GEDP Task Forces
BIO-Galveston/Technology
Chaired by Chris Fredrickson, this Task Force continues seeking new investment opportunities for
emerging technology companies. In addition to supporting the creation of a dedicated Technology
Center for Galveston, this initiative creates a networking environment for emerging technology
companies.
Economic Development Incentives
Chaired by Shrub Kempner, this Task Force will be focused on the usage of the 4B Sales Tax for Economic
Development as recently passed, as well as continuing to monitor any economic development financial
incentives that may become available to the benefit of the Galveston business community.
Education/Workforce
Chaired by Dr. Bowen Loftin, this Task Force will be participating with the P-16 Council, addressing
Workforce Development training needs and seeking opportunities to support enhanced educational
opportunities across Galveston Island.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Chaired by Jeff Sjostrom, this task force operates through a consortium of various entities, the GEDP
continues an active GIS program for use by parties interested in geographic information pertaining to
the infrastructure and economic climate of Galveston. Partners to this initiative include City of
Galveston, Galveston County Central Appraisal District, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston
County, ESRI, HGAC, Galveston Historical Foundation, Texas Gas, CenterPoint Energy, and others.
Hurricane Recovery
Chaired by Craig Marston, this Task Force has initiated the task of incorporating lessons learned
during Hurricane Ike into the ongoing planning efforts of the GEDP for continuity planning for catastrophic
events. Issues identified for priority handling include reentry procedures, permitting and
assessments, and the utilization of local businesses in the recovery and reconstruction of Galveston.
Housing and Sustainable Development
Chaired by Steve Schulz, this Task Force continues with a focus on new housing opportunities and the
opportunity of creating sustainable development across Galveston Island. Recently this Task Force
identified and is addressing three fundamental barriers to increasing home ownership on the Island:
Construction Financing, Homeowner Financing, and Permitting/Regulatory Environment of new Projects.
In addition to the activities that this Task Force has traditionally overseen, monitoring of the
City's CDBG allocations and what implications this may have on the housing market of Galveston has been added.
Maritime
Chaired by Jayson Levy and Dr. Bill McMullen, this Task Force continues seeking new avenues for publicizing
the economic importance of our industrial partners on Galveston Island. Last year this Task Force completed
an industrial survey of those businesses located on the Island that were involved in the Maritime/Support
Service Industry for Offshore Oil. This survey identified over 85 companies with an estimated workforce
of 2,500 - 3,000 workers. As this was a growing sector of the Galveston economy prior to Hurricane Ike,
this Task Force continues exploring opportunities for expansion, diversification and new locations for
companies seeking to take advantage of the opportunities presented in Galveston.
Marketing
Chaired by Gwen Wagner, this Task Force is currently reviewing all aspects of GEDP marketing for programs and
services. Materials under review include all collateral pieces of the GEDP as well as any special reports or
marketing efforts geared at the expansion of Galveston's employment and tax bases. A primary goal of this
effort has been identified as promoting more regularly the efforts of the GEDP and the collaborations in place
for educating and advocating for the improvement of Galveston's overall economic climate.
Real Estate
Chaired by V.J. Tramonte, this Task Force is working on reestablishing the available properties database
through the GEDP as well as facilitating effective discussions on the availability and adaptive reuse
of vacant or available property for development.
To join a task force or to receive more information on the various activities of the
Galveston Economic Development Partnership, please contact us at (409) 770-0216