Greater Waco Business Winter 2022 - Breaking New Ground

A MESSAGE FROM MATT MEADORS

President & CEO, Greater Waco Chamber

Waco is a great place to do business. Since 2020, we’ve announced 25 new projects totaling more than $1 billion in capital investment and creating 3,000 new jobs; interest in our community as a preferred location for business and industry remains strong. These projects and new consumers provide a powerful lift to our economy, strongly benefiting our businesses and fellow citizens. With these investments come new technologies and new ideas.

Groundbreaking research and critical materials are created in Greater Waco. We are proud to support the organizations and businesses engaged in this important work.

Talent challenges remain, and by bringing all the stakeholders to the table, your Chamber plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the community’s talent pipeline remains strong. As a convener of people and champion for Greater Waco, your Chamber team is committed to supporting employers in the community including helping plan the Central Texas Industrial Training Center to upskill and reskill employees.

As we look to the future, your Chamber remains committed to making longterm, positive impacts on our business community, as well as our broader community, through our strategic economic development work, small business training and networking programs, public policy and advocacy initiatives, and workforce recruiting, growth, and skills-building efforts.

This issue of Greater Waco Business takes a look at some of the new, innovative projects happening in our community. In the coming pages, you will read contributions from organizations who have benefited from the high-quality collaboration that happens in our community. Working together, we will continue to improve our community and enjoy broad economic growth and prosperity.

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

With appreciation,

Matthew T. Meadors President & CEO

2022 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIR

George Chase Insurors of Texas

CHAIR-ELECT

Philip Patterson, FACHE Ascension Providence

VICE CHAIR

Kary Lalani Lalani Lodging, Inc.

VICE CHAIR Carolyn Haferkamp Central National Bank

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Jennifer Manning

Pattillo Brown & Hill, LLP

CHAMBER STAFF

Kris Collins

Senior Vice President Economic Development

Gabriella Colurciello

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Leigh Davis

Director of Marketing & Communications

Alivia Gomez

Director of Signature Events

Nancy Gupton

Resource Development Director

Jacob Hogan

Director of Public Policy & Chamber Foundation

Keith Kusler Art Director

Rachel Martinez

Director of Leadership Development

Debbie McCutchen Office Coordinator

Sarah McDonald

Manager of Signature Events

Matt Meadors

President/CEO

Seth Morris

Vice President Economic Development

Jason Powers

Vice President of Finance & Operations

Lexy Reil

Director of Economic Development

Magen Sepeda

Resource Development Coordinator

Lupe Teichelman

Resource Development Manager

Michelle Williams

Finance & Operations Assistant

Bonnie Yeager

Economic Development Coordinator

In a literal sense, it is the breaking of ground for construction. Groundbreakings are indicators of progress and signal economic growth and expansion in a community. Waco is a wealth of progress.

The figurative sense of the word alludes to the innovative and pioneering discoveries of a business and its subsequent inventions. As a hub for innovation, the Greater Waco region delivers a diverse business climate with thriving industries that provide leading-edge research and new technologies. Baylor University’s recent R1 designation justly illustrates this dedication to preparing students, and the community, for the future. R1 universities are those that meet benchmarks in research activity and expenditures as measured by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The classification measures universities across ten indicators, driven by research expenditures, research doctorates awarded and number of research staff in Science and Engineering fields, to determine which universities are eligible for R1 status.

Greater Waco also boasts a diverse economy and varied options for higher education from institutions dedicated to ensuring the community has an adequate supply of skilled workers to meet the needs of local employers. To further support this mission, community partners are working together to develop an industrial training center designed to train new employees, as well as upskill existing employees.

Downtown and the Riverfront District are poised for continued revitalization and growth. Baylor’s Foster Pavilion will bring basketball fans closer to the action during games and provide a unique experience to the award winning athletes who will play there. The Pavilion will also serve as a venue for concerts, performances and public community events.

Greater Waco has watched as steel has come out of the ground at UZIN UTZ North America, Inc. and the company and community have supported one another during this journey. And, Foamtec’s swabs are widely known and made here. When looking to expand, Foamtec found that Greater Waco continues to meet their needs.

Waco Family Medicine’s groundbreaking on its new facility further demonstrates its long-standing commitment to serve the healthcare needs of the Greater Waco community and its resolve to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare to everyone.

The aforementioned subjects are discussed in this issue by a sampling of business contributors that are literally and figuratively breaking new ground in Greater Waco. n

A MULTIPLIER EFFECT FOR CENTRAL TEXAS R1:

by Derek Smith, Assistant Director of Research Communications, Baylor Marketing & Communications

When Baylor was recognized as an R1 research institution in December 2021, it represented the attainment of a long-pursued goal: to join the nation’s elite research institutions in the top tier of national research universities.

This achievement was meaningful not only for Baylor University, but for the Greater Waco community and Central Texas. R1 recognition serves not only as an endorsement of the success of Baylor’s efforts to reach these heights, but sets the stage for where Baylor is headed— further impact.

Baylor is one of only 146 universities recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as having “very high research activity.” Such universities, only 39 of which are private institutions, earn the R1 designation by meeting an elite combination of metrics related to research dollars earned and spent, research staff hired and more.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for so many reasons,” Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., said. “Through top-tier research, scholarship and external funding support, R1 universities bring their voice to bear in addressing our world’s most significant challenges…And that gives us a lot of credibility. It attracts students and benefits them when they’re going out and looking for jobs. A Baylor degree is more valuable. It’s also incredibly valuable as we hire top faculty, who want to be at an R1 institution.”

A Cutting-Edge Community

From academic buildings in the heart of campus to facilities in the community like the Baylor Research and Innovative Collaborative (BRIC), the impact of R1 can be felt in a number of avenues of community benefit—a multiplier effect that develops when an institution is invested in pursuing new discoveries and greater knowledge.

Tangible aspects of that cutting-edge commitment include: research and technology development that spurs external grant funding, the creation of new companies formed by that research, high-level partnerships with national agencies and recruitment of top students and faculty. Already, Baylor’s investment in research has yielded:

The successful recruitment of six nationally renowned faculty, hired from other elite institutions into newly endowed chairs, with more than 20 additional hires planned. These faculty hires bring students, infrastructure and industry and federal partnerships from other institutions to the Baylor and Waco community;

Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, Harvard University and more—each serving to bring high-level projects that result in local spending to Waco; and

The awarding of 113 patents and formation of four new companies created through Baylor tech commercialization efforts, each creating new job opportunities for both students and professionals.

“Nothing succeeds like success,”

Vice Provost for Research Kevin Chambliss, Ph.D., said. “Our faculty have pursued and won highlycompetitive research grants. We’ve built resources to facilitate growth, and we’ve invested in attracting top faculty and research partners. Now that we’ve achieved R1 status, we can build on that foundation. People want to be a part of what we’re doing here, and we’re seeing that generate community benefit.”

Faculty Recruitment: A Competitive Edge

Top faculty naturally want to work at the top research universities—institutions with the infrastructure to support their work. Not unlike a top coach in college athletics, talented individuals look for places that give them a great chance to win. Baylor’s pursuit and attainment of R1, combined with purposeful investment in those positions, is paying dividends. The University is delivering on plans to create and hire more than 20 endowed faculty chairs, as well as 100 net new faculty over a five year period–bringing an influx of talent to Waco. Thanks to the generosity of Baylor donors and institutional investment, those positions are funded far beyond salary costs. Endowed chair positions provide sustained funding that make them particularly appealing to established researchers. Among the positions already filled are:

Julia Chan, the Tim and Sharalynn Fenn Family Endowed Chair in Materials Science, who comes to Baylor from LSU and UT-Dallas;

Craig Gundersen, the Jim and Tammy Snee Family Chair in Food Security, who comes from the University of Illinois;

Henry Han, the McCollum Family Chair in Data Sciences, whose most recent post was at Fordham University;

Brian Jordon, the Kenneth and Celia Carlile Endowed Chair in Materials Science, who joins Baylor from the University of Alabama;

Alan Wang , the Mearse Chair in Biological and Biomedical Engineering, who comes from Oregon State University; and

Aaron Wright , the Schofield Endowed Chair in Biomedical Science, whose most recent post was at Pacific Northwest National Laboratories.

