Greater Waco Business - Winter 2019

WINTER 2019

IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY FOR I-35 IN WACO A FRUITFUL COLLABORATION AN INTERVIEW WITH WACO MAYOR KYLE DEAVER & COUNTY JUDGE SCOTT FELTON 15TH ANNUAL TRC WRAP UP

A GREATER WACO CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIR

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Insurors of Texas

CHAIR-ELECT

Hal Whitaker

Loren Schwartz

Rick Tullis

Capstone Mechanical

VICE CHAIR

Jennifer Manning Pattillo Brown & Hill, LLP

CHAMBER STAFF

George Chase

PAST CHAIR

Englander DzignPak PCA

PRESIDENT & CEO Matt Meadors

Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Alston Jessica Attas Samantha Baker Jennifer Branch Kris Collins Gabriella Colurciello Leigh Davis Ellen Gradel Nancy Gupton Amanda Haygood

Brittany Knight Keith Kusler Rachel Martinez Debbie McCutchen Matt Meadors Seth Morris Jason Powers Lexy Reil Felicia Taylor Michelle Williams

EDITOR

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Leigh Davis

ART DIRECTOR

Samantha Baker Gabriella Colurciello

Keith Kusler

For advertising, contact Gabriella Colurciello (254) 757-5618 • gcolurciello@wacochamber.com

ON THE COVER

Photo by Wrench Media

From roads to water to transportation, infrastructure affects every aspect of life in Waco. The City of Waco and McLennan County are constantly collaborating to create innovative ideas and solutions for our community; specifically, Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver and County Judge Scott Felton work closely on many projects and are great advocates of the growth happening here.

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

This publication is printed on FSC-certified paper. © 2019 Greater Waco Chamber 101 S. Third St. Waco TX 76701 • (254) 757-5600 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 | WINTER 2019 platforms, at its sole discretion.

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Since 2012, the Greater Waco economy has grown by 32.3 percent. Over the past five years, our economy has averaged 4.4 percent annual growth. This rate of growth is solid, steady and enviable.

Evidence of this growth is practically everywhere you look throughout our community. Existing buildings are being renovated and repurposed. New buildings are rising from the ground. Businesses are growing and expanding. And new businesses, as well as talented, creative people, are flocking to Greater Waco. People have discovered Waco and want to be part of our community’s dynamism, energy and positive vibe.

Economic growth is inextricably linked to the availability, quality, and capacity of physical infrastructure. If a community’s infrastructure is dated or inadequate, existing companies may struggle to conduct their operations profitably and think long and hard about any future expansion. Companies looking for a new site location will likely move down their list of potential communities. Fortunately, our community’s physical infrastructure is one of our great strengths.

This edition of Greater Waco Business examines the tremendous amount of infrastructure investment planned and underway in Waco and McLennan County.

Water and wastewater infrastructure are being modernized and expanded. Roads are being improved and constructed. Public facilities such as the Extraco Events Center and our world-class Cameron Park Zoo are receiving exciting upgrades.

New schools will soon appear on the horizon. We are clearly well positioned for the future.

I would like to express my warmest thanks to Aaron McMillan for his leadership of your Chamber’s 15th annual Total Resource Campaign, and the many dedicated and passionate volunteers who work diligently on behalf of the Greater Waco Chamber. Their work is detailed on the following pages. This campaign has been tremendously successful through the years in helping to ensure the Greater Waco Chamber is adequately funded and thus able to vigorously compete against other economic development organizations nationally and globally for business investment. Our volunteers are rock stars!

Thank you for your continued support of your chamber of commerce.

With appreciation,

Matthew T. Meadors President & CEO

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2019

INFRASTRUCTURE EDITION

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10 IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY ON I-35 IN WACO

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A FRUITFUL COLLABORATION AN INTERVIEW WITH WACO MAYOR KYLE DEAVER & COUNTY JUDGE SCOTT FELTON

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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INVEST IN THE CORE: AN IMAGINE WACO UPDATE

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RESPONSIBLE RESOURCING: HOW THE MCLENNAN COUNTY WATER RESOURCES GROUP PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

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BUILDING WACO CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE CITY’S HEALTHY GROWTH

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Y’ALL ABOARD THE TEXAS HIGH SPEED TRAIN!

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WACO CAN PLAY A KEY ROLE IN TRANSPORTATION REVOLUTION

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THE ISSUE OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDING SMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT: 1519 SURVEYING & ENGINEERING

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON THE MARKET MARKET REPORT ECONOMY IN FOCUS

MEMBERS

34 15TH ANNUAL TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN WRAP UP 6 | WINTER 2019

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CHAMBER & MEMBER NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CHAMBER AND OUR MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS ARE POPPING UP ALL OVER THE GREATER WACO AREA! RIBBON CUTTINGS A SNAPSHOT OF MEMBER BUSINESSES

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LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARE INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

WOODWAY

Total CIP $11,600,000* Sewer $7,700,000 Street Maintenance $3,400,000

HEWITT

Total CIP $5,258,587* Water & Sewer $2,084,145 Street Maintenance $1,411,826

McGREGOR

Total CIP $1,406,000* Water & Sewer $1,115,000 Street Maintenance $291,000

CIP = CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 8 | WINTER 2019

LORENA

Total CIP $347,000* Water $70,000 Sewer $65,000 Street Maintenance $122,000

NUMBERS BASED ON 2020 BUDGET FOR EACH CITY

LACY LAKEVIEW

Total CIP $70,000* Street Maintenance $70,000

BELLMEAD

Total CIP $12,141,939* CIP Expenditure $10,602,287 Street Maintenance $1,539,652

WACO

Total CIP $76,092,910* Water $22,250,000 Sewer $16,250,000 Street Maintenance $28,381,910

ROBINSON

Total CIP $7,404,739* Water $3,460,420 Sewer $1,298,119 Street Maintenance $2,646,200

Texas is one of the fastest growing states in America. With more than 28 million people, the state’s population is already on pace for explosive growth. In fact, by 2040, state demographers estimate Texas’ population will exceed 45 million! This increase is a result of organic growth from within coupled with a continued trend of people relocating from other states and a migration of international individuals choosing to make Texas their home.

Much of the state’s growth is destined for the Texas Triangle: the area from Dallas/Fort Worth to San Antonio along Interstate 35 and Houston along Interstate 45.

Positioned in the center of the Texas Triangle, McLennan County is already seeing significant growth in its population. In particular, the area is seeing many relocations from California and New York, a new phenomenon for the region. More people living in an area increases the need to expand infrastructure investments, particularly improvements in water accessibility, sewer service, and the expansion of roads. In 2020 alone, communities across McLennan County will invest more than $152 million in maintaining and expanding these services to support their existing and future infrastructure needs. Growth is coming and McLennan County will be well positioned to support the needs of its citizens.

* TOTAL CIP MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PROJECTS WACOCHAMBER.COM

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by Stan Swiatek, P.E., District Engineer, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

If you drive through Waco, you have surely noticed the I-35 construction that began in April 2019. Crews have been hard at work on the expansion and improvement of this major stretch of highway that spans from 12th Street to N. Loop 340, covering almost 7 miles in length, including 8 major interchanges.

Waco Traffic Circle

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Photo courtesy of Baylor University: The Texas Collection

Originally built in the 1960s, this section of I-35 has since become one of the most widely used routes of north-south travel in Texas. Traffic through Waco exceeds 140,000 vehicles per day, with a large percentage being freight traffic. The stress of increased freight loads and traffic volumes has made it critical to upgrade the aging pavement. In addition, the improvements for this project have been designed to improve safety by bringing the roadway and bridges up to current TxDOT design standards that will meet the traffic demands of travelers today and for years to come.

Photos courtesy of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

This project will provide safety and mobility improvements including: • Widening mainlanes to 4 lanes in each direction with full reconstruction of existing lanes • Improving safety and mobility on frontage roads • Improving and extending entrance and exit ramps for safer merging and mobility improvements at intersections • Reconstructing and improving 8 interchanges and bridges by bringing mainlanes over intersections, improving signals, adding U-turns, and enhancing aesthetics • Improving bicycle and pedestrian access with continuous sidewalks along the frontage roads and safer intersection crossings

This $341 million investment is the largest project the Waco District of TxDOT has undertaken, and to ensure its success, the District is utilizing innovative approaches in contracting and communication.

Traditionally, TxDOT has utilized a low bid construction contracting process - meaning that the successful contractor was the one that provided the lowest cost estimate for completing the project. In planning for this project, the District wanted to emphasize the importance of keeping the project on schedule, so TxDOT implemented a contracting method that evaluated proposals on both cost and timely completion.

This unique approach contains penalties for the contractor if activities are not completed on time, while also providing incentives for early completion.

Webber, LLC, the selected contractor, has started this project at a record-setting pace, with a massive amount of work underway in just the first 6 months. A quick drive through the project area shows the impressive amount of construction in progress. Flexibility is key when undertaking this level of activity. The TxDOT team and

Construction is impactful and TxDOT is working hard every day to get this job done safely and efficiently while also focusing on communication to keep drivers and the community informed.

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District Engineer Stan Swiatek, P.E., and Area Engineer Clayton Zacha, P.E, review progress at the intersection of I-35 and BUS 77

contractor must frequently adjust construction activities in the field.

While schedules may have been delayed on previous projects when an unknown utility was encountered or plans had to be adjusted, the District is encouraging simultaneous construction activities throughout the project, so the contractor can focus on alternate tasks when unknown field conditions arise.

This approach means activities are dynamic and shift on a regular basis, making timely and frequent community updates a crucial component of this project.

Again, the District has taken an innovative approach to keep the community and drivers informed of activities and impacts in a variety of ways. First, TxDOT formed a Steering Committee made up of representatives from the Cities of Waco and Bellmead, McLennan County, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, Baylor University, and other community groups and leaders. This group guides communications and outreach and helps to distribute project 12 | WINTER 2019

information to their various networks.

The www.Waco4BMap.org website was also launched early in the project to provide real-time updates on travel conditions, alternate routes, and even a live video feed so travelers can see exactly how traffic is flowing before getting on the road. TxDOT’s outreach and communications team works to answer a project hotline, respond to emails, and meets with businesses and property owners to keep them updated from the field.

In partnership with Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the District has launched a “Be Safe - Be Seen” campaign to share safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists, with a focus on reminding the community that it is never safe to cross interstate mainlanes. The TxDOT team works diligently to make communities aware of construction impacts and shares relevant safety information through presentations at student assemblies, posting signs throughout the project, and visiting with a variety of different

community groups. In the 6 months since construction has started, the communication efforts have proven helpful, and the community has been appreciative of the communication efforts undertaken by the District and project stakeholders.

Construction is impactful and TxDOT is working hard every day to get this job done safely and efficiently while also focusing on communication to keep drivers and the community informed.

The project is currently on schedule to be complete in mid2023. Beginning in early 2020, the focus of work is anticipated to shift from the frontage roads to mainlanes and interchanges.

To get connected with TxDOT, sign up for email or text alerts and incident alerts visit Waco4BMap. org. TxDOT also offers community presentations and meetings. n

Significant progress has been made on the drainage work near 11th and 12th Streets Photos courtesy of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

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by Kyle Deaver, Mayor, City of Waco

The Waco City Council and its staff believe in the value of strong neighborhoods that surround retail and commercial areas, each thriving and vital to the other. This vision was first created in the Imagine Waco plan during which hundreds of Wacoans gave public feedback that ultimately was adopted in 2010 by the City Council. The vision was a balanced growth scenario that prioritized the revitalization of downtown and the core of the City.

The core of the City is prioritized as the place where growth is most cost-effective and also recognizes that we have an opportunity to grow in a way that ensures the private market and the City’s goal for equitable development are balanced with each other.

Ritchie Road Project

Growth in the China Spring and Highway 84 West corridors are important, but they represent a significant strain on City resources. While we invest to ensure sustainability in these areas, it is important for us to invest in the heart of our City to take advantage of the infrastructure and services that are already in place.

The City Council has worked diligently to invest in the core and in a way that furthers the Imagine Waco Plan. This includes substantial public infrastructure and open space investment in the Elm Avenue corridor. Todate more than $20 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds have been approved driving more than $40 million in private investment. This sets the stage for a transformation that will connect both sides of the Brazos River with quality development: retail, residential, commercial activity, and public spaces in a way not seen in East Waco in over 50 years.

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Elm Avenue Project

Photos courtesy of City of Waco

Additional public and private dollars are finding opportunities for hotels, multi-family developments, and business to grow in our larger downtown area. In fact, about $100 million in private construction is occurring downtown with an additional $200 million planned to start in the next two years. Soon we’ll see a tremendous amount of construction activity to upgrade infrastructure necessary to support the resurgence of downtown.

The Imagine Waco Plan also identified other ring neighborhoods and commercial districts where strategic public investments could help revitalization. This includes formerly thriving commercial corridors along LaSalle Avenue, 25th/26th Street, and North 18th/19th Street.

Each of these districts presents an opportunity to implement the community’s vision for Waco, albeit without the advantages of a TIF zone. The LaSalle corridor is primed for the same type of investment as Elm Avenue and downtown. The possibilities are immense along this very active boulevard that is a mix of commercial and residential and in many ways linked to the continued advancement of Baylor University. The neighborhoods are changing and it is imperative that the opportunities for longtime South Waco residents and businesses be preserved while Baylor shines. The University’s commitment to the surrounding neighborhoods has never been stronger, as evidenced by Baylor’s Solid Gold Neighbor community engagement initiative which presents many opportunities for this community.

101 Elm Ave. Groundbreaking Project

The potential revitalization in the 25th/26th Street Corridor is also exciting. The construction of the new Fire Station and Administration Building will bring a jolt of activity and construction to an area that is burgeoning with opportunity for area entrepreneurs. The City’s lead investment in this corridor will work to revitalize the area and act as a catalyst, strengthening the neighborhoods and creating commerce.

The City’s role is to create the environment in which revitalization can thrive. This will include pushing forward on Riverfront Development, pursuing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, as well as other investments like the Railroad Quiet Zone, new investments in public spaces, as well as two-way conversions on Washington and Franklin.

By investing in the core of Waco, we plan to lead with strategic public investments, while we support residents and local businesses. This will encourage citizens to live in the core of our City, near their workplace with access to all the essentials.

The re-development and revitalization in the core of the City is both a responsibility and an opportunity. A revitalized Waco, with effective infrastructure, can create the conditions for an efficient city capable of promoting innovation, a higher quality of life, and economic development with shared prosperity for all Wacoans. n

Fire Station #6 Rendering

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RESPONSIBLE RESOURCING

How the McLennan County Water Resources Group plans for the Future

by Scott Felton, Judge, McLennan County

P

roviding and sustaining an adequate water supply for all of McLennan County is critical to the County’s future. The water supplies, surface water and groundwater, represent a major investment by the Cities, water systems, and private landowners throughout the County. As McLennan County has grown, with its increasing population and expanding agricultural, commercial and industrial economies, the demands on water also increased. These pressures require new thinking on how McLennan County, with its diverse water interests, can work together to provide a sustainable water supply for the future. New ways are being considered for ways in which groundwater and surface water can ‘work together’ to preserve our groundwater supplies and wisely use our surface water.

The water interests throughout the County are taking part in this effort.

The City of Waco and every major McLennan County city, water supply corporations, the Brazos River Authority, Southern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, Texas Farm Bureau, Baylor University, local citizen and business interests, all with knowledge, interest, and a stake in McLennan County’s water resources, are voluntarily working together to develop a long-term, McLennan County

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water plan. The McLennan County Water Resources Group was formed to bring together the interests and expertise. With its formation, McLennan County became the first county in Texas to actively plan for a sustainable water supply.

Over the last few years, the Water Resources Group has collaborated on a plan to help respond to our many water challenges: the growth of McLennan County and increasing water demands; the depletion of Trinity Aquifer water pressures as groundwater pumping continues particularly in the urban areas; the water quality of some of groundwater supplies; and the environmental concerns for protection of aquatic species and habitat. Recent severe droughts, such as the one experienced by McLennan County and the entire state in 2011, cause not only reduced surface supplies through evaporation but also increased water demands.

Even though the State of Texas through the Texas Water Development Board is engaged in long-term water planning, including the Brazos G Regional Planning Area that takes in McLennan County; the McLennan County Group strongly believed that a locally-controlled plan was needed —a McLennan County water plan done by McLennan County for McLennan County. There was early agreement on the Group’s purpose: to advocate for and support sound water management principles and strategies, sustainable water supply projects, programs, and initiatives in the McLennan County region.

Putting the Plan Together The McLennan County Water Resources Group began meeting regularly to discuss how the county the could protect and sustain its water supply.

The Group began by putting the pieces of a sustainable water plan together; organizing the plan into three major components that best fit the needs of McLennan County: Drought Contingency Plan:

Conjunctive Use Plan:

Arsenic Break-Out Plan:

A county-wide drought contingency plan component to respond to drought conditions that complemented existing water conservation plans of water providers in the county

A proposal for conjunctiveuse of surface and groundwater to address diminishing groundwater supplies that called for more surface water use by the county’s major groundwater users

A preliminary engineering plan to convey Lake Waco surface water to each of the arsenic-containing groundwater systems in eastern McLennan County that would demonstrate to EPA how these systems could comply with the recently changed federal limits

Photo courtesy of City of Waco

With the Group’s support, McLennan County applied for and, in a national competition, was awarded a WaterSMART grant by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The grant award required 50% matching funds. The Bureau of Reclamation provided $75,000 that was matched by McLennan County, cities and water providers supporting the plan.

The McLennan County Drought Contingency Action Plan (DCA) is a first for Texas. It is the first county-wide drought contingency action plan, adopted by the Commissioners’ Court and subsequently approved by the Bureau of Reclamation. The McLennan County DCA was carefully coordinated with the City of Waco’s DCA for Lake Waco and with the second component of the plan, the groundwater/surface water conjunctive use plan.

The McLennan County conjunctive use plan provides the opportunity for major groundwater users to substitute treated surface water to offset up to 50 percent of current groundwater use. Discussions will be held with the major groundwaters on how the basic framework presented in the conjunctive use plan can be implemented. Water rates will be part of the discussion. The Southern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District’s expertise in understanding the groundwater benefits of implementing the plan will be key to implementing this component of the plan.

Finally, the arsenic mitigation component of the McLennan County Plan was submitted to and approved by the Brazos G Regional Planning Group, thereby making this component a part of the approved Regional Plan. This approval made the implementation cost of the arsenic component eligible for Texas Water Development Board funding, including SWIFT funding.

Combining all three components, the final version of the McLennan County Drought Contingency and Water Supply Resiliency Plan was considered and approved by the McLennan County Water Resources Group and the McLennan County Commissioners Court in 2018. The Plan marks the culmination of several years of cooperative work by water supply providers and water interests here in McLennan County. It is a blueprint for those McLennan County water providers to respond cooperatively to severe drought conditions, to diminishing groundwater supplies, and to the arsenic levels found in several groundwater systems. n

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A FRUITFUL COLLABORATION AN INTERVIEW WITH WACO MAYOR KYLE DEAVER & COUNTY JUDGE SCOTT FELTON

by Samantha Baker, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Greater Waco Chamber

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Waco is experiencing a unique point in its history. After a quick rise to national and international fame, our bustling community is enjoying economic prosperity like never before - businesses are popping up left and right and finding success in the market, nonprofits are strong and vibrant, and the food options that have sprung up around town are incredibly diverse and delicious.

With growth, however, comes a unique set of challenges and obstacles; with such a significant influx of tourism and new Wacoans, maintaining and rebuilding vital infrastructure becomes a top priority.

The City of Waco and McLennan County have long had a good working relationship, but now more than ever before the two entities are working together to create positive change in Waco. Leadership within Waco is uniquely positioned, boasting one of the most diverse city councils in Waco’s history, led by a passionate mayor who cares deeply about his hometown. The partnership between Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver’s office and that of County Judge Scott Felton is fruitful and mutually beneficial, and the two are key figures in the economic development, infrastructure development, and the overall wellness of the Waco community and McLennan County.

County Judge Scott Felton was born and raised in McLennan County.

His background includes a 30-year career in banking, from which he retired in 2011 as President and Business Banking Manager of Wells Fargo. His strong business background provided a lot of opportunities to get involved and learn more about economic development. After his retirement, Judge Felton began contracting with natural resources consultants, and was invited to complete an unexpired two-year term for county judge. He ran for re-election in 2014 and won; he ran again in 2018 and won a second four-year term.

Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver also grew up in Waco and has spent most of his life here. He and his brother John established local law firm Deaver & Deaver, where they primarily support their businesses, American Bank and American Guaranty Title. Mayor Deaver says the flexibility of his job has allowed him opportunities to serve on the city council and as mayor, and that his flexibility at work really motivated him to get involved with serving on boards and the city council. His run for Mayor in 2016 grew organically out of his involvement with the city council; he never had any intention of running for political office, but after he was appointed to represent District 5 on the city council, the step of running for mayor just made sense. He ran unopposed for re-election in May 2018 and is currently serving the last year of his term.

I had the opportunity to interview both Judge Felton and Mayor Deaver about infrastructure, important ongoing projects in Waco, and why the updates they’re making now are vital to our community’s future.

Photo by Keith Kusler

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What is the infrastructure project you’ve seen come to fruition during your tenure that you believe will be most impactful?

SF: While city and county leaders were working on downtown development, Baylor University had the desire to build a world-class football stadium. Many of us knew there would be a lot of challenges, including financial, that would come along, but we thought that a football stadium on I-35 on the campus was the best thing since sliced bread. We tried to figure out how we could help, so through TIF funding, the city and county were able to close some of the final financial gaps for Baylor. It’s Baylor’s stadium, but it’s ours too, we have some ownership in it, and we’re going to enjoy it.

Without McLane Stadium, we may not have had the extradose bridges with the lights on I-35.

KD: It’s not one specific project, it’s the 10-year Building Waco initiative, a $320 million infrastructure program started in 2017 that is designed primarily to address water, wastewater and streets. It’s $131 million in water improvements, $139 million in wastewater improvements, and another $50 million we’re adding to our street improvement program. It’s important for people to recognize that while infrastructure was a City Council goal, it’s the city staff that comes up with projects, the planning, all the work that goes into this. You can see this currently, lots of roads are torn up and lots of projects are going on, but you have to do that and take those steps. It may be inconvenient, but it’s exciting.

Waco was recently selected by AT&T as one of the first cities for 5G service, largely in part because our local government embraces next-generation technology. What does 5G mean for Waco?

SF: I believe we’re taking a giant step into a cutting-edge technology that will separate us from the pack, set us apart from communities our size. It’s a part of smart cities around the United States. It’ll advance creativity at a very fast pace; it will make things faster, broader — it will allow innovation to really flourish here. It’ll be everywhere one day, but having a jumpstart will be important for our community, especially the fact that we have so much going on right now, and such an appreciation of entrepreneurship, we can actually benefit someone who has a creative idea, to use this technology to move forward.

It will also be a big economic development benefit. Many of the businesses we call on now are high-tech companies, and I think it will give us an edge in recruiting businesses, and some of the prospects we’re working with now are excited about 5G being here.

KD: I think the implications are enormous. So much of the future is going to be based on wireless technologies — driverless cars are a great example — and you need really fast, reliable wireless internet to make that happen. I think the fact that AT&T selected Waco just lets the world know that Waco is at the leading edge of new and coming technology.

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Photo courtesy of City of Waco

How are you engaging with the work of driving innovation in our region and how does infrastructure impact our city’s ability to innovate?

SF: One of the needs we have in this county is being able to extend clean water into the communities around Waco, where we have several water sources and not being totally dependent on the Southern Trinity River — it has a limited life. Many area groundwater zones recharge very quickly, the Southern Trinity does not. The City of Waco was very wise by raising the level of Lake Waco by seven feet a while back, which gives them access to a lot more water to treat and sell back into the rest of the county. We’ve got to figure out how to finance this conjunctive use of water, especially when you get out to areas where there aren’t a lot of water meters, the cost per meter could be exorbitant. We’ve got state and federal agencies and elected officials working with us on grants to help us find solutions.

KD: We know from our economic development partners who are talking with companies who are thinking about locating here that having great infrastructure is critical to companies; they will not come if a city doesn’t have the infrastructure to support the business. It’s a matter of the government working with companies to ensure we have the things that attract companies, like infrastructure. It’s certainly a public/private partnership in a lot of ways.

Photo courtesy of City of Waco

What do you think is the role of the City/County in continuing to support economic growth and creating a vibrant, dynamic community in the years ahead?

SF: When you think about infrastructure, most people think about water, pipes, those sorts of things. But it’s also about educational infrastructure.

We need to have a model that combines all of our educational resources and curricula to grow a community of people who qualify for well-paying jobs. We are working to support Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy and Greater Waco Advanced Healthcare Academy, with Baylor, TSTC, MCC, the BRIC, entrepreneur programs, local and rural ISDs through ESC Region 12 — we’re all working together to create a dynamic workforce. That is just as an important piece of a marketing package as how much water we can get across the county. We’ve been very proactive in supporting that effort.

KD: We have to continue to look at the way we incentivize companies moving to Waco. The city council has asked staff to shift our focus to prioritizing higher wage jobs over investments, real estate and manufacturing. It’s not that we want to lose the emphasis on manufacturing, but we really need to focus on higher wages and geographically bringing jobs to people who need jobs. We’ve got higher concentrations of unemployed people in certain areas, and abundances of jobs in different areas. With our current transit system, it takes about WACOCHAMBER.COM

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an hour and a half to make it across town, and it shuts down at 7 p.m. So we’ve got two things we’re trying to focus on: one is the bus/rapid transit project, a long-term investment in our community; the other thing is trying to get employers located closer to the communities needing jobs.

How do you balance the needs of one district or precinct against the other, or balance competing and important needs? You are responsible for developing and overseeing the budgets of your entities; how do you prioritize what gets done?

SF: In our budgeting process, it’s important we’re fair to all the different areas in the county, but there’s no question there’s more growth in the western part of the county in Precinct 4 than in other areas. Our biggest limiting factor is our tax revenues, which is something you have to balance between being able to provide good services to the community for the least amount of dollars.

KD: That’s one of the things that makes the Waco city council unique, we have a tradition of city council members being keenly interested in their respective districts, but more interested in the overall welfare of the city. We all work together to try and take care of areas of highest need and focus on neighborhoods that need help rather than districts, and working together to find the best solutions. The culture of collaboration in the city council has been built up over the last 10 to 15 years, and it’s hard to do, it’s hard to communicate, it’s hard to keep everyone on the same page, to be respectful of everyone. We don’t always get it right, but we’re working at it every day.

The City and County have a special partnership for collaborative growth and economic development support. We’ve heard legislators remark how unique it is to have the business community, city and county all working together on shared priorities. How does that collaborative work, and why is this collaboration better for both entities?

SF: Working on positive things rather than negative things can get more done. We have tried to focus on things where we have common thoughts and ideas rather than areas that might strike a lot of different opinions. I try to focus on how we can move the ball forward, not dwell on things that have passed. We have a lot of fine cities in our county that all want to do better, and we want to help them do that as much as we can. If there are things that come up that become a barrier, they should be immediately addressed, and that’s why I appreciate the people I get to work with, because we do address them. I also want to credit the Greater Waco Chamber, the Waco Business League, the other chambers all around the county now, thinking about what’s coming next.

KD: More than half of the residents in McLennan County live in Waco, so the city is important to the county’s work and vice versa. What happens in the county affects the city, and so we’re very receptive to working together on projects. We have a great county judge and commissioner’s court, and that makes it so much easier to work together. We work on economic development together often, and we work on things like roads, 22 | WINTER 2019

Photo courtesy of McLennan County

like Speegleville Road, for example, that’s partially in the city and partially in the county, and we work together to try and make improvements in ways that make sense that are beneficial to everyone. We work closely with the county on economic development as well as the three chambers of commerce, the Greater Waco Chamber, Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber and Cen-Tex African American Chamber, and those are all great partnerships.

Mayor Deaver, how does the city’s new focus on diversity, equity and inclusion impact economic development, infrastructure and the city’s urban core?

KD: City staff has been working diligently for the last six months to create and implement different initiatives to help the city council address diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s always a challenge, but the city council is working hard to view things through the lens of equity. The Elm Avenue development is a great example: between the city, TxDOT and the TIF, over $20 million has been invested into Elm Avenue; we’re working on the streetscape and all the utilities, and it’s already generated huge private investment in the area. As that happens, we have to consciously maintain the character and historical values of the neighborhood as well as we can. It also impacts housing, and we are working to find creative ways to develop more affordable housing.

Wages have crept up slowly over the years, while housing costs have really outrun that, and that’s a challenge of a growing economy. We’re actively working to encourage involvement with minority- and female-owned businesses when we’re making purchases for the city, we’re breaking contracts down into smaller pieces to make it more affordable for smaller businesses to place bids; there’s a whole list of initiatives we’re working on to address those things.

Photo courtesy of City of Waco

Photo courtesy of City of Waco

Judge Felton, several exciting infrastructure projects have popped up in McLennan County recently. What kind of impact will the developments at the Extraco Events Center have on our community?

SF: Before I was county judge, when I was more actively volunteering, I was very involved with the Heart of Texas Fair & Rodeo projects. We were always trying to figure out how to expand, and for many years didn’t have the money for it. We looked into venue projects, having a venue tax, but there always seemed to be something in the way of it happening. But creative minds and tenacity helped us get to this point; with the City of Waco and Waco ISD, we were able to come up with a plan to have a venue to host primarily sporting events, as well as equine and livestock events. The former city manager Dale Fisseler suggested we create a master plan for the area, so we did and we took the idea to our voters, and it won with 67 percent of the vote, which is huge. It’ll generate money over the way we structured the debt. The stars aligned, we broke ground this year on the first phase of the expansion, which should wrap up around December 2020.

Photo courtesy of City of Waco

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The widening and relocation of Speegleville Road is another interesting project. Why was this project necessary, and what you are projecting in terms of growth in that area?

SF: The road improvement is long overdue due to the huge population growth and development that’s been happening in that area for years now. A lot of times you build a road and then development happens around it after it’s finished; this is the opposite. People will be able to easily travel up and down that road much more safely.

You and the City Council have challenged city staff to come up with the funding to repave every road in Waco within a 10-year window.

Why did you decide this was a priority and what are the prospects for getting it done?

Photo courtesy of Waco Tribune Herald

KD: We all heard from our constituents that it needed to be a priority. Our streets are aging and need work to sustain the growth we’re experiencing.

We are fortunately in a position where we can take action, thanks to our vibrant economy. We have really upped the game on our street improvement programs. In the years before 2016, we were spending $5 million a year on street improvements. This year, we spent $27 million on streets.

Magnolia recently announced a boutique hotel in downtown Waco on a property it purchased from the county. Why was redevelopment of that site a priority of the county and how do you envision it will boost continued growth for the area?

SF: The property was purchased by the county some years back, and it was a wise purchase. We only used about 30 percent of the building, which is a very unique, historic building. We figured we could move out and find a different space, and sell it to someone who would use it to really benefit the downtown area. When Chip Gaines got interested and called us, we showed it to him, and you could tell when we gave him the tour that he really liked it and that it had great potential. We ultimately sold the building to him, and we’re excited about it. I think it’ll add another piece to the downtown area that makes it such a unique downtown for a city our size.

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Photo courtesy of Waco Tribune Herald

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Everyone has a bit of free time now and then! How do you enjoy Waco when you’re not at the office?

SF: Waco has a lot to offer, and so do the other cities all around the county. I enjoy many things in many of the communities in the county — everywhere is different, they’re all neat and full of great people. Dining options have really changed in the 40 years. I’ve been working downtown, the dining scene is tremendous. Of course, I still like going to Tradinghouse Bar & Grill out in eastern McLennan County for a steak, too. That just shows all the options we enjoy here. I love barbeque, and we have a lot of good options here now, like old standbys like Uncle Dan’s and Rudy’s, to the new options like Guess Family Barbecue and Helberg Barbecue.

KD: My wife and I really enjoy Cameron Park. We like to run the trails and along the riverwalk down to the stadium — the fact that we finally got the riverwalk loop on the east side of the river completed is something I’m really excited about. We also are huge fans of sailgating for the Baylor football games.

That is such a great, unique experience with such a beautiful view of our city. n

Photo courtesy of Waco Tribune Herald

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This quarterly luncheon event at the Greater Waco Chamber is designed specifically for local business professionals and provides an update on “our economy in one hour�.

Recent economic development news and data is also presented that attendees can use in their business.

Visit web.WacoChamber.com/events to view details of the next Hour Economy luncheon.

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CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE CITY’S HEALTHY GROWTH

by Kyle Deaver, Mayor, City of Waco

T

he continued growth in recent years has transformed this city into a center of excellence and economic development with dynamic potential. Waco’s attractive business incentives and land availability, the abundance of job opportunities and its excellent quality of life with low cost of living has fueled this transformation.

To continue the momentum, investment in necessary infrastructure improvements is essential.

In 2017, the City of Waco implemented Building Waco, a 10-year Capital Improvement Project aimed to renew and rebuild necessary infrastructure to foster and sustain development. The program includes $131 million in water projects, $139 million in wastewater projects, and $50 million in street improvements.

The City of Waco currently has become a regional water resource that serves the water needs of more than 140,000 residents and will serve an additional 40,000 over the next 25 years. Numerous projects are underway to replace storage tanks, install new water lines (replacing some that are more than 100 years old), constructing new water pump stations to maintain the advanced water system created and passed on by previous visionary Waco leaders.

For decades, we have been the beneficiaries of the long-range planning by city leaders who saw the need and created a man-made lake and expanded its capacity twice to provide Wacoans a reliable and ample water supply

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plus treatment capacity (more than twice the amount of Waco’s highest demand day) and modern-day delivery infrastructure to safely transport the water to the customer.

Uniquely, the City owns the rights to the water in Lake Waco which allows the City to better control its future.

While the majority of the Building Waco budget has targeted water and waste water projects, other investments are being made in traditional infrastructure such as streets and roads that are vital to foster Waco’s economic development and keep the city attractive.

Waco has a generous supply of low-cost land available for development. Having land available is appealing to companies seeking to relocate and construct headquarters.

Recognizing this need as essential for growth, 11 business parks, sponsored by cities, private individuals and nonprofits, such as the Waco Industrial Foundation, have developed. Not only will these business parks attract new companies, they will help further the city’s goal to diversify the workforce and offer a wide array of jobs. The City of Waco proactively installed utility infrastructure in these industrial parks, which has proven to be a great advantage when recruiting a company because the sites are construction-ready. Waco’s city leadership has created a strong financial policy that has helped earn a AA+ bond rating that supports the infrastructure needed to attract new businesses and residents to the area. n

Photos courtesy of City of Waco

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by Holly Reed, Managing Director of External Affairs, Texas Central

T

he Waco of 10 or 15 years ago might look a little bit different than how it does today. Now a booming tourist destination, the Magnolia Marketplace and Silos averages 50,000 visitors per week, transforming the Waco-area with the revitalization of retail, restaurants, hotels and more.

The transformation and growth seen in Waco is just another example of what’s taking place all across the great state of Texas. The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest population estimates confirmed what many Texans already knew: People are flocking to the Lone Star State. In fact, there are about 1,000 new residents moving to Texas every single day, many of them moving to areas like Waco and major metroplexes like Dallas and Houston.

Waco is experiencing the impact population growth is having on our state, so you can understand road congestion whether it is on I-35 or I-45 between Houston and Dallas. In the I-45 corridor, over 16 million individual journeys were made last year between North Texas and Houston, with the number only expected to grow as population in Texas soars.

This is one of the reasons Texas Central is working on a safe, reliable, and accessible transportation alternative to give Texans what they have been asking for – a better choice when traveling across Texas. Texas Central is the company undertaking the development, design, construction, finance and operation of a brand new, stateof-the-art high-speed train that will connect North Texas and Greater Houston in less than 90 minutes, with one stop in the Brazos Valley.

Just like Chip and Joanna Gaines helped tourism in Waco soar, the Texas High-Speed Train plans to do the same, but for the entire region and state. Economic growth will drive more travel to Waco, as well as connect major hubs throughout the state. The Texas High-Speed Train will be 30 | WINTER 2019

the first high-speed train in our nation, transformational for our country and imperative for continued growth. It will bring people to Texas who would not otherwise come here, and it will encourage them to stay longer, expanding their visits to include places like Waco and the surrounding areas.

Texas is home to some of the nation’s largest airports and seaports, and a high-speed train would serve as a critical travel connector between these transportation locations and our state’s two largest metropolitan areas and largest university, Texas A&M. There is no question that businesses and events will look at Texas and the United States differently and consider bringing their conventions, associations, business meetings, and major events here.

And, those who are here to do business will likely stay longer since they have doubled their market through a short 90-minute trip between the nation’s 4th and 6th largest economies. Families will not only come to vacation and see family members, they will come to ride the train and have a unique travel experience within the U.S. Connecting over 15 major universities, 20+ professional sports teams, 42 Fortune 500 headquarters and 83 Fortune 1000 companies, this train will help to create a super economy driven by ease of connectivity. This is just another reason why the Texas Association of Conference and Visitor Bureaus (TACVB) supports the project, saying, “in addition to travelers, it will broaden opportunities for the tourism and hospitality workforce and create even more jobs in supporting industries.”

This North Texas-Houston line will provide very significant economic benefits to the Waco area. As a privately-developed and market-led infrastructure project, this system will be a taxpayer rather than a tax taker, injecting billions into the Texas economy over the next several decades. Further, operating a high-speed railroad in Texas will remove thousands of cars from Texas

highways, lessening the stress on our state infrastructure and seamlessly connecting our state’s major economic centers.

Joining the list of Waco supporters is the Waco City Council and the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

Both have passed resolutions in support of the landmark project, citing significant traffic and population forecasts in their planning areas with conclusions that Texas needs a high-speed transportation solution. Highlighting the need for more transportation choices and greater capacity on highways and in airports, these resolutions underscore high-speed rail as an efficient and effective addition to the state’s transportation network. According to the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization, “the implementation of this high-speed passenger rail service would provide the region greater connectivity to other cities in Texas, and globally.”

The Texas High-Speed Train will create 10,000 jobs during peak construction and 1,500 long-term jobs once operational — stimulating the Waco and Texas economies, create new industries, and increase mobility. As noted by the U.S. High Speed Rail Association, it will open new domestic markets and supply chains and broaden regional labor markets. This will support the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce’s economic development team in efforts to bolster existing businesses as well as recruit new ones to locate or expand in Waco, ultimately creating desirable, well-paying jobs and expanding the community’s tax base. Texas Central is already looking to Waco and surrounding cities to provide the workforce needed – tapping into Baylor, Texas State Technical College and additional colleges and universities nearby to meet the anticipated demand.

So, when will Texans be able to ride the train? Texas Central is planning for a 5-6 year construction timeline, beginning in 2020, soon after federal approvals have been issued. Sticking to that timeline, the train plans to begin commercial service as soon as 2026.

The High-Speed Train will provide Texans with a faster, safer, more convenient and reliable alternative to driving or flying. For all of these reasons, the High-Speed Train is set to transform travel in Texas and bring a new high-tech industry to the United States, making it a huge win for Waco and the entire Lone Star state. n Photos provided by Texas Central. The N700S in Japan.

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by Michael Morris, P.E., Director of Transportation, North Central Texas Council of Governments

Significant progress has been made to improve the reliability of Interstate 35 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Austin. Look no further than the

current effort to widen the interstate through Waco. This project will expand I-35 through a key part of Central Texas, modernizing an aging roadway originally constructed decades ago, when fewer people relied on it.

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It may seem like the construction between North Texas and Austin will never end. But that is precisely because this corridor is critical to the economic future of our entire state. I-35 is a significant economic and mobility asset to the cities and counties in its path.

For example, approximately 40 percent of the state’s population and jobs are concentrated along the I-35 corridor. With thousands of cars and trucks traversing this roadway each day, and it is clear capacity will remain an issue for some time.

With the help of strong partnerships with the Texas Transportation Commission and neighboring regions, including the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), improvements will continue, even if that means the presence of construction barrels and concrete barriers.

Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin are among the fastestgrowing regions in the country. As they attract even more new residents and businesses, Waco will feel the impact.

Traffic along the I-35 corridor will intensify. However, new transportation technologies that will increase the efficient movement of people and goods may also allow Waco to experience greater benefits.

The great work by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to expand current facilities continues to make a significant difference. But because of the success of the state, we can’t build our way out of congestion by simply adding more lanes to I-35 and other roadways.

One of the most forward-thinking opportunities to help us on this problem is high-speed transportation. This would be a game-changer, moving people efficiently and safely, as well as supplementing I-35 to create a transportation system that could serve as a model for the rest of the world.

The Waco MPO and five other metropolitan planning organizations, including the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), are jointly funding a high-speed transportation study from Dallas-Fort Worth to South Texas. The study is examining the corridor from Fort Worth to Laredo to determine how we might introduce 21st-century technology to complement the current transportation system.

areas. The consultant is assessing the feasibility and cost (e.g., construction, operating and maintenance) of each technology option.

