Greater Waco Business Fall 2021 - Foreign Direct Investment

FALL 2021

A GREATER WACO CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Jennifer Manning Pattillo Brown & Hill, LLP

A MESSAGE FROM

MATT MEADORS This edition of Greater Waco Business Magazine explores Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). As Courtney Margetson, CEO & Executive Publisher of FDI Alliance International explains on page 10, Foreign Direct Investment “occurs when a firm invests in business assets in a foreign country.” Greater Waco has enjoyed FDI in the past, but over the last two years the pace of this investment in our region has greatly accelerated. Why? The world has discovered that Greater Waco is the perfect location from which to access the rapidly growing and dynamic Texas marketplace, as well as the balance of the national economy. There are other compelling reasons as well, and Kris Collins, your Chamber’s senior vice president for economic development, offers her thoughts on the main reasons why companies choose to do business in Waco on page 16.

As outlined in the following pages, Foreign Direct Investment in Greater Waco from January 2020 – October 2021 include the following: Envases Group is a Mexico-based company that manufactures packaging solutions. In December 2020, Envases made the announcement that it would open its first U.S. aluminum can production and distribution center in Waco, Texas. Now, the 450,000 square-foot facility is well underway in Texas Central Park; once completed, it will create over 120 new, full-time jobs.

ZINKPOWER Waco is a European leader in hot-dip galvanizing and powder-coating services and chose the Greater Waco community for its first greenfield operation in the U.S. This plant, located on Mars Drive, is the only hot-dip galvanizing center between the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and San Antonio and is home to ZINKPOWER’s largest dipping kettle.

Uzin Utz North America, Inc., a subsidiary of Uzin Utz AG, a Germany-based manufacturer, chose Greater Waco in early 2021 for its third U.S. operation. The new 125,000 square-foot facility, located at the intersection of Mars Drive and Texas Central Parkway, will include manufacturing capabilities as well as a national training facility.

Aspen Custom Trailers also selected Greater Waco for its first greenfield operation in the U.S. Based in Alberta, Canada, Aspen Custom Trailers is a leading manufacturer of heavy haul commercial trailers.

Knauf Insulation North America, a subsidiary of the Knauf Group based in Iphofen, Germany, chose Greater Waco recently. Knauf insulation is a global manufacturer of fiberglass insulation. Its new project includes a 600,000 square-foot facility in McGregor’s Industrial Park.

And consider these impacts – Together, these companies account for $387.3 million dollars in capital investment, which is approximately 42.6% of the total capital investment of $910 million plus that your Chamber has announced over the past 22 months. Further, they create 484 new jobs and 445 indirect jobs.

During this timeframe, they also accounted for approximately 36% of the new construction we announced – 1.39 million square feet of a total of 3.9 million square feet.

Each of these new businesses brings more diversity and opportunity to our community and elevates the quality of life for all. Working closley with our strategic partners, your Chamber continues to do the important work of recruiting companies, domestically and internationally, to our community. Read on to see more about these companies and the opportunities they afford Greater Waco.

Thank you for your continued support of your Chamber of Commerce.

With appreciation,

CHAIR-ELECT

George Chase Insurors of Texas

VICE CHAIR

Kary Lalani Lalani Lodging, Inc.

VICE CHAIR

Philip Patterson, FACHE Ascension Providence Healthcare Network

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Rick Tullis Capstone Mechanical

PRESIDENT & CEO

Matt Meadors Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER STAFF Jennifer Branch Director of Existing Industries & Workforce Development Kris Collins Senior Vice President Economic Development Gabriella Colurciello Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Leigh Davis Director of Marketing & Communications Nancy Gupton Resource Development Director Keith Kusler Art Director Rachel Martinez Director of Leadership Development Debbie McCutchen Economic Development Coordinator Sarah McDonald Resource Development Coordinator Matt Meadors President/CEO Seth Morris Vice President Economic Development Jason Powers Vice President of Finance & Operations Lexy Reil Research & Project Manager Ricky Vasquez Director of Signature Events

Matthew T. Meadors President & CEO

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Michelle Williams Finance & Operations Assistant Alivia Zepeda Resource Development Manager

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FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT EDITION 8

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WHY TEXAS

10 FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN THE POST-PANDEMIC WORLD 16 TOP 6 REASONS WHY COMPANIES CHOOSE WACO

UZIN UTZ COMES TO WACO

32 FOREIGN INVESTORS PUTTING THE PEDAL TO THE METAL 36 KNAUF INSULATION CHOOSES GREATER WACO 38 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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VOSSLOH IS COMMITTED TO THE US RAIL NETWORK

ON THE MARKET

MARKET REPORT

ECONOMY IN FOCUS

46 CHAMBER NEWS 54 MEMBER NEWS 58 RIBBON CUTTINGS 62 NEW MEMBERS

34 JOURNEY INTO WACO, TEXAS

ON THE COVER

Greater Waco has become a hub for foreign investment.

With companies from Germany, Canada, Mexico and more putting down roots in our community, we are continuing to grow our economy and change the way Greater Waco does business.

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EDITOR

Leigh Davis

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Greater Waco Business is published and distributed to Chamber members and economic development prospects. Digital copies are available online at WacoChamber.com.

Gabriella Colurciello

This publication is printed on FSC-certified paper.

ART DIRECTOR

© 2021 Greater Waco Chamber 101 S. Third St. Waco TX 76701 • (254) 757-5600

Keith Kusler

AD SALES

Gabriella Colurciello (254) 757-5618 gcolurciello@wacochamber.com

The Greater Waco Chamber reserves the right to reject editorial or advertising content in the Greater Waco Business publication, and via the organization’s full range of communications platforms, at its sole discretion.

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14

MILLION

1

U.S. EXPORTER FOR 17 YEARS IN A ROW

$

PEOPLE IN THE CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE

27 11 46

COMMERCIAL AIRPORTS INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS FREIGHT RAILROADS

16

IN 2020

SEA PORTS

32 624

279B

FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

NO PERSONAL OR CORPORATE INCOME TAX

MILES OF COASTLINE

TEXAS IS THE LEADING DESTINATION FOR COMPANIES RELOCATING FROM OTHER STATES

TEXAS IS THE LARGEST ENERGY-PRODUCING STATE IN THE NATION

#1

JOBS CREATOR IN THE NATION

FROM 2010 - 2020, TEXAS ADDED

1.98 MILLION jobs TEXAS’ HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE IS AMONG THE TOP 5 HIGHEST IN THE NATION, WITH A 90% COMPLETION RATE 8 | FALL 2021

THE LONE STAR STATE IS HOME TO

TEXAS LEADS THE NATION IN HIGH TECH EXPORTS FOR THE 8TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

49

FORTUNE 500 COMPANY HQs

Source: Office of Governor Greg Abbott, Economic Development & Tourism | July 2021

LEADING GLOBAL DESTINATION FOR FDI: Texas is the #1 state in the U.S. for FDI capital expenditure and the second largest state for new jobs from FDI. Since 2015, Texas has seen more than $66 billion in FDI investment and more than 930 new projects.

TEXAS DOES BUSINESS ABROAD: Since 2015, Texas companies invested in more than 800 greenfield FDI projects internationally, generating $54.3 billion in capital expenditures.

INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES CHOOSE TEXAS: There are more than 1,600 foreign entities registered in Texas and major international companies continue to choose Texas for significant expansion projects, including Kubota, Toyota, Ericsson, Mitsubishi, Samsung and Aisin AW, just to name a few. Texas is also home to headquarters for some of the largest companies in the world, such as ExxonMobil, McKesson, AT&T, Phillips 66, Valero Energy, American Airlines and Dell Technologies.

USMCA SUPPORTS TEXAS EXPORTS AND FDI: On July 1, 2020, the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) officially went into effect. This new trade agreement will allow Texas increased access to trade with Mexico and Canada, the state’s first and second largest export partners. USMCA will also allow for greater FDI from Mexican and Canadian firms through expanded collaboration and efficiencies between the international markets. n WACOCHAMBER.COM

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Foreign Direct Investment in the Post-Pandemic World

by Courtney Margetson, CEO & Executive Publisher, FDI Alliance International

A

s world leaders attempted to mitigate further spread of and casualties from the COVID-19 virus by mandating face masks, encouraging social distancing, and implementing lockdowns, a profound peacetime economic disruption occurred. World economies were shut down as businesses were closed, some never to reopen. The United States experienced a 32% drop in its gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2020. This marked the beginning of the economic recovery. In 2021, worldwide growth is projected to increase by 6.4% overall, led by India with 9.8%, China with 9%, the U.S. with 5.9%, EU with 5%, U.K. with 5.3% and Japan with 2%. The economic growth is led by the developed nations, while the developing economies will grow at lower rates and will likely recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and early 2023.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will likely increase

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within the next 5 years, as opportunities abound and economic developers prepare their communities for outreach. FDI occurs when a firm invests in business assets in a foreign country. These investments can take many forms, such as the purchase of all or part of an ongoing business (at least 10%) or building a new facility from the ground up, known as a greenfield investment.

FDI can transfer a business to a new foreign location that offers potential growth selling the same product, which is considered a horizontal expansion.

McDonald’s accomplished this when it expanded into Asia. The investor can also expand to obtain integration within the supply chain or distribution, adding leverage to its manufacturing capabilities, which is referred to as a vertical expansion.

Before these investments are made, the foreign direct investor will explore a variety of parameters that will secure success and mitigate risks of the

potential expansion. The evaluation of these investment parameters and current trends are essential prior to making the final decision. We will discuss the key factors and their trends as they pertain to building a greenfield facility. This is not intended to cover all factors; however, the discussion will cover the most significant parameters.

LOOKING AHEAD Making the decision to invest, investors first consider macroeconomic issues such as fiscal policy, inflation and taxes. Then, they will consider specific local issues that would impact the cost of doing business from a specific site location. These include infrastructure, labor availability and the quality of life in the community they plan to build the new facility.

MACROECONOMIC CONSIDERATION FISCAL POLICY The United States has responded in an unprecedented way. The economy has been infused with trillions of federal dollars to dampen the impact of COVID-19 and jumpstart the economy. In 2020, the total U.S. debt reached 100% of the GDP. Further, there are no restrictions on the rising debt levels for 2021 and beyond, as spending is expected to add trillions more. The consequences of rising debt include the potential for rising interest rates and increases in the cost of capital.

Central banks have kept the interest rates near zero and continue to pump cash into the economy by purchasing government securities. The near-zero interest policy of the Federal Reserve was paramount to all other goals when the U.S. unemployment rate reached 14.8% in April 2020. Other developed nations followed a similar approach as the United States. As long as interest rates remain low, the cost of capital for expansion projects will also remain low. Potential investors would focus on the sustainability in a growing economy of rising debt and low interest rates.

INFLATION The latest reading on inflation showed a substantial increase from the Fed’s target of 2% to a resounding annualized rate of 9%. The Fed is saying that the jump is only transitory.

Lumber prices are up substantially (300%). Home building is surging as the millennials forsake small, high-rent apartments in the big city for larger more comfortable living in the suburbs. This is also a continuation of the remote work trend that got a boost, as a result of COVID-19, and both the employer and employee have benefitted. This trend is expected to continue as real estate values rise long term.

Semiconductor chips are getting more expensive, as many facilities closed during the pandemic and are now finding it more difficult to bring their suppliers back.

Employees are difficult to find, and wages are going up particularly in lower paying jobs. Employees, who lost their higher paying jobs, are finding that skills levels that are in demand now do not match up well with their current skill set. The scarcity of employees is expected to continue for several years, as worldwide economies seek an equilibrium, a balance of resources.

Almost 400,000 small businesses have closed, and many small businesses had to rethink their business models to survive. To endure, these small businesses had to provide new services, new products, and implement new technologies.

All forms of transportation will cost more, including ground transportation via major shipping companies, who need more drivers and warehouse workers. Ports are full of ships waiting to be unloaded, indicating a shortage of longshoremen. In this instance, exploring alternate transport options of these goods is warranted.

The Purchasing Managers Survey, taken in May, indicated that input prices and new business services hit their highest level and are expected to continue rising at unprecedented rates.

It is important to remember that inflation does not happen overnight, but rather raw materials are the first to rise, manufacturers feel it next and then the higher price of the final product reaches consumers.

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The rising cost of construction materials will increase the cost of the greenfield investment and could cause the FDI to be postponed or canceled.

TAXES The change in tax policy is one of the cruelest forms of inflation. In the long term, adding trillions of dollars to the economy may prove detrimental to middle class taxpayers, who pay 70% of U.S. income tax. A close eye on spending is necessary to avoid soaring interest rates and the rising cost of capital.

More than anything else so far, unprecedented spending plans, if implemented may cause the Fed to raise interest rates, raising the cost of capital and undermining the economic recovery, which would potentially impact the decision to pursue greenfield investment.

LOCATION SPECIFICATIONS When the investor is satisfied that the macroeconomic parameters are more encouraging than not, they will likely move forward with the project. They will determine a location(s) that will fit best with their desired project. This section will focus on some of the more compelling areas to evaluate and acknowledge, though there are quite a few more.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE WORKFORCE The current talent shortage is unquestionably one of the largest challenges to the economic recovery and a long-term roadblock to sustained growth. The foreign direct investor must

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be convinced that a trained workforce with appropriate skills will be available to meet project needs. To date, none of the countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have reached the prepandemic levels of employment. Twenty-two million jobs were lost in this group and 114 million globally in 2020.

The latest solution to the talent shortage is a combination of upskilling, reskilling and skills matching. Investors must look at their training investments and see that the chosen region offers technical skills that fit with their needs. There is also a transition to higher growth occupations, which pay more. It is clear that the training culture is changing to the lifelong training targeted to the individual, rather than to the job.

In a recent survey, 90% of local chambers of commerce say that the workforce shortage is impacting growth in the economy. The chambers proposed that increased investment in employerled job education and training, especially since technology advances would make previous training have a limited lifespan. Targeted reskilling, and data driven information can successfully train individuals for future proof careers. This will result in higher wages, bring more workers back and provide businesses with needed talent for the long haul.

What are workers thinking?

• 86% believe their career has stalled during the pandemic.

• 54% believe they do not have the skills to succeed in the new world of work.

• 34% believe the best way to advance their career is to find another employer.

There is great potential for automation on the horizon as machines and artificial intelligence (AI) will dominate the new economy. These Wash Hands technologies will replace 85 million workers by 2025, while simultaneously creating 97 million new roles that will require new skill sets. Few industries will Use Mask avoid being reformed, restructured or removed. The winners will demonstrate resilience, agility, scalability and automation in this new business era. Some manufacturers have reinvented themselves by producing products in great demand, including medical supplies and devices.

Businesses using cloud computing will have protection against a further outbreak of COVID-19 and the delta variant. Further, automation and AI will likely enhance the resilience of the supply chains.

Communities must be able to provide a pool of workers, capable of being trained to meet the greenfield investor’s requirements.

A trained workforce is critical. Things to consider: Does the community have a university and a community/technical college in the vicinity to provide the necessary training?

Can the community provide any incentives such as reduced tuition or zero tuition? Can the community provide the workforce training in a timely manner, so that the new investor will have a functioning complement of workers on day one? Is the community/region growing so that workforce replacement in the long run will not be a problem?

Use Soap

Avoid Crowds

Avoid Shaking Hands

Use Disinfection

HEALTHCARE The post-pandemic world will likely be more prepared to handle medical emergencies, like those created by COVID-19 in early 2020. With vaccinations available and continuation of incorporating the normal measures of mask wearing, social distancing, and washed hands, another government lockdown should be avoided. Research has shown that the previous lockdown had a severe impact on the younger generation (future workers) showing such psychological symptoms; anxiety, stress, depression and changes in sleep habits. It was these confinements and mobility restrictions that led to the decline of the world economies and would impact the decision of the foreign investment.

Medical advances in immunology and the longevity of life medications have created a new factor, as people will now have greater resistance against disease and will also live much longer. The impact is that senior retirees, living longer, can make significant contributions by filling in the workforce WACOCHAMBER.COM

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gaps while working from home or part-time. Many of these seniors (workers) have had meaningful careers in engineering, science and computer technology that can help a company during its transition into the new economy.

Things to consider: Does the community have a forward-looking healthcare care system including one that is integrated with a local university/community college? How well did the hospital provide services to the community during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020? Was the state government active in such a way as to minimize COVID-19 impact on its citizens and businesses without forcing severe lockdowns?

Healthcare has definitely moved up the list of the quality-of-life issues.

INFRASTRUCTURE The U.S. Congress is considering an infrastructure bill to be spent over five years. The bill includes provisions for investments in roads, bridges, passenger and freight rail, electric grid expansion, broadband internet access, modernization and expansion of transit systems, and other projects. If passed, Congress will determine the location of these investments.

Infrastructure at the local site is critical. Sites should have all utilities available at or near the site location including electricity, water, sewer, and internet access.

The site should have interstate access, and, if needed, a rail spur. The size of the site may be critical. Having multiple sites or a larger site that could be subdivided can provide an advantage in consideration.

Other community assets: Cleanliness is essential as many communities lost the prospect due to this concept.

Minimize local regulation by offering the investor to walk him through the processes for zoning and permits.

Cultural activities including theatres, museums, art galleries, etc.

Top-of-the-line K-12 school system.

Government officials and residents show the investor that they welcome them to their community.

Provide incentives on property taxes.

Assure them that police, fire and emergency service are available.

IN CONCLUSION We looked at Foreign Direct Investment from the perspective of building a new plant and did not delve into the other forms that include investments in existing businesses, or stock purchases. It is not an easy task to attract this type of investment to your community.

Assuming you are ready, you must be willing to outreach through direct communications via internet, targeted advertising, attending international conferences, and personal visits to companies you believe would be a good fit for your community.

Waco, Texas has experienced success with FDIs in the last several years, and most recently with multiple announcements from companies representing the countries of Germany, Mexico and Canada. Waco checks all the boxes for many potential greenfield investments and is certain to announce many more FDIs in the future! n

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THE TOP 5 6 REASONS

WHY COMPANIES CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS IN WACO, TEXAS

from Kris Collins, Senior VP Economic Development, Greater Waco Chamber

Narrowing to a top five is difficult, so I’ll give you the top six reasons companies choose Waco for their operations.

