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Partnership Members Respond to COVID-19

Published May 12, 2020 by Julia McGowen

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Members of the Partnership are helping fight COVID-19 here in Houston and around the country in many different ways. Learn about some of our member companies who are making a difference. 
 

Donations & Assistance 

United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation: Launch of Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund 
The Greater Houston COVID-19 Fund will focus on funding support services that stabilize basic needs by providing access to food, health care, shelter, utility assistance, transportation and other unmet basic needs that have arisen as a result of the pandemic in the short-term and will respond to developing needs over time as resources are available. Learn More

Partnership Member Donors to Recovery Fund: 

  • Houston Endowment Inc. – $1 million 
  • Phillips 66 – $1 million 
  • Enbridge – $300,000 
  • David & Bonnie Weekley – $250,000
  • Calpine Corporation – $200,000
  • Burns & McDonnell – $150,000 
  • Wells Fargo Foundation – $150,000 
  • Bank of America Charitable Foundation – $100,000 
  • Bank of Texas – $100,000 
  • CenterPoint Energy Foundation – $100,000 
  • Crown Castle – $100,000 
  • Deloitte – $100,000 
  • Houston Texans Foundation – $100,000
  • The Kroger Co. Foundation – $100,000 
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co – $100,000 
  • Motiva Enterprises – $250,000 
  • Kinder Morgan Foundation –$50,000 

JPMorgan Chase: Donates Over $1M to Houston-Area Nonprofits for COVID-19 Challenges – May 29
The contributions will aid the nonprofit in providing food, housing and utility assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. Learn More

Reliant: Donates $130,000 to Houston Methodist Hospital for COVID-19 Healthcare Solutions – May 28
The donation establishes the “Reliant Innovation Fund,” enabling critical care innovations that will drive the future of healthcare in a post COVID-19 world. Learn More

Sempra LNG:  Sempra Energy Foundation Awards $215,000 in Grants to Nonprofits Impacted By COVID-19 – May 12
The foundation has awarded 12 grants to nonprofit organizations in Southeast Texas to support the increased volume of services provided to vulnerable individuals and families affected by COVID-19. Learn More

Kinder Foundation: Houston Food Bank Gets $1 Million Boost  – May 6
The foundation's gift will help the nonprofit hire laid-off workers, rent equipment and provide meals to those in need. Learn More

BP: Donates Jet Fuel to COVID-19 US Relief Efforts  – April 29
Donations to FedEx Express and Alaska Airlines help speed delivery of personal protective equipment and other essential goods nationwide. Learn More

University of Houston: Partnering with Health System to Provide Protective Equipment  – April 29
Harris Health System tapped the University of Houston to make medical face shields for doctors and nurses at the system's two hospitals — Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson. Learn More

Junior Achievement: Providing Online Learning Experiences – April 23
With schools closed, Junior Achievement is providing free online learning experiences that students can do on their own, with a parent or other caring adult, or with teachers via a digital/virtual environment. Learn More

Neuhaus Education Center: Delivering Virtual Curricula – April 23
Neuhaus Education Center has made their curriculum available online as a downloadable resources for teachers and families. Learn More

Engie North America: $100,000 Contribution to The Houston Food Bank  – April 21
Their local contribution will help The Houston Food Bank distribute emergency food boxes and produce to partner agencies working to provide food assistance and direct deliveries to homebound people with little or no access to food resources. 

Crown Castle: Ensuring 55,000 Students Have Tools to Access Distance Learning  – April 20
Crown Castle’s Connected by Good program has donated to non-profit organizations and school district foundations across the country to get laptops and mobile hotspots to students who need them most.

