Hewitt Express Spring 2019 by greaterhewittchamber

SPRING 2019

Time to read a good book! Greater Hewitt Chamber Student of the Year Awards The evolution of Hewittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Hall IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar of Events | New Member Spotlights | Hewitt Happenings HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 1

Country Fried Comfort Now At Home In Hewitt! 221 Enterprise Blvd Hewitt, TX 76643

Calendar of Events

a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.

APRIL

MAY, cont.

Extraco Banks Business After Hours 200 Hewitt Drive in Waco | 5:00– 7:00 p.m.

Signature Luncheon: Scott Carley: Five Year Professional Bucket List | The Pavilion 1 Pavilion Way in Woodway | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Texas Golf Karts Ribbon Cutting 144 Cherokee Trail in Woodway | 5:00 p.m.

Hewitt’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Educators Credit Union & Hewitt Florist | Hewitt Park | 801 S. Hewitt Drive in Hewitt 10:00 a.m. sharp | Free & open to the public

Hampton Inn & Suites Waco South Business After Hours & Autism Speaks Fundraiser 2501 Marketplace Drive in Waco | 5:00–7:00 p.m. Raffle tickets for exciting prizes available for purchase!

27 5th Annual Nacho Daddy Car Show & Concert presented by HEB | Warren Park 450 S. Old Temple Rd. in Hewitt | 6:00–9:00 p.m.

“

SPRING:

MAY

New Member Appreciation Reception Poppa Rollo’s | 1201 Hewitt Drive | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Classic Style 20-Year Customer Celebration 211 Sun Valley Blvd. in Hewitt | Ribbon Cutting to be held at 12:00 p.m.

Neighborly Brands Business After Hours | Dwyer Group Training Lodge | 1010 N. University Parks Dr. in Waco | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

17 Communication in the Workplace Breakfast Workshop | Hewitt Public Library | 200 Patriot Court in Hewitt | Breakfast Event from 8:00–9:30 a.m. 22

New Member Orientation | Hewitt Public Training Facility | 100 Patriot Court in Hewitt | 8:30–9:30 a.m.

Lunch & Learn: TSTC Workforce Update & Campus Tour | TSTC | 8th Street and Campus Drive 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Baylor Club Business After Hours 1001 S. MLK, Jr. Blvd in Waco | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

JUNE 6

Springhill Suites Business After Hours 200 Colonnade Pkwy in Waco | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

TBA Quarterly Shredding Event | POINTWEST Bank 420 N. Hewitt Dr. in Hewitt | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 25

Lead Explosion Networking Event with Women of Waco | Baylor Club | 1001 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Waco | 5:00–7:30 p.m.

Hewitt Public Library’s Hero Day honoring First Responders | Hewitt Park | 801 S. Hewitt Dr. in Hewitt | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m

For more information about GHC events, visit HewittChamber.com/Events

Calendar sponsored by

Home Equity Loans

NO CLOSING COST

Ends May 31

To advertise in the Hewitt Express, or for more information, call 254.666.1200. Issues are published in January, April, July and October. Greater Hewitt Chamber Executive Director | Alissa Cady | alissa@hewittchamber.com Communications Coordinator | Megan Pate | megan@hewittchamber.com hewittchamber.com

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 3

©2019 Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Mention of commercial products, processes, or services in the Hewitt Express cannot be construed as an endorsement by the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Design Kim Giles, ByDesignWaco.com • Cover photo Cameron Akin, Hip Pixel Media

In memory John L. Holder

t’s with a heavy heart that the Greater Hewitt Chamber communicates the passing of Lifetime GHC Board Member,

John Holder. His accomplishments in our community will not be forgotten as he was significantly involved for many years through his State Farm business located in Hewitt. John was a member of the Chamber since it was established in 1978, served on the Board for more than 12 years, and was a supporter of several special events and initiatives in our community over the years. John was also an active supporter of the Hewitt Kiwanis Club and Hewitt VFW Post 6008. We will dearly miss John Holder.

On the cover: 84 Runners RENE MACIEL • MISSIONS PASTOR, FIRST WOODWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

ur running club known as “84 Runners” began in May 2017 with the purpose of promoting health and fitness through running and walking in the communities around Highway 84. Our main priority as a running club is to give back to the community while enjoying the activity of running. Through our monthly runs (including our family fun runs—Shipley Donut Dash and Bush’s Chicken Run), we collect donations and running fees at our special events to support and care for other non-profit agencies in our community. We are always looking for ways to give back to our community. When 84 Runners started, we had eight people who started with us—both runners and walkers. Now we have a wonderful group coming out for each of our monthly runs, and many more coming out for our family fun runs. 84 Runners is always a safe place to bring your family to enjoy walking or running while meeting others with the same interest. We welcome all runners, joggers, walkers, and just folks who want to bring their kids to run.