1

Location: Our location in Texas can’t be beat. Waco’s central location within the state provides accessibility to larger markets without the complications of being in a large metropolitan area, i.e. no traffic congestion. Looking beyond our state borders, our companies find they can reach the continental U.S. easily, which is essential for the transport of goods. We are also located within the Central Time Zone, providing prime coast-to-coast and global accessibility for business operations.

2

Proximity to Customers: Waco is within 1.5 hours of two of the fastest growing regions in the U.S., Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, making it highly accessible to reach customers within a short period of time. In fact, you can reach 80% of the Texas population within a two-hour drive of Waco.

3

Our Highly-skilled Existing Workforce: Because of our diverse industry base, Waco has a wealth of talent available to companies.

When looking to establish a location, companies need a labor pool of talent from which to draw, and Waco is fortunate to have a widerange of trained individuals to tap, including skilled trades and technicians, engineers, and other skilled individuals to name a few.

4

Amazing Education Resources: A community can’t successfully grow without a strong talent pipeline. Waco is uniquely advantaged to have five major colleges and universities and more than 30,000 college students in the community. Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, McLennan Community College, Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University are providing diverse and welltrained graduates, ready to stay in Waco.

5

Affordability: Greater Waco offers businesses affordability without compromising quality. Land is more affordable than other markets. The cost of doing business is between 10% and 15% more affordable than other parts of Texas and the U.S. The cost of living is 10% lower than the U.S. average, providing people access to an affordable and high standard of living.

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The People: Time and time again, we hear from businesses choosing our community that it is the “people” that set Waco apart from others in the final decision. Our community is built on partnerships, authenticity and a “can do” attitude. We value each other and understand that by working together, we can all be successful in business and life. n

Read the full interview in the Summer 2021 Issue of FDI Alliance International

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Uzin Utz AG (Ulm, Germany) was founded in 1911, and is a vertically integrated manufacturer of product systems designed for the preparation, installation, finishing and care of all types of floor coverings. In North America, three brands (Uzin, Pallmann, & Wolff Tools) of the Uzin Utz Group are represented by the subsidiary Uzin Utz North America Inc., which was founded in 2006.

In January 2021, Uzin Utz North America Inc. announced their intentions to build their second North American manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas. The 125,000 square feet facility will be located on the corner of Mars Drive and Texas Central Parkway. This facility will also be home to a new North American training center for the professional flooring contractor. The expansion in Waco adds to the extensive global manufacturing footprint of Uzin Utz AG with manufacturing facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Indonesia, and China.

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Uzin Utz North America products can be found in commercial and residential buildings ranging from the hospitality, medical, education, or even industrial sectors.

In Waco, manufacturing facilities will be built to produce their product range of self-leveling products. These products are unique because they are installed prior to the application of various floor coverings since they produce an ultra-flat surface that cannot be replicated with traditional concrete.

We had the opportunity to speak with Josh Neuberger, Director of Marketing on the following subjects: changing market conditions, the investment in a second facility, why Waco, and future global expansion plans of Uzin Utz AG.

Josh, give us an overview of Uzin Utz North America Inc. In 2006, Uzin Utz North America Inc. was launched in Greensboro, North Carolina with a team of three that included our president, Matthias Liebert.

Our highly innovative product line quickly took off and, in 2009, the team moved the company to Aurora, Colorado to be closer to a major customer at the time. Our corporate headquarters and one of our distribution facilities are still located there. In 2015, we celebrated a milestone with the building of our first North American dry powder manufacturing facility in Dover, Delaware. This investment strengthened the roots of the company and allowed for continued rapid expansion. This expansion allowed capital that was being allocated for logistics services of our products to be re-allocated to other resources within the company. Today, our team consists of nearly 100 employees across all brands and we are proud that Waco, Texas will be home to our second dry mortar facility and training center.

We know you are the director of marketing, but it seems that your company does not let titles define roles?

Yes, you are absolutely correct in that statement! My official title is Director of Marketing and while many of my duties center around the marketing of the company, at various times, we all find ourselves outside our defined roles helping on projects, processes, or even producing product. One of the greatest things about our company is that we share a single mindset of “whatever it takes” to complete tasks and look beyond our official titles to do so. It is one of the greatest advantages, in my opinion, of our company and a value that is shared globally within the Uzin Utz Group.

Can you tell us a bit more about the brands under the Uzin Utz North America Inc. umbrella?

Three out of the seven brands within the Uzin Utz Group are currently being marketed to the professional flooring installation trade in North America. Wolff Tools provides equipment for the removal of existing floor coverings and preparation of concrete substrates prior to floor covering installation. Our PALLMANN brand provides system-based solutions for hardwood flooring contractors ranging from waterborne finishes, sanding equipment, and maintenance products. The flagship brand, UZIN provides moisture vapor retarders, primers and levelers for all types of floor coverings along with thin sets and grouts for the installation of tile and stone products.

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All of our brands have a dedicated sales team whose primary objective is to stand behind our products with hands-on in the field technical expertise.

We have spoken about the representation in North America, however how is the Uzin Utz Group represented globally?

The Uzin Utz Group is a global company with 15 manufacturing sites in eight different countries and over 20 subsidiaries in different countries. The headquarters for Uzin Utz AG is in Ulm, Germany which is roughly halfway between Munich and Stuttgart. There are many similarities between Ulm and Waco in overall size, location of a major university, and accessibility to a good shipping infrastructure.

Uzin Utz AG Headquarters

Uzin Utz AG is a family business correct?

We are! Uzin Utz AG (UZN) is a publicly traded company on the German stock exchange; however, 51% of the ownership is still held within the Utz family. In 2018, Philipp and Julian Utz were appointed to the Executive Board of Uzin Utz AG along with Heinz Leibundgut. This appointment of Philipp and Julian made them fourth generation board members of the company carrying on the vision that their great-grandfather had when starting the company in 1911.

Wolff Tools Corporate Headquarters

Shifting gears to the topic of market conditions.

What market conditions has your company had to adapt to over the years?

The flooring industry in general across all types of floor coverings has been a stable industry over the years. What has shifted during time is consumer preferences of floor covering types. In the 1950s and 1960s hardwood flooring was standard in many new homes as part of the structure of an FHA loan. In the 1970s and 1980s carpeting was (and still is) the dominate floor covering.

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Pallmann Corporate Headquarters

In the last 30 years, we’ve seen an increase in demand for new types of floor coverings to the industry like luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in addition to trends on hard surfaces, such as tile and wood. This has shifted our attention to develop new products that aid in the installation of LVT, wood floors, and tile and stone in both installation and longevity for the end user. Our products are designed to maximize productivity for the contractor, increase the health of the jobsites with low odor or enhanced “green” products, and eliminate downtime on projects with quicker cure times across all floor covering types.

In 2015, your company launched its first North American manufacturing facility in Dover, Delaware. Can you describe that investment and current operation?

The Dover facility was created out of demand for our UZIN brand of products. As you can imagine, shipping 50-pound bags of self-leveling material across the ocean can be a logistical challenge, in addition to the extra demand being put on our German manufacturing facilities. The city of Dover was selected due to a strong demand for our products on the East Coast, proximity to an ocean port and availability of raw materials. The investment was around $13.5 million and the overall footprint of the building is 64,000 square feet with 20 full time employees. This facility will continue to operate at capacity even after our Waco facility is operational.

The Dover facility

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In January 2021, you announced that Waco, Texas was going to be home to your second North American manufacturing facility. There’s a great story with this announcement can you share how you made this announcement to your employees?

It is a great story and one that we love to tell often.

In January 2021, there were still many restrictions to travel in place and conducting an all company, in person announcement was not possible. We really wanted to promote this new facility, the state of Texas, and city of Waco to our employees and customer base. To accomplish this, we teamed up with Waco Chamber member Guess Family Barbecue and shipped over 2,000 lbs. of Texas BBQ to our employees and select customers for them to enjoy with their families. It was a huge hit! All of our customers from Seattle to Philadelphia loved the gift and now look forward to visiting Waco and Guess Family Barbecue.

THE DECISION FOR WACO, TEXAS CAME DOWN TO THE PEOPLE — Matthias Liebert

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Why Waco? What was the decision behind looking at our community as the next landing spot for Uzin Utz North America?

Our president, Matthias Liebert, said it best at our groundbreaking event: the decision for Waco, Texas came down to the people. Our company had invested many months into researching locations for our second facility considering factors such as closeness to raw materials, land, labor market, logistics, infrastructure and more. Ultimately, at the end of the day, when the team visited Waco and met with the Economic Council, there was a sense of community and a personal touch that sometimes gets overlooked in larger metro areas. The leadership values of the city and county are shared with the values of our own company, all the demographic requirements were met and so the decision to choose Waco came very naturally.

My family and I relocated to the area in December 2020 and would echo the strong community ties that are present. We have relocated a few times over the years and there is not another place that was as welcoming as the community of Waco. We look forward to strengthening our roots within the community and look forward to sharing the community culture with all who visit.

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Rendering of Uzin Utz Waco

Can you talk about the investment specifically in Waco by Uzin Utz North America?

Our property site is 15 acres located on the corner of Mars Drive and Texas Central Parkway in the Texas Central Industrial Park. Our investment is over $40 million in a 125,000 square feet manufacturing facility, training center, and distribution space that will employ around 40 people.