Cheniere: Commits More Than $1 Million to Global COVID-19 Relief Efforts – April 16
Cheniere Energy, Inc. pledges more than $1 million to organizations that provide essential services to those most in need and at risk during the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn More

Camden Property Trust: Establishes $1 Million Employee Fund – April 16
The Houston-based apartment owner Camden Property Trust has made $1 million available to help its employees for coronavirus-related expenses. Learn More

BHP Petroleum: Establishes $2 Million Community Relief Fund – April 15
The fund is aimed at supporting health services and other community needs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Learn More

Hess Corporation and Sysco: Partnering to Provide Meals to Unemployed Hospitality Workers – April 13
In coordination with Second Servings of Houston, the two companies have teamed up to establish the "Dinner's On Us" program, which will distribute 10,000 meals each week. Learn More

Astros Foundation/Crain Worldwide Logistics: Donating Medical SuppliesApril 10
The partnership between the Astros Foundation and Crane Worldwide Logistics, which was announced on April 1, has resulted in millions of medical supplies being delivered to Houston hospitals within the Texas Medical Center. Learn More

CenterPoint Energy Foundation Announces $1.5 million COVID-19 Relief Fund – April 6
The contribution will go to nonprofit organizations, agencies and causes that are committed to supporting those who have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. Learn More

BBVA USA: Commits More than $3.7 Million in Community Support – April 6
The company is committing more than $3.7 million in community support to  organization providing community support in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Learn More

ExxonMobil Donates 1 Million Meals to Houston-Area Food BanksApril 4
The employer of 11,000 people in the Houston area, announced that it will donate $250,000 to Houston-area food banks to provide people in need with 1 million meals. Learn More

AT&T: Supporting Families and Educators with New FundApril 3 
AT&T has created a Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund to give parents, students and teachers tools they need for at-home learning. The $10 million fund also will provide families resources to maintain meaningful connections and stay well while isolated from one another. Learn More

Camden: Launch of Fund for Residents Without Income Due to Coronavirus  –  April 2 
Houston-based apartment company Camden Property Trust has launched a $5 million program to provide financial support to residents who lost their source of income as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Learn More 

AT&T: Feeding First RespondersApril 2 
AT&T has committed $5.5 million to provide much needed support – in the form of nourishing meals – for first responders, medical personnel and others in need impacted by COVID-19. The effort began with a $1.5 million contribution to World Central Kitchen. Learn More

NRG: Pledges $2 Million to COVID-19 Relief Efforts  – April 1
NRG Energy, Inc.announces broad efforts to support first responders, community relief efforts and teachers. Learn More

COMCAST: Offering Free Resources for Kids K-12 – March 31
COMCAST has made nearly 2,000 hours of programming and thousands of free titles available to Xfinity video customers to give children and parents quick and easy access to educational programming by grade level. Learn More

Veolia North America: Donating 40,000 Masks to Hospitals March 26 
Veolia is working to get the company's stockpile of surgical masks to hospitals in six cities that need them to keep patients and healthcare workers safe. Learn More

Bank of America: Commits $100 Million in Support of Communities Around the World March 17 
The funds will help increase medical response capacity, address food insecurity, increase access to learning as a result of school closures, and provide support to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Learn More

Aiding Coronavirus Response Effort 

Medistar: Houston Researchers Create Air Filter that Can Kill the Coronavirus – July 10
A collaboration of scientific minds in Houston led to the development of what could be a game-changer in the fight against the coronavirus. Learn More

Rice University: Ignites Innovation in Response to COVID-19 CrisisApril 24
A host of efforts among Rice students and staff members have emerged, from assembling care packages for essential employees to engineering lifesaving devices and establishing new research aimed at COVID-19 solutions. Learn More

ExxonMobil: Shifts to Hand Sanitizer Production – April 24
The company will initially produce 160,000 gallons of hand sanitizer that will be donated to medical providers and first responders across the nation. Learn More

Yellow Rose Distilling: Supplies Crucially Needed Hand Sanitizer to Houston First Responders – April 23
The distillery donated nearly 500 gallons of hand sanitizer to the Houston Fire Department and will continue to bottle the product indefinitely until the need subsides. Learn More

