Opportunity Houston(SM) to Expand Region's Global Footprint Through International Initiatives, Technology and More

HOUSTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Houston Partnership today unveiled a historic fundraising effort whose objectives include expanding the region's global reach through enhanced international initiatives and leveraging technology to target foreign and domestic companies for relocation and expansion in the region.

Opportunity Houston(SM), chaired by Houston Astros' owner Drayton McLane, is a $40 million campaign that will support the Partnership's strategic plan to help create 600,000 new jobs, attract $60 billion in capital investment, and generate $225 billion in foreign trade.

McLane said meeting the campaign goal is critical to the region's ability to succeed in the ever-more-competitive marketplace for new and expanding business.

"The question we face is not whether we can afford to do this, it's whether we can afford not to," he explained. "Other states, regions, and metro areas have invested millions in promotion and advertising and adopted aggressive tax incentives that have the potential to steal 'market share' from the Houston region."

"We cannot allow that to happen. That's why we are undertaking Opportunity Houston(SM). It is bold but achievable, and has been created to ensure that every county in this region has the resources and opportunities necessary to grow and prosper."

Industries being targeted by Opportunity Houston(SM) are aviation and aerospace, energy and petrochemical, medical and biotechnology, information technology, and nanotechnology. All are among the economic sectors identified by the Partnership's strategic plan as critical to the region's future prosperity.

Although the campaign has just begun in earnest, it has already generated more than $12 million toward its target. Key contributors to date include Shell, which has invested $4 million; ExxonMobil; Houston Astros; CenterPoint Energy; Palmetto Partners; and The Houston Chronicle.

Shell's $4 million investment is the largest corporate contribution to date.

"At Shell, we're deeply involved in the communities where we live and work," said Shell President John Hofmeister regarding the company's investment. "For that reason, I'm pleased to commit $4 million to Opportunity Houston(SM) because this Greater Houston Partnership initiative supports the economic development of the Houston region, increasing job opportunities and financial investments in our economy. I look to other Houston businesses and individuals to join the effort."

Included among the possible programs Opportunity Houston(SM) would fund are:

     *  Development of a Geographic Information System (GIS), an advanced
        technology that can capture data according to location and link
        prospects with specific sites throughout the 10-county region that
        best meet their requirements.

     *  Lead-generation methodology that will enable the Partnership to
        identify and aggressively pursue the strongest potential prospects in
        key growth sectors.

     *  Enhanced international outreach that includes trade missions similar
        to those taken earlier this year to India and China.

     *  Marketing efforts and public relations designed to impact domestic and
        international perceptions of the Houston region.

"We have what companies need: a low cost of doing business, a strong pro- business environment, a great partnership with local governments, a skilled workforce -- pretty much anything anyone could ask for," McLane said.

"All we have to do is get the word out, and that is exactly what Opportunity Houston(SM) is designed to do."

McLane and Chip Carlisle, chairman of the board of the Partnership, also said that a team of regional business leaders will serve as a "cabinet" to oversee the program and to ensure that its potential is effectively converted into reality. A core group of leaders have been managing the project to date, including Economic Development Advisory Committee Chair, Gio Tomasini; Opportunity Houston vice-chair, Jodie L. Jiles; as well as Carlisle and McLane. The names of additional members will be announced as they come on board.

"The fact that we have such a broad-based group indicates pretty clearly that everyone understands the need to work together and to present ourselves as a single region," McLane explained. "Every county in the region will have a voice in Opportunity Houston(SM), and every one of them will enjoy the benefits of its success."

The Greater Houston Partnership is the primary advocate of the Houston business community and is dedicated to building regional economic prosperity. It represents 10 counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Waller.

     Media Contacts:
     Lori Martin, Vollmer Public Relations
     713-970-2116 (office); 832-563-5519 (cell)
     Lori@vollmerpr.com

     Lindsey Klingensmith, Vollmer Public Relations
     713-970-2126 (office); 713-248-8782 (cell)
     Lindsey@vollmerpr.com