Health's heavy hitters plan to step up efforts this year. (Health Industry Council)

NORTH DALLAS - The Health Industry Council of the Dallas-Fort Worth Region has labored to expand awareness of the area's health industry and to build its economic strength.

Since its founding in 1988, the nonprofit health council has driven the point home with studies that have shown the health care industry is the largest employer in the area, as well as one of the strongest contributors to its economy.

Overall, the health council has done no better or worse than Texas Medical Resource, a similar organization. But 1997 is the year when the council will shift its collaborative efforts with other coalitions into overdrive, according to its leaders.

The …