Media Center

HARGROVE OPENS NEW OFFICE IN PASADENA, TEXAS

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

(Pasadena, Texas) – Hargrove Engineers + Constructors is excited to announce the expansion of its presence in the Gulf Coast region by opening a new office at 12000 Aerospace Ave., Suite 200 in Houston, Texas. This is Hargrove’s 16th full-service operation, with 15 domestic offices and one international. As Hargrove’s fourth operation in the state of Texas, this office will support Hargrove’s clients in the oil and gas, refining, chemical and manufacturing industries, as well as other industrial sectors in the area. “It is exciting to grow our full-service presence in this region,” said Hien Nguyen, Hargrove’s vice president of refinin...

Oak Street Health to invest $2,100,000 to occupy 9,438 sq ft. of space in Pasadena

Friday, February 05, 2021

Pasadena, Texas — According to state and local economic development sources Oak Street Health plans to invest $2,100,000.00 to build out 9,438 square feet of new space in Pasadena. The company plans to occupy the new space at 138B Fairmont Parkway, Suite 138B in Pasadena, on or about June 1, 2021. According to the company website Since our founding in 2012, our mission has been to build a primary care delivery platform that directly addresses rising costs and poor outcomes, two of the most pressing challenges facing the United States healthcare industry. Older adults have specific healthcare needs. Many don’t receiv...

Kelsey-Seabold Announces Major Expansion of Pasadena Clinic

Thursday, February 04, 2021

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic announced today it has commenced a 17,000-square-foot expansion of its Pasadena Clinic on Beltway 8 near Crenshaw Road, with completion expected in the fall of 2021. This project continues Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s long-standing presence in the area, having opened its original 15,000-square-foot Pasadena Clinic in 1984, which was then expanded to its current 33,000-square-foot location in 2013. Upon completion of this latest expansion, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Pasadena will grow to over 50,000 square feet. “The Pasadena community has welcomed and embraced Kelsey-Seybold for nearly four decades, and it’s very exciting to be able to deliver expanded patient care to thi...

Pasadena ISD Trustees Win Technology Education Board Of The Year Award For The State Of Texas

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

The Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees has been named the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) 2020-2021 School Board of the Year. TCEA, a non-profit organization that supports the use of technology in education, annually presents the award to a school board that "recognizes the importance of technology in the teaching and learning process and actively promotes the use of technology throughout the district," according to the organization website. Superintendent of Schools Dr. DeeAnn Powell praised the school board for their continuous leadership in supporting innovative technology programs and resources in the district. Read full article.

Clough awarded EPCC contract on Texas petchem project

Monday, January 04, 2021

Clough has received full notice to proceed on the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning (EPCC) and start-up contract for a petrochemical facility located in the Pasadena, Texas, industrial complex. The $620 million project signifies Clough's first major contract award following the February 2019 acquisition of a reputable EPC business in the U.S. and underscores the successful establishment of Clough in North America. Once completed, the project will deliver a 28,000-bpd alkylate facility consisting of a new ethylene dimerization unit and a new alkylation unit to produce high-octane alkylate for sale into the gasoline blending market. "We are extremely proud to be part o...

Pinnacle Acquires Trinity Bridge, Specialty Risk-Based Inspection Firm

Friday, December 18, 2020

PASADENA, Texas, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pinnacle, the world’s leading provider of data-driven reliability and integrity programs, today announced it has acquired Houston-based Trinity Bridge, LLC, a consulting company specializing in Risk-Based Inspection programs for the refining and petrochemical industries. This comes on the heels of Pinnacle’s announced rebrand and reinvestment into technology and systems to create next generation reliability solutions for the industry. “Reliability will be the key to sustainability for industries like oil and gas refining, chemicals, mining, and water treatment, and Trinity Bridge brings a great team of people to accelerate that advancement,” said Ryan Sitton, founder an...

Dunavant Distribution Group leases 784,000 square feet at Bay Area Business Park in Pasadena, Texas

Monday, December 14, 2020

Colliers International announces Dunavant Distribution Group is expanding into a 784,000 square foot industrial building in Bay Area Business Park located at 10629 Red Bluff Road in Pasadena, Texas. The additional space brings Dunavant Distribution Group's presence to more than one million square feet within Bay Area Business Park. "We are excited to continue to grow and provide integrated logistics solutions for our customers with service verticals in warehouse, drayage, intermodal chassis leasing, customs clearance, NVOCC and domestic freight brokerage," said Senior Vice President Dean Bay of Dunavant Distribution Group. "We are strategically positioned near major chemical manufacturers that utilize Houston container ports...

Restaurant Depot Proudly Opens its 139th Location Nationwide.

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Pasadena, TX- A suburb of Houston and the 2nd largest city in Harris County offering an urban-suburban mix community, welcomes a new Restaurant Depot with a Grand Opening celebration beginning at 7 am on December 9th, 2020 at 2545 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, many restaurants have had tough choices to make. Restaurant Depot strives to help business owners in their fight to stay open. For more than 40 years, Restaurant Depot has been the leading, low-cost alternative to other foodservice suppliers by bringing a solution for business owners and non-profit organizations that struggle with food and suppl...

Holidays 2020: We Have Creative Ways to Support Pasadena Businesses

Monday, November 30, 2020

COVID-19 has changed many things, including how we celebrate holiday events like Small Business Saturday. As a community, we have gotten creative and have found ways to support our business community while still taking precautionary measures. Doing so is important because this annual tradition reminds the entire community to celebrate the wealth of locally owned businesses within our community. #PasadenaLovesLocal We love our local businesses, both for the way they improve our lives and for the impact they make on our economy. The #PasadenaLovesLocal campaign was created to support our local business community and to do our part in ensuring that the...

Waste Management To Spend $3,000,000.00 To Occupy 26,000 Square Feet Of Space In Pasadena Texas

Monday, November 09, 2020

Pasadena, Texas — According to state and local economic development sources Waste Management plans to invest $3,000,000.00 to build out 26,000 square feet of new space in Pasadena. The company plans to occupy the new space at 3520 Pansy St in Pasadena, on or about April 1, 2021. According to the company website Waste Management is North America’s leading provider of integrated environmental solutions. We partner with our customers and communities to manage and reduce waste from collection to disposal while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. We are on a quest for environmental performance, a mission to maximiz...

Pasadena EDC taking more applications for business grants

Monday, November 02, 2020

More than 100 grants of $1,000 apiece have been rewarded to small businesses in Pasadena through a COVID-relief program offered by the city’s economic development corporation, and a second phase of applications is being accepted. The deadline to apply for the second phase of the Pasadena Cares Financial Assistance Grant is midnight Nov. 20, and the EDC hopes to expand its reach to small-business owners who may have missed out on the first round. “We encourage all small-business owners to apply and for community members to share the information with those who may not be aware of the program,” said Suzette McDowell, th...

Pasadena ranks No. 5 among ‘under the radar’ cities

Monday, November 02, 2020

Pasadena has earned a distinction as one of America’s best “under the radar” suburbs for 2020, making it the only Texas community on the list. In a recent ranking from Zillow and Yelp, Pasadena placed No. 5 among America’s top 10 suburbs, based on urban amenities and housing affordability, as first reported by Culture Map’s John Egan. “Increased opportunities to work remotely are pushing more Americans to rethink how and where they want to live,” Zillow stated in the survey. “But even if there’s less of a need to live as close to urban job centers, traditional urban amenities — think restaurants, nightlife, museum...

#PasadenaLovesLocal Provides Community Support & Grants for Small Businesses

Friday, October 23, 2020

Pasadena is a close knit community with residents who support each other. And that includes, supporting the local businesses who serve the community and make it an incredible place to live. The Pasadena Loves Local Campaign is an initiative designed to bring the community together and to create opportunities to support these local businesses. The campaign is the result of collaboration between the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pasadena - organizations who were looking for a proactive way to help the small business community as the city transitions into the rebuilding proces...

This Houston-area suburb ranks fifth in the nation on list of best affordable communities with big city vibe

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Torn between city life and the quiet suburbs? Find the best of both worlds in Pasadena, Texas. According to Zillow Research, Pasadena, located approximately 15 miles southeast of downtown Houston, is one of the most affordable suburbs with a city feel in the U.S. The Houston-area suburb ranks fifth on its list, scoring a cityness index of 60.5. Read full article.

PEDC Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award

Friday, October 16, 2020

{Pasadena, TX – October 16,2020} The Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) was awarded a Gold Rank for its Pasadena Pulse E-Newsletter, a project in the category of Magazine and Newsletter of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented yesterday at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference, which is currently underway. “Over the last two years, the organization has significantly increased its marketing efforts to ensure we are bringing the most reliable and up-to-date information to our community and regional partners. PEDC’s Board of Directors and Staff are honored to receive this award in recognition of thi...