4 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

We meet each month at First Woodway (100 Ritchie Road) in front of our Ministry Activities Center (MAC) on the first and third Saturdays of each month at 8:00 a.m. (7:30 a.m. during summer months). Running routes are usually a 5k or 4 miles for all levels of runners. We also have several walkers who come and walk a 2-mile route each time. This month, we will begin a new program called “Walk 2 Run” and we want to invite more walkers to come and join us in walking (and then maybe running). The area we walk is stroller-friendly, and some even bring their dogs (on a leash). Our most recent sponsored running event was the Bush’s Chicken Run held on March 30 at Bush’s Chicken on Hewitt Drive. All race fees benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Waco. For 84 Runners news events, visit firstwoodway.org/84r. You can also stay up with club news by joining our Facebook group page at facebook.com/84 Runners. Come join us for a run or walk, and a healthy way to care for our community.

At the Greater Hewitt Chamber, we know small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. So one day every year, we make an extra effort to show our appreciation for our members by visiting each one to thank them in person. Our army of volunteers visited over 475 members on March 6 during our 2nd Annual Operation Thank You. Special thanks to Dee Raber with Pro Star Home Repair & Construction and Diane Jenkins with Ambit Energy for visiting the most members! Visit Facebook.com/GreaterHewittChamber for more 2019 Operation Thank You Photos.

So what does it mean to be a Greater Hewitt Chamber member? Since 1978, our mission has been to promote an environment of goodwill and prosperity among businesses, residents and civic organizations in the greater Hewitt area. As of now, the Chamber represents 19,000 jobs and 35+ local non-profit organizations, with $70,000 awarded to local students through the Greater Hewitt Chamber Scholarship Fund since 2008. We focus our operations on promoting our members in the greater Hewitt area, and by offering networking, educational, advertising and leadership opportunities to our members. Join today at HewittChamber.com/Join or by contacting our Membership Drive captains: Diane Jenkins, Chris Hoke, Dena Bridgewater or Trish Menchu. Join by May 1 to receive 15% off your first ad!

Summer is coming

Time to read a good book WAYNETTE DITTO • DIRECTOR, HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY

he school year is winding down, and parents and students alike feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as they close their books for the last time. It’s time to swap pencils for pool noodles and online classes for family road trips. Summer is here so it’s time to relax… with a good book. “Wait!” you cry. “I just found the last book under a pile of Junior’s socks. We need a break from books!” Of course, we all need a change of pace from time to time, and that’s one of the great joys of summer. So take a few days to unwind, but then consider the following reasons why you and your family should visit the Hewitt Public Library all summer long. Summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children—particularly those in urban areas and those not needed for farm work—to read during their summer vacation, and to develop the habit of reading. This year, the Hewitt Public Library is celebrating its 35th anniversary. What better way to celebrate the library than to visit and find a great book? The beauty of summer reading is freedom of choice. Nothing is assigned. Pleasure reading means you choose the books that appeal to you—and replace them if they lose their luster. Research shows that reading for fun outside of school impacts educational success and has positive emotional and social results. What kind of impact? Well, it’s no surprise to learn that reading outside of school brings rewards during the school year, but you may not realize just how significant these rewards are. Pleasure reading creates deep reservoirs of imagination and creativity that allows imagination to soar. Author Neil Gaiman makes an excellent case that reading fiction in particular provides the fodder for literacy. After being lost in a fantasy world, we find ourselves better equipped to meet the challenges in our world. (Gaiman also makes a lovely case for honoring libraries as depositories of all good things.)

6 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

Students who continued reading after assignments ended demonstrated above-average scores for school engagement, close family ties, and strong friendships. Reading fiction has also been shown to increase empathy, allowing for greater compassion and understanding between peers. When you read for pleasure, whether it’s an immersive, intellectual, social or work-related pleasure, you are building the foundation for success in school and in life. That’s not a bad way to spend the summer! The Hewitt Public Library (and many libraries across the U.S.) will celebrate space exploration in our summer reading programs this year. The slogan “A Universe of Stories” was chosen by library professionals to help inspire children of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and to create their own story. I want to personally invite you to register your entire family to participate during our fun programs starting Wednesday, June 5 with our kick-off party in Hewitt Park. Join us for music, story time, scavenger hunts and special performances. Visit us on the web at cityofhewitt.com for more information about upcoming programs and come visit us soon!

