North Texas executives discuss real estate, infrastructure, and talent at Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 3rd Edition Launch Conference
Writer: Andrea Teran
February 2025 — As Dallas continues an upward ascent of economic growth, regional leaders shared key developments and initiatives during the Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 3rd Edition Launch Conference. The wider business community gathered Thursday morning at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, with more than 280 industry executives, elected officials, and business leaders in attendance for key networking opportunities and actionable panel discussions.
In her opening remarks, caa Founder & CEO Abby Lindenberg provided an overview of the DFW area’s economic climate, emphasizing both the region’s ongoing growth and the importance of collaboration. “Dallas always has the vibe, the energy, and an incredible business community,” Lindenberg said. “Our company’s mission is to highlight the existing and emerging opportunities in the region, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. This conference is a chance to not only celebrate the successes of this region but also discuss what needs to be done to ensure continued prosperity.”
Keynote speaker Mayor Jim Ross of Arlington, highlighted the city’s pivotal role in the region’s economic landscape, underscoring Arlington’s commitment to fostering business growth, innovation, and workforce development.
“We have a unique philosophy here in North Texas — if we haven’t figured it out yet, we believe that we do things better when we do them together,” Ross said. “A good example might be this whole thing called the World Cup coming here next year. Nine games at AT&T Stadium — that’s more than any other metropolitan area in North America. And we didn’t get that because Arlington did it alone. We got it because we worked together across cities.”
The first panel, “Shaping Tomorrow: How strategic development drives prosperity in North Texas communities,” explored the rapid expansion of North Texas cities and the role of public-private partnerships in fostering long-term economic resilience.
Moderated by Mike Koch, regional president of Happy State Bank, the discussion featured key regional economic leaders, including Beth Bowman, president of the Irving Economic Development Partnership; Jason Moore, executive director of the Mansfield Economic Development Corporation; Gloria Salinas, vice president of Frisco Economic Development Corporation; and Marty Wieder, president of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation.
Panelists discussed the region’s rapid growth, infrastructure investments, workforce attraction strategies, and sustainable development efforts.
“We are really well known for public-private partnerships,” Salinas said. “As we shape new developments, we focus on creating walkable amenities and bringing spaces that residents can enjoy.”
“Deals go where deals flow, and deals flow where infrastructure grows,” Jason Moore added, emphasizing infrastructure as a key driver. “We align public investment with private sector momentum to make sure growth is sustainable.” Moore said.
The second panel, “Innovating Education: leveraging technology and leadership to deliver the talent businesses need,” was presented by Michael McPherson, provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of North Texas, and moderated by Chris Wallace, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission.
Panelists Robert Ahdieh, vice president for professional schools and programs at Texas A&M University and chief operating officer of Texas A&M-Fort Worth; Pamela Anglin, chief financial officer of Tarrant County College; Carol Palmer, president of Amberton University; and Marilyn Wiley, dean of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas, examined how artificial intelligence, digital learning models, and public-private collaboration are shaping workforce readiness across the Metroplex.
“We want this to be a two-way conversation,” Ahdieh said. “Higher education is at its best when we’re identifying the needs of industry and building programs that meet those needs. At Texas A&M-Fort Worth, we built the Fort Worth Tarrant County Innovation Partnership to ensure that education and workforce development remain aligned over the next 20 to 30 years.”
The final panel, “Blueprint for Prosperity: innovating infrastructure and real estate for sustainable growth in the metroplex,” was presented by Mayor Steve Babick of Carrollton, and moderated by Ryan Sievers, partner at Eisner Advisory Group LLC.
Panelists Scot Bennett, regional director at The Beck Group; Bill Cawley, CEO of Cawley Partners; Phill Geheb, senior vice president of Matthews Southwest; and Eric Gilbert, vice president of Scott + Reid General Contractors, shared insights into market trends, investment strategies, and the impact of emerging technologies on commercial real estate.
“Infrastructure is critical because people want ease of access, better quality of life, and mixed-use developments,” Cawley said. “No developer will build in a location that doesn’t have strong infrastructure.”
Panelists also discussed affordability challenges, transit infrastructure, and the increasing demand for walkable, mixed-use developments.
“With nearly 100 people moving to North Texas every day, the strain on transportation, housing, and utilities is immense,” Geheb said. “We have to be forward-thinking with transit, airports, and public amenities to maintain DFW’s competitive edge.”
The event concluded with a keynote address from Mayor Stephen Mason of Cedar Hill, who emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration and the role of strategic development in fostering economic resilience.
“As mayor, it’s great to be in North Texas, where the business community and local government work so closely together,” Mason said. “Together, we have the power to shape the future in ways that benefit both businesses and the people who live and work here.” He stressed that intentional, strategic planning is key to long-term economic success.
“A vibrant, thriving community is one that attracts talent, encourages investment, and ensures that every resident — whether they’re a business owner, employee, or community member — has the opportunity to succeed,” Mason said. “Let’s work together to create communities that are not just prosperous but truly exceptional.”
Closing out the event Alina Manac, caa’s senior executive director, thanked attendees and reflected on the growth of the Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth publication.“This event is a testament to the incredible teamwork happening across North Texas,” Manac said. “The investments we make today will shape the future of this region for decades to come.”
To read the brand-new Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 3rd edition report, click here. (Subscription required.)
For conference panel discussions, please subscribe and stay tuned to our YouTube Channel as those videos are released in the coming week.
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About Capital Analytics & Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 3rd Edition
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: Dallas-Fort Worth 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: Dallas-Fort Worth looks at the metro area’s key industries, including healthcare, energy, 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:
Jerrica DuBois
Senior Editor
305-523-9708 Ext 261