Extensive plan aims to transform Pasadena's parks

Monday, October 12, 2020

Armed with a recently approved master plan for its parks, the city of Pasadena has a blueprint to implement system-wide improvements that include adding three pavilions, eight playgrounds, a dozen soccer fields, a splash pad and more than 15 miles of paved and unpaved trails. Also included in the plan are adding 30 drinking fountains or water bottle-filling stations, more nature-based recreation elements, 38 picnic tables and three exercise stations. Goal to add 300,000 trees City Council recently approved the Healthy Parks Plan 2020, which is the result of more than a year of study and community engagement. The full document also sets goals fo...

This Houston neighbor named one of America's 5 best under-the-radar 'burbs

Monday, October 12, 2020

PASADENA, Texas -- A new ranking from real estate platform Zillow and review platform Yelp could trigger an influx of new residents into Pasadena. The ranking, released October 7, puts Pasadena at No. 5 among the country's top 10 under-the-radar suburbs, based on housing affordability coupled with urban amenities. It's the only Texas suburb to make the list. Read full article.

Redevelopment Work Begins on Shaw Avenue

Wednesday, October 07, 2020

{Pasadena, TX – October 7, 2020} The revitalization of the Shaw Avenue area has been at the forefront of the Wagner Administration since 2018. The vision and timeline the City of Pasadena had for these improvements aligned perfectly with the completion of the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation’s Strategic Plan. The plan highlighted and prioritized major corridors in Historic Pasadena in need of redevelopment with Shaw Avenue among those identified. “Community Input has been a priority for this administration and this project is a perfect example,” said Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner. With well-aligned priorities, the Pasadena EDC Board of Directors allocated $2.8 million in fundin...

Reasons to Manufacture in the U.S. Near Port Houston

Tuesday, September 08, 2020

Adjacent to Houston, Pasadena, Texas, is the ideal location for U.S. or international companies looking to establish manufacturing or assembly facilities within the United States. Located within Pasadena, Port Houston is the largest port on the Gulf Coast, processing more than 247 million tons of cargo annually. Sites are available in and near Port Houston, creating opportunities for companies looking for convenient access to water, rail, highway and air transportation - all of which are available from Pasadena. Why Pasadena, TX should be on the shortlist for onshoring companies Pasadena is located in one of the fastest growing areas of the Unite...

Grant program coming to aid hurting Pasadena businesses

Monday, August 31, 2020

Pasadena business owners can vie for financial relief during the pandemic following the unveiling of a new grant program made possible through a partnership between the Pasadena Economic Development Corp., the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pasadena. The EDC recently approved funding to launch the Pasadena Cares Financial Assistance Grant program, which will tie into a citywide “shop local” initiative to promote locally based businesses in Pasadena. “The Pasadena grant program will help so many ‘mom and pop’ businesses’ in our hardest hit areas,” said Mayor Jeff Wagner, who asked the EDC to devise a plan to aid local businesses. Read full article.

Pasadena counts on young Youtubers for Census help

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

The city of Pasadena’s efforts to get residents counted in the U.S. Census this year are getting a boost from a trio of young YouTubers. Soon, billboards around town will feature the likenesses of LaloRacer1 and The Princess Squad urging folks to fill out the Census form. The efforts are part of the Pasadena Counts campaign, which is designed to get residents to fill out the 2020 US Census. The last date to fill out the census is Sept. 30. Read full article.

Returning to School in Pasadena, TX: What to Expect

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

As fall quickly approaches, returning to school for the year has taken on new levels of complication. With COVID-19 still a concern, students throughout Pasadena at all levels of education are evaluating the best way to head back. Fortunately, the Pasadena Independent School District, the University of Houston Clear Lake, and San Jacinto College are giving students options for how to return. They are demonstrating how Pasadena leads in education - with caring and compassion. Read below for information on each institution. Pasadena Independent School District: COVID-19 Update The Texas Education Association offers two options for students - face-to-face instruction on campus o...

Pasadena Companies Are Energizing the World

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

The products you use every day start right here in Pasadena – whether they’re made here or passing through Port Houston, there is a high probability that the products you see in the store or use in your home or business have touched Pasadena’s shores. Port Houston is one of the top container ports in the nation and it’s located in our backyard. We’re home to the country’s largest petrochemical complex and have access to anywhere in the world through Hobby Airport, located just 15 minutes away, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a mere 40 minutes away. Through these centers o...

Stream Realty Partners delivers final phase of Bay Area Business Park near Port Houston

Thursday, July 16, 2020

A Dallas-based real estate development firm has completed construction work on a new 3.3 million-square-foot industrial park near Port Houston. Stream Realty Partners delivered the final three buildings for the Bay Area Business Park on June 8, according to a news release. The three speculative buildings, totaling 1.3 million square feet, were about 20% preleased prior to completion. Read full article.

Nippon Shokubai America Industries, Inc. To Spend $5,000,000.00 To Occupy 75,000 Square Feet Of Space In Pasadena Texas

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Pasadena, Texas — According to state and local economic development sources Nippon Shokubai America Industries, Inc. plans to invest $5,000,000.00 to build out 75,000 square feet of new space in Pasadena. The company plans to occupy the new space at 5151 Old Hwy 146 in Pasadena, on or about February 1, 2021. According to the company website Nippon Shokubai’s technology and products are respected by global industry and we have been striving to export our products and license our technology to customers. Furthermore, since the market demands and response expected by suppliers are both more challenging, this has prompted us t...

YOU CAN STILL TAKE THE 2020 U.S. CENSUS DURING COVID-19

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how the Census is being conducted, but it is still happening online and via the phone. El Censo del 2020 ya llegó. Usted puede completar su formulario por internet, por teléfono o por correo. We encourage Pasadena residents to participate as soon as possible. What’s changed: The collection process for the 2020 U.S. Census was originally scheduled from March 12, 2020, to July 31, 2020, which included in-person data collection through door to door visits. Due to the Covid-19 crisis door to door visits are being postponed until July. As a result, the U.S. Census Bureau has extende...

Aspen Institute Top 10 Finalist For 2021

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

For a third consecutive time, San Jacinto College is an Aspen Institute Top 10 Finalist for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, the Aspen Institute named San Jacinto College as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation, out of more than 1,100 community colleges nationwide. The College is now eligible for the top Aspen Prize, which will be awarded in the Spring of 2021. Read full article.

Pasadena kayak launch facility unveiled

Friday, June 19, 2020

Getting in touch with nature just got easier in Pasadena. Big Island Slough, 9800 Red Bluff Road, got some new additions in the past few weeks, one of which is particularly attractive to kayakers. “This is great,” James Kinzler said as he looked at a new kayak launch perched on the shore of the slough. “We’re big kayakers; so we’re happy with this.” Kinzler’s “we” was his wife, Kim, and friends Joe Schwarz and Tina Bryan. The four didn’t get to the park via water. They pedaled in to take a break during a bike ride on the trail that runs along Re...

MFG Chemical Achieves ISO 9001: 2015 Certification on Pasadena, Texas Plant

Monday, June 15, 2020

MFG Chemical, a global leader in specialty and custom chemical manufacturing has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2015 Certification on its 26.7 acre plant in Pasadena, Texas. This is one of four (4) MFG Chemical plants, the other three being in Dalton, Georgia and having already received their ISO 9001: 2015 Certifications. MFG Chemical's 26.7 acre specialty chemical manufacturing plant in Pasadena, TX achieves ISO 9001: 2015 Certification, realizing company goal of all four plants at highest quality manufacturing standard. Read the full press release and article.

Effort aims to make Pasadena historic district more walkable

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

A study is underway as part of an effort to improve quality of life and pedestrian access in a historic section of Pasadena that includes City Hall and the city’s central library. The Livable Centers study, funded largely through a Houston-Galveston Area Council grant, looks for ways to enable people to live, work and play with less reliance on their cars. The city is being assisted on the project by consulting group AECOM. Read the complete article here.

Phunware plans to deploy mobile Smart City solution in Pasadena, Texas

Wednesday, June 03, 2020

Phunware Inc (NASDAQ:PHUN has announced plans to deploy its mobile Smart City solution in Pasadena, Texas to improve citizen engagement and address critical challenges due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In a statement, the Austin-based company said the contract marks the first deployment of its Smart City solution, which was announced to the public in April. Phunware’s Smart City solution runs on its Multiscreen-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform and can help city officials quickly identify, locate, and engage employees, citizens, first-responders, volunteers, and even local businesses. Read full article.