This is the largest investment by the Uzin Utz Group to date and will also feature the largest manufacturing facility within the group. There are 5 acres next to our current parcel that we have a first right of refusal on to grow into as well.

How will this increased output capacity help your company’s growth in the short term and long term?

We continue to see a strong demand for our products.

The pandemic fueled construction and remodeling business is very active, and we see no signs of this slowing down. This increased capacity will allow us to get product to our customers quicker, more efficiently, and allow for some additional capacities at our Dover facility for other products. Long term, this facility provides a space for our employees to grow, for us to grow with the community, and to provide the excellent service our customers are accustomed to.

Will this facility produce products that are currently being produced in Germany?

Yes, with the additional capacity, we will adjust the manufacturing process. For some products, instead of producing and shipping them from Germany, we will shift manufacturing to Waco. This is a win-win for the local 24 | FALL 2021

economy and our logistics costs; plus, our customer base will have access to our products in a quicker timeframe.

In addition to a manufacturing facility, you will also have a training center; what will this entail?

One of the core values in our company is technical training. We strive not only to provide the best in product quality, but also provide the best technical know-how or service expertise in the industry. This facility will be home to the Uzin Utz North American training center for all three brands, bringing over 1,000 contractors to Waco annually. Our training usually takes place over multiple days where our company covers a majority of the costs for the contractor to attend. We strongly believe that this investment in training allows us to efficiently and effectively showcase our system-based product solutions and mitigate potential issues that can happen with flooring installations. Our new training facility will feature dedicated classrooms, workshop areas, and a hands-on application center.

What efforts are under way to attract talent to your company here in Waco, Texas?

Although we will not be operational until around the end of the second quarter next year, and are a bit early on the overall employee selection, there are specialized roles we have started to search for. We have been completely impressed with the resources that are available in Waco, through the Texas Workforce Commission, liaisons from post-secondary schools, and the Economic Council, to mention a few. We are confident that when the time comes for our initial hiring of staff, we will be able to fill the positions required. The community is fully committed to creating opportunities and keeping them in the Waco area.

How is the construction process progressing?

The construction is progressing on schedule with all the logistical challenges that we have all heard about lately. Our groundbreaking ceremony was in June where the community turnout was unbelievable and validated our decision of Waco, Texas.

Site excavation work continues with the main steel tower being erected later this fall. Site activity will only continue to increase as we progress through 2021 and early 2022. Benchmark Construction (Houston, Texas) is the local general contractor and, where possible, is using local companies and resources.

We look forward to bringing all of our employees to Waco, Texas and inviting the community for a grand opening event in the fall of 2022!

What is the outlook for Uzin Utz North America domestically and globally?

The outlook for our company is very positive. As mentioned earlier, the floor covering industry is a very stable industry only fueled in demand by a current strong construction and remodeling market. In North America, we will continue to grow, both in terms of volume of product and people over the next five years, and the Waco manufacturing facility is a critical piece in all this. Globally, our executive board is always looking at emerging markets and business to expand the footprint of the Uzin Utz Group. This is a very exciting time to be part of the Uzin Utz family. n

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IS COMMITTED TO THE US RAIL NETWORK

by Felix Freymann, Director of Manufacturing & Operations, Vossloh Fastening Systems in North America

H

eadquartered in Werdohl, Germany, Vossloh is a globally active, listed technology company with a core focus on rail infrastructure: we provide an integrated offer for rail transportation, all from a single source. This includes unique, high-performance key products and complex systems such as track fastening systems, concrete ties, switch systems, crossings and the innovative services associated with the life cycle of rail tracks.

The experience gained over decades makes Vossloh a leading supplier for the construction and maintenance of the rail infrastructure. Vossloh is one of the market leaders in track fasteners and switch systems, as well as North America’s leading manufacturer of concrete ties. When it comes to preventive rail maintenance, Vossloh has a high-speed grinding technology that’s unique the world over.

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Historically, Vossloh has always been seen chiefly as being a specialist for difficult sections of trackage. We were always called in when nothing else could withstand the dynamic stress, for example, in tight curves or on inclines. But, Vossloh wanted to be more. The goal was, and still is, to be a reliable partner for Class 1 rail companies.

The U.S. is a railroad nation and the railroads helped open up the West in the 19th century with transcontinental links emerging even then.

One peculiarity is that the railroads are mostly used for freight haulage in the U.S. Around 28% of the nation’s freight is carried by train, especially due to the lack of inland waterways.

The lines, primarily designed for heavy loads, are among the most severely punished worldwide.

Here, the railroads benefit from the vast distances and the option of using heavy-haul trains stretching for miles. Three-quarters of the cargo is made up of bulk commodities such as coal, ores, and chemicals.

To be an important and reliable player in this huge market, local production was lacking. This changed when Vossloh built an ultramodern production plant for its rail fasteners in Waco, Texas in 2014. In this central location, less than a two-hour drive from Dallas or Fort Worth, we are now based in the middle of one of the fastest growing regions in North America. Thanks to the great support from the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and the local government, we were able to realize a highly automated production plant of perfect size for our rail fastening systems. Initially, the 100,000 square feet facility with a further 20,000 square feet of covered storage area was used primarily to produce tension clamps for heavy-haul applications.

Advanced fastening systems The rail fasteners developed by Vossloh for American freight transport are benchmarks for heavy-haul lines worldwide.

The weather-resistant special components, especially important in sandy or wet areas, not only protect the track, but also the entire track superstructure from material

fatigue and wear. At the same time, they ensure stability even under high loads and in tight curves and perform perfectly in wide temperature fluctuations, withstanding temperatures between -75° F to +120° F. These advanced systems have shown to extend the life of the fastener to up to triple rail cycles in some cases. Because of their easy installation and flexible subsequent equipment options, they minimize initial investments, as well as current operating and maintenance costs, an important asset in the cost-conscious American market.

To extend the service life of the rail, Vossloh is constantly developing its fastening systems and components further.

The height-adjustment plates have a new, symmetrical design to further facilitate assembly; Vossloh’s new inclined pad is a low-cost alternative for W-switches with inclined rail on uninclined concrete ties for various track types. In this way, costly indirect fasteners with ribbed plates can be replaced. The innovative screw/dowel combination NG with its smart load distribution ensures a significant reduction in lateral forces occurring. This leads to less stress on the ties and hence enhanced safety and cost-effectiveness.

FREIGHT RAIL OVERVIEW U.S. FREIGHT RAIL NETWORK

Source: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

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State-of-the-art production plant in McGregor, near Waco

In addition, Vossloh’s engineers see an enormous potential in the increased use of plastic components: innovative materials contribute significantly to the high economic efficiency. For example, the abrasion plate of the fastening system W 40 HH AP is made of fiberglass-reinforced polyamide. Qualitatively the best remedy against rail seat abrasion (RSA), the heavy-haul system provides a more firm holding position of the rail during lateral and vertical rail movements and can be loaded with high contact pressure. In addition, its special design prevents the ingress of sand.

In the area of urban transport, the high portion of durable nylon ensures corrosion protection and electrical insulation. In comparison to steel, lighter nylon material provides logistical 28 | FALL 2021

advantages, easier installation and enhances occupational safety. This also helps in the reduction of metal theft.

Well anchored in the community In addition to a continuous expansion of the product range manufactured at the plant, a new injection molding production process for the plastic components was introduced in 2019.

Vossloh has an annual capacity of four million tension clamps and two million plastic parts.

We owe this growth in large part to our employees. Their dedication and persistence in bringing innovative ideas to life both in production and in customer relations have brought us enormously forward. To successfully

continue this development, Vossloh works closely with local colleges, McLennan Community College (MCC) and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and universities, and supports local activities. In order to find the needed talent and workforce of tomorrow and to provide sound training in the various trades, Vossloh offers newcomers a training program, sponsored by the Texas Workforce Commission, with welding or electrical courses and various training videos.

In addition, the management serves on various committees and boards in the local community.

Exchange and mutual support count at the regular meetings between the various companies in the region. An equally important pillar of support is the trusting relationship with the Greater Waco Chamber and local temporary staffing agencies to attract dedicated employees to the company and absorb peaks in order volume. New employees from other states are helped with relocation.

The importance of employees to the company was also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although projects were delayed and sales fell slightly, none of the 35 employees was laid off. On the contrary, Vossloh scores with competitive salaries and benefits in this advanced manufacturing region in the Greater Waco area.

Future prospects Vossloh would also like to contribute its expertise to projects in the high-speed sector. Our fastening systems are in use in numerous countries and on several thousands of miles of high-speed

tracks around the globe. Besides well-known solutions for the ballast construction our systems are increasingly being used for high speeds on slab tracks. Several high-speed rail projects are in the pipeline, such as the California High Speed or the Desert Express (from Las Vegas, Nevada to Victorville, California). But the secret favorite is the high-speed line in Texas between Houston and Dallas. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the Texas High Speed Rail was made entirely with Texas products?

Another hope is tied to the new transportation bill. This is because, unlike roadways, U.S. freight railroads are owned by private organizations who are responsible for their own maintenance and improvement projects. Compared with other major modes of transportation, railroad owners invest one of the highest percentages of revenues, 19%, in maintaining and expanding the capacity of their system. Thus, passage of the bill would provide a huge boost to the entire market.

