[PRESS RELEASE] - The tech industry in the state of Texas is booming, with a growing demand for skilled workers in Cloud/IT support, software development and data analytics. According to LinkedIn, there are over 8,000 tech jobs currently unfilled in the state of Texas. To address this talent gap, AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance is expanding into Texas with support from key collaborators across industry, education and government with the goal of helping to modernize tech programs of study at higher education institutions, connecting learners to in-demand tech jobs and supporting the development of a highly-skilled tech workforce in the Lone Star State. "As the pace of technological change advances in every market, the need for a globally diverse, digitally skilled pipeline has never been more important. The expansion of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance into Texas further demonstrates our commitment to bring together government, education, industry and nonprofits to address this critical need and enable future economic growth," said Valerie Singer, AWS Global Education Lead. The initial launch of the Tech Alliance in Texas focuses on the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas. These two major hubs are home to a diverse array of employers seeking tech talent and a robust system of educational institutions ready to prepare the next generation of Cloud and IT professionals. This launch represents a critical step in addressing the talent gap in the state's tech industry. Four of the state's higher education institutions have come together as part of the region's initial launch: Texas State University Houston Community College Dallas College Kilgore College Several of the state's most innovative companies will collaborate with AWS to identify talent needs, provide real-world learning experiences for students and hire qualified candidates into tech roles. These employers include Brooksource Corestack DLZP Group JP Morgan Chase Tanches Global Management TEKsystems "JP Morgan Chase has been deeply ingrained in the Texas community for more than a century and a half, tracing its origins back to the First National Bank of Houston," said Stacey Laurent, Vice President and Lead Technical Program Manager for JP Morgan Chase. "We prioritize investing in our community's individuals. As proud members of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, we eagerly anticipate contributing to the worldwide movement that revitalizes tech education and fosters a diverse, skilled pool of talent, enriching the landscape of Texas. Diversity stands as a cornerstone of our values at JP Morgan Chase; it is essential for fostering innovation and progress." Recently, Texas has been recognized for its innovative approach to aligning education policy to its economic goals. Central to these policies is the push to ensure post-secondary programming leads to high quality career pathways for Texans. This alignment of education, workforce and economic development goals fits perfectly with the goals of the Tech Alliance and provides a unique partnership opportunity with the state. To ensure that the program continues to amplify the state's priorities, AWS will work closely with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Economic Development Corporation. AWS has a long history of collaborating with organizations in Texas to advance workforce development and skills attainment initiatives. Participation in the Greater Houston Partnership's UpSkill Houston Executive Committee and the Dallas Regional Chamber's Board of Directors has helped position AWS as a regional voice in workforce and economic development. These organizations, along with Alcantar Strategies, will partner with AWS to leverage their extensive networks and community connections to promote Tech Alliance programs and connect learners to opportunities. Through its employer-led UpSkill Houston initiative, the Greater Houston Partnership has invested heavily in advancing the skills and opportunities for Houstonians, ensuring employers have the skilled talent they need to grow and compete," said Peter Beard, Senior Vice President of Regional Workforce Development for the Greater Houston Partnership. "Collaborating with AWS as a member of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance will amplify the work we are already accomplishing in Houston and advance the alignment of our talent pipelines to in-demand technology jobs in all industries." "The Dallas Regional Chamber is focused on improving the education, talent and workforce pipeline to support a high-quality life for all people in the Dallas Region," said Elizabeth Caudill McClain, Senior Vice President of Talent Strategies at the Dallas Regional Chamber. "The launch of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance poses an exciting opportunity for business leaders across Texas to join together to address the skills gap for high-demand IT jobs while also supporting the economic mobility of Texans - a win-win for the future of our companies and communities." AWS launched the Tech Alliance in June 2023 at the DC Public Sector Summit, bringing together a global coalition of higher education institutions, employers, government and collaborating organizations to address the tech skills gap. The Tech Alliance is currently represented in nine countries (USA, Egypt, Spain, Singapore, Italy, Germany, India, Colombia and Brazil), with four other US states engaged (New York, Illinois, Washington and West Virginia). Since its global launch, the Tech Alliance has connected more than 23,000 learners from over 900 higher education institutions with over 350 employers. To learn more or get involved, please visit the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance homepage.

HOUSTON (May 2, 2024)— All metrics indicate Houston’s global economy is positioned for continued success, according to the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2024 Global Houston report. The report, which provides an analysis of the global economy and its tie to the Houston region, illustrates how Houston’s international activity in 2023 continued to set records: The Houston-Galveston Customs District continues to rank first in the country in tonnage handled (exports and imports) with over 404.7 million metric tons of goods and commodities, an increase of 6.4 percent from 2022. The Houston-Galveston Customs District ranked first in total value with $344.5 billion for the second consecutive year. Houston led the U.S. in exports, shipping more than $175.5 billion in goods and commodities. Foreign direct investment (FDI) remains strong, with an 18% increase as 52 foreign-owned companies with plans to relocate, expand or start operations, surpassing the 44 projects announced in 2022. The Houston Airport System handled 12.6 million international passengers, finally surpassing pre-COVID levels and setting a record. For the second consecutive year, international migration accounted for the largest share (37.6%) of the region’s population growth. The region attracted 52,500 migrants in 2023, an increase of more than 10% compared to 2022. According to the report, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions remain as global challenges in 2024. Fortunately, foreign governments recognize Houston’s pivotal role in global trade and foreign investment. "While economists expect a slightly weaker year ahead, Houston's robust ties to global markets and the ongoing growth of our major trading partners will continue to support our economy," said Partnership Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research Patrick Jankowski. "We remain confident in the strength and resilience of Houston's global economy." The Global Houston report also provides additional statistics and information about Houston’s international business ties and ranks the region’s top 20 trade partners. Top 10 Houston trade partners and the value of trade in 2023: China -- $31.8 billion, down from $32.1 billion in 2022. Mexico -- $28.7 billion, down from $32.0 billion in 2022. Netherlands -- $26.5 billion, up from $19 billion in 2022. South Korea -- $22.9 billion, down from $24.7 billion in 2022. Brazil -- $15.6 billion, down from $20.3 billion in 2022. Germany -- $15.1 billion, up from $15.0 billion in 2022. Japan -- $13.1 billion, down from $14.2 billion in 2022. United Kingdom -- $13.1 billion, down from $15.9 billion in 2022. India -- $13.0 billion, down from $15.5 billion in 2022. Singapore -- $11.4 billion, down from $14.0 billion in 2022.