Robert Allen President & CEO Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership
In an interview with Invest:, Robert Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, discussed the group’s vision to enhance Fort Worth as a business attraction leader. The organization’s priorities include growth, job creation and addressing challenges amid rapid expansion.
What has been keeping you busy since the start of your role at the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership?
My days are spent engaging with local business leaders to understand the unique aspects that make Fort Worth stand out. We use this valuable information to shape our communication strategies as we work to attract new businesses to Fort Worth. The Executive Committee of the Fort Worth Chamber recently assigned us the task of business attraction and recruitment, which we, at the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, are handling as a separate 501C6 organization with our own board of directors. However, we maintain a close partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber. It’s worth mentioning that Steve Montgomery is the new CEO of the Chamber.At the moment, our conversations revolve around what makes Fort Worth unique and special, helping us shape our message as we prepare to actively pursue new businesses next year.
What do you consider the greatest opportunities for development in the area?
Firstly, it’s essential to note that we are the fastest-growing city in the United States, which carries significant responsibilities. Additionally, approximately half of our city remains undeveloped, indicating limitless potential for future growth in Fort Worth. While we haven’t conducted a detailed comparison with other cities, our preliminary assessments suggest that we’re at the forefront, if not in the top spot. The opportunities before us are vast. However, we need to be strategic and deliberate in identifying which opportunities align best with Fort Worth’s unique strengths. Not every opportunity is the right fit, so we must clearly define our target industries and communicate our value proposition to decision-makers who are considering locating their businesses here. It’s crucial that we ensure alignment between our offerings and the needs of these business leaders and their employees.
How have you observed the local market evolving as a result of the growth in the region?
It all begins with vision and strategy. Mayor Mattie Parker is dedicated to shaping the city’s future for the next 50 to 100 years. She recently unveiled an ambitious Green Space initiative, aiming to secure 10,000 acres in the next five years. This underscores the kind of forward-thinking leadership we want to bring to Fort Worth. Our strategy now, with the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, is proactive and focused. We’re clear about the types of businesses we want in Fort Worth. We recognize that unchecked growth can strain infrastructure and quality of life, something that sets us apart in Fort Worth. We need to be mindful of this growth as we move forward.
Which industries is the organization targeting for the region?
We are concentrating on several key industries: mobility, aerospace and defense, the energy sector and what we call anchors and innovators. This term encompasses our headquarters, educational institutions, healthcare and more. For instance, we have an outstanding hospital network here. We’re also thankful for our friends at Visit Fort Worth, who do an exceptional job promoting our culture and authenticity, not only in the United States but globally. These are the primary industries we’re focusing on. Within each of these, we’ll further explore sub-industries as we progress. Our approach is about being strategic and staying focused. We have limited resources and time, so we need to allocate them wisely. Personally, my goal is to bring in high-wage, sustainable jobs. If the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership can achieve that for Fort Worth and the North Texas region, I’ll consider our work a success.
Have the recent changes in the economic landscape affected the region and what challenges have emerged?
Indeed, every city faces its own set of challenges, especially those experiencing rapid growth like Fort Worth. It’s crucial to acknowledge these realities. Some of the prominent challenges include traffic, water security, energy dependency and independence. These issues resonate not only in Texas but also in other rapidly growing states. Fort Worth is actively addressing these infrastructure challenges, which sets us apart. We aim to create a stable environment for businesses and residents alike. Finding a city that offers a great quality of life is essential for business leaders and we believe Fort Worth excels in this regard. However, we don’t shy away from acknowledging our challenges; instead, we identify them, find solutions and keep moving forward.
Given your experience in international business missions, are you exploring opportunities beyond the U.S. borders for Fort Worth?
Absolutely, expanding internationally is crucial but let me clarify our approach. We must begin by focusing on our local Fort Worth business community, which has been the cornerstone of our success. These businesses have made long-term commitments to Fort Worth and it’s our responsibility to support them first. We will work closely with the Fort Worth Chamber to address their needs. Once we have a strong local foundation, we can gradually expand our horizons. This includes looking at opportunities within the state, across the United States and eventually internationally. I’ve emphasized that we need to crawl before we walk before we run. Building a stable foundation is our top priority. When we do explore international opportunities, we’ll be selective, seeking countries and businesses that align with our goals. International economic development presents unique challenges, such as language and cultural differences, so a thoughtful, strategic approach is essential. We’ll also consider our existing local businesses and their international connections, aiming for a global expansion that benefits Fort Worth.
What is your long-term vision for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership and what are your top priorities for the next two to three years?
I envision the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership becoming the primary driving force behind business attraction in Fort Worth. Our goal is to initiate and facilitate conversations with business leaders who have an interest in Fort Worth or those who should consider it as their destination. We aim to provide them with clear and compelling reasons why Fort Worth is an ideal fit for their ventures. Achieving these objectives would set us on a promising path.
Looking ahead to our top priorities for the next two to three years, they revolve around building a solid foundation for growth, offering innovative solutions to businesses exploring opportunities in Fort Worth and, most importantly, generating more high-wage, sustainable jobs for the people of Fort Worth. In the realm of economic development, our mission is to support our communities and contribute to their growth and prosperity. This involves providing a range of business opportunities across various industries and income levels. It’s crucial to ensure that the businesses we attract are not only a cultural fit but also possess long-term stability. My move to Fort Worth was driven by the uniqueness I saw here and I’m eager to ensure that others share in the excitement of discovering a city that aligns with their vision.
