We convene and educate public and private sector leaders to ensure that state and federal policies promote strong local governments, support excellence in public schools, increase the skilled workforce pipeline, and safeguard a thriving business environment.
Together as a unified region, we will continue to improve the sustainability and inclusivity of our economic competitiveness.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is unique. Home to 8.5 million people, North Texas, is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. We are currently the nation’s 4th largest region, and we are quickly making our way to the top three as we have 15 cities with a population of more than 100,000. We are proud to have a diverse, strong economy with a positive future trajectory.
A region as unique as ours needs a special kind of organization to serve it. That is why the North Texas Commission exists.
We provide extensive professional training and diversity programming for established and rising leaders. We inform decision makers around the world about the benefits of doing business in North Texas. We are quickly becoming the region’s go-to policy think tank to prepare our area for future growth.
Convening is deep in our roots. From NTC's beginning in 1971 to help establish DFW Airport, worked to develop the NTTA, spearhead the bid for Super Bowl XLV, and even today with the development of our legislative priorities and updating the regional plan by our 2050 Plan – it wouldn't be accomplished without the region’s business and civic leaders we bring to the table.
MEET THE TEAM
Chris Wallace
President and CEO
Chris Wallace has been President/CEO of the Commission since June, 2018. Under his leadership, the NTC is quickly building its strength and capacity uniting prominent leaders to tackle the greatest challenges for our 13-county region. Today, the NTC manages the region's legislative advocacy at the state/federal levels.
Prior to joining the NTC, Wallace served as the President/COO of the Texas Association of Business. For 10 years, he served as President/ CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber.
Wallace graduated from Texas Tech University from the College of Media and Communications. He was named an outstanding alumnus in 2008. In 2019 and 2020, Wallace was named among Dallas' 500 most powerful business leaders in DFW by D CEO Magazine.
469.359.5336
Patrick Brophey
Chief Operating Officer
469.359.5333
As Chief Operating Officer, Patrick oversees the day-to-day management of the NTC office and team and as a NTC board liaison. As a registered lobbyist, he leads the Commission's advocacy team and manages the North Texas Regional Chamber Coalition.
Patrick graduated from Texas Christian University, where he studied Communication and Political Science. Patrick has experience in local, state, and federal government and politics, having worked in legislative offices and on local and congressional campaigns in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Patrick lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Caitlin, and their daughter.
Dawn Miller
Chief Administrative Officer
469.359.5335
Dawn Miller is the Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for the efforts, results, and success of the Commission. In this role, she provides financial advice and support to help senior management make key decisions, as well as coordinate office administration and procedures, to ensure organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and safety.
Dawn and her husband, Doug, live in Sanibel FL. and have three grown children. A cornerstone member of the NTC staff, Dawn has been with the organization for over 35 years.
Andrea Coker
Vice President, Strategic Communication & Federal Advocacy
Andrea will oversees the NTC’s communications, marketing, issue-based campaigns, federal policy development, and management of relationships with North Texas Federal Delegation offices.
From the UK Parliament to Congress, Andrea Coker has a rich background in a variety of roles, most recently leading communications at Visit Dallas to serving as a Communications Director for a U.S. Congress member. She has also worked to pass billions in school and city bonds in DFW, served a lead on many municipal elections as well as managed the PR for the Dallas Police Association. Andrea and her husband Michael live in Dallas with their three children, Margaret, Odette, and George and French bulldog puppy, Fred.
469.359.5334
Henry Bryan
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
469.359.5326
As the North Texas Commission's Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Henry will serve as liaison to our Board of Directors and Executive Committee, assist current and new members in engagement and manage benefits, assist in design and development of new programs for current and prospective stakeholders, and assist in our NTC Lobby Team with policy research/analysis and communication strategies in DC and Austin.
He has spent more than three years working in government relations with experience in multiple levels of government. Before joining the NTC team he worked as a Government Relations Account Executive at a Dallas-based Public Affairs firm where he assisted his clients with their work in city, county, and state level public-private partnerships. He also led research efforts for code compliance for multiple clients.
Henry also spent two years working as a fundraiser and consultant on multiple federal and state level campaigns that included both incumbent and new candidates where he focused on fundraising, compliance, and campaign messaging. He graduated from Southern Methodist University where he studied Political Communication and Advertising.
Linda Valdez Thompson
Director, Leadership Development & Diversity Programs,
Valdez Thompson Consulting, LLC.
Linda Valdez Thompson serves as the Director of Leadership North Texas. In this role, she manages all aspects of the Commission's leadership development programming.
Linda brings many years of regional leadership to the Commission. Previously, she served as the Executive Vice President of Administration, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at DFW Airport. During her time at the airport, she was one of the highest-ranking Latinas in the airport industry.
Linda has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Midwestern State University and a Masters's in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.
Jennifer Rodriguez
State Lobbyist
Attorney-At-Law
Jennifer Rodriguez currently serves as one of the Commission's State Lobbyist.
Jennifer represents clients and governmental entities before the Texas Legislature and regulatory agencies. She primarily focuses on her practice on local government, occupational regulation, economic development, defense contracting and technology.
Jennifer has worked in state government and politics since 1995.
Chris Lamond
Federal Lobbyist, Thorn Run Partners
Chris Lamond brings significant experience in developing, implementing, and managing federal government relation strategies to the Commission.
Mr. Lamond founded Thorn Run Partners in 2010 after seven years with Ogilvy Government Relations. He has built a career representing clients before federal, state, and local governments and brings more than 20 years of experience working for and with governmental entities.
Christopher Lee
Director, State Advocacy
469.359.5327
Christopher Lee joined the Commission in January of 2022. As Director of State Relations, he leads NTC's legislative tracking and relationships. Christopher works closely on advocacy issues as part of the Commission's Legislative Team and manages the Higher Education Committee.
Christopher graduated from the University of North Texas where he served as Student Regent in 2017. Previously he worked with the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, JUUL Labs and the Texas Legislature. He brings more than seven years of experience in local, state, and federal policy and politics to the NTC team.
Christopher lives in Farmers Branch with his wife Karen, daughter Rebecca, and their German Shepherd, Maverick.
DianaLee Enriquez
Communications & Engagement Manager
As Communications and Engagement Manager for the North Texas Commission, DianaLee manages web assets, social media channels, and email marketing campaigns and assists with marketing/communications plan. She also leads event sponsorship management and event and program planning.
Before NTC, she began her career during her undergraduate studies at Sam Houston State University, working on campaigns, nonprofits and grassroots efforts. She went on to join Governor Abbott’s team in the Rio Grande Valley, where she significantly increased Hispanic voter outreach in South Texas. After a victorious win in 2022, DianaLee went on to join Chairman Todd Hunter’s team for the 88th Texas Legislative Session. Her successful tenure there led her to the private sector, where she managed various projects across Texas.
469.444.8733
Dan Johnson
Local Government Policy and Program Advisor
Dan Johnson has joined the NTC Team as a Local Government Policy & Program Advisor. He is essential to the new initiatives for strategic planning of the 2050 plan for the North Texas Commission. Before serving as the LGPP Advisor, he served as a member of the executive committee.
Dan Johnson is a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas, Dan has devoted 45 years of experience as a public administrator ranging from working in the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the City of Carrollton, the City of Sherman, and the City of Richardson. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Austin College, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Texas. He was the 2022 Citizen of the Year for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve the North Texas region on multiple board positions and as an adjunct professor at UNT and the University of Texas at Dallas. He recently retired as City Manager of Richardson, TX
.Dan and his wife Tina, live in Richardson where he continues to be an active public administration consultant advisor and instructor. In their spare time, Dan and Tina homeschool their miniature schnauzer, Luna.
Jim Keffer
Senior Policy Advisor
For 20 years, Jim Keffer served in the Texas House of Representatives. During his time, he served as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, as well as the Economic Development, and Energy Resources Committees.
