Become a GEDP Member

Member Information and Access

Connecting with members is a hallmark of the GEDP. Find member information using our online directory.

Browse membership options and choose a level that best fits your needs.

Members

A collective effort to position Galveston Island as a coastal leader.

Leading the way for economic growth and progress on the island.

Developing strategies for Galveston, together.

The Galveston Economic Development Partnership is a private, non-profit organization that is membership based.

The organizational focus of the GEDP is for the facilitation of economic development for the benefit of the whole community. This typically takes the form of facilitating the expansion of employment and tax base through the development of key information for business expansions and recruitment efforts; being a one-stop- shop for business prospects and developers; creating a pro-active business climate; partnerships with regional and local allies to leverage resources; assisting with strategies to enhance our labor pool and increase supply of middle income housing for new businesses; and to provide comprehensive and realistic incentive and real estate assessments.

GEDP's focus and supported activities are based on economic impact for the Island and rely on participation from its members through critical task forces to help develop strategies and plans. To learn more about how you can become engaged as a member of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, please call 409-770-0216 or download our Membership Packet. To join the GEDP, complete and return our Membership form.

 

“We also strive to create an atmosphere that promotes knowledgeable citizens while preserving the aesthetic and environmental quality of life.”

Keith Bassett
Executive Committee
Immediate Past Chair

2023 GEDP Plan of Work

GEDP members are encouraged to participate in the work of Task Forces and Subcommittees within a range of business development themes. The work of these groups is essential to the work of the GEDP. During this year more focus will be targeted to greater networking and business development activities. To learn more about the work of these groups, please reach out to your GEDP staff or better yet, attend the meeting(s) of your choice. Your participation and insight are greatly encouraged.

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 or email Cathy Palmer, palmer@gedp.org.

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Industry & Transportation Task Force

Chair: Myles Shelton - Galveston College | Vice-Chair: Keith Palmer - Titan Technologies

The Industry and Transportation Task Force will focus on issues that impact our Primary Industry Clusters and transportation opportunities/challenges that may be present. This work will be supported through the workings of four key subcommittees that are highlighted below.

• Industry and Transportation Development Issues
Primary Industry Clusters: Maritime, Sports Tourism, Education, Healthcare
Transportation Sectors: Rail, Air, Highway, Water

• Subcommittees:
Maritime - Keith Palmer | John Kelso
Tourism (Sports) - Johnny Smecca
Education / Healthcare - Aaron LeMay
Real Estate/ Housing - VJ Tramonte | Steve Schultz

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Member Engagement Task Force

Chair - Bill Coltzer - Zero Six Consulting | Vice-Chair - Mark Conrad- Express Employment Professionals

The Member Engagement Task Force will focus on creating greater opportunities for member to member (M2M), business to business (B2B) and contractor to contractor (C2C) networking and business development events. One of the key elements to this Task Force will be a targeted focus on Business Retention and Expansion.

• Business Retention
Outreach and data gathering

• B2B | M2M Networking Events
Webinars, Membership Meetings (quarterly), President Roundtable

• Implement GEDP Directory/Guide
Enhance Marketing– print, digital, website, social media, newsletter

• Membership Retention
Recruitment and Engagement

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Business Continuity/Resilience Task Force

Chair: Gale Burkett - GB Tech | Vice-Chair: Garry Kaufman - Galveston Insurance Associates

The Business Continuity/Resilience Task Force will focus on issues that enhance Galveston’s business community in preparing for and responding to natural disasters and catastrophic events. In addition to available tools, resources, and programs, this Task Force will also provide leadership in the continued efforts of making Galveston more resilient for the future.

• Business Preparedness Recovery Training Sessions

• Development / Implementation of Recovery Tools, GISD BRIC

• Special Projects
Monitoring of Coastal Texas Study; TAMU NSF project; collaboration with the Center for a Disaster Resilient Texas (TAMUG)

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Emerging Technology Task Force

Chair: Darrell Carney - Chrysalis Bio Therapeutics | Vice-Chair: Marie Robb - Coastal Solutions, Inc.

The Emerging Technology Task Force focuses on issues that will assist in the development of an emerging technology ecosystem for Galveston and beyond. This Task Force will drive opportunities for addressing challenges facing entrepreneurs and events for greater networking and collaborations amongst those involved as a component to this emerging cluster.

• Emerging Tech Ecosystem Development
Innovation Interstate, Talent | Space | Capital, Roundtables

• Customs House Incubator
In collaboration with the UTMB Galveston, reactivation of the Customs House Incubator is underway with available office space for entrepreneurs in the emerging technology sector and wet-lab space that is currently scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of this year.

• Marketing and Business Development Programs
Business Plan Development, Agreements/MOU’s with allies, meeting, and networking events

Join Our Member Forums

• Informal, informational sessions
• Cover specific interests, current projects and programs

Additional Strategic Areas of Concentration

Education and Healthcare

  • Continued Growth in students, facilities, and programs

  • Diversity

  • Workforce development
    (UTMB / TAMUG / GISD / Galveston College)

  • College Town

  • Student Housing

Economic Development Tools

  • Economic Development Incentives

  • Opportunity Zones

  • State and Federal Partners

  • Available Buildings

Planning Forward

  • City Economic Development Plan and Implementation Strategy

  • Vision Galveston

    • Environment

    • Education

    • Infill Redevelopment

    • Innovation and Entrepreneurship