The opinions of stakeholders in Central Texas will figure prominently in the final report to be delivered in early 2020. Business and civic leaders from around Waco and McLennan County are best equipped to determine the prime locations for stations in their own backyard. The same holds true in every other region along the corridor, from Temple-Killeen to Austin, San Antonio to Laredo.

Cooperation is an essential piece of this 425-mile puzzle.

We don’t want to dictate to our partners in Waco what will work in Waco. The goal is to leverage their expertise to create a system that enhances mobility and economic development everywhere. We hope the completion of the corridor study will provide TxDOT the information it needs to continue to refine this exciting project.

We are confident the technology selected for this corridor will enhance reliability and do so safely and cost-effectively.

To solve tomorrows’ mobility problems, we should look beyond yesterday’s technology. With the help of our partners in Waco and McLennan County, we can find the right mix of tradition and innovation to keep our economic engine moving toward the future, regardless of what track it uses to get there. n

TxDOT conducted an environmental study of the area to see how high-speed rail might fit in. The TxDOT study identified a broad corridor to examine further. The current study is narrowing the footprint while re-examining the technology piece to include hyperloop, magnetic levitation and others.

Trains similar to what is planned by Texas Central Railway, as the company works to bring high-speed rail to the Dallas-to-Houston corridor, could find their way to Waco. That is not the only possibility. In 2018, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), NCTCOG’s transportation policymaking body, committed to examine the possibility of hyperloop technology along with high-speed rail to move people and goods from Fort Worth to Laredo. And our region has hosted a team from Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO), giving us the chance to meet with the people trying to bring high-speed, magnetic-levitation travel to the U.S. The VHO delegation also engaged with students from our region, demonstrating the principles behind what makes hyperloop technology work. The visit confirmed the RTC’s belief that hyperloop is a serious option that deserves close consideration.

As part of the current study, the consultant is reviewing potential technologies to be used along the corridor. The answer could be one mode or a combination of options, which may also include conventional rail service in some

Michael Morris, P.E., is the Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. He can be reached at mmorris@nctcog.org.

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The Chamber raises $1,430,678 in its 15th Annual Total Resource Campaign!

Over 140 volunteers from numerous member companies raised funds for the Greater Waco Chamber through a theme inspired campaign.

Volunteers sold products including program, event and publication sponsorships, economic development, budget-reduction trade items, selected membership renewals and new chamber members.

The TRC campaign kicks off in April and goes through the end of August annually. The volunteers meet weekly to celebrate the incremental success! The success of the TRC campaign is because of the passionate volunteers and team effort.

CAMPAIGN TOTAL $1,430,678 CAMPAIGN GOAL $1,400,000 S U M M A RY R E S U LT S New Memberships Member Renewals Board of Advisors Direct Budget Reduction Trades Publication Sponsorships Program & Event Sponsorships

$ 46,023 $237,336 $ 23,500 $ 76,360 $177,475 $869,984

C A M PA I G N P R O D U C T I O N & S T R U C T U R E

2019 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

Aaron McMillan, 1519 Surveying & Engineering

2020 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

American Bank American Guaranty Title Ascension Providence ATMOS Energy Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest WINTER 2018 2019 34 | WINTER

Peggy Jezek – Waco Hilton Matt Reynolds – Tejas Logistics

Jennifer Manning, Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P.

23 Teams:

2019 CAMPAIGN VICE CHAIRS:

Baylor University Cen-Tex Roof System Community Bank & Trust Extraco Banks First National Bank of Central Texas First Title Company of Waco

Sam Brown – Extraco Banks

H-E-B Hilton Waco Insurors of Texas JRBT Kelly, Realtors Lochridge Priest Inc. Merrill Lynch Wealth Mgt.

Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. Tejas Logistics Trane Vogel Financial Group Waco Tribune Herald

(TRC)! This year’s TRC consisted of What an AMAZING 2019 Total Resource Campaign two very important milestones: , and This was the 15th annual Total Resource Campaign

campaign for our Chamber.

This was the first year for Nancy Gupton to lead this

volunteers who had participated As we began this 15th TRC, we identified campaign we compiled the list, it was really in every campaign since its inception in 2005. As itted to the Chamber and this cool to see how many people have remained comm very humbling, and motivating, important campaign for all of those years. It was also unity. to work to support the Waco Chamber and our comm to see how hard many of these TRC “Lifers” continue Thank you all for the overwhelming effort!

Loren Schwartz Ed Page Debbie Keel Chuck Sivess David Lacy Bob Davis Mark Reynolds Michael Vieregg Keith Hopkins Evan Klaras Jim Haller Gary Vogel Mike Reitmeier Sheree Corn Sam Brown Mike Garrett Penny Dulock Russell Cox Stewart Kelly

Terry Stevens

amazing job aging the TRC for our great Chamber, and what an We were also fortunate to have Nancy Gupton man rience and mely pleased, especially me, to have Nancy’s expe she did in her inaugural campaign! We were all extre ucing week prod tly isten cons determination kept this campaign passion leading this campaign. Her high energy and continue only not stepped into this program and been able to after week. I sincerely believe only Nancy could have pt. We are a lucky Chamber. Thank you, Nancy! the success but grow the campaign in her first attem time and n, Peggy Jezek, Matt Reynolds) who give a ton of I also want to recognize our Vice Chairs (Sam Brow ed! and to assist other volunteers is greatly appreciat attention to the TRC. Your willingness to volunteer Highlights from 2019 TRC: • Raised $1,430,678

• 23 teams participated with 150 volunteers • 85 new members joined the Chamber and programs • Increased membership support of sponsorships

who urage you to get involved. Find someone you know If you have not participated in TRC, I strongly enco dy alrea ne ons this next Spring. If you don’t know anyo is involved and tag along to one of the training sessi planning and will get you plugged in. The 2020 TRC is already in participating in TRC, contact Nancy or me and we will be With Jennifer and Nancy leading this campaign, 2020 Hill. & n Brow llo, Patti of ing Mann ifer Jenn by led will be a Total Resource Campaign full of fun and success. our community!

Thank you all for your support and effort to improve

Aaron McMillan, 2019 TRC Chair WACOCHAMBER.COM

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PAST CAMPAIGN RESULTS & LEADERSHIP YEAR TRC

G OA L

A M O U N T C A M PA I G N RAISED CHAIR

2005 $250,000 $499,061 2006 $500,000 $640,499 2007 $650,000 $729,940 2008 $750,000 $849,168 2009 $850,000 $943,623 2010 $950,000 $1,081,132 2011 $1,100,000 $1,137,411 2012 $1,150,000 $1,182,546 2013 $1,200,000 $1,238,643 2014 $1,250,000 $1,268,163

2015 $1,275,000 $1,296,529

2016 $1,300,000 $1,327,794 2017 $1,350,000 $1,368,639 2018 $1,375,000 $1,385,758

David Lacy, Community Bank and Trust David Lacy, Community Bank and Trust Terry Stevens, First Title Co. of Waco Stewart Kelly, Kelly, Realtors Scott Felton, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Debbie Keel, AT&T Jim Haller, First National Bank of Central Texas Mark Reynolds, Extraco Banks Mike Reitmeier, JRBT Glenn Robinson, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center – Hillcrest Ted Teague, Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat Ed Page, H-E-B Hal Whitaker, Englander dZignPak, LLC Chuck Sivess, American Guaranty Title

2019 TOP FIVE PRODUCERS Loren Schwartz, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management $112,285 Jim Haller, Retired $105,632 Peggy Jezek, Hilton Waco $76,410 Ascension Providence $67,280 Gary Vogel, Vogel Financial $58,769

2019 TOP FIVE TEAMS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

First National Bank of Central Texas $218,284 Vogel Financial Group $211,917 Merrill Lynch Wealth Management $168,607 Ascension Providence $101,012 American Guaranty Title $82,390

2019 TOP FIVE ROOKIES

Christine Lopez, American Bank $36,810 Mary Ellison, Cen-Tex Roof Systems $29,051 Keith Maynard, JRBT $28,944 Patti Hueston, Baylor University $8,583 Joanna Rogers, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management $7,640

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CAMPAIGN GIFTS & DONORS American Guaranty Title Balcones Distilling Ben E. Keith Beverages Distributor Baylor University Brazos Grille - Hilton Waco Buzzard Billy’s Captain Billy Whizzbang’s Cen-Tex Roof Systems Christian Brothers Automotive - Woodway Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Crickets Draft House & Grill Englander dZignPak, LLC I PCA Fazoli’s George’s Restaurant & Bar H-E-B Hal and Jana Whitaker Hawaiian Falls Hilton Waco Home 2 Suites Waco by Hilton J-Petal Japanese Crepe & Thai Ice Cream Jack-of-All-Trades Personnel Services Locals Love Us Lochridge-Priest, Inc McDonald’s of Waco NuTone Cleaners One Thirty Five Prime Orscheln Farm & Home Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. 900 Degrees Pizzeria Raising Canes Rosa’s Café & Tortilla Factory Sironia, Inc. Swan Products LLC Tejas Logistics The Backyard Bar-Stage-Grill Tropical Smoothie Cafe Vogel’s Spices, LLC Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT SPONSORS

CAMPAIGN EVENT SPONSORS

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PUBLIC POLICY

by Jessica Attas, Vice President of Public Policy, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

A

ccording to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the transportation industry grosses nearly one trillion dollars annually. The economic impact a solid transportation system facilitates is also notable. According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, more than 70 percent of our nation’s goods travel by highway on the backs of trucks. At a more localized level, in our Waco MSA, over $800 million in wages annually are attributed to transportation, and some 17 percent of residents are employed in the trade and transportation sector.

Further, having a robust transportation infrastructure system is critically important to commercial and recreational users alike. Startlingly, it’s been estimated some 45 percent of America’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and 45 percent of major interstates also experience congestion during peak hours.

The economic impact is $130 billion annually to U.S. motorists for extra vehicle repairs required as a result of driving on bad roads, and $170 billion in wasted time and fuel costs of sitting in traffic! A well-connected reliable transportation network means many things: less road congestion; more reliable supply chain logistics (shipments and travel time); higher land value and local economic development along infrastructure 38 | WINTER 2019

investment; job creation across industries to build infrastructure; and enhanced health and safety of users, to name some. Further, according to research done by The Perryman Group, investments in transportation infrastructure provide an annual return to the economy of more than 30 percent. For those reasons, transportation is not only a target industry sector for Waco, but also one of our six key policy focus areas. So what are some of the key policy issues and themes impacting transportation? Funding is certainly top of the list, and while entire books could be written on the topic, for this article, I’d like to focus on two aspects of transportation funding.

