Beyond investing in the Partnership's mission, the active engagement of our members drives our work.  This year, 4,216 members were brought together for 75 program sessions, delivering enriching conversations, educational workshops and valuable content. Tailored to a unique audience or affinity group, BRGs are also a platform for professional, leadership and business development, empowering employees to bring added knowledge back to their companies. Below is a roundup of 2019 highlights and activities for each of our nine BRGs. Business Beyond Borders: for people doing business internationally  Members of the Business Beyond Borders BRG received global business knowledge and discussed topics including the Circular Economy, different export markets including Latin America and Europe, and various trade initiatives. Business Development: for sales and business development professionals Members who are part of our Business Development BRG met monthly to discuss various topics, including product branding, organizational growth challenges and participated in numerous Progressive Networking events.  Executive Women's Partnership: for qualified female executives EWP is Houston's premier networking group for top female executives from member companies with $100 million+ in revenue. Members receive VIP behind-the-scenes looks at our member companies and peer-to-peer networking opportunities, including this year’s annual retreat exploring the innovation happening in the transportation industry. Future of Texas: for government relations and public affairs professionals Future of Texas features elected officials shaping Texas' future, giving Partnership members the opportunity to engage with these leaders and hear their perspective on our state's most pressing issues. This year the Partnership hosted various elected officials: U.S. Representatives Kevin Brady, Dan Crenshaw, Lizzie Fletcher, Sylvia Garcia and Michael McCaul, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, State Senators Brandon Creighton and Larry Taylor, and State Representative Dan Huberty.  Houston Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs: for people in their 20s and 30s This diverse, Texas-sized group of professionals and entrepreneurs meet regularly to connect with each other, build their careers and learn from Houston thought leaders. This year’s HYPE Impact Awards featured H-E-B President Scott McClelland and HYPE’s Power Hour featured various local leaders. Regions & Neighborhoods: for professionals interested in community engagement The inaugural year of the Regions and Neighborhoods BRG kicked off with a tour of NASA, followed by a discussion around community redevelopment and history in the Fifth Ward and a colorful excursion through the Arts District. Available to Partnership members located in our 11-county region, this BRG explores the districts, wards, Main Street businesses and other unique economic zones and business centers found throughout Houston. Small Biz Matters: for businesses with 50 or fewer employees globally This business resource group is designed for small businesses to make valuable connections through workshops and digital on-demand podcasts and videos. Our Small Biz Insider Series showcased local small business leaders. Talent Resources Group: for HR, D&I leaders, and Talent Attraction professionals The Talent Resources Group addresses talent attraction and retention, diversity and inclusivity awareness, enhancing your corporate culture, as well as continuing education needs for HR and legal professionals. Women's Business Alliance: for managers with 5+ years experience The Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) provides professional development resources to empower high-performing, mid-career women to advance their professional opportunities, form strategic partnerships and build a network of advocates. Our annual Rise to the Top event showcased “first females” in their fields and welcomed Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of Prairie View A&M University, as the keynote speaker.  Our Business Resource Groups are one of the main vehicles our members use to connect and continue the conversation on the issues facing businesses in our region. Become a member and get involved.

Houston is the nation's best city for millennials, according to a new study by a Colorado strategy firm. The study, “The US Cities Scorecard for Millennials” by The Langston Co., looks at how cities rank across dozens of different dimensions, including culture, climate, transportation, and salary potential. Houston comes out on top for offering the best overall value. The Bayou City is followed by Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Austin, in that order. The study surveyed nearly 3,000 millennials across 22 major U.S. cities. Houston ranked among the top three cities in several specific areas, including diversity, ease of meeting new people, fair income taxes, everyday expenses, salary potential and amenities for children. Millennial residents are now the largest share of households with young children in the United States, according to the report. Their social, economic, and political power have created enormous interest among companies and municipal areas that want to attract and retain well-educated millennial employees and residents. In the Houston area, millennials age 25-34 make up the largest percentage of the adult population, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.