The evening began with a spectacular performance by Kelly Peters, singer for the International Thespian Company.

Standing in front of a picturesque backdrop of twinkling stars she truly captured the spirit of the night as she sang the verse, “Tonight you’re Houston’s best.”

Masters of Ceremony George DeMontrond and Lynne Liberato, board members for the Greater Houston Partnership, welcomed the audience and honored Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership as Houston’s Greatest Economic Ally.

This prestigious award is presented each year to an organization that excels in the fields of economic development, community outreach and collaborative initiatives. Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is a distinguished regional economic development organization that strives to attract, retain and expand industries in the Bay Area Houston region.

There are 422,000 people that call Bay Area Houston home in southern Harris and northern Galveston counties, and 13 municipalities including Clear Lake Shores, Dickinson, El Lago, Friendswood, southeast Houston, Kemah, La Porte, League City, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Taylor Lake Village and Webster.

Richard E. Allen Jr., president and CEO of Space Center Houston, and Bob Mitchell, president elect for Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, graciously accepted the award.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award on behalf of the board of directors, members and the dedicated staff of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership,” Allen said.

In addition, Allen also thanked Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner Sylvia Garcia for her involvement in the organization.

“Without her support and guidance, I don’t believe Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership would be where it is today,” said Allen.

Although this is the fourth annual celebration, this is only the second year an economic organization has been honored.

“I nominated Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for the award because of their unique ability to collaborate beyond geographic boundaries,” Garcia said. “The staff and investors at the organization share the same vision of providing the best possible atmosphere and environment for economic growth. Since my first trip to Washington, D.C., to ensure full funding for NASA, to sharing the same sense of importance on transportation issues, my work with the organization has been nothing but positive.

Mitchell attributed the organization’s success to its clear and collaborative regional strategic plan.

“While Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership was honored as Houston’s Greatest, the true recipients of this award are our investors, partners and regional leaders,” Mitchell said. “Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s success stems from their strength, focus and dedication to the organization.”

More than thirty business leaders joined Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership as their guest for the awards celebration; special attendees included Congressman Nick Lampson, Olga Llamas Rodriguez, director of special projects for Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia and Susie Allen community liaison Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia.