Celebrating 25 Years of Service to Galveston
Expanding and Diversifying Galveston's Employment & Tax Bases
Join Us – Wednesday, October 29, for the 2025 GEDP Economic Summit
Be part of the 2025 GEDP Summit, Galveston’s premier economic development event.
Each year, the Summit brings together community leaders, innovators, and changemakers to celebrate progress, share insights, and chart the future of Galveston’s economy. This fall, we invite you to join the conversation.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Aggie Special Events Center, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Host a Table at the Summit
Bring your team or clients to the 13th Annual GEDP Economic Development Summit on October 29, 2025, at Texas A&M Galveston. Hosting a table puts your organization in front of the region’s top leaders while directly supporting student participation through our Student Backfill program.
Tables of 8
Member: $2,000
Non-Member: $2,500
✔ Reserved seating • Networking with decision-makers • On-table recognition • Option to fill unused seats with local students
Deadline: September 26, 2025
Thank You for a Wonderful September Member Blender!
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our September Member Blender at Porch Café in Beachtown. The energy, conversations, and connections made the evening a true success.
We’re especially grateful to the Porch Café team for hosting us and creating such a welcoming atmosphere—the food, service, and coastal charm were the perfect backdrop for building relationships and sharing ideas.
Our Member Blenders are all about strengthening our community, and last night was another great reminder of what happens when dedicated people come together.
Be sure to join our email list below so you don’t miss the next Member Blender!
Thank You for Attending the August Construction Consortium
On August 13, 2025, the GEDP Construction Consortium brought together more than 50 construction and development professionals at Beerfoot Brewery for an evening filled with great conversations, valuable insights, and new connections.
We’re especially grateful to Grant Shallenberger, Associate Vice President for Administration & Auxiliary Services at Texas A&M University at Galveston, for sharing exciting updates on upcoming TAMUG projects and ways local businesses can get involved.
A big thank-you as well to United Rentals, our featured vendor, for highlighting their services and continuing to support the Gulf Coast construction community.
Events like these strengthen our professional network and create opportunities for collaboration across the region. We can’t wait to see you at October’s consortium—be sure to join our email list below so you don’t miss the details!
Thank You for Joining Us for the GEDP, City of Galveston, and Falcontail Member Blender on July 30.
The GEDP Member Blender on July 30th was an extraordinary evening of connection, conversation, and civic momentum. With well over 100 attendees, the room was filled with energy and purpose, bringing together Galveston’s business, civic, and community leaders in one shared space.
We were honored to welcome four City Council members, as well as representatives from the Park Board, the Wharves Board, and a wide array of local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and engaged residents. After a warm introduction by David Landriault of Falcontail, Mayor Craig Brown and City Manager Brian Maxwell delivered thoughtful, forward-looking remarks that helped ground the evening in both vision and opportunity.
This event was made possible through the partnership of Falcontail, the City of Galveston, and the Galveston Economic Development Partnership (GEDP)—and we’re grateful for the collaboration and shared commitment behind it.
Special thanks to the culinary stars of the night:
– The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, for the exquisite desserts that disappeared in moments
– Cajun Greek, for the unforgettable tzatziki and gyros that had everyone talking
– Shrimp ‘n Stuff, for the perfectly fried catfish, crispy cheese curds, and more
To everyone who joined us—thank you. Galveston’s future is shaped by people who show up, speak up, and work together. Last night was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when that happens.
We look forward to what comes next. To get notifications about upcoming events, sign up for our email list below!
Building Resiliency: Lessons from Galveston’s June 10 Workshop
Galveston, TX – June 10, 2025 — In a region increasingly at risk, the Galveston Economic Development Partnership’s recent Member Blender + Resiliency Workshop brought leaders, experts, and business owners together to sharpen strategies for navigating today’s heightened disaster landscape.
Forecasting a Busy Hurricane Season
Forecaster Dr. Hal "Hurricane Hal" Needham emphasized that both NOAA and Colorado State University predict an above-normal 2025 hurricane season. NOAA estimates a 60% chance of above-average activity—expecting 13–19 named storms and 3–5 major hurricanes
Cresting that forecast, CSU foresees 17 named storms and 9 hurricanes, 4 of which could be major; they assign a 51% chance of a U.S. landfalling major hurricane, and a 33% chance for a Gulf Coast landfall
Sessions highlighted that storms are not only becoming more frequent but intensifying faster—driven by warmer sea surface temperatures, shifting ENSO patterns, and stretched forecasting resources.
