NEWSLETTER - MIDLAND’S VOICE OF BUSINESS - MIDLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT STATE OF OIL & GAS WEST TEXAS BUSINESS EXPO JOIN THE MIDLAND CHAMBER LEAD LEADERSHIP MIDLAND RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WELCOME NEW MEMBERS BUY THE BASIN FOUNDERS BLEND API & PSP - ROGER CREAGER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MIXER YPM: 2026 KICK-OFF EVENT
Message from the President
As we begin a new year, on behalf of your Midland Chamber of Commerce, I want to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for the role you play in strengthening Midland’s business community. The start of 2026 offers a moment to reflect on our collective momentum and, more importantly, to look ahead to the opportunities before us. Throughout the year, we look forward to hosting a robust calendar of events and programs that inform, engage, and inspire. From signature forums addressing the forces shaping our economy, to professional development initiatives cultivating the next generation of leaders, to community-wide celebrations that showcase Midland’s vibrancy and connectedness, these efforts reflect our commitment to meaningful, lasting impact. Our work as a Chamber is a salute to something bigger than any single event or initiative. It honors Midland’s business community by uniting employers, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and institutions in service to this community and strengthening Midland through shared commitment. The Midland Chamber is guided by five pillars: to be an influential chamber, to provide strategic business support, to champion quality growth and development for our city and its people, to serve as the voice of business, and to promote Midland as a place to live, work, and visit. Whether you are a long-standing member or newly engaged with the Chamber, your involvement matters. This year also presents new opportunities to deepen relationships, elevate dialogue, and take meaningful action to bring these pillars to life. As we move through 2026, the opportunities before us are significant. Together, we will continue building a community that is connected, resilient, and positioned for long-term success. Thank you for being part of this work and for believing in the power of Midland’s business community.
I invite you to join us throughout the year at our events, in our programs, and in the conversations that shape Midland’s future. We are excited for what lies ahead and grateful to move forward together in 2026.
With best wishes for a successful and prosperous new year,
Evan Thomas President & CEO Midland Chamber of Commerce
The Midland Chamber of Commerce’s State of Oil & Gas, presented by ConocoPhillips, has officially sold out! This premier forum convenes industry leaders, business executives, and policymakers for a timely and in-depth conversation on the forces shaping the energy sector at both the macro and micro levels. This year’s program features keynote remarks from Nick Olds, Executive Vice President, Lower 48 & Global HSE, ConocoPhillips, followed by a fireside discussion with Aaron Hunter, Permian President, ConocoPhillips, moderated by Mike Sommers, President & CEO of the American Petroleum Institute. We are grateful for the overwhelming interest and support from our business community that made this event a full house. Thank you to our sponsors, partners, and attendees for your continued engagement in meaningful dialogue around the future of energy.
PRESENTED BY:
INDUSTRY CHAMPION SPONSOR:
THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
Presented by:
Industry Champion Sponsor:
VIP Sponsors:
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Nick Olds, EVP , ConocoPhillips Keynote Speaker & Panelist
Nick Olds is Executive Vice President, Lower 48 and global Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), responsible for leading ConocoPhillips' Lower 48 and global HSE operations. Nick has 33 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry. He previously served as executive vice president, Global Operations, responsible for the company’s operations in Alaska, Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, Middle East & Africa. Other leadership roles he has held include vice president, Corporate Planning & Development, vice president, Mid-Continent Business Unit in the Lower 48 and vice president, North Slope Operations and Development in Alaska. He began his career with predecessor company Conoco in Houston in 1992. Since then, Nick has served in numerous engineering, development, and operations and management positions in the United States, Nigeria, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Canada and Alaska. Nick graduated from Montana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. In 2006, he also completed the Executive Development Program at the Wharton Business School. He is a board member of Yellowstone Forever and a member of the American Exploration and Production Council. He has also served as a board member on the Montana Tech University Foundation Board and Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association.
Aaron Hunter, President, Permian, ConocoPhillips Panelist
Aaron Hunter is president, Permian for ConocoPhillips. Hunter has 21 years of oil and gas experience, including eight years of experience at Chevron and ten years at Concho Resources. Over the course of his career, he has worked in CO2 flooding, microbial and conventional water flooding, field operations management, reservoir engineering, development management, reservoir engineering supervising, and as an asset manager. Prior to his current role, Hunter served as the vice president, Delaware Basin for ConocoPhillips. Hunter serves on the board of directors of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association and is a member of the City of Midland’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Hunter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from Montana Tech in 2004.
