This issue of Greater Waco Business explores one of the most transformative topics shaping our world today — artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the business community.
Earlier this year, your Chamber hosted a special addition to our State Of Series — the State of Artificial Intelligence. The luncheon brought together leading voices at the intersection of technology, policy, and education to examine how AI is reshaping the way we live and work.
Dave Copps, CEO and Co-Founder of Worlds, shared an optimistic perspective: AI won’t replace the workforce—it will amplify human potential, helping people work smarter, faster and safer. Texas Senator Tan Parker (TX-12) discussed the importance of responsible and ethical AI policy, and how the Texas Legislature is approaching governance to balance innovation with public trust. The program concluded with a thoughtful discussion moderated by Dr. Robert J. Marks II, Distinguished Professor at Baylor University, who also contributed an insightful article for this issue (see page 8).
Inside, you’ll find additional articles exploring AI’s impact on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and workforce development—each offering a glimpse into how this powerful technology is already taking shape across Central Texas.
A key tenent of your Chamber's Build Greater Waco economic development strategic plan is to remain focused on the future—anticipating trends, preparing our workforce, and creating the conditions for innovation to thrive. Together, we’re ensuring that Waco isn’t just adapting to change, but helping define what’s next.
As always, 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
Dr. Jackson Griggs
Waco Family Medicine
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Kary Lalani
Lalani Lodging, Inc.
PRESIDENT & CEO
Matt Meadors
Greater Waco Chamber
CHAMBER STAFF
Kacie Birkes
Director Signature Events
Kris Collins
Executive Vice President
Gabriella Colurciello Director Marketing & Communications
Nancy Gupton Director Resource Development
Jacob Hogan Vice President Public Policy & Chamber Foundation
Keith Kusler Art Director
Andrea Lail Director Workforce & Talent
Tori Lentz Coordinator Economic Development
Rachel Ligon Director Leadership Development
Rachel Martinez Senior Director Workforce & Talent
Matt Meadors President/CEO
Molly Merritt Vice President Business Development
Seth Morris Vice President Economic Development
Jason Powers Senior Vice President Finance & Operations
Lexy Reil Director Economic Development
Gil Salinas
Research & Project Manager Economic Development
Rebecca Sheehy Manager Signature Events
Lupe Teichelman Manager Resource Development
Emily Vieregg
Coordinator Resource Development
Michelle Williams Director Finance & Operations
Autumn Young Manager Marketing & Communications
BUILD GREATER WACO AREAS OF STRATEGIC FOCUS:
• Economic Development – Attracting new industries, supporting business expansion, and creating high-quality jobs.
• Workforce, Talent, and Education – Cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
• Public Policy – Advocating for policies that foster growth and remove barriers for businesses.
• Innovation – Promoting forward-thinking initiatives and fostering a culture of creativity to drive our region’s economic evolution.
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business – Empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive as vital components of our economy.
• Future Economy – Preparing for emerging industries and technologies to ensure our region remains competitive.
Technology continues to revolutionize the way business gets done, both on a global scale and in Greater Waco. Artificial intelligence is no exception, changing many aspects of everyday life. This issue of Greater Waco Business looks at some of the ways AI is changing our community, healthcare, infrastructure, transportation and more, and offers some perspectives from local thought leaders.
Recent studies, performed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, show that companies are adopting the use of traditional and generative artificial intelligence with many starting to make plans for adoption in the coming months. Additionally, these studies show that the rate at which companies are adopting generative AI is faster than computers and the internet. Encouragingly, most Texas firms surveyed also report that the use of generative AI has not impacted their need for workers.
As your Chamber, we’re committed to exploring new technologies and keeping our eye on the future to ensure our business community can continue to grow and thrive. n
Artificial Intelligence Glossary for Business Leaders
Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, making decisions, or learning from data.
Machine Learning (ML) — A branch of AI that allows systems to learn from data and improve over time without being explicitly programmed.
Generative AI — A type of AI that can create new content, such as text, images, video, or code, based on patterns it’s learned from existing data. (Examples: ChatGPT, DALL·E, Midjourney)
Neural Network — A computer system modeled after the human brain’s network of neurons; used to help AI recognize patterns in large amounts of data.
Large Language Model (LLM) — An AI trained on vast amounts of text to generate human-like responses or content. LLMs power tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) — The ability of computers to understand, interpret, and respond to human language.
Algorithm — A step-by-step set of rules a computer follows to complete a task or solve a problem.
Automation — Using technology to perform repetitive tasks with minimal human input, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Predictive Analytics — Using data, statistics, and AI to forecast future trends or outcomes—helpful in sales, hiring, maintenance, and more.
Chatbot — A computer program that uses AI to simulate human conversation, often used in customer service or online support.
Data Set — A collection of information used to train AI models. The quality and diversity of the data affect how well the AI performs.
Bias (in AI) — When an AI system reflects or amplifies unfair assumptions in its training data, leading to skewed or discriminatory outcomes.
Ethical AI — The practice of designing and using AI responsibly—ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy protection.
Computer Vision — The field of AI that enables computers to “see” and interpret visual information from images or video.
Digital Twin — A virtual model of a physical object, system, or process that allows businesses to test, monitor, or optimize performance in real time.
Deep Learning — An advanced subset of machine learning using multi-layered neural networks to analyze complex data like speech, video, or images.
Augmented Intelligence — A concept emphasizing collaboration between humans and AI—where technology enhances, rather than replaces, human decision-making.
Edge Computing — Processing data closer to where it’s generated (like a factory floor or smart device) rather than in the cloud, improving speed and efficiency.
Prompt Engineering — Crafting specific and strategic instructions to guide an AI tool (like ChatGPT) toward a desired response or output.
Responsible AI Policy — Guidelines and frameworks created by governments or organizations to ensure that AI development and deployment are safe, fair, and beneficial to society.
Artificial intelligence inspires awe—and anxiety. The best way to cut through both is to pair what AI does well with what humans alone can do, then build ethics, governance, and education around that understanding.
A key point frames everything: computers are powerful algorithm executors. They follow step-by-step procedures (algorithms) written in code, but there are mathematically proven limits to what algorithms can do. That means AI is immensely capable inside computable domains, yet bounded in crucial ways. Understanding those boundaries shows where human ingenuity must lead.
by Dr. Robert J. Marks II Baylor University
How human creativity and judgment pair with AI—and why it matters
Human judgment and creativity are resident in humans. On the one hand, AI excels at tasks that can be formalized and scored — classification, prediction, summarization, optimization — especially when trained on abundant, representative data. On the other hand, foundational results in computer science and decades of analysis converge on a sober conclusion. Understanding, creativity, and the subjective feel of experience (qualia) do not reduce to algorithmic manipulation of symbols. Computers can add the numbers 7 and 12, but don’t understand what 7 and 12 mean. AI can imitate many human attributes. But imitation is not duplication.
Defining Intelligence:
If you memorize all of the contents of the Library of Congress, are you intelligent? No. Memorization is not intelligence. There are better measures.
The Turing Test, proposed in 1950 by the father of modern computer science, purportedly tests whether or not a machine is intelligent. The Turing Test is a behavioral criterion for machine intelligence in which a human judge converses (usually via text) with hidden interlocutors and, if unable to reliably distinguish the machine from the human, the machine is said to have passed. The Turing Test has passed at least a rudimentary level by large language model (LLM) chatbots like Grok and ChatGPT. This is impressive; yet passing a behavioral test that relies on syntax, rather than meaning, is a barrier to understanding or insight. Chatbots use syntax — the statistics of word occurrence and importance — to cobble together coherent responses. Rather than syntax, humans use semantics — the meaning of words and phrases — as a basis for understanding not available from statistics alone.
This is precisely why stricter standards like the Lovelace Test are proposed to account for creativity. A machine would merit the label “creative” only if its performance could not be explained by its algorithms, data, and training. Today’s systems do not meet that bar. Humans exhibit creativity in “flashes of genius” insight beyond the cobbling together what we have learned. AI thinks inside the box and is not capable of a flash of genius.
What this means in practice:
• AI should be treated as a force multiplier. It is an amplifier of perception, recall, and speed. Humans remain responsible for framing problems, setting objectives, choosing trade-offs, detecting errors, and shouldering moral responsibility.
• Keep a human-in-the-loop for highly consequential decisions, not because humans are perfect, but because value judgments and genuine understanding are human-only competencies.
Golden Dome is a U.S. project whose aim it is to provide protection from missile attack much like Israel’s Iron Dome. In a recent briefing on Golden Dome, a guiding principle is that all important decisions regarding AI not totally vetted must have a human in the loop. This is as it should be.
An AI system is vetted when it’s verified to do what it was designed to do — and nothing more. Absolute certainty isn’t possible, so we can borrow a legal framing: it’s “vetted” if it meets that standard ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’ By this measure, driverless taxis in San Francisco and Austin can operate without a human in the loop, and I have no hesitation riding in one.
