Author: Ashlynn Bouldin

Fortune rankings reinforce DFW’s economic momentum

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By Dylan Guest, Vice President, Communications

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation’s leading business hubs, according to the latest Fortune rankings of the biggest public companies in the U.S. 

This year, DFW added two companies to the Fortune 500, bringing the region’s total to 24. New additions include Somnigroup International and Keurig Dr Pepper. Across the broader Fortune 1000 list, the region is now home to 49 companies, with Public Storage, Vistance Networks and Invitation Homes among the newest additions. 

Behind the rankings is a diverse mix of companies that continue to choose DFW as a place to grow and invest. The region’s Fortune 500 companies span 32 different industry sectors, generating nearly $1.1 trillion in combined annual revenue and employing more than 1.3 million people worldwide. 

DFW is also home to one of the nation’s most influential corporate headquarters: McKesson, which ranks among the Fortune 10. Notably, no U.S. metro larger than DFW is home to a Fortune 10 company. 

The region’s continued momentum comes as Texas reclaimed its position as the state with the most Fortune 500 headquarters in the nation. By surpassing California, Texas continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading destination for corporate investment, talent and innovation.

For DFW, these rankings reinforce a long-term trend. Companies across industries continue to choose the region because of its strategic location, business climate, talent pipeline, ability to support growth and overall quality of life. As new companies establish headquarters and existing employers expand, DFW’s concentration of major corporations continues to fuel investment, job creation and economic opportunity throughout the region. 

With 24 Fortune 500 and 49 Fortune 1000 companies now calling the region home, DFW’s influence as a corporate powerhouse continues to scale. 

Engaging with Cultural Holidays in June: Honoring freedom beyond a single day

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By Makayla Rosales, Coordinator, Opportunity & Impact 

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the abolition of slavery in the state. Although the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved persons free in Confederate states, took effect in 1863, freedom was not immediately realized for many enslaved people across the Confederacy. It was not until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865 that slavery was formally abolished in the United States.

More than a historical milestone, Juneteenth is a reminder of both the promise of freedom and the impact of delayed justice. It honors the resilience and contributions of Black Americans while encouraging reflection and the ongoing pursuit of equality and opportunity. After generations of community celebrations, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

For organizations and leaders, Juneteenth is also an opportunity to recognize that honoring freedom and equality extends beyond a single day. It requires an ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces, expanding opportunity and ensuring all individuals have the ability to flourish.

Engage in the workplace

A great way to honor Juneteenth is by creating opportunities for employees to engage in ways that recognize the holiday’s significance while strengthening connections within the workplace and the broader community. Volunteer initiatives, partnerships with local Black-owned businesses and participation in Juneteenth events and celebrations can help foster a stronger sense of belonging, collaboration and shared purpose.

Juneteenth also serves as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the significant role the business community can play in expanding opportunity and helping create pathways for future generations. Beyond recognition and celebration, it is a time for organizations to consider how they can make a lasting impact through mentorship, workforce development, education partnerships and investments in local communities.

By fostering environments where individuals have access to resources, support and opportunities to succeed, organizations can help cultivate talent, encourage innovation and contribute to stronger communities and long-term economic growth. It also serves as a reminder for organizations to continue evaluating workplace culture, hiring practices and leadership development. When people have equitable access to opportunity, businesses grow stronger, communities become more resilient and regional economies are better positioned to thrive.

June holidays to recognize

Pride Month, celebrated throughout June, honors the resilience, contributions and ongoing pursuit of equality within the LGBTQ+ community. Commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, it serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the importance of visibility, inclusion and advocacy in workplaces and communities alike.

Caribbean American Heritage Month recognizes the rich history, culture and contributions of Caribbean Americans and their lasting impact on the United States. It is an opportunity to celebrate diverse traditions and highlight achievements across fields, such as business, education, science, politics and the arts.

And Father’s Day, observed on Sunday, June 21, honors fathers and father figures for the vital role they play in families and communities. It is a time to express appreciation, celebrate caregiving and mentorship and recognize the positive impact these individuals have had on loved ones.

