Fort Worth, one of the five fastest-growing cities in the United States, continues to attract new business, even as 2020 takes its toll on cities across the country.
Brandom Gengelbach, the new CEO at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, aims to shine a bright light on the future ahead for the city.
“Business leaders from all around the country continue to tell me how they feel hamstrung in high-tax states,” Gengelbach said. “While having a tax-friendly business environment certainly helps, we are seeing an unprecedented amount of growth in Fort Worth for a variety of reasons, including a cohesive, supportive government infrastructure, as well as an overwhelmingly affable environment, a career-ready talent pool, ample transportation opportunities and a favorable cost of living.”
Fort Worth added more than 50,000 jobs in the past year. These new jobs were a welcome career opportunity for both locals and to those new to the city. The new jobs included highly-skilled positions in biotechnology, aviation and transportation automation and health care. Businesses like Linear Labs, M2G Ventures and Bell Helicopter chose to grow in Fort Worth, and their leaders are enthusiastic about the upshot of that decision.
“Fort Worth embraces innovation in all forms,” said Linear Labs co-founder and CEO Brad Hunstable. “In doing business in this city, new ideas are welcomed, and informed key collaborations allow businesses from here – and those planting a flag here – to flourish. Fort Worth has embraced our big dreams and plans, and we’re excited about being a part of the next tech innovation hub right here.”
Gengelbach took the reins as the leader of the Fort Worth Chamber this summer and said he’s proud of Fort Worth’s “Where the West Begins” roots and charm. He also said it’s important for people to know of the aggressive and business-friendly environment of the city.
Fort Worth has lot to offer
“Those living outside of Texas might imagine Fort Worth (if they imagine it at all) as a sleepy town filled with citizens in cowboy boots, riding their horses alongside cows and tumbleweeds on the way to the oil derrick,” Gengelbach said. “And while this North Texas city embraces its heritage, business leaders around the country and the world may be astonished to learn what Fort Worth has to offer.”
Mayor Besty Price, a longtime advocate for the Chamber, said the facts speak for themselves when it comes to the quality of life.
“Fort Worth ranks among the top 15 cities for young professionals, is considered among the best places to raise a family and is among the very best places for first-time home buyers,” Price said. “Culture lovers delight in our local attractions – like the Kimbell Art Museum and Modern Art Museum. Nature lovers enjoy days out at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or exploring the striking Trinity Trails, all complemented by top restaurants and dynamic entertainment.”
Put simply, Fort Worth boasts that yearned-for small-town feel with big-city perks, with a surprisingly low cost of living that further underlines its desirability.
Chamber’s annual meeting goes online
Now, Gengelbach said he hopes to bring further energy, vision and a collaborative approach to the ongoing development, enhancement and growth of the area’s economy.
“We know what it’s like for a business owner to feel unappreciated, and we believe that ambitious leaders deserve a city that has vision and resources to pour into the company”s future,” Gengelbach said. “Our mission is to ensure Fort Worth delivers.”
To hear more about the Chamber’s vision, join the Fort Worth Chamber’s 138th annual meeting online at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 29 online. Guest registration is free online or by calling 817-336-2491.
The theme of this year’s event is Fortitude, signifying the city’s strength, resilience and commitment to moving forward. Jonathan Morris will serve as keynote speaker. Morris embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Fort Worth and will share his message of shifting gears, taking on new challenges and pressing forward. Morris will also talk about his breakout role as the star of Self-Employed, set to launch on the Magnolia Network, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ newest venture, in 2021.