Jim currently resides in Eastland, where he is President of EBAA Iron Sales. He is a former Eastland County GOP Chair and graduate of Texas Tech University.
He currently serves as a senior policy advisor for the North Texas Commission. In this role, he helps the Legislative Team with policy issues.
Sophia Johnson
Founder & CEO
Alpha Business Images, LLC
Caitlyn Sartin
As Project Manager for the North Texas Commission, Caitlyn is responsible for managing day-to-day tasks around the office, sponsorship solicitation, on site event set up, etc. In addition, she provides support to the executive staff, supports event staff, and is the head staff liaison for the Leadership North Texas program.
Caitlyn holds a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies from Texas Tech University. She currently resides in Aubrey with her husband Dillon, and two dogs, Duke and Tessa.
José Carreon
Program Advisor for LNT/ELNT
469.359.5324
As Stakeholder Relation's Manager, José oversees new member engagement efforts, stakeholder programs, and assists in managing NTC's Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Councils. Additionally, he supports the Legislative Team by maintaining relations with our State and Federal delegation offices.
Prior to joining the NTC team, José served as Assistant Director of Marketing Campaigns at Dallas College. He has over 8 years of experience working in the Dallas political, non-profit, and higher education sectors.
José is an alum of Dallas College and the University of Texas at Austin. He currently resides in the Bishop Arts neighborhood in Dallas.
Marc Rodriguez
State Lobbyist
The Offices of Marc A. Rodriguez
Marc Rodriguez currently serves as one of the Commission's State Lobbyist.
In his work as a government relations consultant, he uses personal experience as an entrepreneur to identify with and understand his clients' industry challenges. Mr. Rodriguez has worked on state legislative issues for the last 13 consecutive Texas state legislative sessions and has a professional history of representing entities with elected and appointed boards.
Charles Luke
Policy Advisor, Education/Workforce Development, TEC Consultants
Dr. Charles Luke has over 35 years in business development, non-profit, and education-related work. A former Texas public school superintendents, Dr. Luke is a strong advocate for education throughout the State of Texas. He works closely with the Commission's Legislative Team to advocate for educational issues affecting North Texas.
Dr. Luke serves as the Director of the Coalition for Education Funding, is a co-director of Pastors for Texas Children, coordinator for the Coalition for Public Schools. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Veterans Coalition of Tarrant County.
Daphne Kent
Daphne has served as the President and CEO for North Central Texas InterLink since September 2023. In this role, she is focused on bridging the gap between education, business, and government.
Prior to joining InterLink in 2023, Daphne served as an educator for 17 years, with 14 years of experience in K-12 and 5 years of experience at the post-secondary level. Her education experience includes teaching at both the secondary and post-secondary levels as well as K-12 administrative experience, including serving as the Executive Director for Fort Worth ISD from 2019-2023.
Currently, Daphne serves on multiple education advisory boards across the North Central Texas region. She has also served as a Texas HOSA Board Member and member of the National Human Genome Research Institutes Genomic Literacy Education and Engagement Initiative.
President and CEO, North Central Texas Interlink
817.932.5990
TIMELINE OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2021
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Hosted first NTX Infrastructure Summit and celebrated 50 years of service to North Texas.
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Awarded the Texas Friends of Public Education Award for NTC's tireless advocacy work in the 86th and 87th regular sessions.
2020
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Together with region's county judges, the NTC responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and launched NTX Mayors Economic Recovery Council with the NCTCOG to unify the region's response and recovery.
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Commission launches Topic: North Texas podcast
2019
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Hosted inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit with a sold-out audience.
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Celebrated the 10th anniversary of Leadership North Texas.
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NTC and New American Economy release a study highlighting the economic impact of immigration
2018
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Launched the North Texas Advocacy Coalition, a non-partisan initiative to strengthen and unify the North Texas business and civic voices in Austin and in D.C.
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Chris Wallace selected as new President & CEO of the North Texas Commission
2017
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46th Annual Members’ Luncheon with Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW International Airport.
