The Midland Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of Midland Luncheon on April 11 at the Bush Convention Center. A speech from the keynote speaker, Mayor Lori Blong, took place, followed by a panel discussion with former Midland Chamber of Commerce chairmans. Over 630 attendees were reported at the luncheon.
Midland Chamber President and CEO Evan Thomas introduced attendees to the event. Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Dr. Darin Wood led the prayer to start the event.
Midland Chamber of Commerce Board Chair-Elect Melissa Wicker joined the stage to recognize the 2024 sponsors of the event and to introduce Mayor Blong.
Mayor Blong spoke about the city’s advancements in health, as well as its economic, social, and cultural landscapes. Blong also outlined upcoming development projects and discussed current societal issues affecting Midland.
A panel discussion followed featuring former chairmen Nadine Craddick (1993-94), Congressman Mike Conaway (2000-01), Kate Williamson (2020-21), and Evan Thomas, who served as the moderator.
During the discussion, panelists shared advice for young leaders in the community. Craddick emphasized that experiences, whether good or bad, serve as building blocks of an individual’s life and that a person should stay true to their beliefs. Williamson highlighted that although there is a perceived lack of stability on a national level, citizens can combat that by gathering as a city for clear and insightful conversations. Congressman advised to surround oneself with bright people with hopes of moving up in leadership by doing so. He also said to do the best one can even when people may not be watching.
To learn more about the Midland Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.midlandtxchamber.com/.