Firstly, let’s discuss the federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF). The Highway Trust Fund was created in 1956 as a solution to support the construction and maintenance of our highways and transit systems.

Revenue for the fund comes primarily from the federal gas tax. The federal taxes on gasoline and diesel — 18.4 cents and 24.4 cents per gallon respectively — haven’t been raised since 1993. Unfortunately, they were not indexed for inflation, and the buying power of the dollar has fallen by 40 percent since 1993. Roads are getting more expensive to build, and coupled with the economic and population growth we are experiencing which necessitate more roads, we don’t have dollars to build them. The Highway Trust Fund has had a declining balance for years, and coupled with ever-increasing infrastructure needs, the Congressional Budget Office projects it will run dry between 2021 and 2022. In fact, this is not an entirely new phenomenon. Recent federal highway funding bills have not addressed the declining balance of the fund, and since 2008, the fund has received over $140 billion in bailouts from the Treasury Department’s general fund to remain solvent and cover the revenue shortfall. When we factor in rising fuel efficiency (resulting in fewer gallons sold and less tax collected), and a growing number of electric cars on the system which don’t pay into funding the system, it is clear that is time to address the structural problems of the Highway Trust Fund.

Another complicating consideration is that while half of the State Highway Fund comes from disbursements from the Highway Trust Fund, the other half comes from state transportation excise taxes. While we in Texas have passed statewide constitutional amendments in Propositions 1 and 7 in 2014 and 2015 respectively, the state gas tax also was not indexed and similarly has not been increased since 1991. The same challenges and solutions to the federal Highway Trust Fund solvency apply to the State Highway Fund solvency.

A second issue impacting funding and worth our consideration is that disbursements to the states of federal gas tax monies come from the Highway Trust Fund and are based on census data. Over half of the State Highway Fund in Texas comes from those disbursements. Unfortunately, those are formula funded, and the formulas used are based on 2000 census data. Texas is a fast-growth state, and we have had a staggering almost 40 percent growth in our population since 2000. That means we have drivers living and working here, purchased goods online being shipped and trucked here, but we are not receiving dollars for those people.

It would stand to reason if we’ve had WACOCHAMBER.COM

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a 40 percent growth in population, and if the dollars are based on population, we should have experienced a commensurate increase in our allocation. Conversely, a number of states—Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio and more—have experienced a shrinking of their population since 2000, yet because the formulas have not been updated, they are receiving funding for people no longer living in their states and driving on their roads. This underscores the importance of getting a complete count on the 2020 census, and then the critical importance of using that data to inform policy. Any new federal funding should be tied to formulas using the most recent census data.

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In President Eisenhower’s 1955 State of the Union address, which preceded and led to the creation of the Highway Trust Fund, he said, “A modern, efficient highway system is essential to meet the needs of our growing population, our expanding economy, and our national security.”

His vision has proven prescient, and indeed our nation’s transportation system is a tremendous national asset. In Texas, our robust transportation system — with over 314,000 miles of roads and highways, more than any other state — is a fundamental part of what makes us such an enviable place to live and do business. It has fueled our economic growth and enhances our competitiveness. Yet, if we are to sustain this asset and competitive edge, at the state and global levels, our policymakers must address the structural challenges to highway funding solvency, so that infrastructure development can keep pace with economic and population growth. We must continue to invest in our infrastructure, and those investments must be informed always by current data. It’s time we ensure we can keep Texas and the United States moving by strengthening our transportation infrastructure systems. n

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SMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT

S

mall businesses are the engine of our economy in the Greater Waco community — more than 70 percent of our membership is considered “small business.” We love showcasing small businesses and their owners in our “Small Business Spotlight.” This allows us to feature some of our local business owners, hear what it’s like owning a small business in Waco and how the Chamber has helped support them.

For this quarter’s Small Business Q & A, we visited with Aaron McMillan, Co-Owner of 1519 Surveying and Engineering, about his business and how the recent changes in Waco have impacted him.

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1. Tell us about 1519 – what do you do, what services do you provide?

1519 is a land surveying and civil engineering firm with offices in Waco, Dallas and Ft. Worth. On the surveying side of the business we are extremely diversified. On any given day we will work on projects such as: city infrastructure improvement, TxDOT highways, oil/gas drilling and pipelines, wind and solar farms, commercial development, residential development, and aerial surveying/mapping projects using UAV’s and manned aircraft. In regard to our civil engineering services, we are mostly involved in private commercial and residential development projects.

However, we also provide services for industrial projects such as the Coca-Cola expansion at their Imperial Drive location, the new Zinc Power manufacturing facility, and oil/gas delivery and gathering pipelines. We are currently expanding our design services into more infrastructure related projects such as water pipelines for both private and publicly owned water providers around Central Texas.

2. Of all the places to build a business, why do you choose Waco? Why do you enjoy owning a business in Waco?

Of all the markets we serve in Texas, Waco is literally right in the middle. Thus, sending crews to projects throughout the state is efficient and allows us to serve a wide variety of clients. Additionally, the lower cost of living in Waco when compared to other cities in Texas and the higher quality of life make working in Waco a no-brainer. As people around the state and country have figured out that Waco has a lot to offer, recruiting people to Waco has become easier.

One of the best things about owning a business in Waco is the fact that Waco is still a small enough community that you can connect with anyone at the city, another business, or any other entity. If you need any sort of assistance, there are many folks ready to help you and/ or get you to the right person. Good luck trying that in Dallas or Houston. Everyone in this community seems to be more or less pulling in the same direction.

3. What advice would you give to someone who is considering bringing their business to Waco?

I’m not sure I have any business specific advice, but I would start by connecting them with many of the other businesses around town they are going to need. We have many great banks, insurance companies, attorneys, accountants, etc. to assist any type of business. I’d also get them connected with the Waco Chamber and City of Waco staff who could help in whatever their business needs may be. Lastly, I’d encourage them to spend some time driving around different areas of Greater Waco as well as visiting the schools in these areas (this would certainly be important to employees with children).

After going through this process, I believe most business owners would see great value in operating in Waco.

4. In what ways has your Chamber membership benefitted you and your business?

I was a Chamber member and very involved before we ever started 1519, even though my employer then had very little business locally. I had no idea how those relationships would benefit me in my future endeavors.

Once I started in the surveying industry, I quickly realized that many of my friends from Chamber involvement were now potential clients. These relationships continue

to benefit our business today, and from a personal standpoint, the Waco Chamber staff and other volunteers became lifelong friends.

5. What does the future look like for 1519?

The future looks great!

As Waco continues to grow, we will grow with it. Our Waco office will also continue to serve as our corporate office and support to our branch offices as we continue to expand around the state. Again, the central location makes Waco a great place to manage offices and clients around the state.

6. How do you enjoy Waco in your free time?

My free time usually consists of playing tennis or golf with my daughters and friends. We also love to take our dog to Cameron Park and hike the trails. Another great thing about the location of Waco is that there are beautiful hill country properties within 30 minutes. So, we often go out to our land for hunting, hiking and just getting away. n

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ON THE MARKET

21.069 Acres Interstate 35 Frontage

31.610218, -97.105735

Specifications: • 21.069 acres for sale on Interstate 35 • Access to 1,500 feet of 2-way frontage road • Near intersection of IH35 and Highway 6 Loop 340 • Proximity to Highway 77 • Hospitality, multifamily, restaurants and shopping • Divisible, with no zoning restrictions • Listed by: Bentwood Commercial, (254) 744-3917

PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Interstate 35 in Lacy Lakeview (20-Minute Drive Time) Population (Total; 2019) # of Households Median Age Average Household Income

182,753 71,393 30.7 years $59,805

Labor Force

86,220

Employed

82,846

Unemployment Rate

3.76%

Consumer Expenditures (Top 5)

Demand in $000’s

Shelter

$241,053

Transportation

$199,674

Food and Beverages

$167,721

Healthcare

$95,367

Entertainment

$60,076

Educational Attainment

Attainment Count

Graduate Degree

7.71% 8,886

Bachelor Degree

22.14% 24,506

Associate Degree

31.43% 34,790

Some College (No Degree)

53.82% 59,575

High School/Equivalency Degree

82.07% 90,849

No Degree

17.93% 19,844

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

44 | WINTER 2019

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MARKET REPORT

New Downtown Businesses Opened!

Greater Downtown Waco is booming! With more than $600 million invested in recent years and more than 2.7 million visitors, annually, Waco has become a destination city. Through implementation of a strategic vision, Waco is attracting great companies, talented people and continued interest to our distinct community.

Since 2009, more than $1.4 billion in new private development activity has been announced throughout Waco.

Restaurants/Eateries/Retail Helados La Azteca 15th & Colcord Ave Facebook.com/HeladosLaAzteca Located in the recently-renovated Colcord Center, Helados La Azteca will sell homemade snacks including aguas frescas, fruit cups, Mexican popsicles and bulk treats imported directly from Mexico.

Magnolia Press 418 S. Eighth St. Magnolia.com/Magnolia-PressCoffee-Co The recently opened Magnolia Press houses “library-style” tables where customers can enjoy a wide range of Magnolia branded coffee, pastries and teas.

Coming Soon to the Waco Area Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse 2501 S. Jack Kultgen Expressway Facebook.com/Ichibanwaco/ The national chain, Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse, has secured a $1.2 million permit at 2501 S. Jack Kultgen Expressway to build a new facility near Waco’s traffic circle, Texas Roadhouse and Magnolia Table. The chain offers authentic Japanese dishes prepared at the diners’ tables.

WINTER 2018 2019 46 | WINTER

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ECONOMY IN FOCUS

SEPT.

Hotel Motel Spending

2019

$2,771,664,642

$2,769,894,945

$47,404,728

$49,964,319

Existing Home Sales

5.4% change

472

2,248

2,437

SEPT.

2019

Payroll Employment 121,665 122,765 Unemployment Rate 3.4% 3.5%

6.1% change 8.4% change

Economic Outlook U.S. Average Composite: 100 WACO COST OF LIVING

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)

2018

-0.1% change

445

Single-Family Residence Permits

Third Quarter 2019

SEPT.

2018

Numbers are Year-to-Date

Retail Spending

SEPT.

