Come join us at Stephen F. Austin State University on November 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM (Central Time) for a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

Our summit aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and community members to explore ways to drive economic growth in the region.

Don't miss this chance to be part of the conversation and contribute to shaping the future of economic development in the Texas Forest Country.

We look forward to seeing you there!

8:00 am- Registration and Booths Open

8:30 am- Opening Ceremonies Moderator: Eddie Hopkins, TFCP Treasurer and a Past Chair

Business Development Representative, Kelly & Company

Prayer & Lunch Blessing David Brandon- Retired Commissioner, San Jacinto County Precinct 3

Chair, Texas Forest Country Partnership

Posting of Colors, Pledges, National Anthem Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

8:55 am- Welcome: Dr. Neal Weaver, President- Stephen F. Austin State University

Randy Johnson, Mayor-City of Nacogdoches

9:00 am- Session 1: Breakfast Keynote- “Rooted in Security: Defending Against Modern Cyber Threats”

Jon Robertson- Cyber Defense and Compliance Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), Business and Cyber Solutions

9:45 am- BREAK

10:00 am- Session 2: “Navigating the AI Workforce Revolution: Empowering Small Businesses to Adapt"

Bob Milner, Air Force Veteran & Director of the Entrepreneurship Program and Co-Director of the Center for Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship at Sam Houston State University

10:45 am: BREAK

11:00 am –Session 3: "The Economics of Losing Your Hospital" Kevin J. Lambing- MBA,

Senior Program Officer for Health at the T.L.L. Temple Foundation

11:45 am: Session 4: "Partners in Progress: Education and Workforce Development"

Moderator: Brent McLemore, Director, Professional and Continuing Education- Stephen F. Austin State University

Panelist: Dr. Neal Weaver, President- Stephen F. Austin State University

Dr. Michael Simon, President- Angelina College

Dr. Ty Cauthen, Executive Director- Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas

Nicole Colvin, Director- Deep East Texas College & Career Alliance

12:30 pm: LUNCH/TFCP Board Recognitions & Annual Meeting

David Brandon- Retired Commissioner, San Jacinto County Precinct 3 & Chair, TFCP

1:00 pm: Featured Speaker- Aaron Demerson- President & CEO, Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC)

Special Guest- Fred Poston- Executive Director, Texas Media Production Alliance

1:30pm: Silver Bucket Award

1:45 pm- Session 5: Securing the Flow: Addressing Rural Water Challenges in Deep East Texas

Moderator: Don Iles, Middle Basin Regional Manager- Sabine River Authority

Panelis t: David Montagne- Executive Vice President & General Manager, Sabine River Authority

Kelley Holcomb- General Manager, Angelina & Neches River Authority

Scott Hall- General Manager, Lower Neches Valley River Authority

Douglas Haude-Southern Region Manager, Trinity River Authority

2:30 pm- Session 6: "Deep East Texas at the Crossroads: Legislative Leadership in Economic Development"

Moderator: Kara Mayfield, President/Principal, Mayercorp, Inc./Texas Star Alliance/Co-Founder-Raising up Rural

Panelist: The Honorable Robert Nichols- Texas Senate District 3

The Honorable Trent Ashby- Texas House District 9

The Honorable Janis Holt- Texas House District 18

The Honorable Joanne Shofner- Texas House District 11

3:30 pm- Adjourn Summit- David Brandon- Retired Commissioner, San Jacinto County Precinct 3

Chair, TFCP