If you are interested in bringing your team, friends or family to engaging and educational opportunities occurring in June, here are some events:

The Dallas Pride Sunset Parade on Main | 7-9 p.m., Saturday, June 6

Pride is coming home! The Dallas Pride Parade returns to its original 1972 downtown route, following in the footsteps of the brave marchers who started it all. Plus, don’t miss a historic first: the new Sunset Parade on Main will march down Main Street from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

TORI Talks: Connection Lounge Father’s Day Event | 12-2 p.m., Saturday, June 13Fun activities for dads and children | 12-2 p.m., Saturday, June 13

The Shops at RedBird | 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas, TX 75237 | Upstairs on the 2nd floor

Join for a fun, interactive, financial literacy experience designed for men and children, where learning about money feels easy, engaging and real. Through games and activities, you will learn tips on budgeting, saving, credit and building wealth for your future.

The 2026 Juneteenth 4K Freedom Walk & Festival | 8-1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 13

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center | 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215

The event will begin with a 4k Freedom Walk for health and wellness and end with a free community festival with live entertainment, vendors and fun activities for the entire family. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., the opening ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m.

Fidelity Investments Presents: Freedom Vibes 2026, Nostalgic Joy Celebration of Choirs | 4 p.m., Sunday, June 14 4 p.m., Sunday, June 14

The Potter’s House of Fort Worth | 1270 Woodhaven Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76112

Get ready to celebrate the power of gospel, harmony and community at our Celebration of Choirs, hosted by Fort Worth’s own Kirk Franklin. As part of the National Juneteenth Museum’s 2026 Freedom Vibes Festival, this event will honor the powerful and enduring role of sacred music in Black history, culture, faith and the ongoing journey toward freedom.

2026 Juneteenth Free Admission Day | 10-7 p.m., Friday, June 19

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum | 300 N. Houston Dallas, TX 75202

In honor of Juneteenth, join for free admission and programming throughout the day. Offerings include gallery talks, film screenings, family-friendly activities and special presentations by American Civil Rights speakers.

For Oak Cliff and Halperin Park presents: Juneteenth Festival | 11-3 p.m., Saturday, June 20

Halperin Park | 626 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, 1-35E, Dallas, TX 75203

This year’s Juneteenth celebration will take place at the new Halperin Park in Oak Cliff, bringing the community together for a day of culture, connection and celebration in partnership with local organizations and community leaders. Attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors and more! Admission is free for all guests.

 

 

 

 

Member Spotlight: Yeshvik Solutions

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By Yeshvik Solutions

Estimated reading time: 1.5 minutes

Yeshvik Solutions is a boutique AI consulting, coaching and IP advisory firm based in Allen, Texas. Our mission is simple: we maximize your ROI from AI. We do that in four ways—building custom AI solutions from strategy through turnkey implementation; providing ongoing AI coaching; delivering customized employee training and workshops; and offering expert IP advisory, including patent reviews, infringement analysis and expert witness services.

Our AI training and workshops are designed for non-technical business professionals and C-suite executives and do not assume any technical or programming background. To date, we have graduated nearly 100 students across seven cohorts of our courses and workshops with consistently positive feedback.

How does Yeshvik Solutions help its clients build value?

We do not sell a specific AI product or promote a specific AI platform. Instead, we take the time to understand our clients’ business needs and deliver tailored solutions that drive measurable results—whether that’s cutting operational costs through intelligent automation, strengthening IP positions through rigorous patent analysis or equipping teams with the AI literacy they need to compete. Above all, we do this responsibly, ethically and without compromising data security and privacy.

What differentiates Yeshvik Solutions within your industry?

There is no dearth of AI hype and misinformation and ‘AI flavor du jour’ cycles these days. While we are proficient in all the latest tools, we resist the temptation to jump on the latest bandwagon and maintain our focus on maximizing the client’s ROI from AI. Most importantly, our credo remains the same regardless of the AI engagement: humans at the helm, not just in the loop. AI is certainly transforming the way we live, work and compete, but we see it as nothing more than a set of very powerful labor-compression tools. We encourage our students and clients to do the same.

What benefits does Yeshvik Solutions enjoy by doing business in the Dallas Region?

Dallas gives us something that’s hard to find in most markets—genuine range. On any given week, we might be talking to a Fortune 500 enterprise rolling out an enterprise-wide AI strategy, a mid-size firm that just realized its competitors are automating faster than they are and a founder who’s trying to figure out if AI is even relevant to their business. That mix keeps us sharp and keeps the work interesting. The DRC adds another layer to that—it’s a community where those same conversations happen in person, and that kind of access matters when you’re in the relationship business.

