Houston Daily

News from August 2023


Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund Pension Benefits Committee met July 18

Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund Pension Benefits Committee met Tuesday, July 18


University of Houston introduces new appointments to Board of Visitors: 'They are essential allies and champions of our key priorities'

The University of Houston’s (UH) Board of Visitors has added 22 new members, with their terms slated to begin in the upcoming fall semester. Each member was appointed to the board by Dr. Renu Khator, the chancellor of the UH System and president of the flagship institution, and is tasked with serving as an advisor giving insights to promote the school’s brand and reputation.


International Soccer Festival to Host Celebrity Gala in Houston Sept. 29: 'We look forward to bringing them together in Houston and to kick off ISF 2027'

The International Soccer Festival (ISF) Celebrity Gala Fundraiser will be held at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice in Downtown Houston on Sept. 29 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Event organizers said the celebration looks to raise $2 million, which will benefit BlueCheck Ukraine, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the ISF.


OneStar Foundation seeking nominations for Governor's Volunteer Awards

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, in conjunction with the OneStar Foundation, are seeking nominations for the 40th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards. The awards are the state’s way of recognizing individuals who engage in exemplary service and volunteering in their communities.


Hidalgo takes medical leave for clinical depression: 'It is important for me personally and professionally to confront this issue swiftly, so I will be taking temporary leave from the office while I am receiving treatment'

On Aug. 7, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced hat she’s taking leave to pursue inpatient care for clinical depression, according to an Aug. 7 Twitter post from her office. The post was shared along with a letter from Hidalgo, a Democrat, herself addressing the situation.


Astros make second trip to White House in five years: 'You’re an impressive group of men'

U.S. Pres. Joe Biden (D) hosted the 2022 World Series champion Houston Astros in the East Room at the White House on Aug. 8, marking the second time in half a decade the team called on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The Astros made a quick stop in Washington, D.C. after beating the New York Yankees 9-7 at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 6 and a day before they commence their three-game series against the American League (AL)-best Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.


Biles: 'Happy to be back out on the floor! This journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Thank you for believing in me.'

On Aug. 5, multi-decorated Houston Olympic gymnast Simone Biles ended her two-year hiatus from the floor by emerging victorious at the 2023 U.S. Classic held at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL.


HCU appoints new Rex G. Baker Professor: 'Dr. Keiffer is an alumnus and has deep commitments to the university'

On Aug. 8, Houston Christian University (HCU) designated Dr. Gregory Keiffer, the school’s executive associate dean and assistant professor of management, as the Rex G. Baker Professor in Management.


University of Houston: 'Tank Dell continues to make Houston proud!'

While the preseason doesn’t count toward anything, the Houston Texans’ 20-9 road victory over the New England Patriots provided a glimpse into a possible bright future for rookie wide receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell. Dell, whom the Texans nabbed in the middle rounds of last spring’s National Football League (NFL) Draft, turned in a five-catch, 65-yard, one-score performance on Aug. 10, but his alma mater, the University of Houston (UH), already knew he has what it takes to succeed as a professional.


Salon Freedom Holdings makes inroads into Texas market: 'Houston will be a key market for us'

On. Aug 14, Denver-based Salon Freedom Holdings announced the opening of nine Sola Salon branches in Houston after acquiring them from their previous owner. According to a press release, the move marks the company’s first foray into Texas after setting up businesses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Tennessee.


Venterra appoints new CFO: 'Venterra welcomes a visionary leader who will fortify our financial foundation and help drive high quality growth'

Houston-headquartered Venterra Realty recently named Pamela Higdon as its new chief financial officer (CFO). A certified public accountant (CPA) by profession, Higdon will be tasked with overseeing Venterra’s financial strategy.


Greentown Labs appoints new Houston general manager and senior vice president: 'We are thrilled to have Timmeko joining our leadership team'

Houston-based climatech incubator Greentown Labs named Timmeko Moore Love its inaugural Houston general manager and senior vice president (SVP) on Aug. 9. Love will be tasked with overseeing Greentown Houston's business operations, team expansion, and the growth of its current membership base.


SCS Technologies CEO Johnson: 'SCS Technologies takes immense pride in our partnership with One Tree Planted'

On Aug. 7, Houston and Big Spring, Texas-based carbon dioxide and compression and measurement systems provider SCS Technologies announced it has formed a partnership with non-profit organization One Tree Planted to plant one million trees within the next seven years. The company has planted more than 5,000 trees to date.


Rice University to host gala celebrating Baker Institute for Public Policy

Former U.S. Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, James Baker, and Hillary Clinton will attend a gala celebrating the 30th anniversary of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy on Oct. 26. Baker, who served under Pres. George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1992, is the namesake of the nonpartisan, data-driven think tank.


Gov. Abbott: 'Today, I am signing a law that will ensure more than $18 billion in property tax cuts—the largest property tax cut in Texas history'

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ceremoniously signed the $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property owners into law during an event in the Houston suburb of New Caney on Aug. 9, nearly three weeks after he officially signed it into law. The package will deliver the provide property tax cut in Texas history.


Needville Little League: 'For the first time in the 60-year history of our local Little League, our 12-year-old All-Star baseball team has advanced to the Little League Baseball World Series'

On Aug. 8, Needville Little League (NLL) defeated a team from Louisiana 5-3 to capture the Southwest Region Championship and advance to the Little League World Series (LLWS) in Williamsport, PA. This is the second year in a row that a Houston team advanced to the LLWS.


Houston becomes first U.S. UNICEF Child Friendly City

On Aug. 9, the City of Houston on Aug. 9 earned the distinction of being the first U.S. city to be designated a UNICEF Child Friendly City, just three days before International Youth Day. According to a press release, Houston is now part of a group that includes more than 40 countries and 3,500 municipalities.


First Citizens Bank's Middle Market Banking arranges $58 million financing for Tanger Houston

First Citizens Bank revealed on Aug. 1 that their Middle Market Banking division has successfully orchestrated $58 million in financing for Tanger Houston, an open-air outlet center situated in Texas City, according to a press release. This outlet center caters to a vibrant Texas metropolitan region and will benefit from the financial arrangement facilitated by First Citizens Bank.


Abbott helps UT System, MD Anderson announce partnership to build new campus hospital

Gov. Greg Abbott helped the University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents on Aug. 14 deliver an announcement of a partnership between UT Austin, the flagship campus, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to construct a new campus hospital in the state capital, according to a press release.


Victorian Gardens Ltd. and Cil Holdings LLC sell 4119 Clubhollow, Cinco Ranch

A property at 4119 Clubhollow, Cinco Ranch was sold on Aug. 14 by Victorian Gardens Ltd. and Cil Holdings LLC for $252,780. The buyers were Camillo Properties Ltd. and Camillo Properties GP Inc.