09.05.2023

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Today’s Forecast

55º | Mostly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:32 a.m. | Sunset 5:36 p.m.

Navigating the AI race: Thoughts from Vantage Bank President and CEO Jeff Sinnott

Presented by a FTWtoday Partner

a woman stands in a shadow with multi-colored coding numbers projected on her

AI has come a long way from its early days of decision trees and rudimentary algorithms. | Photo via Pexels

Artificial intelligence has quickly become a game-changer for small businesses — especially as the paths between AI and commerce continue to converge. According to Vantage Bank’s President and CEO Jeff Sinnott, the future of AI in business will be determined through “the intense competition among tech giants and startups. It’s a question of who will develop the next cutting-edge AI solution that will continue to drive integration.”

AI: The last 10 years

AI has come a long way from its early days. Modern apps run laps around their earlier versions, and the last few years have brought remarkable progress (we’re looking at you, Chat GPT).

AI can easily complete complex tasks, like leveraging global datasets to provide near-instant (and objective) solutions for the user. Businesses right here in Fort Worth are already using AI in various ways, from virtual assistants like Siri to language models like Chat GPT to write emails, manage datasets, and more.

AI’s future looks promising, especially when it comes to commercial and customer applications: It has the potential to help streamline customer risk mitigation, and even prevent fraud. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges.

“A balanced regulatory framework is essential to encourage innovation and prevent misuse,” explains Sinnott.

What does this mean for Fort Worth?

Navigating the impact of AI on Fort Worth’s workforce is an exercise in embracing uncertainty. Preparation, says Sinnott, is key. “Organizations must foster an adaptable and open mindset among employees.”

AI implementation is prominent in industries like banking, primarily due to their high regulatory requirements and security demands. Partnering with a bank that uses AI for fraud detection and customer behavior analysis can:

Provide personalized services
Improve decision-making
Increase efficiency

All of which help team members focus on what’s important: Building personal relationships between the client and the bank.

Embracing AI and staying adaptable will open doors of opportunity for consumers and small businesses alike. Sinnott believes the AI race is officially on, and those who embrace change and innovation will thrive in the AI-driven future.

Learn more about Vantage Bank

Asked

How do you feel about AI?

A. I’m all for it — bring it on!
B. Optimistic, but cautious
C. I don’t support it — the risks are too great
D. Undecided

We're curious

Events

Tuesday, Sept. 5

60 Day Fitness Challenge | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 4-5 p.m. | Greenbriar Community Center, 5200 Hemphill St., Fort Worth | $10 | Teens are invited to build muscle and strength with a professional trainer-led fitness challege.
Active Older Adult Bingo Bash | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 12-1 p.m. | The Bedford Center YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford | Free | Bring your friends for the classic game of Bingo and win some prices — the friend does not need a YMCA membership.

Wednesday, Sept. 6

Live Music Wednesdays | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 5-7:30 p.m. | Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, 200 Main St., Fort Worth | Free | Treat yourself to a cocktail or a light bite while listening to live music in the lobby.
North Central Texas Council of Government Open House | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 5-7:30 p.m. | NCTCOG, 2750 Graham St., Arlington | Free | Learn more about the DFW corridor transit study and future high-speed rail.

Thursday, Sept. 7

Preservation is the Art of the City | Thursday, Sept. 7 + Saturday, Sept. 9 | Times vary | The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, 1316 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Worth | $0-$175 | See works from local artists in this fundraiser for historic preservation.
Pasta Making Class | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 7-10 p.m. | il Modo, 714 Main St., Fort Worth | $70 | Learn how to make pasta from scratch from the pros.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

🍸 Step back in time at Thompson’s Bookstore

Photo of dark speakeasy space with metallic accents.

The basement-level speakeasy serves gangster-inspired drinks in the low-light space. | Photo by FTWtoday

A more glamorous time, might we add — and with martinis.

Luxuriating at speakeasy cocktail lounge Thompson’s Bookstore is an experience that every Fort Worthian should have, according to City Editor Kate, a fact that’s even more true after their recent remodel.

If you’re not convinced yet, one of their two weekly drink special nights might change your mind:

Tequila Tuesday: 30% off everything, including summer-ready cocktails like palomas and margaritas
Whiskey Wednesday: 30% off everything (even top-shelf single malts and fine bourbons)

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News Notes

Opening

Felipe Armenta is planning to open his newest brick-and-mortar in the next week or two. Former food truck F1 Smokehouse will open on University Drive (in the former location of Austin City Tacos). Take a peek at the funky design.

Community

Public meetings to discuss the Panther Island project begin on Thursday, Sept. 7 at Artes de la Rosa at 6 p.m. There will be five other opportunities throughout the month to share your thoughts. RSVP in advance.

Transit

Trinity Metro is making adjustments to its service schedule starting Sunday, Sept. 17. Changes will be made to routes 4, 25, 33, 54 + 91. New to Cowtown’s public transit? Check out our guide to getting around without gas.

Civic

A new appointment process is in place for food trucks in Tarrant County. As of Friday, Sept. 1, all permits are issued by Tarrant County Public Health and are valid for the entire county. Check out the steps.

State

Eighty-two percent of people born in Texas still live here. According to a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas report, the Lone Star State has the highest level of “stickiness” in the country. Makes sense considering both FTWtoday City Editors grew up here, moved away, and then returned as adults.

Travel

🌊 Sea ya later

Great Escapes: Our guide to Galveston, TX

There’s always something happening on the barrier island. | Photo by @FTWtoday

FTWtoday City Editor Kate, here. It doesn’t matter how many other beach towns I haven’t been to, I’m always down for a quick weekend jaunt to Galveston Island.

Labor Day may have passed but we still have weeks of warm weather + traveling out of season helps keep costs down. Use this quick guide for an easy fall weekend in Galveston.

Why go:

Explore this coastal city that opens the Gulf of Mexico to all of Texas.
Shovel it in at foodie spots like The Fancy, The Gypsy Joynt Cafe, and The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe.
Check out this vacation guide for more recommendations.

Act like a local:

Nothing beats fresh seafood after a long day in the salty air. Shake off the sand and head to Gaido’s for the catch of the day + seasonal sides.
You might have to elbow some medical students out of the way, but Daiquiri Time Out is worth it.
Catch the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula and get lost at Fort Travis Seashore Park.

Where to stay

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kate

From the editor

I’m a sucker for the Sunday morning funnies and love learning about female artists, so when I saw this write up Fort Worth Magazine did on editorial cartoonist Etta Parks Hulme, I knew I needed to share it with y’all. Etta created the rambunctious “Red” Rabbit series, drew political cartoons for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and even worked for Walt Disney Productions during World War II.

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