GEDP’s 2025 Annual Members Meeting: Driving Galveston’s Economic Future
At our Annual Meeting, members approved the 2025 Work Plan, Budget, and Leadership Slate while gaining valuable insights from market analyst Victoria Greene and maritime industry expert Robert Sakowitz.
We proudly honored founding member Bill Rider and longtime Secretary John Kelso for their dedication and leadership. Key initiatives for 2025 include business retention efforts, targeted economic development planning, and a reimagined Investment Summit.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Howie Bentley of Classic Auto and Johnnie Smecca of Mario’s on the Seawall, for hosting in their newly renovated space.
Stay engaged as we continue working together to propel Galveston’s economic growth forward!
Our Heartfelt Thanks to Our 2024 Summit Sponsors
GEDP Developer Profile 2024
As part of our Annual Economic Development Summit, the GEDP publishes the Developer Profile. This comprehensive publication offers in-depth demographic and statistical data on Galveston and its key industry sectors, while also spotlighting current, upcoming, and recently completed projects and developments.
New Member Highlight
Welcome: The San Luis Resort – Galveston, TX
A flagship of Galveston’s hospitality economy, The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center joins GEDP as a 32‑acre beachfront destination known for elevated service and year‑round appeal. The San Luis has held the AAA Four Diamond designation since 1999 and offers a mix of luxury rooms and suites—250 guest rooms, each with a private balcony—along with signature dining concepts like The Steakhouse, Grotto, and Blake’s Bistro. The resort is part of the Landry’s family of hospitality brands rooted in the Gulf Coast.
Beyond leisure, The San Luis is a powerhouse for meetings and events. Across the resort complex, planners can access ~200,000 sq. ft. of meeting facilities, ~700 adjacent guest rooms, and ten restaurants, anchored by an IACC‑accredited conference center. Connected to the property is the Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort—140,000 sq. ft. with a 43,100‑sq.‑ft. Exhibit hall, 15,500‑sq.‑ft. Grand ballroom, and 12,000 sq. ft. of breakout space overlooking the Gulf. Together, this capacity supports year‑round group business and “shoulder‑season” visitation that benefits local employers and small businesses alike.
The San Luis also celebrates Galveston’s heritage—its dramatic siting incorporates the historic Fort Crockett battery structures—and continues to invest in amenities that keep visitors returning, from The Cove's tropical pool with private cabanas to the secluded Villas at The San Luis for ultra-private stays. We’re proud to welcome a member that embodies both place and progress.
Visit The San Luis Resort online at https://www.sanluisresort.com/
New Member Highlight
Welcome: McNatt Contracting - Preserving History, Building the Future
McNatt Contracting, Inc. is more than a construction company — it’s a trusted steward of Galveston’s history. Specializing in commercial, residential, and historic preservation projects, their team combines deep expertise with a passion for craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
One of their standout achievements is restoration work on The Grand 1894 Opera House. As John McNatt shared:
“We were told we couldn’t steam bend pine, but the entire structure was designed with curves and we were able to accomplish the style and design of the architect.”
It’s this commitment to precision and problem-solving that defines McNatt Contracting’s work — honoring the integrity of historic spaces while delivering lasting value for the community.
Learn more about their projects and services at mcnattcontracting.com.
The GEDP supports existing and new businesses by providing the infrastructure to be globally competitive.
Since 1999, through the public-private membership base of the GEDP, assistance has been provided, including demographic and socioeconomic information, utilization of a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) for project development activities, maintenance of an information clearinghouse and economic climate assessments that have been made available to those seeking to make Galveston a better place.
Priority areas of investment include those projects capable of expanding or enhancing the core industries for the Galveston economic base: Maritime, Tourism, Education, Healthcare, and Emerging Technologies.
Maximizing Galveston’s human, natural, and financial resources, the GEDP remains committed to facilitating quality projects that work to expand Galveston’s employment and tax bases. Galveston is an island of opportunity and the GEDP looks forward to working with you on future projects.