The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership to be presenting sponsor for the 2016 Economic Outlook Conference

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The Woodlands area has a population that is increasing daily, and an economy to match. Since 2000, the population has grown from 99,000 to nearly 190,000, with a projected township population of over 213,000 with the next four years. The area boasts an employment rate of 95.9% with nearly 105,000 residents in the workforce. Despite the current volatility of the oil industry, major corporations and the healthcare industry thrive – such as CB&I, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann.

In 1997, with a keen eye towards the projected growth of the area, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP) was established with a mission to promote job growth and economic vitality in The Woodlands area by recruiting new businesses and supporting existing businesses in job retention and expansion. For companies planning to expand in or relocate to the area, the EDP provides essential resources such as assistance with government regulatory and transportation infrastructure, and ensuring a match with particular businesses with their environments and providing access to a quality workforce.

The EDP was quick to step forward as the presenting sponsor of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce’s 30th annual Economic Outlook Conference, which will be on Friday, February 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center. The theme of this year’s conference is Grounded in Our Roots – Branching to the Future.

“We are thrilled to serve as the presenting sponsor on this anniversary year,” said Gil Staley, chief executive officer of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. “As a longtime ally of the Chamber, our members felt it was most appropriate to be the presenting sponsor of one of the top business to business events in the Houston region.”

The conference is designed to spotlight key economic trends that will shape our community, the nation, and the globe. Year after year, this event brings together nationally recognized speakers, roughly 800 business and community leaders, and corporate sponsors. It will include experts from numerous fields to bring awareness to the economic and developmental needs of The Woodlands and its surrounding areas. Greg Brenneman, chairman, president & CEO of CCMP Capital (nationally known as “The Turn-Around King”) has confirmed as the keynote. Additional speakers will soon be released, however, the planning team has announced a partial speaker line-up to include:


U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, 8th District of Texas;

Alex G. Sutton, P.E. and Tim Welbes, co-presidents, The Woodlands Development Company / A Division of The Howard Hughes Corporation;

Gil Staley, chief executive officer of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership;

and a medical panel with CEOs from major local hospitals.

The EDP has been diligent in choosing its corporate leadership and board membership to have the maximum positive impact on area economic guidance. Staley has been with the EDP for nearly a decade. He is responsible for recruiting new businesses to the South Montgomery County area as well as directing the business retention and expansion program. He also oversees the operational aspects of the EDP, while maintaining the financial integrity of the organization. Staley brings to his position many years of experience in marketing, sales and community affairs, and he additionally serves on numerous community boards.

Sponsorship and registration details for the event are available on the website eocthewoodlands.com. The EDP is the link to a highly successful business climate located in The Woodlands. The organization can help existing local companies grow, or help move new businesses, employees and families to a dynamic community. For more information on the EDP, visit edpartnership.net.