Phedra Redifer, Executive Director, WSNCT

Mercedes Bolen, Board Chair, WSNCT/North Central Texas Workforce Development Board

Begin the forum with an introduction to the day's themes and objectives, setting the groundwork for productive discussions and collaboration. 

Bryan Daniel, Chairman, TWC 

Phedra Redifer, Executive Director, WSNCT

Mercedes Bolen, Board Chair, WSNCT/North Central Texas Workforce Development Board

Join TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel in a discussion on the roles of Workforce, Education, and Economic Development, highlighting state trends and regional perspectives.

Moderator: Stefanie Wagoner, Director, Business Retention & Expansion, Frisco EDC

Jeanne L. Johnson, Director of Continuing Education, Collin College

Neil Foote, Executive Director, Frisco Marketing Strategy, UNT-Frisco

Phedra Redifer, Executive Director, WSNCT

Ashley Sine, Director of College, Career and Military Readiness, Frisco ISD

Find out why the Frisco Economic Development Corporation assembled a powerhouse workforce development group to help land a major corporation and how that Talent Task Force continues to give Frisco an advantage in attracting and retaining businesses. Learn how you can use this approach to augment your economic development strategy for greater impact.

Aaron Demerson, President and CEO, Texas Economic Development Corporation

Texas is built for business and attracting the attention of companies around the globe. Increase your competitive edge with insight from Aaron Demerson, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, as he discusses TxEDC's international business development strategy, recent successes and how North Central Texas economic developers can best position their areas as premier business destinations for international companies looking to locate, relocate and/or expand their business footprint.

Lunch is served

Mayor  Pro Tem Gere Feltus, McKinney, Texas

Mayor Pro Tem Feltus will briefly share his perspectives on pivotal growth strategies and the future economic landscape.

Dr. J.H. Cullum Clark, Director, Bush Institute's Economic Growth Initiative

Delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Cullum Clark, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative and Adjunct Professor of Economics at SMU, as he outlines his five-point formula for creating "high-opportunity" places that are foundational for thriving economies, businesses and communities.

Brief intermission

Dr Neil Matkin, District President, Collin College

Learn about Collin College's role in regional economic development from Dr. Neil Matkin .

Moderator: Jan Jungmann, BRE Manager, Allen EDC 

Dr. Suku Nair, Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer, SMU

Toni Crisler, Director of College, Career and Military Readiness, Allen ISD

Ashleigh Feuerbacher, Vice President, Stephenville Economic Development Authority

From local initiatives to multi-county consortiums tackling national imperatives, it's critical that workforce development and education partners align with industry and economic development priorities. Glean actionable ideas from Stephenville Economic Development Authority, Allen ISD and Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub leaders as they share their playbooks for creating and managing partnerships that produce results.

Bryan Daniel, Chairman, TWC 

Phedra Redifer, Executive Director, WSNCT

Hear reflections on the day's discussions and encouragement to apply these insights to regional growth.

Dismissed for the day, we invite you to network with peers and visit our Mobile Workforce Unit in the parking lot of the conference center.