The Galveston Economic Development Partnership (GEDP) is pleased to present this 2019 Developer Profile for your review. This profile was developed to highlight the economic climate of Galveston and Galveston County. This year marks a tremendous achievement for the GEDP – 20 years of service to the Galveston community. It was back in 1998 that the City of Galveston and the Galveston Chamber embarked on creating a professional and credible economic development effort for Galveston. Jimmy Rasmussen became the founding Chairman of the GEDP and in concert with many local business and civic leaders, the GEDP opened our doors in May of 1999. Jeffrey Sjostrom was hired as our founding President and our collaborations within Galveston, throughout Galveston County and extending to our region, our state and across the Country – the GEDP began. Over the years the GEDP has quietly gone about executing our mission of expanding Galveston’s employment and tax bases. In reflection, the GEDP has created an atmosphere of leveraging resources and forming collaborations – lead greatly by our members and those who have served as leaders within the GEDP Executive Committee. The GEDP has existed on three different levels since our formation. First as a close partner in working with the City to address long-standing issues affecting Galveston’s community and economic quality of life. Second, the GEDP worked tirelessly in developing, assessing and implementing disaster recovery resources and strategies following Hurricane Ike. Today, the GEDP has adapted to forging a new awareness being created through emerging technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. The common bond over these past 20 years is illustrated best through collaboration and partnerships. The GEDP is thankful for all who have worked with our organization in efforts to develop a better Galveston.Please take time to review this year’s Developer Profile. The GEDP stands ready to assist any who may have an interest in becoming a part of this dynamic community and region. GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 1 WELCOMEV.J. Tramonte is the Broker - Owner of Joe Tramonte Realty. Founded in 1968, Joe Tramonte Realty has developed a solid reputation of outstanding, competent service at its highest level. Mr. Tramonte is active in numerous civic and industry boards and committees.VINCENT (VJ) TRAMONTE 2019 – 2020 GEDP Chairman of the Board… The GEDP is thankful for all who have worked with our organization in efforts to develop a better Galveston.We can help you grow your business with a loan or make your banking and business operations more efficient with customized banking and treasury management services. With convenient locations throughout Galveston County, Moody Bank’s experienced bankers give our business customers the personal service of a community bank with the financial strength of a large bank.LET’S MAKE YOUR BUSINESS BETTERwww.moodybank.com | (855) 259-8075The GEDP makes every effort to ensure accurate and complete data, however the information contained within this publication is provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be relied upon without first independently verifying the data.04 / GEDP OVERVIEW14 / CITY OF GALVESTON ECONOMIC PROFILE20 / GALVESTON INDUSTRY SECTORS 20 / REAL ESTATE 24 / MARITIME & LOGISTICS 30 / TOURISM & HOSPITALITY 38 / EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE 50 / EMERGING TECHNOLOGY60 / GALVESTON COUNTY ECONOMIC PROFILE 64 / ECONOMIC PROFILES: CITIES WITHIN GALVESTON COUNTY 74 / GAME CHANGERS 76 / PROJECT PROFILES 86 / GEDP MEMBER DIRECTORY88 / ADVERTISERS INDEX & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CONTENTSSince 1999, through the public private membership base of the GEDP, assistance has been provided including demographic and socioeconomic information, utilization of a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) for project development activities, maintenance of an information clearinghouse and economic climate assessments that have been made available to those seeking to make Galveston a better place. Priority areas of investment include those projects capable of expanding or enhancing the core industries for the Galveston economic base: Maritime, Tourism, Education, Healthcare and Emerging Technologies. Maximizing Galveston’s human, natural and financial resources, the GEDP remains committed to facilitating quality projects that work to expand Galveston’s employment and tax bases. Galveston is an island of opportunity and the GEDP looks forward to working with you on future projects.ON THE COVER: Designed by Debbie Kirby of Kirby Advertising, this year’s cover is a representation of emerging technology emanating out of Galveston and occurring throughout Galveston County. With a history steeped in innovation and entrepreneurship, this cover was designed to signify the opportunities of continued innovation and commercialization of ideas “breaking through” from Galveston and along the Innovation Interstate of Galveston County. GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 3 4 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE // GEDP.ORGMARITIMEPort MasterplanPelican Island BridgePelican Island land developmentTransportation – MobilityNavigation DistrictsInfrastructure InvestmentTOURISMCruise Ship DevelopmentEconomic ClimateBeach NourishmentSports TourismTransportationWorkforce / HousingEDUCATION AND HEALTHCAREContinued Growth in students, facilities & programsDiversityWorkforce Development (UTMB/TAMUG/GISD/Galveston College)College TownStudent HousingEMERGING TECHNOLOGYCapital – Space – TalentCustoms House IncubatorInnovation Interstate (i2)CommercializationRegional Resource ProvidersProfessional Service ProvidersRESILIENCE – DISASTER PREPAREDNESS/ RECOVERY – BUSINESS CONTINUITYTexas Coastal StudyBusiness RecoveryBusiness ContinuityAllies/Resource ProvidersECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLSEconomic Development