Waco Composite: 91.5

PURCHASING POWER

COMPARISON CITIES

Housing:

82.7

Chattanooga, TN:

94.5

Groceries:

81.0

Ashville, NC:

101.4

Utilities:

100.4

Greenville, SC:

93.5

Transportation:

93.2

Richmond, VA:

94.4

Health Care:

96.8

Colorado Springs, CO:

100.9

Misc. Goods & Services:

99.6

Kansas City, KS:

96.0

Talent growth and retention has transformed to include the entire community in the decision making process. WacoTXJobs.com is encompassing this multi-pronged approach to assist corporate citizens, current residents and future Wacoans connect for success.

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CHAMBER NEWS

NEW DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Leigh Davis is pleased to join the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce as the new Director of Marketing and Communications.

Davis previously worked with the Chamber in the early 2000s during the launch DAVIS of a quarterly publication and the Total Resource Campaign.

Since her departure from the Chamber in 2006, Davis managed marketing and advertising endeavors for local businesses and events and continued to advocate for children with special needs. Davis pivoted her career in 2012 and held management positions within the virtual workspace for the global risk management industry. On stepping out from behind the virtual veil after seven years Davis remarked, “The Chamber is positively impacting the business community and Waco as a whole. Waco boasts a vibrant business landscape and I feel honored to return to the Chamber in this integral role! I am excited to be a part of such an outstanding team and look forward to seeing many familiar faces and connecting with the membership as I embark on this next chapter.” n

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GREATER WACO CHAMBER RECOGNIZED AT AFP LUNCHEON The Greater Waco Chamber was proud to be recognized at the annual Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) National Philanthropy Day Luncheon held on November 14. Awards presented at this event included Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, Faith Fortenberry; Outstanding Philanthropic Business/Corporation, Educators Credit Union; Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, Leslie Rhea; Philanthropists of the Year, Betty and Benjy Bauer; Lifetime Achievement Award, Elaine and Terry Stevens; and Outstanding Community Service Organization, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a special time in Waco and McLennan County,” said Waco Chamber President and CEO, Matt Meadors. “The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce is honored to play a role in strengthening and growing our economy and community. I assure you, it is a labor of love.”

This award is presented to a community service organization that demonstrates an outstanding commitment of philanthropic efforts through community involvement and/or financial or in-kind support. n

CHAMBER PRESENTS ATHENA AWARD AT LEADING WACO WOMEN EVENT The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the recipient of Waco’s 2019 ATHENA Leadership Award®, RoseMary Mayes, president of RM Mayes LLC. The ATHENA Award® is presented to an exceptional female leader who has achieved excellence in her business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way and has assisted other women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

For more than 30 years, RoseMary has managed and promoted businesses and non-profit organizations and volunteered extensively in our community. A woman who “lifts as she climbs,” she has extended a hand to her peers and the next generation of leaders alike. Her specialty is stepping in to lead new or struggling companies and initiatives — managing, organizing, and leveraging contacts to help them grow.

RoseMary has been involved in the community all her life.

While heading the American Red Cross Heart of Texas Chapter, RoseMary became responsible

for the management of 16 county jurisdictions and four regional offices. She was the initial organizer of the Airshow, and the second woman ever to be nomitated for Waco Rotary Club membership.

RoseMary was one of 37 outstanding women nominated for the ATHENA Leadership Award®.

The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented annually by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities. Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 7,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award®.

Join us for the Leading Waco Women Empowering Summit on Thursday, Feb. 13 at Ridgewood Country Club. Visit WacoChamber. com for more information.

Local presenting sponsorship for Leading Waco Women is provided

by Texas First State Bank. Platinum sponsorship is provided by Providence Breast Health Center, Waco Center for Women’s Health, Baylor University, and Di’Amore Fine Jewelers. n

ROSEMARY MAYES

RM MAYES, LLC

2019 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER

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CHAMBER NEWS

INAUGURAL WACO UNDER 40 WRAP UP The inaugural Waco Under 40 event was a success! On Sept. 12, we celebrated the Waco Under 40 nominees and honorees at a luncheon at the Phoenix Ballroom.

Our honorees were: Travis Cheatham, Indian Spring Middle School Lauren Dreyer, SpaceX Bryan Fonville, Central National Bank Traci Marlin, Midway ISD Cuevas Peacock, Grassroots Community Development

Hermann Pereira, Connally Career Tech ECHS Hector Sabido, Waco City Council Lindsey Skinner, Pattillo Brown & Hill LLP We were also excited to welcome guest speaker Jonathon Pokluda who equipped audience members with the tools to navigate mentor relationships necessary to build young leaders. Presenting sponsorship for Waco Under 40 was provided by Bird-Kultgen Ford. n

GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS 2019 TIP OFF LUNCHEON, AWARDS TWO SPORTS LUNCHEON SCHOLARSHIPS We celebrated the start of new basketball season with presentations from MCC Head Coaches Kevin Gill and Ricky Rhodes and Baylor Head Coaches Scott Drew and Kim Mulkey. This year, we were also excited to welcome Holly Rowe, ESPN Reporter and Play-by-Play Commentator. We awarded two scholarships to local student athletes. Peyton Elmore KNOX ELMORE attends Crawford High School where she plays basketball, volleyball, softball and runs track. She plans to continue her education at Midwestern State University to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene.

Madison Knox attends McGregor High School where she is on the Varsity basketball, volleyball, softball and debate teams. She plans to attend Tarleton State University or Texas State University where she will study to become a registered nurse before pursuing a Doctorate’s Degree and becoming a doctor. Presenting sponsorship for the Sports Luncheon Series is provided by Texas Best Chevy Dealers. n

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SECOND ANNUAL FIND YOUR WACO A SUCCESS In October, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual Find Your Waco Life Fair. This event featured nearly 100 exhibitors from across Waco meeting recent graduates, transitioning military veterans and their spouses, area visitors and traditional job seekers. n

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MEMBER NEWS

VOTERS APPROVE CAMERON PARK ZOO BOND Voters overwhelmingly supported the countywide Cameron Park Zoo expansion bond, that will pay for an expansion that includes a South African black-footed penguin exhibit and other upgrades.

“I am so happy and so pleased,” Cameron Park Zoological and Botanical Society Director Terri Cox said. “We’ve worked really hard, and this is going to bring great, great things to the zoo and the community.”

The approval will allow the planned penguin exhibit to be built in an undeveloped part of the zoo near the herpetarium. Zoo officials have said the site’s uneven elevation leaves room to create an observation window where guests can watch the penguins swim.

In addition to the penguin exhibit, the bond will also cover construction of an $8 million education and veterinary complex, located near the zoo’s Fourth Street entrance. The zoo’s current veterinary facility is part of the commissary building.

The projects are expected to be completed between fall 2021 and spring 2022. n

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THE DELANEY® AT LAKE WACO’S MANAGEMENT COMPANY RANKED #1 IN J.D. POWER STUDY The Delaney® at Lake Waco, managed by Life Care Services®, An LCS® Company, announced that its management company ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Senior Living Study.

The J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Senior Living Study examines industry-level performance metrics of senior living providers and highlights the best practices that are critical to customer satisfaction, advocacy, and loyalty. The study’s comprehensive view of the senior living resident experience provides an independent and objective measure of the overall satisfaction levels among U.S. customers. The Delaney at Lake Waco serves more than 170 residents and 65 team members. n

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MEMBER NEWS

EL CONQUISTADOR CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Originally published in the Waco Trib, written by Mike Copeland

To regulars, and there are many, the legendary Tex-Mex restaurant at 4508 W. Waco Drive is “El Con” or “Ted’s,” seldom the full El Conquistador, which is a mouthful better saved for the enchiladas, tacos and fajitas inside.

El Conquistador, with locations in Waco, Bellmead and Hillsboro, turns 50 this year. The family has hosted celebrations marking the occasion. In a community where new Tex-Mex restaurants, authentic and otherwise, arrive almost weekly, El Conquistador has joined Casa De Castillo and La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina in surviving the test of time.

Ted Gonzalez Sr. in 1969 opened Ted’s Midway Cafe, which evolved to become El Conquistador. He had earned his chops waiting tables at an El Chico in Dallas before the company transferred him to El Chico on Waco’s traffic circle, an establishment he would manage.

For years, El Conquistador operated at 4533 W. Waco Drive, next to Ritchie’s Western Wear, but moved across the street to its current location following the 1996 closing of the iconic Nick’s restaurant. Restaurateur Nick Klaras served Greek dishes, steaks and seafood and featured an exclusively male wait staff wearing formal attire. Son Evan Klaras, now a local trust officer with Community Bank & Trust, entertained with classical guitar.

The El Con on Waco Drive is known for its greater-than-lifesize Conquistador in a suit of armor standing tall near the front door. Servers with decades on the job quickly deliver chips and hot sauces and beverages. The smell of sizzling fajitas hangs in the air amid pleasant conversation. Business remains brisk despite the arrival of new restaurants, especially those with a Tex-Mex flavor. If people want to sample the fare at other Tex-Mex establishments, they typically visit Ninfa’s, Trujillo’s or Casa De Castillo. n

VOTERS APPROVE MIDWAY ISD BOND PROPOSITION WITH SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Voters in Midway ISD approved the school district bond proposition on the November 5 ballot.

“I’d like to thank everyone in our community for showing their support of our students, staff and entire district through this election,” says Superintendent George Kazanas, Ed. D. “I am so grateful to see the overwhelming approval we have from residents across our district. The process of creating this bond package was truly a community effort. We will work hard to deliver the community’s vision by building and renovating our facilities in a way that’s focused on student learning and sound financial practices.”

Kazanas says he looks forward to seeing the positive impact of the bond for years to come.

“We’ll have the new schools and space we need to accommodate the growth in our area, and our facilities will be a source of pride for our students and staff,” he says. “The bond program was the result of leadership by our Board of Trustees and years of strategic planning through our Momentum committee. I am so thankful for the time, dedication and expertise shared by so many involved in this process.”

The District will post bond project construction updates to Panther Nation News at http://pnn.midwayisd.org/, also accessible at www.

