Texas Stock Exchange and 101 Studios Define New Economic Front for North Texas

A new financial exchange and a major television production studio are redefining the economic structure of Tarrant County, according to executives who spoke at a recent regional leadership conference. The discussion centered on how these entities are challenging long-standing national standards in banking, entertainment, and financial markets.

The Heart of North Texas conference took place on Wednesday at the Hurst Conference Center. Organized by Northeast Leadership Forum, the event brought together business leaders from across the county. The program featured fireside chats designed to explore specific industry trends and local impacts.

Chris Furlow, President and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association, outlined the current state of community banking in the state. He noted that Texas holds the largest number of community banks in the nation. The state is one of only four with more than 300 community bank charters. Furlow explained that these institutions operate on relationship-based models rather than transactional ones. They provide capital to small businesses, families, and local civic initiatives. He warned that cryptocurrencies and stablecoins could eventually reduce deposits available for local lending.

David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, detailed the studio's expansion in the Fort Worth area. The studio produces television series for Taylor Sheridan, including Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and the newest show, Frisco King. Glasser described how Sheridan develops roles for specific actors rather than writing scripts for general casting. This approach has led to prominent roles for established stars such as Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.

Mike Berry, President of Hillwood, presented data on the studio's economic impact over the past five years. The studio generated $659.7 million in production spending primarily in North Texas. Payroll for Texas residents reached $294.1 million, while spending with Texas vendors totaled $365.2 million. The operation created 28,151 reported production jobs, including 8,650 crew positions and 19,501 cast and extra roles. The studio also accounted for 251,889 hotel room nights and 822 shooting days within the state.

Glasser and Sheridan formed a new company called SGS with partner Dan Schreier. The group has interests in hospitality, real estate, and studios. They purchased Cattleman’s Steak House in the Stockyards and the adjacent Isis Theater. The theater is scheduled for conversion into a 1920s-style Texas supper club. The partners plan to build a hotel at the top of Exchange Street and are developing a dining concept for the Walsh Ranch.

Jeff Karcher, Global Managing Director of the Texas Stock Exchange, discussed the new platform's role in the national market. He described the exchange as a challenger to the dominant New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. Karcher stated that Texas is home to 57 Fortune 500 companies, surpassing New York’s count of 44. He noted that New York’s corporate headquarters presence declined from 140 in 1970 to its current level.

Initial backers of the Texas Stock Exchange include Charles Schwab, Citadel, and BlackRock. Later participants included JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Vanguard, and State Street. The exchange began a phased trading rollout on July 6 and reached full production trading on July 31. This month, it began trading securities for Energy Transfer, Texas Capital Bancshares, and Origin Bancorp.

Karcher reported growing interest from foreign companies considering U.S. operations. These firms often select Texas for plants or research facilities and may align their stock listings with their physical presence. The conference ended with the announcement that next year’s annual event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 27.