Forging Central Texas Industry and Growth Summit Brings Together Leaders Shaping the Future of Texas
On May 21, 2026, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce welcomed business leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and regional stakeholders to the Forging Central Texas Industry and Growth Summit at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.
The summit served as a powerful platform for conversations surrounding the future of Texas and Central Texas economic development, bringing together voices from government, aviation, transportation, defense, energy, workforce development, and international investment.
Throughout the day, attendees gained valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping the region’s future while building strategic relationships with leaders actively driving growth across Texas.
Opening the Conversation
The event began with welcome remarks from Chamber leadership, setting the tone for a day focused on innovation, collaboration, and long-term regional competitiveness. Janie Havel of the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and Justin Crossie of the U.S. Small Business Administration shared perspectives on statewide economic priorities, small business growth, and Texas’ continued position as a leader in economic expansion.
Exploring Aviation, Infrastructure and Mobility
One of the summit’s key themes centered on connectivity and infrastructure. Industry experts and transportation leaders discussed how aviation growth, strategic infrastructure investment, and mobility innovation are reshaping economic opportunities across Central Texas.
Panelists from organizations including TxDOT, BNSF Railway, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, CapMetro, and Delta Air Lines highlighted the importance of regional partnerships and transportation systems in supporting business attraction, workforce mobility, and long-term development.
Global Investment and Economic Opportunity
Attendees also heard insightful discussions focused on foreign direct investment (FDI) and Texas’ growing international presence. Russell Gallahan of the Texas Comptroller’s Office joined Jacey Jetton of KoreaTexas Forum and Dr. Kyonghoon Kim of the Korea International Trade Association to discuss how global companies evaluate regions for investment and why Texas continues to stand out as a destination for international business expansion.
The conversation reinforced Central Texas’ strategic advantages, including workforce availability, transportation access, military presence, and business-friendly policies.
Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies
A featured presentation from Dr. Rusty Towell, Founding Director of Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab), highlighted emerging energy technologies and the growing national conversation surrounding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and energy resilience.
Additional discussions featuring Giovanni Capriglione of the Texas Blockchain Council, Thomas Healy of Hyliion, and Anuja Sonalker of STEER Tech showcased how emerging industries and advanced technologies are influencing the future economy and creating new opportunities across Texas.
Defense and Industry Partnerships
The summit concluded with a dynamic panel focused on the business of defense and the growing relationship between military priorities, private industry, and regional economic growth.
With Fort Hood serving as a major economic driver for the region, panelists discussed future partnerships, defense innovation, and how national security initiatives continue to shape Central Texas’ economy.
Building Connections That Matter
Beyond the presentations and panel discussions, the summit created meaningful opportunities for attendees to connect, collaborate, and strengthen relationships across industries.
From local business leaders to state and international representatives, the event reflected the Greater Killeen Chamber’s commitment to positioning Central Texas for continued growth and success.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce extends sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make the 2026 Forging Central Texas Industry and Growth Summit a success.
Special thanks to our Signature Sponsor, Fort Hood Region Economic Development Foundation; Host Sponsor, KoreaTexas Forum; and Gold Sponsors Centex Technologies, Hanmi Bank, and Killeen Economic Development Corporation for their leadership and support of this important regional event.
We also thank all of our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, panelists, partners, volunteers, and attendees for contributing to a day of meaningful conversations, strategic connections, and collaboration focused on the future growth of Central Texas.
Together, we are helping position Central Texas for continued economic growth, innovation, and opportunity.
Watch Panel 4: The Business of Defense
Want to revisit the discussion or catch a session you missed? Watch the full panel, "The Business of Defense: Industry Insights & Future Partnerships," on the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel.
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9G8Ub1Cwb4
View Event Photos
Be sure to check out photos from the 2026 Forging Central Texas Industry and Growth Summit on our Flickr page:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeentxchamber/albums/72177720333827903