IncentivesOpportunity ZonesState and Federal PartnersAvailable BuildingsPLANNING FORWARDCity Economic Development Plan and Implementation StrategyVision Galveston » Environment » Education » Infill Redevelopment » Innovation and EntrepreneurshipGEDP OverviewGALVESTON : STRATEGIC AREAS OF CONCENTRATION GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 5 Welcome to this year’s edition of the GEDP Developer Profile. Now in our 8th year of production, this effort attempts to synthesize the economic climates of Galveston and Galveston County. Economic development is most often described as a marathon – not a sprint. This is done for good reason. As evidenced by projects that are currently in development across our economic landscape, most projects take significant commitments of time, energy and perseverance to see their way through to completion. For our area, examples of these would include: the replacement of the Pelican Island Bridge; creation of a regional Storm Surge Suppression solution; improved Transportation Mobility; development of Sports Tourism; Emerging Technology and Commercialization; redevelopment of our Port; Infill Redevelopment; and, more. Master plans are in development for our Port, Park Board, Vision Galveston, School District and many others. In addition, our region is blessed by the presence of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and Galveston College. These institutions continue implementing strategic components of their Long Range plans to the benefit of Galveston, Galveston County and beyond. The private sector remains a key component of our long-term sustainability. Entities from our largest corporations to our diversified mix of commercial and retail stakeholders all contribute to the positive economic outlook for our area. From our vantage point, there is a comprehensive sense of positive activities that will benefit our community into the future. As you review this edition of the GEDP Developer Profile, my hope is that you too will gain a sense of the energy and excitement that lay ahead for our great City and region. To learn more about Galveston and the opportunities that are developing, please reach out to your Galveston Economic Development Partnership for additional information. The work of the GEDP would not be possible without the support of our Members, Executive Committee, Task Force Chairs, Allies, or great staff. JEFFREY SJOSTROM GEDP President … As you review this edition of the GEDP Developer Profile, my hope is that you too will gain a sense of energy and excitement that lay ahead for our great City and region. CHANGE IS IN THE AIR ...From the GEDP PresidentMICHELE HAY GEDP Vice President GEDP OverviewRESOURCES FOR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT» Information Clearinghouse of demographic, socioeconomic, available properties, strategic investment areas, available incentives, and an overall awareness for the economic climate of Galveston Island.» Site Selection Tools and Resources including real estate, utilities, incentives, workforce data, planning, project structuring and finance, regulatory and other services to aid in the project development/implementation phases of generating new wealth.» Comprehensive database of specialized tools/software for project development purposes including GIS and associated software, proprietary data utilizing customized data bases for local and regional assessments/comparisons and others.6 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE // GEDP.ORGSERVICES OF THE GEDPLEVERAGING ASSETS, RESOURCES AND LEADERSHIPThe GEDP has established a professional track record of collaboration and leveraging people, projects and opportunities for more than 20 years. The strength of the GEDP is the direct result of the caliber of members and the leadership of the Executive Committee who volunteer in the effort of growing Galveston. These attributes have resulted in recognition over the years from both the Texas Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council.THE CORE VALUES ESTABLISHED THE DAY THE GEDP WAS ORGANIZED, REMAIN TRUE TO TODAY ...» Expand Employment Opportunities and Tax Base» Economic Impact of Supported Activities» Task Force Continuation» Comprehensive Economic Database Foundation» One-Stop Shop Delivery System» Proactive Business Climate» Realistic Incentive Base for Stimulating Private Sector Investment» Middle-income and Housing Expansion» Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness initiatives» Quantified Labor Pool for Workforce» Strategic Alliances with Local and Regional EntitiesGEDP Overview GEDP.ORG // 2019 GEDP DEVELOPER PROFILE 7 V.J. TRAMONTE ChairKEITH BASSETT Vice Chair JOHN KELSO SecretaryWILLIAM RIDER TreasurerVIC PIERSON Past ChairHOWIE BENTLEY Classic Auto Group GalvestonGALE BURKETT GB TechCHAD CARSON CenterPoint EnergyBILL COLTZERZero/Six Consulting, LLCKELLY DE SCHAUN Galveston Island Park Board THERESA ELLIOTTCasa Del Mar JASON FARMER Farmer’s Alloy MICHAEL FOSSUMPresident, Texas A&M University at Galveston KELLI MOULTON Superintendent, Galveston ISD CHERYL SADROUniversity of Texas Medical Branch – GalvestonMYLES SHELTON President, Galveston College GEDP LEADERSHIP OFFICERSEXECUTIVE COMMITTEEEX OFFICIO MEMBERSLEONARD HALE Gulf CopperSHRUB KEMPNER Kempner Capital ManagementKEITH PALMER TelaForce LLC MAUREEN PATTONThe Grand 1894 Opera House JIM POZZI American National Insurance CompanyFRED RASCHKE Mills Shirley LLPJIMMY RASMUSSEN Hometown Bank MARIE ROBB Coastal Solutions TERRILYN TARLTON SHANNON Insurance Junction JOHNNY SMECCA Galveston Restaurant GroupTODD SULLIVAN Sullivan Interests LEONARD WOOLSEY The Galveston County Daily NewsBEN RAIMER Interim President, University of Texas Medical Branch – GalvestonJIM YARBOUGH Mayor, City of GalvestonBRIAN MAXWELL City Manager, City of Galveston BILL MCCLAINTexas A&M University at GalvestonRODGER REESDirector, Port of Galveston GINA SPAGNOLAPresident, Galveston Regional Chamber of CommerceNext >