2020 Winter Express Magazine

WINTER 2020

20 Wags to Riches 4 A Community on the Rise 6 Hewitt is on the grow!

15 HPL available for small business

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 1

IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar of Events | New Member Spotlights | Hewitt Happenings

2020

Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography • Thanks to Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat for loaning us the beautiful red RAM truck

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

“

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.

—BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

“

ON THE COVER: Alissa Cady, Executive Director of the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce with her children: Christian (in front), and twins Kennedy and Knox.

FEBRUARY

4

Running for Readers 5K and Health Fair Hewitt Public Library & City Hall | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

13 Champions Salon Business After Hours

721 Austin Avenue | 5–7 p.m.

7

Maximize Your Membership: Orientation 100 Patriot Ct., Hewitt, TX 76643 | 8:30–9:30 a.m.

9

Locals Love Us Business After Hours | The Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum | 5–7 p.m.

21 Midway ISD Student of the Year presented by

The First National Bank of Central Texas and

HEB Woodway

13 Ambassador Training & Mixer | Mexicano Grille

Hewitt | 5:00–6:30 p.m.

14

Business Luncheon and Program on Mortgage: Best Tips and Practices by Richard Nettles with Extraco Mortgage | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Hampton Inn & Suites Waco South

14 Mary Ann’s Medical Esthetics and Spa Ribbon

Cutting & Open House | 521 Connie Drive in

Hewitt | 5:30 p.m.

17 Emergency Training for Civilians by Hewitt

Police Department | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

100 Patriot Court in Hewitt 23 Texell Credit Union Ribbon Cutting

1221 Hewitt Drive, Suite A | 11:30 a.m.

30

Greater Hewitt Chamber Banquet presented

by Cen-Tex Roof Systems | Waco Convention Center–Brazos Ballroom | Doors open at 5:30 p.m. $65 each for members, $75 each for visitors, $495 for table of 8 | Meet Hewitt’s City Council

26 Business Luncheon and Program On The Key

to Happiness by Christy Ogle with Sometimes Spouse | Dr Pepper Museum | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

TBA Stop the Bleed Event | Baylor Scott & White

Medical Center–Hillcrest Allison Auditorium,

1st floor | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

28

Midway Nutrition Ribbon Cutting | 11:30 a.m.

511 N. Hewitt Drive, Suite 6

MARCH 2

Membership Drive Kick Off Party | 5:00–6:30 p.m.

5

Heartis Waco Business After Hours 5317 Speegleville Road | 5–7 p.m. | Free & open to members & visitors

24 Business Luncheon & Program on Engage &

Mobilize Employees by Dr Godfrey

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | SpringHill Suites in Woodway 28 Quarterly Shredding Event | POINTWEST Bank For more information about GHC events, visit

HewittChamber.com/Events

Calendar sponsored by

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hewittchamber.com

To advertise in the Hewitt Express, or for more information, call 254.666.1200.

Issues are published in January, April, July and October.

Greater Hewitt Chamber Executive Director | Alissa Cady | alissa@hewittchamber.com Communications Coordinator | Kacie Birkes | kacie@hewittchamber.com Social Media & Membership Coordinator | Abri Martin | abri@hewittchamber.com

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 3

©2020 Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Mention of commercial products, processes, or services in the Hewitt Express cannot be construed as an endorsement by the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Design Kim Giles, ByDesignWaco.com

A Community on the Rise ALISSA CADY • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

W

hen I reminisce back to the beginning of my journey In addition to a more-than-doubled membership, the as the Chamber’s Marketing Coordinator, it seems Chamber takes pride in providing helpful information to as if it were yesterday. Walking into a new environment, new residents, our members’ employees and visitors transitioning from the hospitality industry—as well as to Hewitt. The Chamber’s chief partner—the City of returning to work after becoming a new mom—brought Hewitt—provides top quality services, safety and park on an emotional roller coaster. I remember feeling knots features for all. Cracker Barrel, Wal-Mart and the new in my stomach, both from excitement and nervousness retail shopping center located at Alliance Parkway and in my desire to leave a positive footprint in a community Sun Valley Drive have supported increased city tax on the rise. However, living out of town for two years dollars and the increased number of visitors shopping in and having been raised in the Waco area did ease the our community. The two flyovers on Spring Valley and tension as I started to build professional relationships.