Pasadena ISD seniors go a-hunting to win prizes

Thursday, May 28, 2020

To honor Pasadena high schools’ seniors, several groups have teamed up to paint the town red and green and orange and blue and yellow and black. It’s all part of “Paint Pasadena for PISD Seniors,” a virtual scavenger hunt to give the Class of 2020 something special since many events that would normally make for cherished memories of their last year of high school have been taken away during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The May 26-31 event is a product of the combined efforts of the city of Pasadena, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena ISD, the city’s economic development corporation an...

Texas' Massive Strawberry Festival Is Returning This July With Major Sweets

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Whether you're a fan of strawberries by themselves or incorporating them into your favorite desserts, there's one place you'll want to be this summer. After months of waiting, Houstonians can rejoice that the Pasadena Strawberry Festival near Houston has been rescheduled for dates in July. With June just around the corner, the fourth of July and all of the fun that comes with that month will be here before you know it. The 47th Pasadena Strawberry Festival, which is normally held every year in May, has been rescheduled for the 4th of July weekend. From Friday, July 3 until Sunday, July 5, 2020, you can come ou...

Want to teach in Pasadena ISD? Get set to make a 2-minute video

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The Pasadena Independent School District has gone virtual as it looks to fill 90 teaching positions for the 2020-2021 school year. The district is conducting a virtual job fair through May 18 in which applicants upload a two-minute video application through the PISD Flipgrid feature on its website. The district then contacts them for appointments in curbside hiring process at the Pasadena ISD administration building, 1515 Cherry Brook Lane, Pasadena. This is the district’s second virtual job fair in two months, said Toni Lopez, PISD associate superintendent of human resources. Read full article.

Join Us in Celebrating National Economic Development Week

Monday, May 04, 2020

Now, more than ever, it is important for us to come together as a community - to support our healthcare workers, first responders, businesses, teachers and everyone working hard to keep our community safe and strong. Pasadena Economic Development is one of the organizations actively working to support our community and to provide support and services to the businesses who call Pasadena home. This work is ongoing, but today, we take a moment to celebrate our successes. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has set May 4 - 9 as the 2020 National Economic Development Week #EconDevWeek. This is the fift...

GIS Planning Launches Free Software for Businesses Amid COVID-19

Friday, May 01, 2020

GIS Planning, the industry-leading provider of online economic development solutions to more than six out of 10 Americans, launched an online tool that enables local businesses across North America to communicate with customers for free in real time. ZoomBusiness, created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is an interactive, mobile-responsive mapping directory for communities that ensures customers can find open restaurants, stores and services in their region at no charge. Businesses can list themselves for free on their local ZoomBusiness site, hosted by economic development organizations like cities, towns, counties or chambers of commerce. The businesses can provide customized details including websites, modifie...

The Governor's Report To Open Text

Monday, April 27, 2020

Texans are battling a colossal challenge—an invisible enemy that has tested our lives and our livelihoods—but overcoming challenges is part of who we are as Texans. We have shown that Texas can continue our efforts to contain COVID-19 while also adhering to safe standards that will allow us to begin the process of opening this great state. The Strike Force to Open Texas brings together nationally recognized medical experts with public- and private-sector business leaders to help achieve this mission. But it will take more than experts to win this battle for our families, for our community, and for this great state. Read ful...

Who Is Eligible For Small Business Loans In The Economic Stimulus Package?

Thursday, April 16, 2020

President Trump signed the third and final economic stimulus package into law. The law provides clear guidelines on what small businesses are eligible, and what their loans will look like. Here are the details. The total amount of money going in the fund is $349 billion. The loans are federally-guaranteed (meaning there is no interest on the loan), and tax-free. All loan payments are deferred for one year. Read full article.

The Armand Bayou Nature Center: A Pasadena Treasure

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The Armand Bayou Nature Center is one of Pasadena’s hidden treasures. The 2,500-acre nature preserve is the largest urban wilderness preserve in the United States and home to more than 370 unique species of wildlife. You are guaranteed to see something different every time you visit. Though the Center is currently closed for COVID-19, they are still working on programming and are ready to open at a moment’s notice with no delays or diminished capacity. Tim Pylate, Executive Director, said, “Right now, get outside and exercise and enjoy the nature around you. Then, when we open back up come and se...

Financial Resources for Pasadena Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Monday, April 06, 2020

As an economic development organization, we are here to support businesses and they work to deal with closures and the financial ramifications of them. With the federal stimulus bill being passed there are loan programs immediately available to help businesses with operating capital, and to keep people on the payroll. Here is a breakdown of the two main programs – the SBA and the Paycheck Protection Program. Paycheck Protection Program The objective of the program is to provide small businesses with the capital they need to continue making payroll for an eight-week period occurring between February 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Smal...

Pasadena, TX: Big City Access. Small Town Connections.

Friday, April 03, 2020

In Pasadena, Texas, you truly can have it all – big city amenities with a hometown feel. Typically, in order to find a close-knit community, you have to live away from large metros like Houston, Chicago and D.C.. That’s what makes Pasadena so unique. We are physically adjacent to Houston, yet culturally – we’re a world away. Pasadena Offers the Best of Both Worlds Pasadena is the second largest city in the Greater Houston metro, but has a surprisingly small-town feel, making it a great place to jumpstart your family or career. You can run into friends or colleagues at the grocer...

Jennings brings global perspective to CPChem Pasadena

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Chad Jennings has only served as plant manager of Chevron Phillips Chemical's (CPChem's) Pasadena Plastics Complex in Texas since September 2019, but his extensive worldwide experience in the petrochemical industry makes him a shoe-in. In fact, previous positions he's held with CPChem have taken him as far as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. "I have managed a maintenance turnaround in Saudi Arabia, and cultural differences played a big part in that onboarding. Communication efforts were crucial," he explained. "Despite being halfway around the world, I discovered that most people want the same thing: to go home safe to the families they love. Rea...

Virtual, online approaches keeping Pasadena chamber connected

Monday, March 30, 2020

In her sixth year as president of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Cristina Womack has seen her team answer the call during difficult times, such as Hurricane Harvey flooding in 2017. Now her organization has steeled itself to respond to an unprecedented threat — the novel coronavirus pandemic. “I would say the main difference, being a resident and a business owner in the southeast of Texas, is that we’re used to dealing with events like hurricanes,” Womack said. “Because of this (pandemic), there’s no set timeline. That’s the biggest difference. Read full article.

Sam Rayburn HS art students named Rodeo Grand Champions 6 out of last 8 years

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

PASADENA, Texas — A high school senior in Pasadena ISD has been named Grand Champion in the Houston Rodeo’s School Art Program. Senior Anthony Vega’s winning piece is a colored drawing titled “Morning Pep Talk.” The 18-year-old is far from the first student from his high school to take home the top prize. Sam Rayburn High School students have won Grand Champion six of the last eight years. Read full article.

2019 State Of The Year: Texas

Monday, February 10, 2020

Texas has been named Business Facilities’ 2019 State of the Year (SOTY), becoming the first state to win BF’s top honor for the fourth time. The Lone Star State won our inaugural SOTY designation in 2007; Texas also was BF’s State of the Year winner in 2012 and 2016. The top five Texas projects in terms of capital investment last year brought a tidal wave of more than $30 billion in capex to TX, while the top five job-creating projects netted nearly 15,000 direct new jobs. Read full article.

United Equities to Develop Phase II of Beltway-225 Business Park

Friday, February 07, 2020

PASADENA, TEXAS — United Equities will develop Phase II of Beltway-225 Business Park, an industrial project that fronts Beltway 8 in the eastern Houston suburb of Pasadena. Phase I of the project delivered 85,500 square feet, and the first two completed buildings of that phase have been leased to Cooper Valves (21,000 square feet) and PTR Holland Maritime (18,500 square feet). Travis Land and Michael Keegan of NAI Partners represented United Equities in both lease negotiations. Phase II of the project, a construction timeline for which was not released, will include two tilt-wall buildings totaling 46,000 square feet. Read full article.

EA: 31 projects in the works in the Houston Port Region, worth more than $7.6B

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The Economic Alliance, Houston Port Region's current project pipeline includes 31 projects whose combined capital investment totaled $7.6 billion, reported Regina Lindsey, vice president of economic development, for the organization. Taken together, these projects are responsible for the creation of 3,169 jobs both inside and outside the fence. Of the 31 projects, there were a total of five project wins and one assist. One of the five projects includes Next Wave Energy's expansion. In 2020, Pasadena will welcome Next Wave Energy to the region, she commented. Located on a 53-acre site in Pasadena's industrial district and adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel, the facility wil...