Since the annual outlays of the seven major Class 1 railroad companies in the United States in expansion, modernization and maintenance of the railway infrastructure are remarkable, nearly $80 billion, Vossloh offers its customers a mutually complementary range of products and services from a single source that is always specifically tailored to their needs. From safe and economic infrastructure components and systems including long-lasting prestressed concrete tie products to preventive and corrective services for rail maintenance–this unique combination makes the offer of Vossloh for North America’s network operators so attractive.

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Mobile milling instead of rail replacement Vossloh is currently launching its maintenance solution for severe rail defects on the North American railway market. The innovative milling machine Vossloh Track Milling (VTM)-compact is the most cost-effective Maintenance-ofWay (MOW) technology available and can be deployed at any level crossing for Class 1, mass transit and high-speed rail networks. Apart from the process-related benefits, the cost-effectiveness of milling increases with the machining depth, since milling can remove up to 50 times more rail material in a single pass than is possible with conventional grinding machines.

In May of this year, the milling team had a project on a mass transit line in Denver, Colorado.

The customer reacted with both delight and amazement: The hotspot milling machine completely eliminated a series of deep squats and even saved rails with breakouts from a significantly more expensive and time-consuming rail replacement. Even though this sometimes required three passes of 2.0 mm each, the effort paid off for the customer! n

The rails in Denver were restored in three passes of 2.0 mm each All photos provided by Vossloh

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Rail track with W 40 HH AP at Breezy Point

At Technology Business Briefing, attendees learn about regional and national tech-driven innovation.

Hosted quarterly, this program features experts highlighting new technological advances.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

WacoChamber.com/Events WACOCHAMBER.COM

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The Envases Group’s Waco operation focuses on aluminum beverage containers commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. The facility, located in Texas Central Park, has more than 450,000 square-feet of production and distribution space. The Envases Group is a worldwide supplier of quality packaging solutions.

Founded in 1993, Envases has facilities in four continents, three strategic alliances, owns and operates 56 plants, three sales offices and seven distribution centers of more than one million square meters, in Mexico, United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia. n

ZINKPOWER Waco is the second investment of the group in the USA with a 60 foot x 8.5 foot x 11 foot (18.3 meters x 2.6 meters x 3.4 meters) kettle on a 22 acre site. Steel parts with unit weights of up to 19 tons can become galvanized. Waco is a city with approximately 140,000 residents, located in the “Heart of Texas” in the center of the Texas Triangle, anchored by DallasFort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

Waco is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. The ZINKPOWER® galvanizing technology sets new standards for corrosion protection in the USA. n 32 | FALL 2021

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by Courtney Szo, Marketing Coordinator, Aspen Custom Trailers

W

ith a little creativity, willingness to help our customers, and a whole lot of problem solving, the Aspen Custom Trailers journey into manufacturing and selling heavy-haul trailers began in 1979. From a small plant with a few employees, Aspen has grown into having a large manufacturing plant in Leduc, Alberta, Canada with over 200 employees and most recently a Parts, Service, and Sales Center in Waco, Texas. With more than 40 years in the industry and over 12,000 trailers to our credit, the Aspen name is synonymous with proven performance. What makes us different is our approach to reliability and product longevity.

Furthermore, we pride ourselves on building resilient, well-engineered, custom-built trailers across various industries, including over-the-highway, oilfield, construction, logging, mining, and wind. Aspen ships worldwide to customers who value innovative and high-quality trailers. With low tare weight and high payload, our trailers allow our customers to haul more.

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Aspen has been supporting our customers locally and internationally from day one. We felt the need to expand internationally to better serve our customers in the southern region. Location was a vital component as we began our search; we were looking for a location with easy accessibility from other areas. Because Texas is a crossroads for the southwestern U.S. region, we began our search in this state. Additionally, the Texas culture is similar to Alberta, which would make the business climate and transition relatively seamless.

In our search around the state, we thought Central Texas would be the best opportunity for us based on location and the labor market. We decided that in the Central Texas region, Waco would be a good place to start because it would provide easy access for our customers, as well as provide us with a community that wasn’t too big or too small. Furthermore, Waco is an established, beautiful city with all the required services we needed. Another important aspect was the ability to recruit talented individuals to join our team. Waco has technical schools that could provide access to trades

workers such as technicians, engineers, welders, and fabricators. Additionally, Baylor University is located in Waco, which gives us another opportunity to draw on recent graduates to join the Aspen team.

Ultimately, the decision was made to make Waco our home. In choosing exactly where we wanted to set up shop, we went with an area that would be easy for customers to access, and where we could design and build freely without too many restrictions. Our chosen location has easy access from Interstate 35 and has ample room to move heavy-haul trailers and on-highway tractors in and out. We are extremely pleased to operate our business in the city of Waco and be part of the community. Moreover, our Waco Parts, Service, and Sales Center is part of our growth strategy as an organization that allows us to better serve our customers within the southwest region. In addition, the plan for this property is to build a full manufacturing facility, allowing customers to have their products manufactured and delivered in the U.S.

trailers sales and support to assist with any challenges that may arise. Additionally, we are proud of the facility that we have created for not only our customers, but for the community of Waco by offering employment opportunities and becoming a new member of the business community. Our organization works with customers every day to help them succeed in their businesses. We understand that the economy is changing quickly, budgets are tight, working conditions can be extreme, and targets need to be met. For this reason, the Aspen team is there to support one another and we ensure our trailers are designed to do the job they are meant to do.

The Aspen name has long stood for superior design, quality, and durability and we will continue to provide high-quality products and services in our Waco facility.

We look forward to continuing our company growth and opportunities in the southern region, as well as being part of a community such as Waco. n

Our customers can ensure that their questions are answered with solutions and the work is done right. We are committed to listening to and supporting our customers; our Waco facility plays a vital role because we can offer full parts and service capabilities, along with

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KNAUF INSULATION

CHOOSES GREATER WACO

It is the biggest organic, or greenfield, investment we’ve ever done…in my view, this is a centerpiece of our Knauf Insulation growth strategy. Our team here is ready for this challenge and to take the next step in our growth. That is why I am extremely pleased about the decision to place a plant in McGregor, Texas and to serve our customers even better than we did before.

The Knauf Group (Iphofen, Germany), a family-owned business, announced the expansion of Knauf Insulation North America with a 600,000 square foot state-of-theart facility to be constructed at the Industrial Park in McGregor, Texas. Knauf Insulation is a leading global manufacturer of fiberglass insulation — delivering thermal and acoustical solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and OEM applications.

“The Greater Waco Chamber had the privilege of working with the Knauf family as they sought to find a home for their new production facility,” said Greater 36 | FALL 2021

– Alexander Knauf, General Partner, Knauf Group AG

Waco Chamber Senior Vice President Economic Development, Kris Collins. “Securing a location in the McGregor Industrial Park will allow them to manufacture products that will offer solutions to the bustling construction industry in Texas and throughout this region of the country. Their arrival will instantly impact the Greater Waco area, and we welcome them to Central Texas.”

Once permits are finalized with the State of Texas and the City of McGregor, Knauf intends to break ground by the fourth quarter of 2021. n

This holiday season, we encourage our community to remember to buy local. Support your neighbors and their small businesses; from restaurants to retail shops, Greater Waco has gifts in every price range for every taste. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and our economy.

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ON THE MARKET

5001 Panther Way Hewitt, TX Commercial Land for Sale • 2.12 Acres Near the Heart of Hewitt, TX • Less than 400’ from Hewitt Drive (28,000 VPD) • City of Hewitt C-3 Commercial Zoning • Near Retail, Multifamily, Distribution and more • Midway ISD Middle and High School < 1 mile • For Sale, Asking $579,900

For more information on available properties, including demographic reports and surrounding businesses in Greater Waco, visit WacoProspector.com or call (254) 757-5627

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5001 Panther Way (20 Min Drivetime)

Value

Population (20 Minute Drive Total; 2021) 196,172 # of Households 73,803 Median Age 33.3 years Median Household Income $71,888 College Degree+ 36.6% Labor Force (20 Minute Drive) 93,609 Employed 87,456 Unemployment Rate 6.32% Consumer Expenditures (20 Minute Drive) Anually, Per Houshold Shelter $11,611 Transportation $9,953 Food & Beverage $8,119 Healthcare $4,658 Entertainment $4,048 Top 5 Industries (5 Mile Radius)

Count (%) Employees Health / Social Services / Education 1,590 (31%) 18,472 Retail / Wholesale 1,057 (21%) 18,287 Information / Professional Services / RE 815 (16%) 7,348 Banking, Finance, Insurance 492 (9%) 3,182 Manufacturing / Construction / Transport 418 (8%) 9,142 Source: Info USA

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MARKET REPORT

SpaceX

Industry: Commercial Aerospace Market: Interstellar

SpaceX is planning a $150 million addition of a state-of-the-art rocket production facility to its location in McGregor. This project will be a multi-year and multi-phase development, creating in total 400 new jobs by 2026.

Hesselbein Tire Southwest Industry: Distribution Market: Regional

Hesselbein Tire Southwest, a Mississippi based tire company, announced plans to build a distribution center in the Waco International Aviation Park. This project includes a $16 million investment and a 259,000 square foot new facility. Once complete, the project will create 40 new jobs.