Sun Valley serve to support the flow of traffic as vehicles Ten years ago, our organization traveled in the Hewitt consisted of 277 Chamber members, area has multiplied.

Our organization is now composed our staff planned and implemented The Greater Hewitt of 550+ members—90% of those with an average of 40 community and Chamber’s unique less than 30 employees—and we average culture enables us to business development events each nine events per month. year, and we had 10 established comcapitalize on supportmunity partnerships. Bush’s Chicken ing local business was next door to Midway Middle School, and no other development and to take action on community challenges. chicken restaurants existed on Hewitt Drive!

What I’ve enjoyed most about my position as Executive Fast forward to 2020, and through dedication from Director is having the opportunity to share the passion our staff and leadership, our organization is now comof our members, my own personal growth in leadership posed of 550+ members—90% of those with less than on a daily basis, and serving the families of Central Texas.

30 employees—and we average nine events per month.

We invite you to stop by the oldest still-standing With a significant increase in communications through building in Hewitt, the Chamber depot office located at advanced digital, video and social media campaigns, 101 3rd Street for friendly conversation and information the Chamber is able to exceed expectations of services about the area. With an anticipated increase in tourism, and benefits offered to our small business members. commercial and residential development, our team is Our team effectively reaches over 15,000 visitors and confident and equipped to provide exceptional serves 1,500 new residents in the greater Hewitt area service to YOU! on an annual basis.

“

“

For a snapshot of our success in 2019, see the next page.

4 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

MEMBERSHIP New Member Engagements 69% of new members in 2019 have attended at least one event.

Expected Total Number of Events for 2019: 95 How do members learn about events and advertising?

78% Email 13% Social Media 4% Website

81% of our membership has 30 employees or less 400+ Volunteer Hours at Hewitt Events

2019 Summary & Sales

2019 Total Revenue: $ 298,770.00 Amount

% of 2019 Sales

2020 Projections

Renewals

$88,000.00

29%

$97,000

New Members

$18,000.00

6%

$12,000

Project Sales

$108,200.00

36%

$115,000

COH Funding

$30,000.00

10%

$30,000

Publication & Digital Sales

$54,570.00

18%

$59,000

Traded Services Value (Not Actual Income)

$25,000.00

X

$30,000

Budget Item

GROWTH & RETENTION Membership Growth

Growth Rate

YEAR

Average Growth Rate (2011-2019): 6.8% (equates to an average of 69 new members each year). *Total Members YTD as of 10.25.19

Retention Rate

$6,500 Raised to support the City of Hewitt Events

EOY

BOY

RATE

2011

331

297

11%

2012

348

331

5%

2013

365

348

5%

2014

368

365

1%

2015

411

368

12%

2016

424

411

3%

2017

475

424

12%

2018

506

475

6%

2019

538

506

5.34%

YEAR

EOY

New Members Member BOY

Retention

2012

348

51

331

90%

2013

365

58

348

88%

2014

368

41

365

90%

2015

411

88

368

88%

2016

424

70

411

86%

2017

475

96

424

89%

2018

506

80

475

89%

2019

533

87

506

88.1%

MEMBERSHIP: SIZES, LOCATIONS & INDUSTRIES Membership Levels

Member Zip Codes Woodway: 32% Hewitt: 20% Robinson: 5% Waco: 43%

Top Member Categories

Hewitt is on the grow!

JEFF NUNES • PRESIDENT, GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

H

ewitt, Texas is consistently recognized as one of the best cities in Texas in which to live, work and play.

Our community is extremely fortunate to have citizens, business owners, educators and leaders that understand that a strong economic environment is possible only with a strong community. The responsibility for creating and maintaining the extraordinary quality of life afforded to us in the Greater Hewitt area rests with us all.

