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October 27, 2023
The Fort Worth Chamber's Manufacturers Group is addressing barriers to business growth based on recent findings that underscore the pivotal role of manufacturing and infrastructure in Tarrant County's economy.
A new study highlights the critical role manufacturing plays in Tarrant County's economy, with an average wage of $81,000 and representing 9.5% of all jobs in the area. Additionally, the study reveals that manufacturers account for a significant 25% of companies likely to expand within Tarrant County.
Manufacturers in the Fort Worth area heavily rely on efficient infrastructure for the timely movement of raw materials and finished goods. Deficiencies in transportation and energy infrastructure not only hinder productivity but also increase costs for manufacturers. A Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) study emphasizes the staggering cost of congestion, which amounts to billions of dollars annually for Texas businesses and residents. This congestion directly impacts Fort Worth as well.
According to a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute Mobility Division, Fort Worth grapples with the sixth most congested roadway in the state. The North Freeway/Interstate Highway 35W/US 287 stretch from State Highway 183 to Interstate Highway 30 causes over 800,000 annual hours of delay per mile and incurs an annual congestion cost exceeding $70 million. These statistics underscore the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in the area.
Steve Montgomery, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber, emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure challenges. “We recently welcomed Victor Vandergriff, Executive Director of Tarrant Regional Water District, for our October Manufacturers Group meeting. He highlighted the need for Fort Worth and Tarrant County to actively engage in transportation and infrastructure conversations. As a result, we plan to incorporate these conversations into our strategy for 2024.”
The findings from these studies make it clear that manufacturing and infrastructure are interconnected pillars of Fort Worth's economic growth. As the business community rallies behind infrastructure improvements, our community can better position itself for future success and economic development.
This month, the Carter Industrial Task Force convened for its inaugural meeting, hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber and the South Area Board, to launch a coordinated effort focused on strengthening business growth and long-term competitiveness in the Carter Industrial Park area of South Fort Worth. Formed through the Chamber’s Business Advocacy work and feedback […]
East Area Board Collaborates with Poly Main Street Initiative and Texas Wesleyan Students for East Rosedale Business Walk The Fort Worth Chamber’s East Area Board, in collaboration with the Polytechnic Main Street Program, recently joined Texas Wesleyan University students for a hands-on business walk along the Poly corridor. Chamber Business Walks are a volunteer-based effort designed to better understand the needs, challenges, and strengths of locally-owned establishments that anchor […]
