The Greater Houston Partnership says the region could lose up to 45,000 jobs in 2009.

Many business leaders in Houston say the region will lose jobs in 2009, but the city will fare better than other regions of the country. The Greater Houston Partnership estimates that the region could lose up to 45,000 jobs this year.

"We all know that 2009 will be a year of corporate and public sector transition, consolidation and downsizing," says incoming GHP President Dan Bellows. "But if we're fortunate enough to live in Houston during times of prosperity, we're even more fortunate to live in Houston during times of change."

Bellows says he believes the region can replace 12,000 jobs by attracting new companies to the region. He believes the Port of Houston and Medical Center show the greatest potential for growth.

"We've proven that we can work together and that we are resilient by the way we handled Hurricanes Rita, Ike and Katrina," Bellows adds.

The GHP has raised 32 million dollars for economic development. Bellows says the region can capitalize on what business leaders see as a growing reputation that Houston is a business-friendly city.

"Kiplinger's, Business Week, Forbes, the Washington Post and Newsweek have all cited Houston as the place to do business," Bellows says. "If you ever worried about our reputation, shed it. You shouldn't have to worry about it anymore. We've arrived."
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