Mike Sommers, President & CEO, American Petroleum Institute Facilitator
Mike Sommers is the 15th chief executive of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the largest trade association representing all aspects of America's natural gas and oil industry. Since his appointment in July 2018, Sommers has overseen the strategic realignment of API’s priorities and advocacy efforts, introducing an integrated organizational structure and core API Principles. Among other initiatives, he led the organization through an unprecedented period in global energy markets, effectively positioned the industry through political transitions in Washington and in state capitols across the country, increased utilization and visibility of API standards and safety programs, and led the adoption of the industry’s solutions-oriented efforts to address the risks of climate change. Sommers is a regular contributor and thought leader on major cable news networks. In 2021, Fortune Magazine listed Sommers among its 50 World’s Greatest Leaders. Previously, Sommers headed the American Investment Council, representing the nation's leading private equity and growth capital firms and other business partners. Throughout his career, Sommers has held critical leadership roles in the U.S. House of Representatives and at the White House, including as Chief of Staff for Speaker of the House John A. Boehner and Special Assistant to President George W. Bush at the National Economic Council. Sommers is a native of Naperville, Ill., and a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is married to Jill Sommers, a former Commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). They have three children in college and live in Alexandria, Virginia.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bush Convention Center | Free admission to the public
Presented by:
Sponsors:
Secure your Booth, become a Sponsor and learn more at: midland.biz/west-texas-business-expo
Discover the power of connection at the Midland Chamber of Commerce’s West Texas Business Expo , presented by Sewell BMW of the Permian Basin . This regional event brings together businesses from across West Texas — Chamber members and non-members alike — for a full day of networking, collaboration, education, opportunity, and fun! Host a booth and connect with entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and potential customers. Attend one of the many educational breakout sessions to gain business knowledge including diverse topics from how to navigate taxes as a business and business banking to marketing tools and how to navigate the right insurance coverage to minimize your exposure. Explore fellow exhibitor booths showcasing products and services from industries that drive our region, and learn more about the organizations shaping the future of West Texas. General admission is free. We want attendees to find, meet, and engage with your business! Whether you’re looking to grow your business, strengthen partnerships or simply discover what’s happening in our regional economy, the West Texas Business Expo is your all-access pass to the people and possibilities of our thriving business community. Event schedule Doors Open to Public: 10:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions Begin: 10:15 a.m. Exhibitor Booths Close & Breakout Sessions End: 4:00 p.m. *All times are subject to change Reserve your exhibitor booth today and show your support for local business by becoming a sponsor! Get a booth and learn more at: midland.biz/west-texas-business-expo Questions? Contact Sarah Tankersley at sarah@midland.biz
Meet Our Exhibitors
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bush Family Home State Historic Site CaptiveVue Digital Community National Bank Connect Search, LLC CTSI DV Aviation Express Employment ExxonMobil First Baptist Church
Insignia Hospitality Group Kyvek Energy Services Main Event Sports On Air Manor Park Midland College Business & Economic Development Center Midland Development Corporation Midland Health Midland Rockhounds Officewise
Parkhill Permian Basin Drug and Alcohol Testing Permian Basin MPO Prince Signs Servepro Sewell BMW The Carrasco Group, LLC Tint World of Midland West Texas Radio Group Wyndham Midland Downtown
MIDLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOIN TODAY
Join our 1000+ member-strong community and receive member-only perks, exclusive advertising, quality networking opportunities and increased exposure for your business. Membership in the Midland Chamber of Commerce is an investment in your business and your community . Chamber membership provides services designed to foster growth for both individual businesses and the Midland business community. BENEFITS
Member benefits include: Impact Public Policy Visibility
Networking Opportunities Credibility
Learn about benefits at: midland.biz/resource-library
Learn more at: midland.biz/membership
CONTACT
Questions about Membership? Visit midland.biz/membership or contact Alma.
Alma Chavez, Director of Membership Email: alma@midland.biz Phone: 432-686-3555
Our latest LEAD class session focused on Optimizing Personal Performance, and we were honored to learn from Midland City Manager, Tommy Gonzalez. Gonzalez shared invaluable insights on what it means to be a transformative leader—someone who doesn't just manage, but truly makes a difference in the community. Feeling inspired and ready to put these leadership strategies into action!
Learn more about LEAD at: midland.biz/lead
Leadership Midland had the opportunity to step inside the heart of healthcare and wellness in the Midland community. The group spent the day engaging with impactful organizations serving Midland and the surrounding region. Leadership Midland met with Midland Health, Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Hospice of Midland, Aphasia Center of West Texas, Community Children’s Clinic, and Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center. From acute care and behavioral health to pediatric services, rehabilitation, speech therapy, and end-of-life care, each organization shared how they are meeting real needs, closing gaps in access, and improving quality of life for individuals and families across West Texas. Leadership Midland is grateful for the leaders and professionals who opened their doors, shared their stories, and reminded us that strong communities are built on collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to wellness.
To learn more about Leadership Midland, visit: midland.biz/leadershipmidland
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY MIDLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Congratulations to the new owners of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio Midland and The Pointe Boutique on their Grand Opening! Be sure to go check out this great place and meet their wonderful staff. They’re located at 3209 Courtyard Drive in Midland. Ribbon Cutting & Ground Breaking Ceremonies are a complimentary benefit for Midland Chamber Members. To learn more, contact Sarah at sarah@midland.biz.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
PLATINUM MEMBERS
GOLD MEMBERS
MEMBERS
Cinergy Midland Tall City Don Quinto BarnGrill Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Full Stream Recovery, LLC Lanmark Engineering Oceans Healthcare RealClean Aircraft Detailing Midland-Odessa Red Grasshopper, LLC Redeemer Resources, LLC Revive Production Vineyard Garden Homes
Blue Jay Bookkeeping LLC Fife & Co. Marketing Meridian Craft Supply Revival Midland Triumph Distribution
NON-PROFIT
Love Midland
Welcome to the Midland Chamber of Commerce! Help us welcome these West Texas businesses!
Learn more at: midland.biz/membership
Interested in presenting? Presenting at Founders Blend gives you a chance to share your business’ story while also finding support from our entrepreneurial community. What does your business get in return? Valuable feedback, a chance for fellowship and connecting with other business owners, entrepreneurs and founders from around our community.
Contact: midland@foundersblend.com
**REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.** To register now, visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/e893754e-94b7-404b-b389- 2e6ca0fd34e2/regProcessStep1
CLICK TO RSVP NOW https://shorturl.at/VvPr8
MIDLAND’S VOICE OF BUSINESS
CONNECTING + STRENGTHENING + GROWING THE HEART OF WEST TEXAS SINCE 1924
MIDLAND.BIZ | 432-683-3381 INFO@MIDLAND.BIZ
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