A delegation of more than 300 area leaders are preparing to head to the State Capitol to bring lawmakers up to speed on issues important to the area.

Golden Triangle Days in Austin will be held Feb. 11-12 and includes a whirlwind day of informative sessions over healthcare, education and workforce, transportation and infrastructure and environmental progress.

Bill McCoy, president and CEO of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, explained the importance of the biennial event.

“There are strength in numbers,” McCoy said. “It’s an old cliché but in the arena of politics and legislative action is suitable.”

Strength in numbers also helps as the group works on a agenda to present in Austin — so they may support or oppose issues as a group.

But it all goes back to supporting legislation that supports economic development in the Golden Triangle area.

And while Port Arthur, Beaumont and Orange each have their own issues unique to them, the Golden Triangle shares a lot so going together to Austin provides more clout as opposed to individual cities making the visit.

Golden Triangle Days is hosted by the local chambers of commerce and provides way to socialize and build business relationships with others from Southeast Texas, as well as with state officials, agency directors and their staff members, according to information from the chamber.

Meetings with state agency department heads and other officials provide a forum for the delegation to provide information and/or requests to those in Austin, asking for their support or assistance.