Last month we celebrated an important milestone: 15 years of NBSO Texas. On October 27, we welcomed members of the Dutch business community, local Texas partners, colleagues and friends of NBSO Texas to the Sunset Coffee Building in Houston for our 15-Year Anniversary Reception.
The evening was a great opportunity to reflect on 15 years of building connections between the Netherlands and Texas. Over the years, NBSO Texas has supported Dutch companies in exploring opportunities in the state, helped connect Dutch and Texan organizations, and contributed to strengthening the economic ties between the Netherlands and the Lone Star State.
Most importantly, the evening was about the people and organizations that have been part of that journey. We were very happy to bring together so many familiar faces from the Dutch business community, our local network here in Texas and colleagues from across the Dutch economic network. A big thank you to everyone who joined us, including those who traveled from further away to celebrate this milestone with us.
A special moment of transition
The reception also marked an important moment of transition for our team. On November 1, Bee Kothuis concluded her role as Chief Representative of NBSO Texas. We would like to thank Bee for her dedication, energy and the important contribution she has made to NBSO Texas and to the many Dutch companies she has supported over the years. Her network, commitment and enthusiasm have played an important role in the development of the office. While she may be stepping away from her role as Chief Representative we look forward to seeing her regularly in Texas.
At the same time, we welcomed Stef van de Vijver as the new Chief Representative of NBSO Texas. Stef officially started in his new role on November 1 and will continue working together with the team to support Dutch companies and strengthen the relationships between the Netherlands and Texas. We look forward to building on the strong foundation of the past 15 years and to the opportunities ahead.
Looking ahead together
The anniversary reception was part of a busy and special week for the team. Later that same week, the NBSO Texas team traveled to Miami for the annual Strategy Days together with our colleagues from the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Miami and NFIA Atlanta.
The Strategy Days provided a valuable opportunity to take a step back from our day-to-day activities and look ahead together. We discussed our priorities for the coming year, exchanged insights on developments in our respective regions and explored where we can further strengthen collaboration across the Dutch economic network in the US. It was particularly useful to align on strategic themes and opportunities for 2027, while also taking the time to reconnect with colleagues in person.
All in all, it was a week that combined celebration, transition and looking ahead. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of NBSO Texas over the past 15 years and look forward to continuing to build strong connections and create new opportunities between the Netherlands and Texas in the years to come.
Photos from the 15-year anniversary reception can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XsUdptjz5Q9pJoN87.