LLMs on the other hand are not well vetted and continue to make mistakes.
• Resist the “self-improving superintelligence” myth. Runaway recursive improvement of AI writing better AI would require genuine machine creativity. Proponents of AI continuing to improve itself do so based on faith. But there is no incident of a computer program passing the Lovelace Test for creativity. Creativity is required for AI to write better AI.
Ethical concerns: privacy, bias, deepfakes, and fraud
Contemporary AI raises the familiar digital-era concerns of privacy and bias. It also can supercharge deception through deepfakes and fraud. The correct response to this danger is neither panic nor complacency. AI has the same “powerful tool, real risks” traits we apply to other technologies like electricity and nuclear energy. Benefits are vast, but failure modes are real and must be actively mitigated.
Here are some ethical concerns:
Bias: AI models reflect their training distributions. If training data encodes historical inequities or skewed sampling, predictions can unfairly disadvantage individuals or groups.
AI without bias is like water without wet.
Deepfakes and fraud: Synthetic voice, image, and video can mimic real people convincingly. This allows impersonation, market manipulation, and social-engineering attacks. Countermeasures include signing media at creation, detection services, multi-factor authentication for sensitive actions, and workforce education that normalizes verification behaviors.
Deep fakes are not all bad. Their use in Hollywood might stifle the income of overpaid actors and reduce movie ticket prices. Well, maybe.
Accidents vs. misuse are two ethical threat channels that deserve ongoing attention:
Unintended contingencies: As the complexity of a system increases linearly, the ways it can respond increase exponentially. Typically, the more complex a system is, the more it tends to make mistakes.
• I don’t like calling AI errors “hallucinations.” The term anthropomorphizes the system implying there is a human where there isn’t one. That’s a mistake. I make the same point to my wife who affectionately humanizes our dog, Benji.
• LLMs are highly complex. Some tune over a trillion parameters. In other words, to train the large language models, over a trillion knobs need to be set in order to get the large language model to work. Contrast this to artificial intelligence in self-driving cars. The complexity is high, but certainly not in the ballpark of large language models. Because of the fewer degrees of freedom, self-driving cars’ performance can be vetted and declared safe beyond a reasonable doubt.
Malicious users: AI can make honest mistakes, but bad actors can also weaponize it to generate harmful or deceptive content. Their abuse adds friction to everyday tech. An example is two-factor authentication, where you confirm a login by text message. The discipline that counters these threats, and more, is cybersecurity.
• AI ethics programs should explicitly identify both unintended contingency accidents and nefarious use of technology by evil people.
How High Schools, Trade Schools and Universities should be shaping graduates for the “workplace of the future”
The genie is out of the bottle and won’t ever go back in. Artificial intelligence is here to stay. The job of educational institutions is to teach students how to use AI effectively and ethically. Knowledge of AI and its use is now as important as learning how to use spreadsheets, word processors and email. The general user doesn’t necessarily need to learn how to code or know in detail how AI algorithms execute, but they should have a good understanding of how AI like LLMs can be used effectively as a tool.
Shaping graduates for an AI-saturated economy requires a distinctive blend: computational literacy, domain expertise, ethical maturity, and an understanding of the human capacities no machine can supply. The workplace of the future is less about competing with machines and more about orchestrating human-machine teams where the human contribution is insight, value judgment, and creativity.
KEY ELEMENTS FOR GRADUATES:
1. Fluency with AI as a tool. Students should be comfortable using AI for research, drafting, data analysis, and prototyping — always with source-checking, traceability, and attribution. Treat AI outputs as starting points, not gospel.
For AI “trust, but verify” becomes “verify, then trust.”
The vetting of content is not new. Researchers, for example, are taught to never totally trust Wikipedia. But Wikipedia is a good place to go for references and sources in specific areas of interest. Such is the case with using AI to gather material.
2. Ethics in action.
Give students hands-on practice with critical thinking to identify bias and socalled hallucinations. This is not a totally new problem. We have the everyday task of determining whether a news story comes from a reputable source like the Wall Street Journal or from a tabloid like the National Enquirer. Is a story reputable, or is it fake news?
3. Academic misconduct . AI can be used by students to cheat on assignments. There is software that claims to identify whether or not prose is generated
4.
by an LLM or a human. To date, the decisions made by such software are not to be trusted. There is typically a high detection rate, but the false alarm rate is high.
Here’s an example of a false alarm: there was a case at Baylor University where a student's essay was flagged as being written by a large language model. It turns out, however, that the student, who was Chinese, had written his essay in Chinese and used Google Translate to translate it into English. The AI cheat detector had declared an innocent man guilty of using an LLM.
Currently, the teacher’s best tools to measure how much students have learned are proctored in-class tests and individual oral exams.
The fuzzy plagiarism boundary.
Plagiarism is not a new problem. Currently, plagiarizing by copying LLM responses is simply more difficult to detect.
There is a difference between asking AI to compose a complete essay about the American Revolution and using AI to gather reliable sources about the American Revolution. LLMs like Grok and ChatGPT are rapidly replacing traditional search engines such as Firefox, Brave and Google.
The ethical boundary between cheating and material gathering can be a fuzzy one. Users of AI need to understand this and not even venture close to the fuzzy boundary. The litmus test is simple: Does the writer own the contents of the final document? Has the writer vetted and genuinely understood every source and claim in the document? Are citations given where appropriate?
Or are there AI written sections left unchecked or not understood?
In one case of which I am aware, a student claimed her essay was not written by an LLM. The teacher scanned the essay and found a big word. “What does ‘transubstantiation’ mean?” The student didn’t know and was convicted of cheating.
A limited but clever cheat trap is putting indicator words in an assignment. For example, a teacher emailed an assignment to his class “Write a 1000-word essay about ex-President Gerald Ford. Address how he came to power and his accomplishments. Why was he considered …” and on and on. In the email, the teacher included the word “overintellectualization” but used a white font color so it was not visible to the reader. If a student uses the word “overintellectualization” in the essay, chances are they copied and pasted the assignment using an LLM. This cheat detector is limited, but sure is clever.
5. Human-only capacities.
Creativity, judgment, leadership, empathy, and purpose belong to humans. The claim that these are non-computable is not rhetoric. Humans have and will continue to have capabilities beyond AI.
We are not computers made out of meat.
It’s obvious that AI will never love, have compassion or empathy or care about anything. Less obvious is that AI will never be creative, never understand, never experience qualia and will never gain consciousness.
6. Faith
The belief AI will achieve superintelligence is based on a faith. However, there is no evidence of an AI program writing a more intelligent AI program.
Paraphrased, scientist, mathematician and Christian apologist Blaise Pascal said, "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made
known through Jesus." All are compelled to fill this vacuum with faiths like Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Even atheistic naturalists try to fill this vacuum. When asked if he believed in God, Ray Kurzweil, an outspoken proponent of AI achieving super intelligence, replied, “Not yet.” Judeo-Christian faith has known about the super intelligence for a long time. It rests with our Creator.
Like other faiths, atheist materialists also seek immortality. Their solution is uploading their brains into a computer.
AI faith is not hyperbole. Visit Church-of-AI. com for details of this weird attempt to fill Pascal’s God shaped vacuum.
Confidence without hubris
The future requires workers who understand AI and its limits, who use the tool vigorously where it shines, and reserve human judgment and creativity where it is irreplaceable. The mathematics of computation shows that there are things algorithms will never do. They will not understand as we do, they will not experience the world, and they will not create in the human sense.
Use AI to accelerate analysis, scale service, and unlock patterns but keep people in charge of meaning, value, and responsibility.
If we build on those truths, we can welcome a future in which human beings — uniquely capable of understanding, judging, and loving — remain at the center, and our tools do what tools should: help. n
Robert J. Marks, Ph.D., is Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Baylor University. He is Senior Fellow and Director of the Bradley Center for Natural & Artificial Intelligence at Discovery Institute. Marks is a Fellow of both the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Optica and the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association and has authored numerous influential books and peer-reviewed works in signal processing and AI theory.
Artificial Intelligence: A Pragmatic View of the Future
by Rusty Haferkamp, CIO, Central National Bank
After more than thirty years working in technology, I’ve had a front-row seat to the moments when science fiction becomes reality. The ideas once reserved for novels and movies now drive how we live and work. Artificial intelligence may feel like the latest wave of hype, but make no mistake — it’s quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives.
In most areas, I’m a dreamer and a devil’s advocate. But when it comes to AI, I’m a pragmatist. There’s no shortage of companies touting their AI tools and promising to revolutionize our businesses. Many of these products have potential, but most are still rough around the edges. My advice: look closely before you buy in.
AI IN THE FINANCIAL WORLD
The financial industry offers one of the clearest windows into how AI is already changing business operations — and where it still has a long way to go. The most significant areas of development in banking are cybersecurity, customer experience, and employee productivity.
AI already plays a role in cybersecurity tools that
protect our systems from hackers and data theft. Companies like CrowdStrike and Mandiant use advanced algorithms to recognize malicious IP addresses and file types, shielding networks from unauthorized access. In customer experience, AI helps banks personalize services — whether through online tools, mobile apps, or even in-branch interactions. These technologies are designed to enhance the personal connections that keep customers loyal.
The greatest potential for transformation, though, lies in productivity. Machine learning programs can automate many back-office functions, from data entry to decision-based workflows. These automations depend on data — and just as “big data” was once the buzzword of the decade, it remains the foundation of today’s AI. The quality of that data determines how well AI performs. Flawed or incomplete data leads to flawed results.
THE HUMAN FACTOR
This is where the human element still matters most. AI is powerful, but it’s not infallible. Until it can make decisions with complete accuracy and ethical
reasoning, we’ll continue to rely on human judgment to review and refine its outcomes. The challenge lies in deciding which parts of a process can be safely automated without sacrificing integrity or trust.
Take wire transfers, for example. Fraud detection systems already use AI to flag suspicious transactions, but humans still make the final call. In the future, AI could process these decisions instantly by comparing multiple layers of data — customer history, peer bank data, and transaction patterns — in real time. That would save hours or even days, but it will take time for institutions and regulators to build the necessary confidence in these systems.
Loan processing provides another example. AI can analyze credit history, income, debt, and collateral far faster than any lender, but it can’t assess a borrower’s character or potential. A trusted banker knows when someone deserves a second chance or when an idea is worth believing in. That human intuition — and ethical responsibility — remains beyond AI’s reach.
THE NEED FOR GUARDRAILS
As a seasoned technologist, I can’t help but see
echoes of the early Internet era in today’s AI boom. Back then, there were no firewalls, no filters, no clear rules. We learned hard lessons about security only after the threats appeared. My concern is that we’re repeating that pattern with AI.
Are we building in enough safeguards before we hand over the keys? Or are we waiting for the damage to occur before responding?
AI will define the next great shift in our technological evolution, but it deserves our respect — and oversight. As AI becomes more deeply woven into our business and financial systems, thoughtful regulation and responsible implementation will be essential.
Innovation is exciting, but so is wisdom. Let’s move forward with both. n
Rusty Haferkamp has worked in the technology industry for more than three decades, specializing in information systems, cybersecurity, and process improvement. He currently serves as Chief Information Officer at Central National Bank.
Artificial Intelligence or “AI” is generally defined as the ability of machines, specifically computer systems, to perform tasks normally accomplished by people – learning, reasoning, decision-making, problem solving – a computerized simulation of the human cognitive process to achieve goals. With unprecedented investment in AI, combined with their ability to self-scale thanks to the built in “intelligence”, their current ability to process data undoubtedly means we can expect transformational change across almost every area of everyday life –including transportation.
by John Egger, Shadi Hakimi and Ankur Mathur, STV, Inc.
Some of the largest technology companies in the world, such as Amazon, have been utilizing AI for more than two decades to improve performance. One can place an online order from their phone and scoop the package from the doorstep later that day — a streamlined process for the consumer, but one that impacts freight systems significantly. Waymo, an autonomous driving technology company, now offers fully driverless cars as a ridehailing service in major U.S. cities including Waco’s neighbor to the south and the state capital, Austin. Aurora, another autonomous driving company focused on truck technology, has developed and deployed self-driving trucks that move freight between Dallas and Houston along the I-45 corridor within Texas. These remarkable advancements in transportation represent the tip of an iceberg.
Policy makers in transportation face the challenges of aging infrastructure, the growing need for safely moving people and goods, extreme weather events, limited sources of funding, and rising costs of labor and materials among others. Increasingly, they are turning to technology and AI to help overcome these challenges.
As one example, AI helps transportation agencies automate data collection and analyze asset conditions more quickly. For a policy maker and agency, this means they can collectively better plan and program funding to address critical maintenance needs, improving decision-making processes and maximizing use of taxpayer dollars.
Emerging Technologies within Transportation Industry Infrastructure
Safety is at the forefront as the largest single driver of the AI movement in transportation. From a safety and operations perspective, governing agencies including the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) promote the use of AI as part of their Transportation Systems Management (TSMO) approach to managing traffic. For many years, agencies have used tools such as cameras and detection on the roadway to keep an eye on traffic in real time. Now, agencies also use data from
cellular devices, fleet and connected vehicles as sources for location and movement of traffic — called vehicle probe data — to help monitor traffic, detect incidents, and provide traveler information. The use of AI offers a new set of tools to analyze and learn from the data agencies collect very quickly, allowing for better ways to optimize traffic, provide decision tools for travelers, and even use predictive information (for example, potential future traffic congestion building up along a roadway) to better inform drivers even before the start of a trip. The latest technologies in communications have also greatly improved safety in transportation; an example of this is in emergency vehicle preemption, where emergency response vehicles can use cellular and GPS technology to obtain a “green light” wave when navigating a busy traffic corridor, improving incident response times.
Locally in Waco, projects such as the Franklin Avenue smart corridor project will use grant funding to deploy and test emerging technologies over communications networks including AI in
connected vehicle applications, where vehicles communicate directly with each other and the surrounding infrastructure to enable features such as safety messaging, optimization of traffic flow through signal corridors, along with others.
AI technology allows for these systems to analyze and learn from large, complex data sets and get increasingly better at informing operations on a routine basis. These types of solutions optimize traffic throughput — both people and goods — and help to alleviate traffic jams and congestion. After all, no one in Waco likes to sit through multiple cycles of a red light!
Public transportation operators also leverage AI; one common use case is to analyze ridership data and passenger demand. AI enables public transportation providers to analyze vast datasets and make informed adjustments to schedules. These data-driven scheduling decisions, along with real-time transit status information provided to riders, reduce wait times, improve overall customer experience and reliability, and ultimately, builds trust. Public transportation agencies also lean into using AI for asset management. An example of this is using data from vehicle sensors to provide a clearer idea of service needs and issues before they cause breakdowns, which reduces transit vehicle downtimes.
Along with AI driven service improvements, agencies are also deploying integrated user apps for riders, under Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) initiatives, to track vehicles in real-time and book, manage, and track rides across systems, such as the new cloud-based application launched by Waco Transit System. Combined, these technologies improve overall rider experience and highlight the types of positive impacts that AI and emerging technology is having on transportation infrastructure, offering significant return on investment.
Planning for the Future of Automation Using AI
Modern, connected vehicles serve as data collection and transmission devices capable of relaying actionable information collected from vehicle sensors back to transportation agencies in real time about roadway conditions, weather, roadway incidents, and much more. AI facilitates an extraordinary exchange of information in real time across the transportation ecosystem with the potential for vast improvements in safety and the overall transportation experience. It is now imperative for agencies to assess their data strategy, with an eye on crucial industry partnerships and data quality, as the benefits of AI will only compound in an increasingly automated future. Other transportation safety applications using AI involve monitoring of roadway conditions and pushing notifications to drivers such as
roadside warnings alerting them of upcoming work zones, emergency incidents, hazards like water, snow or ice on the roadways, compromised visibility from smoke, dust or fog, or incidents like slowed traffic, stalled vehicles, crashes, etc. From a driver safety perspective in the private sector, major insurance providers now offer financial incentives to their customers for safe driving behaviors. When a customer opts in, an onboard device collects driver behavior data such as speed, acceleration, hard braking, swerving, and seat belt use that transmits to the insurance carrier. The carrier uses AI to analyze this data over time, learns their behavioral patterns, and makes bespoke rate adjustments that rewards safer behavior by driving insurance premiums down.
With gas tax revenues remaining relatively unchanged for many decades (Texas Motor Fuel Tax was last increased in 1991) coupled with the advent of alternative fuel vehicles, inflation and vastly improved fuel efficiency, transportation agencies struggle to meet needs for maintenance much less adding new capacity to their systems. “Funding the Nation’s Surface Transportation” has been included as a High-Risk agenda item by the U.S. Government Accountability Office since 2007. AI helps overcome this challenge through its ability to manage and learn from large datasets, enhance safety technology deployments, and introduce innovative approaches to managing agency resources and operations. Within the tolling sector, toll authorities use AI to manage both traffic and revenue, with AI models allowing for the assessment of optimizing traffic flow along with real-time adjustments to road tolls. This “dynamic pricing” approach can allow the toll road operator to charge a premium for using their roads during times of heavy congestion, ensuring
reliable travel times for customers opting to pay the premium. Toll road operators also use AI strategies in the toll collection process and for enforcement, both of which reduce their financial liabilities and risks and their costs to build and maintain infrastructure through improved bond ratings and lower interest rates.
While AI offers many benefits, it also brings some challenges. As more data is shared and systems become interconnected, data accuracy and security emerge as areas of concern for both people, and policy makers. On top of that, the large data centers needed to run AI systems require a lot of resources — including land, water, electricity, and skilled workers — to build and maintain.
Technology and the evolution of AI continues to occur at an exponential pace, and we can expect its use within transportation to mirror the trend. Improving mobility in growth centers such as Waco through technology also attracts investment and industry, allowing businesses reliable access to multimodal transportation. Clearly, there are very real, immediate, and tangible benefits for policy makers and the traveling public alike, and it is an exciting time to be part of and help shape the future of transportation and how we move goods and people where they need to go. n
Founded in 1912, STV advises, plans, designs, engineers and delivers the infrastructure that powers local economies, including transportation systems, buildings, water and other facilities. Headquartered in New York City, the company has more than 65 offices and 3,300 employees who reimagine the solutions and structures that connect our communities.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE: AI IN PRACTICE AT ASCENSION PROVIDENCE
by Marcus Gray, Imaging Manager
Artificial intelligence (AI) has arrived—and it’s transforming healthcare faster than any innovation in recent history. Five years ago, the idea that AI would revolutionize medicine might have sounded audacious. Today, it’s an undeniable reality. AI products have gained unstoppable momentum, offering solutions that are too powerful, too efficient and too impactful to overlook.
At Ascension Providence, this transformation is already taking shape. Across our ministry, caregivers and leaders are exploring new ways to leverage AI to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations and enhance the overall experience of care. By embracing these tools with thoughtful purpose and responsibility, Providence is ensuring that Central Texans have access to some of the most advanced and compassionate care available—today and into the future.
Across the country, healthcare organizations are adopting AI with a new level of confidence and risk tolerance, igniting a wildfire of growth across the industry. Healthcare leaders recognize that, while these tools can be costly, they have the potential to streamline inefficiencies overnight, improve outcomes and provide an enduring tailwind for service lines. By harnessing advanced algorithms, machine learning, and data analytics, AI is reshaping how hospitals deliver care, manage resources and interact with patients.
The global healthcare landscape is changing in real time—and here in Central Texas, Ascension Providence is embracing that change to ensure our community continues to receive the highest quality care available.
OBSERVED INVESTMENT TRENDS
The surge of AI in healthcare is being propelled by an extraordinary wave of global investment that reflects growing confidence in its transformative potential. This year, AI-focused startups have captured the majority of U.S. digital health funding. Globally, AI healthcare investment reached $14.6 billion in 2024, and analysts predict a 46% increase by 2030.
Major venture capital firms, private equity groups and tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft are pouring billions into this sector, betting on AI to solve healthcare’s most persistent challenges—ranging from clinician burnout and administrative inefficiency, to diagnostic accuracy and patient engagement. What once felt like a distant future is now the central focus of innovation pipelines worldwide.
POISED ONCOLOGY AND IMAGING MARKETS
Two healthcare departments in particular— Oncology and Imaging—are poised to benefit most dramatically from AI-driven transformation. Global investment in oncology AI is expected to surge from $2 billion in 2023 to over $11 billion by 2030. The promise lies in AI’s ability to accelerate drug discovery, improve diagnostic precision and create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s genetic profile and disease progression.
Meanwhile, medical imaging has become the most mature and heavily funded area of AI development, accounting for more than half of all FDA-approved healthcare AI products. As radiology departments face increasing workloads and a nationwide shortage of radiologists, AI tools are stepping in to
assist with image interpretation, quality control and workflow efficiency.
Currently, most imaging AI serves as a support tool—enhancing radiologist interpretation and reducing oversight errors—but the technology is advancing rapidly. Within the next two years, experts anticipate AI will be capable of performing end-to-end reads of X-rays, CT and MRI studies, marking a fundamental shift in diagnostic medicine.
ADMINISTRATIVE AI LEADS THE WAY
While clinical applications are capturing headlines, administrative AI is leading the charge in realworld adoption. Hospitals are deploying AIpowered tools to streamline scheduling, billing and documentation—areas that deliver immediate return on investment without the regulatory hurdles of clinical products.
AI medical scribes, for instance, are transforming how providers document patient encounters. These systems listen passively during visits, transcribing and contextualizing conversations into structured clinic notes. By automating this repetitive task, providers can spend less time behind screens and more time connecting with patients—a shift that improves efficiency and satisfaction on both sides of the exam room.
NAVIGATING INFORMATION OVERLOAD
Medical knowledge is expanding at an exponential rate. In 1950, it took 50 years for medical knowledge to double; by 1980, that number dropped to seven years. Today, it doubles every 73 days. For physicians, staying current is nearly impossible. AI offers a way to navigate this information overload. With natural language processing and datamining capabilities, AI systems can synthesize and summarize the latest research—serving as a perpetually updated reference guide for clinicians. This ensures that treatment decisions are informed by the most current evidence available, closing the gap between emerging science and bedside care.
improving patient outcomes, enhancing the patient–provider experience, and driving operational efficiency. Rooted in our mission to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, we view innovation as an extension of that calling. Every AI initiative we pursue is designed to align with our commitment to elevating care and shaping the future of healthcare, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the human connection at the heart of healing.
Understanding that public acceptance of AI in healthcare will take time, our strategy focuses on solutions that complement, not replace, our caregiver’s expertise, helping them deliver care faster, smarter and with greater precision.
Earlier this year, Ascension Providence became the first local hospital to introduce AI-powered MRI technology designed to enhance image quality while reducing scan times by nearly half. This innovation allows patients to experience shorter, more comfortable exams while providing radiologists with sharper, more detailed images— supporting faster, more accurate diagnoses and ultimately improving the quality of care we deliver.
Next year, Ascension Providence will introduce an AI-driven imaging navigation platform that automates the detection, tracking and communication for patients undergoing CT lung scans. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the software identifies patients with lung nodules, categorizes their findings and initiates automated reminders for follow-up imaging. This innovation ensures consistent monitoring, promotes early detection and supports better treatment outcomes for some of our community’s most vulnerable patients.
Through advancements like AI, Ascension Providence continues to shape the future of healthcare and elevate patient care; embracing innovative technology that strengthens our mission to provide compassionate, personalized care to all while empowering our caregivers to do what they do best; serve with compassion, excellence and integrity. n
OUR APPROACH AT ASCENSION PROVIDENCE
At Ascension Providence, our approach to AI integration is guided by three core principles:
HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY
TO MAKE HEALTHCARE MORE CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE
From digital assistants to self-driving cars, technology helps us work smarter and live better. Across Baylor Scott & White Health, innovative technology is being used alongside expert clinical guidance to help patients make more confident choices about their health.
Quickly Navigating to the Best Site for Care
To offer guidance to those seeking care, Baylor Scott & White has created the Help Me Decide tool, available in the MyBSWHealth app. This feature helps customers navigate with confidence: users simply describe their symptoms to be guided to the most appropriate site of care.
Using customized technology guided by clinical experts, the program helps users determine the most appropriate next step in care — whether that’s virtual urgent care, nurse triage, a clinic visit, or, when necessary, emergency treatment.
Unlike traditional online symptom checkers, Help Me Decide goes beyond guesswork. It provides guidance based on context, data, and clinical oversight, empowering patients to make smarter decisions with greater peace of mind.
Early results have been encouraging, with 70% of users being routed to more appropriate, often lower-cost care. What’s more, 83% of those initially considering a visit to the emergency department were redirected to better options, reducing unnecessary visits while improving overall experience.
“Making it easy and convenient to find the right care, in the right place, at the right time, is our north star,” said Joshua Houser, MD, medical director, emergency department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Hillcrest. “When people are worried about their symptoms, they’re looking for guidance. Help Me Decide acts as a knowledgeable guide, helping them navigate pain, illness, or uncertainty with confidence.”
At its core, Help Me Decide is about guidance and reassurance. The goal is to replace late-night internet searches and worst-case scenarios with reliable answers rooted in medical expertise.
By directing patients to the right level of care, the tool helps reduce ER wait times, lessen healthcare costs, and connect people with the right providers sooner. It also helps ease the emotional stress that often accompanies health concerns.
“More than a trip to the ER, people want peace of mind,” Dr. Houser said. “We designed this to offer exactly that — answers, options, and next steps that people can trust.”
Help Me Decide is just one piece of Baylor Scott & White Health’s broader strategy to use technology responsibly and effectively. Each innovation starts with listening to patients, identifying where confusion or inefficiency exists, and then developing tools to make care more personal and accessible. That same approach is being applied to other advanced technologies now being introduced across the system. The Ambient Listening tool, for example, uses AI to transcribe and summarize conversations between patients and clinicians, allowing doctors to focus more on listening and less on typing.
Together, these innovations are streamlining workflows, expanding provider capacity, and ensuring patients receive prompt, personalized care.
Creating a Healthier Future for Texas Communities
At Baylor Scott & White, it’s the combination of compassionate people and advanced technology that makes care more convenient and accessible for everyone.
By integrating technology into everyday operations, Baylor Scott & White Health is working diligently to improve patient experiences. But perhaps most importantly, these efforts are helping people feel more confident and cared for when they need it most. n
Baylor Scott & White Health – Hillcrest proudly serves Central Texas as part of the state’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system, committed to improving the health and well-being of the Waco community.
The ROI of Community in the AI Era
by Thom Singer, Austin Technology Council
In Austin, Texas, community has always been a growth strategy. From early semiconductor days to today’s AI momentum, progress comes from people who show up, compare notes, and help each other win. That same spirit should be cultivated in other cities. In fact, we need for all of Texas to begin working together for the growth of the tech economy. When this happens, the whole state will benefit.
My belief is that community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems, and when we expand our view of community beyond our own city limits, we open up opportunities and drive the longterm success of the region.
Technology moves fast, and trusted relationships help you move wisely. AI shortens cycles, so wins and mistakes travel quickly. A strong network of key people focused on the win/win gives you faster learning, safer choices, and better execution. The key to remember in a time of tech disruption is that all opportunities still come from people.
Community delivers real outcomes
• Faster learning, because a peer’s lived experience shortens the path from question to answer
• Smarter hiring, because warm introductions surface trusted talent
• Stronger retention, because people stay where they feel connected and seen
• Better innovation, because cross company conversations spark useful ideas
• More resilience, because a broad network helps teams navigate uncertainty
How To Make Human Interaction a Priority in an AI-Driven World
Create shared language. Keep it simple. Agree on a few plain terms for data, privacy, and human review so product, sales, legal, and security can evaluate new tools together.
Swap lessons from real work. Do not wait for a big rollout. Compare what you tried, what you paused, and what actually helped customers. Small experiments and honest recaps save everyone time and money.
Invest in people. Upskilling sticks when it happens with others. Host short learning labs inside your company and industry. Pair managers with mentors from the community. The goal is not more tools; it is better judgment and follow through.
Measure together. Track simple items like:
• Time to first useful result
• Hours saved in a workflow
• Customer satisfaction
• Adoption inside teams
• Retention in key roles
When a region watches the same basics, progress is visible and momentum grows.
Celebrate the people who give. There are too many people in communities who lead with “what’s in it for me” or who try to be in control. Champion the people who show up for the greater good.
This is how we work at the Austin Technology Council. We organize community gatherings and learning that turn into action. We convene cross industry groups so knowledge flows. We advocate for responsible adoption that keeps people at the center. No single organization can guide a whole region, so we partner with other business nonprofits who share the same goals. Success comes from collaboration across chambers, councils, universities, industry groups, and companies. Champion the bridge builders and invite more voices to the table.
If you believe in the ROI of community, pull up a chair. Host a roundtable. Share one lesson and one useful resource. Mentor a founder. Bring your team to local events. The future of Central Texas innovation is a team sport, and there is a place for you on the field. n
Thom Singer has served as CEO at the Austin Technology Council since 2022. He has spent over three decades working in the tech community and is focused on creating more community, collaboration, and conversations between everyone in the local ecosystem.
Thom is also an accomplished keynote speaker, having delivered speeches at over 1,000 conferences across industry lines. He regularly also speaks on behalf of ATC about the History of Austin Tech.
For 31 years, the Austin Technology Council (ATC) has led Austin and Central Texas in the journey to become one of the most important and relevant tech and innovation regions in the world. It connects members to the people and knowledge critical for success. ATC supports the growth goals of businesses by providing knowledge and access in the areas of talent, business mentoring and networking. It advocates for a robust and supportive environment for the success of tech companies through public policy, education and thought leadership.
AMAZON ANNOUNCES EXPANSIONS IN GREATER WACO
Amazon announces Prime Air expansion in Waco and new delivery station in Robinson.
Prime Air Launches
Amazon selected Waco for its second Prime Air location in Texas. Using the company’s most advanced drone model, MK30, this new service allows consumers in our community to receive packages in as little as 60 minutes. This expansion represents 10,000 square-feet of new construction at Amazon’s robotic fulfillment center, located in Texas Central Park. The nearly $5 million investment will include property improvements and investment in the new equipment.
Last-Mile Delivery Coming Soon
“On behalf of the City of Robinson, I extend a warm welcome to Amazon as they join our community,” said Robinson Mayor Greg May. “We are pleased to embark on a partnership that will foster job creation and contribute to the continued growth and development of our city. This represents a significant opportunity for Robinson to further demonstrate its strengths as a destination for industry and innovation. We are honored that Amazon has selected Robinson as a site for expansion and appreciate their investment in our region and the great state of Texas.”
Amazon also recently announced plans to expand its investment in Texas by opening a new delivery station in Robinson. The second facility in Greater Waco will be approximately 119,000 square feet located along John Bowden Parkway in the Robinson Business Park.
“This last mile facility will allow us to better serve customers in Robinson and the Greater Waco area,” said Jessica Breaux, senior manager of economic development for Amazon.
The new delivery station will help power the last mile of Amazon’s fulfillment process by enabling fast, everyday delivery directly to customers’ doorstep. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers and then employees process customer packages for last-mile delivery.
“McLennan County is pleased to welcome additional investment from Amazon into our region,” said McLennan County Judge Scott Felton. “Their decision to continue to invest here is a testament to the strong partnership we have formed over the years and our ability to deliver on our promise of a business-friendly community that understands the needs of industry to serve its customers.
The Robinson Business Park is an ideal location for companies like Amazon to locate due to its strategic location along Interstate 35 and its proximity to a strong, skilled workforce.”
Since 2010, Amazon has created more than 86,500 full- and part-time jobs in Texas and invested more than $84.3 billion across the state, including infrastructure and compensation to our employees. These investments have contributed an additional $97.7 billion to the Texas economy and have helped create more than 65,000 indirect jobs on top of Amazon’s direct hires—from jobs in construction and logistics to professional services. n
GREATER WACO HOSTS 2025 TEAM TEXAS CONSULTANT SUMMIT
In partnership with the City of Waco, your Chamber recently hosted the annual Team Texas Consultant Summit. This annual event brings together site consultants and Texas economic developers.
“We’re grateful our community could be the backdrop for such meaningful conversations and connections,” said Lexy Reil, Economic Development Director for the Greater Waco Chamber.
During the event, site consultants from across the country heard presentations from economic developers from across the state and had the opportunity to participate in uniquely Waco experiences, including a special VIP dinner hosted at the historic Cottonland Castle. n
ROCA EXPANDS IN GREATER WACO
Roca Bathrooms, headquartered in Italy, has relocated to Texas Central Park, absorbing 126,300 square feet of existing industrial space. The company produces fiberglass-reinforced acrylic bathtubs in Waco. This $4.8 million project will retain 50 jobs in the Greater Waco community. n
2025 INTERCITY LEADERSHIP VISIT –
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
This year, the Greater Waco Chamber led a delegation to Greenville, South Carolina, on its annual InterCity Leadership Visit. During this leadership visit, nearly 50 community and business leaders explored Greenville’s downtown revitalization, experienced Falls Park on the Reedy, and learned how publicprivate partnerships have been instrumental to the city’s success. Beyond gathering ideas, the visit fostered stronger relationships among Waco’s civic and business leaders, strengthening collaboration as we work together to shape Greater Waco’s continued growth and development.
Presenting sponsorships for the InterCity Leadership Visit were provided by Baylor University, Central National Bank and STV. n
STATE OF THE CITY AND COUNTY LUNCHEON
In September, the annual State of the City and County Luncheon was held at The Hurd Welcome Center. City of Waco Mayor Jim Holmes and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton provided updates and shared a look ahead for the community.
Presenting sponsors were Central National Bank, Kelly, Realtors, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, and Texas State Technical College. n
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN OCTOBER
In October, your Chamber visited Cherry Johnson Siegmund James, PLLC for Business After Hours. During the event, guests enjoyed catered snacks from JDs Café and networking with CJSJ staff. n
WACO CHAMBER BIG CUP CLASSIC
In mid-September, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted the Waco Chamber Big Cup Classic with presenting sponsor Hemisphere Aerospace. We couldn't have asked for nicer weather for networking, golfing, and fun! Special congratulations to our "Kind-Of-A-Big-Deal" Cup winners, Ascension Providence, for hosting a great hole during the tournament. Thank you to all the players who joined us, and congratulations to our tournament winners. n
CELEBRATING
LEAD PROGRAM CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
High school students in the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) program are kicking off the program's 20th year. The program takes a trip down memory lane to hear from previous mentors and students, who share how this program has changed the trajectory of both local students and mentors.
Presenting sponsorships for LEAD are provided by Ascension Providence, AT&T and Bank of America. n
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN AUGUST
In August, your Chamber visited Carlson Law Firm for Business After Hours. During the event, guests enjoyed beverages, networked with one another, and had the opportunity to win door prizes. n
GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS MID-YEAR
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
The Greater Waco Chamber hosted its annual Mid-Year Membership Luncheon. During the event, attendees received an update on the Chamber’s work and impact from Chamber CEO Matt Meadors. Following Meadors' presentation, attendees enjoyed a panel discussion featuring Michael Street, Vice President of Marketing of Atmos Energy, Brian Lloyd, Vice President for Oncor, and J. Tom Ray, PE, D.WRE, Partner at Hicks-Ray Associates, moderated by Carolyn Haferkamp, Chamber Chair. The panel discussion focused on Greater Waco's crucial infrastructure: power, natural gas and water.
Presenting sponsors of the Mid-Year Membership Luncheon were Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Capstone Mechanical, Fidelity Bank of Texas, K4 Construction, LLC. n
STATE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LUNCHEON
This new event provided a deep dive into the rapid growth of AI and its transformative impact on the business world. Industry leaders and experts discussed how AI is reshaping operations across all sectors—from advanced manufacturing and logistics to marketing, customer service, and workforce dynamics. The event also explored the human side of AI, examining its impact on policy, ethics, and workforce considerations. Attendees left equipped with the knowledge and strategies necessary to harness AI's potential, address its challenges, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving AI landscape.
In 2025, we’ve been honored to celebrate many milestone anniversaries with some of our longest standing Chamber members. Each celebration is commemorated with an award.
Presenting sponsors were Baylor University, Morgan Stanley, and McLane Intelligent Solutions. n
Tymco – 50 Years Texas State Technical College – 75 Years
NINE STUDENTS AWARDED AEROSPACE SCHOLARSHIPS
High school and college students in the Greater Waco area recently underwent a rigorous interview process with the Greater Waco Aerospace Alliance’s Scholarship Selection Committee.
Applicants are required to be enrolled for the upcoming fall semester and pursuing an aviation/aerospace or engineering related degree at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Baylor University, McLennan Community College (MCC), Texas Tech –Waco, or Tarleton State University at Waco.
With more than 1,000 aerospace and aviation companies within a 500-mile radius and a central location in the heart of the Texas manufacturing and technology corridor, the Greater Waco area is a prime location for the industry. Additionally, Waco is home to three regional airports that are used for commercial, business and general aviation in the Greater Waco area.
The Greater Waco Aerospace Alliance scholarships are made possible through funds raised by the Greater Waco Chamber’s Freedom Ball event and personal and business donations. Freedom Ball is an annual event that provides Central Texas with the opportunity to honor military personnel, both past and present, and Gold Star families. To date, the Aerospace Alliance has awarded more than $270,000 in scholarships and sponsorships to more than 100 Central Texas high school and college students.
KICK OFF LUNCHEON
At the annual Kick Off Luncheon, the Greater Waco Chamber presented Ray Biles with the Dave Campbell Award. Ray Biles is a legendary figure in Texas high school football, having dedicated over three decades to coaching the Lorena Leopards. With an impressive career record of 207-141, Coach Biles led his team to eight district championships and 17 playoff appearances. His most memorable season came in 2021, when Lorena captured the 3A Division I state championship—marking his 200th career win. As one of only 23 coaches in UIL history to spend 30 years at a single school, Ray Biles exemplifies commitment, leadership, and excellence. His impact on the Lorena community and the sport of football in Texas is profound.
SCHOLARSHIPS WERE AWARDED TO: Maddison Bettis, Baylor University
Thomas Braga, Baylor University
Caleb Chakmakjian, Baylor University
Hadyn Charles, Texas State Technical College
Sean Gathright , Texas A&M University Central Texas
William Gorham, Baylor University
Oliver Roque, Baylor University
Jack Sterrett , Baylor University
Kristen Wells, Baylor University
In addition, attendees heard from Baylor University's Head Football Coach Dave Aranda. Guests also enjoyed a panel of former Baylor quarterbacks: Cody Carlson, Jay Jeffrey, Bryce Petty, and Don Trull. Presenting sponsor was Jim Turner Chevrolet. n
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN SEPTEMBER
In September, your Chamber visited Hotel Indigo for Business After Hours. During the event, guests enjoyed cocktails, food prepared by the hotel’s Executive Chef, and live music from Melinda Adams. n
TIP OFF LUNCHEON
At the annual Tip Off Sports Luncheon in October, with presenting sponsor Jim Turner Chevrolet, the Greater Waco Chamber presented the Frank Fallon Award to Mark Wible in recognition of his impact on the game of basketball in McLennan County.
Mark Wible is the President and Founder of Hoops for Hope International, a nonprofit organization based in Waco, Texas, dedicated to empowering youth through basketball, education, and community development. With a lifelong passion for the sport and a heart for service, Mark launched Hoops for Hope in 2004, and under his leadership, the organization has reached thousands of young athletes across the globe.
Attendees also heard a preview of the Baylor basketball season from men’s head coach Scott Drew and women’s head coach Nicki Collen. McLennan Community College head coaches Kevin Gill (men’s basketball) and Candice Thomas (women’s basketball) also shared insights into their programs and expectations for the season.
The event featured a conversation with Brett Yormark, Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, who spoke about the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and what lies ahead for the conference. n
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN OCTOBER
In October, your Chamber visited Ascension Providence Living Village for a western themed Business After Hours. During the event, guests enjoyed themed cocktails, mingled with residents, and had the opportunity to win door prizes. n
STATE OF STATE LUNCHEON
In September, the 2025 State of the State Luncheon was held at the Baylor Club. Governor Greg Abbott provided an overview of the 89th Legislative Session, followed by a panel discussion with State Representative Pat Curry (HD-56) and State Representative Angelia Orr (HD-13).
Presenting sponsors were AT&T, First State Bank, Hemisphere Aerospace Investments, and Texas State Technical College. 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 .
GREATER WACO CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS
In August, the Greater Waco Chamber welcomed its new Marketing & Communications Manager, Autumn Young. A proud Waco native, Autumn brings a strong background in marketing, event coordination, and community engagement to the Chamber team. She is passionate about supporting local businesses, promoting economic growth, and sharing stories that highlight the vibrancy of the Greater Waco community. Autumn earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Tarleton State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Business Analytics. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending community events, and exploring new creative and entrepreneurial projects.
Gil Salinas also joined the Greater Waco Chamber in August of 2025 and is the Research and Project Manager for the Economic Development team, handling all the research required to draft RFI proposals for submission. Gil grew up all the way down south, right on the border in Brownsville, Texas; later moving to Waco to attend Baylor University.
After graduating from Baylor in 2022 with a Bachelor of Business
Administration, Gil moved to Orlando, Florida to work at corporate Disney for two years in the Merchandise Planning Department. Now coming full circle back to Waco, Gil is excited to be a part of the community again and watch it grow.
In September, the Greater Waco Chamber welcomed its new Vice President of Business Development Molly Merritt . Molly leads strategic initiatives to attract investment, grow businesses, and build crosssector partnerships that strengthen the regional economy. Her work focuses on advancing economic mobility, workforce resilience, and community prosperity across Central Texas.
Before joining the Chamber, Molly held a leadership role at Devon Energy, a Fortune 500 company, where she managed corporate-community relations and strategic partnerships. She aligned corporate social responsibility with regional talent development
and played a key role in shaping investment strategies and fostering collaboration across Texas and New Mexico.
Earlier, Molly founded and led a boutique consulting firm that supported education, workforce, economic development, and community organizations. Her work spanned systems alignment, fund development, and advocacy— resulting in more than $50 million in secured funding. She also advised companies on launching corporate foundations and investment strategies to amplify community impact.
Molly’s husband, Ryan, has deep family roots in Waco and is a lifelong Baylor fan. Together, they have three grown children and two grandchildren. They are excited to make Waco home and enjoy exploring the area’s great food, outdoor spaces, and vibrant community life. n
AUTUMN YOUNG GIL SALINAS MOLLY MERRITT
ESC REGION 12 PARTNERS WITH DUOS EDGE AI
Duos Edge AI, Inc., a subsidiary of Duos Technologies Group, Inc., and a provider of adaptive, versatile and streamlined Edge Data Center (EDC) solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment, announced the deployment of its sixth EDC in Texas, which will be located at Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12. The new facility will enhance digital infrastructure to benefit both educational institutions and local communities by expanding access to reliable, low-latency compute resources.
community connectivity—all powered locally at the edge.”
The partnership demonstrates the growing demand for distributed computing infrastructure that supports K–12 education, workforce development, and digital transformation across Texas. The EDC will provide enhanced bandwidth, secure data processing, and local AI capabilities for schools and community partners throughout the region.
“This deployment is a significant advancement in our statewide initiative to bring modern computing capabilities closer to where data is created and used,” said Doug Recker, President of Duos and Duos Edge AI. “Our collaboration with Region 12 strengthens the foundation for next generation learning tools, administrative efficiency, and
ARCA CONTINENTAL COCA-COLA SOUTHWEST BEVERAGES AWARDED 2024 CANDLER CUP
Driven by excellent business results and an associate-centric culture, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (AC-CCSWB) has been selected as the global winner in the Coca-Cola Candler Cup competition. The Candler Cup honors the Coca-Cola bottler demonstrating the highest level of executional excellence across the international Coca-Cola system. Arca Continental, the parent company of Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, is one of the world's largest bottlers with a presence in five countries.
Competing against eight top bottlers, AC-CCSWB was selected by its peers based on rigorous performance criteria, including topline growth, capability building and a steadfast investment in its people and culture. The Candler Cup win follows AC-CCSWB’s recognition in the U.S. Market Street Challenge, where it was named the top U.S. bottler and became the finalist representing North America in the international competition. AC-CCSWB has won the U.S. Market Street Challenge three times since 2018.
“Securing the prestigious Candler Cup award of Coca-Cola, reaffirms Arca Continental’s vision to continue leading the markets we operate in, and our conviction to generate
“We are thrilled to partner with Duos Edge AI on this transformative project,” said Dr. Kenny Berry, Executive Director of ESC Region 12. “Access to real-time, reliable data processing directly supports our educators and students. This Edge Data Center brings long-term value to our schools by enabling advanced learning technologies, improving efficiency, and reducing latency across our network.”
The deployment at ESC Region 12 is part of Duos Edge AI’s 2025 goal to establish 15 operational Edge Data Centers. Each EDC leverages patented modular design and rapid deployment capabilities, delivering scalable compute power and high-speed connectivity in as little as 90 days. These facilities are meeting the growing digital needs of education, healthcare, and government sectors. n
shared value across the CocaCola system, driven by our dedicated team members and our will to make a difference,” said Arturo Gutiérrez Hernández, CEO of Arca Continental.
Jean Claude Tissot, president of AC-CCSWB, expressed his pride in the company's achievement: "This award is a testament to the dedication of our frontline heroes, whose unwavering commitment and hard work drive the very heart of our company’s success. Their efforts embody the spirit of excellence that defines AC-CCSWB and the results we achieve across our territory."
Since its inception in 2017, AC-CCSWB has merged the best practices of the U.S. and Latin America, creating a unique bottler proposition and a stronger future for both the company and the communities it serves. In 2024, the company celebrated its best year yet, becoming the top U.S. bottler and excelling in volume, revenue, transactions, market share and execution. n
FIRST CENTRAL CEO JO BETSY TYLER ELECTED TO CORNERSTONE LEAGUE BOARD
First Central Credit Union announced that its President & CEO, Jo Betsy Tyler has been elected as Secretary by the Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Credit Union League, representing more than 600 credit unions of all asset sizes across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
This milestone appointment reflects the League’s confidence in Jo Betsy’s leadership. Her vision has led to First Central advancing equitable, innovative, and member-first financial services for thousands of Central Texans. From low-to-moderate income lending to Hispanic outreach, and youth financial literacy programs. First Central continues to make a meaningful impact both locally and regionally.
“It’s an honor to represent our credit union in the mid-size asset category and to amplify the voice of our members across the broader credit union movement,” said Jo Betsy Tyler. “At First Central, we believe that everything we do, we do for you, and this opportunity allows us to bring that philosophy to a wider table.”
With a deep commitment to community lending and cooperative values, First Central continues to be a trusted financial partner in Central Texas communities. Jo Betsy’s long tenured leadership on the Cornerstone Credit Union League board ensures that local perspectives will help shape the future of community finance across the fivestate region. n
THE WORKSITE HONORS FALLAS FAMILY WITH PLAQUE DEDICATION
Longtime Texas State Technical College supporters David and Valerie Fallas were honored with a plaque commemorating the David and Valerie Fallas Industrial Training Lab at The WorkSITE (Skills, Innovation, Training and Education).
The Fallas family is the founder of Fallas Automation in Waco, which specializes in producing automation support equipment and compact case packers.
“I think The WorkSITE is a wonderful idea; it gives students practical experience that is desperately needed and all at Fallas Automation are excited to be part of this,” David Fallas said. “We need a balance of intelligence, experience and a willingness to learn, and we have it at The WorkSITE.”
The lab naming is tied to a $1 million cash gift given to The TSTC Foundation in 2023 providing scholarships for students in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology – Industrial Maintenance, Robotics and Industrial Controls and Drafting and Design programs at the Waco campus and workforce training students participating in mechatronics lessons at The WorkSITE.
“Your faith in TSTC, and in the future of our students, is both humbling and inspiring,” said Kacey Darnell, TSTC’s vice president of student relations and senior director of The WorkSITE. “Because of you, lives will be changed for
generations to come.”
Sarah McDonald, development officer for The TSTC Foundation, said so far about $185,000 from the gift has gone to students.
“Recently, I walked through classes and saw several students from the first cohort of the Fallas scholarship, (and they were) fully engaged, smiling, clearly loving what they’re learning,” she said. “Many wouldn’t be here without this support.” n
BEN E. KEITH BEVERAGES PROMOTES RICK HODGES TO WACO SALES MANAGER
Ben E. Keith Beverages is announces the promotion of Rick Hodges to Sales Manager for the Waco Sales Office. Hodges will oversee all sales and operations across the Waco market.
Hodges, a 20-year veteran of Ben E. Keith Beverages, began his career in 2004 in the Fort Worth Service Department before entering the company’s Manager in Training program. Over the years, he has excelled in various roles within service, warehouse, and sales, most recently serving as High-End Brand Manager in Fort Worth. His leadership and commitment to fostering a strong team culture have been key to his success, qualities he continues to build on as a participant in the 2024–2025 Keith Leadership Initiative.
“I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to building on our strong relationships in the Waco area,” said Hodges. “Working closely with our community partners and customers is a priority, and I’m committed to fostering an even stronger connection between Ben E. Keith Beverages and the communities we serve.” n
Anchor Branding Co. crafts unforgettable brand experiences—from custom apparel and bold promotions to immersive environments. The team blends strategy, creativity, design, and hands-on craftsmanship to deliver work that keeps each brand story anchored in originality.
Clayton Thompson, CEO
2600 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 732-0015
Anchor-Branding.com
STAY APT SUITES
Owned by Provident Hospitality, StayAPT Suites Waco is an apartment-style hotel offering spacious accommodations with over 500 square feet per suite. Each suite includes a dedicated living room, a full-size kitchen, and a separate bedroom, along with two 55-inch SMART TVs. Guests can enjoy a secure outdoor courtyard featuring a built-in grill, fire pit, and seating area. The property is also pet-friendly.
2340 Creekview Dr, Waco, TX 76711 (254) 342-2112
www.stayapt.com
Flying Cowboy Photography/Ag Services, a veteran owned company, provides cutting-edge drone photography, videography, and agricultural spraying solutions. Specializing in high-resolution aerial imaging and precision applications, they capture stunning visuals and help farms boost efficiency. Their advanced drone fleet captures detailed aerial imagery, maps fields, and supports informed decision-making with speed and accuracy.
Project One Roofing is a trusted roofing company serving Waco and surrounding areas. It specializes in residential and commercial roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage inspections. Known for honesty, quality workmanship, and personalized service, Project One Roofing stands out with a customer-first approach and a dedicated team backed by years of experience. Its goal is to make every roofing project simple, stress-free, and built to last.
Shiloh Childress & Eric Lindsey, Owners 4800 W Waco Dr, Ste 172, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 588-9818
ProjectOneRoofing.com/home-waco
PEGASUS FLIGHT SCHOOL
Pegasus Flight School is the largest Part 61 flight school in Central Texas. Its mission is to provide the best possible flight training while maintaining a culture of safety and excellence among staff and students; it offers flight training from Private Pilot all the way to Commercial and CFI. Their motto is "We fly your schedule, you don't fly ours." They fly seven days a week from sunup to sundown.
David Ruiz, Owner
27474 US-84, McGregor, TX 76657 (254) 540-6854
PegasusFlightSchool.com
EVERHOME SUITES WACO
Everhome Suites Waco offers extended-stay comfort with apartment-style suites featuring full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly accommodations. Located off Interstate 35 near Baylor University, it includes a fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, and outdoor fireplace. Guests enjoy convenient amenities like a 24-hour front desk, minimarket, and BBQ facilities—ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Christine Varner-Dunn, General Manager
4301 S Jack Kultgen Expwy, Waco, TX 76711
(254) 265-9983
ChoiceHotels.com/TXQ57
CARITAS OF WACO
Caritas Treasures offers new and gently used items at budgetfriendly prices. From clothing, home décor and kitchen appliances to paper goods, toiletries, and beauty products— there’s something for everyone. As part of Caritas of Waco, every purchase helps support individuals and families in need. Proceeds help fund essential services including the food pantry, case management, life-skills training, and much more. Shop with purpose—find treasures while making a difference in your community.
