Fort Worth Chamber Summit to Address Workforce Challenges, Talent Pipeline

New survey findings to shape discussions on skills and education

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce (FWC) will present findings from its employer survey on workforce skills gaps at the 'Build Your Fort Worth Workforce Summit' on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Texas Wesleyan University. The half-day program will also feature discussions on soft skills in the workplace, research on long-term outcomes for Fort Worth students, and insights from a recent Houston ISD visit by local business leaders.

Why it matters

As Fort Worth continues to grow rapidly, the city's business community is focused on ensuring a skilled workforce keeps pace. This summit aims to bridge the gap between employers' needs and the education system's ability to produce job-ready graduates.

The details

The summit, presented by EECU and hosted in partnership with Fort Worth HR and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, will bring together business leaders, HR professionals, and education partners. It will feature data-driven discussions on workforce readiness, employer needs, and how education is shaping the talent pipeline.

  • The summit will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The Chamber's Talent Committee conducted a three-phase Skills Gaps Survey in late 2025 to inform the summit.

The players

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce (FWC)

The leading voice of the business community in Fort Worth, one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

Steve Montgomery

President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Coffey

President of Imperative Information Group, who will present the findings from the Chamber's Skills Gaps Survey.

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

A partner organization hosting the summit.

Fort Worth Education Partnership

An organization that will present findings from a multi-year study following more than 30,000 Fort Worth students.

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What they’re saying

“Fort Worth is growing at a remarkable pace, and a skilled workforce must grow with it. This summit is about moving from conversation to action — using real data and employer experiences to strengthen the connection between classrooms and careers.”

— Steve Montgomery, President and CEO, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce (fortworthbusiness.com)

What’s next

The summit aims to use the data and insights gathered to inform ongoing efforts to align the local education system with the needs of Fort Worth employers.

The takeaway

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, Fort Worth is proactively addressing the challenge of developing a skilled workforce to support its continued economic expansion. This summit represents a collaborative effort between the business community, education partners, and workforce development organizations to bridge the gap between classroom and career.