Winter 2017 Hewitt Express Magazine

SERVICE DRIVES SUCCESS AT ALLEN SAMUELS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM SET GOALS FOR 2017 • HEWITT’S WORKFORCE DIVERSITY WORKS MIDWAY’S USE OF BOND FUNDS BENEFITS STUDENTS & COMMUNITY

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HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 3

To advertise in the Hewitt Chamber Express, call (254) 666-1200. Issues are published in January, April, July and October. chamber staff

Executive Director Alissa Cady alissa@hewittchamber.com

Public Relations Coordinator Laura Beaty laura@hewittchamber.com

2017 EXECUTIVE officers

President • Ian Dawson Vice President • Adam Price 2nd Vice President • Scott Hedges Secretary • Cassie Thomas Treasurer • Lindsey Skinner, CPA, CFE, CGMA Past President • Jeff Stubbs

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Diana Crow Gregg Dungan Mary Ellison Wayne Gartman Nancy Gupton Jean Ann Hoover Dan Ingham Loni Jones

Jennifer Kampermann

Carlena Lesso Regina Martinez Donna Muhlman Suzi Pagel Andrew Smith Jared Story Davis Thigpen Frank Thomas Alee Walker Chris Watkins Rick Winters

2017 HONORARY MEMBER Adam Miles

LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER John Holder

‘‘

—C.S. LEWIS

january 12

Business After Hours Sponsored by Locals Love Us • 1 Pavilion Way in Woodway

5:00–7:00 p.m.

18

Networking Luncheon* • The Dr Pepper Museum • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

25

Hewitt Walmart Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting • 733 Sun Valley Blvd.

in Hewitt • 7:30 a.m.

26

Greater Hewitt Chamber Annual Membership Banquet • Waco Convention Center

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

february 2

T & M Contracting Ribbon Cutting Ceremony • 235 N Hewitt Drive, #7 • 4:45 p.m.

9

Business After Hours Sponsored by SpringHill Suites • 200 Colonnade Parkway in

Woodway • 5:00–7:00 p.m.

14

Building Business Workshop* on Customer Service 101 • Waco Chamber Cooper Room

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

22

Building Business Breakfast and Facility Tour at Coca-Cola Waco

2701 Texas Central Parkway • 8:00–9:30 a.m.

MARCH 3

New Member Coffee with The President • Café Cappuccino 903 N Hewitt Drive

in Hewitt • 8:00–9:00 a.m.

21

Joint Networking Luncheon* • Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber • 915 La Salle Ave.

in Waco • 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

16

Business After Hours Sponsored by Heartis Waco • 5317 Speegleville Road in Waco

5:00–7:00 p.m.

*Special thanks to 2017 presenting luncheon sponsor, Synergy Bank hewittchamber.com

‘‘

101 Third Street P.O. Box 661 Hewitt, Texas 76643 254.666.1200 254.666.3181 fax

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

©2017 Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce

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4 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

Best Western Plus Woodway-Waco South’s proximity to Highways 6 and 84 makes traveling simple and allows for easy access to many attractions and businesses. Leisure travelers can shop at Richland Mall, and can travel less than seven miles to visit Baylor University, Magnolia Market, Extraco Events Center and the Cameron Park Zoo. Some local businesses in the area include CokeMinute Maid, Providence Health Center, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest and M&M Mars. Our business amenities include a complimentary breakfast, free wireless high-speed Internet and a business center to make working easier. Book your stay today at bestwestern.com or call (254) 772-2227.

Camp Gladiator is the leader in outdoor fitness! Working out does not have to be monotonous, boring or done alone. If you are looking for a fun, encouraging program for all levels of fitness in a setting where you will be challenged and held accountable, then this is the program for you. It is our mission to Positively Impact the Physical Fitness and Ultimately the Lives of as Many People as Possible. Come join the CG family! Visit Campgladiator.com for more information.

Charis Dillon Social Media • I love social media and people! My all-time favorite thing to do is take brands from good to exceptional, and I would love for YOU to be my next client! I grew up in Central Texas, went to college at Howard Payne in Brownwood and currently live in the great city of Waco! With my years of corporate sales experience, as well as being a makeup artist and fitness instructor (I really have done it all), I can work with anyone that is ready to learn and to grow their brand. Let’s chat soon! Visit Charisdillon.com for more information.