Mars Wrigley

Industry: Manufacturing Market: National

FALL 2021 2018 40 | WINTER

Mars Wrigley will invest $58 million in capital investment to add a peanut roasting line to its facility in Waco, Texas. This expansion will include 23,600 square feet of expansion.

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ECONOMY IN FOCUS

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AUGUST 2020

8.5% 7.0%

UNITED STATES

AUGUST 2021

TEXAS

LABOR FORCE

131,414

5.4%

AUGUST 2020

WACO MSA

131,623

5.3% 5.3% 4.6%

UNITED STATES

TEXAS

AUGUST 2021

WACO MSA

SOURCE: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Ec n i Ou lo U.S. Average Composite: 100 WACO COST OF LIVING Second Quarter 2021

Source: 2021 Data Purchasing Power

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Waco Composite: 88.9

PURCHASING POWER

COMPARISON CITIES

Housing:

72.6

Chattanooga, TN:

92.1

Groceries:

78.6

Ashville, NC:

105.6

Utilities:

108.4

Greenville, SC:

89.7

Transportation:

92.2

Richmond, VA:

97.2

Health Care:

93.5

Colorado Springs, CO:

107.8

Misc. Goods & Services:

99.4

Kansas City, KS:

93.7

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The Waco Young Professionals (YP) is an opportunity for professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, who call the Greater Waco area home, to network and develop professionally.

Whether Waco has been home for years or just a few months, there is opportunity for anyone to forge new relationships within the organization.

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The vision of the Waco YPs is to be an organization that facilitates the transition, development and advancement of the young professionals in the Greater Waco area as the future leaders of the community. The organization diligently fosters and prepares an exceptional pool of confident, competent and well-rounded Young Professionals who feel compelled to promote economic sustainability, engage within their community, and create a valuable, business network.

Each month the Waco YPs host a membership gathering called the Lunch Connection. This is an opportunity for members to meet and hear and learn from a guest speaker on a relevant topic. After-work happy hours are quite popular as well, providing a laid-back atmosphere to get to know fellow young professionals. For current event offerings, follow along on Facebook and Instagram (@WacoYPs)!

The Waco YPs also offer a unique opportunity for members to rub shoulders with some of Waco’s most seasoned professionals through the Waco Executive Mentoring Program. The premise of this program is to provide our members the opportunity to cultivate relationships with seasoned business professionals and community leaders who are passionate about pouring into the next generation of leadership.

This group is where you want to be, if you are a young professional in Waco! For more information you can visit WacoYP.org. n

“Waco Young Professionals has provided some incredible opportunities over the years: gaining insight and wisdom from those with more life experience in Waco, networking with the future Waco generation, experiencing behind the scenes interworking of the vast industries Waco has to offer, to volunteering and giving back to our great city.

The YP is the epitome of a rising tide that lifts all boats.“ -Grayson Palmer, CFP®, Jim Morrison Financial Services WACOCHAMBER.COM

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CHAMBER NEWS

TRIWACO IS BACK WITH A SPLASH In July, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its annual Olympic and Sprint distance triathlon, TriWaco. The Chamber welcomed more than 700 athletes and their families from around the country to Waco to compete as well as over 100 volunteers and 11 event sponsors, including presenting sponsor Bicycle World. While the latter half of the event was rained out, athletes were excited to compete and are looking forward to the 2022 TriWaco! n

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CHAMBER NEWS

NINE STUDENTS PRESENTED WITH GREATER WACO AVIATION ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIPS Each year, high school and college students in the Greater Waco area undergo a rigorous interview process with the Greater Waco Aviation Alliance’s (GWAA) Scholarship Selection Committee to receive scholarship funds. Nine of those students were awarded a total of $17,000 in scholarships.

Applicants are required to be enrolled for the upcoming fall semester and pursuing an aviation/aerospace or engineering related degree at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Baylor University, McLennan Community College (MCC), Texas Tech – Waco, or Tarleton State University at Waco.

This year, the David Seesing Memorial Scholarship was introduced and presented in memory of David Seesing, a lifelong aviation enthusiast and recreational pilot nicknamed “Sky King.” Two scholarships, in his name, were awarded to TSTC students Evin Wolske and London Moore. The Greater Waco Aviation Alliance partnered this year with SpaceX to introduce the SpaceX Scholarship, which was awarded to Baylor student, Seamus Lowe. For

a second year, the Greater Waco Aviation Alliance partnered with L3Harris to award the Danny R. Kreder II Memorial Scholarship, in remembrance of the son of a local L3Harris employee, who was lost with his crew during service in 2009 in an aircraft mishap while performing a search and rescue mission.

This scholarship was awarded to

Baylor student Annika Moser. In addition, two Blackhawk Aerospace Scholarships were awarded to Baylor students Jaden Marley and Isabella Capuano. Blackhawk Aerospace has been a longtime member of the Greater Waco Aviation Alliance and its leaders, Jim and Lynnette Allmon, along with the Greater Waco Chamber, created the Freedom Ball event in 2008.

The other scholarships were awarded to: • Martha Neufeld, TSTC • Morgan Stoker, TSTC • Rachel Van Lear, Baylor To date, the Greater Waco Aviation Alliance has awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships and sponsorships to almost 100 Central Texas high school and college students. n

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KICK OFF LUNCHEON & DAVE CAMPBELL AWARD In August, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its annual Kick Off Luncheon, with presenting sponsor Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar. The event included a Q&A with Baylor University’s Head Football Coach, Dave Aranda as well as a preview of the high school football season. The Chamber was also excited to welcome special guest Dat Nguyen, former Texas A&M Aggie and Dallas Cowboy, as the keynote speaker.

During the event, the Chamber also presented the annual Dave Campbell Award to Derrick Johnson for his impact on football in Central Texas.

Johnson was born in Waco and when he graduated from Waco High School, he was the second highest ranked linebacker in the nation. He received a scholarship to the University of Texas and was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the year. His college career continued, and he went on to receive the Consensus All- American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, among others. In 2005, he was drafted in the 1st round to the Kansas City Chiefs and played with them for 13 years. He currently holds the single season record for most tackles with 179 in a season. He also became the Chief’s all-time leading tackler.

The Sports Luncheon Series will continue with the Tip Off Luncheon in October and First Pitch Luncheon in January 2022. n

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CHAMBER NEWS

THOMAS G. SALOME, JR. LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENTS The Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award recognizes individuals for their work to strengthen and grow the Waco economy and make our community a better place to live. Three deserving Waco leaders, William L. Clifton, Jr., and posthumously, Harlon M. Fentress and Harry M. Provence, were honored with the Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award at the Mid-Year Membership Luncheon held in July at the Baylor Club.

William L. Clifton, Jr., a native Wacoan, visionary, and esteemed civic figure has dedicated his life to service and provided leadership; conducted research to ensure the best outcome on economic development projects; championed the underserved; and mentored current and future leaders in Greater Waco.

Bill Clifton, Jr. epitomizes this award and has proven to be an invaluable asset to this community.

Harlon M. Fentress and Harry M. Provence, two accomplished and respected men in publishing that were focused on building industry, a skilled and educated workforce, and a better quality of life for Wacoans. Essentially, these two civic leaders were

WACO CHAMBER BIG CUP CLASSIC In mid-September, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted the Waco Chamber Big Cup Classic with presenting sponsor, Clark Roofing. We could not have asked for nicer weather for networking, golfing and fun! Thanks to all of the players who joined us and congratulations to our tournament winners. n

SAVE DATE JOIN USTHE FOR TTH THE ALLENFOR SAMUELS CHAMBER CLASSIC ASCC MAY 6, 2022 MAY 6, 2022 WacoChamber.com/Events

50 | FALL 2021

dedicated to building a Greater Waco together for all of us.

Evidence of their positive impact on this community exists throughout our city and in our history, and their legacies live on through benevolent scholarships and foundations.

Videos honoring each of the recipients were played during the luncheon. Special thanks to Fashion Glass & Mirror, LLC for sponsoring the videos. You can see them at YouTube.com/GreaterWacoChamber. n

MID-YEAR MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Waco Chamber Chair, Jennifer Manning, emceed the Mid-Year Membership Luncheon and provided a Chamber update on the year’s activities and successes, welcomed special guests from Envases Group and hello bello, and recognized the Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award honorees and their families in attendance. Immediate Past Chair, Rick Tullis, conducted a short interview with Javier Pietrini of Envases Group and Erica Buxton of hello bello that focused on each company’s decision to expand into Waco and their outlook on the future in the community. A special video with Matthias Liebert of Uzin Utz North America, Inc. was played that highlighted the company’s capabilities and choice of Waco.

Liebert was originally scheduled to attend the luncheon.

Special thanks to the presenting sponsors of the Mid-Year Membership Luncheon, Fidelity Bank of Texas and HEB. n WACOCHAMBER.COM

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CHAMBER NEWS

STARS & STRIPES MUSIC FEST On Labor Day weekend, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted the Stars & Stripes Music Fest at McLane Stadium featuring performances from Kylie Frey, Cory Morrow and headliner, Easton Corbin.

