The West Houston Association held its annual award ceremony on Tuesday, December 1st to celebrate the work of the membership during a uniquely challenging year.
“While we’ve not been able to get together much in person this year, we’ve still done some amazing work, and wanted to take some time to recognize all those who’ve done that amazing work,” said WHA Board Chairman Heath Melton.
Two developments were recognized as Quality Planned Developments (QPD): Grayson Woods in Katy and The Woodland Hills in Conroe, bringing the total to 24 recognized developments in the Greater Houston region.
QPD seals of approval are awarded to area master-planned communities and mixed use developments that go the extra mile to create “trendsetting, sustainable and vibrant developments.”
In announcing this year’s recipients, Rob Bamford, WHA Quality Planned Development Committee Chair, said the award certifies that the developers have invested considerable thought and effort in creating amenities and value for their residents. “Creating community value and lifestyle… and lifestyle this year has become more important than ever with what we’ve been through.”
“We’re definitely excited about the community,” said Brian Stidham of Hines, the developers of Grayson Woods. “It’s really turned out well, and I think that reflected in the residents’ excitement for the community. At the end of the day, that’s why we do what we do.”
Three projects were also honored with Sustainability Stars. This program awards applicants for projects focusing on land development and infrastructure in the greater West Houston area. Applicants are assessed on five areas: investigation, investment, integration, inspiration, and innovation; projects can receive up to five stars for meeting requirements in each area.
Jim Russ, WHA Sustainable Infrastructure Committee Chair, announced this year’s winning projects: the Towne Lake Water Re-Use project, Cinco MUD 1’s De-salination Water Plant and Cinco MUD 1’s Waste-Water Treatment Plant Water Re-use projects.
Cinco MUD 1’s wastewater treatment plant was the first project receive the full five stars in the three-year history of the award. The other two projects, Towne Lake’s water reuse and Cinco MUD 1’s desalination plant, both received three stars for investigation, investment and integration.
During the event, Chris Patterson talked about the updated WHA Development Map and the online map application available to West Houston Association members. The 2020 update is enhanced with additional GIS, or geographic information system layers, making it more of an “interactive tool.” It allows users to search, manipulate and filter data layers to best match user needs.
The event also included announcing the associations 2021 leadership. Alan Steinberg, WHA President/CEO announced members of the Board of Directors and Marlene Gafrick, WHA Board Vice Chair, announced the Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs.
John Moody, Sr., WHA Immediate Past Chair, announced the new Emeritus Directors as an advisory board to “honor people that have made major contributions over the life of our association going back to some to some of our founding members.”
The initial board will include Joe B. Allan, Fred Caldwell, Bradley Freels, Ned Holmes, Peter Houghton, Larry Johnson, Jim Jard, Bob Jones, Jack Linville, Walt Mischer, Jr., Ted Nelson, David Ramsey, and David Wolff.
Additionally, he announced a new WHA Advisory Board made up of non-members that includes: Andrea French, Deborah January-Beavers, Richard Johnson, Mary Anne Piacentini, and Dietrich von Biedenfeld.
“This advisory board is contemplated to actually be able to give us a good input on a range of issues, [and] bring a diverse set of ideas, experiences, knowledge and viewpoints that can really assist us in formulating strategies and our path going forward,” Moody said.
About the Author
Lawanda Maxwell, MBA has ten years of experience in business marketing and is the Communications Manager of the West Houston Association, She oversees branding/messaging, marketing projects/sub-committees, and all external communications. She has a passion for education and community-based initiatives and infuses the two as an adjunct professor. Maxwell leads WHA’s efforts on its websites, blog, social media, publications, public relations, and messaging and is an important contributor to WHA’s initiatives, events, and member engagement.