As lithium development continues to reshape the economic landscape of the Ark-La-Tex, the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to learn more about one of the region’s fastest-growing industries during its inaugural State of Lithium event.
The luncheon and educational forum will be held Wednesday, July 15, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Texarkana Texas Convention Center. The event is open to the public and requires the purchase of a ticket.
Designed to provide factual, educational information about the rapidly emerging lithium industry, the program will feature presentations and panel discussions covering lithium extraction, the latest technologies, economic opportunities, workforce development, and what the industry’s growth could mean for communities throughout Southwest Arkansas, Northeast Texas, and the broader Smackover Formation.
Attendees will hear directly from executives representing some of the nation’s largest energy companies, including EnergyX, Chevron New Energies, and ExxonMobil, along with economic development leaders and lithium industry experts. The event will begin with a “Lithium 101” session before transitioning into panel discussions focused on innovation, regional growth, infrastructure, and the future of domestic lithium production.
Among the featured speakers is John Burba, founder and Chief Technology Officer of International Battery Metals. Burba is widely known throughout the energy industry as “The Godfather of Lithium” for his pioneering work in direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Burba has helped develop technologies designed to efficiently extract lithium from underground brine resources while minimizing environmental impact. His innovations have made him one of the world’s most recognized authorities on lithium production.
Additional scheduled speakers include:
- Teague Egan, CEO and Founder of EnergyX
- Matthew McCowan, U.S. Lithium Manager for ExxonMobil
- Jennifer Wilding, General Manager of Asset Development for Chevron New Energies
- Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
- Arthur Orduña, Executive Director of The Venture Center
- Dana Poindexter, Regional Manager with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Chamber says the event is intended for business leaders, elected officials, educators, workforce partners, and community members who want a better understanding of how lithium development could influence future investment, job creation, infrastructure, and economic growth across the region.
With the Smackover Formation stretching beneath much of South Arkansas and extending into portions of Northeast Texas, the region has become a focal point in America’s effort to build a domestic supply of lithium—a critical mineral used in electric vehicle batteries, consumer electronics, grid-scale energy storage, and other advanced technologies. Major energy companies have invested heavily in lithium exploration throughout the region, positioning the Ark-La-Tex as an emerging hub in the nation’s energy future.
Tickets for the State of Lithium luncheon are currently on sale through the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce.
For registration information, visit the Chamber’s event calendar at Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce.