To that end, the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce is proud to support our community through the work of its members, staff and volunteers. Throughout the year, the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce works to promote a business-friendly environment to aid continued growth and prosperity. When we help our members succeed we help grow our local and regional economies as well.

The Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce boasts of over 550 members representing nearly 20,000 jobs in the Central Texas workforce, and provides over 90 networking opportunities throughout the year, including 15 business education programs. The Chamber also provides support to a variety of local groups in our area, including the Hewitt Public Library, CASA of McLennan County, Midway Education Foundation, Hewitt Kiwanis Club, Hewitt Lions Club and many more.

Our community continues to be an excellent place to live and raise a family as well as to build a business. An educated and safe community is one that can thrive and continue to do big things.

The Hewitt community is blessed to have access to superior education offered through Midway ISD,

considered to be one of the top school districts in Texas.

In addition, our neighborhoods are served by the finest police and fire departments in the state.

And if you’re here just a short time to visit, we encourage you to visit some of the many places that make the Heart of Texas so special, including the Waco Mammoth National Monument, Cameron Park Zoo, Hewitt Park with its disc golf course, Dr Pepper Museum, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Texas Rangers Museum and Hall of Fame, Magnolia Silos and the Mayborn Museum.

We are excited for 2020 and encourage you to help make a positive difference and be active in our community. Stay connected with us on our social and digital platforms including our website at hewittchamber.com.

We look forward to seeing you!

Hewitt definitely continues to be a community on the grow

6 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

19/20 AWARD WINNER

HELPING YOU ESTABLISH YOUR OPEN SIGN.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 7

KELLYREALTORSCOMMERCIAL.COM

Meet our two new staff members Kacie Birkes joined the staff of the Greater Hewitt Chamber on August 9, 2019 as Communications Coordinator. Her journey with the Chamber began in 2017 as a committee volunteer, then as a member and an Ambassador. Her background encompasses experience in event planning, community organization service, sales, marketing and health care.

Kacie’s areas of focus: Membership Growth and Retention Member Communications Organization Print and Digital Publications Resident Outreach Advertising Committee Support Event Planning Fundraising Support Raised in Andrews, Texas, Kacie graduated from high school and then studied at Wayland Baptist University in San Antonio while pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and the Dean’s list. She received a Vocational Nursing certification from Midland College, and a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Management in 2018 from Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, Kacie made both the Dean’s and President’s Lists. With a background in office administration, professional selling, account management and event management, she hopes to develop wonderful working relationships with all of the Hewitt community.

Kacie and her husband, Matthew have two sons, Cayden and Landen, and a daughter, Presley. Kacie is involved in CASA of McLennan County, Junior League, NAFE and Women of Waco. The White family enjoys being outdoors, sporting events, skiing and boating. In her spare time, Kacie enjoys live music, 9Round Fitness and spending time with friends and family.

E-mail: Kacie@Hewittchamber.com Office: (254) 666-1200 Cell: (432) 288-3999 8 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

Abri Martin joined our staff on January, 2 2020 as the Chamber’s Membership & Social Media Coordinator.

With Abri’s experience in event planning, community outreach projects, customer service and marketing, the leadership team is confident she’ll be an asset to the Chamber’s membership and to our community.

Abri’s areas of focus: New Member Engagement Membership Retention Social Media Photography Visitor Tracking and Engagement Fundraising Support Raised in Waco, Abri got her start as the co-manager of a local dress shop. In this position, she developed sales, management and social media marketing skills that enabled her to start her own photography and air brush makeup business at the age of 20. Abri is excited to use her skill set to empower other businesses while serving the Greater Hewitt community.

Abri and her husband, Sean enjoy spending time with family, cooking new recipes, running half marathons and cheering on Baylor athletics.

E-mail: Abri@HewittChamber.com Office: (254) 666-1200

Here for you!