Combined, these faculty deliver not only decades of experience in fields like data science, quantum materials, engineering and metals, but bring their own talented research teams and meaningful partnerships. Dr. Jordon, for instance, brings to Baylor significant partnerships with NASA, the Department of Defense, and Department of Energy, along with an entire research lab of students from Alabama. Through his recruitment, that vitality comes to Central Texas.

Not limited to new hires, however, R1 recognition elevates the work of longtime faculty who have helped Baylor reach that status, opening doors for additional research partnerships and student recruitment.

The BRIC: Fostering a High-Tech Community

A fall 2021 report released by the National Academy of Inventors and Intellectual Property Owners

Association included Baylor amongst the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents that year. This recognition highlighted success within Baylor’s Technology Commercialization and Industry Engagement (TCIE) efforts, which includes the Lab to Market Collaborative (L2M). TCIE and L2M partner with Baylor faculty whose research shows promise for real-world products, helping them navigate funding, intellectual property rights protection, prototyping and more.

Since 2020, four companies have launched through L2M generating over $15 million in research funding.

Those companies include:

6P Color, Inc. , an imaging system to revolutionize color displays on high-definition screens for television, telephones, digital display screens and more;

Athule Aero, which develops ultra-quiet and energy efficient propellers, with the potential to reduce propeller noise on aircraft by 50-75%;

Chariot Innovations, LLC , which built a product called the MiraColt to deliver the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding to individuals without access to horses, including children with autism; and

Verifi Technologies , which advances ultrasound technology to test airplane parts without destroying advanced materials, making safety-testing more cost-effective and less time-consuming.

These companies are housed in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC), a 330,000-square-foot facility with state-of-the-art research laboratories, bays and offices. The BRIC has proved a competitive advantage in the University’s efforts to attract faculty in STEM fields, helping form new research partnerships in addition to new companies.

Baylor students, likewise, benefit from a real-world approach to technology development and research at the BRIC. Students who work in BRIC labs have gone on to top industry jobs through the experience they gain. Additionally, commercialization of that research through company formation can help many remain in Waco and draw outside organizations to Waco more regularly to partner with faculty and students, supporting efforts to build a vibrant STEM workforce in Central Texas.

“Not A Finish Line”

With Baylor’s recognition as an R1 institution, many have asked what’s next for the University. R1 is a significant achievement, but not an end goal. Research marked by quality, visibility and impact remains at the forefront of Baylor’s future goals—and there is no finish line for those pursuits. The University will continue systemic investment in new positions, programs and facilities – building on R1’s multiplier effect in ways that elevate the research enterprise and attract people, programs, partnerships and external investment in the community.

“R1 is a meaningful achievement, but it is not the finish line,” President Livingstone said. “It is a meaningful marker on our pathway to preeminence as a Christian research university. Stronger academics and high-quality research attract high-quality faculty and students, further helping us to have meaningful influence, visibility and impact on the world, because we believe the world needs a Baylor.” n

Photos provided by Baylor University

by Josh Neuberger, Director of Marketing, UZIN UTZ North American, Inc.

UZIN UTZ North America, Inc. a subsidiary of UZIN UTZ AG (Ulm, Germany) is a vertically integrated manufacturer of flooring installation, preparation, finishing and maintenance products for all types of floorcoverings. Founded in 1911, UZIN UTZ has a global presence in over 51 countries, 1,400 employees, and features fourth-generation family leadership with Philipp and Julian Utz as members of the Executive Board. UZIN UTZ products can be found in commercial and residential buildings world-wide spanning across multiple building sectors.

In June 2021, UZIN UTZ North America Inc. broke ground at the corner of Mars Drive and Texas Central Parkway on a 125,000 square foot manufacturing, R&D, customer training, and logistics facility. The Waco facility marks the third location for the company in North America with existing manufacturing in Dover, Delaware and a distribution center in Aurora, Colorado. The expansion adds to the overall global manufacturing footprint of UZIN UTZ with facilities located in Germany, Netherlands, France, Poland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Indonesia and China.

The construction process for UZIN UTZ in Waco has been well documented on social media, live plant camera, and various local events. In fall 2021, UZIN UTZ was featured in the Greater Waco Business magazine, interviewing Director of Marketing Josh Neuberger who is an active member of the onsite project build team and local contact for the community. Now, with the project nearing completion, Neuberger is sharing UZIN UTZ’s experience of building in Waco.

Thank you! We are all very pleased with the progress and overall design of the building. The 125’ tower accented with our brand UZIN signage greets

all that arrive onsite daily and has now become a new landmark for the area. While we were not immune to the delays that most businesses have experienced in the construction process over the past two years, we have worked very hard to minimize those delays and look forward to occupying our building in early January 2023.

Josh, wow! What a structure your company is building in Waco. How are things progressing?

Support from the leadership of McLennan County, the City of Waco, the Greater Waco Chamber, and local businesses has been unbelievable. All parties have taken a sincere interest in helping our company achieve our goals. Our first indication of local support came in June 2021, when over 75 people attended our groundbreaking, and the support has continued throughout the building process. Communication through our general contractor and the city inspection office has been timely and allowed our project to progress.

Our directive to the general contractor, and our business philosophy, was to use local businesses whenever possible during the build. The local community of trades has been critical to maintaining our timeline. Their (local trades) interaction with each other due to the size of the area is incredible and brings personality to the jobsite. Additionally, you get to know these businesses, their employees, and see them in your daily interactions off the jobsite within the community. If issues do present themselves, being local helps resolve any issues quickly, as opposed to relying on a business to commute in from 2-3 hours away.

Absolutely! It is inherent that a facility of our size will need a certain level of maintenance and problem solving throughout its lifespan. In our dealings with local trade businesses, we have met many individuals who have worked for that trade business with 10, 15, 20 years, or more, of tenure. That knowledge base coupled with the personal relationships we have established will be critical to expediting any potential issues in the future.

How has the overall construction experience been with the Greater Waco community?

It appears there are several local contracting trades working on your project, what can you say about this experience?

Is it reassuring to know that the local businesses that have worked on your facility are just around the corner for future maintenance or potential situations down the road?

In addition to local and regional trades, we understand that there is a global reach of trades that are working on your facility. Can you discuss that a bit more?

The Waco facility will join our global manufacturing network, producing high-quality, powder-based floor prep products such as floor leveler, floor patch, tile thin sets, or grout for tile flooring. In order to ensure that quality standards, both in our product and production efficiency, are met, there is a level of standardization of equipment in each plant. The equipment and infrastructure for manufacturing is designed and produced in Europe. Our colleagues in Germany who specialize in manufacturing have made several trips to Waco guiding the installation process and liaising with the European manufacturers of the equipment, as needed. The global collaboration, both with internal and external parties, on this project is what really sets our company apart.

How are UZIN UTZ’s employees helping to construct the plant?