Why did Yeshvik Solutions become a member of the Dallas Regional Chamber?

Honestly, digital marketing only takes you so far. We’ve built a strong reputation with the clients we’ve worked with, but the Dallas business community is large, and there are a lot of companies that could benefit from what we do who simply haven’t heard of us yet. We joined the DRC because it puts us in the room with the people we most want to meet—not to pitch them, but to get to know them, understand what they’re dealing with and see where we can genuinely help. If the relationships that follow lead to business, that’s the goal. But it starts with the conversations.

How has Yeshvik Solutions changed in the last five years?

Yeshvik Solutions was founded in 2012 by Dr. Yeshwant Muthusamy, whose doctorate was effectively a specialization in AI. In other words, he has been working in AI long before AI was “cool”. With seven patents, 30+ publications and leadership roles at Toyota, Samsung, Nokia and Texas Instruments, Dr. Muthusamy brings deep technical and strategic expertise to every engagement.

His business partner, Mr. Murali Nair, came on board in 2023, and brings over 30 years of business development, sales, and operations experience in the telecommunications sector. Over the last 5 years, we’ve also built out a trusted network of expert developers, both within and outside the US that can be leveraged on an as-needed basis. The result is a firm that can take on substantive AI projects for clients of any size, in any industry, without overpromising on what the technology can actually do.

Member Spotlight: Tylock Nasser Vision

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Estimated reading time: 1.5 minutes 

By Tylock Nasser Vision

Tylock-George Eye Care, a premier ophthalmology and refractive surgery practice serving North Texas for decades, has officially rebranded as Tylock Nasser Vision (TNV). The new name reflects both continuity and forward momentum, honoring the legacy of its founders while embracing the leadership of its new owner, Dr. Taj Nasser. 

The practice was founded by Dr. Gary Tylock, whose pioneering work in refractive and cataract surgery established a reputation for innovation and surgical precision throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth community. As one of the earliest adopters of bladeless LASIK technology in North Texas, Dr. Tylock helped shape the region’s standard for laser vision correction. Alongside Dr. Michael George, the organization grew into one of the region’s most respected eye care centers, known for clinical excellence and an unwavering commitment to patient experience. 

Today, Dr. Taj Nasser carries that legacy forward. An accomplished surgeon and deeply principled leader, Dr. Nasser stands on the shoulders of the legends before him, building upon the strong clinical foundation and culture they created. His vision for the future blends advanced surgical expertise with a renewed focus on culture, accountability and service. 

The rebrand embodies the theme: “New Mask, Same Task.” While the name has evolved, the mission remains unchanged—delivering world-class vision care rooted in integrity and mastery. Tylock Nasser Vision continues to offer the full spectrum of premium refractive procedures, including custom bladeless LASIK for patients seeking freedom from glasses and contacts, and the EVO ICL—an advanced implantable lens solution ideal for patients with higher prescriptions, thinner corneas or dry eye concerns who may not be candidates for laser vision correction. Both procedures represent the cutting edge of refractive surgery, reflecting the practice’s long-standing commitment to offering the safest, most effective vision correction options available. 

Central to the new identity is the concept of “The Crown,” symbolizing vision as the crown of human experience. Tylock Nasser Vision’s culture rests on three pillars: 

  • Attitude—Protecting the culture through humility, respect and professionalism 
  • Aptitude—Driving excellence through skill, preparation and continuous growth 
  • Availability—Sustaining the mission by being present and dependable for patients and team members 

Patients can expect the same trusted physicians, advanced technology and surgical excellence that have defined the practice for decades—now strengthened by the leadership and vision of Dr. Nasser. Whether exploring LASIK for a quick, reliable path to clearer vision or considering the EVO ICL as a removable, biocompatible alternative, patients will continue to receive individualized consultations designed to match the right procedure to the right eyes. 

For more information, visit www.tylock.com. 

The foundation for long-term growth: Insights from the DRC’s State of Talent and Workforce

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By Ashlynn Bouldin, Coordinator, Communications & Marketing 

Estimated reading time: 2.5 minutes 

On Wednesday, May 13, business and hiring leaders gathered at the University of Texas at Dallas’ Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center for the DRC’s State of Talent and Workforce, presented by INSPYR Solutions and Texas Mutual Insurance. 