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Leadership North Texas Class 8 graduates, Class 9 launches.
2016
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James D. Spaniolo selected as new President & CEO of the North Texas Commission
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45th Annual Members’ Luncheon featured New York Times Best-Seller and Political Commentator, Dana Perino, as keynote speaker.
2015
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Launched Leadership North Texas University
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Hosts 44th Annual Members' Luncheon featuring Marc Cuban as the keynote speaker
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Hosted inaugural regional Health Care Summit
2014
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Hosted an event to celebrate DFW Airport’s 40th Anniversary with National Geographic President and CEO, Gary Knell, as the keynote.
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Represented North Texas during the launch festivities in Edmonton celebrating daily, direct flights on American Airlines.
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Hosted a sold-out 2014 North Texas Water Summit with Hon. Joe Straus delivering the keynote address.
2013
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Launched Project North Texas, a summer-long program that brought together the region’s stakeholders for opportunities and challenges.
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Supported American Airlines through restructuring with the grassroots effort, American Keeps North Texas Flying.
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In partnership with DFW Airport, the Dallas Regional Chamber and Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce hosted government officials and business organization from the United Arab Emirates.
2012
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Launched NTX Vol. 1
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Worked to plan and promote the last flight of USO Welcome Home a Hero Program.
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Implements and manages largest network of air pollution monitors in North Texas.
2011
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Helped coordinate and plan Superbowl XLV.
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Recognized regional leaders through Superhero Awards at 40th Annual Meeting
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Coordinated trade mission to Australia in partnership with DFW Airport and other regional organizations
2010
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Mabrie Jackson selected as new president of the Commission
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Graduated inaugural class of Leadership North Texas
2009
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Hosted first NTX Infrastructure Summit and celebrated 50 years of service to North Texas.
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Awarded the Texas Friends of Public Education Award for NTC's tireless advocacy work in the 86th and 87th regular sessions.
2008
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NTC participated in the 2014 Final Four Bid Committee
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TEAM Award presented to Oscar Trevino, City of North Richland Hills
2007
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NTC Launches the new Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex America’s Global Logistics Center resources.
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NTC assists in bringing Super Bowl 2011 to North Texas.
2006
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NTC Celebrated its 35th Anniversary.
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NTC launches 5th Edition North Texas Aviation directory.
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TEAM Award presented to Charles Emery, Denton County Transportation Authority
2005
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NTC assisted DFW Airport in opening of the new Skylink people mover.
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NTC assisted in the opening of DFW Airport’s new International Terminal D.
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TEAM Award presented to Steve McCullough, City of Irving
2004
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DFW International Airport celebrates 30th Anniversary at the NTC Annual Membership Luncheon.
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Regional Champion Award presented to Tarrant County Judge Tom Vandergriff
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TEAM Award presented to Michael Morris, North Central Texas Council of Governments
2003
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The first North Texas Commission Regional Champion Award was presented to Bob Bolen.
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The North Texas Tollway Authority, NTC and DFW International Airport launched an interoperable “toll tag” for parking and access to DFW Airport.
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TEAM Award presented to Linda Harper-Brown and Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition
2002
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The launch of the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) between downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. In 1983, NTC facilitated an agreement between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth to purchase the Rock Island Railroad right-of-way which led to the 19-year development of the TRE.
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TEAM Award presented to Florence Shapiro and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
2001
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Launched new 501(c)(3) North Texas Future Fund to focus on region’s long-term development.
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TEAM Award presented to Ron Harris, Collin County Judge The Fort Worth “T” Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
2000
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Receives $900,000 federal grant to conduct air quality information campaign with the North Texas Clean Air Coalition.
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Played key role in the formation of the University of North Texas Logistics Center for Learning and Research.
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TEAM Award presented to David M. Laney, Texas Transportation Commission
1999
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NTC launches TEAM Award at annual Texas Transportation Summit for Excellence in Mobility. Awarded to Lee Jackson, Dallas County Judge.