We are a very hands-on company, and as part of the construction process we are self-performing the final flooring installation ourselves. Most of our sales team has previous flooring installation experience. We leaned on them for all of the preparation, installation, or finishing of the wood, epoxy, or tile

flooring throughout the facility. That experience, by far, has been one of the highlights of the project. Team members from different regions who would not normally work together were given the opportunity to collaborate through this process. All of our team members have commented that it has been a great experience to be part of the construction process and literally help build our company’s future. This small part of the project provides a snapshot of the dedication and commitment that our people have to the company.

Any final thoughts or comments?

Thank you! Thank you to the community for welcoming UZIN UTZ to McLennan County and the Waco community. The connections that have taken place on a local level will enable our company to continue to grow long term. When the training center in our facility becomes active, we look forward to bringing the professional flooring trade to the area and giving them a glimpse of the local community and the people that make this place special. Thank you again to all, we look forward to being good corporate citizens of the area. n

The community has really responded with resources on staffing options for the variety of positions we will be seeking. We are confident that we will be able to fill our positions needed with quality individuals both with local advertising and the various resources within the community. Earlier in 2022, we attended a career fair at Baylor University in search of filling a few lab positions and were very impressed with the quality of applicants. Shortage of staffing is always a concern these days but with the help of local leadership and local resources we are confident that our positions can be filled quickly.

As you near the end of the construction phase of your facility your focus will then shift to staffing. Can you elaborate on any experiences that you have had thus far?

Photos provided by UZIN UTZ

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and The TSTC Foundation, along with McLennan County, the City of Waco, and the Waco Industrial Foundation, are partnering to create the Central Texas Industrial Training Center to produce workers needed for technical fields.

“Economic development is a team sport,” said Waco City Manager Bradley Ford. “We need local government, businesses, and education partners to work together to be fully successful. The experience we have in this project proves being collaborative brings people closer together to solve problems that we could not solve on our own.”

The training center, which will be operated and owned by TSTC, is expected to open in 2024. The building is estimated to be about 25,000 square feet, according to the Waco Tribune-Herald.

“The facility will play a critical part in ensuring a strong, skilled workforce in McLennan County for not only the existing industrial facilities in the county now, but also for the companies that we will be attracting in the future,” said McLennan County Judge Scott Felton.

by Daniel Perry, Communication Specialist, Communication & Creative Services, Texas State Technical College

The Industrial Training Center will be built in Texas Central Park, a masterplanned industrial area at the intersection of Interstate 35 and Texas Highway 6 in south Waco. The land on which the training center will be constructed is part of a land swap being made with the Waco Industrial Foundation.

People attending the training center will take courses in TSTC’s Electrical Construction, Industrial Systems, HVAC Technology, Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology, and Welding Technology programs. Students can work toward the college’s occupational skills achievement awards and level

one certificates of completion. Specific workforce training programs can also be tailored to the needs of industry.

“We hope to have a mix of unemployed or underemployed local folks that are gaining the technical skills to fill the gap that those employers desperately need,” said Rob Wolaver, TSTC’s associate vice chancellor of student learning. “Mixed in with that are incumbent workers at those plants that need advanced training and, on top of that, groups of dual credit students from local high schools who would be enrolled there and be ready to work for those employers when they graduate.”

An estimated 1,000 academic credentials could be offered yearly, once the training center is fully operational.

“The center signals to the world that the Waco region is investing in its future, giving confidence to new companies seeking to invest along the Interstate 35 corridor,” Ford said.

He said the last few years have been the busiest in Greater Waco’s history, with new investments, the addition of thousands of jobs, and expansion of existing businesses.

“The pipeline for new projects remains full, and we anticipate that with a continued commitment to economic development, we can continue the positive economic climate for years to come,” he said.

Felton said there is a strong demand for available industrial properties in all of the county, which means more opportunities for

residents.

“We believe this is due in part to reasonably priced properties with reasonable tax burdens, access to multiple options in transportation, and a well-trained workforce,” he said.

The City of Waco will contribute $12.4 million to The TSTC Foundation for the project to be paid out in installments over a 20-year period once the building is completed, according to the Waco TribuneHerald. McLennan County will use $8.4 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funding for its contribution, according to the newspaper.

“The city and county do not see this center as an expense; rather, it is an investment in the people of this region and our future economic success,” Ford said. n

With 10 campuses across the state, Texas State Technical College helps to strengthen the Texas workforce with highly skilled, technically competent graduates. Operating on a unique funding model based on student employment outcomes, the college celebrated 55 years of service to the state of Texas in 2020. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Photos provided by Texas State Technical College

Foamtec is a vertically integrated manufacturer of materials designed to disinfect and decontaminate in cleanrooms, including foam and microfiber wipers, presaturated microfiber wipers, mops, foam face masks, swabs and more. Foamtec’s contamination control products are designed from the ground up to dislodge, entrap and remove contamination from critical surfaces. Foamtec and its technology has been critical in supporting healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have performed an at-home COVID test in the last year, odds are, that swab was manufactured by Foamtec. Foamtec, one of the top two suppliers of foam swabs in the world, has expanded its operations in Waco, Texas to support nationwide COVID-19 testing.

All of this came about in March 2020, when the Department of the Air Force Acquisition COVID-19 Task Force (DAF ACT) was tasked with creating a more robust and sustainable domestic medical manufacturing base. In response to supply chain issues and PPE shortages, the DAF ACT provided contract awards to U.S.-based producers of rapid, point-of-care COVID-19 test kits.

Foamtec was awarded a contract through the DAF ACT to expand production of diagnostic foam swabs in Texas. The company already has a distribution

facility in Waco’s Texas Central Park, so expanding locally made sense.

Foamtec controls 80% of their supply chain internationally, with their own medical grade polyurethane foam manufactured in its Thailand facility. This continuity of supply chain, coupled with the Made in America status, earned Foamtec the contract. With this contract award, Foamtec helps alleviate the shortage in the nation’s strategic stockpile for pandemic and non-pandemic diagnostic tests.

In early 2022, Foamtec broke ground on an 11-acre site in north McLennan County for a new production facility. This $25 million investment brought production of diagnostic foam swabs out of Thailand and onto U.S. soil. The new operation will create 200 jobs, when fully staffed.

This facility will have the capacity to manufacture over 40 million diagnostic foam swabs and applicators per month. The foam technology used in its swabs is American-born, and the only vertically integrated swab manufacturer, stemming all the way to foam raw materials.

Foamtec diagnostic swabs are not manufactured specifically for COVID-19 testing. In addition to COVID-19 testing, Foamtec swabs have been included in other diagnostic tests for bacterial and

by Forrest Smith , Human Resources, Foamtec International

viral infections. They are also a significant supplier of critical components to the semiconductor industry.

To ensure an adequate source of qualified talent for manufacturing operations, Foamtec establishes and maintains partnerships with Baylor University and Texas State Technical College to help give students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities in a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment. Through internships and co-op programs, local students are better prepared to enter the Foamtec family and immediately make an impact. Future plans include expanding the international internship program as well as assisting with curriculum development with various educational programs.

Foamtec is excited about the future and continued growth in the Greater Waco area and looks forward to partnering with the community! n

When site work began in 2021 on what will become the Paul & Alejandra Foster Pavilion, hopes for the facility’s future impact began to soar. Not only would it be a game changer for Baylor men’s and women’s basketball, it would continue to change the Waco cityscape viewed by millions of I-35 travelers, strengthen a dynamic partnership between Baylor University and the City of Waco, and anchor a highly visible and growing Riverfront District.

