Course 3 Seminar

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 The Texas Municipal Clerks Association invites you to an engaging seminar focused on how city leaders can support and strengthen local economic development efforts. The seminar will provide a short overview of Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) and how they function within Texas communities. Speakers will explore the relationship between cities and their EDCs, and how the State fits into economic development efforts. Attendees will also learn creative ways EDC funds can be used to spark growth, support infrastructure, and attract new opportunities.

The seminar will also highlight practical strategies that help communities thrive, including workforce development, housing partnerships, and the unique path to success for rural EDCs. Presenters will discuss how strong customer service within city organizations can enhance economic development initiatives and create a welcoming environment for businesses and other investors. In addition, the seminar will explore the often-overlooked connection between economic development and community safety, including how strategic investment and strong local partnerships can positively influence crime trends. This informative discussion will provide attendees with valuable insight and practical tools to support economic growth in communities across Texas.

Speakers:

Slater Elza, attorney at The Underwood Law Firm, focuses on representing businesses and governmental entities in litigation and general matters. As a litigator, Slater has tried over 150 matters through verdict in state courts, federal courts, and arbitrations. He has handled significant litigation in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Pennsylvania for clients. Understanding his clients is very important to Slater as he considers himself more than traditional legal counsel – he solves problems. Slater believes in a team approach that places the best Underwood attorneys for any matter on the case.

Slater’s clients include numerous Texas municipalities, multiple healthcare providers, an international agricultural corporation, and various regional and nationally recognized insurance companies. Slater regularly handles medical malpractice cases and administrative law matters for medical professionals, hospital districts, and hospitals.

Slater is a Past-President for the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, a statewide organization of personal injury defense, civil trial, and commercial litigation attorneys, and is a former treasurer and director for the Amarillo Area Bar Association. Slater serves on the Litigation Council for the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas and previously served as the elected President for the Texas City Attorneys Association. He was also elected to serve a three-year term as the Texas State Representative for the Defense Research Institute (“DRI”).

Additionally, Slater was selected/invited as a member of The Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (“ADTA”), The International Association of Defense Counsel (“IADC”), and The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (“FDCC”). He regularly speaks around the State on litigation and local government issues.

Michael Kitten, CPM - Michael was the Vice President at Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. In this capacity, he was responsible for proactively connecting with existing businesses to understand and respond to their needs along with new business development and attraction for the Amarillo EDC.

Prior to joining AEDC in 2019, Michael spent the previous 2 years at Amarillo College as Dean of Technical Education. Before joining Amarillo College he spent 6 years as Executive Director of Hereford Economic Development in Hereford, TX.

Michael received an associate degree from South Plains College and bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. He is a 2015 graduate from the Texas State University Certified Public Manager program and a 2021 graduate of the Economic Development Institute through the University of Oklahoma.

Mike Alexander is a nationally recognized expert in ethics, integrity, organizational and leadership development, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and coaching. He has an illustrious 41-year career in law enforcement. His professional journey—from frontline service to a thriving post-retirement career—is a compelling testament to his deep expertise and commitment to fostering growth in individuals, teams, and organization

Mike has been a trusted leader and trainer throughout his career, sharing his knowledge nationwide. He has conducted training sessions for officers and community members through prestigious organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing Divisions, the 36 Regional Community Policing Institutes, the Multi-jurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the Texas Municipal League, the International Law Enforcement Administration, the Texas Police Chiefs Association, and the Carruth Policing Institute. His impact extends across diverse communities, where he has consistently championed ethical leadership and professional excellence.

Justin Richardson is an educator, author, and keynote speaker with Waymaker Leadership Development, where he supports teachers, school administrators, and business leaders across Texas and beyond. With a passion for people, he helps leaders grow through professional learning and coaching. In 2021, he earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and his research on spiritual leadership practices has been featured in the Journal of Ethical Educational Leadership. 

Bryan Guymon is a Shareholder with the Underwood Law Firm working in the Firm’s Pampa office. Mr. Guymon represents Texas municipalities, economic development corporations, counties, hospital districts, and water districts. He has extensive experience helping cities with drafting ordinances and resolutions, negotiation and drafting of agreements between cities and vendors, interlocal agreements, agreements with utility franchises and requests for proposals, and charter amendment processes. He serves as City prosecutor. He assists with procurement, Open Meetings Act matters, Public Information Act requests, tax abatements, personnel matters, code enforcement issues, and more. He regularly works with approximately 30 cities as City Attorney, where he advises City Councils, City Departments and City representatives, and attends meetings of the Council and Staff. A portion of Bryan’s practice includes acting as special counsel for counties, hospital districts and water districts, working on, negotiating, and preparing tax abatement agreements involving wind, solar, battery storage, and data center projects.

Pricing

Member Pricing: 
Early Bird: 4/13/2026 - 5/20/2026 - $370.00
Regular Pricing: 5/21/2026 - 6/5/2026 - $420.00                                                      

Amarillo Sod Poodles Game, Thursday, June 4, at 7:05 PM

Registered attendees will have the opportunity to attend the Amarillo Sod Poodles game the Thursday night of the seminar. This event is generously sponsored by Underwood Law Firm. The Sod Poodles will be playing against the Tulsa Drillers, and there will be a designated patio area with hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks included! There is a limit of 100 guests, so if you would like to attend, there will be an RSVP form sent out to those who have registered for the seminar closer to the date.

Seminar Schedule

Find PDF Version of Seminar Schedule HERE

Hotel Information

Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown, 550 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101
Room block closed May 3, 2026.

Refund Policy

If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to send a substitute.
If you cannot send a substitute, a refund or transfer to a subsequent seminar (less a $25 processing fee) will be honored if written cancellation is received by May 20, 2026.
No refunds can be honored after that date. Allow 2-4 weeks to process refunds. Email [email protected] to request cancellation.