At the event, attendees received exclusive insights from Scotiabank on their recent Dallas expansion and heard from a panel of talent leaders discussing regional talent challenges and solutions. Below are key takeaways from the event’s speakers. 

Mike Rosa, SVP, Economic Development, DRC; G.A. Pivik, Managing Director, Scotiabank

Education and workforce development systems attract corporate expansion and sustain regional growth 

DRC President and CEO Brad Cheves emphasized education and workforce development as the keys to building a talent pipeline that can support the Dallas Region’s growth. 

“Our region’s talent and workforce determine the sustainability of our success,” said Cheves. “If our growth outpaces our education and workforce development systems, we lose our advantage and slow our momentum.” 

During his fireside chat, G.A. Pivik, Managing Director at Scotiabank, praised the region’s education systems as a driving factor in Scotiabank’s decision to establish a new U.S. regional hub in Dallas. 

“One of the major pieces that sold us on North Texas was the density of the education,” said Pivik. “We wanted to be in a place where we had access to a pool of talent.” 

Scotiabank cited the Dallas Region’s exponential growth and renowned talent pipeline as pivotal to expanding their global impact. The bank’s Dallas hub will create approximately 1,020 new jobs and more than $60 million in capital investment for the region. 

Cole Brown, Chief People Officer, American Airlines; Suzanne Myers, Chief Human Resources Officer, Arcosa; Maruchy Cantu, EVP & Chief Administrative Officer, DFW International Airport; Ollie Chandhok, Market President & Publisher, Dallas Business Journal

Businesses can build a specialized workforce and broaden their talent pipelines to meet specific needs 

During the panel, Suzanne Myers, Chief Human Resources Officer at Arcosa, discussed how regional partnerships can help businesses meet workforce needs, as exemplified by Arcosa’s work with Dallas College. 

“What’s nice about our partnership with Dallas College is that we are creating the opportunity to expose individuals to [trade skills],” said Myers. “Welding is the top skill that we need. … So, we sponsored the welding lab at Dallas College.” 

Cole Brown, Chief People Officer at American Airlines, encouraged employers to broaden their talent pipelines, highlighting the company’s hiring of former doctors and retirees as flight attendants. 

“What we’ve found is it’s not just the traditional places in which we are building [talent] relationships and connections,” said Brown. “People think of schools, they think of certain governmental regulatory agencies, but it’s also just about being really active in the communities in which we operate.” 

Involving employees in AI application enables the workforce to scale with innovation 

Maruchy Cantu, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, emphasized involving employees in AI-driven projects, citing her team’s solution for the parkway congestion during Thanksgiving in 2024 as a prime example. 

“We brought a cross-functional group of people to brainstorm solving the problem of what happened [in 2024]. … AI has helped us implement a solution to that,” she said. “It’s not always perfect, but we can implement a solution while bringing our employees along because they’re seeing how the technology is actually solving a legitimate business problem and how they—at every level—can come together to create a solution with a consulting group.” 

Regional collaboration is the key to a robust talent pipeline 

Brad Cheves, President & CEO, DRC

“Dallas-Fort Worth stands out as one of the most dynamic markets in the country, and if we want to continue standing out, we must reinforce the foundation that brought us here: our talent and workforce,” said Darcy Anderson, Vice Chairman of Hillwood and 2026 DRC Board Chair. 

Cheves encouraged business and education leaders to work together to sustain the Dallas Region’s momentum by creating alignment between what employers need, what the region’s education and training systems produce and what opportunities are available to the workforce. 

“We need to foster connections between the business community, educational institutions and jobseekers to identify proactive, innovative solutions that will enable our talent and workforce to scale with our growth,” said Cheves. 

To learn more about the DRC’s Talent and Workforce efforts, visit our website. To get involved and see how your business can benefit from these efforts, join the DRC’s Talent Labs and attend the next DRC Talent Talk. 

Three Reasons to Join DRC Talent Labs

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By Tyler Files, Director, Talent Strategies

Estimated reading time: 1.5 minutes

Applications are open for the 2026 DRC Talent Labs, a five-month cohort experience designed to build solutions for talent challenges facing organizations today. Presented by Bank of America, the program equips participants with evidence-based strategies, subject experts, peer insights, education credits and tangible action plans.

