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2026 State of Midland

11:00 AM
Doors Open + Lunch Service Begins

11:30 AM
Program Begins

1:00 PM
Dismissal

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Co-Presented by

Why Attend?

Attending the State of Midland Luncheon presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the community's pulse and gain invaluable insights into the region's trajectory. This annual event serves as a nexus for leaders from various sectors and offers a platform for forward-thinking initiatives.

The State of Midland Luncheon serves as a comprehensive briefing on the region's economic, social, and cultural landscapes.

From unveiling upcoming development projects to addressing pressing societal issues, the event provides a panoramic view of Midland's current status and prospects.

Whether one seeks to stay abreast of emerging trends, contribute to community advancement, or network with like-minded individuals, attending this luncheon promises a rich and enlightening experience.

In essence, it's an investment in both personal and professional growth, aligning individuals with the heartbeat of Midland's evolution. From workforce to quality of life, this conversation will explore what it means to live, work, and grow in a community that’s truly on the move.

Our State of Midland signature networking luncheon purposes to engage and inform the public about current topics and issues facing our community.

We’re honored to welcome City of Midland, Texas Mayor Lori Blong as our keynote speaker. Mayor Blong will share insight on the opportunities and challenges shaping our community’s future, followed by a lively panel discussion highlighting the youthful energy and rapid growth defining Midland today.

Community Panel

Shankar Annamalai Headshot

Shankar Annamalai

Regional Director for Permian, SLB

About Shankar
Shankar Annamalai is the Permian Director for SLB, where he leads basin operations across software, subsurface, drilling and completions, and production technologies. He is responsible for integrating a broad portfolio of digital and field solutions to deliver industry-leading performance for customers across the Permian Basin.
Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of the Permian GeoMarket and Emissions Technologies at ChampionX prior to its acquisition by SLB. He also held the role of Senior Vice President of Operations at Apergy, joining in 2017 and serving on the executive leadership team during its spin-off from Dover Corporation. In 2020, Apergy merged with Nalco Champion’s upstream chemicals business to form ChampionX.
Earlier in his career, Shankar held multiple international executive leadership roles with Pentair, including Vice President of Operations and Supply. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Texas A&M University.
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Joey Hopkins

Executive Director, Permian Basin Habitat for Humanity

About Joey
As Executive Director of Permian Basin Habitat for Humanity, Joey Hopkins leads the strategic effort to provide affordable, workforce housing in the heart of the Permian. With a background in energy and real estate, Joey brings a business-minded approach to non-profit leadership, viewing stable homeownership not just as a charitable act, but as a critical component of Midland’s economic infrastructure.

Permian Basin Habitat currently ranks in the top 5% of all Habitat affiliates nationwide and as the number four producer in the state of Texas. By aggressively expanding Habitat’s footprint, Joey ensures that the families responsible for keeping Midland’s "lights on" have a permanent place to call home, strengthening the foundation of the community one rooftop at a time.
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Claire Stallings Ramirez

Founder, The Scout Guide West Texas

About Claire
Claire Ramirez is a Midland native with a passion for community and connection. Born and raised in Midland, she attended Baylor University before launching her professional career in Houston, where she worked in marketing and event coordination across the oil and gas, political, and retail industries. In 2017, Claire returned home to Midland with her family, bringing with her a deep appreciation for storytelling, strategy, and supporting local businesses.

Five years ago, she founded The Scout Guide West Texas, a community-focused publication dedicated to celebrating and elevating locally owned businesses. Through thoughtfully curated print, digital, and event experiences, Claire works to strengthen relationships and champion the entrepreneurs who make West Texas thrive.

She is married to her husband, Martin, and is a proud mom to two young children, Knox and Mills.

Meet the Keynote Speaker

 Mayor Lori Blong

Mayor Lori Blong Headshot 1.27.26
About Mayor Lori Blong
Lori Merritt Blong is a proud native of the Permian Basin and Co-Founder/Partner of Octane Energy, as well as the current Mayor of Midland, Texas. She is committed to lead, learn, and serve in the oil and gas industry at a regional, state, and federal level, in addition to her service to the community of Midland.

After spending her early career as a high school teacher in El Paso, TX, Lori co-founded an oilfield service company, Octane Energy, with her husband, Jared, in 2013. They steadily built their company over the years through the ups and downs of commodity and activity cycles, gleaning knowledge and experience in operations and development from all around the Permian Basin. In fact, in 2017 and 2018, Octane was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 5 Fastest Growing private energy companies in Texas.

For a little over 7 years, Octane provided project management and operational oversight for more than 600 wells a year, for more than 30 distinct operators across the Permian Basin and Oklahoma. Lori’s leadership and disciplined fiscal strategy have been critical to Octane’s continued sustainability in this volatile market. She thrives in problem solving and in identifying the best personnel in drilling, completions and production operations to create solutions and efficiencies

In June of 2020, Octane Energy successfully sold a portion of their book of business and Lori stepped into the leadership role of Octane Energy, pivoting strongly into the E&P space to purchase a producing asset in Ector County. Now, the Octane Team is beginning horizontal development of the asset, while participating as investors and technical expertise for various other projects in the Permian. She also serves on the board of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, the board of Habitat for Humanity, as well as on Congressman Pfluger’s Energy Task Force. Lori values the opportunity to maintain relationships forged through the booms and busts of the energy sector, with a constant focus on fiscal discipline and long-term planning. She is leading the Octane team to identify new oil and gas assets for purchase, as well as new opportunities for project management and contract engineering.

THANK YOU to

Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Co-Host Sponsor

VIP Sponsors

Arrington Oil
Fasken Oil & Ranch

Table Sponsors

Atmos Energy

City of Midland

Complex Community Federal Credit Union

Freese and Nichols

Midland College

Moriah Brokerage Services

Parkhill

Permian Basin Board of Realtors

Permian Basin Area Foundation

Permian Strategic Partnership

Scharbauer Foundation, Inc.

SouthWest Bank

Texas Tech Credit Union

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Trinity School of Midland

Univeristy of Texas Permian Basin

West Texas Women's Association

 

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