[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2009

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th 
anniversary of the Greater Houston Partnership. I ask my colleagues and 
those visitors in the House Chamber to join me in congratulating the 
Greater Houston Partnership and applauding the many achievements they 
have accomplished over the past 20 years.
  In 1989, the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Economic 
Development Council and the Houston World Trade Center joined together 
to make the dream of an organization that would be an advocate for the 
business community in the greater Houston area a reality.
  The Greater Houston Partnership has grown into an influential 
organization that now has two thousand member businesses and serves 10 
fast growing counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, 
Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller.
  The Partnership has had an impressive impact on the region. In the 
last year, 53 percent of all jobs created in the United States were 
created in Texas--and one in four of those were in Houston. This is 
astounding and a testimony to the contributions the Greater Houston 
Partnership has made to cultivate a vibrant business environment. The 
Partnership's efforts are focused on building Houston's prosperity and 
promoting regional economic development. The Partnership is actively 
involved with public policy issues and works with local elected 
officials to ensure the Greater Houston community is well represented 
in areas such as clean air, education and transportation.
  In its two decades of existence there is much to be proud of. It is 
an honor to recognize such an impressive organization. All Americans 
can learn from the collaborative example the Greater Houston 
Partnership continues to display through their leadership and guidance 
to the people and businesses in the Greater Houston community.
  Madam Speaker, today more than ever, we must support the efforts of 
the Greater Houston Partnership and other similar organizations across 
the country. The work they do to help create jobs in our country is 
essential for continued economic growth and stability in the face of 
the global economic changes. I urge you to join me in congratulating 
the Greater Houston Partnership for 20 years of serving as the voice 
for the greater Houston business community.

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