Here are three reasons to apply today:

1. Build peer connections with DFW’s top talent leaders

Participants will join talent professionals from various regional organizations, like 2025 program participants McKesson, Children’s Health, KPMG, DFW Airport and JE Dunn Construction and more, to develop  unique strategies and solutions for shared challenges. These relationships extend beyond the five-month program and create lasting resource networks for talent leaders.

2. Learn evidence-based talent strategies that actually work

Talent Labs participants will learn evidence-based strategies from market leaders and industry experts.

Across five monthly sessions, participants dive deep into practices that drive measurable talent outcomes, aligning organizational goals with employee engagement, building internal pipelines through succession planning and upskilling and leveraging AI responsibly to scale impact. Participants will hear from expert practitioners, participate in case study discussions and explore real-world examples during a Bank of America site visit, where they will see market-leading talent practices in action.

Each session is designed to provide immediately actionable frameworks. As participants build their expertise, they can earn continuing education credits toward SHRM or HRCI recertification, making Talent Labs an investment in both an organization’s success and one’s professional credentials.

3. Leave with a ready-to-implement Capstone Talent Plan

Through Talent Labs, leaders don’t just learn—they build.

Throughout the program, participants develop a Capstone Talent Plan tailored to their organization’s biggest talent challenge. Whether it’s reducing frontline turnover, building a leadership development pipeline or designing an AI-powered upskilling program, the Capstone Talent Plan becomes a roadmap for defining SMART goals, identifying stakeholders, planning implementation steps and determining how to measure success.

Participants will work alongside their peer group, refining their approach through each session with feedback from the cohort and program facilitators. By December, participants will present their plan—not as a theoretical exercise, but as a ready-to-execute strategy they can take back to their leadership team.

Ready to take the next step?

Applications for the 2026 DRC Talent Labs are open until Friday, June 12. The program runs August-December 2026, with five monthly sessions at the DRC office in downtown Dallas.

Ready to turn strategy into action? Visit our Talent Labs webpage to learn more and apply today. Contact talent@dallaschamber.org with any questions or comments.

DRC luncheon celebrates Leadership Dallas’ regional impact

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By Ashlynn Bouldin, Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

On Wednesday, May 6, Leadership Dallas (LD) alumni and upcoming graduates gathered at the Las Colinas Country Club for the program’s Annual Leadership Luncheon, where attendees reconnected and celebrated the upcoming graduation of the LD Class of 2026.

“From tackling education and workforce disparities to fostering economic growth, the collective efforts of Leadership Dallas alumni have left a lasting mark on our region,” said Darcy Anderson, Chairman of Hillwood Management and 2026 DRC Board Chair.

The annual luncheon provides an opportunity for the DRC to celebrate those efforts. At the event, the DRC awarded the LD Distinguished Alumni Award to Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) and graduate of the LD Class of 2016. Below are key insights Bartkowski shared about her LD experience and its impact on her leadership.

LD is a platform for leadership development

Brad Cheves, President & CEO, DRC; Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

As the Dallas Region’s premier leadership program, LD helps executives assess how they can leverage their expertise to address challenges and opportunities within the Dallas Region through 10 months of hands-on curriculum. Each year, 55 participants are selected based on proven leadership potential within their organization and community. Over 2,300 leaders have participated in the program, and 23% of the DRC’s board members are LD alumni.

“Leadership Dallas introduced me to the very best of what’s happening in the North Texas region and in the Dallas community,” said Bartkowski. “It introduced me to the [region’s] potential, its challenges and the things that could be in the city of Dallas. It helped me be a better leader, and I don’t know that I could’ve learned that anywhere else.”

Bartkowski’s leadership—both before and after her LD graduation—are testaments to the caliber of LD alumni. Throughout her 17-year career at GSNETX, she has elevated issues impacting young girls in Texas and pioneered programs that platform and enable them to thrive in STEM, like the first two DreamLabs in Texas and the STEM Center of Excellence—the first of its kind in the nation.

“Dallas is a community that thrives with innovation and is generous enough to invest in it,” said Bartkowski. “I don’t think we could have done something like [the STEM Center of Excellence] anywhere else across the country.”

LD builds a foundation of collaboration and engagement

Bartkowski also emphasized how surprised and excited she was by the enthusiastic leaders she worked with when she joined LD in 2016.

“I wanted to meet different people—people who shared values with me, who wanted to build a better place, lead, contribute and invest back into the community. I was so honored to be surrounded by those people who, now, are lifting others up.”

