FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/31/2016

Katherine Stokes

West Texas Energy Consortium

325-795-4206

Trish Dressen, Director of Communication: 325-665-1527

West Texas Energy Consortium Celebrates 4th Year with Prestigious E3 Summit

Premier Business and Educators’ Conference & Expo

Abilene, Texas: The West Texas Energy Consortium (WTEC), along with the West Central Texas Workforce Board,arepleased to announce a one-of-a-kind conference for educators across the state. The “E3 Summit: Powering the Economy 2016” that will be held August 10-11, 2016. The WTEC is thrilled to have Jason Latimer and Dr. Marshall Goldsmith speak at this exceptional educational event.

Latimer, newly appointed Curator of Impossible Science at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and judge on the popular Syfy TV show, “Wizard Wars” has spent his entire life pondering one question: "What is possible?” This simple childhood question has led to an ongoing education in mathematics, applied physics, chemistry,psychology and economics through his work. Jason’s live shows, television specials,keynotes and exhibits inspire millions worldwide to see beyond theillusion of knowledge.Collectively his work is designed to unite all sciences with illusion to inspire thinking, wonder and curiosity in a science center.

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is recognized as the #1 Leadership Thinker in the World as well as one of the top 10 most influential, top ranked executive coaches.Goldsmith's work has been featured in a The New Yorker profile, Harvard Business Review interview, Forbes feature story and Business Strategy Review cover story (from the London Business School). He is one of the few executive advisors who has been asked to work with more than 150 CEOs and their management teams.

“Abilene is honored to host such an esteemed conference,” Trish Dressen, Director of Communication said. “Overall, the conference will pump close to $200,000 into the Abilene economy in two short days. We’re proud to have such an innovative event in our educational hub of a community.”

Katherine Stokes, Executive Director of the Consortium, states that one of the reasons for hosting an event of this caliber west of the I-35 corridor is to, “bring business and education partners together and help shape a successful future for our students, local businesses throughout the region and our communities.” The long-term vision is to bring organizations and their employees together with schools and educators to provide opportunities and experiences beyond the regular curriculum.This will assist with future endeavors for student internships, apprenticeships and educator externships throughout the region. Join us for a one-of-a-kind event bringing together education, workforce business and economic development leaders to engage, educate, and employ bright young minds across the region.

Make plans to attend the E3 Summit — West Texas’ premier educator and business conference. Come to E3 to elevate your professional skills, learn more about creative tools and get inspired by presentations without leaving your own backyard. Registration is open NOW! For more information and to register, visit

  • August 10th and 11th – Abilene Civic Center – Each day begins at 9 a.m.
  • Day 1: Education & Professional Development Focus- Promises interactive demos and exhibits bringing experts in STEM fields to West Texas in order to support K-12 educators and provide engaging methods of teaching and learning for rural educators. Attendees will participate in content-based discussions, share classroom materials, learn about web-based teaching resources, and exchange best practices.
  • Day 2: Workforce & Economic Development Focus - Workforce, business, school board, education administrators and economic development leaders will hear from distinguished, passionate speakers and explore innovative ways to prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

The West Texas Energy Consortium (WTxEC) was established in response to the region's need for skilled workforce and community development surrounding the latest surge in energy development issues. WTxEC is the first in Texas to develop a regional approach to workforce problem solving in a major Texas enterprise area. Members tackle challenges successfully with the 'ecosystem' approach through linkages toindustry, institutions of higher education, regional school systems and workforce leaders.