Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce celebrates achievements alongside local business leaders
The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce celebrated its recent achievements at its annual meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
The sports-themed meeting was held at TCU’s Sam Baugh Indoor Training Facility, where attendees were greeted by a cheerleading squad. The event featured performances by the Texas Boys Choir and O.D. Wyatt High School’s drumline, cheerleaders and dance team.
A panel of local business and sports experts discussed a handful of businesses expanding in the area. Panelists were Star-Telegram columnist Mac Engel, president of the JPS Foundation Leah King, and NFL football analyst for DraftKings Marshall Newhouse. A TCU alum, Newhouse’s time playing college football launched his decade-long NFL career, which included a Super Bowl XLV win when he played for the Green Bay Packers.
The trio highlighted drink packaging firm DrinkPak’s new manufacturing facility, JPS Health Network’s $2.1 billion expansion and salsa maker Renfro Foods’ recent growth.
President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber Steve Montgomery remarked on the organization’s role as an advocate for local businesses.
“Decisions made in D.C., Austin and city hall affect businesses across the community,” Montgomery said. “So, whether it’s helping a company navigate a different approach, tackling regulatory challenges or finding solutions to the unintended consequences of legislative decisions, this work requires vigilance, attentiveness, ongoing dialog, and more often than not, relentless tenacity.”
The chamber held over 80 events and brought together more than 3,500 business leaders in 2024.
New chair of the chamber’s board of directors Brian Newby said he aims for the organization to continue helping local companies expand their footprints.
“We want our small businesses to grow into big businesses,” Newby said. “We want our big businesses to thrive, in this, the fastest-growing region in the country.”
TCU President Daniel Pullin discussed the university’s plans for expansion at the event. Pullin, who will become TCU’s next chancellor in June, noted the importance of local companies hiring students for internships and post-graduation roles.
Joseph DeWoody, co-founder and CEO of Valor, an asset management firm, was awarded the chamber’s 2025 Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award. The award honors “outstanding” local business leaders.
Fort Worth-based insurance brokerage Higginbotham received the chamber’s 2025 Spirit of Enterprise Award. The accolade recognizes local companies that have significantly contributed to the city’s advancement.
With over 1,350 members, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce advocates for businesses at the state and local levels, providing them with support and hosting events for the local business community.
This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 6:38 PM.
