Regional growth and development were focal points of the Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 2022-2023 Launch Conference

Regional growth and development were focal points of the Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 2022-2023 Launch Conference

2022-12-01T14:51:38-05:00December 1st, 2022|Dallas-Fort Worth, Economy, Press Releases|

Writer: Jerrica DuBois

2 min read December 2022 — Business and community leaders gathered today to reaffirm and strengthen their belief that the Dallas-Fort Worth region will continue to be a leader and one of the most innovative markets in the country at the official, in-person launch conference for the first edition of Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth.

In her opening remarks at the event, Capital Analytics’ CEO Abby Melone provided an overview of the current economic climate of the metroplex. While the region is booming, it is not immune to national headwinds. 

“Rapid growth has both benefits and drawbacks. According to our interviewees, while company relocations and the infusion of people adds to the tax base, for example, there is greater scrutiny on issues like affordability and access to housing,” said Melone. “Rising inflation and the subsequent hikes in interest rates are also concerns among those we talked to, with the prospect of a recession, or at the very least, an economic downturn on the horizon.There is also a labor shortage that while abating, continues to be a pressure point for companies amid the new remote and hybrid working environment.”

Education and the workforce, planning and development, and the financial future of the region were focal points of the event. The in-person leadership summit, held at the Omni Las Colinas Hotel, was kicked off with the first panel of the conference, ‘Keeping Up: How the strength of DFW’s education sector is feeding workforce demand and what changes are still needed,’ and featured panelists including Dr. Rama Yelkur, dean of Texas Woman’s University College of Business; Collin College District President Neil Matkin; Marilyn Wiley, dean of the University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business; and Dr. Brent Donham, dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University – Commerce. Melone also served as the moderator for the panel.

The second panel, ‘What Could Be Next?: How the last few years have shaped what development will look like going forward,’ was presented by Sheneice Hughes, assistant director of Administration and Customer Engagement at Dallas Love Field Airport. The panel examined developmental strategies that leaders are taking to help the region keep pace with demand, infrastructural needs and growing sustainably. The discussion was moderated by Nathan Kowallis, senior vice president and Dallas business unit Leader for McCarthy Building Companies, with panelists including Addison Airport Director Joel Jenkinson; Gensler’s Aviation Leader and Principal Tim Hudson; Vice President at Scott+Reid General Contractors Eric Gilbert; and Southern Methodist University’s Director of Research for the Folsom Institute for Real Estate Mark Roberts.

The final panel, ‘The New (Financial) Normal: How we got here, where we are and where it’s heading,’ covered the past, current and future state of the financial market. Presented by Phil Appenzeller, CEO of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C, the panelists included Mark Gehlbach, president and co-founder of True North Advisors; Larry Miller, president and CEO of North Dallas Bank and Trust Co.; Dallas Market Executive and Commercial Banking Leader for Regions Bank Tyrus Sanders; and Robert Molloy, regional president of the North Texas market of Vantage Bank. Moderating the discussion was Doug Hutt, chairman and CEO of Dallas Capital Bank. 

The closing address was provided by Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 2022-2023 Executive Director Alina Manac, who thanked the business community for their support and Omni Las Colinas Hotel for the stunning venue.

For more information, visit: https://capitalanalyticsassociates.com/

To watch the Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 2022-2023 Launch Conference in full, please visit our Youtube Channel.

 

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About Capital Analytics & Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 2022-2023 

Capital Analytics is an independent and 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 2022-2023 is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the economy of the metroplex, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent regional leaders. Invest: Dallas-Fort Worth 2022-2023 is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on North Texas for local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote the Dallas-Fort Worth 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, business executives, 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: 

Max Crampton-Thomas

Regional Editor

305-523-9708 Ext: 233

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