San Jacinto College launches Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

PASADENA, Texas, Jan. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) approved San Jacinto College’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program Thursday, January 23, 2020, clearing the way for the College to launch its first baccalaureate degree in fall 2020. The program was previously approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). “We’re excited to launch this new program and to be able to provide a vital next step for registered nurses with an associate degree working in the health care industry,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer...

Texas hospitality and Buc-ee’s: Pasadena delights Japanese delegation

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Pasadena hosted something of a family reunion. In a whirlwind, six-day trip, a delegation from Pasadena’s sister city, Hadano, Japan, came to town. The Jan. 6-11 excursion saw the group tour a variety of singularly American sites, including NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a local Dairy Queen and a Buc-ee’s convenience store. Read full article.

City of Pasadena aims for new image

Monday, January 13, 2020

A new branding campaign for the city of Pasadena highlights what officials say are the town’s important but not-so-known assets — its dominance as one of the country’s energy powerhouses and its position as the second-largest city in the Greater Houston Area. To get the word out, Pasadena’s Economic Development Corp. adopted the logo, “Pasadena: Powering Possibilities,” and will be rolling it out with related messaging on various social media platforms and in selected advertising. ‘Retell our story’ “We have to reposition our city and retell our story. We have to start generating community pride, generate that buzz so that people who liv...

Why Companies Choose Pasadena for their Headquarters & Expansion Projects

Monday, January 13, 2020

Pasadena, Texas is the ideal location for businesses looking to grow. Texas is growing and Pasadena is at the center of it. With a location in the Houston-metro and immediate access to the Port of Houston, businesses are choosing Pasadena for their base of operations. One such business is PinnacleART, the recent winner of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year award. PinnacleART designs, implements, and maintains comprehensive asset reliability and integrity programs for process facility owners in the oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharmaceutical, wastewater, and electric power industries, with the purpose of ensuring these facilities operate reliably, safely...

Texas Chiropractic College Receives Accreditation Reaffirmation

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Pasadena, Texas, Dec. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed accreditation for Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) for ten years on Dec. 10. “This was the best possible decision we could have received,” President Dr. Stephen Foster said. “I want to thank all those involved with this process. Many hours of work went into this accomplishment. SACSCOC is known as one of the most stringent of all regional accreditors. To have the outcome we did further supports the quality of our program.” SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting highe...

nanoActiv® HnP Collaboration Nets Significant Returns

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Pasadena, TX -- Nissan Chemical America Corporation (NCA) has partnered with industrial gas supplier, Messer Americas, to improve oil and gas production. Their collaborative treatment, nanoActiv® HnP—an energized, fast turnaround style "Huff 'n Puff"—incorporates nanoActiv® with a carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen (N2) gas application method to enhance oil and gas recovery. nanoActiv® HnP powered by Messer Americas, a BOOST-EOR™ chemical composition solution, enables the recovery of hydrocarbons to be accomplished faster, more completely, most cost-effectively and with longer efficacy than existing options on the market today. According to Messer Americas' Oil and Gas experts, a recent Woodford Formation Well &ndash...

Oxiteno to triple production at Pasadena alkoxylates plant by 2022

Friday, November 22, 2019

Brazil-based Oxiteno is targeting operating improvements and a tripling of production at its alkoxylates plant in Pasadena, Texas, US by 2022, its CEO said on 10 November. “The plan is to produce around 50 different products which is different from running a commodity plant, so we are gradually increasing the complexity of products there,” said Joao Parolin, CEO of Oxiteno. “We faced some technical issues that are normal in the first phase of operations but we are on an upward trend in terms of reliability and service to customers,” he added. Parolin spoke to ICIS on the sidelines of this year’s annual meetin...

Next Wave to Build Alkylate Production Facility in Pasadena

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Next Wave Energy Partners, LP has made a positive final investment decision (FID) to build a new alkylate production facility in Pasadena, Texas. The facility, known as Project Traveler, will be located near the Houston Ship Channel at Next Wave’s 53-acre site in Pasadena. At the facility, Next Wave will convert some of North America’s ethylene supply to alkylate – which is a gasoline blending component that comprises up to 13 percent of the U.S.’ overall gasoline pool. Project Traveler will have nameplate capacity of 28,000 barrels per day of alkylate. “Project Traveler was conceived to benefit from two important trends i...

A New Marketing Image for the City of Pasadena

Thursday, November 07, 2019

The Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) in collaboration with the City of Pasadena are proud to announce the launch of a new marketing brand for Pasadena. Earlier this year Pasadena EDC partnered with Development Counsellors International (DCI); a firm that specializes in place marketing on the development of this new marketing brand. “Our Board of Directors and Staff understood the importance for the implementation of a cohesive and vibrant new image to aid in the marketability of the city,” said Suzette McDowell, Marketing Manager for Pasadena EDC. “This new brand and tagline are a representation of the endless possibilities the great Cit...

STEM Educational Programs Prepare Pasadena’s Students for College & In-Demand Careers

Monday, October 21, 2019

Pasadena, Texas has a strong workforce that can add value to any organization. The strength of our workforce begins with our holistic approach to education, an approach that incorporates STEM-based learning in the classroom and through various programs, activities and learning opportunities. K-12 STEM Learning The Pasadena Independent School District (PISD) provides STEM learning opportunities for students of all ages. For example, Elementary Science hosts a STEM fair at the district level annually and individual campuses have a STEM night that is open to the community. “Our curriculum promotes integrated lessons that encourage the use of scientific design in the engineering process,&rdquo...

Shifts in Energy Sources, Workforce Lead State of Energy Discussion with Chevron's Mike Wirth

Friday, October 11, 2019

Houston’s business climate and energy-rich workforce base has long supported its position as The Energy Capital of the World. Both were major discussion topics at the Partnership’s annual State of Energy event on Oct. 9. Mike Wirth, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Chevron, headlined the event by participating in a fireside chat with Bobby Tudor, chairman of Tudor, Pickering, Holt and Co. and the Partnership's 2019 vice chair. Here are four takeaways from Wirth’s comments. Read full article.

Pasadena logistics co. leases industrial space east of Houston

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Pasadena, Texas-based warehousing and transloading firm has signed on to lease more than 146,000 square feet of industrial space in its home city. American Cross-Dock & Storage entered into a deal to lease 102,863 square feet at 9701 New Decade Drive, which is located within the Bayport North Logistics Center I near the intersection of W. Fairmont Parkway and Genoa Red Bluff Road. Additionally, the company entered into a sublease arrangement for 44,000 square feet at 13225 Bay Park Road, which is located about 10 minutes to the east off W. Fairmont Parkway. Read full article.

The Port of Houston’s Economic Impact Benefits Pasadena & Entire U.S.

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

Located in Pasadena, Texas, Port Houston has an $801-billion impact and growing. A 2018 study by Martin Associates reports that Houston Ship Channel-related businesses supported 3,208,809 direct, induced, indirect and related jobs in the United States, of which 1,350,695 jobs were supported in the state of Texas. In addition, Martin Associates found that marine cargo activity at the public and private marine terminals at Port Houston and along the Houston Ship Channel supported a total of $801.9 billion of total U.S. economic value, of which $339.0 billion of total economic value was supported in the state of Texas. The PH...

H+M Industrial EPC to Triple Fabrication Capacity with On-Site Shop Expansion

Thursday, October 03, 2019

PASADENA, Texas /PRNewswire/ -- H+M Industrial EPC recently broke ground to expand their on-site fabrication shop. This increase triples the current production capacity used to facilitate project execution for clients. The project is scheduled to be complete the first quarter of 2020 and is phase one of a two-phase expansion plan for the organization which includes a new office building in Pasadena, TX. Jim Hughes, H+M's Director of QA/QC, stated that the new fabrication shop will be stocked with "advanced welding technologies, such as Miller RMD and the use of metal-cored filler metals. Other technologies will ensure versatility and efficiency by allowing fo...

MFG Chemical Renews ISO 9001: 2015 Certification of Three Dalton, GA Plants

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Certification of Pasadena, TX Plant Planned for 2020 MFG Chemical, a global leader in specialty and custom chemical manufacturing, has successfully renewed its ISO 9001:2015 Certifications at each of its three Dalton, Georgia facilities. MFG was one of the first chemical companies to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification in October of 2016, and has now been audited and certified four times. ISO 9001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. ISO 9001 is based on the plan-to-check-act methodolog...

CPC announces new manager at its Pasadena Plastics Complex

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Chevron Phillips Chemical announces that Gary Piana, plant manager in Pasadena, Texas, will be transitioning to a new role as plant manager in Baytown, Texas. Chad Jennings, olefins technical manager at the company’s corporate office in The Woodlands, Texas, has accepted the position as plant manager in Pasadena, Texas. Having spent the last three years as Pasadena’s plant manager, Piana is leaving the facility with the best safety and environmental record its achieved in decades. Known for his active roles in the Pasadena community, Piana will remain chairman of the board of directors of the East Harris County Manufacturers Association until hi...