“The City of Waco has been an invaluable partner of Baylor University for well over a century, and we are excited to move forward together on the spectacular riverfront location of the Paul & Alejandra Foster Pavilion,” said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. at the announcement of the facility’s construction. “The Foster Pavilion will be home for our championship men’s and women’s basketball programs in a highly visible area of remarkable growth and development along the Brazos River, I-35 and University Parks Drive. We are honored to be part of the exciting developments in the city Baylor calls home.”

As a stop on the Riverwalk, the Foster Pavilion will be woven into the established traditions of the Waco community. Fans will enjoy time at local businesses before taking in a game or event, with the Riverfront District’s future office, living, retail, restaurant and eventual hotel development concepts earning tremendous interest from potential partners. Just across the interstate from the new Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center and McLane Stadium, the

223,547-square-foot Foster Pavilion also will add to the growing Baylor campus landscape.

The Foster Pavilion was designed with fans and event participants in mind. With a capacity of more than 7,000 and seating arranged closer to the floor, every seat in the facility will have full view of the court. Fans will feel closer to the action and provide a highvolume, high-energy game or event environment. With premium and standard seating, fans may choose the experience that best fits their needs. Two 2,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art video boards will enhance the in-venue experience. Visiting locker rooms allow the facility flexibility to accommodate up to four teams at a time – a must to attract important tournaments and large events.

The concourse will feature a wide range of concession opportunities as well as unique vendor activations. Fans will be welcomed by an energetic atmosphere, cultivated by both the Baylor and Waco communities. Those with premium seating will have access to two separate premium club spaces – the Courtside and Sideline Clubs – with a combined 8,500 square feet of gathering space.

“Facilities like this don’t just happen,” said Mack B. Rhoades IV, Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “It takes a shared vision

by Karen Kemp, Associate Vice President for University Marketing & Brand Strategy, Baylor University

and commitment to excellence for our athletic department and our 500-plus student-athletes, the Baylor Family and the City of Waco. Elite programs deserve an elite facility. This state-of-the-art facility will create an exciting environment unlike any other for both our students and fans alike. The future is bright for Baylor and Waco.”

Serving a pair of national championship-winning programs, the accompanying Development Center will offer the women’s and men’s basketball programs elite facility enhancements to support studentathletes, including separate practice courts, dedicated locker rooms and team lounges, office facilities for coaches and staff, shared sports performance-related

spaces, including strength and conditioning, athletic training and treatment, hydrotherapy, nutrition and more.

The partnership with the City of Waco and the downtown community extends beyond gamedays. The Foster Pavilion will provide a new opportunity to support additional events – concerts, performances and public events.

After substantial work to prepare and bolster the riverfront site, the first steel beams were raised in October 2022, with the shell of the facility rapidly taking shape ahead of the facility’s first scheduled games in January 2024. n

Photos provided by Baylor University

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

by Rae Jefferson , Communications Director, Waco Family Medicine – Advancement & Community Relations

Less than a year after publicly announcing plans to construct new headquarters, Waco Family Medicine (WFM) broke ground on a new clinical site that will warmly welcome all people in the Heart of Texas, regardless of income or insurance status.

The Groundbreaking event on Thursday, October 20, at Waco Family Medicine - Central included staff, local officials, community leaders, and enthusiastic benefactors who support accessible, high-quality healthcare in McLennan and Bell counties.

The speaker lineup comprised special guests Chip and Joanna Gaines, who are generous supporters of the campaign to fund the new site. They contributed to the project in honor of former WFM physician and faculty member Dr. Tim McCall and wife Janice.

“Waco Family Medicine has been here to meet the needs of our community and the families here in Waco for over 50 years,” said Chip and Joanna Gaines. “We’re proud and grateful for the level of care and compassion the doctors and staff have offered and expressed during the past five decades. Thank you, Waco Family Medicine, and also a thanks to Tim and Janice McCall for all of their selfless work in serving Waco Family Medicine and, now, the children of Northern Uganda.”

More than 50 years ago, the residency program at Waco Family Medicine was born out of cross-sector collaboration. County officials, business leaders, and local medical providers sought to train new family physicians to alleviate a provider shortage and meet overwhelming medical need within the community.

Today, the 15-site Community Health Center provides high-quality medical, dental, and mental health care to more than 60,000 patients each year. Additionally, the clinic’s family medicine residency program is in the top 2% of programs in the country, with hundreds of applicants vying for 12 openings each year.

“Multiple generations of local physicians and community members built Waco Family Medicine into an excellent center for primary care and a national academic family medicine leader,” said Dr. Jackson Griggs, CEO. “Building on that success, our new facility will inspire enduring generations of patients and health professionals and will anchor Waco Family Medicine’s efforts to achieve community thriving through whole-person, compassionate, comprehensive primary care.”

The new $61 million facility will further expand WFM’s capacity to care for patients, improve the healthcare team experience, and advance education and research in primary care. Construction will occur in phases to minimize

disruptions to the adjacent WFM-Central location that the new building will eventually replace. Project completion is estimated for the summer of 2024.

Innovation is central to the blueprint of the coming site, with features like a state-of-the-art fitness center, teaching kitchen, and community garden intended to improve patient health in spaces other than an exam room. The first floor will also include a community marketplace with representatives from different social service agencies and nonprofits on site to assist patients with needs beyond healthcare.

“We are building this facility with a vision toward the future,” Griggs said. “In the decades to come, primary care will transform the American ‘sick care’ system into a true health care system, and Waco Family Medicine will be leading the way with interprofessional teams promoting wellness, integration of mental and oral health, and key services for non-medical drivers of health.” n

Photos provided by Waco Family Medicine

CHAMBER FOUNDATION

POISED TO HELP CONTINUE THE TRANSFORMATION OF GREATER WACO

by Jacob Hogan, Director of Public Policy & Chamber Foundation, Greater Waco Chamber

The growth that Waco has experienced in the last ten plus years is undeniable. Our community has quickly transformed from a short layover for those traveling between DallasFort Worth and Austin to a true destination city that tourists by the thousands are traveling to visit every single week. Waco is clearly now recognized as a dynamic and growth-oriented city enviably centered in the Texas Triangle; one that is firmly on the map. Whether it is one of our elite institutions of higher education, our diverse sectors of industry or the family feel that Magnolia and our business community does an incredible job of displaying, there is truly something for everyone who calls Waco home to embrace.

However, like any community that experiences growth there are certainly challenges along the way to be solved, as well. Waco is fortunate to have a culture of collaboration and partnership that is evident throughout the community. The strong relationships between our city, county, education, business, and non-profit partners make solving any issue achievable as everyone can rally towards a common goal of continuing to build the best Waco. All the many pieces play an important role in the well-being of our community and its residents. The Greater Waco Chamber is invested in furthering its involvement in building a better Waco.

Since its inception in 1899, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has existed “to prepare and market the Greater Waco region for the businesses and jobs of the future and an outstanding quality of life.” As part of that mission, in August 1989

visionary leaders of the community recognized the need for the development of a foundation to support the work of the Greater Waco Chamber with the creation of the Waco Chamber of Commerce Community Development Foundation. Through the years, the Foundation has been utilized for a range of important initiatives, including helping build the Chamber’s financial strength to ensure the organization is able to develop and execute a robust, focused economic development strategic plan. The Waco Chamber leadership believe now is the time to more-fully stand up and activate the work of the Foundation to help capitalize on opportunities and solve the challenges our community faces as it continues to grow.

The purpose of the Waco Chamber of Commerce Community Development Foundation is to advocate and support the betterment of the Greater Waco community. It focuses on initiatives that support leadership, education, and workforce development to create a strong talent pipeline and the leaders of tomorrow for the continued growth and prosperity of our community. Stated simply, the Foundation is focused on creating the leaders and workforce of tomorrow. The Foundation and its leadership are keenly interested in the development of a business-education partnership that fully aligns our business community with our education partners. This initiative will play an important role in building a forward-thinking talent pipeline within our community that will meet the needs of all industries across the greater Waco region for years to come.

