Texarkana Chamber To Host Inaugural State Of Lithium Event With EnergyX, ExxonMobil And Chevron
The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural State of Lithium event July 15 featuring leaders from EnergyX, ExxonMobil and Chevron to discuss the region's role in the domestic lithium supply chain.
TEXARKANA — The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural State of Lithium event on Wednesday, July 15, bringing together industry leaders from EnergyX, ExxonMobil and Chevron alongside state economic development officials for a discussion on the region’s emerging role in the domestic lithium supply chain.
The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Texarkana Convention Center, part of the Hilton Garden Inn. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
“State of Lithium is about bringing together experts and our community to better understand an industry that has the potential to shape the future of our region for decades to come,” said Robin Hickerson, president and CEO of the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The program opens with a Lithium 101 presentation covering the basics of lithium, its applications, extraction methods and why the resource has become critical to the nation’s energy future. Panelists include Arthur Oduna, executive director of Venture Center; Dana Poindexter, regional manager of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for Southwest Arkansas; and John Burba, chief technology officer and founder of International Battery Metals Ltd.
A second panel focused on innovation, economic development, workforce needs and the future of lithium production in the region features Randy Zook, CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber; Teague Egan, CEO and founder of EnergyX; Matthew McCowan, U.S. lithium manager for ExxonMobil; and Jennifer Wilding, general manager of asset development for Chevron New Energies.
The event comes as lithium development accelerates within the Smackover Formation, the brine-rich geological layer stretching across southern Arkansas into Texas that has drawn billions of dollars in investment announcements. EnergyX recently secured a conditional Army lease for a lithium refinery at Red River Army Depot in Bowie County and has site control at TexAmericas Center for a proposed 00 million cathode plant.
Tickets and sponsorships remain available. For more information or to register, visit the Chamber’s website, call (903) 792-7191 or email [email protected].