BP: Donating Houston Supercomputer Capacity to COVID-19 Research ConsortiumApril 16
New consortium will provide COVID-19 researchers worldwide with access to the most powerful high-performance computing resources that can significantly advance the pace of scientific discovery in the fight to stop the virus. Learn More

Houston Community College, San Jacinto College, TX/RX and Other Education Institutions: Create Community Partnership to Address Protective Gear Shortages – April 8
Houston Community College, San Jacinto College, University of Houston at Sugar Land, Fort Bend County Judge’s Office, TX/RX Labs, Alief ISD and Houston ISD have joined efforts to help address personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages for local area medical professionals and first responders in the fight against COVID-19. Learn More

Intel: Commits $50 Million with Pandemic Response Technology Initiative – April 7
The initiative aims to combat the coronavirus through accelerating access to technology at the point of patient care, speeding scientific research and ensuring access to online learning for students. Learn More

Harmony Public Schools: Creating Face Shields – April 7
A team of education engineers at Harmony Public Schools have turned their "Innovation Lab" into a workshop to help healthcare workers. Learn More

Houston Methodist: First to Transfuse Donated Plasma from Recovered COVID-19 PatientMarch 29 
The local health care giant is the first in the nation to be approved by the FDA to transfuse donated plasma from a recovered COVID-19 patient to other critically ill patients. Learn More

Union Pacific: Supplying Communities with the Goods to Survive a Pandemic March 27 
Whether it's stocking a home pantry or having the supplies to support essential services at hospitals, police and fire stations, and restaurants, the items in greatest demand are riding the rails as freight trains move the goods communities need most in a national emergency. Learn More

Accel Lifestyle: Manufacturing Medical Masks  – March 27 
The owner of apparel line Accel Lifestyle is using her antibacterial fabric to make masks for health care workers. Learn More

Houston Community College: Making Face ShieldsMarch 26 
HCC is making face shields in response to the lack of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers out on the front lines. Learn More

HEB: Launch of Texans Helping TexansMarch 20 
H-E-B has launched Texans Helping Texans, a community-outreach initiative that’s guided by digital innovation, compassionate philanthropy and the generous spirit and strength that brings together all Texans during uncertain times. Learn More 

Visit the Partnership's COVID-19 Resource page for updates, guidance for employers and more information. And sign up for email alerts from the Partnership as the situation develops. 
 

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Partnership Members Making News - May