Pasadena Independent School District Prepares Students for the Future

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Pasadena Independent School District provides diverse educational opportunities for students of all ages. The quality of education being offered by the District is a benefit for the families living in Pasadena and the businesses that are employing recent graduates. Here are a few of the innovative ways Pasadena ISD is preparing students for the future. #1 Pasadena’s Career and Technical High School. The school prepares students for college and the workforce, serves a student population of nearly 1,700 students, and offers certifications in multiple industry fields that are hiring in the Houston area. #2 Personalized Learning Pasadena ISD has become the largest personalized learnin...

San Jacinto College opens LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology

Friday, September 20, 2019

The largest training facility in the Gulf Coast Region was designed by industry, for industry PASADENA, Texas (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- San Jacinto College marked the grand opening of the new LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology (CPET), with more than 350 elected officials, industry partners, community members, faculty, and staff. The ceremony revealed LyondellBasell as the facility’s naming rights partner, honoring the company’s generous $5 million donation and their support in helping to develop the facility’s curriculum, aligning with LyondellBasell’s strong commitment to workforce development. Read full article.

HGTV's 'Property Brothers' gives Pasadena school library a makeover

Friday, September 13, 2019

The academic year just became a lot more exciting for students and staff at Burnett Elementary. The school debuted its new library, renovated by HGTV's very own "Property Brothers," Jonathan and Drew Scott. The library came equipped with hundreds of new books, upgraded technology and a whole new look, and the Scott brothers were there to welcome the new school into the new state-of-the-art library. Read full article.

Marine vet turns in uniform for BBQ apron to open famed Pasadena restaurant

Sunday, September 08, 2019

Article source: ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- In a metal building that's expanded over the years, Andy's BBQ has seen its popularity similarly grow, making it a legendary spot in Pasadena "Hawg wild" is how the restaurant is described by its owner. "In Tennessee, we did pork BBQ," said owner Andy Cook. "I didn't really know brisket." The Marine veteran is a quick learner. He moved from his native home of Tennessee decades ago, and after 39 years running a parking lot maintenance business, Cook decided he wanted to do food. He had already been "practicing" BBQ on the side, and then went "whole hog."...

The big ideas of Big Tex Papas started from a car trunk

Saturday, September 07, 2019

Article source: ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- Life was not always easy for Samuel Barraza. Barraza spent time at shelters and was homeless at one point. He never worried because he knew he would be successful in life with hard work and perseverance. He needed to find a way to make extra money and decided to start selling baked potatoes out of the trunk of his car. Before he knew it, they'd be sold out within an hour. Read full article.

Old ABC13 set helping Pasadena teens kick start career in TV

Thursday, September 05, 2019

Article source: ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- Some say if you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life. One high school is helping its students find a passion they can turn into a career. In fact, they're giving students 19 different ways to find a career before they even graduate. "We get to learn what we want to do when we're older at a very young age," said Victoria Saldana. Saldana is a student at Lewis Career & Technical High School in Pasadena, whose mission is to help students get a kick-start in finding a job base...

Five fun facts about Pasadena

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Article source: ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- Pasadena is a spirited community, full of friendly residents and a unique history. The town started with farming, boomed with petrochemical plants, and was put on the big screen as "Urban Cowboy." You can't ride the mechanical bull anymore at Gilley's, but you can still taste a strawberry like the ones that helped build the community that now boasts more than 150,000 people. Read full article.

Pasadena teen with rare condition is a YouTube star and inspiration

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Article source: ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- A recent Pasadena ISD graduate is inspiring people across the world. Eduardo Verestegui, 18, is a rising YouTube star with nearly 400,000 followers. He's known for creating videos that explain what life is like as an immigrant to the United States. "I moved to the United States in 2013 and I wanted to share my experiences as a newcomer to this country," expressed Verestegui. "It wasn't the same as Mexico. A lot of the things were different. Schools were different, the whole academic system was different. I did speak very little English, so I began making videos abou...

Pasadena's downtown rebirth: Restoring post office with secret room

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Article source ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- In the past two years, Pasadena has attracted $2 billion worth of new business to the area, with much of it related to the petrochemical industry. But in contrast, the city's downtown area has been likened to a ghost town for much of the last 50 years, which is not necessarily reflective of the boom in business. Buildings are boarded up where stores once thrived in the original incarnation of downtown. The Pasadena post office opened in 1939 and later closed. In recent years, though, the building was sold to engineer Javier Morales, who now views i...

Pasadena PD sergeant has no plans of stopping after 45 years of service

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Article source: ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- Sergeant James Anderson joined the Pasadena Police Department and never thought he would be in service for 45 years. "I got in. I happen to like it at that point and time, I studied to be in the academy. (I) Joined the academy in 1975 and graduated. From that point, I've been here ever since," said Anderson. Anderson says he has no plans of stopping just yet. He loves waking up every morning and putting on his uniform to serve Pasadena citizens. Read full article.

There's only one way to tour the Port of Houston, and it's free

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Article source: ABC13.com PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- Did you know you could tour the Port of Houston? Visitors have been boarding the M/V Sam Houston since 1958 for 90-minute educational tours, and it won't cost you anything. "We get to see everything in action. Like, get hands on and actually see," explained Pasadena ISD maritime engineering student Nathan Phillips. "We talk about ships loading and unloading, but when we actually get to see it in person, it's better." Read full article.

Pasadena Skyline Change Ushers in a New Era

Monday, July 01, 2019

(Pasadena, Texas, July 1, 2019) – Weather permitting, the old First Pasadena State Bank building is set for implosion on July 21, 2019 at 7:00 a.m. Representatives from the community, local businesses, members of the Economic Development Corporation and elected officials will be on hand to usher in a new chapter in Pasadena’s history. Mayor Jeff Wagner and several other community leaders will make remarks to commemorate the event. After years of neglect, the once iconic symbol of progress fell into a costly state of disrepair. Evidence of vandalism, gang activity and fires appeared regularly in rogue online footage. In additio...

Top Ten Summer Activities for Families in Pasadena and the Houston Metro

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Pasadena, Texas is the second largest city in the Houston metro area, but when it comes to summertime fun, Pasadena is the best place for families! Whether your kids want to zip down water slides or take an afternoon hike, there is no shortage of summer activities in Pasadena and many of them are free. If you are a mom, dad or grandparents looking for things to do near Houston this summer, add our top ten activities to your list. These are just a few of the many fun summer activities happening in Pasadena, Texas. If you and your family ar...

Fowler to headline Pasadena’s Fourth fest

Friday, June 21, 2019

Kevin Fowler is the headline act at the city of Pasadena’s Fourth of July festival. The city of Pasadena's Fourth of July event will feature traditional games for kids, live music including a performance by Texas country star Kevin Fowler and, of course, a fireworks show. Activities at the family friendly event will be at the Pasadena Convention Center and Fairgrounds, 7902 Fairmont Parkway. "People can start arriving at 4 p.m.," said Jed Aplaca, director of the Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department. "The vendors, games and tractor rides will begin at 5 p.m., and the music will begin at 6 p.m." Vendors selling food...

Pasadena skyscraper headed for demolition

Thursday, June 20, 2019

The First Pasadena State Bank Buildingon Southmore Avenue in Pasadena is slated for demolition. For decades, the north side of Pasadena served as the city’s heart — with convenient access to places like City Hall and the library and attractions like the Capitan theater and Pasadena Town Square Mall — and looming above them, since 1963 at least, was the Pasadena First State Bank building. At the time of its construction the skyscraper was a symbol of growth, development and achievement — a metaphor for how far Pasadena had come since Texas 225 was a two-lane dirt road and there were strawberr...

The best-kept secrets and hidden gems of Houston-area suburbs

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Drive just a few miles out of Houston and you'll stumble upon some undiscovered treasures tucked away in towns like Conroe, Pearland and Pasadena. Readers from all over the Houston area shared some of the best-kept secrets of their neighborhoods with us. Read full article.

Casa Olé Celebrates 45th Anniversary With Customer Appreciation Specials and Charity Fundraiser

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Restaurant marks occasion with daily specials, catering deals, loyalty rewards and customer giveaways, partners with Semper Fi Fund for charity fundraiser HOUSTON (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Popular Tex-Mex brand Casa Olé is celebrating “45 years of Casa” by rewarding its customers with a throwback daily special, catering offers, loyalty rewards and weekly gift card giveaways through the end of the year. The 45 years of Casa specials include: A “Tex-Mex Fix-a-lada” throwback meal served daily from 4:45 to 6:45 pm, includes two cheese enchiladas, rice and beans for only $4.50. Enchilada To-Go Platters for $45 that include four enchiladas each of cheese, spinach, bee...

