More than 400 of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s closest friends joined together on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, to celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary.      The Crystal Ballroom of South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center featured four large displays covered with specially selected photos spanning each of four eras: the Formative Years 1976-1991, Building the Foundation 1992-2001, Regional Leadership 2002-2008, and Expanding Influence 2009-Present.      Monitors were set up in each corner of the ballroom that played outstanding videos produced by Space City Films showing footage of the four eras, as well. (The four videos, along with logos of each era sponsor, can be seen in the column on the right.)

There were elaborate models provided by NASA Johnson Space Center and Lakewood Yacht Club member Frank Clements that were a feast for the eyes. Additional feasting included an elaborate buffet that garnered rave reviews for flavor and presentation.   A jazz trio, the "LabWorks” Band, provided enjoyable background music throughout the evening.

The highlight of the event, however, was the program. Four speakers who have contributed greatly to BAHEP’s growth over the years shared their memories of the eras with a very attentive audience. (Listen to the speeches by clicking on the group photo of the speakers near the top of the column to the right.)       Introduced by Dr. Bill Staples, president of the University of Houston-Clear Lake and emcee of the program, Bob Scott, chairman of the Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation (CLAEDF) from 1983-1986, spoke about the Formative Years. CLAEDF was rebranded as the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in 2003.                                         Dr. William A. (Bill) Staples                           Bob Scott

Joe Barlow, one of the founders of the organization who served on the board for over 25 years, remembered the years of Building the Foundation.   Sandy Johnson, president, Barrios Technology, served on the board from 1994-2011. She spoke of Regional Leadership.    Current BAHEP President Bob Mitchell addressed Expanding Influence and how much economic development has changed in just a few short years.                  Joe Barlow                                    Sandy Johnson                                    Bob Mitchell

Jim Reinhartsen, president of CLAEDF/BAHEP from July 1992 through December 2007, was recognized with a heartfelt standing ovation for his outstanding leadership of the partnership.        Jim Reinhartsen

Just before the program’s conclusion, in a surprise presentation, Mitchell gave the prestigious Presidential Award to Dr. Glenn B. Freedman for his unique guidance which has contributed greatly to BAHEP’s success over many years. It was a very special award which further enhanced an incredible evening.       BAHEP’s spectacular 40th Anniversary Celebration will long be remembered. (To view photos from the celebration, please click on the flickr photo at the bottom of the column to the right.)   Bob Mitchell (l) and Dr. Glenn B. Freedman

YEAR SPONSORS

 

1976     Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce  1977     MaximGroup 1978     CenterPoint Energy         1979     Griffin Communications Group 1980     Diane Gillebaard 1981     CLC Properties 1982     Houston Methodist St. John Hospital 1983     Bob Scott 1984     Bob Scott 1985     Orbital ATK 1986     AeroSys, LLC 1987     KBRwyle            1988     South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center 1989     AMOCO Federal Credit  Union 1990     Del Papa Distributing Company 1991     Griffin Partners, Inc.                1992     Griffin Partners, Inc.                1993     Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT)        1994     Barlow Jones, LLP 1995     MEI Technologies, Inc.

1996     GeoControl Systems, Inc.           1997     Tom Brooker 1998     Gregg & Gregg, PC 1999     Dean & Draper Insurance Agency, LP    2000     Barrios Technology            2001     Lockwood, Andrews &  Newnam, Inc.         2002     GB Tech, Inc. 2003     University of Houston-Clear Lake                2004     University of Houston-Clear Lake                2005     CLC Properties 2006     Logical Innovations, Inc.      2007     Bowers & Sadler, LLP 2008     The Eye Clinic of Texas 2009     Jacobs 2010     Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc.           2011     KBRwyle            2012     Texas Citizens Bank 2013     Clear Lake Regional Medical Center           2014     San Jacinto College District 2015     Moody National Bank 2016     The Boeing Company

 

 

Graphics / Banners / Equipment

Entertainment / Commemorative Program

Exhibit Photos     NASA Johnson Space Center

Event Photography

 

 

The planning and staging of the 40th Anniversary Celebration required a considerable commitment from the members of the 40th Anniversary Committee. Their effort exemplifies the same dedication shown by so many supporters of CLAEDF and BAHEP over 40 years. A special thank you is also extended to BAHEP staff members C.A. Shields and Jimmy Spence whose work on the set-up and tear-down of the event, as well as providing technical expertise on building this web page, was invaluable.

   

 

Glenn Freedman, Ph.D.  

 

Eva deCardenas, Clear Creek Independent School District 

Mary Alys Cherry, Bay Area Houston Magazine 

Cindy Harreld DeWease, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce 

Marcy Fryday, Lakewood Yacht Club 

Jane Gayle, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 

Diane Gillebaard, Community Liaison 

Roy Green, South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center 

Marc Havican, Space City Films 

Harriet Lukee, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 

Bob Mitchell, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 

Kathryn Paradis, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 

Louis Parker, Community Liaison 

Jim Sweeney, Minuteman Press—Bay Area 

Pat Potter Wilson, Ed.D., Community Liaison