5/20/25
The Greater Houston Partnership celebrates our members making important announcements and sharing news about their operations and impact in our region. Learn more about some of those announcements over the last month below. Business Moves Aramco, officially the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., announces 34 memorandums of understanding with U.S. companies, many of which are based in the Houston area, totaling $90 billion of potential value. CenterPoint Energy begins on a new 160 megawatt/320 megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS. The project aims to address grid-scale energy storage bringing reliability and resiliency to the Texas power grid. Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) has started renovating its headquarters in Spring, Texas to make room for its new integrated research center, registering nearly $30 million worth of renovations and new construction under the title "North America Laboratory Integration Project." Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) has signed a key offtake deal to supply Japan-based Marubeni with 250,000 metric tons of low-carbon ammonia a year from its planned Baytown project. Harris County has unveiled Bayland Park’s master plan to improve facilities, programming and connectivity and concentration on active parks, pedestrian safety, gardens, and farms. The city of Montgomery is set to break ground on its first H-E-B in 2026 at the southeast corner of Texas 105 and FM 2854. The Woodlands-based Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH) has completed a $900 deal with Perishing Square to become a diversified holding company. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH) acquires the former McKesson Building in The Woodlands for $16.3 million. The Class A building with 200,000 square feet of available office space will be renamed "7 Waterway." NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG) is set to double its power-generation capacity in a $12 billion deal, acquiring a portfolio of natural gas generation facilities along with a commercial and industrial virtual power plant platform from LS Power Equity Advisors LLC. Rice University breaks ground on the Moody Center Complex for Student Life, a 75,000 square foot building offering a cafe, coffee house, meeting rooms, study areas and student services office. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2027. Shell Energy Stadium in Houston's East Downtown, or EaDo, will host the FIFA 2026 Fan Festival, featuring an indoor food court, mini soccer fields, interactive activities and more on a 39-day basis to watch the 104 matches of the World Cup. Sugar Land City Council approves the Lake Pointe Green redevelopment project, which seeks to repurpose more than 1 million square feet of office space, parking lots and trails of the former Fluor engineering and construction firm headquarters. University of Houston-Downtown expands into Amegy Bank's downtown building, which will be used for workshops, classes, events and more. The new 17,000-square-foot space on the 10th floor of the Amegy Bank building is called UHD@1801 Main, or “The Launchpad.” Education Alvin Community College has approved an online bachelor’s degree in nursing after the increased demand for nurses with bachelor’s degrees from local healthcare providers. Houston ISD commits $40 million to both HVAC and roofing updates, in which $21.2 million would go toward HVAC system repairs. 28 schools are projected to receive upgrades. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits to $500,000 in vocational scholarships in 2025 and increased to benefit 10 Houston-area colleges and trade schools. Memorial Hermann Health System and Aldine ISD partner with HEAL High School to offer health care career training and clinical experience in a school-within-a-school model. Texas A&M University will run the Federal Aviation Administration’s new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, which will consist of an airspace laboratory, flight demonstration zones, and testing corridors. Health Care Harris Health plans to open its $1.6 billion hospital at Lyndon B. Johnson site in early 2029 with approximately 400 employees. Houston Methodist ranks first in the 2025 Premier’s 15 Top Health Systems list under the  "Large Health Systems" category. The annual list ranks health systems based on clinical outcomes, extended outcomes, operational efficiency and patient experience. Kinder Foundation donates $150 million for a new healthcare facility focused on combating childhood cancer in partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital. Innovation  Aurora has opened an over 90,000-square-foot terminal at a Fallbrook Drive logistics hub in northwest Houston to support the launch of its first “lane” for driverless trucks—a Houston-to-Dallas route on the Interstate 45 corridor. Ara Partners raises $800 million for its first-ever infrastructure-focused fund, targeting mid-market industrial decarbonization assets that are economic without federal incentives. Bank of America funds the restoration of Houston's iconic Rothko Chapel, including a documentary about the restoration. CenterPoint Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNP) builds out new tools and 100 weather stations around Greater Houston to prepare for hurricane season. Daikin Industries completes a nearly one-megawatt solar power plant at its Daikin Comfort Technologies North America campus southeast of Waller, projecting to eliminate an estimated 845 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. Downtown Houston+ has implemented a $400,000 pedestrian lighting project, deemed the "Underpassage," that will brighten a stretch of downtown Houston at Texas Avenue and Rusk Street in light of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Fan Festival. Harris County has approved a five-point Climate Justice Plan to address issues relating to ecology, infrastructure, economy, community and culture. Intuitive Machines plans an orbital reentry vehicle, backed by $10 million from the Texas Space Commission, to fly fly autonomously and be capable of landing at airfields. Mercury Fund continues to leverage artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and decision-making processes within industries, drawing interest from traditional VC hubs. Rice University has opened the headquarters for the new RBL LLC incubator at Texas Medical Center, aiming to incubate three to four biotech companies annually.  Transportation  Downtown Houston+ leads the Main Street Promenade project, turning a stretch of Main Street into a pedestrian-friendly corridor in Downtown Houston. The $12 million project will work on seven blocks of Main Street that stretches from Rusk Street to Commerce Street. Houston ISD explores a partnership with METRO as it retools its transportation services for the 2025-2026 school year. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) has filed an application seeking approval from the Department of Transportation to broaden its international flights in accordance to the Open Skies agreement, which would permit future flights to over 130 countries that are subject to the agreement. If you are a member and want us to help communicate news about your organization, please send a press release or information about the announcement to member.engagement@houston.org and we will share it with our content team for possible inclusion in an upcoming roundup. Learn more about Partnership membership.
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New Partnership Members in April