Pasadena’s Diversity, Fun Amenities, and Job Opportunities Are Attracting Millennials and Entrepreneurs

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The median age in Pasadena, Texas is 32 years old. There’s a reason for that. Pasadena is known for being a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes millennials, young families, entrepreneurs and innovators. Combined with a high quality of life, abundant job opportunities, a thriving industrial sector and proximity to Houston, Pasadena’s culture has made it a go-to destination for young adults looking to make their mark on the world. As the second largest city in the Houston MSA, Pasadena is home to multinational corporations and small businesses alike. Pasadena is also home to Port Houston – one of the larges...

San Jacinto College one of top 10 community colleges in the nation

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

PASADENA, Texas — The Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence named San Jacinto College as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation. The announcement was made at a luncheon in Washington, D.C. Read full article.

Pasadena EDC Announces New Business Enhancement Program

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

PASADENA, TX—Pasadena Economic Development Corporation [PEDC] is pleased to announce the launch of the Business Enhancement Program, a matching grant program to support local small business development and city revitalization. The Business Enhancement Program is an?initiative available to eligible businesses to apply for funds to complete enhancement and improvement projects that improve the appearance and functionality of their exterior. Matching grant funds may be provided for 50% of the cost of construction and architectural fees, up to $20,000 per project for construction and architectural fees combined.? The EDC’s Business Enhancement Program is well-timed to leverage the major public investment along Richey Stree...

LyondellBasell's Bayport Complex Propylene Oxide Plant Turns 50

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Plant helped pave the way for Houston's petrochemical dominance PASADENA, Texas /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell's Bayport Complex in Pasadena, Texas, commemorated 50 years of operation at its propylene oxide plant and provided an update on their role in the company's most significant capital project to date, the construction of the largest propylene oxide (PO), tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant in the world. Read full article.

Business park near Port Houston to add 1.33M square feet

Monday, April 15, 2019

Dallas-based Stream Realty Partners will soon break ground on the third phase of Bay Area Business Park, at 9501 Bay Area Blvd. in Pasadena, which is owned by Iowa-based Principal Real Estate Investors. Phase three will be built on 95 recently acquired acres, according to a press release. The expansion will consist of three buildings, totaling 1.33 million square feet, at 250,000, 300,000 and 784,000 square feet, respectively, the release reads. The largest building can be expanded to 1 million square feet, if needed. Read full article.

Pasadena courthouse completion set for 2020

Friday, April 12, 2019

Ever since Hurricane Ike blew through the Houston area in 2008, leaving many of Pasadena’s municipal buildings damaged, the city’s courts haven’t stayed too long in one place. The most recent move for municipal court proceedings was to a city facility at 1001 Shaw following repairs to damages caused by Hurricane Harvey. But the days of moving for the city’s court facilities should change soon, with a ground-breaking ceremony set for a $7.3 million courthouse. Funding for the project was approved by council in January 2018, with Horizon Group International LLC serving as contractor. Read full article.

Last-minute entry snags top prize at Rodeo art auction

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Hector Maldonado was nearly out of time. The Sam Rayburn High School senior had spent months on his Western-themed colored-pencil drawing, including a few nights in December when he worked on it until 3 or 4 in the morning before dragging himself out of bed for school. He didn’t really think he had a shot of winning the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s annual school art competition, which draws more than 200,000 entries each year from across Texas. But his parents had always taught him to try his best. Read full article.

Pasadena OKs drive-through holiday attraction envisioned as tourist draw

Monday, April 08, 2019

A proposal for a holiday lighting attraction has been approved by by Pasadena City Council, with members split between those who think it will draw tourists and lift spirits and others who don't like that admission will be charged for a display supported by tax revenue. Read full article.

Aurora Plastics completes upgrade and expansion of Texas compounding facility

Thursday, April 04, 2019

Aurora Plastics (Streetsboro, OH) announced that it has completed the expansion and renovation of its 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Pasadena, TX. The investment marks the company’s continued commitment to expanding the services and products offered to customers in the western and southern United States and its focus to grow export business, said the company in a press release. The renovated plant includes upgrades in compound blending, controls and automation systems as well as a new lab and expanded product testing capabilities. Aurora is a leading supplier of rigid and flexible PVC products as well as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs); CPE alloys; custo...

Baystar Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Borstar® Polyethylene Unit in Pasadena, Texas

Tuesday, April 02, 2019

Unit will double site capacity and introduce new product to North America PASADENA, Texas, /PRNewswire/ -- Bayport Polymers LLC (Baystar™), the 50/50 joint venture owned by Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc. (TPRI) and Novealis Holdings LLC - itself a joint venture co-owned by Borealis AG ("Borealis") and NOVA Chemicals Inc. ("NOVA Chemicals") - held its official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new 625,000 metric ton-per-year Borstar® polyethylene unit at its production site in Pasadena, Texas, with an anticipated start-up in 2021. The state-of-the-art Borstar technology, which will be used in North America for the first time, will allow Baystar to produce enhanced polyethylene products for the most demanding applications...

My Eyelab to Hire 240 Employees in Houston, TX

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

National optical retailer will hold job fair in Houston to add individuals to their growing team My Eyelab, one of the nation’s fastest growing full-service retail optical centers, will open its doors in the Houston community by hosting a local job fair to find qualified part time and full time individuals who are eager to join a winning team. My Eyelab plans to open 24 new stores and hire up to 240 new employees in the Houston area in 2019 and will be hiring for a multitude of positions ranging from patient coordinators and sales managers to brand managers. Read full article.

Meet our Team

Monday, March 18, 2019

The Pasadena EDC has a passionate staff, dedicated to the growth of Pasadena, Texas. They are a go-to resource for information on Pasadena, financial incentives, real estate and investment opportunities, and local programs and projects. The EDC is managed by a Board of Directors and also works closely with economic development partners. We are working together to move Pasadena forward and encourage anyone interested in our community to contact us. Now is the right time to choose to locate and grow in Pasadena. For more information about how we can assist your business, we invite you to contact our team. W...

PinnacleART Selected as 2019 Business of the Year by Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

Monday, March 18, 2019

PASADENA, Texas, (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PinnacleART has been selected as the 2019 Business of the Year by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. The award is given to a local organization that has demonstrated their commitment to the Pasadena community through active involvement in community organizations, financial stewardship, and participation in local events. Read full article.

5 Must Do Things in Pasadena

Friday, March 15, 2019

Pasadena lies about 20 miles from Downtown Houston, bordered by the Houston Ship Channel to the north and Galveston Bay to the southeast. Once damaged by the same 1900 hurricane that hit Galveston, the city saw a revival after strawberry plants were donated by the Red Cross, and later, expanded further thanks to the Texas Oil Boom. Though it’s still heavily tied to the oil and gas industry, the area is home to two fun festivals, a nature center and more. Read full article.

Pasadena is one of the most lucrative Airbnb locations in America, study says

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Houston hosts made $72 million dollars last year renting out their homes. In Pasadena, that study shows an Airbnb host in Pasadena profits on average almost $30,000 a year. PASADENA, Texas — You think of them more for vacations than investments, but Airbnb’s are proving to turn quite a profit for Houston area hosts. One location in particular has been named the third most lucrative location in the country, and you’ll never guess where it is. Read full article.

Free Search Tools to Find Properties in Pasadena

Monday, March 11, 2019

Are you considering Pasadena, Texas for your next businesses location or real estate investment? If so, use our real estate search tools to learn more about available properties, local infrastructure, access to transportation and other relevant information that is necessary for you to make a real estate decision. Our search tools provide a far more comprehensive look at properties and the surrounding area and assets than what is typically found on a real estate brokerage site. For this reason, even real estate brokers will use the EDC's tools when identifying key data points for their customers. Our real estate search tool...

Investing In Texas Real Estate? Here Are A Few Things You Should Know

Monday, March 11, 2019

Investing in Texas real estate has pretty much been a no-brainer. Since 2010, the population grew by 3.5 million, a million more than either Florida or California. That translates into one and a half million new homes. Almost 2 million of those people came from elsewhere, attracted by jobs and by reasonable home prices. Those attractions are still there – look at the rate of job growth in the three big markets this past year, close to 4%. That’s twice the national average. Read full article.

Texas Top-Ranked State for Firm Relocations

Friday, March 08, 2019

ABSTRACT: Texas is the leading destination for companies relocating from other states. The economic benefits of the moves may be best measured in terms of the ancillary activity generated rather than the benefits directly attributable to the relocations. View original content.