The Carter Agency was established in 2013 by Bryan Carter who has lived in Waco for over 40 years. The agency started with 0 policies and one staff member, and has grown to 1,000+ policies and four staff members—all licensed and trained to provide you with proper coverage and superior service. Whether providing insurance products for Auto/Home/Life/Commercial/Events or RVs, the Carter Agency focuses on educating our customers on the products offered.

The agency moved to Hewitt in 2014, and is quickly growing into one of the best insurance agencies in Central Texas. Staff includes (R to L): Bryan Carter, agency-owner; Renee Ridling, office manager/CSR; Katie Matoska, producer/ CSR and Jenny Crow, producer/CSR. Visit us at www.farmersagent.com/bcarter.

First Woodway Baptist Church is located at Highway 84 and Ritchie Road.

Here you’ll find a sense of family and belonging in a community that encompasses all generations. We believe Jesus makes a difference in our everyday lives in very real ways. He breathes into us a genuine love for others, a deep sense of peace and joy, and a fresh reminder of His calling and purpose in our lives. We want you to experience the hope Jesus brings. We warmly welcome you to join us in our pursuit to know Him and live out His calling on our lives.

NEW MEMBER

SP TLIGHT

Come by...let’s be friends! Let Allen Samuels Chevrolet Buick GMC in Hearne show you special vehicle offers and take you through our complete line of new and pre-owned inventory. They'll help you find exactly what you are looking for and realize your time is valuable. Allen Samuels Hearne is certain you will find their website site a fast and convenient way to research and find a vehicle that’s right for you. Visit allensamuelshearne.com, stop by the dealership located at 4556 S. State Highway 6 in Hearne, or call (888) 904-9659 to purchase your next vehicle.

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 5

NEW MEMBER

SP TLIGHT

Hole in the Roof is the connection between life and design. We blur the lines between everyday work and our love of creativity. Our goal is to humbly do the best of our artistic ability, establish lasting relationships with our customers, and give back to the community. We pride ourselves on providing superior products driven by excellent customer service, as well as having the experience and strength in all aspects of marketing promotions to help you with any facet of your marketing needs. Whether you’re cultivating an initial concept, or need a unique way to deliver your concept, we have the skills to produce effective results—the sky’s the limit.

Visit Holeintheroof.com for more information.

Welcome to our centrally-located Home2 Suites by Hilton Waco hotel.

Designed with your comfort in mind, you’ll find all the amenities of home with several extras, including our Spin2 Cycle Center, complimentary laundry and fitness facility. Our spacious suites offer a full kitchen, living area, a working wall and sofa bed. We are a pet-friendly hotel, so bring the entire family for an extended stay! Bask in the Texas sun at our outdoor saline pool or cozy up by the fire pit on the patio. Wake up to our free breakfast with 400+ options, including hot breakfast sandwiches, cereals, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. Call (254) 752-4400 to reserve with us today.

Jeff Bauer, DDS and his office team wish to make your future visit a pleasant experience. It is our goal to treat all patients as “family,” and we extend to you that same invitation. Over the years, it’s been our commitment to provide the Waco area with the best dental care and cosmetic dentistry possible. Our mission is to promote regular preventive care in our office that our patients can continue at home. Our approach to dentistry is simple, honest, direct and less costly in the long run, because with good planning, we know where we are going before we begin! Call (254) 666-6292 or visit jeffbauerdds.com for more information.

T&M Contracting has proudly served the Hewitt and surrounding areas for six years, specializing in all things residential and commercial—handling every construction need at your home or place of work/worship. We take pride in utilizing our experienced staff members as opposed to hiring subcontractors—allowing us the opportunity to start projects on time and on budget. We handle remodeling, roofing, home additions, insurance claims, tree-trimming and any other construction-related need. From Design to Completion, We Know Roofing, We Know Remodeling. Visit us at 235 N. Hewitt Drive, Suite 7 in Hewitt, mytmcontractor.com or Facebook/T&M Contracting for before and after photos of projects just like yours.