5/5/25
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 18 new member companies in the month of April. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region.  New members who joined in the month of April include: 512 Financial: Headquartered in Austin, 512 Financial is a business and consulting service with experts in accounting, finance, HR, and marketing, offering sophisticated fractional services to propel businesses forward. Website. 7th Echelon: 7th Echelon is a cybersecurity company based in Houston, specializing in providing tailored security solutions and services to help organizations protect their digital assets and infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. Website. Allstar Pizza & More: Allstar Pizza & More is a pizza company with locations in Clute and Lake Jackson, Texas, known for serving up a variety of pizzas, along with other menu items. They aim to provide delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere for the community in the Brazosport area. Website. Avatar Innovations: Avatar Innovations is a Canadian-based venture studio focused on driving energy transition by partnering with the oil and gas sector to develop and implement innovative CarbonTech solutions. Website. Bot Auto: Bot Auto is an L4 autonomous trucking company based in Houston, Texas that operates an autonomous truck fleet and offers Transportation as a Service (TaaS) to freight customers. Website. BrightMind Consulting Group: Based in Houston, BrightMind Consulting Group is a business management consulting firm that partners with organizations to drive strategic growth and operational excellence through tailored solutions in areas like business transformation, technology adoption, and organizational development. Website. Charles River Laboratories: Charles River Laboratories provides essential products and services to help accelerate the discovery, early-stage development, and safe manufacturing of novel drugs and therapeutics. They offer a comprehensive portfolio that supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide in their efforts to improve human health. Website. Dayforce: Dayforce is a global human capital management (HCM) software company that offers a unified platform for payroll, benefits, workforce management, talent management, and HR service delivery, empowering organizations to manage their entire employee lifecycle from recruitment to retirement. Website. Galaxy Technology Hires: Galaxy Technology Hires is an engineering and technology recruitment firm, headquartered in Houston, Texas providing custom solutions to name generation and sourcing, to research and organizational mapping, to full cycle recruiting. Galaxy Technology Hires also offers retained search, contingent search, executive search, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) services. Website. K & K Data Service Inc.: K & K Data Service Inc. is a company based in the United States specializing in comprehensive data center construction, operational maintenance, and related integrated solutions. Website. League of Women Voters of Houston: League of Women Voters of Houston is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Website. Libyan National Oil Corporation: The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) Houston Branch serves as a crucial hub for managing and executing turnkey procurement on behalf of all Libyan oil subsidiaries. This branch is tasked with selecting professional suppliers, establishing key framework agreements, and supporting vital training programs to enhance the industry's capabilities. Website. Logica Corp: Logica Corp delivers innovative technology solutions and consulting services, specializing in areas like data analytics, cloud computing, and custom software development to help businesses optimize their operations and achieve their strategic goals. Website. Maintenance Warriors: Maintenance Warriors provides comprehensive commercial and residential property maintenance services, offering solutions for everything from handyman repairs and cleaning to landscaping and preventative maintenance. Website. Markovich Grover PLLC: Markovich Grover is a Houston-based law firm specializing in complex commercial litigation, bankruptcy and restructuring, and energy litigation, representing clients across various industries with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes through strategic and effective legal advocacy. Website. MetroNational: MetroNational is a prominent Houston-based real estate development and investment firm known for its diverse portfolio of commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties that have significantly shaped the city's landscape. Website. Shell Federal Credit Union: Shell Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution serving the Houston, Texas area, offering a range of financial products and services such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment options, with a focus on providing personalized service and supporting the financial well-being of its members. Website. Weltrio: WelTrio is a Houston-based company specializing in providing comprehensive language solutions, including translation, interpretation, and localization services, to help businesses and individuals communicate effectively across diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes. Website. Click here to see the Partnership's Membership Directory. To learn more about membership with the Greater Houston Partnership click here, or contact membership@houston.org.
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