The Greater Houston Partnership’s Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) program empowers early- to mid-career professionals to grow as leaders, build meaningful connections, and deepen their engagement in Houston’s business and civic landscape. Through curated events and purposeful programming, HYPE cultivates a pipeline of rising talent ready to take on leadership roles in their companies and communities. The Partnership is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders who will help shape Houston’s future, and HYPE is one way we’re investing in that vision. Hear from a past HYPE Member, Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas, on how her journey with HYPE helped shape her career, particularly at a HYPE coffee chat.   “When I first joined what was then the Greater Houston Partnership’s Involvement Committee in 2011, now known as HYPE, I saw an opportunity to bridge my work with the Houston Area Urban League, the city’s business community, and my interests.  Though work and civic demands have occasionally pulled me away, I’ve always understood HYPE’s immense value for young professionals, especially those without ready access to mentors or development resources.   My single most memorable HYPE moment took place at a roundtable breakfast at Hotel ZaZa. Dan Bellow facilitated our “table talk” with such openness that I, coming from a family without insider connections, felt empowered to ‘shoot my shot’ and ask the BIG questions.   Dan’s openness to listening, sharing personal insights, and responding with honesty exemplified the kind of relational leadership that HYPE strives to cultivate, authentic, courageous, and deeply human. While I may have dominated the Q&A portion of the breakfast (much to the likely frustration of my tablemates), I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by. Moments like that aren't guaranteed, and I would have regretted staying silent.  Over the years, what I learned through HYPE involvement led me to board seats, speaking invitations, and collaborative projects with city officials, connections that ultimately helped lay the groundwork for my dual roles in academia and as a Houston City Council member. Serving on HYPE workgroups sharpened my ability to set agendas, mobilize volunteers, and execute strategic initiatives—lessons in “leadership by doing” that continue to guide me today.   My advice for current HYPE members is simple: lean in and bring someone with you. Be involved and attend HYPE programs, ask to shadow a senior leader, and don’t hesitate to reach out for a 15-minute coffee chat. Those small acts of initiative not only expand your network but also build confidence in your own voice.   To the future business and community leaders of Houston, I offer two key pieces of counsel: cultivate genuine curiosity—ask “Why?” before “How?”—and practice servant leadership by elevating others’ contributions as much as your own. Today, you can deepen your impact by serving on local nonprofit boards, participating in city advisory councils, or championing inclusive economic programs in your neighborhood.   These experiences strengthen our region and hone the collaborative, civic-minded skill set that today's leaders will need. I joined HYPE seeking a platform; what I found was a community that champions growth, connection, and possibility. Here’s to the next generation of Houston’s leaders—may you ask big questions, build real relationships, and drive our city forward. I am counting on you.” —Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas The Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) is a member-based program, to subscribe you must be employed at a current member company. Learn more about HYPE.

HOUSTON (May 1, 2025)—As evolving trade policies and geopolitical tensions create economic uncertainty in 2025, Houston enters the year with a strong foundation. According to the Greater Houston Partnership’s newly released 2025 Global Houston report, the region led the U.S. in exports last year – shipping $180.9 billion in goods, more than any other metro area. Click to expand   The report, based on 2024 data compiled prior to this year’s policy changes, highlights how Houston’s infrastructure, industrial base and deep global relationships position the region to better navigate trade disruptions.  “As the U.S. seeks fairer trade arrangements, the uncertainty is impacting some long-term investment decisions,” Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “At the same time, we’re seeing increased interest in the Houston metro as a destination for onshoring. Our region enters this period from a position of strength – we’re not only the nation’s top exporting metro, but also a leader in population and GDP growth. Houston is well-positioned to adapt, respond and benefit from global economic shifts.” Notably, the Houston/Galveston Customs District is one of only 10 in the U.S. where exports exceed imports – a reflection of the region’s strong global demand and production capacity. Key Metrics from the Global Houston Report: #1 U.S. Exporting Metro: $180.9B in goods exported in 2024 (3.1% increase from 2023) Record Customs District Tonnage: 432.6M metric tons handled, ranking No. 1 nationally Total Trade Value: $376.3B through Houston/Galveston, ranking No. 4 among U.S. districts Foreign Direct Investment: 81 foreign-owned companies announced plans to relocate, expand or start operations; a 56% increase from 2023 when 52 international projects were announced. (increase is partially due to improved data sourcing) Global Connectivity: 3.1M international passengers traveled through Houston airports (record; a 4.2% increase over the 12.6 million passengers in ’23) 3.4M container units processed at Port Houston (record) Migration-Driven Workforce Growth: Nearly 65% of the region’s 2024 population growth came from international migration Energy Leads in Exports Energy continues to play an outsized role in Houston’s international economy. Oil and refined petroleum products accounted for more than half (52.1%) of all trade value flowing through the Houston/Galveston Customs District in 2024 – totaling $196.1B, with 88% of that volume heading overseas.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), global oil demand is expected to reach 103.6 million barrels per day in 2025 – a new record, though below earlier projections. At the same time, lower forecasted oil prices and emerging trade barriers could prompt Texas producers to scale back new drilling, potentially reducing export volumes through the Houston/Galveston District. Top 10 Houston Trading Partners in 2024: Netherlands – $31.9B (↑ 23%) | Driven by oil exports amid EU energy diversification China – $30.1B (↓ 7%) | Key supplier of industrial equipment and electronics Mexico – $24.9B (↓ 13%) | Most integrated supply chain partner South Korea – $23.8B (↑ 4%) Germany – $16.9B (↑ 10%) Brazil – $16.8B (↑ 6%) United Kingdom – $15.0B (↑ 6%) Japan – $13.5B (↑ 3%) India – $13.2B (↓ 0.8%) Canada – $11.5B (↑ 22%) About the Report Produced annually by the Greater Houston Partnership’s Research team, the Global Houston Report analyzes the region’s international trade, foreign investment, migration trends and sector strengths. It serves as a key resource for companies navigating an increasingly complex global business landscape. Access the full report, here. CONTACT:           Brina Morales                                                 Sr. Director, Communications     bmorales@houston.org