Dear Members, 

As we conclude the third quarter of 2026, I am pleased to share an update on the progress your Chamber is making on behalf of Fort Worth’s business community. This quarter marked an important milestone in shaping the future of the Fort Worth Chamber with the completion and approval of our three-year strategic plan framework by the Board of Directors in August. 

The plan reflects extensive input from our members and community stakeholders, while our programming and advocacy efforts have continued to focus on the issues most important to our business community. 

Strategic Planning: A Member-Driven Roadmap for the Future 

After months of engagement, research, and discussion, the framework for the Chamber’s three-year strategic plan was approved in August for implementation beginning in 2027. 

This was a truly member-driven process, informed by focus groups, individual interviews, and surveys of business members and community stakeholders. Their input helped identify the challenges and opportunities facing our business community and where the Chamber can have the greatest impact. 

The plan focuses on three primary areas: 

• Workforce & Talent – strengthening the talent pipeline and better connecting education, workforce development, and employer needs. 

• Advocacy – ensuring the Chamber is a strong, informed, and effective voice for the business community at the local, state, and federal levels. 

• Business Support – expanding resources, connections, and opportunities for businesses, particularly small and mid-sized companies that are essential to our economy. 

With the framework approved, the team and I are now working behind the scenes to align our resources, staffing, budget, programming, and other capabilities to build the necessary “structure for success.” This groundwork will position us for full and aggressive deployment beginning in 2027. I look forward to sharing more with you! 

Economic Impact Forum: The Business of Education 

In July, we hosted our Economic Impact Forum - The Business of Education, bringing together education and business leaders to explore how we can better align academia and industry. 

Panelists discussed creating clearer pathways from education to careers while helping employers address evolving workforce and skills needs. This cross-sector collaboration will be increasingly important as we advance our Workforce & Talent priorities. 

Understanding the Economic Impact of FIFA 

To kick off our Leaders Speaker Series, we hosted a post-FIFA event featuring tourism, sports, and economic experts who briefed members on the impact of World Cup soccer events in North Texas. 

The discussion explored the broader implications for business, tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, and the regional economy. As Fort Worth continues to attract major events and visitors, understanding and maximizing these opportunities will remain important to our economic future. 

Leaders in Government: Energy and the Texas Grid 

Our Leaders in Government luncheon featured an informative update from Texas Public Utility Commissioner Kathleen Jackson on the reliability of Texas’ electric grid and the state’s growing demand for electricity. 

A key focus was the impact of data centers and other large-scale users on our ability to meet the increasing energy needs of residents and businesses. Reliable and affordable energy remains fundamental to our economic competitiveness. 

Young Professionals Summit: Investing in Future Leaders 

In September, we hosted a successful Young Professionals Summit, bringing together professionals from across industries for insights on mentorship, professional relationships, and career development. 

Engaging and investing in the next generation of Fort Worth leaders is essential to building a strong and sustainable business community, and we were encouraged by the enthusiasm and participation throughout the event. 

Investors Council: A Look at Fort Worth’s Future 

Later in September, our Investors Council welcomed Fort Worth City Manager Jay Chapa for an update on the recently approved city budget and other key city initiatives affecting our business community. 

These conversations help keep business leaders informed while creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue between the public and private sectors. 

Strengthening Our Advocacy: Welcome, Christie Goodman Duke 

We are pleased to welcome Christie Goodman Duke as our new Vice President of Government Relations. 

Christie brings broad and deep knowledge of the legislative and policy landscape, with experience both in the Capitol in Austin and here locally. Her expertise will strengthen our ability to engage effectively on the issues that matter most to our members. 

Policy advocacy is a key deliverable for our members and a true “value-add” of the work we do for our business members and the broader business community. The work is often unseen. Our strategic planning process reinforced the importance of this role, identifying advocacy as one of the Chamber’s highest-priority functions. 

With the upcoming 90^th Texas Legislature quickly approaching, we look forward to Christie helping us build an even stronger and more effective advocacy program to be a strong policy voice for our members. 

Looking Forward 

As we enter the final quarter of 2026, much of our work is focused on preparing for the strategic plan’s implementation. The team is diligently putting the necessary structures in place, including committees, task forces, programming, communications tools, and other organizational resources. 

We also have several important opportunities to come together before the end of the year, including our annual State of County event in October, Women’s Leadership Summit in November, and State of the City event in December. These gatherings offer valuable opportunities to hear directly from community leaders, connect with fellow business leaders, and stay informed about the issues shaping Fort Worth’s future. 

Please be sure to sign up and join us for these important events. As you plan the rest of your year and 2027 goals, you may also be interested in our newly launched media kit available now to promote your goods and services to fellow FWC members. 

There is tremendous opportunity ahead for Fort Worth, and we are excited about the role your Chamber will play in helping our business community and our city continue to thrive. Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and investment in the Fort Worth Chamber and in the success of Fort Worth. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to all we will accomplish together. 

Warm regards, 

Steve