During their time on Capitol Hill, the group met with Senator John Boozman, representatives of Senator Tom Cotton’s office, Senator Ted Cruz, representatives of Senator John Cornyn’s office, Congressman Nathaniel Moran, Congressman Bruce Westerman, and Congressman Pat Fallon. These meetings allowed the group to discuss priorities important to the Texarkana region and highlight the opportunities and challenges facing businesses and communities across the area.
In addition to meetings with elected officials, the group also spent time with national organizations and strategic partners including the Aluminum Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Texas A&M System, and the I-69 Alliance. These conversations focused on strengthening partnerships, advancing industry priorities, and identifying opportunities that can benefit the Texarkana region in the years ahead.
The visit helped reinforce strong connections between Texarkana, USA and members of Congress who represent the region and gave the group the opportunity to thank the members of Congress who had a hand in supporting the Texarkana Regional Airport and Red River Army Depot. Chamber leaders emphasized that these conversations are essential to ensuring that the needs and priorities of the Texarkana community remain visible and well represented at the federal level.
“The D.C. Fly-In was an incredibly productive trip with a strong and diverse group of community leaders representing the greater Texarkana region,” said Lisa Porterfield Thompson, External Affairs Manager at AEP SWEPCO. “In addition to meeting with our federal legislators, we built valuable relationships with congressional staff and national associations working on issues important to Texarkana—connections that will pay dividends well into the future.”
The group noted that the meetings and partnerships formed during the trip are critically important to supporting the long-term economic growth and continued success of the Texarkana region.
The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for the businesses, workforce, and communities that make Texarkana a vibrant place to live, work, and do business.