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A little over a year and a half since new leadership took command of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the organization emphasized its renewed focus on its mission to support and grow local businesses. “More than 80% of capital investment and job growth comes from businesses that are already part of our community,” Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the chamber, told the crowd at the March 11 annual meeting held at TCU’s Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility and Cox Field. “That’s why the chamber’s focus is clear: We will support, nurture and grow the businesses that call Fort Worth home. We will make sure they not only stay but thrive.” The chamber, which has more than 1,350 members, held more than 80 events and worked with more than 3,500 business leaders in the past year. Titled “The Playbook,” this year’s meeting leaned into the sports theme and event backdrop. Hosting was Fort Worth Star-Telegram sports columnist Mac Engel who provided commentary on the chamber’s various “plays” along with Leah M. King, JPS Foundation president, and Marshall Newhouse, a former TCU football player who is now an NFL analyst for gambling company DraftKings. Montgomery was named chairman and CEO of the 1,350-plus member organization in July 2023 after the previous leader, Brandom Gengelbach, left. Since then, the chamber has separated itself from its economic development work and focused on workforce development, infrastructure and transportation, business retention and government relations advocacy. The event highlighted the chamber’s success with both new and existing businesses. A video demonstrated how the chamber worked with economic development and city leaders to help new companies such as DrinkPak, a contract manufacturer of premium alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages that is building a $200 million, 1.4 million-square-foot facility in Fort Worth. Another video told the story of the chamber helping longtime family business Renfro Foods solve some unanticipated challenges as the business expanded. The chamber also highlighted some new initiatives, including: The Business Champions program will deploy volunteer advocates to connect with local businesses to gather feedback, learn about their challenges and successes.  

The Small Business Hot Topics Program will link subject matter experts with local business owners to share knowledge and skill.  

Peer group programs, like the Energy Council, help convene industry-specific players to connect, share insights and expand opportunities. 

A recently assembled talent committee is bringing together business leaders to help identify and define the needs of employers and work with organizations and educators who train the workforce.During the event, Charlie Campbell, 2024 Fort Worth Chamber board chairman, recapped the organization’s successes in 2024 before handing off to the 2025 board chairman Brian Newby, managing partner at Cantey Hanger law firm, who outlined some goals for the year. Newby noted that Campbell, who has also been treasurer for the chamber for several years, has helped the chamber by growing its assets from $274,000 to $2.8 million. Newby pledged the chamber would continue to be the “leading voice of businesses, particularly small businesses, in the 11th largest city in the United States.” Montgomery was also joined by TCU President Daniel Pullin, who spoke about the school’s latest growth plans. Chamber presents awards The chamber also presented two awards at the event: SUSAN HALSEY EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDThe Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award was presented to Joseph P. DeWoody, Valor co-founder and CEO. Valor is a professional service company that provides mineral management services, including oil and gas accounting, land management and proprietary software solutions. “Joseph’s leadership, innovation and commitment to service reflect the same spirit and excellence that Susan (Halsey) herself exemplified,” said Joel Heydenburk, a partner at Jackson Walker LLP, which sponsors the award. Halsey was a former chairman of the chamber and managing partner in the real estate section of the Jackson Walker law firm. Halsey died from cancer in December 2014. SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AWARDThe chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award, which recognizes contributions to the community and the free enterprise system, was presented to insurance giant Higginbotham. Founded in 1948, Higginbotham has grown into an industry powerhouse, providing a one-stop shop for insurance, financial and human resources services and has grown by forming a network of partnerships with agencies across the country. Higginbotham also serves the wider community through the Higginbotham Community Fund, which distributes grants based on recommendations from employees.“While Higginbotham has grown into a national firm, our commitment to serving communities, supporting businesses and putting people first remains at the heart of everything we do,” said Rusty Reid, Higginbotham chairman and CEO, in accepting the award.  Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.