About Us
The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) has served the Bay Area Houston region since being incorporated on December 16, 1976, as the Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation (CLAEDF). The organization has enjoyed a rich history of bringing new companies to the area and creating new employment opportunities for residents. The organization was officially rebranded as BAHEP on May 16, 2003.
The spectacular growth the region has seen during this period was the result of an orchestrated effort by public officials, educators, business leaders, and residents working together toward a common goal.
BAHEP is a member-driven organization dedicated to stimulating regional economic development and employment in Southeast Texas. Utilizing a collaborative committee structure, we engage more than 330 investor companies, business professionals, local governments, and educational institutions within the region to bring about prosperity and a high quality of life for the 1.5 million residents who live and work here. Our membership also includes 18 cities, Galveston County, and Harris County.
BAHEP’s President and staff are responsible for the daily operations of the organization which is governed by a Board of Directors. Membership investment almost exclusively funds the organization’s mission. BAHEP’s goal of attracting, retaining, and expanding industry within the region would not be possible without the financial support and valuable time given by its members.
Our member-driven committees engage in BAHEP’s initiatives. These committees are industry-focused and address the needs of the aerospace, maritime, specialty chemical, healthcare, education, tourism, energy, small business, and many others.
BAHEP continues to expand statewide with a multitude of initiatives and programs. In addition to the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP), BAHEP recently took a leadership role with the Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS), a program in partnership with the NASA Johnson Space Center, Texas A&M University and San Jacinto College. BAHEP is also actively expanding their partnership with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) by working together on multiple manufacturing initiatives.
BAHEP initiates responsible economic development throughout the region by executing a five-year strategic plan that optimizes the balance between business factors, quality-of-life, regional needs, and sustainable growth. In this context, planning is critical, but even more important is member involvement, communication, and a shared regional vision.