Greater Waco Business - 2025 Spring - The Lone Star Energy Issue
MATT MEADORS
President & CEO, Greater Waco Chamber
Energy powers more than our homes and businesses—it drives innovation, fuels economic growth and prosperity, and builds the foundation for a more sustainable and promising future. In Greater Waco, we are fortunate to be home to a robust and diverse energy industry ecosystem, supported by an equally strong and innovative manufacturing sector. This issue of Greater Waco Business explores the people, companies, and progress shaping our region’s energy landscape.
From traditional power generation and transmission to cutting-edge clean energy technologies, Greater Waco plays a vital role in meeting the state’s—and the nation’s—growing energy needs. The longstanding availability of an affordable and abundant supply of energy has been central to our nation’s ability to vigorously compete and lead in the global economy. But the future is energy thirsty. Our technology-driven economy of today and tomorrow demands an ever-increasing supply of energy, and policymakers must move quickly to align supply with anticipated demand. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce deeply understands this reality, as outlined in their article on page 14 of this magazine.
Additionally, this edition of Greater Waco Business features your Chamber’s 2024 Annual Report, offering insights into the significant impact your Chamber made on our community and economy last year. 2024 was another outstanding year as your Chamber, working with our vital strategic partners in economic development, helped facilitate over $1 billion in new investment. The results detailed in the report belong to you – our investors, volunteers, and partners. Our essential work of recruiting, retaining, and supporting businesses, and growing and diversifying our economy, would not be possible without your leadership.
2025 looks very promising. We’ve started the year off strong with the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB) expansion announcement. This important announcement further anchors CCSWB in our community and will allow the company to enhance its operations and better serve its customers. Importantly, we continue to enjoy very strong interest in our market and anticipate additional project announcements in the near future.
At the Chamber, we remain committed to supporting the continued growth and evolution of our community. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator, or entrepreneur, we hope this issue offers inspiration, insight, and opportunities to engage in Waco’s energy future.
Thank you for your continued support of your Chamber of Commerce.
With appreciation,
Matthew T. Meadors President & CEO
2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR
Carolyn Haferkamp
Central National Bank
CHAIR-ELECT
Todd Moore
Alliance Bank Central Texas
VICE CHAIR
Keith Helpert
K4 Construction
VICE CHAIR
Sam Brown
The First National Bank of Central Texas
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Kary Lalani
Lalani Lodging, Inc.
PRESIDENT & CEO
Matt Meadors
Greater Waco Chamber
Greater Waco Business is published and distributed to Chamber members and economic development prospects. Digital copies are available online at WacoChamber.com.
FSC-certified paper.
The energy industry has a significant but evolving impact on the Greater Waco area. While it's not as dominant as in other parts of Texas like Houston or Midland, it still plays a vital role in the local economy and infrastructure.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Employment: The industry supports jobs in utilities, engineering, construction, and equipment manufacturing. Companies like Oncor (electricity delivery) have a strong presence in the area.
Industrial Growth: Energy needs support sectors like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics, all of which are growing in Greater Waco.
Renewable Energy Projects: Central Texas has seen growth in solar and wind energy developments, providing new business opportunities and tax revenues for local communities.
INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
Energy Access & Reliability: The energy grid in Waco benefits from both traditional sources (natural gas, oil) and renewables, which helps support large employers like SpaceX (in McGregor), Amazon, and Wayne Sanderson Farms.
Industrial Parks: Energy availability is a key factor in attracting companies to local business parks such as Texas Central Park and the Waco Industrial Foundation’s properties.
RENEWABLE ENERGY INFLUENCE
Solar Growth: Waco is seeing a rise in commercial and residential solar installations due to falling costs and supportive state policies.
Education & Innovation: Local institutions like Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and Baylor University support energy-related training and R&D, especially around renewable technologies and sustainability.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Waco's central location in Texas puts it on a major energy corridor with easy access to pipelines, highways, and rail, making it a logistical hub for energyrelated transportation and supply chain operations.
Employment in the Energy Sector
The Utilities sector, which includes electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, employed approximately 1,000 individuals in the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as of May 2023. The average annual wage for these positions was around $66,699.
The Greater Waco area is home to a strong, innovative manufacturing sector that plays a key role in supporting the energy industry. Local companies produce a wide range of essential products and services—from custom utility components to transformer repairs—that keep traditional and renewable energy systems running efficiently.
Below are some notable companies in Greater Waco making a significant impact on the energy industry:
Diversified Product Development
Diversified Product Development (DPD) is a key player in the design and manufacture of high-performance products tailored for various sectors, including utilities and energy. Specializing in custom solutions, DPD manufactures utility equipment and material handling products including booms, lifting devices, and custom utility components, all essential for the construction, operation, and maintenance of energy infrastructure.
Emerald Transformer
Emerald Transformer offers specialized services in transformer repair and remanufacturing. By providing energy companies with an alternative to purchasing new equipment, Emerald Transformer helps extend the lifespan of vital infrastructure. Emerald Transformer’s offerings are designed to enhance the longevity and performance of transformers across various energy sectors and include transformer repair, oil processing, recycling, and field technical services.
UTEM and UTEC Companies
UTEM and UTEC Companies manufacture aerial devices & upfit work trucks with innovative custom solutions that address the evolving needs of their customers. By utilizing proven technologies, they ensure that their customers have access to efficient, safe, and durable utility trucks and aerials they can rely on in their daily operations.
VanTran Transformers
VanTran manufactures transformers, particularly designed for power distribution and electrical utilities. Their high-quality transformers are critical to power generation, renewable energy systems, and other energy-related sectors. VanTran’s range of products includes oil-filled transformers, substation transformers, and custom electrical components that are integral to energy distribution networks.
Versalift
Versalift produces a wide array of vehicle-mounted aerial lifts used by electric utilities, telecom providers, and renewable energy companies. This equipment is used for everything from maintaining power lines to servicing wind turbines. Key products include bucket trucks, telescopic lifts, and articulated aerial devices—all designed with the durability and safety features required for demanding energy infrastructure work.
Waco Boom
Waco Boom manufactures insulated fiberglass booms used in aerial lifts and other utility equipment. These booms are essential in the maintenance and operation of electrical infrastructure, especially in high-voltage environments. Waco Boom’s insulated booms are used in bucket trucks, digger derricks, and utility vehicles, helping ensure safety and efficiency for workers maintaining energy infrastructure.
These manufacturers contribute to the ongoing operations of energy infrastructure and help advance sustainability and innovation in the sector.
POWERING TEXAS:
How Oncor is
Expanding,
Innovating, and Strengthening the Grid to Meet the State’s Growing Energy Demands
1. Could you provide a brief overview of Oncor and its role in serving Texas residents and industry needs?
Oncor is a regulated electricity transmission and distribution company headquartered in Dallas, Texas that provides the essential service of delivering electricity safely, reliably, and economically. We operate the largest electric transmission and distribution system in Texas with more than 144,000 circuit miles of transmission and distribution lines. We deliver electricity to more than 4 million homes and businesses across a distribution service territory with an estimated population of approximately 13 million. We provide electric transmission and distribution services under regulations established by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT). We are not a seller of electricity, nor do we purchase electricity for resale. Oncor does more than simply keep the lights on – Oncor plans, builds, operates, and maintains a network with transmission and distribution assets in over 120 counties and more than 400 incorporated municipalities. The approximately 5,000 dedicated employees who make up Oncor are advocates for delivering electricity
safely, reliably, and economically. For more than 100 years, Oncor has built a reputation as a company that cares about communities, including being good stewards of the environment, promoting electric safety, and providing resilient and reliable electric service in a cost-effective manner.
2. What measures is Oncor taking to meet our State’s surge in demand due to powerintensive factors such as industrial reshoring, the data center boom, population growth and related?
A crucial component of Oncor’s commitment to delivering safe and reliable electric service to our customers is working with state partners to forecast growing demand and future energy needs, and ultimately help build the infrastructure to meet it. A dedicated group—including Oncor, ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), and state utilities—keep a pulse on our state's growing energy needs. It is a joint monitoring effort that constantly examines demand and supply, then follows a step-by-step expansion process that involves conducting engineering, routing and environmental
assessments, evaluating connection requirements, securing certifications, determining right-of-way, and working cooperatively with landowners.
As the largest transmission and distribution utility in Texas, Oncor has extensive experience with overseeing and completing major transmission projects with an emphasis on efficiency and cost effectiveness.
As Texas continues to experience unprecedented demand for new transmission and distribution capacity, Oncor remains focused on supporting the state’s energy needs through significant capital investments. Oncor recently announced a new five-year capital plan of approximately $36.1 billion for 2025 to 2029. This record investment further displays the significant growth across Texas and the Oncor service area. For reference, our five-year capital plan as announced in 2020 was $11.9 billion. Oncor has experienced this growth firsthand. In 2024, Oncor recorded solid growth in premises and the construction of new transmission and distribution lines, as well as the setting of new year-end company records for new and active transmission point-of-interconnection (“POI”) requests, all while remaining focused on a high-performing culture built on safety and reliability. The continued dynamic growth across Oncor’s service territory provides additional opportunities to deploy capital to grow the Oncor system.
3. How does Oncor work with generators of renewable energy, and what role do renewables play in our State’s grid stability and reliability?
Texas leads the nation in clean power (land-based wind, offshore wind, utility-scale solar, and battery storage technology) capacity, and in recent years, Texas has installed nearly twice as much renewable energy capacity as any other state. At Oncor, we have consistently invested in facilities that help bring these cleaner energy sources of generation to our customers. As of December 31, 2023 (2024 data in review), Oncor had interconnected 108 renewable generators to the ERCOT grid, representing over 22,500 MW of renewable generation capacity, about 14,000 MW of which (through 80 generators) had achieved commercial operation. The amount of renewable generation in commercial operation through Oncor interconnection represents approximately 24% of all ERCOT wind and solar generation in commercial operation as of December 31, 2023. At the end of 2023, Oncor also had agreements in place with numerous generators—
representing nearly 28,000 MW of renewable and/ or battery generation—that the company expects to connect to its facilities and achieve commercial operation over the next few years. Based on projects that are in the ERCOT interconnection queue for Oncor’s region, Oncor expects renewable and battery generation projects to continue to increase across its system.
4. How is Oncor using technology to modernize the grid, like smart grids and data analytics, to improve operations and customer service?
For the last several years, Oncor has prioritized the installation of automated devices that help make our system more intelligent, responsive and resilient. This “smart grid” technology is designed to allow individual devices to automatically sense local operating conditions to make adjustments for enhanced performance, including identifying faulted areas of the network and rerouting power to quickly
restore service, or to avoid outages entirely. These automated devices are placed strategically across our system and help to shorten the duration of power outages and lower the number of customers affected by these outages. Oncor’s automated devices are all connected by a robust communications network that uses cellular and radio technology, fiber-optic cable, satellite and microwave, which allows our operations centers to monitor these devices around the clock. Oncor has deployed automated devices across 70% of our distribution system with a plan to reach 90%.
5. How is Oncor strengthening the grid to both increase resiliency and to resist external threats?
In 2023, the Texas Legislature found the state had an interest in promoting the use of system resiliency measures to enable electric infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather conditions. HB 2555, which became law in June 2023, allows utilities like Oncor to file System Resiliency Plans (SRP). Oncor’s first
Oncor’s service territory also includes customers in more than 40% of all Texas legislative districts. Representatives with Oncor’s legislative affairs and regulatory teams regularly work collaboratively with Area Managers and state leaders to advocate on behalf of our customers and employees and in keeping with our commitment to building a safer, smarter, and more reliable electric grid.
7. What are the biggest hurdles Oncor faces in meeting Texas's evolving energy needs, and how is the company addressing them?
Ensuring Texans have safe, reliable energy when and where they need it takes collaboration and careful planning. Oncor works closely with the PUCT and ERCOT to determine needs and make sure our energy infrastructure keeps pace with capacity today and in the future. The ERCOT grid is currently experiencing rapid changes, including trends of notable growth in demand due in part to continued interest in connecting large loads to the system. Load growth for transmission-level customers, including large commercial and industrial (LC&I) customers, has especially continued to accelerate. Oncor’s LC&I interconnection queue, which is made up of customers seeking to connect to Oncor infrastructure at the transmission level, exceeded 137 gigawatts at year-end 2024 – the equivalent of enough electricity to power over 27 million residential homes. These LC&I customer requests reflect a strong and diverse pipeline of industrial and commercial expansions beyond traditional data centers.
Oncor works year-round to advance plans to build the infrastructure necessary to serve new and
existing customers. For transmission-level needs, this includes coordinating closely with various customers and partners to share crucial information for ERCOT’s Regional Transmission Plan (RTP). This plan produces a system-wide reliability and economic study of the transmission system over a six-year planning horizon. Results of this process include recommendations for upgrading and improving the existing system and proposals for new transmission projects. While it is expected to be a number of years before system upgrades identified by the annual RTP are completed, Oncor is committed to making every effort to incrementally deliver capacity to customers as quickly as possible.
8. Is Oncor in support of the proposed addition of 765 kilovolt lines to increase transmission capacity within the ERCOT grid this legislative session, and would this strategy involve replacing existing 345kv-lines or installing new infrastructure?
The proposed 765 kilovolt-line is a higher voltage transmission line that allows for much more power transfer over longer distances than 345kV and 138kV. Three double-circuit 345kV lines would be required to achieve the same transfer capacity as a single 765kV line. Under the proposed comprehensive 765kV plan, new 765kV infrastructure can serve as a backbone alongside the existing 345kV system to best realize long-term planning benefits. Oncor would be fully prepared with the people, plans and equipment ready to support either a 345kV or 765kV strategy. Oncor stands ready to implement either option based on the guidance of the PUCT. n
TO MEET SURGING ENERGY DEMAND, WE MUST PERMIT AMERICA TO BUILD
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF PERMITTING REFORM IN MEETING ELECTRICITY DEMAND GROWTH
by The
As demand for energy dramatically increases in Texas and around the world, we must focus on supplying reliable, affordable, and sustainable sources of all types of energy. From powering data centers and artificial intelligence to supporting the next generation of transportation and manufacturing, the need for robust and efficient energy generation and delivery infrastructure has never been more urgent. However, outdated permitting processes are creating significant roadblocks, delaying critical projects, and hindering our ability to meet this critical challenge.
The Growing Demand for Energy
The rapid deployment of new technologies, the reshoring of manufacturing, and the global energy transition are driving unprecedented increases in energy demand. For electricity, these demands are further amplified by the need to support renewable energy projects, expand transmission lines,
and modernize aging infrastructure. Yet, the current permitting system, plagued by inefficiencies and delays, is ill-equipped to handle the scale and speed of these requirements. In fact, the current system makes it too easy for opponents – of any type – to kill these critical projects in their tracks.
The Challenges of Our Broken Federal Permitting System
In the United States, it often takes longer to secure a permit for an energy project than it does to build it. Plans to address critical needs for transportation, energy, water, broadband, and other priorities find themselves mired in regulatory and legal delays caused by an antiquated permitting process, threatening our economy and diminishing our global competitiveness. Quite simply, Texas, and the rest of the country, is forced to compete on the world stage with one hand tied behind our back.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute
Get smart: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which governs the environmental review process, was signed into law on January 1, 1970, by President Nixon and has seen only minor updates since. A lot has changed in 55 years.
Unfortunately, since NEPA’s inception our federal permitting process has only gotten worse, adding complexity and bureaucratic red tape and empowering project opponents of all kinds to delay action through the courts. Even if the litigation of these projects is ultimately deemed without merit, the delay and cost of these legal proceedings can kill valuable and necessary infrastructure development.
Fill me in: According to government data, it now takes an average of 4.5 years for a project to obtain a federal permit. For roads and bridges, the story is even worse – those projects take an average of 7.4 years. Public transit projects take 5.3 years. Even projects to connect renewable energy to the grid by building electricity transmission infrastructure are subject to delays, with some projects taking a decade or more if they come to fruition at all.
The average federal permitting timelines don’t even reflect the additional time required to battle litigation, which creates additional uncertainty for developers and investors.
This inefficiency not only delays the deployment of critical infrastructure but also increases costs, stifles innovation, and undermines our ability to respond
to energy market demands – not to mention the realities of global competition in fast-moving sectors such as artificial intelligence.
For example, transmission lines, which are critical for delivering electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed, face some of the biggest hurdles for energy projects with delays spanning a decade or more for large, multi-state projects. Renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms, which are an essential contributor to our nation’s diverse set of electricity production resources, are similarly bogged down by regulatory hurdles.
We can and must conduct environmental reviews and provide meaningful community input, but it shouldn’t take longer to get a decision about a permit than it does to physically construct a project, and yet that is often the case across America today.
Without comprehensive permitting reform, these delays threaten to derail efforts to strengthen our energy security and secure the additional energy needed to support economic development and growth. Timely investments from the private sector, along with government policies that incentivize and facilitate those investments, can serve as force multipliers in meeting these challenges. All available tools and policy levers should be deployed to meet surging energy demand and to support our common goals of sustained economic growth and job creation.
The big picture: Permitting reform is essential to unlocking the full potential of America’s existing and future energy infrastructure. By streamlining the permitting process, we can accelerate the development of new energy projects, reduce costs, and ensure that the benefits of recent federal investments in supporting infrastructure and clean energy resources are fully realized.
What Congress Has Done & What Is Left to Do
The good news is there is bipartisan consensus in Congress that we must be able to build the infrastructure necessary to meet our energy, environmental, and economic goals. The new Congress is again expected to make permitting reform a priority, which would unlock investments in energy technology and infrastructure, mining for critical minerals, forestry projects, and critical transportation projects. Delays of four to ten years serve only to threaten the viability of the critical improvements needed now and into the future.
While there are differing perspectives on how Congress should address the permitting challenge, and on what “permitting reform” looks like in the end, we believe there is broad consensus that modernization of our outdated and cumbersome permitting process should reflect the following principles:
1. Predictability: It is crucial for project developers and financers to have a clear understanding of the scope and timeline for project reviews, including any related judicial reviews. This ensures they can plan and execute projects with confidence.
2. Efficiency: Improving coordination among various government agencies is essential to make the best use of public and private resources. This not only speeds up the process but also leads to better environmental and community outcomes.
3. Transparency: Both project sponsors and the public need easy access to information about project permitting milestones and schedules. This can be
achieved through a publicly accessible platform, ensuring everyone is informed and up-to-date.
4. Stakeholder Input: It is important that all relevant stakeholders are kept informed and given the opportunity to provide input within a reasonable and consistent timeframe. This ensures that their voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
The bottom line: Codifying these principles into law would not only expedite the approval and construction of new projects but would also support necessary upgrades to existing facilities, ensuring that our critical energy infrastructure remains reliable, resilient, and adaptable to future needs.
What We’re Doing
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and our Global Energy Institute is committed to advocating for permitting reform with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and working with the Trump Administration to ensure these priorities are front and center. At the same time, we are working with our state partners to highlight state-based solutions that policymakers in Washington, DC, could replicate.
State Action on Permitting Reform
In today's rapidly evolving economic landscape, states face intense competition in attracting business and stimulating growth—components that require
infrastructure to meet the needs of a modern society. However, one of the biggest obstacles impeding infrastructure development is our broken permitting system.
States also need to up their game and should adopt permitting policies that promote more certainty and efficiency.
Zoom in: A few good examples include South Carolina's LocateSC.com and Palmetto Sites program that streamline location and expansion processes to provide businesses with comprehensive information and ensure sites are ready for development. Similarly, Georgia's GRAD program, Tennessee's Certified Sites program, and Ohio's investment in shovel-ready sites facilitate business growth by expediting site preparation with vetted locations conducive to investment.
In Pennsylvania, as well, improving the permitting, licensing, and certification process is a top priority—with Gov. Shapiro even offering an online money-back guarantee system if agencies don’t meet a required approval deadline. And Texas recently approved legislation that allows businesses to seek permitting approvals from qualified thirdparty reviewers if local authorities fail to respond to permit applications within 15 days of the deadline.
Such actions are yielding results. Texas was named Business Facilities’ 2023 State of the Year, recognizing its robust business-friendly environment while Georgia broke economic development records for the third year in a row. Tennessee, too, set a new record for business formation in 2023 while electric vehicle manufacturer Columbia Vehicle Group recently announced it selected South Carolina for new
manufacturing operations.
Furthermore, the Minnesota Chamber has underscored that addressing the state’s lengthy permitting process is one solution to help reverse the trend of Minnesota-based companies expanding in other states at a higher rate than within its borders.
The bottom line: While no one state has the perfect formula, it’s clear that advancing infrastructure and attracting businesses go hand in hand.
The Path Forward
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s "Permit America to Build" campaign is leading the charge for meaningful, durable permitting reform. This initiative has united nearly 350 organizations from across the economy, reflecting widespread agreement on the need for change. By working together, Congress, businesses, and communities can modernize the permitting process and position the United States as a global leader in energy innovation and infrastructure development.
Permitting reform is not just about cutting red tape; it’s about enabling progress. It’s about ensuring that we can meet the growing demand for energy while advancing our economic, environmental, and national security goals.
The time to act is now. By reforming our permitting system, we can build the energy infrastructure of the future and power a stronger, more sustainable America. n
About the Chamber’s Global Energy Institute
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Energy Institute is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common-sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful energy action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
ERCOT:
MAINTAINING GRID RELIABILITY AND RESILIENCY TO MEET THE ELECTRIC NEEDS OF TEXAS
Each morning as the sun rises over the Lone Star State, Texans go to work, our businesses open their doors, students go to school, and electric load increases – everyone associated with the Texas grid works together seamlessly to deliver the most reliable and affordable electricity to more than 27 million hardworking Texas families and businesses. With Texas forecasted to experience tremendous economic and population growth in the next five to seven years, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is adopting a new era of planning to focus on ensuring all areas of system planning – from generation and load interconnections to transmission development – better serve the demands of the rapidly growing Texas economy.
ERCOT expects that demand for power will continue to increase in future years due to population growth, an increase of large loads (cryptomining and data centers), and electrifying oil and gas operations. As the grid operator for about 90% of Texas’ electric load, ERCOT understands the incredible responsibility it carries to manage a reliable, resilient electric grid for all Texans, now and in the future.
“As a result of Texas’ continued strong economic growth, new load is being added to the ERCOT system faster and in greater amounts than ever before,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “ERCOT is working with the Texas Legislature, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Market Participants, and other key stakeholders who are aligned in supporting this economy-driven growth while simultaneously bolstering the grid’s reliability and resiliency.”
Who is ERCOT?
90% of Texas Load
More than 27 million customers in the ERCOT region 75% of load is competitive-choice customers — nearly 8 million electric-service IDs (premises)
1 MW of electricity is enough to serve about 250 residential customers during ERCOT peak hours.
85,508 MW
Record peak demand (August 10, 2023)
2025 Generating Capacity
Founded in 1970, ERCOT is the independent system operator (ISO) that manages the flow of electric power to more than 27 million Texas customers. The grid has over 85,000 megawatts of available generation capacity. ERCOT does not own transmission poles or wires and does not have direct control over which energy sources are used or prioritized in the grid.
Reflects operational installed capacity for Summer 2025 based on December 2024 CDR report
85,116 MW
Weekend peak demand record (August 20, 2023)
The sum of the percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding. *Other includes biomass and DC Tie capacity.
ERCOT’s mission is to serve the public by ensuring a reliable grid, efficient electricity markets, open access, and retail choice. Governed by a 12-member Board of Directors, led by Chair Bill Flores and Vice Chair Peggy Heeg, ERCOT is subject to oversight by the PUCT and the Texas Legislature. All ERCOT Board members are Texas residents.
ERCOT operates much like a symphony conductor—it doesn’t own the instruments or the concert hall, but it coordinates all the moving parts to ensure everything plays in harmony and on time.
2024 Energy Use
As the energy industry faces dynamic change, ERCOT is continuously evolving and making necessary improvements to the grid to support the needs of a growing population and robust economy. The generation mix that powers the grid has changed, and how ERCOT operates the grid has evolved with it.
Generation powering the grid
90% of Texas Load
More than 27 million customers in the ERCOT region 75% of load is competitive-choice customers — nearly 8 million electric-service IDs (premises)
1 MW of electricity is enough to serve about 250 residential customers during ERCOT peak hours.
85,508 MW
Record peak demand (August 10, 2023)
85,116 MW
Weekend peak demand record (August 20, 2023)
Weatherization inspections of Market Participant generation and transmission facilities
2025 Generating Capacity
Reflects operational installed capacity for Summer 2025 based on December 2024 CDR report
2024 Energy Use
*Other includes solar, hydro, petroleum coke (pet coke), biomass, landfill gas, distillate fuel oil, net DC-tie and Block Load Transfer imports/exports and an adjustment for wholesale storage load.
As demand for power in Texas continues to grow, ERCOT remains technology-neutral in the resources that generate electricity that serve the demand but does prioritize dispatchable generation (e.g., natural gas) in the interconnection queue to ensure it reaches commercial operations as quickly as possible. Texas’ energy fuel mix is diverse and includes nuclear, coal, gas, solar and wind, and battery storage.
ERCOT’s generation interconnection queue (as of March 31, 2025) shows 2,018 active requests awaiting connection to the grid made up of gas, solar, wind, and battery storage, and totaling 405 gigawatts. Solar (157 GW) and battery energy storage (172 GW) represent the majority of the current gigawatts within
The sum of the percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding. *Other includes biomass and DC Tie capacity.
the interconnection queue. Wind generation represents 40 GW. There is a growing need for more dispatchable thermal resources to balance out the intermittent nature of solar and wind.
Reliability and resiliency improvements
Following Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the Texas Legislature and the PUCT directed ERCOT to improve electric reliability and resiliency for Texans. Since 2021, ERCOT has implemented grid reliability and communications tools, including the ERCOT Contingency Reserve Service (ECRS), weatherization and inspections, and the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS).
As part of these reliability efforts, in August 2024, the PUCT issued an order adopting a new rule to establish a Reliability Standard in the ERCOT region and a process for the regular assessment of whether the system is meeting that standard. The Reliability Standard serves as a performance benchmark for the region’s ability to meet consumer demand now and three years in the future. For the first time, customers in the ERCOT region
have a framework to measure the current and projected reliability of the grid. The Reliability Standard will allow policy makers to regularly evaluate the system and make informed decisions regarding costs and benefits of any improvements necessary to meet Texas’ growing demand for power. The work to determine the first Reliability Standard will begin in 2026 over a multi-year process.
Weatherization
In February 2021, during Winter Storm Uri, Texas was subject to freezing temperatures for more than 100 consecutive hours. Some power plants and natural gas infrastructure experienced availability problems and were not able to provide energy or gas due to the extreme cold temperatures and freezing precipitation, resulting in a prolonged period of customer outages. Following the storm, the Texas Legislature mandated that the PUCT require the weatherization of power facilities (generation and transmission) and that the Railroad Commission of Texas require the weatherization of natural gas infrastructure in the ERCOT region.
1,873+
active market participants that generate, move, buy, sell or use wholesale electricity
1,250+ generating units, including PUNs
54,100+ miles of high-voltage transmission
103,105+ MW
39,781 MW
expected capacity for Summer 2025 peak demand (December 2024 CDR) of installed wind capacity as of March 2025, the most of any state in the nation
30,586 MW of utility-scale installed solar capacity as of March 2025
11,196 MW of installed energy storage as of March 2025
28,550 MW wind generation record (March 3, 2025)
69.15% wind penetration record (April 10, 2022)
26,332 MW solar generation record (March 20, 2025)
56.60% solar penetration record (March 20, 2025)
$3.8 billion transmission projects endorsed in 2024 April 2025
ERCOT visiting Market Participant transmission and generation facilities
ERCOT oversees Texas' isolated power grid, which is separate from the two main interconnected grids that serve the rest of the continental U.S.
Since its inception in December 2021, the Weatherization Inspection Program successfully met the PUCT requirement to conduct 1,800 inspections over a threeyear period. As of the end of March 2025, ERCOT has completed 3,362 weatherization inspections, including 2,222 inspections of generation facilities and 1,440 inspections of transmission facilities. Weatherization inspections have had a positive impact on ensuring facilities operate reliably during extreme weather conditions; this work is vital to strengthening the ERCOT grid.
Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS)
In May 2023, ERCOT launched the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), a communications tool to keep Texans updated on grid conditions ahead of significant weather conditions where high demand on the grid is possible and to inform Texans of any action needed. TXANS communications are also available in Spanish, adding an additional level of transparency and awareness.
“ERCOT is passionate about our mission to serve the public,” said Bill Flores, ERCOT Board of Directors Chair. “As we continue to navigate the challenges facing the energy industry and the need to continuously evolve and make the necessary improvements to the grid to meet the demands of Texas’ growing economy and population, we remain dedicated and committed to our overall responsibility: delivering reliable and affordable electricity for hardworking Texas families and businesses.”
As the grid transforms, ERCOT continues to work on new, innovative ideas to meet the continued load growth, changes to the generation mix on the grid, digitization, and weather events. ERCOT will be increasing its efforts to better utilize innovation, transformation, and collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities facing future grid operations so that ERCOT can be positioned to meet the needs of this incredibly fast-growing state. n
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is a nonprofit organization that ensures reliable electric service for 90% of the state of Texas. The grid operator is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature.
Inaugural ERCOT Innovation Summit, 2024
VISTRA’S ENERGY STRATEGY:
— DRIVING GROWTH AND ENSURING RELIABILITY IN TEXAS —
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or only a few months, it's clear that Texas is like no other place on earth. Known for its business-friendly environment and strong commitment to free enterprise, the state attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world. Everything that encompasses Texas’ booming economy – from oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing to universities, hospitals and grocery stores is all made possible by reliable power generation.
For over 140 years, Vistra and its predecessor companies have been at the forefront of powering Texas. The company has established itself as the state’s leading retail electricity and power generation company.
In recent years, Vistra has expanded and now provides essential resources to customers and communities from California to Maine, but Texas remains its home and the heart of its operations. The company is the state’s largest producer of electricity, with a diverse fleet of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage. Each of these fuel sources has unique attributes and will be essential as our state moves through the energy expansion that’s now taking place.
Meeting Growing Demand
Vistra’s natural gas-fueled plants are the backbone of its Texas fleet. With more than 11,000 megawatts of these gas-fueled power plants online across the state, these facilities play a pivotal role in meeting Texas’ growing energy demands. Because natural gas plants are dispatchable, or readily able to turn on and off, they are key to helping the state’s grid operator, ERCOT, meet the instantaneous demand for electricity from people all over the state.
more nuclear plants—two in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania—boosting Vistra’s capacity by an additional 4,000 MW. Nuclear plants are designed to operate 24/7 and only need to refuel about every 18-24 months. They are an excellent source of baseload power – meaning they're designed to produce a steady amount of power at all times rather than ramping their output up and down.
Solar and Storage Solutions
Vistra is taking significant steps toward growing and diversifying its energy portfolio by increasing its nuclear capacity and investing in solar and cutting-edge battery energy storage solutions. Vistra has two battery energy storage facilities in Texas, Upton 2 and DeCordova, which are designed to store excess energy generated during lower-demand periods and then release it during times of higher demand. This technology enhances grid stability and makes better use of renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, which would otherwise go to waste.
The DeCordova Energy Storage Facility, which is Vistra’s largest in Texas, came online in 2022 and provides 260 MW of dispatchable, instant-start, emission-free power.
DeCordova offers a unique value
proposition – not only can this battery system provide instantaneous full power to the grid with the flip of a switch, but it is also colocated on the same site as Vistra’s quick-start DeCordova natural gas-fueled power plant. This pairing brings together a large, one-hour battery system with dispatchable, reliable generation, leading to continuity of operation and resiliency of the grid.
Vistra is also expanding its solar energy capacity in Texas with projects like Oak Hill Solar Facility, under construction in Rusk County. This facility is already contracted to produce 200 MW of power for Amazon, –bolstering the state’s growing tech economy.
When Oak Hill is operational, it will join Vistra’s other Texas solar facilities: Emerald Grove, Upton 2, and Brightside Solar Facility. Brightside, which came online in 2022, is currently the only site in Vistra’s fleet to use sheep for vegetation management. A local rancher with a flock of 360 sheep keeps the grass short between the solar panels at the 430-acre solar facility, which generates enough clean energy to power about 25,000 homes.
A Diverse and Reliable Fleet
As Texas navigates rapid population growth and increased electricity demand,
Brightside Solar Facility is currently the only site in Vistra’s fleet to use a flock of 360 sheep for vegetation management.
Vistra remains steadfast in its commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. The company is building on a 140-year legacy, strategically investing in both renewable and traditional energy sources as it brings new projects online and makes upgrades to existing plants. Each fuel source in Vistra’s diverse fleet serves a unique and essential purpose – ensuring reliability is always priority one as the company supports the industries driving Texas’ economic growth and its evolving energy needs. n
AMERICA’S LEADING INTEGRATED POWER PROVIDER
Integrated Fortune 500 retail electricity and power generation company based in Irving, Texas
Largest competitive power generator in the U.S.
Approx. 41,000 MW of generation powered by a diverse portfolio of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage
Owns and operates the second-largest competitive nuclear power fleet in the U.S.
DeCordova Energy Storage Facility
The three most common electric transmission and delivery service providers are cooperatives, municipal utilities and investor-owned utilities (IOUs). Municipal utilities generally operate as part of the local government and provide services such as electricity or water. IOUs are private entities serving as public utilities.
Electric co-ops are not-for-profit businesses which are founded and democratically governed by the members they serve. Brazos Electric serves 16 distribution electric cooperatives throughout Texas. Each of those 16 member-owners selects one person to represent them on the Brazos Electric Board of Directors.
The blueprint for electric co-ops was codified as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal in the 1930s. Because IOUs generally did not build the infrastructure to bring electricity to rural parts of the country, FDR empowered citizens in rural America to create, build and manage their own locally operated power providers.
Today, there are more than 900 electric cooperatives in 47 states.
The Future of Brazos Electric
Brazos Electric is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transmission and
distribution service to its member-owners and customers and to support the bulk power system. Brazos Electric owns, operates, and maintains more than 2,700 miles of high-voltage transmission line (stretching across 63 Texas counties) and more than 500 substation facilities.
Working in the electricity industry comes with obvious hazards, so the most important core value at Brazos Electric is safety. Brazos Electric takes a proactive approach to put safety first on behalf of its workforce, member-owners, and the general public.
To pursue the core values of safe, reliable and cost-effective transmission and distribution service, Brazos Electric engages with its member-owner co-ops to gain an accurate perspective on how the goals and needs of each cooperative are changing. Those changes are often spurred by population growth and economic development, both of which may result in an increase in demand for electricity and need for additional infrastructure.
Brazos Electric closely monitors those increases in demand each year and tailors options to accommodate the needs of each memberowner co-op. Those options may include enhancing existing infrastructure or the construction of new infrastructure, such as transmission lines or substations.
Because Brazos Electric is a not-forprofit organization, it can invest its resources back into its facilities to build new transmission capacity to keep pace with growing demand and ensure each member-owner is getting reliable transmission and distribution services.
• Founded in 1941
• 280 employees
• 2,700 miles of transmission line spanning 63 counties
• 500 substation facilities
• Owned by 16 Texas electric distribution cooperatives
• 1.8 million Texans served by those 16 member-owner co-ops
• Interconnected with 8 city utilities
• Interconnected with 21 power generator sites
• $6.6 million in property taxes paid in 2024
How fast is that demand growing? From 2020 to 2030, the Texas State Demographer projects the population of all Brazos Electric member counties is expected to increase to 12.16 million people, a surge of nearly 16% over that 10-year span.
All this growth translates to a need for Brazos Electric to grow as well, and it is hiring to fill a wide range of jobs, including engineers, lineworkers, accountants and more.
“One of Brazos Electric’s strategic imperatives is to create an engaged workforce,” said Fagan. “We define engaged employees as those who are committed, enthusiastic, and motivated to go above and beyond their job description in service to our member-owners.”
People looking for a rewarding and challenging career are encouraged to visit the website at www. brazoselectric.com for additional employment information. n
ARCA CONTINENTAL COCA-COLA SOUTHWEST BEVERAGES OPENS NEW 120,000 SQUARE-FOOT DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN WACO
Arca Continental CocaCola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB), the local CocaCola bottler for Texas and parts of Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas, opened its new distribution center at 2600 Texas Central Parkway in Waco, Texas in February and celebrated with a ribboncutting ceremony. The 120,000-square-foot facility is designed to enhance CCSWB’s day-to-day operations and services.
“CCSWB’s decision to expand in Waco reflects our community’s commitment to a business-friendly environment and economic collaboration,” said Kris Collins, executive vice president of the Greater Waco Chamber. “They’ve built a culture of excellence that values employees, the community, and business operations, and we’re proud to have them as corporate citizens.”
The distribution facility holds 10 docks for loading, shipping and receiving products, a secure parking area for staff and has enough warehouse space to house 10 days’ worth of products. CCSWB associates will also enjoy a new 9,000 square-foot office space and a new amenity area for fleet mechanics and cooler services teams.
The facility represents a multi-million-dollar investment to support growth. In addition, the CCSWB will retain a workforce of more than 150 associates with the opportunity for future expansion of the building and its workforce.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a new era for the CCSWB Waco team as the local Coca-Cola bottler celebrates 120 years of service in the Waco community. n
YOUR CHAMBER JOINS TEAM TEXAS VISIT TO SELECTUSA IN MEXICO
Seth Morris, Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Waco Chamber, attended SelectUSA’s Mexico Conference with Team Texas. The conference brings together over 35 U.S. economic development organizations, key players from various sectors, including company decision-makers, multipliers, chambers, organizations, governments, and tech startups, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and growth.
“This was a great opportunity to build relationships with businesses that want to grow
YOUR CHAMBER SHOWCASES TEXAS IN INDIANA & OHIO
Lexy Reil, Director of Economic Development, represented Greater Waco on Team Texas’ trip to Indiana and Ohio. During the visit, Reil and the delegation visited with prospective companies that are interested in doing business in Texas and highlighted Texas' probusiness climate, world-class infrastructure, and unmatched workforce.
“We had a productive week meeting with companies across the Midwest, highlighting the many advantages of expanding operations into the Lone Star State,” said Reil. “Special thanks to Team Texas for coordinating this opportunity!” n
in Texas,” said Morris. “As part of our expanded economic development work, it’s important that we continue to foster new relationships.” n
GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS MIDTEX FARM & RANCH SHOW
For more than 60 years, the Greater Waco Chamber has hosted the MidTex Farm & Ranch Show. This year, with presenting sponsor, United Ag & Turf, we welcomed hundreds of farmers, ranchers, and their families to the Extraco Events Center’s BASE Facility to see the latest in farming and agriculture technology.
During MidTex, the Greater Waco Chamber partnered with PR Equipment to offer Brews & Bites. Attendees joined exhibitors for complimentary beer, wine and light hors d’oeuvres during this unique opportunity to connect with the experts. We also partnered with the BIG Conference to offer classes about beef, cotton, rural land management, grain, and more, with CEUs available for certain courses. n
WACO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP
Waco Young Professionals (Waco YP) is a diverse group of young adults aged 21 to 40 in the Greater Waco area, dedicated to networking, professional development, and community engagement. They host over 30 events annually, including monthly luncheons, industry tours, social networking opportunities, and service events. Their vision is to facilitate the development and advancement of young professionals to succeed the generation that has fervently served the community. We’re delighted to introduce their dynamic leadership team! n
James Sherman Higginbotham Insurance Waco YP Membership Team
Sharon Song VanTran Transformers Waco YP Membership Team
Sam Chapman TFNB Your Bank for Life Waco YP Engagement Team
GREATER WACO CHAMBER NAMES 2024 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Haley O’Connell United Way of WacoMcLennan County Waco YP Co-Chair
Griffin Peevey Reid Peevey Waco YP Co-Chair
Sarah McDonald
Texas State Technical College Foundation Waco YP Membership Team
The Greater Waco Chamber is pleased to recognize Kari McHam, Axiom Advertising, as the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year for 2024. Kari’s dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the program and the mission of the Greater Waco Chamber set her apart as a true leader and advocate within our community. Her efforts in promoting the Chamber’s initiatives and supporting fellow members have been instrumental in driving the success of the Greater Waco Chamber. Congratulations to Kari McHam! We look forward to her continued involvement in the years to come. n
John Gorrell Extraco Banks Waco YP Engagement Team
Lexy Reil Greater Waco Chamber Waco YP Liaison
GREATER WACO CHAMBER RECOGNIZES LEADERS DURING
MEMBER CELEBRATION
During your Chamber’s annual Member Celebration, we had the honor of recognizing the 2025 Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award recipients: William A. Nesbitt, and posthumously, John F. Sheehy, Jr., J. Robert "Bob" Sheehy, Sr., and Hal M. Whitaker. Since 2018, the Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award has recognized more than a dozen individuals for their leadership, impact, sustained investment of time and talent, innovative thinking, and collaborative approaches to addressing community needs and opportunities.
During the event, we also took a moment to honor Kary Lalani for his outstanding leadership as the 2024 Board Chair, and we were proud to welcome and celebrate Carolyn Haferkamp as our incoming 2025 Board Chair. n
GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS 2025 FREEDOM BALL
The Greater Waco Chamber and the Greater Waco Aerospace Alliance hosted the 2025 Freedom Ball, with presenting sponsors, Keith Ace Hardware and University Kia, at the Extraco Events Center’s BASE Facility.
Freedom Ball was established more than 15 years ago and is a patriotic celebration honoring active-duty service men and women and veterans, with a focus on saluting those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
This year, we welcomed honorary chairs, Elisa and James Rainey, who avidly support the military. The event featured live music, dinner, drinks, dancing and more.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Greater Waco Aerospace Alliance Scholarship Fund, providing scholarships to McLennan County high school and college students pursuing aviation, aerospace and engineering careers and supports target industry marketing of Greater Waco’s aerospace industry. To date, the Alliance has distributed nearly $230,000 in scholarships to more than 100 Central Texas high school and college students. n
GREATER WACO CHAMBER VISITS AUSTIN
In March, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its biennial Waco Day in Austin, bringing together local leaders and community members to engage with state legislators and officials at the Texas Capitol. The day's agenda included formal recognition of the Waco delegation in the state chambers. Attendees then participated in a luncheon at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel Ballroom, featuring discussions with area representatives and
guest speakers. The event provided a platform to advocate for policies beneficial to Greater Waco's businesses and community, aligning with the Chamber's 89th Legislative Session Priorities. Waco Day in Austin exemplifies the Chamber's commitment to fostering relationships with state leaders and advancing the interests of the Greater Waco area. Presenting sponsor for Waco Day in Austin was Texas State Technical College. n
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN MARCH
In March, your Chamber visited Pioneer Steel & Pipe for Business After Hours. During the event, we had the opportunity to present Pioneer with a plaque commemorating 25 years of Chamber membership. Guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks from George’s and had the opportunity to win door prizes. n
The Waco Chamber Communit y Development Foundation is commit te d to recruiting, retaining, and strengthening the talent pipeline across the education and work force systems to meet Greater Waco’s work force needs now and into the future by creating opportunities for regional collaboration, aligning targeted skills with training of ferings and developing programs to connec t business to education .
JACOB HOGAN SELECTED FOR U.S. CHAMBER FOUNDATION EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that Jacob Hogan, Vice President of Public Policy & Chamber Foundation of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in the 11th cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 350 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives. n
JACOB HOGAN
TSTC, CITY OF WACO AND MCLENNAN COUNTY LEADERS FORMALLY OPEN THE WORKSITE
Leaders from Texas State Technical College, the City of Waco and McLennan County formally opened The WorkSITE (Skills, Innovation, Training and Education), a collaborative workforce training facility in February.