BUSH’’S,

A Family Tradition

10 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

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| 11

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HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 13

14 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

HPL available for small business WAYNETTE DITTO • DIRECTOR, HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY

H

ewitt Public Library has a long history of providing resources and services to our community. Libraries play an indispensable role in providing workforce development to communities across the nation.

Hewitt Public Library offers a wide variety of free tools to help your business grow. We offer software for creating marketing materials and websites, electronic and print resources for building lists of prospective customers you want to reach, a 3-D printer, Animation Station, and the large format banner Canon printer, along with the expertise to help you use these tools.

The Hewitt Public Library provides our cardholders with the following services:

• Computers and assistance with software to help small business clients start, grow and thrive • A printer to print banners, posters, and other marketing materials

• Space for business workshops and presentations using the latest technology •

Personalized business-librarian sessions with small business clients, offering individualized business data- base navigation using ReferenceUSA and other powerful database products

• Staff assistance to find print and digital business books, journals and financial information

and so much more!

• Database Reference USA—a powerful online reference and research tool providing library cardholders instant real-time access to accurate and in-depth information on U.S. businesses and U.S. residents. ReferenceUSA makes it faster and easier to find new business oppor tunities, research executives and companies, find news articles, conduct job searches, research papers, locate addresses and phone numbers, conduct market research and much more!

We look forward to talking with you and helping you grow your business! Contact Kayla Pecina or Waynette Ditto at 254.666.2442.

The Hewitt Public Library and Waynette Ditto offer numerous areas to learn, research and help grow your business

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Hewitt Chamber Chamber Express Express || 15 15 HewittChamber.com

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16 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

Member FDIC |

Equal Housing Lender

Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar is a fun and vibrant Louisiana Restaurant that provides a game day atmosphere perfect for watching any game or celebrating any event!

5601 CROSSLAKE PKWY, WACO, TX 76712 | (254) 732-9200 | WALK-ONS.COM

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 17

Real Estate Investing & Management Selling your home can be both an exciting and stressful process. Working with your realtor is just one part of the journey. There are other crucial moves—financial prep steps if you will—that could limit surprises, burdens and even drama while on this adventure. Before you pull the trigger on that listing, consider a conversation with any of these professionals to help you prepare even further. A Mortgage Broker can help you understand various financial scenarios if you will soon be purchasing a home, and how downpayments, interest rates and property taxes translate to your new situation. A Tax Advisor will help you understand the differential impact of various next-home scenarios for your income taxes. A Financial Planner Matthew Boudreaux can help you understand your cash flow and debt, as well as your savings and investments, and Financial Advisor how a transaction of this size can affect your overall financial goals. Take the time to ensure ClearVista that your general financial health will remain intact through this busy process!

Financial

Selling your home today looks different than 15 years ago. Today is technology- and social media-driven in all aspects—including selling your home. As an agent, I take a lot of pride in marketing my listings. We (Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors) have a lot of tools to market your home anywhere, from locally to globally. As a seller, there are steps in getting your home ready to sell. Ninety-six percent of buyers shop online, therefore, it’s important that your home looks better than your competition’s listing. Ways to get your home ready include: decluttering, staging, cleaning out closets, organizing, clearing off all countertops, and deep cleaning. Replacing carpet (if needed) and neutral fresh paint are always a plus right before listing your home. Curb appeal gets buyers excited to walk into your home.

Fresh mulch (I like black), painted door, shutters, decorated front porch, and a nice wreath go a long way.

Amanda Cunningham, Realtor Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors

When listing a home, it’s up to the realtor to market that home in the most effective way possible. Professional photos are a great first impression—for both the realtor and for the home. Buyers want to see nice, true examples of what the home looks like, and aerial/drone photos are a must for large properties such as farm and ranch. This avoids wasting the time of potential buyers, sellers and the realtor. It is proven that professional photos help sell a home faster, and are perfect for social media marketing. Realtors, save yourself time, money and stress by doing the best that you can for your client...use a professional photographer.

Jack Matson, Owner Jax Aerial Photography

Woodway Wine Tour April 3, 2020 • 7-10 p.m.

CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM | WOODWAYRRFEST.COM | (254) 399-9204 18 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

THANK YOU FOR MAKING US WACO’S #1 VET Serving our community since 1983.

We treat your pets like the treasured family members they are.

Call us today! Appointments preferred. Drop-offs welcome.

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“ Let us show you the

difference

254-752-5900

a caring neighbor can make.”

5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr. Waco, TX 76708

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HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 19

Bucky’s “wags to riches” tale CHARLIE TURNER • MAYOR, CITY OF HEWITT

A

pproximately three years ago, our Chihuahua “Tank” passed away after a long happy life. Brenda and I, being a dog family, knew we must rescue another dog.

Her search began to find our new family member. She came across an internet animal rescue site—with the story of one dog capturing her attention. It began in a field northwest of Waco, as a rescue team attempted to coax a beautiful Lab I’ll call “Joe” for now to safety, but all attempts failed. One person on the team was good with skittish dogs, especially those that had remained free for a lengthy period of time, and he successfully rescued Joe. Upon his capture, it was discovered that Joe had an infection in his neck that could have been lethal—no one knew if he had possibly been stung by an insect or bitten by a snake—the only certainty was that he probably would have died if not for treatment he received. It was Joe’s lucky day to elude the grim reaper!

There are caring people in this world who wanted to make sure that he received a good home, and someone paid for Joe’s care until a permanent home could be found. The grim reaper once again intervened to (almost) take his life—now scheduled for only three hours away— by redirecting Joe’s funds to another animal at the shelter. Brenda and I went to the shelter to meet Joe. As we approached his kennel, I noticed that they had given him the name “Michelangelo”. He seemed friendly enough and anxious to go home with us, but I was definitely going to change his name. We paid the $50 adoption fee, but were told that Joe could not come home with us until he received a medical exam, shots, and be neutered. A few days later, we returned to pick him up. When an animal has surgery, they must often wear “the cone of shame” to prevent infection. He arrived at our home adorned with his cone, but after a few days, the cone came off and he was a free dog at last!

We’ve always enjoyed stopping at Bucee’s whenever we travel, so it was decided that his new name 20 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

would be “Bucky”. Our backyard has a fence around it that resembles a fort. The first thing we discovered about Bucky was his talent to chew up just about everything—garden hoses, a rose bush and a large fallen tree branch were his first mastication conquests. We purchased several elk antlers while on vacation in New Mexico as a test, as I’ve been told that these are like candy to a dog. I believe I found the perfect item to pacify his desire to chew! We purchased Bucky’s new home to fit his size, assembled it and tucked in blankets as insulation to protect him from the cold, but it did not take long to learn that he does not like “doggie doors”.

This past summer, he became the proud owner of a swamp fan to cool his area on hot summer days, and his dog house is heated for cold weather.

This would make a good story if it ended here, but that is not how this story goes. I attended Hewitt’s National Night Out event in August and purchased tickets for a raffle.

The raffle prizes were two large dog houses—and I won the smaller of the two! When it was delivered, nine men removed it from the trailer and placed it on the slab in our backyard. Today, Bucky leads a happy life with a family to love him, food to nourish him and a doggie mansion with an estimated value of $4,100 that he’s privileged to call home. From a field where he could have died, to only three hours away from euthanization at the shelter before we arrived, to a doggie mansion in the mayor’s backyard, Bucky’s tale is truly one of “wags to riches.”

Midway ISD honored for programs T

welve Texas school districts have been recognized for their outstanding programs with the release of Texas School Business magazine’s 13th Annual Bragging Rights 2019-20 special issue. Bragging Rights, which calls for nominations and is published every December, recognizes school districts that have implemented programs that are bettering the lives of Texas’ students, schools and communities.

