Fort Worth Chamber Briefs: Young Professional Nominations, State of Economic Impact Program, Leader Speaker Series and Young Professionals Summit
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Chamber has announced its August 2026 roundup of business events, leadership programs and professional opportunities for the region's business community. The announcements include the final call for Young Professional of the Year nominations, the annual State of Economic Impact program, a Leader Speaker Series event featuring Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Kathleen Jackson and registration for the 2026 Young Professionals Summit. The roundup also previews the Chamber's upcoming Leaders in Government program featuring Texas State Sen. Tan Parker.
FORT WORTH CHAMBER BRIEFS
What’s Happening at the Fort Worth Chamber
A summary for quick reference, with complete details below.
Aug. 12 - Nominations close for Fort Worth Chamber Young Professional of the Year
Aug. 20 - State of Economic Impact: Workforce Starts Here
Aug. 25 - Leader Speaker Series: Public Utility Commission of Texas, Commissioner Kathleen Jackson
Sept. 9 - Young Professionals Summit 2026
Sept. 17 - Leader Speaker Series: Leaders in Government, Texas state senator Tan Parker
Final Call for Fort Worth Chamber Young Professional of the Year Nominations
The Fort Worth Chamber will close its 2026 Young Professional of the Year Award nominations on August 12.
This annual award recognizes working professionals ages 21 to 40 who are employed by Fort Worth businesses and pair innovation and leadership in their fields with measurable community impact, strong character and the potential to help shape Fort Worth’s future. Nominations can be received through self-nomination or peer nomination.
The award will be showcased at the Fort Worth Chamber’s 2026 Young Professionals Summit, presented by UTA West on Sept. 9.
For more information or to nominate a candidate, visit this link.
Fort Worth Chamber’s Annual State of Economic Impact Program to Explore Education and Its Effect on Workforce Development and the Local Economy
The Fort Worth Chamber will host the annual State of Economic Impact event, presented by UTA West, on Aug. 20 from 8:30 – 11 a.m. This year’s program will examine how education is shaping the future of Fort Worth's workforce and economy.
The program includes “The Business of Education,” a fireside conversation with Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber and Dr. Peter Licata, superintendent of Fort Worth ISD. Bobby Adieh, dean of Texas A&M University School of Law and member of the Fort Worth ISD Board of Managers will moderate.
The program also features “From Classroom to Career: Meeting Tarrant County Workforce Needs,” a panel discussion highlighting innovative education programs developed in direct response to industry demand.
Registration will remain open through August 17; standard pricing is $10 for members and $40 for non members.
For additional details or to register, visit https://business.fortworthchamber.com/events/details/state-of-economic-impact-workforce-starts-here-22847.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location:
Kimbell Art Museum - Piano Auditorium
3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Speakers:
Steve Montgomery, president and CEO, Fort Worth Chamber
Dr. Peter Licata, superintendent, Fort Worth ISD
Todd Smith, superintendent, Azle ISD
Tamara L. Brown, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, University of Texas at Arlington
Dr. Zarina Blakenbaker, President of the Northwest Campus, Tarrant County College
Cindy Hames, president, Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail (moderator)
Speaker bios are available here.
Sponsors:
Presenting sponsor, UTA West
Keynote sponsor, Huntington Bank
Platinum sponsor, Alcon
Silver sponsor, Frost
The Leader Speaker Series Continues, Featuring Commissioner Kathleen Jackson of the Public Utility Commission of Texas
The Fort Worth Chamber will host its next Leader Speaker Series event featuring Kathleen Jackson from the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The discussion will focus on the future of the state's electric, telecommunications and water utility systems, as well as the challenges and opportunities shaping Texas’ utility landscape.
This timely discussion will provide an inside look at the Public Utility Commission's current role and long-term efforts aimed at strengthening grid reliability and preparing for the state's continued growth.
Event registration will remain open until August 18; Standard pricing for non members is $90, $80 for standard tier members, while upper-tier members can register for $70.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 25
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location:
Fort Worth Club (Horizon-Terrace)
306 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, TX 76102
Sponsors:
Presenting sponsor, Fidelity Investments
Platinum sponsor, Lockheed Martin
Gold sponsor, American Airlines
About Commissioner Kathleen Jackson
Register for the Young Professionals Summit 2026
The Fort Worth Chamber’s Young Professionals Summit helps rising professionals invest in their personal and professional growth through candid conversations and practical insights from accomplished members of the community.
Attendees can expect to explore topics with business leaders and community changemakers on career acceleration, leadership readiness, workplace effectiveness and sustainable success. The program will help leaders gain valuable insights from experienced leaders, build meaningful connections with fellow young professionals and explore strategies for career growth.
Event registration will continue through September 4, while early bird pricing for the event will end August 7
Early bird pricing for non members is $140, $120 for standard tier members, while upper-tier members can register for $100. Standard pricing for non members is $160, $140 for standard tier members, while upper-tier members can register for $120.
Additional details and registration for this event can be found here.
Date: Wednesday Sept. 9
Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center
100 Altamesa Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76134
Sponsors:
Presenting sponsor, UTA West
Gold sponsor, GM Financial
Gold sponsor, Alcon
Specialty sponsor, Leadership Fort Worth
Specialty sponsor, Frost
Leaders in Government Speaker Series Features Texas State Senator Tan Parker
The Fort Worth Chamber’s Leaders in Government, continuation of the Leader Speaker Series, will feature Senator Tan Parker for a timely discussion of the policies shaping Texas’ future. Parker will preview the upcoming legislative session and the priorities expected to define it — including economic development, transportation, workforce and public safety — and discuss what those priorities could mean for businesses and communities across the state.
Registration for this event will close September 10; standard pricing is $90 for nonmembers, $80 for standard tier members, and $70 for upper tier members.
For additional details or to register, visit https://business.fortworthchamber.com/events/details/leaders-in-government-senator-tan-parker-24056.
Date: Thursday Sept. 17
Time: 11:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Location:
BNSF Railway Information Technology Center
2400 Western Center Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76131
Sponsors:
Presenting sponsor, Fidelity Investments
Keynote sponsor, BNSF Railway
Platinum sponsor, Lockheed Martin
Gold sponsor, American Airlines
Save The Dates
The Fort Worth Chamber is finalizing details for the remaining events of the year. These events will bring together business, civic and community leaders for conversations about the topics shaping Fort Worth’s future.
Mark your calendars — additional details about these upcoming events will be announced soon.
State of the County Luncheon 2026, Oct. 14: Tarrant County Judge, Tim O'Hare - River Ranch Stockyards
Leader Speaker Series: Leaders in Business Luncheon, Oct. 28: Ross Perot Jr., chairman of The Perot Companies and Hillwood - TCU Legends Club
State of the City 2026 Luncheon, Dec. 10 - Dickies Arena
ABOUT THE FORT WORTH CHAMBER
The Fort Worth Chamber, with more than 1,250 member businesses, serves as the leading voice of the business community in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Through its core functions of leadership, engagement, and advocacy, the Chamber’s mission is to bring the Fort Worth region together to identify issues, solve problems and align resources, resulting in a stronger business climate and greater economic prosperity for all.
For more information, visit fortworthchamber.com.