Hellen Oduor, Director of Quality, Methodist System, ’27 LDA Chair; Renda Mathews, Dallas Market President, Truist Bank, ’26 LDA Chair; Brad Cheves, President & CEO, DRC; Darcy Anderson, Vice Chairman, Hillwood Management, ’26 DRC Board Chair; Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas; Peter Brodsky, CEO, Reimagine Redbird; Meghan Kelley Wehner, EVP, DRC

While discussing her journey with GSNETX, Bartkowski noted the impact LD had on her leadership and ability to create change, encouraging the LD Class of 2026 to maintain their community engagement beyond graduation and get involved as LD alumni.

“It’s easy to graduate and go out in the world, go back to work and your families and not be involved in anything. If I had done that, I would not be sitting here,” she said. “I encourage and invite you to find the places you want to lean into and to do those things. Sit in the meetings and invest the money. Tell the stories of the people who can’t tell them themselves. This community needs you to do it.”

Renda Mathews, Dallas Market President at Truist Bank and Chair to the LD Alumni Council, echoed a similar sentiment, noting the unique opportunities LD alumni have to create scaling regional impact.

“That’s what makes this program special—our ability to expand it beyond graduation and create impact that will, one day, grow beyond ourselves,” said Mathews.

To learn more about Leadership Dallas, visit our website. Alumni looking to get involved in the LDA Council can contact Cecilia Villa, DRC Senior Vice President of Member Engagement, at cvilla@dallaschamber.org.

DFW on Wall Street: Insights on DRC marketing trips

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By Elizabeth Koestler, Vice President, Economic Development 

Estimated reading time: 1.5 minutes 

Of the many ways the DRC team works to attract companies to DFW, one of our least-publicized efforts is often the most promising: going straight to companies and building relationships in person. Sometimes, planting those seeds years in advance is exactly how a prospective business eventually becomes a corporate neighbor. That’s the idea behind our marketing trips—and why we make them a regular part of our work. 

Planting the seeds: Why the DRC travels for DFW 

A few times each year, we travel to major U.S. markets to bring the DFW story directly to the companies writing the next chapter of their own. Our most recent trip took us to New York City. 

We met with businesses considering relocations or expansions, some that already have a presence in DFW—and are weighing whether to grow it—and others that haven’t yet planted roots in our region at all. Our goal is to make DFW impossible to overlook when those decisions get made. 

Most of the meetings we take are confidential. Companies exploring location decisions aren’t ready to go public with that process, so our role is to be a trusted resource in those conversations and help them navigate the entire DFW region from their current home. 

When we have the opportunity to bring along DRC investors and regional economic development partners, the impact multiplies. There’s a meaningful difference made when a DFW business leader shares what our region has to offer right alongside us. These peer-to-peer moments give prospective companies a real peek into the DFW business community—and for the companies that aren’t yet familiar with our region, that perspective can be comforting and persuasive. 

Forging partnerships from Wall Street to Y’all Street 

On this trip, our meetings covered a wide range of industries—from financial services to life sciences—to reflect DFW’s diverse economy. We also took part in two iconic moments: closing a day with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and kicking off another with Nasdaq. 

DFW has become a major hub for financial services activity, and the region is now home to three stock exchanges: the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), NYSE Texas and Nasdaq Texas. Getting to see two of them up close in their home bases was an exciting reminder of what’s to come and already happening in our region. 

NYSE Texas hosted our group for the NYSE closing bell at their headquarters on Wall Street, and the following morning, we headed to Nasdaq for their opening bell. Coincidentally, the company ringing the bell that day was YESWAY, a Fort Worth-based company marking its Initial Public Offering (IPO)—a powerful testimony to the scale and success of businesses across DFW. 

Fostering DFW’s growth, both within and outside regional bounds 

By keeping DFW on the radar of business decision-makers, we’re building a foundation for long-term relationships that could pay off in a major announcement years later. 

While our region’s growth speaks for itself, that growth doesn’t happen on its own—it’s forged through dedicated partnerships and collective efforts. And we’re grateful to the partners who help us maintain and further our region’s growth by supporting our work—both within DFW and beyond. 

We’ll be back on the road before long, and we’ll keep bringing the DFW story with us so that our region can continue to grow together. Visit our Prosperity & Economic Development webpage to learn more.