Chairman’s
Letter
Connections.
We make them every day. Flight connections.
Business connections. Family connections.
It’s the core of human nature.
And, it’s the core of the North Texas Commission.
As I reflect back on my time as your North Texas Commission Chairman, it’s obvious
that the strength of our region lies within the people. It’s not 6.8 million people acting
independently. The strength is in the citizens of North Texas coming together to build
a better future for all North Texans.
The North Texas Commission’s history is steeped in connections. More than 43 years
ago, the forefathers of the region formed this organization to foster collaboration to
build an international airport that doesn’t just connect Dallas and Fort Worth, but also
connects us to the world.
This past year we’ve deepened connections made through initiatives such as
Project North Texas, a regional visioning program to determine our opportunities
and challenges, and Leadership North Texas, which graduated its fifth program year
in 2014, bringing the number of alumni to 144. We celebrated our connection to the
world with the 40th anniversary celebration of DFW International Airport during the
43rd Annual Members’ Luncheon featuring National Geographic.
Our members have made connections with leaders abroad, through meetings and
events with business executives from Edmonton, Chile and the Asia-Pacific region.
The North Texas Commission continues to share the message of our vast and diverse
region through NTX Magazine, media placements in Brazil and China and the various
translations of the North Texas Profile.
With the understanding that no man — or organization — is an island, the
North Texas Commission has collaborated with organizations across the region
including the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the Texas State Guard,
Hope for the Brave, H2O4TX and The Cliburn International, to name a few.
And, finally, through the united front of our members, we’ve advocated on
issues that connect us all — clean air, long-range water planning and a
business-friendly environment.
The North Texas Commission is your organization. It’s your opportunity to connect
to your peers across 12 counties and 9,000 square miles. My parting words to you
as your Chairman are to take a moment to connect, and become part of the vast
and diverse region. Give a little bit of yourself, and receive the knowledge that you
are making a difference to build a better North Texas.
Chairman
David Tesmer
Senior Vice President
Texas Health Resources
NTC Annual Report 2014
1