This year’s 12 honored districts and their innovative programs include: • • • • • •

Boles ISD, VEX Robotics Team College Station ISD, Foods of Texas Class Corpus Christi ISD, Crisis Response Team Donna ISD, CODE: Girls Fort Sam Houston ISD, Flex Schedule Lubbock-Cooper ISD, Ambassador Program

• Merkel ISD, eSports Program

• Midway ISD, MMS Community and Beyond • • • •

San Elizario ISD, STEM Curriculum San Saba ISD, P-TECH/ICIA Academy Tomball ISD, Multi-Tiered System of Support Wichita Falls ISD, UPSTART

“Nearly 200 nominations for school district programs across Texas poured in this year, and each one deserves to be noticed,” says Texas School Business Editorial Director, Dacia Rivers. “It’s our hope that the 12 districts we chose inspire others to follow in their footsteps. The mission of Texas School Business is to share the good news happening in Texas public schools, and there’s never a shortage of newsworthy school programs for us to cover.”

For 45 years, Texas School Business has served as the news magazine for public education in Texas. Since 2014, it has been produced by the Texas Association of School Administrators (www.tasanet.org). To read the 13th Annual Bragging Rights issue online, visit www.texasschoolbusiness.com.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 21

Looking for a unique venue for your next event?

Reserve Hewitt’s Creekside Amphitheater!

L

ooking for a unique location to host your next concert, performance or event? Check out the Creekside Amphitheater in Warren Park, located at 450 South Old Temple Road in Hewitt. The surrounding park offers 36 acres of land with mature trees, plenty of open green space and a nearby pavilion. Castleman Creek creates a beautiful backdrop to the Amphitheater and serves as the northern border of Warren Park. The unique architecture of this facility compliments the surrounding natural area, and makes an impressive statement to park visitors. Creekside Amphitheater is able to host a variety of mid-sized events, but is charming enough to accommodate more small and private gatherings. Seating is comprised of 42 stone benches to comfortably seat 120+ guests. A large concrete apron in front of the stage allows for placement of chairs or other seating during smaller events. In addition, there are four electric and water hook-ups for food trucks and/or other vendors. We would love to help you plan your next event at this beautiful and very special location. For more information, contact Rachel Bull at (254) 296-5698.

Five Star Painting Locally Owned by the Praesel Family

Services We Offer: • Interior & Exterior Painting • Wallpaper & Popcorn Ceiling Removal • Cabinet Paint & Stain • Fence, Patio, and Deck Refinishing • Light Carpentry • Two Year Workmanship Warranty

Mention this ad and receive $100 off any project over $1,000.

LIMITED TIME OFFER. ONLY VALID AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT FIVESTARPAINTING.COM

254-230-9693

FiveStarPainting.com 22 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

Get to know your MISD teachers BRITTNEY BOYD • SOUTH BOSQUE ELEMENTARY Mrs. Boyd is beginning her 10th year in education and her second year of teaching Kindergarten at South Bosque Elementary. She began her career in Rockport, Texas where she taught Kindergarten, Pre-K and worked as a Literacy Consultant.

Brittney is very excited about the upcoming school year, as her daughter will be a Kindergarten student at South Bosque. Her husband also works for Midway ISD, teaching World Geography at Midway High School, in addition to coaching Varsity football and track. She enjoys cheering for the Panthers and supporting her favorite coach!

NICOLE GRYGAR • WOODWAY ELEMENTARY District Elementary Teacher of the Year Mrs. Grygar is beginning her thirteenth year of teaching and her seventh year in Midway ISD. She is currently teaching 4th grade at Woodway Elementary.

Grygar has three children who all attend school in Midway ISD. Her passion for children extends beyond the classroom and to her Girl Scout troop that meets in Woodway. Some of her favorite memories working at Woodway include getting visits and hugs from former students, creating lifelong friendships with colleagues, and having the opportunity to constantly learn and grow as an educator. She 100% just really loves Midway!

