Writer: Andrea Terán
2 min read April 2024 — As San Antonio embarks on a new era marked by innovation, collaboration, and strategic development, the Invest: San Antonio 2023-2024 Leadership Summit, hosted by Invest: San Antonio and Capital Analytics, brought together over 300 business leaders and representatives. The summit served as a dynamic platform for discussing the city’s burgeoning opportunities and strategies for sustainable growth.
Capital Analytics’ President & CEO Abby Lindenberg in her opening remarks emphasized San Antonio’s resilience amid global economic fluctuations. “Compared to this time last year, when national headlines were focused on sky-high inflation and rising interest rates, we are now on a steadier path,” she said. “Here in San Antonio, rapid population growth has made the metro area one of the fastest-growing parts of the country.”
Presented by Charles Leddy, CEO of Presidian Hospitality, the opening panel, titled “Staying Power: How San Antonio is Remaining Resilient in a Higher Interest Rate Environment and the Trends and Technology Shaping the Rest of 2024,” offered an in-depth look at San Antonio’s adept use of technology and collaborative initiatives to spur growth despite financial and labor market challenges. The discussion was moderated by Lindenberg and featured insights from Jeff Sinnott, CEO of Vantage Bank Texas, Parker Hensley, market president of San Antonio at Bank of Texas, and April Bailey, president of the Central Texas market at Amegy Bank. A central theme emerged around the collaborative spirit prevalent among San Antonio’s businesses, driving the city’s continued expansion. Hensley articulated a crucial point about the value of partnerships, stating, “This emphasis on relationships ultimately leads to better outcomes for both the bank and its clients. It’s not merely about what we can do for you today; it’s about focusing on long-term, mutual success.”
The second panel, titled “Beyond Innovation: The Evolving Roles of Healthcare and Education in Improving Care Delivery and Incentivizing Better Health,” covered the critical intersection between the healthcare and education sectors. Moderated by Jerrica DuBois, senior editor at Capital Analytics, the discussion delved into how healthcare and education together can significantly enhance care delivery and promote a culture of health. The panel featured Dr. Robert Garza, president of Palo Alto College, Martin Landon, CEO of BioBridge Global, and Dr. Rodgers Wilson, national medical executive for Behavioral Health at Evernorth, Cigna Healthcare. Landon and Garza highlighted the transformative impact of community collaboration in bridging healthcare gaps, emphasizing the urgent need to address healthcare deserts. Concurrently, Wilson elaborated on the meaningful aim of integrating healthcare and educational initiatives to cultivate a well-informed and healthier society. Garza poignantly urged, “I challenge each of you to prioritize your health and that of your family and community. We cannot support our loved ones if we are not around.”
The third and final panel, titled “Forward Development: The Infrastructure Investments and Developments Critical for Economic Growth and Welfare,” was moderated by Rob Killen, partner and attorney at Killen Griffin Farrimond. The discussion featured insights from key figures in infrastructure and development, including Tim O’Krongley, deputy aviation director at the San Antonio International Airport System, Jeffrey Arndt, president and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, John Beckham, managing director at the North American Development Bank, and Burton Hackney, President of Joeris General Contractors. The panelists delved into the pivotal role of strategic infrastructure investments in catalyzing economic growth and enhancing community welfare. Beckham highlighted, “Despite the daunting figures, I believe that through creativity and innovative thinking, we can make substantial progress. The shift towards a more sustainable and efficient infrastructure is not just about meeting immediate needs but about laying the foundation for a resilient future.”
Closing remarks were delivered by Alina Manac, Capital Analytics’ senior executive director, who thanked attendees and sponsors for their support and interviewees for their insights and contribution to the publication.
For more information, visit: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociates.com/
To watch the panel discussions from our Invest: San Antonio 2023-2024 Leadership Summit, stay tuned to our Youtube Channel.
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About Capital Analytics & Invest: San Antonio 2023-2024
Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.
The Invest: San Antonio 2023-2024 report provides an in-depth look at what makes the region’s economy tick and the challenges that remain from the perspective of over 200 local leaders and elected officials.
Invest: San Antonio looks at greater San Antonio’s key industries, including healthcare and life sciences, financial services, real estate, technology, tourism and infrastructure, that drive the local economy. The area has enjoyed continuous growth and economic expansion in recent years, fuelled by business friendly policies and a number of business relocations and expansions during and after the pandemic. Based on this solid foundation, the region is poised to continue its robust growth in the years to come.
For more information, contact:
Ryan Gandolfo
Senior Editor
305-938-0293