Ann Owen, Executive Director 300 S 15th St, Waco, TX 76701 (254) 753-4593
Caritas-Waco.org
MARIE’S WINE BAR
Voted Best New Wine Bar in Central Texas, MARIE’S Wine Bar is a new upscale wine bar located in the heart of Downtown Waco, across from the Hippodrome. At MARIE’S, guests can experience and discover great wine, food, live music, visual art, and community! MARIE’S Wine Bar is a destination where visitors can relax and unwind, as well as have fun and good conversation. The team at MARIE’S says, “For us, MARIE'S is family.”
Sidney Warren, Owner
723 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701 (254) 294-8888
MariesWineBar.com
The Will of Waco is a dynamic live music venue and multifaceted destination that offers unique experiences for all. Guests can enjoy delicious food and a diverse array of specialty drinks, including craft cocktails and local beers. Highlights include engaging weekly events like Game Night, the lively Thursday Dance Hall, and HomeGrown Sunday featuring local vendors and artists. It's Waco's premier spot for exceptional food, entertainment, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Heather Roukoski, Marketing Director 5984 N Hwy 6, Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 435-0005
TheWillOfWaco.com
ONE YOU LOVE HOMECARE WACO
One You Love Homecare Waco provides relationship-based care to help seniors thrive at home. Locally owned and faithdriven, the agency offers companionship, help with meals, housekeeping, transportation, and personal care like bathing and dressing. Owner Greg Ligon personally visits every client monthly, ensuring consistent, compassionate support. With dementia care expertise and a mission grounded in excellence, integrity, love, and joy—they’re bringing joy home when it matters most.
The Waco Mammoth Foundation supports the Waco Mammoth National Monument through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement. Its mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance this significant paleontological site, while creating meaningful educational experiences for all ages. In partnership with the National Park Service, the foundation helps preserve the monument for future generations.
Priscilla Martinez, Foundation Manager 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708 (254) 265-5200 WacoMammothFoundation.org
The Midnight Hope Foundation, a Waco-based 501(c)(3), provides immediate financial assistance to families displaced by disasters like fires, floods, storms, and tornadoes. Focused on urgent needs such as shelter, food, and clothing, the foundation also offers expert guidance and connects families with long-term recovery resources. Committed to being a beacon of hope, they help navigate the complex road to recovery after disaster strikes.
Co-Founders: Dakota Dees, Joe Brown, Paul Cavezza, Barney Owen (254) 300-1875 MidnightHope.com
Heritage & Horizons Consulting offers Waco history and development tours and partners with the City of Waco on conference tour events. Bobby consults with the International Code Council and serves with SkillsUSA Texas, the Taylor Museum, McLennan County Historical Commission, and GWAMA through Waco ISD. He is also an active Greater Waco Chamber member, supporting business networking and community development.
Bobby Horner, Owner (254) 405-3310
254 SEAMLESS GUTTERS
254 Seamless Gutters, owned and operated by Brian Johnson, offers a variety of services in the Central Texas area. These services include gutter installation in a variety of colors, leaf guard systems, gutter cleaning, removal, and French drain installation. By combining these with top notch service, quality workmanship, affordable prices, and free estimates, the company ensures efficient drainage solutions to keep properties safe and well-maintained year-round.
Brian Johnson, Owner (254) 652-3988
254SeamlessGutters.com
Central Texas Family Healthcare, led by Maria Maldonado, NP, offers personalized, family-centered care for patients of all ages. Services include wellness exams, chronic condition management, pediatric care, and women’s health. Known for compassionate service and a strong patient-provider relationships, Maria Maldonado combines clinical expertise with a warm, approachable style—making quality, accessible healthcare a priority for the Central Texas community.
Maria Lozano, Office Manager 1607 Lake Success, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 772-0783
CTX-FamilyHealthcare.com
RECLAIMED RELICS
At Reclaimed Relics, they offer a wide variety of vintage home decor, collectibles, and even homemade items! They feature 2,000 square feet of shopping space made up of over 32 individual vendors! They also showcase a full-service coffee bar at the front of the store to complete the sip-andshop experience.
TexasWorks - Waco is a tuition-free public charter school designed for adult learners. It offers high school diploma completion alongside career and technical education (CTE) certifications through flexible learning options. With personalized support and workforce-focused training, TexasWorks - Waco equips students to advance and prepares them to enter the job market with industry-recognized skills.
Lisa Linton, Campus Director; Dr. Elizabeth Camarena, Brand Superintendent; Roderick Saldana, Regional Director
4720 N 19th St, Waco, Texas 76708 (254) 236-6200
TexasWorks.com/Waco
MAYNARD CPA, PLLC
Maynard CPA, PLLC (MCPA) provides outsourced tax & accounting solutions for growth minded businesses and individuals. Keith Maynard, CPA founded the firm in 2020 to help clients stay compliant while making informed financials decisions using clear, accurate, financial information. MCPA stands out for its approachable service, streamlined tools, and dedication to building lasting relationships that go beyond numbers.
Keith Maynard, CPA
1101 Wooded Acres, Ste 107, Waco, TX 76710
(254) 709-0417
Maynard.cpa
SPHERION STAFFING & RECRUITING
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting has been connecting candidates and businesses for more than 75 years. As a staffing and recruiting partner, Spherion services industries such as administrative, customer service, educational, finance & accounting, hospitality, IT, light industrial, manufacturing & logistics, non-clinical healthcare, professional, and sales & marketing roles. Their mission is simple: to drive careers, grow businesses, and better the communities they call home.
Vicki Koon, Owner & Sol Melton, Area Manager 510 Austin Ave, Ste 127, Waco, TX 76701 (254) 776-3621
Spherion.com
ATLAS CHIROPRACTIC
Atlas Chiropractic provides gentle, precise Upper Cervical Chiropractic care to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing. By focusing on the top of the spine, their team helps relieve head and neck pain and address conditions like facial pain, headaches, migraines, post-concussion symptoms, and dizziness or vertigo. Atlas Chiropractic is committed to helping families live healthier, more vibrant lives through personalized, results-driven care.
inWaco was created to highlight the characteristics 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.
Mar-Dun Construction LLC (254) 229-1000
1004 Fillmore St McGregor, TX 76657
McDonald's 43226 (512) 556-5836
3000 Speight Ave Beverly Hills, TX 76711
Midnight Hope Foundation (254) 366-2652
Miller Energy Guy (254) 922-3200
Mission Medicare Insurance (254) 722-4459
6801 Sanger Ave Ste 130C Waco, TX 76710
Mollie's Dog Place (254) 300-4664
1809 Columbus Ave Waco, TX 76701
Munachi Demolition and Junk Removal (936) 436-6994
927 N 10th St Waco, TX 76707
Neighborhood Bakery (254) 262-8293
506 Austin Ave Waco, TX 76702
Neural AI, LLC (214) 924-0427
510 Austin Ave Ste 207 Waco, TX 76701
Noble Graces (254) 652-5628
165 Old Patton Rd Valley Mills, TX 76689
Old Fashion Meat Market (254) 723-4975
201 S Main St McGregor, TX 76657
On the Avenue Salon and Blowout Bar (254) 339-1440
711 Austin Ave Waco, TX 76701
One You Love Homecare Waco (254) 273-8785
510 Austin Ave Ste 25564 Waco, TX 76701
Opal's Oysters (254) 300-5692
228 S 8th St Waco, TX 76701
Platinum Scoops (254) 726-6737
Pro Fab Custom Fabrication & Welding Inc. (512) 930-7997 7127 FM 2338 Georgetown, TX 78633
Reclaimed Relics (541) 951-7115
3980 Old Lorena Rd Lorena, TX 76655
Shades Custom Tint (254) 666-2665
801 N Hewitt Dr Hewitt, TX 76643
Spiciness Grill (254) 300-4693
1725 N Valley Mills Dr Waco, TX 76710
Swing Waco (254) 227-3214
1530 Washington Ave Waco, TX 76701
Taz Indian Cuisine (979) 985-6478
160 N New Rd Waco, TX 76710
Tex Vet Trees & Milling (254) 447-5090
The Arc of McLennan County (254) 756-7491
4901 Lakewood Dr Waco, TX 76710
The Bruin (254) 754-6442
1300 S 11th St Waco, TX 76706
The Hatstand (254) 339-6308
900 E Waco Dr Waco, TX 76704
The Posh Potty (254) 677-7674
The Trompo King (915) 781-8144
1001 Enterprise Blvd Hewitt, TX 76643
The Will (254) 435-0005
5984 N State Hwy 6 Woodway, TX 76712
Thomas P. Finley, Jr. Attorney at Law (254) 870-5064
