Big Conversations, Bold Ideas, Lone Star Legislative Summit Delivers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lone Star Legislative Summit Brings Big Conversations to East Texas
April 2, 2026, NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Lone Star Legislative Summit, presented by Citizens 1st Bank, promises a powerful lineup of panel discussions highlighting the issues shaping Texas today and tomorrow. The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce works to bring together state leaders, media voices and regional experts for a morning of insight, dialogue, and forward-thinking conversation, and all in the region and the state are invited to attend.

Panel discussions run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, on Friday, April 10, and LSLS2026 is focusing on water, education that meets our industries workforce needs and the current landscape of Texas politics. There is no charge to attend the panel discussions that will be held in the student theater at SFA's Baker Pattillo Student Center, 222 Vista Dr., 2nd floor.

Session One: Media Madness. Lone Star Lens: Texas Politics Unfiltered.
9 a.m.
A dynamic discussion on the evolving landscape of political media in Texas. Panelists Brad Johnson and Jonathan Richie of Texas Bullpen joined by Jess Huff of The Texas Tribune will explore how news is created, consumed and challenged in today’s fast-paced environment. Moderated by Les Linebarger, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Nacogdoches ISD, the conversation offers an inside look at the intersection of journalism, public perception and political storytelling. This session sponsored by Texas Electric Cooperative.

Session Two: Rooted in Education. Rising in Workforce.
10 a.m.
Focused on the critical link between education and workforce readiness, this discussion brings together State Representatives Brad Buckley, Stan Lambert, Joanne Shofner and Gary VanDeaver. Led by moderated by Tiane Dietz of Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, the panel will explore how Texas can strengthen its education pipeline to meet the demands of a growing and evolving workforce through collaboration between educators, policymakers and industry leaders to prepare the next generation for success. Session sponsored by Raise Your Hand Texas.

Session Three: The Next Drop. Planning for Texas’ Water Future.
11 a.m.
The panel discussion series concludes with a timely and essential conversation on water policy and sustainability. State Senator Robert Nichols will be joined by State Representatives Daniel Alders, Trent Ashby, Jeff Barry and David Cook to address the challenges and opportunities facing Texas’ water infrastructure. Moderated by Ashley Morgan, Director of the Texas Water Development Board, the panel highlights the importance of long-term planning and legislative action to secure water resources for future generations. Session sponsored by the Angelina Neches River Authority, Lower Neches Valley Authority, Sabine River Authority and Trinity River Authority.

"From media transparency to workforce development and water sustainability, LSLS 2026 is sparking the conversations that matter most to Texans, said Kelly Augustine, president/CEO, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. "The summit serves as The Chamber’s commitment to connecting community, business and government leaders while fostering meaningful dialogue that drives progress across the region. All LSLS 2026 events are open to the public and we hope to see everyone interested in hearing more about what will be addressed in Texas' 90th legislative session."

The summit will open at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, April 10, with a breakfast with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, actor Dennis Quaid and discussion moderator State Senator Mayes Middleton; and the summit will conclude with a luncheon with U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions and U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran and discussion moderator David Alders.

For more information about the LSLS 2026 and upcoming Chamber events, please contact The Chamber at 936-560-5533.

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