HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ned S. Holmes, noted Houston businessman and civic leader, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Impact Award from the West Houston Association. Given by the West Houston Association to an individual or company, the Impact Award recognizes those who have made lasting contributions in support of quality growth in Greater West Houston. The Impact Award was initiated by the West Houston Association in 2003 and has been given to only two individuals since its inception. The previous honorees were Walter Mischer, Sr. and David S. Wolff.
“Ned Holmes has made an indelible mark on west Houston and no one is more deserving of the Impact Award,” stated West Houston Association Chairman Joel Marshall. “His entire career has been about building, both in the private and public sector. We are greatly indebted to him for his many significant contributions to our community including the development of The Parkway, Westminster Plaza south of Westheimer and America Plaza on US 290 as well as his leadership on major area transportation initiatives,” Marshall concluded.
A Houston native, Ned Holmes has served with distinction in various personal business entities as well as in leadership roles on important public commissions and charitable, educational and business boards. He is chairman and CEO of Ned S. Holmes Investments, Inc., a firm that develops and manages real estate throughout the U.S. In addition to his recent terms as a Texas Transportation commissioner and chair of the Port of Houston, Holmes previously served on the City of Houston’s planning commission and was appointed by Gov. Perry to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. He also has served as chairman, board member and on the executive committee of the Greater Houston Partnership and chairman of Commercial Bancshares, Inc. prior to its merger with Prosperity Bancshares. Holmes is a founding member and former chairman of the West Houston Association. Holmes has been recognized with numerous other awards for his visionary leadership including the Center for Houston’s Future’s Eugene H. Vaughan Civic Award and induction into the Houston Hall of Fame.
In addition to his role in quality real estate development in the area, the impact of Holmes contributions to the transportation infrastructure of Greater West Houston is equally unparalleled. Holmes has been responsible for the current construction of the Grand Parkway along with the expansion of US 290. The entire 184 mile Grand Parkway loop will serve the growth of Greater West Houston, northern Harris and southern Montgomery County and the Port of Houston.
US 290 represents one of Texas’ most congested freeways and funding for a major reconstruction initiative was problematic. When Holmes became a commissioner on the Transportation Commission, both the Grand Parkway and US 290 projects had stalled due to funding issues. He worked tirelessly to secure financing to move the projects forward. Due largely to Holmes’ efforts the Grand Parkway expansion is expected to be completed in 2015 and the US 290 redevelopment is slated for completion two decades before the original schedule.
Founded in 1979, the West Houston Association is a 501c4 whose membership works for a better living and working environment for the 1.5 million residents and 500,000 employees in Greater West Houston. Membership is composed of property owners, major employers and related community interests that advocate for improved mobility, better infrastructure and a sustainable quality of living environment for the region.