December 20, 2024 

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its new Talent Committee, set to begin in January 2025. This initiative aims to address one of the most pressing concerns for local businesses—finding and retaining skilled workers. The committee’s mission is to identify the most critical talent needs in the community and collaborate on meaningful solutions. 

The committee’s first meeting will take place in January at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. It will include eight representatives from member companies, reflecting the hiring needs of Fort Worth’s business community: 

• Two members representing companies with 1 to 50 employees 

• Three members representing companies with 51 to 250 employees 

• Three members representing companies with more than 251 employees 

Mike Coffey, President of Imperative Information Group and the committee’s chair, will guide the team in laying the groundwork for impactful initiatives. “I’m excited to work with business leaders across Fort Worth to keep our city the best place to live and work,” Coffey stated, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in identifying solutions to the biggest challenges facing Fort Worth’s workforce. 

The focus on talent comes in response to consistent feedback from the Chamber’s business retention and expansion efforts. Businesses have identified several challenges: 

• A noticeable gap in soft skills, often called “power skills” 

• Difficulty in filling key roles in healthcare and IT/tech/software sectors 

• Overwhelming requests from schools and educational organizations for support, which can make it difficult for businesses to prioritize their efforts 

The committee has established an ambitious timeline for 2025: 

• By April: Complete workforce data collection and analysis, then recommend three key priorities to the Chamber’s Executive Committee. 

• By June: Form subcommittees to address each identified priority. 

• By September: Develop action plans and set milestones for each focus area. 

Subcommittees will include representatives from businesses, talent-development organizations, and local government to ensure broad collaboration. Regular progress updates will keep the Chamber’s leadership and members informed. 

This initiative aligns with the Chamber’s mission to bring the Fort Worth region together to address challenges, align resources, and foster a thriving business environment. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Fort Worth is uniquely positioned to lead in workforce innovation and economic prosperity. 

Updates on the Talent Committee’s progress, including the introduction of committee members, will be shared in January after the first meeting.