The event kicked off with a presentation of the colors by local first responders and local musician, Katie Stewart, sang the National Anthem. Local disc jockeys from Shooter FM emceed the event and revved up the crowd of fans and students before each act took the stage. Special moments in the event included recognition of current and retired military, first responders and healthcare heroes, as well as the big check presentation by members of the Greater Waco Aviation Alliance to scholarship recipients in attendance. n

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LEADERSHIP WACO Class XXXVIII

Liz Barton

James Beard JRBT

BKD, LLP

Jeremy Doyle

Katrina George

LaJuana Jones

Courtney Kolar

Extraco Banks

Central National Bank

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest

Grayson Palmer

Jim Morrison Financial

Ascension Providence

Neighborly

Preston Brock

Kathryn Crouch

Kayla Daniel

Mayra Gutierrez Suzanne Hamilton Cory Hart Alliance Bank Central Texas

Waco ISD

Insurors of Texas

Charles Hays

Jessica Hopfenspirger Ashley Jackson Pattillo, Brown, & Hill LLP

First National Bank of Central Texas

Rebekah Kolar

Scott Layton

Robert Lilly

Gary Mosier

Daniel Muniz

Rebecca Nall

Connor Schrotel

Rhonda Sullivan

Matthew White

Ascension Providence

Cuevas Peacock Jason Powers Baylor University

Connor Buchanan Kristie Croft McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen, PC

Maynard CPA, PLLC

Texas Materials

Carpenter & Croft, PLLC

Christopher Qualls Matt Reynolds

Greater Waco Chamber NeighborWorks Waco

Tejas Logistics

Sedona Staffing Services

Boley-Featherston & Lalani Insurance

L3Harris

TFNB - Your Bank for Life

Wilson Dingmore

ESC Region 12

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest

Community Bank & Trust

City of Waco

Baylor University, Mayborn Museum

BancorpSouth Bank

The Leadership Waco Program of the Greater Waco Chamber is sponsored by Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. The program is designed to identify and develop emerging area leaders and encourage them to become involved in the community.

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MEMBER NEWS

ROMARK LOGISTICS EARNS TOP 3PL AND COLD STORAGE PROVIDER AWARDS FOR 2021 Romark Logistics, a third-party logistics company supporting all facets of the supply chain, again has been recognized as a Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider for the food and beverage industry by Food Logistics, a publication focused on covering product movement through the global cold food supply chain. This year, the publication recognized providers that demonstrated agility, resiliency, and innovation despite the challenge of continued supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Romark was named to the 2021 Top 100 3PL Provider’s list by Inbound Logistics, a publication that targets the logistics and supply chain management industry. The publication identified 3PL service providers that offered innovative and flexible solutions that helped their customers achieve their goals and meet their supply chain and logistics challenges. Once again, Romark was recognized as a leading logistics solutions provider by the publication.

“While navigating through the pandemic, Romark continued to provide solutions to our customers and successfully implemented several facility and operational transitions and start-up operations,” said Ryan Ziegler, Director of Facilities and Sustainability Management at Romark. “We are honored to be recognized once again for our efforts by these national publications,” he added.

Romark was also recently recognized by Inbound Logistics and Food Logistics for their contribution to sustainability in the global supply chain and food and beverage industry. n

TSTC RANKED FIRST IN TEXAS AMONG TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS Texas State Technical College, which has 10 campuses statewide, has been ranked first in Texas and third nationally among two-year institutions by Niche.com, an online market leader focused on education.

TSTC received high marks in six categories: diversity, location, professors, safety, student life and value. The technical college was lauded for its 100% acceptance rate, its average $10,237 yearly tuition and the more than $6,699 in yearly average financial aid awarded.

“We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to our students and the value we bring to families and communities across Texas,” said Michael Reeser, Chancellor and CEO of TSTC. “Our faculty and staff focus on student success toward a great career, and it shows.”

According to the website, TSTC was found to have an average 12-1 student-instructor ratio. Some of the top technical programs by graduates were Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, and Welding Technology.

TSTC’s programs offer a combination of online and hybrid learning. Some programs, such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Industrial Systems, and Precision Machining Technology, offer evening classes at some campuses.

TSTC offers several programs online, including Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer Networking and Systems Administration, Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, Digital Media Design and Health Information Technology.

TSTC has partnerships with the Tesla START program at the 54 | FALL 2021

Fort Bend County and Waco campuses, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service by way of the Rio Grande Valley Technical Training Initiative and the Bachelor’s+ Program for TAMU engineering students.

TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee began in November 2016 for students pursuing degrees in Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Lineworker Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, Industrial Systems, Instrumentation Technology, Process Operations Technology, Robotics Technology and Welding Technology. Eligible students can sign up with the Career Services department and take part in various career-focused workshops. Students who are not hired in their field within six months after graduation may be eligible to get a tuition refund.

TSTC continues to build upon relationships with industry partners such as AEP, Oncor and Phillips 66, providing graduates with opportunities to succeed in great-paying careers. n

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MEMBER NEWS

MCC AWARDED GRANT FUNDING FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER McLennan Community College will receive $232,050 in funding per year for five years from the U.S. Department of Education TRIO program for the McLennan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) project.

Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) provide counseling and information on college admissions and services to improve participants’ financial and economic literacy. Among the comprehensive services offered are academic and personal counseling, tutoring and mentoring, career workshops, postsecondary education information and opportunities, student financial assistance, and help in completing applications for college admissions. EOC programs offer services to a broad range of adult learners, including those who are limited English proficient, from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, individuals with disabilities, homeless individuals, youth aging out of the foster care system, and other disconnected students.

EOC began in 1972 and is part of a set of federal educational opportunity outreach programs known as “TRIO,” which is authorized by the Higher Education Act to help low-income, first-generation students and students

KKR TO ACQUIRE LEADING HOME SERVICES PLATFORM NEIGHBORLY® KKR, a leading global investment firm, announced that it has agreed to acquire Neighborly® (the “Company”), the world’s largest provider and franchisor of home service brands, from Harvest Partners. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1981, Neighborly® is a leading home services platform that connects more than 10 million residential and commercial customers with a community of professional services focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing consumers’ homes and properties. Through a portfolio of 28 brands, the Company offers a wide array of services including plumbing, pest control, restoration, electrical, cleaning, HVAC, home inspection and many more.

As one of the largest franchisors of ‘do-it-for-me’ professional services, Neighborly® has built a network of more than 4,800 franchises both in the U.S. and internationally. Over the past decade, the Company has quickly grown its platform through the organic growth of its existing service brands and strategic acquisitions of complementary franchise service brands.

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with disabilities succeed in higher education. In FY20 there were 139 Educational Opportunity Centers in America serving more than 192,000 adult learners nationwide.

“McLennan’s EOC will provide much-needed focused outreach, financial literacy, and educational guidance to the many adults in the McLennan and Falls County regions who need post-secondary education to find living wage jobs and improve their opportunities in a changing regional and national economy,” MCC President Dr. Johnette McKown said. “This effort is consistent with statewide and local efforts to increase the education attainment level of Central Texas.”

The new funding will provide salaries for a full-time project director and two transition specialists. The MEOC will be the College’s third TRIO-funded program including Student Support Services and Upward Bound. n

Mike Bidwell, President and CEO of Neighborly®, said, “Today’s milestone is a strong validation of our businessbuilding strategy and differentiated ability to deliver essential home services. We are excited to embark on our next chapter of growth with KKR’s support and global expertise and look forward to continuing to be a partner of choice for both customers and franchise owners in the years to come.”

Felix Gernburd, Managing Director at KKR, said, “In a large and highly fragmented industry, Neighborly stands out for its differentiated strategy of bringing together adjacent services under a diversified and tech-enabled platform, and – most importantly – for its unrivaled dedication to customer service. We are thrilled to be investing in the Neighborly team as they continue to execute on their mission: enriching people’s lives by delivering amazing experiences.”

Nicholas Romano, Partner at Harvest Partners, said, “We are pleased to have worked with Mike and his team to continue building the premier residential service provider providing services that consumers need to repair, maintain and enhance their homes. Thoughtful investments in technology and human capital have resulted in a platform positioned for accelerated growth in the coming years.”

Harvest’s Neighborly investment team is led by Steve Eisenstein, Nicholas Romano and David Schwartz. n

STAY CONNEC TED T HR OUG H CHAMBER EVENTS

Plug into the Chamber and you will find your calendar full of opportunities to network. Visit

WacoChamber.com

regularly for updates.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom Ribbon Cutting on June 14, 2021

A place where the neighborhood can come and feel at ease, experience regional specialties, and always leave knowing exactly what they’ll come back for. We’ve got a favorite for everyone in the family. Nothing completes a world class pint better than a plate of Chicago’s finest food. Old Chicago’s 1110 local and legendary beers serve as milestones for our World Beer Tour, where our taproom guides tailor each guest’s trip through some of the most amazing beer from across the planet including your neighborhood.

4641 S. Jack Kultgen Expy.

Waco, TX 76706 (254) 327-2100 OldChicago.com/locations/Waco.com

Casa of McLennan County Ribbon Cutting on June 17, 2021

CASA of McLennan County is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports community individuals who volunteer their time to advocate for children in the foster care system. These volunteers are assigned one case at a time, get to know the child or sibling group and their situation, then provide a valuable perspective to the court as they make recommendations regarding the child’s safety, well-being and best interest.

