Last week, the Midland Chamber of Commerce and Odessa Chamber of Commerce co-hosted their 2024 Washington Fly-in presented by Diamondback Energy.
Beginning in 2022, this is the second biennial trip to the nation’s capital for the two chambers. “Our organizations have been co-hosting Odessa and Midland Legislative Days in Austin for more than two decades, and two years ago we expanded our federal advocacy efforts with the Fly-in to DC. These programs are an opportunity for our cities to come together with one voice,” Renee Earls, President & CEO of the Odessa Chamber, said in a news release.
More than sixty citizens from Odessa and Midland participated in the Fly-in, including oil and gas industry professionals, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, educators and students from the University of Texas Permian Basin.
The two days of programming featured elected officials and public policy experts discussing issues related to workforce development, health care, border security, immigration, energy and more. Among the featured speakers were Fox News Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel, Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas, Congressman August Pfluger and other Members of Congress. Also, the chambers and attending organizations held break out meetings with legislators and staff on Capitol Hill, the release said.
“Our goal is for our participants to experience Washington in ways they haven’t before. They hear from experts with diverse perspectives on matters of incredible importance to our nation and region. At the same time, they get an opportunity to introduce themselves to lawmakers and other decision-makers and serve as ambassadors for our communities,” said Evan Thomas, Midland Chamber President & CEO.
On the importance of West Texans advocating in DC, Congressman Pfluger shared his encouragement, “Midland and Odessa play an incredibly important role on the world stage. Our oil and gas industry is at the center of energy, economic and national security for our nation. Our industry has a great story to tell. Our people have a great story to tell. We need to tell it.”
Planning is underway by the Odessa Chamber and Midland Chamber for Legislative Days at the state Capitol in Austin in February 2025.