The Waco Chamber of Commerce Community Development Foundation is led by an accomplished and dynamic Board of Directors with many previously or currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Waco Chamber.

Hal Whitaker of the Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) presently serves as the Chair of the foundation’s Board of Directors.

His fellow board members are: Vice Board Chair, Rick Tullis of Capstone Mechanical (retired); Stewart Kelly of Kelly, Realtors (retired); Ed Page of H-E-B (retired); Kent Keahey of Providence Healthcare Network (retired); Mike Reitmeier of JRBT (retired); Jennifer Manning of Pattillo, Brown, & Hill LLP; Mark Reynolds of Extraco Banks; Philip Patterson of Ascension Providence and Greater Waco Chamber 2023 Board Chair; and Matt Meadors President & CEO of the Greater Waco Chamber.

For more information on the work of the Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation and to review partnership and investment opportunities, please visit WacoChamber.com/Foundation. n

InWaco was created to highlight the things that make our community special with the ultimate goal of recruiting and retaining our most valuable resource: our people. InWaco comprises everything Greater Waco has to offer, including jobs. With an integrated job board and place for job seekers to post their resumes, the inWaco website offers a place for employers and potential employees to connect. Talent and workforce remains vital to the work of your Greater Waco Chamber and we are committed to being part of the solution.

Hour Economy provides a quar terly over view of the economic index and recently announced proje ct s followed by a guest speaker discussing topi cs like emerging economic trends and developments in Waco, all in one hour.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Dear Waco Young Professionals,

My name is Grayson Palmer and I am your new Chair for 2023. I am a Certified Financial Planner® at Jim Morrison Financial. Besides working as a CFP®, I am also a volunteer diver at Cameron Park Zoo, where you can see me most Saturdays cleaning out the tanks.

Before I get ahead of myself, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge a special individual. The Waco Young Professionals are grateful for the service of Daniel Muniz as the Waco YP Chair from 2020-2022. Under his leadership, we prevailed through unique challenges. Thank you, Mr. Muniz, for your dedication to the organization.

I am excited to be the new Chair for the upcoming year. We have had some tough times over the years due to COVID, with different events, meetings and aspirations having to be placed on hold. However, that has only made us stronger. In 2022, we reported our highest membership levels recorded at 128 members. There is active interest from young professionals in our community to engage with one another and be developed through our organization. Our incoming leadership team includes some of the best of the YPs, and their commitment to the organization has been vital to our success through the years.

I look forward to leading with them. We have exciting ideas and new implementations in the works that I know our members, and our Chamber, will be excited to see; these plans will bring this group to its fullest potential.

One goal that I have as Chair is to increase the involvement of our active members in our various YP events. Each month we host three valuable events for our members: Lunch Connections, Industry Tours, and Happy Hours. In the coming year, with the help of our Membership Coordinator, Cody Ross, I hope to inspire our members to join us for these great professional development and networking opportunities.

I also look forward to bringing back two beloved YP events: Leadership Lunches and Community Outreach. Leadership Lunches will provide a small group of YP members the opportunity to sit down over lunch with an area CEO to pick their brain on career development. Our Engagement Coordinators, Justin Rice and Cy Vaughn, will be integral in maintaining our current events and helping plan these revived Leadership Luncheons.

Community Outreach is at the core of the YP values, because it’s important to give back to a community that has so nurtured us. I look forward to working with Haley O’Connell, our Community Outreach Coordinator, to host quarterly service opportunities for YP members to serve the community alongside one another.

The Waco YP Executive Mentoring Program has been a favorite of YP members over the years. With the guidance of Blake Dotson, our Special Projects Coordinator, this mentoring program will evolve into something even more valuable to members. There are also other exciting initiatives up our sleeves related to special projects!

Our best days are ahead of us, YPs! I am looking forward to a great 2023.

Sincerely, Grayson Palmer

Special Projects Coordinator

Community Outreach Coordinator

Engagement Coordinator

Blake Dotson Treasury Management Specialist at Central National Bank

Haley O’Connell Manager of Impact and Engagement, United Way of Waco-McLennan County

Justin Rice Management Analyst for the Department of Housing & Community Development for the City of Waco

Membership & Community Outreach Coordinator

Cody Ross Vice President, Wealth & Trust Investment Officer for Extraco Banks

Engagement Coordinator

Cy Vaughn CPA with Wagner, Duys & Wood, LLP

•

Howmet Fastening Systems

Industry: Manufacturing Market: National

Howmet Fastening Systems plans to invest $9.2 million in its Waco facility with the installation of new Blind Cell machinery and a new Electroplating Line. This expansion will add 17 new jobs, resulting in a total of 504 fulltime employees at the facility.

Alcom Trailers

Industry: Manufacturing Market: National

Alcom Trailers has expanded operations to Waco’s Texas Central Park for its fifth manufacturing site. The company produces high-quality aluminum trailers used for vehicles. The operation absorbed over 130,000 square feet of existing space on Imperial Drive. The company has already hired 80 employees, with plans to expand up to 150.

Sherwin-Williams

Industry: Distribution Market: Regional

Sherwin-Williams will spend at least $20 million adding 200,000 square feet of space to the distribution center it opened locally in 2018. Sherwin-Williams spent $39 million to build its current 615,000-square-foot facility on Aviation Parkway, having outgrown its leased space on Texas Central Parkway. It considered other cities, as the local facility serves all of Texas and seven other states, but chose to remain in Waco.

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

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

PRESENTING SPONSORS

WacoChamber.com/Events

GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS STATE OF SERIES

In late 2022, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its State Of Series. First, at the State of the Nation, the Chamber heard legislative updates from Rob Engstrom, Chief Political Strategist for the American Bankers Association; Ron Eidshaug, Vice President and Chief of Staff of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions. Presenting sponsorships provided by Ascension Providence and Texas State Technical College.

Next, at the State of the City and County Luncheon, the Chamber welcomed City of Waco Mayor Dillon Meek and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton to give updates on area developments, challenges and an overall view of Greater Waco. Presenting sponsorships provided by Ascension Providence, Kelly, Realtors and TSTC. The series concluded with the State of the State Luncheon. The luncheon began with a presentation from Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the Office of Governor Greg Abbott followed by remarks from Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson. Presenting sponsorships provided by Ascension Providence and Texas State Technical College. n

TIP OFF LUNCHEON & FRANK FALLON AWARD

In October, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its annual Tip Off Luncheon, with presenting sponsor Jim Turner Chevrolet. The event included a preview of Baylor’s upcoming college basketball season from Baylor Bear head coach Scott Drew and women’s basketball head coach Nicki Collen, and a preview of the McLennan Community College basketball season from women’s head coach Bill Brock and men’s head coach Kevin Gill. The attendees were also excited to hear a Q&A with new Big 12 Commissioner, Brett Yormark. During the event, the Chamber presented the 2022 Frank Fallon award to Bill Brock for his tremendous impact on basketball in the Greater Waco community. Coach Brock was recently named MCC’s head women’s coach after serving as Baylor University’s assistant coach and associate head coach for 18 seasons. During his time with the Bears, he helped lead the team to three NCAA Championships (2005, 2012 & 2019) along with a Final Four appearance in 2010 and 23 Big 12 Conference titles. Those Baylor squads featured eight centers and forwards that tallied 43 All-America honors. Prior to joining the Baylor staff, Brock served as the head coach at Grayson College for 13 seasons. He led the Lady Vikings to the program’s first NTJCAC title during his first year in

LEADERS VISIT PHOENIX, AZ

Each year, the Greater Waco Chamber undertakes a visit to a community similar to Greater Waco. The trip is designed to provide community leaders the opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with other leaders with the ultimate goal of adapting and implementing new, innovative economic development ideas, programs, initiatives and best practices in the Greater Waco community. In 2022, community leaders visited Greater Phoenix, Arizona. Presenting sponsorship is provided by Baylor University. n

1987-88

The Sports Luncheon Series will conclude in January with the First Pitch Luncheon. n

and a top-25 national ranking. In all, Grayson claimed 10 conference championships, two regional titles and two national tournament berths in 1996 and 2000 during Brock’s tenure.

BUILDING THE TEXAS OF TOMORROW BRINGS STATE LEADERS TO THE COMMUNITY

In early November, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted a full-day summit that brought together state leaders in the areas of energy, water, transportation, cybersecurity, broadband access and more for data-packed presentations and moderated Q&As to discuss how those dollars will be invested, growing trends in the infrastructure space and the need for Texas to future-guard our infrastructure system that will allow Texas businesses and communities to compete at the highest level for years to come. Keynote speaker, Jeff DeCoux, Chairman of the Autonomy Institute, discussed the importance of building a safe, reliable, modern and intelligent infrastructure system in our state. Presenting sponsorship provided by Bowman. n

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

LUNCHEON

In December, the Greater Waco Chamber partnered with Baylor University, the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce and the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to bring the business community together to explore economic development work and progress over the past year and provide a vision for what the next year may hold. The Economic Outlook Luncheon featured a data-driven economic outlook presented by Dr. Sandeep Mazumder, Dean of Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, a look at the regional economy from Christopher J. Furlow, CEO of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) and a panel discussion with the CEOs from the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce, the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce to discuss the local economy. Presenting sponsorships provided by Ascension Providence and TFNB – Your Bank for Life. n

LEADING WACO WOMEN SERVING SUMMIT & ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD® PRESENTATION

In December, the Greater Waco Chamber brought its 2022 Leading Waco Women Summit Series to a close with the Serving Summit. The event featured a keynote presentation from Shannon Sedgwick Davis, Baylor Law School graduate, CEO of Bridgeway Foundation and the author of To Stop a Warlord and a panel discussion with the ATHENA Leadership Award® finalists: Deidra Emerson, City of Waco; Carolyn Haferkamp, Central National Bank; Becky Kramm, L3Harris; and Dr. Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren, Ph.D., MBA, Baylor University. Following the panel, Dr. Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren, Ph.D., MBA was named Waco’s 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award® recipient.

Stay tuned for details about the 2023 Leading Waco Women Summit Series, which will kick-off in early spring. Presenting sponsorship is provided by Ascension Providence. n

WACO UNDER 40 CELEBRATION AT

In November, the Greater Waco Chamber brought the 2022 Waco Under 40 honorees, their families, friends and colleagues together to celebrate their impact on the community. Bird Kultgen Ford, Waco Under 40’s presenting sponsor,

BIRD KULTGEN FORD

opened the doors to their newly renovated showroom for an evening with hors d’oeuvres and drinks to recognize the honorees.

Watch for details about nominations, which will open in spring 2023. n

ANNOUNCING THE 2022 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

The Greater Waco Chamber is honored to recognize Vickie Willoughby, with Weichert, Realtors – The Eastland Group, as the Ambassador of the Year for 2022. Vickie exemplifies the mission of the Waco Chamber’s Ambassador program and demonstrates her commitment to support our new members. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and the Waco Chamber is grateful for her volunteerism and commitment to the Chamber Ambassador Program and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.

The Greater Waco Chamber Ambassadors, sponsored by Extraco Banks and Tejas Logistics System, is a highly visible, active group of dedicated volunteers representing the Chamber in the community. Ambassadors allow the Chamber to connect to businesses, strengthen membership, and enhance the understanding of what the Chamber has to offer its members. Ambassadors generate excitement and enthusiasm through participation in ribbon cuttings, grand openings and other Waco Chamber networking events and functions. n

NEW TEAM MEMBER JOINS CHAMBER

Bonnie Yeager joined the Greater Waco Chamber team in October 2022 and is currently the Economic Development Coordinator lending her professional support to the Chamber’s Economic Development team. As a key member of the ED team, she ensures a seamless and positive experience for those she encounters. Before joining the Greater Waco Chamber team, Bonnie worked in the banking industry and attended Temple College. Bonnie and her family moved to China Spring over the summer, and immediately fell in love with the Waco area. She grew up in Belton, Texas. Her husband, Kody is a coach and teacher for China Spring ISD. They have two sons, Kooper and Kade and one daughter, Ryleigh. n

BONNIE YEAGER

LOCAL EMPLOYERS WIN STATEWIDE AWARDS AT ANNUAL WORKFORCE CONFERENCE

Ascension Providence received the 2022 Large Employer of the Year award at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 25th Annual Texas Workforce Conference.

“This is a tremendous honor,” said Ascension Providence Market President Philip Patterson. “We have obviously been through a lot in the last few years, but we couldn’t have done it without everybody sticking together and really creating that family feel as an organization. And that extends out to our community and the support of the community that we have.”

The Large Employer of the Year award is awarded to one private-sector employer with 500 or more employees for the positive effect its initiatives have on the current and future workforce. Each of the state’s 28 local Workforce Development Boards can nominate an employer from their respective area for this award, and TWC selects one.

Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas (Workforce Solutions) nominated Ascension Providence for its ongoing training efforts with future and current healthcare workers.

Ascension Providence has previously partnered with Workforce Solutions and McLennan Community College (MCC) to provide various upskilling opportunities for its employees such as the Skills Development Grant which helped upgrade the skills of incumbent employees.

As one of the founding partners for Waco ISD’s Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy (GWAHCA), Ascension Providence serves as a training partner by helping high school students obtain nurse aide and pharmacy technician certifications. These programs provide entry level career pathways to multiple healthcare occupations and help close the gap in this labor market.

“Ascension Providence understands that professional growth helps maintain quality healthcare and better employment retention rates,” said Jose Palacios, business solutions manager for Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas. “They are deserving of this award, and we are proud for them to represent the Heart of Texas region at the state level.”

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Waco received the 2022 Local Employer of Excellence award, which is awarded to one private-sector employer from each of the state’s 28 local Workforce Development Boards.

The award honors employers for the positive impact their efforts and initiatives have on their workers, community and other local employers. Encompass Health opened its 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Robinson in August 2021 and has since been an integral part of the Heart of Texas workforce development efforts by participating in local hiring fairs and future workforce initiatives such as the annual YES! Expo, the premier career exploration event for youth. Encompass Health currently employs 141 team members and plans to increase its local workforce significantly.

“Encompass Health is very intentional in making every employee a part of the team through their on-boarding process, which helps to retain employees and make them competitive in the marketplace,” Palacios said.

The 2022 HireAbility Employer of the Year Award was awarded to Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. (Cat Logistics), a 500,000 square foot parts distribution center in Waco. This award honors a private-sector employer for using innovative approaches to foster an inclusive workforce and hire Texans with disabilities.

Cat Logistics partnered with the local Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services to implement the Skills Training to Employment Project (STEP) within their organization. Through this program, Cat Logistics provided paid work experience for individuals with disabilities to receive training in warehouse operations. Cat Logistics worked closely with participating individuals to ensure successful training and completion of the program.

STEP’s first cohort resulted in the hiring of three individuals with disabilities, and with new cohorts coming online this summer, employment numbers are expected to grow.