MidwayMomentum.org. n

56 | WINTER 2019

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NEW MEMBERS Air Evac Lifeteam Waco, TX 76701 (469) 993-6542 AMCNRep.com/Nikki-Baker Anderson Precision Collision Center LLC 5753 Bagby Ave. Waco, TX 76712 (254) 732-3365 APCCollision.com ANTHEM STORY 601 Franklin Ave. Waco, TX 76701 (254) 307-8998 AnthemStory.com Blue Sprig Pediatrics 6824 Logue Ln. Waco, TX 76708 (254) 327-2001 BlueSprigAutism.com/ 6824-logue-lane Blueprints Lab 101 Mill St. Waco, TX 76704 (254) 741-9679 BlueprintsLab.com Common Grounds Woodway 7608 Woodway Dr. Waco, TX 76712 (254) 235-0733 CGWoodway.com FitByrd 4300 W. Waco Dr., Ste. B2, #119 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 313-3989 FitByrdApp.com Grand Canyon Education 3300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85017 (254) 652-1007 GCU.edu/udc/Bryce.Brown Greater Waco Sports Commission 101 S. Third St. Waco, TX 76701 WacoSports.org

58 | WINTER 2019

PRESENTED BY

Small Business - Silver Hyatt Place Waco South 5400 Bagby Ave. Waco, TX 76711 (254) 313-0800 HyattPlaceWacoSouth.com

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Debra Holder 320 W. Hwy. 6 Waco, TX 76712 (254) 300-7202 TXFB-ins.com/agent/details/34452

Investments Plus, LLC 200 W. Hwy. 6, Ste. 611 Waco, TX 76712 (254) 715-7990 InvestmentsPlusTX.com

Total Demolition dba A-1 Demolition, Inc. 922 John Nors Rd. West, TX 76691 (254) 412-2242

Longhorn Council, Boy Scouts of America 300 Lake Air Dr. Waco, TX 76710 (254) 772-8932 LonghornCouncil.org

Small Business - Silver Universal Flight Concepts 7727 Karl May Dr. Waco, TX 76708 (254) 300-5686 UniversalFlightConcepts.com

Oller Engineering, Inc. 900 Washington Ave., Ste. 601 Waco, TX 76701 (806) 993-6226 OEI-Eng.com

Your CBD Store Waco 1020 Franklin Ave., Ste. B Waco, TX 76708 (254) 459-4819 CBDRX4U.com/find-us/texas/waco

Republic Finance 1411 N. Valley Mills Dr., Ste. 7 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 224-5923 RepublicFinance.com Sic’em Delivery 600 Columbus Ave., Ste. 106 Waco, TX 76701 (912) 492-4100 SicemDelivery.com St. Paul’s Episcopal School 517 Columbus Ave. Waco, TX 76701 (254) 753-0246 SPESWaco.org StuLution LLC Waco, TX 76710 (214) 789-8442 Leadership Investor - Silver Tellurian Inc. 1201 Louisiana St., Ste. 3100 Houston, TX 77002 (832) 962-4000 TellurianInc.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOINING THE GREATER WACO CHAMBER AT WACOCHAMBER.COM

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 2020 6 – 8 P.M. The Greater Waco Chamber's Annual Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate with our members, volunteers and community partners.

This year, our celebration will feature food, drinks and the presentation of two historic Legacy Awards.

Ticket information at WacoChamber.com WACOCHAMBER.COM

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60 | WINTER 2019

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

MAYBORN MUSEUM - BACKYARD ECOLOGY HALL

Member since July 18, 2018 • Ribbon Cutting Oct. 5, 2019

SPONSORED BY

BOARD AND BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO

Member since June 5, 2019 • Ribbon Cutting Sept. 6, 2019

1300 S University Parks Dr • Waco, TX 76706 (254) 710-1110 • MaybornMuseum.com

1201 Hewitt Dr, Ste 106B • Hewitt, TX 76712 (254) 863-8899 • boardandbrush.com/waco

Patricia Pack, Museum Operations Manager

Kendra & Garrett Welch, Owners

Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum celebrated the Grand Opening of the $1.2 million-dollar exhibit renovation, Backyard Ecology, on October 5. The Backyard Ecology Hall is a new long-term exhibit area which offers an immersive exploration of ecosystems in the Waco area, providing hands-on learning experiences for visitors. It is specially designed to reach fourth through sixth grade level visitors but also offers engaging content appropriate for learners of all ages.

CACTUS ROSE

Member since Aug. 28, 2019 • Ribbon Cutting Aug. 30, 2019

At Board & Brush Creative Studio, our goal is to turn you into a “DIY master” by educating you to understand and appreciate the beauty of raw materials—the wood, the knots, the color variations and the simple imperfections that will make your project unique.

Distressing, sanding with the grain, and staining are a few of the important steps we will guide you through to make your personalized wood sign.

CAMP BOW WOW

Member since July 19, 2019 • Ground Breaking Oct. 2, 2019

930A Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (720) 681-0676 • CactusRose.biz

207 Colonnade Pkwy • Woodway, TX 76712 (301) 785-7409 • campbowwow.com

Martha Speer, Owner

Shruti & Aman Sibal, Owners

Cactus Rose, a women’s boutique in downtown Waco, features clothing and accessories that are a little bit city and a little bit western. The windows feature a unique backdrop of Branding the Brazos. Bringing the history of Waco into the shop while featuring beautiful styles. Inside they can dress you for a casual outing or a celebrity gala. We can put together the outfit from head to toe.

62 | WINTER 2019

Camp Bow Wow, the largest doggy day care and boarding franchise in the country, is building (from the ground up) its newest location in Waco, Texas – slated to open in summer 2020.

Wacoites Shruti & Aman Sibal are excited to bring Camp Bow Wow to the local community. The state-of-the-art facility with live webcam monitoring will have 6,300 sq. ft. of indoor space for cabins and play yards, and 1,800 sq. ft. for outdoor fun.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

CYCLEBAR WACO

Member since June 17, 2019 • Ribbon Cutting Sept. 19, 2019

SPONSORED BY

NORTHSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Member since May 1, 1981 • Ribbon Cutting June 12, 2019

2324 Marketplace Dr, Ste 210 • Waco, TX 76711 (254) 224-6749 • Waco.CycleBar.com

2801 MacArthur Dr • Waco, TX 76708 (254) 753-0155 • northsideanimalhospitalwaco.com

Jason Lyons, Owner

Amanda Martinez, Hospital Manager

CycleBar offers premium indoor cycling classes daily in its stateof-the-art cycle theatre that holds 48 riders. These low-impact, full-body, heart-pumping workouts meet you wherever you may be on your fitness journey. A variety of membership packages enable indoor cycling to become a primary or secondary element of your exercise regimen. Affordable private rides make for a memorable experience or team-builder for groups, companies or churches and can serve as a great fundraiser mechanism for charities and non-profits.

TRUE COURSE LIFE & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Member since June 13, 2019 • Ribbon Cutting Oct. 1, 2019

Northside Animal Hospital specializes in canine and feline care.

They treat their clients as family and provide the best exams for your pet. They focus on routine preventative maintenance to keep your animal healthy in society. The doctors and staff treat each animal as their own. Northside will provide a positive and rewarding experience for both you and your pet!

AIR EVAC LIFETEAM

Member since Oct. 15, 2019 • Ribbon Cutting Nov. 5, 2019

506 Dal Paso Dr • Robinson, TX 76706 (254) 300-5443 • discoveryourtruecourse.com

469-993-6542 AMCNRep.com/Nikki-Baker

J. Michael Godfrey, DMin, PhD, PCC, Founder and President

Nikki Baker, Membership Sales Manager

You can build an organization where people love to work, serve, and be a customer and as the professional, business owner, or clergy you can be more, see more, and achieve more in your personal life, professional life, and finish without regret. True Course, now in its 17th year, provides the way through executive coaching, organizational development, team building, training, and consulting.

64 | WINTER 2019

Air Evac Lifeteam, is the leading air medical service in the United States, conducting its operations through more than 140 mutually supporting air medical bases across 15 states. You never know when a medical emergency will arise. But when it does, time and access to world-class patient care can mean everything. That’s why an AirMedCare Network membership is so important. If you or your family have a medical emergency, our alliance of affiliated air ambulance helicopters can provide medical transport, dramatically reducing travel time to an emergency treatment facility.

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CHAMBER CALENDAR Want to know what’s coming up at the Chamber?

Then visit web.WacoChamber.com/events to view and register for upcoming events.

Here are just a few signature events you don’t want to miss: First Pitch Luncheon THURSDAY, JAN. 16 | 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.

The annual First Pitch Luncheon includes a preview of Baylor’s upcoming college baseball season from head coach Steve Rodriguez and softball head coach Glenn Moore. McLennan Community College women’s head coach Chris Berry and men’s head coach Mitch Thompson also provide a preview to their upcoming seasons.

Annual Member Celebration Reception WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22 | 6 - 8 P.M.

The annual Member Celebration Reception is an opportunity for the Chamber to honor incoming and outgoing chairs, our members and our staff.

The Celebration will include the presentation of the Chamber’s Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievements.

MidTex Farm, Ranch & Garden Show SATURDAY, FEB. 1, 2020 | 9 A.M. - 6 P.M.

MidTex Farm, Ranch & Garden Show offers exhibitors a firstrate forum to present their products and services to Central Texas farmers and ranchers, as well as the weekend farmers and gardeners. Visitors to the Mid-Tex Farm, Ranch & Garden show will have the opportunity to view top exhibits of the newest farm and ranch equipment, seed, chemicals and ag-related services and technologies.

Leading Waco Women Empowering Summit THURSDAY, FEB. 13 | 10:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.

The Leading Waco Women Summit continues with the Empowering Summit, the second part in the three-part series focused on empowerment in female leadership.

12th Annual Freedom Ball SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 6 - 11 P.M.

The 12th Annual Freedom Ball provides Central Texas with the opportunity to honor military personnel, both past and present, and Gold Star families. Proceeds from Freedom Ball are used to market the aviation assets of Greater Waco and provide scholarships to high school and college students pursuing careers in aviation and engineering related fields.

The Texas Food Truck Showdown SATURDAY, MARCH 28 | 10:30 A.M. - 8 P.M.

Make plans to join us in Heritage Square for the 2020 Texas Food Truck Showdown! This annual community event hosts food trucks from around the state to throwdown in a signature dish competition. This is a day full of food, music, and fun for the whole family! Learn more at TheTexasFoodTruckShowdown.com.

The Waco Chamber works with a wide array of partners to help Greater Waco businesses grow, thrive and maintain operations in our area.

For most businesses, these economic development activities boil down to new jobs and new capital investment that strengthen the flow of dollars in our economy.

It can also mean new customers for your business.

Build your future with us!

Visit WacoChamber.com to find out more.

$5 OFF OF YOUR WACO SHIRT

Retail Price $20 Limit 2 per coupon Available at the Greater Waco Chamber office 101 S. Third St. • Waco, TX EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2019

101 S. Third St. • Waco, TX 76701 254.757.5600 • WacoChamber.com 66 | WINTER 2019

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 30 Waco, Texas P.O. Box 1220 Waco TX 76703-1220