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Our History

In the early 1970s, there were only a handful of corporate headquarters in North Texas and DFW Airport had not yet seen its first flight. In fact, in those days this sprawling assortment of communities was not even known as the Metroplex. On July 29, 1971, a group of civic leaders from across North Texas joined together to form the North Texas Commission (NTC), an agreement which would change the course of history in our region.

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With DFW Airport under construction, it was agreed that a regionally-unifying force was necessary if North Texas was ever to take its place among the nationally and internationally prominent regions of the world. Founders of the North Texas Commission shared what was then a unique vision of a regional marketing organization for the entire North Texas area. C.A. Tatum, Jr., the first volunteer leader of NTC, often remarked, “Our strength is the spirit and unity of the people of our region.”

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The North Texas Commission was chartered as a non-profit, membership-supported organization which would work to unify the North Texas Region to maximize the visibility of the area as an excellent place to live and do business. In February of 1972, NTC copyrighted the term “Southwest Metroplex,” which users later shortened to simply “Metroplex,” in order to establish the identity of the allied communities of North Texas.

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Throughout its history, the North Texas Commission has worked to address regional problems and opportunities while focusing on ways to unify the North Texas region. As we move further into the new and challenging century, the North Texas Commission continues to improve the lives of North Texans by marketing, advocating and collaborating.

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Timeline of Accomplishments

2021

  • Hosted first NTX Infrastructure Summit and celebrated 50 years of service to North Texas.

  • Awarded the Texas Friends of Public Education Award for NTC's tireless advocacy work in the 86th and 87th regular sessions.

2020

  • Together with region's county judges, the NTC responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and launched NTX Mayors Economic Recovery Council with the NCTCOG to unify the region's response and recovery.

  • Commission launches Topic: North Texas podcast

2019

  • Hosted inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit with a sold-out audience.

  • Celebrated the 10th anniversary of Leadership North Texas.

  • NTC and New American Economy release a study highlighting the economic impact of immigration

2018

  • Launched the North Texas Advocacy Coalition, a non-partisan initiative to strengthen and unify the North Texas business and civic voices in Austin and in D.C.

  • Chris Wallace selected as new President & CEO of the North Texas Commission

2017

  • 46th Annual Members’ Luncheon with Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW International Airport

  • Leadership North Texas Class 8 graduates, Class 9 launches

2016

  • James D. Spaniolo selected as new President & CEO of the North Texas Commission

  • 45th Annual Members’ Luncheon featured New York Times Best-Seller and Political Commentator, Dana Perino, as keynote speaker

2015

  • Launched Leadership North Texas University

  • Hosts 44th Annual Members' Luncheon featuring Marc Cuban as the keynote speaker 

  • Hosted inaugural regional Health Care Summit

2014

  • Hosted an event to celebrate DFW Airport’s 40th Anniversary with National Geographic President and CEO, Gary Knell, as the keynote

  • Represented North Texas during the launch festivities in Edmonton celebrating daily, direct flights on American Airlines

  • Hosted a sold-out 2014 North Texas Water Summit with Hon. Joe Straus delivering the keynote address

2013

  • Launched Project North Texas, a summer-long program that brought together the region’s stakeholders for opportunities and challenges

  • Supported American Airlines through restructuring with the grassroots effort, American Keeps North Texas Flying

  • In partnership with DFW Airport, the Dallas Regional Chamber and Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce hosted government officials and business organization from the United Arab Emirates

2012

  • Launched NTX Vol. 1

  • Worked to plan and promote the last flight of USO Welcome Home a Hero Program

  • Implements and manages largest network of air pollution monitors in North Texas 

2011

  • Helped coordinate and plan Superbowl XLV.

  • Recognized regional leaders through Superhero Awards at 40th Annual Meeting

  • Coordinated trade mission to Australia in partnership with DFW Airport and other regional organizations

2010

  • ​Mabrie Jackson selected as new president of the Commission

  • Graduated inaugural class of Leadership North Texas

2009

  • ​Hosted the 38th Annual Membership Luncheon at the new Cowboys Stadium with over 1,00 attendees.

  • TEAM Award presented to State Senator John Corona, State Representative Vicki Truitt, City of Fort Worth Councilmember Jungus Jordan and City of Dallas Councilmember Linda Koop.

2008

  • NTC participated in the 2014 Final Four Bid Committee

  • TEAM Award presented to Oscar Trevino, City of North Richland Hills

2007

  • NTC Launches the new Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex America’s Global Logistics Center resources.

  • NTC assists in bringing Super Bowl 2011 to North Texas.

2006

  • NTC Celebrated its 35th Anniversary.

  • NTC launches 5th Edition North Texas Aviation directory.

  • TEAM Award presented to Charles Emery, Denton County Transportation Authority

2005

  • NTC assisted DFW Airport in opening of the new Skylink people mover.

  • NTC assisted in the opening of DFW Airport’s new International Terminal D.

  • TEAM Award presented to Steve McCullough, City of Irving

2004

  • DFW International Airport celebrates 30th Anniversary at the NTC Annual Membership Luncheon.

