At the Fort Worth Chamber’s latest Economic Impact Forum, presented by Cadence Bank, business and community leaders came together to explore two high-stakes issues shaping today’s economy—tariffs and cybersecurity—and how these evolving challenges impact businesses across our Fort Worth community. 

How Tariffs Are Shaping Business Today 

Shane Williams, Managing Director of Global Trade at Ernst & Young, Joshua Griffith, Managing Director of Foreign Trade Zone 196 at Hillwood, and JR Holcomb, Director of Foreign-Trade Operations for the Alliance Corridor, provided clarity on the shifting landscape of trade policy and its tangible effects on local operations. 

Williams outlined how tariffs—once a quiet background factor—now play a central role in business planning and consumer pricing. The U.S. has seen fluctuating tariff levels throughout 2025, creating uncertainty for nearly all markets. While intended to boost domestic manufacturing, tariffs have also increased costs for importers and disrupted supply chains. 

“Once government starts collecting money, it rarely goes away,” Williams noted, forecasting that elevated tariffs are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Businesses can’t afford to “wait and see” anymore; proactive planning is essential. 

He and Holcomb discussed mitigation strategies that local firms are using to stay competitive: 

• Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs): These federally authorized sites allow goods to be imported, assembled, or processed before duties are paid, providing critical cash flow relief. 

• Duty Drawbacks and Temporary Import Bonds: Mechanisms to recover or delay tariff payments for goods that will be reexported. 

• First-Sale and Reexport Programs: Ways to reduce tariff exposure by documenting original manufacturer costs or rerouting production through partner countries. 

There are only 303 Foreign Trade Zones in the U.S., including one right here in Fort Worth. Holcomb emphasized that Fort Worth’s Foreign-Trade Zone at AllianceTexas is a vital resource for companies seeking flexibility amid volatile trade conditions. “Think of FTZs like an insurance policy for your supply chain,” he said. “They keep you competitive when policies change overnight.” 

FBI Cybersecurity Briefing – Protecting Business and Community 

The second session shifted from global trade to digital defense, featuring retired FBI agents David Marshall and Larry Reichardt, who now work in corporate security. Drawing from decades on the front lines of cyber and counterintelligence operations, they highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and how businesses can prepare. 

Marshall and Reichardt described common attacks, including business email compromise, where fraudsters impersonate executives to redirect funds. They warned that these schemes are increasingly aided by AI voice cloning and social engineering tactics. “If you don’t have a verification mechanism for money transfers, you’re going to fall victim,” Reichardt cautioned. 

Key takeaways for Fort Worth businesses: 

• Preparation is non-negotiable. Establish an incident response plan before an attack occurs. 

• Human error remains the biggest risk. Senior leaders should personally understand how to verify communications and recognize phishing or spoofed calls. 

• Insider threats are rising. Frustrated or overlooked employees can become unintentional conduits for breaches or data leaks. Building trust and awareness across teams is vital. 

• Report incidents fast. Through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov), companies can sometimes recover stolen funds if reported within 24–96 hours. 

The speakers emphasized that cyberattacks are not abstract—they happen “every day, in every industry.” Awareness, prevention, and timely communication with law enforcement can make the difference between disruption and disaster. 

Why It Matters for Fort Worth 

The Economic Impact Forum reinforced the Chamber’s push to keep members informed and ready for real-time challenges. Whether it's navigating trade volatility or defending against digital threats, Fort Worth businesses operate in an interconnected global system. 

By convening experts from Ernst & Young, Hillwood, and the FBI, the Chamber continues to deliver practical insights and access to tools that strengthen the city’s economic resilience. As Fort Worth grows as a logistics, manufacturing, and corporate hub, staying informed about policy shifts, technology risks, and prevention strategies ensures our business community remains both competitive and secure. 

For upcoming programs and resources from the Fort Worth Chamber’s Economic Impact Series, visit fortworthchamber.com. 

Thank you to Forget Me Not Pictures for capturing the event.