The $17 million building is in the heart of Texas Central Park, home to Waco's highest concentration of industrial businesses and workers.
“We are so fortunate in McLennan County and Central Texas to have some of the best workforce training opportunities anywhere in the country,” said McLennan County Judge Scott Felton.
The building’s purpose is to increase access to customized training and build a skilled workforce in the county. The project employed 30 local subcontractors, with about 80 TSTC alumni having roles in constructing the building.
“The WorkSITE embodies the power of partnership,” said Beth Wooten, provost of TSTC’s Waco campus. “This incubator for innovation will not only transform individual
DUSTIN COUFAL NAMED PRESIDENT & CEO OF EXTRACO EVENTS CENTER
Dustin Coufal was recently named the new president and CEO of Extraco Events Center.
Coufal previously served as general manager, overseeing day-to-day operations and involving himself in youth programs, fair preparation and community outreach. Coufal said agriculture has shaped his life's ambition since he won a HOT Rodeo calf scramble.
He grew up in Troy and graduated from Texas A&M University. Leadership roles along the way include serving on the board of the Texas Association of Fairs & Events, as assistant open cattle show superintendent at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and as arena
lives, but also shape the economic future of our city and county.”
Waco Mayor Jim Holmes said he is proud of the diversity of businesses in Waco. He said the challenge is ensuring that new and existing companies have an available workforce that is trained.
Mike Reeser, TSTC’s chancellor and CEO, said the college offers programs that meet the needs of the state, from advanced manufacturing to transportation. He said TSTC provides 30% of all building construction graduates in the state, along with 85% of all electrical lineworkers in the state. n
director at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, according to a HOT Fair press release on the hire.
"Dustin is no stranger to how a successful program should run,” said McLennan County Judge, Scott Felton.
“He is respected by leaders in the Fair and Exposition Industry as well as more than 500 volunteers and our highly skilled workforce.
The HOT Fair & Rodeo has adopted the philosophy of ‘Raise the Standard,’ and I have a tremendous amount of confidence that Dustin can take that charge to the next level." n
PARKS FAMILY DENTISTRY
Parks Family Dentistry delivers patient-centered dental care with a focus on preserving natural beauty and function. Led by Dr. Jane Parks, a Texas A&M Health Science Center graduate, the practice offers conservative, comprehensive treatments for all ages. Dr. Parks emphasizes prevention and proactive care in a welcoming, modern environment.
Jane Lee Parks, DDS
7201 New Sanger Ave, Waco, TX 76712 (254) 307-8022 ParksDentistryWaco.com
ANYTIME FITNESS WACO
Anytime Fitness Waco provides a clean, fully-equipped facility for members to pursue their fitness goals confidently. Offering personal training, group classes, private showers, and a supportive atmosphere, the gym emphasizes instruction and accessibility. With an emphasis on community and results, the team is committed to creating a motivating environment for all.
Owned by Waco native Terri Blake, Timeless Beauty of Waco offers personalized aesthetics in a charming, relaxing setting. Services include facials, brow and lash treatments, chemical peels, and more, tailored for both men and women. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, the boutique blends modern techniques with timeless values.
The Zoe Apartments blends modern living with upscale amenities in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a resort-style pool, fitness center, EV charging, pickleball court, and a dog park. Designed for convenience and luxury, the complex offers a refined lifestyle in a prime location close to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
MM Concrete Construction serves Central Texas with expert concrete solutions for both residential and commercial needs. Specialties include foundations, sidewalks, paving, tilt wall, and more. Known for precision, quality, and reliability, the team partners with contractors and developers to bring innovation and strength to every project.
Christi Mooney & Butch Matl, Presidents 9532 E US Hwy 84, Gatesville, TX 76528 (254) 223-1559
LUCA’S PIZZERIA
Luca’s Pizzeria brings handcrafted flavor and family spirit to Bellmead. Owned by Jessie and Tania Sotomayor, the menu features house-made sauces, creative pizzas like Philly Cheesesteak, and catering options. Named by their son, Luca, the pizzeria blends tradition and innovation in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that reflects their love for food and community.
Cherry Johnson Siegmund James, PLLC is a regional law firm offering tailored legal solutions in business, IP, and complex litigation. Founded by accomplished litigators, the firm brings industry insight and strategic thinking to every case. Their mission: protect clients' interests with creative, forward-thinking advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
Founding Partners: Craig Cherry, Ryan Johnson, Mark Siegmund, Scott James 7901 Fish Pond Rd, Ste 200, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 732-2242 CJSJLaw.com
Pecan Creek Realty is a locally owned brokerage offering personalized service in buying, selling, and investing in real estate across Central Texas. Founded by Kaitlyn Cates, the firm brings more than 75 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of the local market, ensuring every client receives knowledgeable, professional, and results-driven support.
Kaitlyn Cates, Owner 100 Santa Fe Dr Ste 2, Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 321-3689 PecanCreekRealty.com
PECAN CREEK REALTY
CHERRY JOHNSON SIEGMUND JAMES, PLLC
CONSULTING REFINED
Consulting Refined helps small businesses grow through expert coaching and marketing services. Led by Crystal Radke, the company offers branding, website design, social media management, and mindset coaching. With a tailored, results-driven approach, Consulting Refined equips entrepreneurs with tools to stand out and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.
Crystal Radke, Owner
1838 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 366-6298
Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (EOAC) is a nonprofit committed to empowering communities through education and support services. Programs include Head Start, energy assistance, and weatherization services tailored to local needs. With a legacy rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, EOAC continues its mission to break the cycle of poverty through long-term, community-driven solutions.
James Jesse, Executive Director
1800 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 753-0331
EOACWaco.org
Guardian Payment Services supports businesses with reliable credit card processing and point-of-sale solutions. With a team of 14 professionals, they serve hundreds of local businesses and offer systems like Clover, SkyTab, and QuickBooks. Guardian prioritizes service and efficiency to create seamless, secure transactions that enhance business operations.
VALOR PREPARATORY ACADEMY GUARDIAN PAYMENT SERVICES
Valor Preparatory Academy is a Christ-centered, classical, university-model school that partners with families to provide academic excellence rooted in biblical values. With an emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and character development, Valor prepares students to impact culture and live purposefully with wisdom, courage, and faith.
Wes Kanawyer, Head of School 4600 Sanger Ave, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 235-0575
