The gist
The event was moderated by GHP President and CEO Steve Kean and had four panelists, including Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole; Alvin ISD Superintendent Carol Nelson; Phyllis Saathoff, executive director and CEO of Port Freeport; and Patti Worfe Mills, president and CEO of The Economic Development Alliance for Brazoria County.
The panelists discussed topics such as growth in job industries throughout the county, industrial growth and educational programs as well as the need to invest in infrastructure to acclimate to a growing state.
Cole, for example, acknowledged the upcoming growth Texas will have and emphasized how it will affect the Greater Houston area. He highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure as millions more are expected to call the area their home in the coming years.
“From local roads, additional [Hwy.] 288 further south, water sewer plants, fire stations, more firefighters and police officers, police stations, sidewalks, trails, parks—all of that is part of our importance for our future,” Cole said.
Nelson said it’s important to invest in education as public school districts are the largest contributor to increasing the local workforce.
“Education is where it’s at, and if we don’t invest in it, then we’re all going to lose there,” Nelson said. Kids need to know how to critically problem solve and think, and if you teach them those skills, they’re going to adapt to the jobs that they’re faced with.”
What they said
Mills said she has observed a large growth in the life sciences industry, with six life science companies in Pearland. She believes the location of Pearland invites life science employees to want to reside there.
“Pearland has had an unbelievable amount of success in the life science group,” Mills said. “We all know, whether it’s advanced manufacturing, it’s life sciences, they want to all be together, they want to be in the same area, and because of where Pearland is, they absolutely have a true advantage being close to the Beltway ... [and the] Medical Center.”
Saathoff said although there’s a global change in the environment, there will still continue to be a demand for carbon, meaning industries, such as resin production, in the area shouldn’t be affected.
Also of note
Brazoria County was also recognized for construction being the largest sector of employment with more than 18,600 workers, according to the pamphlet.
Brazoria County is also projected to expand more than 6,880 jobs over the next three years, according to the pamphlet.
