By Kathryn Paradis
Since 1994, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has begun each year by throwing a really big party for 600-700 of its closest friends. They arrive at the event dressed in their finest attire looking forward to an evening of camaraderie, great food and entertainment.
However, this is by no means just any old party. It’s BAHEP’s annual Quasar Award Banquet — one of the most anticipated events of the year in Bay Area Houston — which will be held Friday, Feb. 3 at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.
The Quasar Award honors an outstanding elected official or business leader who, through his or her actions and leadership, has demonstrated a strong and continual effort to support the business foundations of the greater Bay Area Houston communities.
The recipient’s actions must have gone above and beyond to promote the economic development of the region and the fulfillment of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s objectives to recruit, retain and expand primary jobs in the region.
Bob Mitchell, BAHEP president, said, “We are very pleased to announce that Texas State Sen. Larry Taylor will be the recipient of the 2017 Quasar Award. For many years, Sen. Taylor has been heavily invested in issues that safeguard our homes and businesses and add immeasurably to our quality of life. Historically, these become huge economic drivers by creating stability and attracting companies and jobs to the region.”
Taylor a native Texan
A native Texan, Sen. Taylor attended Baylor University where he received his BBA in 1982. He and his wife, Kerri, are the proud parents of three adult children and a granddaughter, Lila. Sen. Taylor owns Truman Taylor Insurance Agency in Friendswood, an independent agency started by his father more than 50 years ago.
Sen. Taylor serves as the chairman of the Senate Public Education Committee and as a member of the Senate Finance, Business and Commerce and Intergovernmental Relations Committees. Before his election to the Texas Senate in 2012, he served five terms in the Texas House of Representatives. The senator represents Texas Senate District 11, comprised of portions of Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties.
Upon learning of Sen. Taylor’s selection, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said, “I congratulate Sen.Taylor for receiving the 2017 Quasar Award for his commitment and support of the greater Bay Area Houston business communities. He is a dedicated legislator who puts his community and his constituents first. When I appointed Sen. Taylor as Senate Education chair, I knew he had the determination to fight to make sure Texas school children have every opportunity to succeed. Sen. Taylor is a great public servant and the Bay Area is lucky to have him.”
William A. Staples, Ph.D., president of UH-Clear Lake, added to the accolades, “Sen. Larry Taylor is most deserving of the 2017 Quasar Award due to his exceptional leadership and service to Bay Area Houston…(Besides serving) in key leadership roles…he has also been directly involved in critical issues for Bay Area Houston by serving on committees focused on a coastal barrier system, Texas ports and windstorm insurance. As a businessman/legislator, Sen. Taylor understands the need for business, education and government to work together to advance the economic development and quality of life of Bay Area Houston. He understands and supports the mission of BAHEP.”
