President's Message

As most of the North Texas region and the nation have their eyes firmly planted on the future, it’s understandable why so many were ready to close the books on 2009 and usher in the New Year. Through the roller coaster of the economy, North Texas has remained strong and the North Texas Commission has remained focused on the continued success and vitality of the region through the following activities.

Transportation and Regional Rail Funding – The NTC continues to support revenue and funding measures to enable increased investment in a regional rail and transportation solution during the 81st Texas Legislative Session. This issue is top of mind with our community, city and county leaders as they head to Austin and we support a viable solution that will continue to aid the growth of the region.
2011 North Texas Super Bowl XLV – The North Texas Commission continues to support the 2011 North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee after the successful bid was awarded in 2007. As a member of the Board and Host Committee, we are working towards a spectacular event that will make every citizen of North Texas proud to host one of sports biggest events.
Airport and Aviation Advocacy – One of our region’s strengths is our aerospace and defense industry, due in part to DFW International Airport. The North Texas Aviation Marketing Committee attended the NBAA convention in October 2008 to promote the region’s assets and is gearing up for the 2009 show.
Environmental Regional Water Resources and Air Quality – The NTC remains active with the North Texas Clean Air Coalition and continues to support the work of the Region C Water Planning Group. We will be monitoring the legislative session carefully to protect North Texas interests relating to long range supply for the region.
Fortune 500 and Fortune North Texas Special Section – In 2008, North Texas remained competitive with 23 Fortune 500 companies calling the region home (24 if you count the recently relocated AT&T). In 2008, we also had an opportunity to include a special section about North Texas in the Global 500, China Fortune and FORTUNE Tech Special issue educating a global audience about North Texas.
DFW International Airport “Welcome Home a Hero” Program – We continued to facilitate the community volunteer-based program to welcome home troops for rest and recuperation. In June 2009 we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the program.
Leadership North Texas – In 2008, we continued the progress of launching Leadership North Texas, including a $50,000 grant from Chesapeake Energy for the launch. We will begin receiving applications in the spring of 2009. Look for the inaugural class in September 2009.
Regional Logistics Committee – The Logistics committee remains focused on marketing North Texas logistics throughout the country as well as increase the awareness of the logistics industry to the region’s independent school districts. In addition, the committee has worked diligently with the local community colleges and universities to provide a degree plan for logistics which in turn elevates the workforce available in North Texas for this viable and fast-growing industry.
Regional Literacy Program – The North Texas Future Fund made great strides in 2008 to fight illiteracy in our region. In December, we held the second North Texas Regional Literacy Summit featuring literacy advocate John Corcoran. During the Summit, Verizon called on the business community to support literacy initiatives and launched the challenge with a $100,000 donation.
Annual Membership Luncheon – The North Texas Commission is committed to building the region of choice; and during our 2008 Annual Membership Luncheon, we highlighted those projects that are doing just that. During a video presentation, we looked at the growth of our rail systems, our prominent healthcare industry, the Trinity River Vision and Trinity River Corridor, our arts and cultural environment and the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement about our 2009 Annual Membership Luncheon – it is sure to be an event to make everyone feel like a star.

In our nearly 40 year history, the North Texas Commission has seen exciting growth in the region, as well as a couple of roller coaster rides. North Texas is more than a geographic designation on a map: it’s a region made up of resilient people, diverse and strong businesses, a thriving arts culture and leaders who are committed to shaping a promising future for our children and grandchildren.

For 2009, we plan to work hard to ensure that the rest of the world will see North Texas the way we see it, as the Region of Choice.

Dan S. Petty
CEO and President