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This week, TAB hosted an economic development summit, Texas Dynamism: Powering the Next Economic Frontier. The event brought together leading voices in business, policy, innovation, and infrastructure for a focused program at the Boeing Tech Center. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Port San Antonio – a major center for aerospace, cyber, defense, and advanced technology.

A fireside chat with Governor Greg Abbott anchored the program – during which he highlighted Texas’ Economy of the Future:

“Texas is the blueprint for America’s future economic success. We are leading America as the headquarters of headquarters, are the No. 1 state for job creation, and have no state income tax. We will ensure the freedom and opportunity that Texas has always offered will remain the beacon that draws people from all over the world to our great state.”

-Texas Governor Greg Abbott

After our conversation, I presented Governor Abbott with our first-ever Champion of Capitalism award in recognition of his support for pro-business policies that keep Texas at the front of national competitiveness.

The Summit featured a full slate of panels that showcased the depth of Texas leadership. We began with Adriana Cruz, Texas’ Chief Economic Development Officer, who outlined how Texas continues to set the standard for economic growth and global competitiveness.

AI and the Texas Advantage

TAB’s Megan Mauro, who leads the Tech Means Business Coalition and serves as Texas Chapter President of the American Innovators Network (AIN), moderated the first discussion. The conversation examined how startups and global companies are positioning Texas as the center of American AI progress.

Trade and Global Competitiveness


I moderated the next discussion, which focused on trade flows, advanced manufacturing, and the infrastructure that keeps Texas competitive across global markets.

Panelists included State Representative John Lujan, Alejandro Laplana, Founder of Shokworks, Joaquin Spamer, CEO of Commodities Integrated Logistics, and Margaret Wilson Anaglia, Chair of Port San Antonio. The group examined Texas supply chain strengths, cross border commerce, and opportunities tied to the upcoming 2026 review of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement.

Aerospace 


Before the lunch program, we heard from Norman Garza, Executive Director of the Texas Space Commission, Brigette Oaks of Firefly, and Kim Scott of Boeing.

TAB Board Member Esmy Villarreal, President and CEO of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, moderated this session. The panel explored how Texas can remain the strongest economy in the country and beyond by leading the next wave of aerospace innovation.

Brownsville Chamber of Commerce President & CEO and TAB Board Member Esmy Villarreal

U.S. Chamber Presents Small Business AI Report

At lunchtime, we heard a presentation from Michael Blanco, State & Local Policy Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center, highlighting key findings from the Chamber’s recent report finding that the majority of American small businesses embrace AI, which empowers businesses with new tools that help pay dividends for growth and productivity.

Energy Dominance and AI


Following the fireside chat, Hesston Klenk of AES led a discussion on how Texas energy resources are adapting to meet rapidly rising AI demand.

Participants included Jared Shaffer, Executive Director of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, Justin Lopas of Base Power Company, Ricky Burns of BP America, and Adam Lenarz of Last Energy. They examined how to align AI growth with energy reliability and how Texas can maintain its global leadership in both sectors.

Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain Security


The final session of the day focused on the role of advanced manufacturing in innovation, job creation, and national resilience.

Dale Robertson, Vice President of Business Development at the Texas Economic Development Corporation, moderated a discussion with Joe Esparza, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor of San Jacinto College, and Dr. Pavan Kumar of Ultrahuman. The group analyzed how Texas can deepen its manufacturing capacity and strengthen critical supply chains.

Texas Dynamism delivered a clear message: our state is not only keeping pace with global competition, but charting the course for the next economic frontier. The event brought forward informed perspectives that will shape the future of the Texas business climate and reinforce our state’s role as the strongest economic engine in the country.

–Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Texas Association of Business

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