Contact Trinity Auto Haus of Waco for all of your auto repair needs: computer diagnostics, front end work, brakes, alignments and recommended factory maintenance. We provide a wide range of high-quality auto repair services.

With our experienced and skilled staff, we guarantee customer satisfaction!

A shuttle service and loaner vehicles are available. Trinity Auto Haus is highly recommended by our customers and known for professional, dependable, friendly, honest and speedy service. Visit trinityautohaus.com for a complete list of services, or call (254) 400-2683 for more information.

Warren Park in Hewitt • May 6 • 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

5K Color Run | Car Show | Mexican Food | Kids Zone Local Vendors | 42 Tourney | Washers Tourney HewittChamber.com/Nacho

6 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

Is it a wish? Or a goal?

by Laura Beaty, Public Relations Coordinator, Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce

T

his time of year represents new beginnings, and for many, that means making resolutions. Losing weight, getting out of debt and breaking bad habits are among the more common items to make the list, but more often than not, we slide back into old routines, and resolutions fall by the wayside. To avoid this annual backslide, try setting goals this year instead of making resolutions.

What do you really want?

What would you like your life to look like this time next year?

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, famously said, “Begin with the end in mind.” If you can answer where you want to be in a year, then you are ready to set some goals.

Set SMART Goals There are countless iterations of George Doran’s SMART Goals (originally published in 1981), and for good reason—setting SMART goals keeps you on track and often yields results.

Specific. Your goal should be clear and specific. For example, “I want to lose 30 pounds in three months” is more precise than “I want to get in shape.”

Measurable. Having a measurable goal will help you to stay focused and motivated as you get closer and closer to achieving the goal. Using our previous example, success would be measured by pounds lost.

Attainable. It is important for your goal to be realistic; otherwise, you’ll only be setting yourself up to fail. For example, losing 50 pounds in one month is not realistic, but by changing one month to one year, the goal becomes attainable.

Relevant. Answering where you want to be in a year will also help you in knowing if your goal is relevant.

To be relevant and worthy of your time and energy, accomplishing your goal should get you closer to living the life you want.

Time-bound. Setting a deadline by which to accomplish your goal will enable you to stay focused. The best way to maintain focus is by breaking your goal down into baby steps. Using the goal of losing 30 pounds in three months, you could set sub-goals of losing ten pounds per month or even 2.5 pounds per week.

Write your goals down A goal not written down is just a wish. By writing down your goals, you are clarifying exactly where you want to be and how you will get there. It serves both as a constant reminder to help you stay focused and as a roadmap to your success.

Develop action steps so that you’re consistently moving closer to realizing the goal. Once you have a timeline down for your goal, you’ll be able to set daily action steps. For our example, your monthly benchmark of ten pounds can be achieved through daily action steps like doing 30 minutes of cardio and packing healthy lunches the night before.

If you do start to drift off course, remember that every day —not just every year—represents a new beginning. Start the day fresh and begin again.

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 7

WE ARE HONORED TO INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR

Jan.

26 Thursday

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Cash bar available Banquet 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Live music provided

Waco Convention Center Brazos Room

100 Washington Ave. Waco, TX 76701 Menu by George’s Restaurant & Catering: Sliced Roast Beef with Brown Gravy Baked Potato Casserole Green Beans

Featuring Keynote Speaker

Nate Self

Former U.S. Army Officer & Author of Two Wars

Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Chocolate Pie | Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Tickets: $55 each | $430 for table of 8 h e w i t tc h a m b e r. c o m / ba n q u e t

diamond sponsors -

-

gold sponsors American Bank

scholarship sponsors silver sponsors

American Guaranty Title • First Central Credit Union • GENCO Federal Credit Union • Jack of All Trades • Mr. Electric Pendley Party Productions • Right at Home • Stoney Brook Senior Living • The UPS Store • Vanessa’s Boutique

bronze sponsors

Barnett Contracting • Five Star Painting of Waco • GTR Vacations • Loaded Sound, Stage & Lighting Northern & Nye Printing • POINTWEST Bank

8 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

Changing dynamics in Hewitt

by Stephanie Thompson, Hewitt Human Resources Generalist

I

n Hewitt, change has been a common theme in the recent years.