SUSAN JONES • MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL Mrs. Jones teaches computer science and debate at Midway High School. She has nine years’ experience in education, and brings professional experiences as a database administrator to teaching as she leads students to become lifelong learners. Mrs. Jones serves as a PLTW Master Teacher, leading teachers through curricular training in-person and online—receiving the National PLTW Computer Science Teacher of the Year for 2018-19. She involves her students in activities throughout the community, from a Girls Who Code Club to CSEducation Week and Hour of Code to elementary math and science night.

Mrs. Jones earned her Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and lives in Waco with her family, where she enjoys hiking, reading, playing video games and scrapbooking.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 23

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a fast-casual restaurant that has been dishing out good vibes to their fans in Waco since 2016—recently adding their sister store in Hewitt to the mix in 2018. Their Baja-style Mexican faves include tacos, nachos, burritos and their signature queso, along with frozen schooners of margaritas and beer...all served at a chill price.

Fuzzy’s patio is the perfect place to hang out with your pals or pups and enjoy the laid-back, low-key, easygoing vibe. Open daily, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop offers catering for all gatherings and a full breakfast menu served all day.

Welcome to Infinitus Martial Arts—a family-friendly community that encourages students to be the best that they can be in all aspects of their life. We’re more than just a karate studio, we teach students of all ages to handle any situation they may encounter in life—whether in school, work or in their community. Sensei Wimberley, 4th Degree Black Belt of the Chuck Norris System, instructs students using the United Fighting Arts Federation disciplines, such as UFAF Krav Maga Force and UFAF Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With Infinitus, “The possibilities are endless!” Call Infinitus Martial Arts at 254.709.5625.

24 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2020

NEW MEMBER

Come ROCK YOUR RIDE at Waco’s premium indoor cycling studio, Cycle Bar Waco, conveniently located in Central Texas Marketplace.

We offer 45-minute classes daily for all ages and fitness levels. This “heart-pumping party on a bike” supports both your cardiovascular health and strength training. A variety of month-to-month membership levels allow this to be your primary or secondary fitness solution.

Private, corporate and charity fundraiser rides are also available at very affordable rates for groups of up to 45 riders! Your first class is always FREE! Simply email Waco@CycleBar.com or call 254.224.6749 with questions or to book your bike.

SP TLIGHT

Heaven Epperson with Acceptance Insurance has been providing insurance service in McLennan County since 2003. She believes that putting her clients first and maintaining the upmost level of professionalism on their behalf is a must that has never steered her wrong.

She graduated from Waco High and went on to McLennan Community College to earn her associate’s degree. Heaven is married and the mother of three amazing stepdaughters, two wonderful daughters and three loving sons. She has served on the board of the National Association for Female Executives since 2015. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family in downtown Waco. Contact Heaven for your insurance quote at 254.537.0380.

NEW MEMBER

The Purr-fect Paw knows that your pets are a priority, and that not all pet-sitting and dog-walking services are the same. We pride our business on providing pet-owners with peace of mind and convenience to leave your pets in the best care and be on your way. Providing in-home pet sitting to know they are all safe at home.

No matter the size of the pet, we provide the service. Have a pet with a particular routine? No worries, we will make sure to follow your routine to ensure all pets are happy and healthy.

Call The Purr-fect Paw at 254.495.6578 to schedule your free in-home

SP TLIGHT

LAKE SHORE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Lake Shore Funeral Home & Crematory is a team of highly-trained and caring individuals who will guide you through every step of the decisionmaking process. It is important to us that you understand your options, and for us to provide guidance when needed. We have a large home-like facility with two chapels and a reception center for life celebrations. We also have a new state-of-the-art cremation tribute center with a crematory facility that is unmatched in Texas. We are a local family-owned and operated provider. “Let Us Show You The Difference A Caring Neighbor Can Make.” Call 254.752.5900 or visit LakeShoreFH.com.

At Smile Doctors Braces, our purpose is your smile. Each day, we share our hearts, our culture and our expertise with our community and each and every patient we see. We love on people first and straighten teeth second. Visit SmileDoctors.com to sign up for a free consultation for braces or Invisalign.