  • Regional Champion Award presented to Tarrant County Judge Tom Vandergriff

  • TEAM Award presented to Michael Morris, North Central Texas Council of Governments

2003

  • The first North Texas Commission Regional Champion Award was presented to Bob Bolen.

  • The North Texas Tollway Authority, NTC and DFW International Airport launched an interoperable “toll tag” for parking and access to DFW Airport.

  • TEAM Award presented to Linda Harper-Brown and Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition

2002

  • The launch of the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) between downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. In 1983, NTC facilitated an agreement between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth to purchase the Rock Island Railroad right-of-way which led to the 19-year development of the TRE.

  • TEAM Award presented to Florence Shapiro and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)

2001

  • Launched new 501(c)(3) North Texas Future Fund to focus on region’s long-term development.

  • TEAM Award presented to Ron Harris, Collin County Judge The Fort Worth “T” Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

2000

  • Receives $900,000 federal grant to conduct air quality information campaign with the North Texas Clean Air Coalition.

  • Played key role in the formation of the University of North Texas Logistics Center for Learning and Research.

  • TEAM Award presented to David M. Laney, Texas Transportation Commission

1999

  • NTC launches TEAM Award at annual Texas Transportation Summit for Excellence in Mobility. Awarded to Lee Jackson, Dallas County Judge.

  • NTC publishes DFW Metroplex: Region of Choice marketing resources.

  • Named model business-to-business mentoring program by the U.S. Department of the Treasury BusinessLINC coalition.

1998

  • NTC forms North Texas Science and Technology Coalition to promote technology industry and develop high tech workforce in the region.

  • NTC launches marketing effort of the D/FW Metroplex high tech industry with publication of Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex: Where Computers, Communications and Commerce Converge.

  • NTC launches website, www.ntc-dfw.org.

1997

  • NTC assists in formation of North Texas Tollway Authority.

  • NTC hosts the first North Texas Leaders Forum for the graduates of area leadership programs.

  • NTC assists DFW in securing new international air routes to Canada, Mexico and South America.

1996

  • NTC and “Partners in Mobility” host first Regional Transportation Summit.

  • NTC launches study and promotion of region’s information/communications industry.

  • NTC assists in the formation of an Area Emission Reduction Credit Organization.

1995

  • NTC assists DFW Airport in securing new Canadian air routes.

  • NTC assumes leadership role in the formation and funding of “Dallas/Fort Worth Area Partners in Mobility.” Partners present a coordinated surface transportation funding plan to the Texas Transportation Commission.

  • Commission signs federal “Clean Cities” agreement with North Central Texas Council of Governments.

  • NTC hosts a region-wide rally to locate new Texas Motor Speedway in the Metroplex.

1994

  • NTC targets region’s logistics industry for major study and promotional campaigns.

  • NTC is named regional center for U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Services Immigrant Investor Pilot Program to generate foreign investment, capital and jobs.

1993

  • NTC assumes leadership role in formation and activities of the North Texas Clean Air Coalition.

  • Mentor-Entrepreneur Program is launched to assist small business development in the Metroplex.

  • The Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Film Commission takes office space at the NTC.

1992

  • NTC targets North Texas aviation industry for world-wide promotion.

1990

  • “Campaign: North Texas” project promotes region to world through business leaders.

1989

  • NTC plays major role in the selection of Waxahachie as site of the Superconducting Super Collider.

  • NTC begins partnership with InterLink for regional quality workforce planning.

  • NTC assists DFW International Airport in gaining approvals to build new east side runway.

1988

  • NTC leads in formation and funding of D/FW International Trade Resource Center.

  • NTC assists Perot Group with feasibility study for Alliance Airport.

1985

  • NTC accepts assignment to promote and help develop Metroplex high-tech resources.

  • NTC leads North Texas support of successful “Water for Texas’ Future” campaign.

1984

  • Assists the City of Fort Worth in establishing the Fort Worth Transportation Authority.

1983

  • NTC supports and helps referendum which created Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).

1981

  • NTC works with DFW Airport to get permission to proceed with Foreign Trade Zone 39.

  • DFW International Airport is designated as official Fish & Wildlife Port of Entry.

1980

  • First Far East air route is inaugurated to Tokyo.

1979

  • U.S. Customs District Office opens in DFW.

1978

  • First DFW trans-Atlantic air route to London.

1977

  • Landed National “Right Attitude” advertising campaign.

  • Sankyo Electric is first major Japanese firm to establish an American subsidiary in D/FW.

1974

  • Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport opens.

  • NTC’s first corporate relocation success story – Associates Corporation of North America.

1973

  • NTC hosts dedication events for the opening of DFW Regional Airport and files applications for domestic air routes with the Federal Aviation Administration during regulation.

  • First North Texas Regional Economic Study.

  • Four foreign airlines open offices in the Metroplex.

1972

  • NTC coins and copyrights the term “Metroplex" and conducts the first Metroplex Economic Promotional Tour.

  • Places national ads, “An airport as big as Manhattan,” in 21 publications with 100 million impressions.

  • Conducts first Metroplex Economic Promotional Tour to Chicago, New York and Europe.

1971

  • NTC is chartered as a non-profit to market DFW Airport and the region.

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