The Fort Worth Chamber’s 2025 State of the City celebrated our city’s growth, innovation, and creative spirit—this year highlighting Fort Worth’s fast-emerging film and television industry. Guests were welcomed by the talented William James Middle School Orchestra performing movie soundtrack favorites before exploring the Small Business Showcase, where the Small Business of the Year finalists and 2024 winners shared their products, stories, and success. Chamber partners from the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber and the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber were on hand to highlight their work in supporting Fort Worth’s diverse business community, while Printed Threads created custom Fort Worth swag live on-site and the Roots Podcast captured interviews throughout the morning. 

The program opened inside Dickies Arena with a performance by the Fort Worth Opera’s resident artists—now celebrating their 80th season—followed by recognition of outstanding local entrepreneurs through the Small Business of the Year Awards and the Best Place for Working Parents® Innovator Awards. Mayor Mattie Parker then delivered city updates, honored her Unsung Heroes, and joined 101 Studios CEO David Glasser for a conversation moderated by WFAA’s Marc Istook. The discussion explored how Fort Worth’s growing film production scene is creating new jobs, attracting national investment, and positioning the city as a rising hub for creative industries. 

Here's a few ways to relive the excitement of the event, or see what you missed out on.