Local and regional leaders gathered on Tuesday, January 27, for a Workforce Convening hosted at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, bringing together stakeholders across education, workforce, and industry to discuss the future of economic growth in Fort Bend County.
The event featured Commissioner Andy Meyers and Juliet K. Stipeche, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, and focused on aligning systems to support sustainable growth and economic mobility as the region continues to expand.
“Fort Bend is at a pivotal moment,” said Stipeche. “This convening was about asking not whether our region is growing, but what kind of growth we are building and whether our systems are aligned to sustain it. Economic mobility is a measure of how well our education, workforce, and industry systems work together so people can move from opportunity to stability and employers can grow without constantly rebuilding their workforce.”
Commissioner Meyers served as a welcoming and engaged host, setting the tone for an open and productive discussion centered on workforce development, education, and employer partnerships.
“Fort Bend’s economic growth demands coordination, planning, and strategic collaboration, and our region’s leaders take that seriously,” said Commissioner Meyers. “I appreciate the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and Juliet Stipeche’s leadership in convening our partners around a shared focus on workforce development and economic development, ensuring the Governor’s confidence in our leadership is matched by meaningful, coordinated action.”
The agenda included welcoming remarks from Keri Schmidt, President & CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, followed by an overview from Stipeche and an economic insights presentation by Ron Borski, Senior Labor Market Analyst at Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast. The program also featured a facilitated group discussion led by Carl Salazar, Director of Communications at Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, and a visioning exercise guided by Leigh Ann Arnold, Senior Director at Outreach Strategists.
The visioning exercise proved to be a highlight of the convening, giving attendees an opportunity to capture and share their aspirations for Fort Bend’s future. The collaborative activity reinforced the importance of cross-sector alignment as the region continues to grow.
From a board perspective, the convening underscored the importance of accountability and alignment.
“From a board perspective, convenings like this are where strategy meets accountability,” said Board Member Adrian Ozuna. “Bringing together education, workforce, and industry leaders allows us to assess whether our investments and policies are truly aligned with economic mobility outcomes. This conversation reinforced the importance of collaboration and data-informed decision-making as Fort Bend continues to grow.”
The convening concluded with closing remarks from Commissioner Meyers and Stipeche, reinforcing a shared commitment to collaboration and coordinated action in support of Fort Bend County’s workforce and economic future.
