Celebrating 25 Years of Service to Galveston
Expanding and Diversifying Galveston's Employment & Tax Bases
Join Us at the 2026 Annual Meeting & Casino Night
About the Event
Galveston Economic Development Partnership invites members and community partners to the 2026 Annual Meeting & Casino Night, an evening that combines the organization’s annual meeting with a festive fundraising celebration supporting economic development on Galveston Island.
This year’s event has been reimagined as a high-energy social experience that blends networking, entertainment, and philanthropy in an iconic Galveston setting.
What to Expect
Casino-style table games throughout the evening
Live music
Food and drinks included with admission
Raffle prizes, including Astros tickets, a Moody Gardens family trip, a stay at The Tremont House, and more
Tickets
Casino Entry Ticket: $100 per person
Each ticket includes:
Casino voucher
Two drink tickets
Food and live music access
An evening of networking, entertainment, and celebration supporting economic development on Galveston Island.
Event Snapshot
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: *4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (CST)
Location: The Grand 1894 Opera House
2020 Postoffice Street, Galveston, Texas
* The evening will begin with a 30-minute annual meeting exclusively for GEDP members, followed by an open social and fundraising portion for all ticketed guests.
Businesses and organizations may support the event through the following sponsorship levels:
Music Sponsor (Sold Out) – $1,000
Recognition during the event and in GEDP communications
Two event tickets
Game Sponsor – $3,500
Recognition at casino tables and in GEDP communications
Four event tickets
Bar Sponsor – $5,000
Prominent recognition at the event bar and in GEDP communications
Ten event tickets
Raffle Donations & Event Contact
GEDP welcomes donated items for raffle prizes.
Event Contact:
Kelsey Malan
Phone: (409) 770-0216
Email: malan@gedp.org
Casino Night Sponsorship Opportunities
A Record-Breaking Summit. A Shared Vision for Galveston’s Future.
The Galveston Economic Development Partnership (GEDP) and the Galveston Center for Innovation and Transformation (GCIT) extend our sincere appreciation to the hundreds of attendees, sponsors, and partners who made the 13th Annual Economic Development Summit — Investing in Galveston a resounding success.
This year’s Summit was completely sold out — every table, ticket, and exhibitor space reserved — marking the most well-attended event in GEDP history. The energy, ideas, and engagement throughout the day reflected Galveston’s momentum and its growing role as a regional economic leader.
More than a forum, the Summit has become a catalyst — uniting leaders from business, government, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sectors to exchange ideas and build partnerships that shape the island’s economic future. Together, we explored the opportunities and challenges that define Galveston’s growth — from workforce development and housing to healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, and innovation.
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 2025 Summit Sponsors
Keynote Sponsor
City of Galveston
Industrial Development Corporation
Luncheon Sponsors
Frost Bank
Galveston-Texas City Pilots
Falcontail Marketing & Design
Galveston Independent School District
Galveston Restaurant Group
Galveston-Texas City Pilots
GB Tech
Gulf Copper Drydock & Rig Repair
Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP
Branded Conference Tote Sponsor
HomeTown Bank
VIP Reception Sponsors
G Squared Private Wealth
Bassett Family Interests
Galveston Restaurant Group
Pioneer
Innovator
Accelerator
Entrepreneur
Hensel Phelps
J.W. Kelso Company, Inc.
Joe Tramonte Realty, Inc.
Kirby Advertising
McCoy’s Building Supply
O’Connor Tax Reduction Experts
Sullivan Brothers Family of Companies
Presenting Gift Sponsor
Moody Bank
Breakfast Sponsors
Port of Galveston / Galveston Wharves
Hensel Phelps
Marie Robb for Mayor
Gulf Copper Drydock & Rig Repair
Teichman Group
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas First Bank
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
The Tremont House
Titan Technologies
Tolunay-Wong Engineers
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: Yaga’s Entertainment — Galveston, TX
A leader in Galveston’s event and entertainment industry, Yaga’s Entertainment, Inc. joins GEDP as a driving force behind some of the island’s most iconic festivals and community celebrations. Founded by Mike Dean, Yaga’s has spent more than three decades creating large-scale events that connect people, support local businesses, and fuel Galveston’s year-round economy.
From Mardi Gras! Galveston and the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival to Chili Quest & Beer Fest, their productions draw thousands of visitors each year—generating tourism revenue, creating collaboration opportunities for local vendors, and showcasing the spirit of the island.
Through strategic partnerships and continued community engagement, Yaga’s Entertainment remains committed to fostering growth and keeping Galveston a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
We’re proud to welcome Yaga’s Entertainment to GEDP—a member whose creativity and leadership continue to shape Galveston’s success story.
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/
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.