“Caterpillar, with the help of our local Workforce Solutions office, has created a replicable model for other employers in our area to provide employment to individuals with disabilities,” said Palacios.

JAG Aviation was also recognized by TWC as a finalist for the 2022 Small Employer of the Year Award, which is awarded to one private-sector employer with fewer than 500 employees for its impact on the local workforce.

“Our employer partnerships are important in our joint effort of supporting and improving our local workforce,” Palacios said. “We are proud of all of our award nominees and winners, and we thank them for their efforts and partnerships.” n

The Greater Waco Chamber is proud of these members that do good work in the Greater Waco Community.

MCC FOUNDATION EARNS HIGHEST CHARITY RATING

The McLennan Community College Foundation has once again earned the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.

The Platinum Seal of Transparency recognizes that the MCC Foundation has chosen to share detailed qualitative, quantitative metrics highlighting not only the outputs of their efforts, but also the demographics of Foundation staff and board. This allows the MCC Foundation to easily share up-to-date metrics with donors and potential donors through the robust GuideStar online platform. GuideStar’s database includes financial information for every tax-exempt nonprofit registered with the Internal Revenue Service; of the more than 2 million charities listed on GuideStar, less than one percent earn the Platinum designation.

Activated in 1990, the MCC Foundation raises public and private support to fund student scholarships, faculty and staff professional development, and capital and program needs at the College. Since then, the board and staff of the Foundation have remained committed to providing donors and funders with meaningful, transparent, and accurate metrics by which to evaluate our performance. The commitment to clear communication has resulted in immeasurable trust and support from the public. This year, the MCC Foundation was able to award more than $663,000 in scholarships to outstanding students throughout the community. n

www.perryop.com

PERRY OFFICE PLUS MAKES THIRD ACQUISITION IN TWO YEARS

Perry Office Plus, a leading Central Texasbased provider of workplace products, announced in November that it has acquired Georgetown-based V-Quest Office Machines & Supplies.

Established in Belton in 1996, V-Quest originally sold printer supplies, and later expanded into printing hardware and service. After a move to Georgetown in 2000, the company later began selling office supplies.

Perry Office Plus began in Temple in 1920 as American Printing, and is now owned by Lynnsay & H.B. Macey of Temple.

“We could not be happier to have chosen them and their team to serve our customers,” the Browns shared in a message to V-Quest customers. “We believe Perry’s stability, buying power, and values made them the right choice for this next step in the V-Quest story.”

Most of the current V-Quest staff will be joining the Perry team of more than 40 Central Texans.

“All of us at Perry are eager to welcome the V-Quest team as we learn from each other and create a positive, seamless experience for our new customers,” Mrs. Macey said. “This move also allows us to offer our services to even more workplaces throughout the Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and Marble Falls areas.”

This makes the third acquisition for Perry since 2020, when the company acquired the Austin branch of Tejas Office Products. Last year, the company acquired the office supply division of Mackie’s in Waco.

“Growth continues to be a focus for us,” said Mr. Macey. “It helps us stay competitive and continue providing our customers with a good value and outstanding service.” n

PRESENTING SPONSORS

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Heart of Texas Smiles

Tiny Pies®

Heart of Texas Smiles looks forward to welcoming you to its gorgeous new state-of-the-art facility! Dr. Nick Cobb, Dr. Theresa Lassetter, and Dr. Guillermo Rivacoba, along with their team, are dedicated and passionate about providing an exceptional experience and the best dental care available to their muchloved Waco community. Their extensive training and services allow them to care for your entire family’s needs under one roof. Are you ready to experience dentistry differently? Call Heart of Texas Smiles today!

Theresa Lasseter, DDS & Nick Cobb, DDS, Owners 117 Burnett Court, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 776-3310

HeartOfTexasSmiles.com

The Delaney at Lake Waco, in collaboration with the Greater Waco Chamber, celebrated its fifth anniversary on September 14 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a cocktail party. Opening in 2017, it offers a continuum of care featuring independent living, assisted living and memory care. While focusing on seniors, they are a culture of purpose. With community outreach, The Delaney has developed lifelong relationships to further enhance their purpose which they feel makes them The Delaney difference.

Scott Bushong, Executive Director 2121 W Hwy 6, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 651-1010

TheDelaneyatLakeWaco.com

Tiny

daily using the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients when in season. Tiny Pies® bakes from four generation old recipes & offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert pies. It also provides convenient take-n-bake pies perfect for stocking in the freezer for last-minute dinners or guests. Available for pick up, delivery, or nationwide shipping.

Amanda Wadsworth, Owner

720 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701 (254) 224-6201

TinyPies.com

In September, Kendra Scott Waco excitedly opened its doors in Central Texas Market Place! In just one month they have successfully executed 15 events and given back more than $8,000 to the local community. Beneficiaries include the Waco Chamber of Commerce Community Development Foundation, Baylor Bear Foundation, Junior League and more. Kendra Scott Waco will continue to support its local community and embrace its three core pillars of Fashion, Family, and Philanthropy. Kendra Scott is always looking for new organizations to benefit and invites you to visit the store and check out their new collections!

Alex Teel, Store Manager

2436 W Loop 340, Suite A-4, Waco, TX 76711 (254) 246-4733

KendraScott.com

Pies®, makers of Austin’s original handheld pies, is excited to announce the opening of its store inside Union Hall, located at 720 Franklin Ave., in Waco. Tiny Pies® are made from scratch

Ribbon Cutting on September 9, 2022

The Delaney at Lake Waco

Ribbon Cutting on September 14, 2022

Ribbon Cutting on September 13, 2022

Kendra Scott Waco Ribbon Cutting on September 16, 2022

Trailer Sales

The Loud

is

a woman owned and

started as an ecommerce

When the owner, Melody Hammer, moved to Waco, a little over a year ago, she fell in love with the artsy side of Waco and wanted to bring a more creative and fun experience to the area. Loud Lacquer is luxury gone LOUD.

Melody Hammer, Owner

720 Elm Ave #102, Waco, TX 76704 (254) 313-1090

LoudLacquer.com

Collect ‘Em Cards Comics and Collectibles is a creation that has been more than 35 years in the making! Since childhood, lifelong friends Roger and Kevin, always wanted to own and run their own comic and card shop. After “adulting” for the past 20 years, they decided to make their childhood dream a reality: collecting any item that brings joy to people’s hearts! Stop in and check out Collect ‘Em Cards Comics and Collectibles at 610 Austin Ave. in Downtown Waco!

Kevin Ferguson & Roger Frields, Owners

610 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701

(254) 300-4212

Facebook.com/CollectEm2022

Happy Trailers is a family-owned business with multiple locations across Texas. Its goal is to redefine the dealership experience and make a positive difference in the community. Happy Trailers specializes in PJ Trailers, including a large variety of inventory for any need! From utility trailers, dump trailers, flatbeds and enclosed trailers, their goal is to help you find a trailer that makes your job easier. This is your one-stopshop for trailers and parts!

Leroy Loewen, VP of Marketing and Branding 2200 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Waco, TX 76705 (254) 651-6200

HappyTrailers.com

Yaki celebrated two years of business with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its first brick-and-mortar location on South Valley Mills Drive. Yaki (pronounced “ya-key”) is Texas-style Teriyaki “meal in a box” and friendly to a variety of diets including gluten free and vegetarian. Yaki is locally owned and operated and was voted “best food truck in Waco” by the Wacoan in 2020! Yaki is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and offers catering options.

Jake Patterson & Lindsey Patterson, Owners

1307 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76711 (737) 747-8439

EatYaki.com

Lounge

a new, unique experience where you can create your own custom nail polish, located in East Waco. Loud is

operated small business, that

nail polish brand.

SPONSORED BY

Loud Lacquer Ribbon Cutting on September 16, 2022 Collect ‘Em Cards Comics and Collectibles Ribbon Cutting on September 27, 2022

Happy

Ribbon Cutting on September 22, 2022

Ribbon Cutting on September 30, 2022

RIBBON CUTTINGS SPONSORED BY

Champions Barber and Beauty Academy

Ribbon Cutting on October

5, 2022

Champions Barber and Beauty Academy is proud to announce the introduction of its Cosmetology and Esthetician Departments. Founded in 2018 as a local barber school, Champions has continued to grow and expand its educational options for the local and surrounding area. Champions also added the wonderful Liz Ramos as our Director of Cosmetology. Along with her and her amazing staff and students, Champions Barber and Beauty Academy is prepared to lead the next generation of Barbers, Cosmos, and Estheticians.

Kevin Gritten & Lorraine Gritten, Owners

1300 Lake Air Dr, Ste 7, Waco, TX 76710

(254) 300-2320

ChampionsBarberAcademy.com

Le Danni Fine Jewelers

Ribbon Cutting on October 14, 2022

The story of Le Danni Fine Jewelers spans 25 years and two generations. It is a family owned and operated establishment that strives to give luxury jewelry at affordable prices. A fine jewelry store that consists of precious metals, rare gemstones, beautiful diamonds, watches and unique designs, Le Danni’s team creates custom designs and will help customers through their purchase process to find the perfect piece. From engagement rings to jewelry repair, they are a one-stop shop.

Jayesh Pandya & Rehan Halani, Owners

6001 W Waco Dr, Ste 409, Waco, TX 76710

(254) 324-9990

LeDanni.com

Pignetti’s

Ribbon Cutting on October 10, 2022

Pignetti’s Italian Restaurant celebrated the opening of their new Waco location at The Phoenix building in the downtown Silo district. Owners Donnie Johnson and Clinton Harwell renovated 7400 square feet of the building adding a full bar and cocktail lounge, patio, large private dining room, booth and table seating Pignetti’s is currently open for business Monday through Saturday for dinner and plans to add lunch and brunch in December of 2022.

Donnie Johnson & Clinton Harwell, Owners 401 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76706 (254) 294-8947

WacoPignettis.com

Capstone Mechanical

Ribbon Cutting on October 19, 2022

The Capstone Mechanical team is continuing to grow and expand in Central Texas! Completed in the summer of 2022, their new 40,000 sq. ft. facility houses sheet metal manufacturing, plumbing and piping prefabrication, and logistics, along with additional office space. As a provider of engineering, contracting, and service for mechanical, plumbing, and automation systems, they look forward to serving the community for many years to come!

Stefan LeRow, Executive Vice President

7100 Imperial Drive, Waco, TX 76712 (254) 399-8090

CapstoneMechanical.com

MEMBERS

ABC Home & Commercial Services

9475 Hwy 290 E • Austin, TX 78724 (512) 837-9500

ABCHomeAndCommercial.com

Alamo Title

1330 N Valley Mills Dr • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 751-1116

AlamoTitleWaco-Temple.com/Waco-Main

Barnett’s Public House

420 Franklin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 400-1871

BarnettsPublicHouse.com

Central Texas Litigation

7215 Bosque Blvd • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 399-9400

CenTexLitigation.com

Collect ‘Em Cards Comics and Collectibles

610 Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 300-4212

Facebook.com/CollectEm2022

Cultivate 7Twelve & Undercroft Speakeasy

712 Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 401-1443 Waco7Twelve.com

Eddie Entertainment & Marketing LLC

7215 Bosque Blvd Ste 121 • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 548-3616

EddieDJ.com

Glamping Waco

3107 Harrison St • Waco, TX 76706 (254) 227-1065

Facebook.com/profile. php?id=100082741253904

Happy Trailers

2200 N IH-35 Frontage Rd Waco, TX 76705 (254) 651-6200

HappyTrailers.com

Heart of Texas Film Society

712 Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 744-8681

DeepInTheHeartFF.com

Helberg Barbecue

8532 N Hwy 6 • Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 294-9995

HelbergBarbecue.com

Home For The Holidays Gift Market

2331 Strait Ln • Houston, TX 77084 (281) 788-4297

HomeForTheHolidaysGiftMarket.com

JJ’s Balloons

1412 N Valley Mills Dr Unit 104 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 300-4851

JJsBalloons.com

Kendra Scott - Waco 2400 W Loop 340 Ste A-4 • Waco, TX 76711 (262) 689-0317

KendraScott.com

Leadership Empowerment Group

605 Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (956) 565-2425

LeadershipEmpowermentGroup.com

Light Waco

1200 Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 715-0587

LightWaco.com

Lighthouse Coffee and Wine 624 Washington Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 400-1871

LighthouseWaco.com

Local Skate Rats 1624 S 5th St Unit #516 • Waco, TX 76706 (818) 665-6623

LocalSkateRats.com

Mac’s Fry House 10408 Fallen Leaf Dr • Woodway, TX 76712 (336) 577-5070

Facebook.com/Macs-FryHouse-104281935511765

Move Waco

437 Bellaire Dr. • Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 366-9795

MoveWaco.com

Orca Coast LLC 9900 China Spring Rd Ste 1306 Waco, TX 76708 (254) 633-1227 Orca-Coast.com

BOARD OF ADVISOR - BRONZE

Paycor 216 Sangiovese St • Leander, TX 78641 (214) 995-4377

Paycor.com

Pop’s Lemonade Company 3428 Franklin Ave • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 224-6393

Facebook.com/PopsLemonade

Prizm Entertainment/Lone Star Sound PO Box 918 • Valley Mills, TX 76689 (254) 447-9754 PrizmStaging.com

Quality Contractors LLC

8575 Gholson Rd • Waco, TX 76705 (254) 829-0001

QualityW.com

Reflections of Waco

3107 Harrison St • Waco, TX 76705 (254) 227-1065

Facebook.com/Profile. php?id=100082741253904

Rogue Capital

1129 Webster Ave • Waco, TX 76706 (503) 317-1674

RogueCapitalTX.com

Rogue Media Network

1129 Webster Ave • Waco, TX 76703 (254) 300-7982

RogueMediaNetwork.com

Royal Picnics Waco

3107 Harrison St • Waco, TX 76705 (254) 227-1065

Facebook.com/profile. php?id=100082741253904

Serve Waco, LLC

1200 Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 327-0134

ServeWaco.com

Stylecraft Builders

209 Clinite Grove Blvd • Temple, TX 76502 (410) 292-9492

Stylecraft.com

SweeTXpressions

713 Telluride Dr • Waco, TX 76712 (936) 520-4931

Facebook.com/SweeTXpressions

Tecovas

729 Washington Ave Ste 100 Waco, TX 76701 (254) 244-5911

Tecovas.com

Triliji Group

5401 Crosslake Pkwy Ste 100 Waco, TX 76712 (254) 757-0663 TrilijiGroup.com

Vitek’s BBQ

1600 Speight • Waco, TX 76706 (254) 752-7591 ViteksMarket.com

Waco Ale Company

806 Austin Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 400-1871 WacoAleCo.com

Waco Axe Company 1526 Washington Ave • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 300-6697 WacoAxe.com

Waco Escape Rooms

711 Washington Ave • Waco, TX 76702 (254) 294-7550

WacoEscapeRooms.com

Waco Pedal Tours

1526 Washington Ave • Waco, TX 76704 (254) 307-8489

WacoPedalTours.com