December 14, 2023 

The Fort Worth Chamber, in collaboration with city leaders and several community organizations, recently welcomed DrinkPAK to Fort Worth with a new initiative called Welcome Fort Worth. Welcome Fort Worth, a new onboarding process for businesses relocating to Fort Worth led by the Chamber and the City of Fort Worth, marks a significant step in integrating new businesses into the local community, with DrinkPAK being the first to experience this innovative approach. 

Key players in this initiative include representatives from the City of Fort Worth, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, TCC Opportunity Center, Danone, University of North Texas, Fort Worth ISD, University of Texas at Arlington, and more. These entities have come together to ensure a smooth transition for DrinkPAK, a leading beverage manufacturer, into the Fort Worth business landscape. The Task Force overseeing the initiative is co-chaired by Robert Sturns, Economic Development Director for the City of Fort Worth, and Ben Robertson, Fort Worth Chamber East Area Board Chair and Business Retention and Expansion Committee Member.  

Holly Schroeder, Vice President of External Affairs at DrinkPAK, praised this effort, stating, "As DrinkPAK prepares for its expansion into Fort Worth, the Chamber, Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership and the City of Fort Worth have been invaluable partners and have helped us expedite connections with recruiting and training partners as well as other manufacturers." 

DRINKPAK'S EXPANSION INTO FORT WORTH 

DrinkPAK, known for its state-of-the-art beverage manufacturing, announced in November 2023 the expansion of its operations in the DFW area, with two new facilities bringing 1,000 jobs and a $452M capital investment. This move signifies a major boost for the region's economy and the beverage manufacturing industry. 

Nate Patena, CEO of DrinkPAK, commented: "We're thrilled to expand in Fort Worth and anticipate creating new jobs and integrating into the community. The support from local counties and the City of Fort Worth has been incredible." 

THE ONBOARDING PROCESS 

The Fort Worth Chamber, along with entities like the United Way of Tarrant County, TCC, TCU, and FWEDP, are focusing on enhancing the relocation experience for businesses. By gathering insights from recently relocated companies, the Chamber aims to establish a comprehensive onboarding process that includes guidance on local resources and community engagement. 

Sara Thurber, VP of Economic Development at FWEDP, remarked, "Our objective is to provide exceptional customer service to new companies, facilitating their seamless integration into our vibrant community." 

LOOKING AHEAD 

As this initiative progresses, the Chamber and its partners will continue to refine their approach, ensuring that new businesses in Fort Worth not only settle in but also prosper. This effort is a testament to Fort Worth's dedication to nurturing its business ecosystem and maintaining its status as a dynamic and welcoming community. 

Welcome Fort Worth marks a significant advancement in supporting business relocation and integration, setting a precedent for other cities to follow. DrinkPAK's successful integration will serve as a model for future businesses considering Fort Worth as their new home.