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NTC publishes DFW Metroplex: Region of Choice marketing resources.
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Named model business-to-business mentoring program by the U.S. Department of the Treasury BusinessLINC coalition.
1998
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NTC forms North Texas Science and Technology Coalition to promote technology industry and develop high tech workforce in the region.
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NTC launches marketing effort of the D/FW Metroplex high tech industry with publication of Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex: Where Computers, Communications and Commerce Converge.
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NTC launches website, www.ntc-dfw.org.
1997
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NTC assists in formation of North Texas Tollway Authority.
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NTC hosts the first North Texas Leaders Forum for the graduates of area leadership programs.
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NTC assists DFW in securing new international air routes to Canada, Mexico and South America.
1996
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NTC and “Partners in Mobility” host first Regional Transportation Summit.
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NTC launches study and promotion of region’s information/communications industry.
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NTC assists in the formation of an Area Emission Reduction Credit Organization.
1995
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NTC assists DFW Airport in securing new Canadian air routes.
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NTC assumes leadership role in the formation and funding of “Dallas/Fort Worth Area Partners in Mobility.” Partners present a coordinated surface transportation funding plan to the Texas Transportation Commission.
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Commission signs federal “Clean Cities” agreement with North Central Texas Council of Governments.
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NTC hosts a region-wide rally to locate new Texas Motor Speedway in the Metroplex.
1994
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NTC targets region’s logistics industry for major study and promotional campaigns.
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NTC is named regional center for U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Services Immigrant Investor Pilot Program to generate foreign investment, capital and jobs.
1993
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NTC assumes leadership role in formation and activities of the North Texas Clean Air Coalition.
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Mentor-Entrepreneur Program is launched to assist small business development in the Metroplex.
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The Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Film Commission takes office space at the NTC.
1992
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NTC targets North Texas aviation industry for world-wide promotion.
1990
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“Campaign: North Texas” project promotes region to world through business leaders.
1989
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NTC plays major role in the selection of Waxahachie as site of the Superconducting Super Collider.
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NTC begins partnership with InterLink for regional quality workforce planning.
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NTC assists DFW International Airport in gaining approvals to build new east side runway.
1988
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NTC leads in formation and funding of D/FW International Trade Resource Center.
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NTC assists Perot Group with feasibility study for Alliance Airport.
1985
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NTC accepts assignment to promote and help develop Metroplex high-tech resources.
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NTC leads North Texas support of successful “Water for Texas’ Future” campaign.
1984
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Assists the City of Fort Worth in establishing the Fort Worth Transportation Authority.
1983
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Launched new 501(c)(3) North Texas Future Fund to focus on region’s long-term development.
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TEAM Award presented to Ron Harris, Collin County Judge The Fort Worth “T” Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
1981
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NTC works with DFW Airport to get permission to proceed with Foreign Trade Zone 39.
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DFW International Airport is designated as official Fish & Wildlife Port of Entry.
1980
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First Far East air route is inaugurated to Tokyo.
1979
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U.S. Customs District Office opens in DFW.
1978
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First DFW trans-Atlantic air route to London.
1977
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Landed National “Right Attitude” advertising campaign.
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Sankyo Electric is first major Japanese firm to establish an American subsidiary in D/FW.
1974
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Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport opens.
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NTC’s first corporate relocation success story – Associates Corporation of North America.
1973
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NTC hosts dedication events for the opening of DFW Regional Airport and files applications for domestic air routes with the Federal Aviation Administration during regulation.
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First North Texas Regional Economic Study.
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Four foreign airlines open offices in the Metroplex.
1972
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NTC coins and copyrights the term “Metroplex" and conducts the first Metroplex Economic Promotional Tour.
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Places national ads, “An airport as big as Manhattan,” in 21 publications with 100 million impressions.
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Conducts first Metroplex Economic Promotional Tour to Chicago, New York and Europe.
1971
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NTC is chartered as a non-profit to market DFW Airport and the region.