Best States for Female Entrepreneurs 2019—Definitive Ranking of All 50 States

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

While the old saying “It’s a man’s world” is passé, there’s still evidence men have the upper hand in business—particularly the startup world. Women-owned startups face significant social and economic challenges, resulting in a remarkable disparity between male and female-launched businesses. Read full article.

Pasadena is Home to 2nd Largest Port in the U.S.

Monday, March 04, 2019

When location and transportation matters, choose Pasadena, Texas. Pasadena is conveniently located within the Houston Metro region, one of the fastest growing areas of the United States. Unique to Pasadena is its’ immediate port access with frontage along the Houston Ship Canal leading to the Port of Houston. The Port ranks #1 in foreign tonnage and #2 in total tonnage in the United States. The Port of Houston is also home to the largest petrochemical complex in the United States, the second largest in the entire world. Petrochemical companies have chosen to make Pasadena home, creating a vibrant ecosystem of companie...

Texas Employment Growth Continues in December

Monday, March 04, 2019

Unemployment rate remains at historic low for third straight month AUSTIN - As 2018 concluded, the Texas economy added another month of positive employment growth, with 38,000 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added for the month of December. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, and has remained at the same historic 43-year low since October 2018. Annual employment growth for Texas was 3.2 percent in December, and marked 104 consecutive months of annual growth. Over the year, Texas has added 391,800 jobs as Total Nonfarm employment reached a new high of 12,744,100. Read full article.

Location, location, location!

Monday, February 25, 2019

Pasadena is only 20 minutes from Hobby Airport and an hour from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Pasadena also has direct frontage along the Houston Ship Canal leading to the Port of Houston. This busy port is a popular destination for foreign companies, making it #1 in the country in foreign tonnage. Businesses needing to access rail lines can also do so in Pasadena, as can distribution companies needing to access interstates and freeways. Both the Union Pacific Railroad and the BNSF Railway serve Pasadena businesses. By road, businesses can transport goods on the Beltway 8, State Highway 225 and Interstate 45...

TEDC Presents Economic Excellence Recognition at 2019 Legislative Conference

Monday, February 25, 2019

For Immediate Release February 21, 2019 The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) announced the recipients of its annual Economic Excellence Recognition program for 2018. The awards were presented at a breakfast held Thursday, February 21, 2019, at the TEDC’s Legislative Conference in Austin, Texas. The two and one half day conference was held February 20-22 at the Sheraton hotel in downtown Austin. The Economic Excellence Recognition program provides recognition to economic development organizations that meet a desired threshold of professionalism. Recipients qualify for recognition based on training taken by their governing board/council as well as the economic development director and professional staff. Certifications...

Workforce Programs are Growing in Pasadena

Monday, February 18, 2019

The workforce in Pasadena is highly skilled and highly trained. Businesses who choose to locate here can benefit from access to this top talent while also utilizing some of the workforce resources and incentives available to companies located in our region. For example, the Skills Development Fund is Texas is premier job-training program providing local customized training opportunities for Texas businesses and workers. Likewise, workforce training programs are taking place at Pasadena High School and technical courses are being offered at the Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School. Combined with workforce training programs taking place at the Sa...

Financial Incentives are Available in Pasadena

Monday, February 11, 2019

There are many financial reasons to move your business to Pasadena, Texas. We are part of the Houston Metro region but offer low tax rates, an easy permitting process and an economic development team that will work to make it financially viable to locate here. In fact, the Pasadena EDC offers performance-based cash incentives to qualifying projects based on the economic benefit to the community. The state of Texas also offers several incentives for businesses who are looking to relocate or grow. These include employer tax credits, manufacturing sales tax exemptions, access to the Skills Development Fund and the Texas Enterpris...

Sheena Salvino Joins Pasadena EDC

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Join us in welcoming our new Redevelopment Manager: Sheena Salvino is a resourceful and energetic development professional with more than 10 years of experience in the non-profit organization sector. Sheena is highly skilled at planning, organizing and implementing community and economic development projects from conception to completion. She holds a master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the State University of New York at Albany. Sheena brings to the team an outstanding background in relationship management, team building and leadership. She possesses an outstanding track record in developing cities to their full potential, havin...

Pasadena is Home to Many Higher Education Opportunities

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

Pasadena Texas is part of the Houston Metro region, meaning our residents have easy and quick access to numerous universities. These include technical schools, community colleges and state universities in addition to law schools, graduate schools and medical schools. Within 30 minutes of Pasadena, students have access to schools like the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Baylor College of Medicine, South Texas College of Law, Houston Baptist University, and more. Residents who want to earn college credits without ever leaving Pasadena can do so as well. The San Jacinto College and the University of Houston at Clear Lake are bot...

Pasadena, Texas is a Fun Place to Live!

Monday, January 21, 2019

Pasadena is a fun place to live and work. With a beautiful climate year-round, it is possible to enjoy our many recreational assets such as the Strawberry Water Park where families can zip down waterslides, play volleyball in the pool and relax while going down the lazy river. Those who want more adventure can head outdoors and enjoy Pasadena's Armand Bayou Nature Center. Established in the early 1970s, this pristine 2,500-acre natural environment is the second largest urban wildlife preserve in the entire United States. It is an outdoor and nature lovers paradise while being minutes from the city. Clea...

Pasadena, Texas Demographics

Monday, January 14, 2019

Pasadena Texas is one of the fastest growing communities in the country. We are home to highly skilled and dedicated workers, growing families and retirees. Home to over 153,000 people, our community is rapidly growing with the majority of our residents being of working age. The average household income in our community is $51,419 - well above the national average. With the low cost of living available in Pasadena, this means that the average family has plenty of disposable income to enjoy entertainment and recreational activities within our community. For additional demographic information, access the resources we have provided online. Our websit...

Pasadena EDC Welcomes Your Participation

Friday, January 04, 2019

We welcome your involvement in the Pasadena EDC. We are moving forward together with the help of stakeholders, community members, businesses and elected officials. Working together, we are helping to grow Pasadena for the betterment of everyone in our community. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the EDC, our mission and our meetings can visit our website to view meeting agendas and minutes. It is possible to download them directly from our site and to build a report that can be viewed later. Anyone who wants additional information is free to contact us by clicking here.

Suzette McDowell Joins Pasadena EDC

Wednesday, January 02, 2019

Join us in welcoming our new Marketing Manager: Suzette McDowell is a bilingual, highly skilled marketing specialist with 8+ years of experience in the field of internal and external marketing & communications, organizational branding, social media, content management and public relations. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. What distinguishes her from others in her field of expertise is that she treats marketing as entertainment. This is simple to explain: if it isn’t relevant enough, people will change the channel, station or navigate away from a website. Suzette’s ultimate goal is to delive...

Pasadena EDC Has a New Website

Monday, December 31, 2018

The Pasadena EDC has recently launched a new website with the assistance of Golden Shovel Agency. Our website is now a go-to source of information for all things related to Pasadena, Texas. Here, businesses, investors, developers and families can learn what it is like to own a business, work and live in our great community. Anyone considering relocating to the area will find information on available properties, demographics, community profiles, available resources and real estate, our workforce and community activities. With so much to explore, now is an excellent time to visit our new website and share it with friends an...

Richey Street project set to begin in Pasadena

Monday, November 05, 2018

Work is set to begin on a project to improve Richey Street on Pasadena’s north side between Texas 225 and Southmore Avenue. Funded through $6 million contributions by both the city and Harris County Precinct 2, the project aims to improve drainage to protect nearby homes from flooding and to ease traffic at a main entry point into Pasadena. Click here to view the complete article.

Pasadena Chambers Partners With EDC On Impact Pasadena Program

Monday, October 29, 2018

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation is looking to groom the next generation of business leaders with a new program, but you don't have long to sign up. Tuesday is the last day to sign up for Impact Pasadena program which launches in January 2019. The program is designed to enhance critical leadership, interpersonal skills while providing the tools that demonstrate the needed collaboration between government and business leaders to create successful economic development opportunities for Pasadena's future. Click here to view the complete article.

United States: Bayport Polymers to Double Polyethylene Capacity

Friday, September 28, 2018

Bayport Polymers, LLC (“Bayport Polymers”) – a 50/50 joint venture owned by Total S.A. (“Total”) and Novealis Holdings LLC, itself a joint venture of Borealis AG (“Borealis”) and NOVA Chemicals Inc. (“NOVA Chemicals”) – announces the final investment decision to build a 625,000-ton-per-year polyethylene unit at its production site in Bayport, Texas. The new unit will use Borstar® technology and more than double the site’s polyethylene capacity to 1.1 Mt/y with a start-up scheduled in 2021. The contract for the engineering, procurement and construction of the new unit has been awarded to McDermott and is expected to employ 1,750 staff during pea...

