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Earlier this year, we announced that the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce (FWC) was evolving into two separate organizations: the Chamber itself, and a dynamic new entity formed by the Chamber Executive Board — the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (FWEDP).
Today, we are proud to declare that this new approach has exceeded all our expectations. The sum of the two parts is indeed far greater than the original whole. With the FWC and FWEDP focused separately on different aspects of our city’s economic strategy (while coordinating resources and sharing insights) we are working toward a future Fort Worth where opportunities flourish, and economic vitality knows no bounds.
The establishment of the FWEDP provided our city and its surroundings with a dedicated, world-class entity, laser-focused on driving business attraction and investment efforts. The FWEDP begins its efforts by marketing Fort Worth as a vibrant business destination, showcasing the city's strengths, optimism, burgeoning population, and surging opportunities. The FWEDP then takes on the role of guide for incoming companies, working closely with key partners to ensure every phase of their business investment experience in Fort Worth is successful.
Once those companies have joined us as permanent members of the business landscape here in Fort Worth, the FWC takes over the support role.
With business attraction duties covered by the FWEDP, the FWC is able to serve as a driving force for business retention and expansion, workforce development, and support for the city's established enterprises — all critical functions for a thriving community. As an independent entity, the FWC is free to channel all its resources and energies toward serving existing businesses and memberships. This pivot enables the FWC to foster stronger relationships within the business community: inspiring and connecting local businesses and professionals through networking events, educational programs, and resources; and advocating for policies that cultivate a business-friendly environment in our city.
With the two organizations working in their separate spheres, no business or entrepreneur gets left behind, and every member of our business community gets a voice and a champion working alongside them to identify issues, solve problems, and align resources for a stronger business climate and greater economic prosperity for all.
Though the separation allows greater focus on business development and business strength and retention, collaboration remains at the heart of our shared effort to propel Fort Worth toward a brighter and more prosperous future. To ensure both organizations are good stewards of our limited resources, we pool available assets and expertise in shared services such as business intelligence, communications, marketing, events, IT, HR, and finance.
As we look ahead, there is an undeniable sense of optimism and momentum — a shared vision of how the fastest growing city in America can remain true to its past while building for its future. The partnership between the FWC and the FWEDP proves the power of separate focus and the power of collaboration, ensuring that our community remains at the forefront of economic growth and innovation.
Together, we are working to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
Steve Montgomery is president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Robert Allen is CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership.