New survey findings to shape discussions on skills and education
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.
Presented by EECU, the summit is hosted in partnership with Fort Worth HR and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County and will bring together business leaders, HR professionals, and education partners for data-driven conversations about workforce readiness, the needs of local employers, and how education is shaping the talent pipeline.
“Fort Worth is growing at a remarkable pace, and a skilled workforce must grow with it,” said FWC President and CEO Steve Montgomery. “This summit is about moving from conversation to action — using real data and employer experiences to strengthen the connection between classrooms and careers.”
The program includes:
New Workforce Skills Data The Chamber will share findings from its three-phase Skills Gaps Survey, conducted in late 2025 by its Talent Committee. The results identify the most pressing skills gaps affecting both the current workforce and graduating students, highlighting the challenges employers face. Presenter: Mike Coffey, President, Imperative Information Group
Business Perspective on Soft Skills A panel will discuss how soft skills — the non-technical skills employees bring to the workplace — influence productivity and workplace culture, and how current gaps are impacting day-to-day operations.
Panelists: *Cindy Hames, President, Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail *David Campbell, Industrial Practice Area Leader and Senior Vice President, Huitt-Zollars *Renee Parker, Business Services Director, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County Moderator: Mike Coffey
Insights from “High School and Beyond” Attendees will hear findings from a multi-year study following more than 30,000 Fort Worth students across all ISDs from middle school through life after high school. Presenter: Brent Beasley, President and CEO, Fort Worth Education Partnership
Insights from a Houston ISD Visit A panel of business leaders who recently toured Houston ISD will share insights and takeaways from the visit, highlighting changes implemented and perspectives relevant to Fort Worth. Panelists: *Frost Prioleau, Executive Chairman, Simpli.fi *Rosa Navejar, President, The Rios Group Moderator: Mike Coffey
EVENT DETAILS Build Your Fort Worth Workforce Summit Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25
Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (buffet lunch provided)
Location: Texas Wesleyan University – Andrews Hall Ballroom
1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105
Details and Registration: https://business.fortworthchamber.com/events/details/build-your-fort-worth-workforce-summit-21701?calendarMonth=2026-02-01
ABOUT THE FORT WORTH CHAMBER The Fort Worth Chamber, with more than 1,250 member businesses, serves as the leading voice of the business community in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Through its core functions of leadership, engagement, and advocacy, the Chamber’s mission is to bring the Fort Worth region together to identify issues, solve problems and align resources, resulting in a stronger business climate and greater economic prosperity for all.
For more information, visit fortworthchamber.com.
