This week was the first annual IMPACT TEXAS Conference. The event was organized by an amazing committee of people and chaired by my friend Carol Thompson. This statewide summit focused on innovative approaches to investing in organizations and entrepreneurs tackling enduring social and environmental problems.
There is a lot of attention being paid to "Impact Investing", as the next frontier involves investments that combines innovation, economic growth and social impact. The vision of the ongoing effort of Impact Texas is to harness leadership across sectors to build a strong, diverse, well-capitalized and sustainable impact investment market in the great state. Together the organizers hope to ensure entrepreneurs and organizations addressing important social challenges can access appropriate financial products and support to extend their impact in Texas and beyond.
In addition to Carol, the steering committee was made up of brilliant minds and caring hearts:
- Lisa Davis – Ford Foundation
- Carol Thompson (Chair) – The Thompson Group
- Roy Alston – Strategic Development Partners
- Nick Ashburn – The Wharton School of Business, Social Impact Initiative
- Melanie Audette – Mission Investors Exchange
- Jordana Barton – Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
- Peter Berliner – Mission Investors Exchange
- Claire England – RISE, SXSW, Startup America, TechRanch
- Rebecca Gonzales – EDCO Ventures
- Michael Kellerman – KUT Public Radio
- Chelsea McCullough – Texans for Economic Progress
- Terri Preston – Baker Tilly
- Tracey Reichanadter - CohnReznick
- Teo Tijerina – EDCO Ventures
- Margo Weisz – City Lights Group
This inaugural event was about much more than the content discussed in the keynote and breakout sessions. The power of the event was in the people. Over 300 people participated in the gathering. They shared best practices, contributed in forward looking conversations, and made contacts that have the opportunity to change to world. The "Networking Lounge" (sponsored by the Capital Factory and the Entrepreneurs Foundation) was always buzzing.... as people convened to for deep-dive discussions on sculpting the future.
Congratulations to Carol and the rest of the IMPACT TEXAS team on a job well done!
Congratulations to Carol and the rest of the IMPACT TEXAS team on a job well done!
Have A Great Day
thom singer
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