Hi, neighbors! Texell Credit Union is in your neighborhood. Our Hewitt Branch is now open and ready to serve you—located at 1221 Hewitt Drive, Suite A (right next to Bush’s Chicken). Texell Credit Union has roots dating back to the 1940s and we continue to grow. Your money is safe at Texell, and your deposit accounts are insured up to $500,000.

Membership is open to those who live, work, worship or go to school in McLennan County. Come by, we can’t wait to meet you!

Want to maximize your Chamber membership?

Simply visit www.HewittChamber.com/90 days to find great tips on making the most of your membership!

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Special thanks to Raising Cane’s on Hewitt Drive for sponsoring Greater Hewitt Chamber’s 2019 ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

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1 Community Cancer Association Ribbon Cutting • 2 Restoration 1 of Waco Ribbon Cutting • 3 Cycle Bar Waco Ribbon Cutting • 4 Greater Hewitt Chamber Board Strategic Planning Session • 5 Amazing Lash

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Studio Ribbon Cutting • 6 Computers N Stuff Ribbon Cutting • 7 GHC member Regina Martinez presents $1,000 check to Hallelujah Food Pantry • 8 Fruipeno at Sip n’ Shop event • 9 Jose Neira and Jose Palacios win prizes at GAGE and Ratcliff Business After Hours • 10 Gold Financial Services Ribbon Cutting 11 GHC staff Showcase Metals 2 Go • 12 Extraco Mortgage Ribbon Cutting • 13 Rabroker Ribbon Cutting 14 Acceptance Insurance Ribbon Cutting • 15 GHC and Papa John’s treat Hewitt PD to pizza in appreciation for all they do to keep us safe • 16 Bulldog Auto Detailing Ribbon Cutting • 17 Tiny Hearts Ribbon Cutting 18 The Exchange Ribbon Cutting • 19 Camp Bow Wow groundbreaking ceremony • 20 Jax Aerial Photography Ribbon Cutting • 21 Shelly Taylor Photography Ribbon Cutting • 22 Landmark Chiropractic Ribbon Cutting • 23 Elegant Nail Spa at Sip n’ Shop • 24 GHC staff at Find Your Waco event • 25 Hewitt Fire Department serves our community every day • 26 Hero Day at Hewitt Park

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

Richard Kruger, Agent 7213 New Sanger Rd. Waco, TX 76712 Bus: 254-776-4593 richard.kruger.pkib@statefarm.com

It can also provide for today.

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.

GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. ®

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 1203087.1

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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER MEMBERS! Jax Aerial Photography Airdale Inspection Camp Bow Wow Walk-On’s Sometimes Spouse College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving The Purr-fect Paw Infinitus Martial Arts Lake Shore Funeral Home Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Papa John’s Hewitt Foster Village Waco McCulloch Mortgage Team Remedy Intelligent Staffing Modern Texas Living Modern Media Agency ESESIS Environmental Services Mexicano Grille Hewitt Community Cancer Association

High & Associates Job Link Personnel Services Zerenity Treasures Rabroker Air Conditioning Andy’s Frozen Custard Bear Braces Jessica Gudino Volkswagen of Waco Young Living, Amanda Lloyd Champions Salon & Barber Downtown Bulldog Auto Detailing Midway Nutrition Country Spring Vineyard and Wine Garden Talexes Hero Pest Control Freedom Nutrition The Washtub of Hewitt Clint Allen - State Farm Insurance

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814 Majes�c Drive Hewi�, TX 76643 (254) 666-5656 RoyaltonVillage.com myhome@RoyaltonVillage.com Spacious 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, duplexes, townhouses and homes from 700 to 1700 square feet with 8 different floor plans.

Our ameni�es include: • Two reserved covered parking spaces • 24-hour emergency service • Fireplaces • Washer/Dryer hook-ups • Two car garages (houses only) • Extra storage space • Fenced-in backyards • Large walk-in closets • Single and double pa�os • Solar-screened windows • Midway ISD

Let us treat you like royalty!

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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #65 Hewitt TX

P.O. Box 661 Hewitt, Texas 76643

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