Our community is flourishing, new businesses are being established, and more citizens are finding a home in our thriving city. There has also been a change in our demographics. Attributes such as race, gender, age groups, and religion are all becoming more diverse as our population grows.

We have certainly noticed a shift in the composition of the City of Hewitt’s workforce—diversified to include employees with skilled trades, college degrees, a variety of ethnic groups, and employees with completely different ideologies. One of the most prevalent demographic changes for Hewitt has been our growing population of the newer generation of workers—the “Millennials”—who now make up 40% of our employee base.

The City of Hewitt understands the importance of embracing our diversity in the workplace. We have provided an environment that has allowed employees to share their unique needs, and have developed strategies based off of those needs to attract and retain the best talent around. To attract talent, we stay connected. We use social media as a platform to share job openings and to continuously advertise our unique culture. We have invested in a new website design that is mobile-friendly and easy to use. Citizens can stay connected on our homepage (www.cityofhewitt.com) through our social media feeds. They also have quick access to our Careers portal.

We continue improving the orientation experience for new hires. On their first day, our state-of-the-art human resources software helps to make completing paperwork seamless and

efficient. Furthermore, to enhance their day one onboarding experience, we created a welcome video starring our very own employees. Featuring key tips from the City’s leadership, our video is a platform for us to welcome new members to our team in a fun, informative, and inclusive way. At the same time, we are able to communicate helpful information about our city—such as our history, mission, culture, and benefits.

Once employees are hired, we keep them engaged through our investment in training and development opportunities. For example, we give departments the opportunity to nominate high-potential employees to attend an intensive leadership development program. Our tenure at the City ranges from over 25 years of service to only a couple of weeks. By utilizing this training program, we are also taking the first steps in succession planning.

As an employer, the City has taken advantage of the growing diversity in our workforce. We listen to their unique needs and focus on finding ways to provide a fun, progressive culture. From photo booths at employee luncheons to friendly departmental pumpkin-decorating contests, we find creative ways to make the City of Hewitt an enjoyable place to work. In return, we have employees that are proud to be members of our organization, and their pride is reflected in the quality of products and services delivered to our citizens.

10 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

778 Sun Valley Blvd.

Hewitt, TX (254) 732-9823

Convenient loca�on.

Comfortable rooms.

First-class ameni�es.

Minutes away from Baylor University, McLane Stadium, Fixer Upper’s® Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Dr Pepper Museum and Cameron Park Zoo. Conveniently located just off I-35 between Aus�n and Dallas.

Stay at Ramada in Hewi�, and experience Southern hospitality at its finest.

BushsChicken.com

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 1 1

R E A L PAT I E N T S . R E A L S TO R I E S .

‘‘

Worst kind of heart attack.

Best place to treat it.

’’

Physically fit and 49, Jeff Fisher isn’t the typical heart attack victim. “I was out running like I’ve probably done a thousand times, being a retired Marine, and I started to feel pain in my left side.”

When he arrived at the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest emergency room, his heart stopped. Repeated resuscitation efforts brought him back, and an implanted stent reopened the fully blocked artery. “When I woke up, 36 hours later, the cardiologist was sitting by my bed.” The entire care team rallied around Jeff and his wife during his recovery. Today, he’s healthy again. “I don’t think I’d be here to tell the story if it weren’t for Baylor Scott & White.”

150 Hillcrest Medical Blvd., Waco, Texas 76712

Watch Jeff’s story at heart.sw.org.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health.© 2016 Baylor Scott & White Health. BSWHILLCRST_ 177_2016 SOM

1 2 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

Much more than a car dealership D

oing business the right way…that’s the Allen Samuels way.

Since his first dealership opened over 34 years ago, Allen Samuels has revolutionized the automobile industry by creating a model of award-winning customer service, buyer satisfaction, superior ethics and community involvement.

