In April 2024, the Partnership hosted seven leading site consultants for an exclusive two-and-a-half-day immersion tour into Houston’s dynamic business ecosystem. The visit aimed to position Houston as a prime choice for business relocation and expansion by offering an insider’s look at the region's assets.

Key highlights included VIP tours of NASA, Port Houston and the Texas Medical Center’s (TMC) innovation hubs. Participants engaged in a CEO Roundtable luncheon, interactive panel discussions with Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) members, and networking events, including an Astros game in the CenterPoint suite and a sunset dinner cruise in Kemah. 

Delegation members included Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority Ric Campo, WM CEO Jim Fish, senior TMC representatives and HREDA members, among others. Key HREDA members also sponsored tour stops.

Informal feedback from the consultants praised Houston’s cultural and industrial diversity, effective regional collaboration, and the high caliber of the hosts. Their positive impressions underscore the event’s success, prompting plans for hosting additional site selectors in 2025.

Nick Riashi, Senior Director at Consultant Connect, reflects on his positive experience collaborating with the Partnership to host the tour, emphasizing its powerful role in fostering connections that can attract businesses to the region.

"In the past five years, we've collaborated with over 40 communities to host Familiarization (Fam) Tours, connecting site consultants with regional advantages. These events are essential for showcasing a community’s strengths and reshaping consultants' perceptions. Our experience has shown that strong relationships with economic developers play a crucial role in decision-making.

 

One standout partnership was with the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), which delivered a worldclass experience. Highlights included visits to NASA, Port Houston, and Helix Park, demonstrating the region's diverse industries. The GHP Team excelled in bringing together influential regional leaders for networking opportunities, enriching the consultants' understanding of the community.

While many partnerships claim a regional approach, GHP truly embodies this collaboration, uniting various stakeholders towards a common goal in business attraction. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail made the event not only impactful but also enjoyable. GHP's commitment to excellence and community engagement was evident, ensuring that every attendee felt valued and connected."

By showcasing regional strengths and building meaningful relationships, Fam Tours play a vital role in driving business growth. Since 2021, 26 percent of project wins have come from site consultants – representing $1.4 billion in capital investment.

Learn how you can locate and grow your business in Houston.

Download the Partnership's 2024 Impact Report.