Ana Futral, Executive Director 1208 N. 5th St. Waco, TX 76707 (254) 304-7982 CasaForEveryChild.org 58 | FALL 2021

Shipsters

Ribbon Cutting on June 15, 2021

Shipsters located at 10412 China Spring Rd F, Waco TX is the go-to resource for packing, shipping, printing, and business service needs of the residents and businesses of Waco, TX. Our team of dedicated, professionally trained experts understands the meaning of Super-Star Customer Care—we focus on saving you time and money by ensuring you get the right products and services at the right price—in a single, quick visit.

Angela Steffen, Owner 10412 China Spring Ste. S Waco, TX 76708 (254) 836-5500 Shipsters.co

Dr Pepper Museum

Ribbon Cutting on June 24, 2021

The Dr Pepper Museum, the Original Home of Dr Pepper and the Dr Pepper Float celebrated the opening of its new Gift Shop and Thirst Aid Station float trailer. The Museum serves over 170,000 annual visitors with the purpose of entertaining and educating about Waco’s own Dr Pepper! Stop by the Museum today to enjoy our unique guest experiences including Make-A-Soda, Taste-A-Soda, Extreme Pepper and Paranormal Tours!

Mary Beth Farrell, Director of Development & Communications 300 S. 5th St. Waco, TX 76701 (254) 757-1024 DrPepperMuseum.com

SPONSORED BY

Tanya’s Marketplace Ribbon Cutting on July 28, 2021

Come shop Waco’s new thrift store. We have 100’s of new and gently used items, such as dinette sets, bedroom sets, beds, dressers, coffee tables, wall décor and clothing for men, women and children.

Melvin Jones, Owner 508 Lake Air Dr. Waco, TX 76710 (254) 720-2467

Impact Research Institute Ribbon Cutting on July 28, 2021

Impact Research Institute is Waco’s premier center for cutting edge clinical trials. Led by liver specialist, Dr. Nadege Gunn, Impact Research will focus on raising community awareness on liver health by offering FREE liver health scans to “at risk” individuals. Impact’s mission is to connect our community’s medical heroes to clinical research and to offer patient centered world class care.

Dr. Nadege Gunn, Medical Director 6600 Fish Pond Rd #103 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 294-4780 ImpactResearchTx.com

Plato’s Closet

Ribbon Cutting on July 23, 2021

Plato’s Closet buys and sells gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories, so you can recycle the items you no longer wear and get paid on the spot. We buy styles for all seasons, all day, every day, with no appointment necessary. Each Plato’s Closet location is individually owned and operated by local business owners, so you can feel good about shopping small.

Janelle Brooks, Owner 4600 Franklin Ave. Ste. 500 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 399-9600 PlatosClosetWaco.com

Tru by Hilton Waco South Ribbon Cutting on August 10, 2021

Say hello to a brand-new hotel experience from Hilton located in Central Texas Marketplace just 7 minutes from Baylor University and Downtown Waco that’s vibrant, affordable, and young-at-heart. It’s energetic, yet relaxing and comfortable.

It’s familiar and it’s also unexpected. It’s completely unprecedented, it’s Uniquely Tru Waco South. Our 98 room hotel brings beautiful One King Bed Rooms and Two Queen Bed Rooms, waiting just for you!

Antonio Barnett, Sales Director 2408 Market Place Dr. Waco, TX 76711 (254) 294-4888 WacoSouth.TrubyHilton.com WACOCHAMBER.COM

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Maynard CPA, PLLC

Ribbon Cutting on August 11, 2021

Maynard CPA, PLLC is a boutique accounting firm specializing in outsourced accounting solutions for growth-minded businesses and individuals. We offer a unique approach of ongoing, strategic, and proactive tax and accounting services throughout the year. Interested in how we might be able to help? Go to our website to find out more and to start a conversation!

Keith Maynard, Owner 1101 Wooded Acres Dr. Ste. 107 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 572-8676 Maynard-Cpa.com

Dryer Vent Wizard of Waco \Ribbon Cutting on July 28, 2021

Dryer Vent Wizard of Waco is locally owned and operated. We specialize in inspecting and cleaning dryer vents and dryers to ensure proper ventilation and safety against house fires. Dryer fires are one of the top leading causes of house fires. Please call us or go online and book your appointment. 254-651-3388 or www.wacodryervent.com.

Kimberly Jones, Owner 194 JL Brazzil Loop Waco, TX 76705 (254) 265-8016 WacoDryerVent.com

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SPONSORED BY

Excel Construction Group Ribbon Cutting on August 17, 2021

Excel Roofing & Construction is a quality construction company, and every member of the staff is highly trained and qualified with over 50 years’ experience between us.

We specialize in new construction, roofing, remodeling, and maintenance services. All of our jobs are held to the highest of standards and quality service and we painstakingly attend to every aspect of your project from start to finish.

Johnathan Kiebler, Divisional Manager 4527 Lake Shore Dr. Waco, TX 76710 (254) 271-5300 ExcelCG.com

JRBT

Ribbon Cutting on August 26, 2021

Since its founding in 1913, JRBT has become one of the most modern and diversified accounting firms. Today, JRBT’s team consists of more than 100 professionals that assist clients with tax consulting and compliance, audit and assurance, client accounting services and payroll, employee benefits and business valuation. The firm recently celebrated the renovation and expansion of its offices to three floors of the Central National Bank building.

Alexis Thomas, Firm Administrator 5400 Bosque Blvd.

Waco, TX 76710 (254) 776-4190 JRBT.com

Hour Economy provides a quarterly overview of the economic index and recently announced projects followed by a guest speaker discussing topics like emerging economic trends and developments in Waco, all in one hour.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

WacoChamber.com/events

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NEW MEMBERS

PRESENTED BY

AA Cabling Solutions P.O. Box 534 Elm Mott TX 76640 (254) 749-1658 AACablingSolutions.net

Frontier Biologics, LLC 720 Jewell Dr. Woodway TX 76712 (254) 366-3333 FrontierBiologics.com

Alpha-Lit Waco 1121 Drummond Circle Waco TX 76712 AlphaLitwaco.com

Gray & Co. Construction 1809 Fabian Dr. Waco TX 76712 (254) 495-6602

Aspen Custom Trailers 2301 Central Texas Parkway Waco TX 76712 (800) 832-9410 AspenTrailer.com

Humane Society of Central Texas 2032 Circle Rd. Waco TX 76706 (254) 754-1454 HumaneSocietyCentralTexas.org

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas 1001 E. Lookout Rd. Richardson TX 75082 (972) 766-7405 BCBSTx.com

Keep Smiling Waco 1501 N. 25th St. Waco TX 76707 (254) 752-0305 KeepSmilingWaco.com

Boley-Featherston & Lalani Insurance 5400 Bosque Blvd.

Ste. 202 Waco TX 76710 (254) 340-6097 BFLITexas.com

Lendmark Financial 408 N. Valley Mills Dr. Waco TX 76710 LendmarkFinancial.com

Bon Appetit Catering 1500 Columbus Ave. Waco TX 76701 (254) 715-7150 BonAppetitsCatering.com Cen-Tex Metals 15110 IH 35 Elm Mott TX 76640 (254) 829-2217 CenTexMetals.com

Matt Dill State Farm 1221 Hewitt Dr., Ste. C Waco TX 76712 (254) 752-2022 MattDill.net Midway Nutrition 511 N Hewitt Dr., Ste. 6 Hewitt TX 76643 (254) 292-8888 facebook.com/MidwayNutrition

Class 101- Waco 125 Topeka Dr., Ste. B Woodway TX 76712 (254) 294-3327

Phoji Inc. 100 N. 6th St., Ste 306 Waco TX 76701 (612) 384-3138 wwwjon@phojiapp.com

Dart’Em Up Waco 2900 Speegleville Rd. Waco TX 76712 (254) 836-6124 DartEmUp.com

Plato’s Closet 4600 Franklin Ave., Ste. 500 Waco TX 76710 (254) 399-9600 PlatosClosetWaco.com

drIVe Hydration Spa 700 E Waco Dr. Ste. B Waco TX 76704 (254) 693-7483 DriveHydrationSpa.com Ellem Creative 556 Topeka Dr. Woodway TX 76712 (254) 420-7524 EllemCreative.com Fallas Automation 7000 Imperial Dr. Waco TX 76712 (254) 772-9524 FallasAutomation.com 62 | FALL 2021

Serendipia Investments, LLC 3408 Dever Dr. Waco TX 76708 (512) 751-4468 SNB Cleaning Services 1800 Primrose Dr., Ste. 106A Waco TX 76706 (469) 862-6755 Tanya’s Marketplace 508 Lake Air Dr. Waco TX 76710 (512) 720-2467 Traci Plemons State Farm Insurance 8809 Woodway Dr. Waco TX 76712 (254) 776-0124 InsureWithTraci.com Uzin Utz North America Inc. 14509 E. 33rd Place Unit G Aurora CO 80011 Us.Uzin-Utz.com Vision Vehicle Studios 704 Keys Creek Dr. Waco TX 76708 (917) 265-9144 VisionVehicleStudios.com Waco Center for Functional Medicine 1615 Wooded Acres Dr. Waco TX 76710 (254) 229-6815 WacoFunctionalMed.com Waco Gastroenterology Associates, PA 364 Richland West Cir. Ste. A Waco TX 76712 WacoGastro.com

SEE THE FULL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY AT ISSUU.COM/WACOCHAMBER

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