Along with the flagship Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram store in Waco and the Alfa-Romeo Fiat dealership, also in Waco, Mr. Samuels has made several new additions this past year under a new company name—Allen Samuels Holdings, Inc.— located in Waco.

Additions include Allen Samuels Chevrolet Buick GMC in Hearne, Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Mazda in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Allen Samuels Direct, a new Pre-Owned Superstore in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In addition, Mr. Samuels owns Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships in Aransas Pass, Texas and Oxford, Mississippi.

While the commitment to community may not be obvious at first glance, it’s the driving force behind the business philosophy of the dealerships. As Waco’s number one car dealer, Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram has committed monetarily—as well as countless volunteer hours to the greater Hewitt and Waco areas. Supporting education and arts, such as the Midway PTA, MCC, Baylor University, Waco ISD and Waco Symphony Orchestra. Scores of other organizations have also benefited from Allen Samuels sponsorships.

Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram General Manager, Ted Teague of Waco enthusiastically supports the McLennan County Jr. Livestock Sale of Champions (pictured at right) which helps area students pay for their FFA projects.

Buying the animals during the auction also establishes an essential beginning for the students' educational scholarship funds.

“We’re dedicated to our communities in Central Texas.” said Teague. “Our customer involvement in the many organizations in this area is important to us. We live and work here, too, so it’s our calling to be involved”.

Ideally located on the I-35 corridor, the phenomenon of Fixer Upper®, Baylor sports and the explosive of growth in the Downtown Waco area, Teague is encouraged by the tremendous interest in greater Waco and recognizes the importance of Waco’s bourgeoning culture in supporting local businesses and strengthening community bonds. Part of that includes sponsoring dozens of community events throughout the year.

Selection, pricing and service are always top of mind.

Whether shopping onsite or online, there are over 1,200 new and 800 pre-owned vehicles available for customers from which to choose.

For decades, Allen Samuels has extended the well-known invitation, “Come by… Let’s be friends!”

It stands today, and it’s the way Allen Samuels dealerships continue to do business.

Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram was awarded with the Greater Hewitt Chamber Business of the Year Award in 2015.

Come by...Let's be friends!

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 1 3

(Left) Allen Samuels dealerships support community Junior Livestock sales to help students pay for FFA project and to establish their educational scholarship funds.

This young lady proudly celebrates all of her hard work, while her brother tends to their Grand Champion steer.

Greater Hewitt Chamber's annual car show

Winners of the 2016 "Best Celebrity Chef Contest" proudly display their awards.

Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram also supports the annual H.O.T. Fair & Rodeo at the Extraco Events Center in Waco

(Left and below) Allen Samuels also supports fun community fundraising events, like the Greater Hewitt Chamber's annual car show and H-E-B's recent "Best Celebrity Chef Contest."

Pictured at left with their winning bowl trophies (lL to R) are H-E-B's Ed Davenport, WISD's Bonnie Cain, Waco attorney Derrel Luce, Mix 104.9's Beth Richards and Dustin Drew, and Caritas' Buddy Edwards.

14 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

your votes are in...

THANK YOU HEWITT!

“MOST LOVED REAL ESTATE COMPANY”

“BEST

REAL ESTATE AGENCY”

“#1

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE”

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 15

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.

254-666-5050

FOR EVERYDAY SLAM DUNK SAVINGS SAY STANLEY IN MCGREGOR

Leo Pacheco

General Manager

StanleyMcGregor.com

254-840-2868 1280 E. McGregor Dr.

VOLLEYBALL ALL-AMERICANS SOUTH BOSQUE LITTLE FREE LIBRARY

ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOCCE BALL TEAM

KMTV BROADCAST TEAM

HEART O’ TEXAS FAIR & RODEO WINNERS

VIDEO CONTEST WINNER MMS BAND

ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS

YOUTH PHILANTHROPY

18 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

AUTO LOANS HOME EQUITY LOANS

silver PlaTTer financial service

REAL ESTATE CHECKING ACCOUNTS

For over 60 years we’ve been serving the best financial products

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HOME BANKING DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS AND MUCH MORE!

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gencofcu.org • 254.776.9550 • 800.922.6428

I

I

I

I

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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:

Join us for a bite!

