By: Henri Nilsen, Business Advocacy Manager

For more than a century, the energy industry has played a pivotal role in Fort Worth's economic prosperity. To further strengthen this critical sector, the Fort Worth Chamber has created the Energy Council, a new initiative designed to foster peer-to-peer discussions among leaders in the energy industry and its supporting sectors.  

The Energy Council plans to meet quarterly, host a platform for industry professionals to collaborate on best practices, share insights on how energy impacts local commerce, discuss market trends, and address common challenges facing the sector. As the backbone of all commerce, energy powers industries ranging from restaurants to manufacturing plants and transportation—ensuring the flow of goods, services, and opportunities throughout our community. 

A Diverse Energy Ecosystem

The council is comprised of a diverse group of companies, including those that generate, transmit, transport, store, and supply energy. Representing every corner of the energy spectrum—from wind, solar, natural gas, and biofuels to coal—these members also include companies that create the tools and technologies driving innovation in the sector including banking, equipment manufacturing, law offices, and more. Together, they contribute to Fort Worth's dynamic economic landscape. 

Leadership and Insights 

The council is led by Ryan Haggerty of RHR Oil & Gas and John Vallance of Whitley Penn, whose expertise is already guiding the group toward its collaborative goals. In the council’s inaugural meeting, members welcomed Garrett Golding, a senior business economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, as the keynote speaker. Golding provided valuable insights into current trends in the oil and gas industry, both domestically and internationally, and explored how the resources powering Texas’ grid have evolved. His analysis sparked meaningful discussions on the future of energy in our state and across the globe. 

Powering Commerce  

The energy industry’s reach extends far beyond just providing power—it enables innovation, fuels entrepreneurship and supports critical services across Fort Worth.  

By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, the council aims to ensure that Fort Worth remains a hub of economic vitality and cutting-edge solutions. Conversations like those within our Energy Council, along with other industry groups, are made possible by your continued support and investment in the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. 

If you would like to be invited to future meetings, please contact Netty Matthews.