Oxiteno Starts Up Its New Alkoxylation Plant In Pasadena, TX

Thursday, September 06, 2018

The industrial plant combines strategic location, large size capacity and world class alkoxylation technology to provide a broad portfolio of surfactants and specialty chemicals. Pasadena, September 4th, 2018 – Oxiteno, one of the world’s largest ethoxylates producers, announced today the commencement of beneficial operations at its new 170,000 metric tons/year manufacturing plant in Pasadena, Texas. The new unit includes world class alkoxylation technology to ensure safety and environmental performance. It will serve as reliable domestic source of products for Oxiteno’s regional and global customers. Oxiteno has invested around US$200 million over 6 years including site acquisition, plant construction, and R&D facilities whil...

Nissan Chemical America Corporation Completes Pasadena Plant Expansion

Friday, August 03, 2018

Nissan Chemical America Corporation is nearing completion of its Pasadena plant expansion. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on August 23, at the manufacturing site commemorating the occasion. Nissan Chemical America was established in 1989, and the manufacturing plant was established at the Pasadena location in 1997. Since then, the company has developed and marketed nanomaterials creating innovative solutions for paint, specialty coatings, catalyst, oil and gas, 3D printing and many other industries. William Smith, President of NCA says, "Sales to the oil and gas industry are continuing to grow and, with completion of the expansion, we are better positioned to meet demand and serv...

Arch-Con Breaks Ground on 404,160 SF Distribution Center in Pasadena, Texas

Monday, July 30, 2018

Arch-Con Corp, a general contractor with offices in Houston and Dallas, has broken ground on Underwood Port Logistics Center, a 404,160-square-foot industrial asset near Port Houston in Pasadena. Click here for the complete article.

Manufacturing Consortium Partners with San Jacinto College for $275,402 Job-Training Grant

Monday, July 23, 2018

A Manufacturing Consortium, including E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company and Kaneka North America LLC have partnered with San Jacinto College to provide job training using a $275,402 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast Texas area. Click here for the complete article.

Industrial Park Planned for Pasadena

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Source: The Pasadena Citizen Houston-based developer Avera Companies announced Tuesday it plans to build a 143-acre industrial park in Pasadena. The complex, dubbed Bayport Logistics Park, will feature Union Pacific rail service near Barbour's Cut and Bayport container terminals, allowing for development of rail-served logistics and distribution space, which has been a popular asset in recent years as distribution of consumer goods accelerates in Houston. "Prime industrial sites in the south-east submarket have become exceedingly difficult to find due to increasing scarcity, presenting a big challenge in a submarket with constant demand," said Trey Odem, president and CEO of Avera. The industrial park wil...

Kuraray America to Invest $49 Million in Pasadena Plant 08/26.2016

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Source: Posted: Friday, August 26, 2016 3:42 pm | Updated: 3:49 pm, Fri Aug 26, 2016. By Kristi Nix - The Pasadena Citizen Following on the heels of a new $300 million polyvinyl alcohol plant in Bayport, Japan’s Kuraray Co. is planning to expand its existing Pasadena facility, a company official reported. The $49 million expansion project will allow the Tokyo-based company to boost production of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, Kuraray America plant manager Robert Armstrong said. The product, known as EVAL, is used in applications such as packaging for food products and for liners used to prevent soil pollution. The expansion project wil...

IDV and Fortune 500 Energy Client Sign Build to Suit Office Deal

Monday, August 08, 2016

Investment & Development Ventures, LLC (IDV) and a Fortune 500 energy client have signed a long term agreement for construction of a Build-to-Suit office building in Pasadena, TX. The site is located in Park 225, at 300 Beltway Green Blvd, and is the 8th project developed in the business park. The facility is designed as a 3-story, 82,800 square foot office building on ~5 acres and will be constructed of tilt wall, structural steel and insulated glass. IDV partnered with Powers Brown and Metzger Construction for completion of the project. Groundbreaking commenced August 1, 2016 with delivery June of 2017. Th...

Magellan Midstream to Construct New Pasadena Marine Terminal

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Source: Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. Magellan Midstream to Construct New Pasadena Marine Terminal TULSA, Okla., July 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) announced today its plans to construct a new high-capacity marine terminal along the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena, Texas to handle refined petroleum products, including various grades of gasoline and diesel fuel, and renewable fuels. The new terminal will be built on nearly 200 acres of recently-acquired land. Supported by a long-term customer commitment, Magellan initially plans to build approximately 1 million barrels of refined products and ethanol storage and a new marine dock capable of handling Panamax-sized ships or barges wit...

Kuraray to boost EVAL production capacity at Pasadena plant

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

PRESS RELEASE HOUSTON – Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced plans to increase the production capacity of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, EVAL™ within its subsidiary, Kuraray America, Inc. The Kuraray EVAL™ plant located in Pasadena will increase their capacity by 11,000 tons per year with planned operations to commence in the summer of 2018. Currently, Kuraray’s EVAL™ product line provides the world's widest range of EVOH resins and films. With global demand forecasted to increase at an annual rate of six to seven percent, this boost in capacity at the Pasadena EVAL™ plant will further solidify Kuraray as a leader in the productio...

PROCLAMATION ON NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, 2020

Monday, September 21, 2020

During National Small Business Week, we celebrate the resolve and ingenuity of American businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers. America’s small businesses are at the very core of our Nation’s identity and prosperity, and this week we pay tribute to these patriots for their contributions to our Nation’s economy and culture. This year, as we collectively recover from an unprecedented pandemic, my Administration remains intensely focused on helping every American enterprise remain viable, recover, and once again, thrive at historic levels. Our Nation’s more than 30 million small businesses, which employ nearly half the private-sector workforce and create two-thirds of all net new jobs...

Pasadena to get own El Bolillo bakery

Wednesday, February 08, 2017

Source: By Y.C. Orozco, yorozco@hcnonline.com A little over a year ago, Kirk Michaelis, owner of Houston's El Bolillo bakery, noticed that some of his locations were drawing customers from Pasadena. "I had my Google analytics showing me the people looking up the store on their phones, where they're driving from and a lot of it was coming from there and I was pulling from that," he said. Michaelis did some research, drove around Pasadena and knew he had found a new market to expand the El Bolillo name outside its Houston base. The sweet aroma of Hispanic pastries fresh from giant ovens is a familiar on...

GE Announces Winners of HealthyCities Leadership Academy’s Open Innovation Challenge

Monday, October 10, 2016

GE and partners to fund 9 communities to pilot new models for population health OSSINING, NEW YORK – OCT. 11, 2016 – GE announced today the nine winners of the HealthyCities Leadership Academy Open Innovation Challenge. Each of the winning communities will receive an initial award of $25,000 in prize money to help develop population health improvements through partnerships with public and private entities, and will be eligible for a final prize award of $250,000 after a year of collaborative learning and support. A part of GE’s healthymagination commitment, the HealthyCities Leadership Academy is a new program to mentor and support leaders in thei...

Bayshore Medical Center Honored with Mission: Lifeline Achievement Award

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Source: Bayshore Medical Center Pasadena, Texas - Bayshore Medical Center has received the Mission: Lifeline® Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the most deadly type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it's critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. ...

Water key to Pasadena’s economic development

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Source: Kristi Nix Houston Community Newspapers Nestlé Waters North America Inc., the nation’s largest bottled water, operates a 312,000 square-foot plant in Pasadena that produces approximately 85,000 bottles an hour. Abundant water resources and a business-friendly permitting process proved key assets to attracting two water bottling companies to build multi-million dollar facilities in Pasadena, according to Paul Davis, Director of Economic Development. The Citizen recently sat down with Davis and Pasadena’s Director of Public Works Robin Green to talk about the city’s recent economic development successes. In 2011, company officials from Nestlé Waters North America Inc. announced plans to build a $30 million facilit...

Crystal Geyser

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com Water bottling plant to be economic boon for Houston 'burb Feb 10, 2016, 6:00am CST [Crystal Geyser Pasadena plant] COURTESY PAUL DAVIS Construction of the Crystal Geyser water bottling plant being built at the intersection of Leesa Lane and Genoa Red Bluff Road in Pasadena, Texas. The plant should generate almost $42 million a year for the Houston suburb. A California water company picked a Houston suburb for a multimillion-dollar bottling plant, and a new study reveals how much money that decision will bring to the local community. California-based CG Roxane LLC, the owner and manufacturer of bottled Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, is developin...

Media Center

Relocate