There’s a lot to be excited about at the Hewitt Lions Club. We have a new meeting place at IHOP on New Road, new service projects to give back to the community, exciting fundraisers and plenty of chances to meet new faces.

We’d love to see you soon! Our dinner meetings are every 2nd and 4th Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• 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!

Learn more at HewittLionsClub.org

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 19

VFW POST 6008 WELCOMES YOU TO HEWITT Serving Friday night meals for a minimal donation (call 254-666-6008 for meal specials) Hall rentals • Annual/Life memberships available Get on our email list for notification of special events VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES

HERE TO SERVE VETERANS OF THE GREATER HEWITT AREA

725 Sun Valley Blvd. (next to DQ) • I-35 @ Exit 328

254-666-6008

20 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

The Greater Hewitt Chamber is now at your fingertips!

Search “Hewitt Chamber” in your mobile device’s* app store & download for event info, directory of local businesses, shopping, dining & much more. *Android and iOS

• Interior/Exterior • Light Commercial • FREE Estimates

5-STAR SPECIAL! WACO, TX

254.206.3699 fivestarpainting.com

$125 OFF any paint project of $1,000 or more* *Details apply. Call us for more information.

LOOKING FOR NEW CUSTOMERS? They’re new to your neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your business.

We open doors for you!

Contact your local Territory Sales Developer,

Midge Norris

Midge.Norris@welcomewagon.com or call 800-737-4859 ext 1103.

www.welcomewagon.com

Peter Thyen (254) 495-0412 | Sarah Jamar (336) 413-6590 Jacob Baker (254) 721-0936 | 100 Santa Fe Ste. 3 Woodway, TX

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 25 21

4 TIPS FOR BRANDING YOUR BUSINESS Define your ideal customer Before you start marketing, you need to identify who you are targeting. Who is your ideal customer?

Be specific. Try writing a one-page “Day in the Life of My Customer” to get into the right mindset. You can also reach out to the creative folks you know for outside-the-box thinking to identify customers you may be missing.

Craft a professional image Contact the Chamber or a local printing company for recommended graphic designers. When searching for a designer, ask to see their portfolios and make sure their style and personality is a good fit for you. Having a good designer is key to projecting a professional image and attracting loyal customers.

Stand out Look at your competitors’ advertising–take note of the colors, fonts, style and wording they use.

Keeping your ideal customer in mind, work with your designer to create art that differentiates you from others in your industry. Customers are attracted to professional, clean design, but communication is key. Use fonts that are easy to read, and make sure your messaging makes sense to the audience (for example, avoid using industry jargon in an ad meant for the general public).

Be consistent Once you find a voice and style that reflects your company and attracts your ideal customer, be consistent in your marketing efforts across all platforms (print ads, social media, radio, TV, billboards, etc.). Smart branding means creating a good and lasting impression with consumers.

Changing your look and feel too often will hurt your ability to establish that impression.

Call Northern & Nye at (254) 662-2292 today to discuss your design and printing needs.

LIFE INSURANCE ISN'T ABOUT YOU. IT'S ABOUT THEM. Hello Hewitt, your family counts on you to provide— love, attention, security, money. While nothing will ever replace all that you provide, life insurance ensures your family’s financial security in the face of the unexpected. Life insurance can help pay off a mortgage, provide income, and cover future education costs.

Q: How much life insurance do I need?

A: Great question! Insurance needs change with each season of life – consult an expert. However, a general rule of thumb is 5x your annual income plus any debt.

Plan to spend around 2% of your annual income funding a policy to truly protect your family.

Q: I have a policy through work; do I need another policy?

A: Many policies through work do not adequately protect your family. Furthermore, policies through work may not continue with employment changes. Please note that rates increase with age and medical conditions. A little planning now can protect your family for decades to come. Don’t wait, take action!

Q: Why do my children or grandchildren need a life policy?

A: Guaranteed insurability—no matter what happens, the child can have a lifetime policy. Also, some life insurance policies accumulate cash values to use at a later date —weddings, college; down payment on a house.

