Final touches have been made to the Public Relations and Marketing strategy of the district and will include: participation in the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston West Chamber of Commerce to facilitate greater interest in the development of the area; development of marketing collaterals such as print ads, brochures, and newsletters; representing the district at large commercial real estate and business trade shows to promote the District and meet with decision makers who may be interested in expanding or moving their businesses to the Houston area and specifically the District; and media relationships are being cultivated to focus more positive attention on the Alief area.

The District recently held a logo design contest to develop the District logo. The contest was open to fine art students from area high schools. Over 20 students submitted proposals. The purpose of the contest was to encourage students to create a multi-color, graphic design or logo for the International Management District that reflected the heritage, history, culture and location of the Alief area. The winning design was submitted by Selvin Almendarez who is attending Hastings High School. Top prize was $350. The winning design concept was provided to a professional graphic artist who has refined it into the current logo which was approved by the board in October.

Immigrants from Asia and Latin America have become critical components in a Texas job machine that’s created nearly 158,000 jobs in Houston and more than 500,000 jobs statewide since the recession in 2009. Anna Werner reports.