Writer: Jerrica DuBois
2 min read February 2024 — Collaboration, innovation and regional development were just some of the key themes that emerged throughout the discussions at this year’s launch conference. Many of the region’s prominent business officials and public leaders gathered at The Gilley’s on Feb. 8 to hear expert insights and celebrate the second edition of Invest: Dallas/Forth published by Capital Analytics Associates.
“We understand relationships,” said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross in his opening keynote address. “I understand the better Dallas does, the better we do. I understand the better Fort Worth does, the better Arlington does. We will all reap the benefits of working together as the North Texas area. We will not be able to continue to do what we do if we don’t take care of each other and forget so much about the city lines. It is not a competition.”
The conference highlighted insights and perspectives on the region’s business climate. The event also featured three panel discussions focused on the importance of adaptation and preparation in the business community, the synergy between healthcare and education, and leveraging the growth of the Metroplex.
In her opening remarks, Capital Analytics’ president and CEO Abby Lindenberg provided an overview of the current economic climate of the region. She then posed the question as to what the future holds, not only nationally, but in Dallas Fort Worth.
“The tone among the leaders who spoke with us, many of whom are here with us today, is one of unbridled optimism for the future,” she said. “This while the national headlines in the past year portended a recession for the national economy amid sky-high inflation and rising interest rates.”
The first panel of the conference, ‘Innovation & Ingenuity: How banking, professional services and tech are adapting to the present to prepare for the future,’ was moderated by Tad McIntosh, president of HumCap. Panelists Chris Clark, partner at FORVIS, Matthew Muns, president of Argano Strategic Industry Group, Jeff Sinnott, CEO of Vantage Bank Texas, and Buffey Klein, office managing partner at Husch Blackwell, discussed getting comfortable with technology, setting expectations, and engaging remote employees.
The second panel, ‘Closing the Gap: How educators and healthcare professionals collaborate to improve healthcare outcomes, the talent gap, and workforce wellbeing,’ was moderated by Steve Miff, president & CEO of Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI). Speakers Marilyn Wiley, dean of the UNT G. Brint Ryan College of Business, Rose Johnson, administrative director of academic partnerships and nurse leader development at Medical City Healthcare, Dionel Waters, area superintendent of IDEA Public Schools, and Rodgers Wilson, national medical executive for behavioral health at Evernorth, Cigna Healthcare, discussed providing more access to care, the importance of unbiased data, and strategies to improve healthcare outcomes.
The final panel, ‘Synergies in Real Estate & Construction: How North Texas can leverage ongoing growth and the factors influencing demand moving forward,’ was moderated by Lindenberg. Phill Geheb, senior vice president at Matthews Southwest, Brian Lualen, CEO of Fair Park Dallas, Richard Myers, founder and managing director of Realty Capital, and Juan Rodriguez, SVP and commercial market sector leader at McCownGordon, shared their thoughts on green building practices, the impact of outdoor spaces, and the advantage of efficient local government in North Texas.
To read Invest: Dallas/Fort Worth 2023-2024, click here.
For more information, visit: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociates.com/
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About Capital Analytics & Invest: Dallas/Fort Worth 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.
Invest: Dallas/Fort Worth 2023-2024 is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the region’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent regional leaders. Invest: Dallas/Fort Worth 2023-2024 is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on Dallas/Fort Worth for local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote the region as a place to invest and do business.
The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.
For more information, contact:
Jerrica DuBois
Senior Editor
305-523-9708 ext. 261