Your family trusts you. You can trust State Farm.

Call or stop by my office in Hewitt. Let me help you customize a plan to protect your family and your budget! Call 254.870.SAVE (7283)

Tips for finding and working with a reputable graphic designer Identify what is it you need them to do.

Need a new logo? Need help with updating an old logo or marketing piece? Once you know what you need, you’re then ready to find a designer.

Ask colleagues and/or friends who they would recommend, contact a local printing company or a Chamber of Commerce.

Once you have a name, contact the designer, let them know what you need, ask how they charge for their work, decide if their rate fits your budget and if you like their communication style (very important). Ask if they have a website and take a look at it. Seeing their style will let you know if they could handle what you’re in need of.

What to bring to your first meeting.

Many designers will meet with you the first time at no charge. If possible, bring samples of colors/ fonts/layout styles you like for the designer to get a feel of what it is youlike. A good designer will ask a lot of questions to determine exactly what your preferences are before they begin—both to meet your design goal on the first try, and to save you money on their time/design fee. Ask as many questions as you’d like, too.

Be honest with your likes/dislikes.

If you’re not 100% happy with something on the first draft, let them know! Their goal is to create something you like and can use for a long time.

If you’re happy with your experience, refer others to them!

Call By Design at (254) 420-1880 today with any questions you may have, or to chat about your design needs. By Design is located on the sixth floor of the American Bank building, near the corner of Hwy. 84 and Hwy. 6 in Waco.

Have a question for an expert? Get it answered! Call 254.666.1200 or email laura@hewittchamber.com and your question may be featured in the next issue.

22 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER • BUSINESS MEMBER APPLICATION Joining is easy! Simply register and pay online at HewittChamber.com/Join If you’d prefer, simply mail this application and your dues to Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 661, Hewitt, TX 76643.

Business Name: Primary Contact Name/Title: Email: Physical Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Mailing Address: City: State: Zip: Website: Facebook Page: Twitter Account: Business Category Listing: Business Profile (please give us a brief description of your business and the services you offer):

The Chamber will work hard to refer business to you. Please describe your ideal customer client/patient:

I heard about the Hewitt Chamber from: BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP:

Non-business–$77 14-50 Employees–$247

0 Employees – $200 51-299 Employees–$283

1-13 Employees–$215 300+ Employees–$324

$50 for each additional listing Payment Method:

Online

Call with credit card

An enclosed check

I understand that I will begin receiving full business member benefits good for one year after my dues have been received and the board approves my application.

Signature: Date:

254.666.1200 alissa@hewittchamber.com

laura@hewittchamber.com

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 23

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1 Waco realtor and Hewitt Chamber member Camille Johnson celebrates the grand opening of her new realty company in November.

2 Five Star Painting enjoys its ribbon- cutting ceremony at the Greater Hewitt Chamber office in October.

3 Hewitt Veterinary Hospital's Drs. Gregory and Dodson receive a proclamation from Hewitt Mayor Pro Tem, Travis Bailey 4 Wesley Woods staff enjoys Business After Hours in October.

5 Hewitt City Manager Adam Miles reads The Night Before Christmas at Hewitt's annual tree-lighting event.

6 Spooktacular costume contest entrants await judging.

7 Home2 Suites Waco by Hilton celebrates its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting in October.

8 A shopper enjoys NAFE's annual "Sip N' Shop" event at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in November.

9 Hewitt Chamber Ambassador Glenda Ruiz and Hewitt Chamber PR Coordinator Laura Beaty enjoy the annual "Portraits & Pancakes" membership appreciation event in December.

10 Hewitt Chamber Executive Director Alissa Cady and Cathy Oliver, Springhill Suites General Manager, also enjoy "Portraits & Pancakes".

11 Hewitt Chamber Director Chris Watkins receives an appreciation plaque for his service as Hewitt Kiwanis Club President in 2016.

12 Hewitt Chamber members Nancy Watts and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory owner Sue Leonard share a celebratory moment at RMCF's "Fudge for Our Troops" drive in November.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID

P.O. Box 661 Hewitt, Texas 76643

Permit #65 Hewitt TX