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 7

20 1 8 - 20 1 9

Special thanks to our sponsors: H-E-B and The First National Bank of Central Texas

Student of the Year Trevion Quinn • Hewitt Elementary

Trevion loves to help and he always has a smile. He is courteous to both adults and other students. He plays by the rules and encourages his teammates. He is compassionate to others. I would trust him with any task. Trevion is eager to help others and always does the right thing, and is always looking out for others’ best interests. He is a leader on campus, and is part of the Kindness & Compassion Club and Panther Safety Patrol.

Pari Sharma • Castleman Creek Elementary

Pari has received kindness awards couple of times and is the first one to have received the Student of the Year Award at Midway ISD whose parents are from a small country like Nepal. Her hobbies are dancing, acting and singing. Her favorite subject is math. Her parents are Prakash Sharma and Sharmila Gautam.

Caroline Ferguson • South Bosque Elementary

Caroline has proven to be both a leader and a friend to her peers. Her keen sense of humor and kindness to all have earned her this special recognition. She has participated on the school’s Destination Imagination team, placed in all-district UIL Ready Writing and continually makes straight As. She plays on the Waco Texans Soccer team and also enjoys volleyball, drawing, and animals of all kinds. She is an active member of Harris Creek Baptist Church. Proud parents are Jaime and Kyle Ferguson.

Ruth Oka Onu • Woodway Elementary

Ruth is an exceptionally bright, kind, gifted and hardworking child who always has a smile on her face. In addition to competing in UIL spelling competition, she is also a member of the Math and Kindness clubs. She has a knack for studying and learning new things and is very sensitive to others’ feelings. She always seeks to help those in need. Ruth helps her siblings with studies and enjoys reading and swimming. She believes in God and the power of prayer. As a parent, you could never wish for anything more from a child.

Audrey Johnston • Speegleville Elementary

8 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

Audrey Johnston is active in many things—President of the Kindness and Compassion Club, a member of the Library Lords and Ladies service organization, and has competed in UIL events in Oral Reading and Music Memory. She has won the Principal’s Award, the Leadership Award, and earned spending a day as the Principal of the Day. Audrey is involved in many extracurricular activities: goalkeeper for the Waco Texans and a member of the Jazzy Jades dance team at Let’s Dance. She loves spending time with her family, friends, church family, and pets. Proud parents are Terry and Kim Johnston.

Jace Washington • Spring Valley Elementary

Jace is known for his contagious smile, compassion and kindness. He participates in the 7 Habits Leadership Class weekly by mentoring younger students, and consistently makes the A/B Honor Roll. He has earned Panther Pride Awards and awards for Most Musical. He has a passion for playing drums and currently plays at a high school level. Jace is fun-loving and loves to make others laugh. He also enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and cheering on his sister at her volleyball games. Proud parents are Ahmad and Jennifer Washington.

Kimi Clendennen • River Valley Intermediate

Kimi finds her greatest joy spreading love and kindness to others. She successfully created the “Wave” kindness club at her school to spread acts of kindness to other students. Kimi is involved with First United Methodist, CYT theatre, River Valley Choir, and Panther Pride volunteers. She enjoys DIY projects, writing, and spending time with her family and friends. Proud parents are Mark and Jackie Villarreal and Matthew Clendennen.

Madeline Zerwin • Woodgate Intermediate

Madeline shows kindness and respect to all faculty and students. She is a 6th grade ambassador for her homeroom, participates in Name That Book Club, and is a UIL competitor in Writing and Oral Reading. Madeline plays volleyball and softball and was on the 2018 Midway Little League All Star team. She has a passion for helping animals. In her spare time Madeline enjoys playing her viola, hanging out with family and friends, and loving on her family dogs.

Hicham Houlim • Midway Middle School

Hicham is the son of Mehdi and Miranda Houlim. He is an honor roll student and a member of National Junior Honor Society. He is a hard worker with a positive attitude, and he never backs down from a challenge. He is a member of the Midway Middle School Basketball Team, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. He also participates in UIL for Math and Band. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, watching the San Antonio Spurs, volunteering in his community, and spending time with friends and family.

Haeun Moon • Midway High School

Haeun is a National Merit Finalist, a Questbridge National College Match Finalist, and a National AP Scholar. She is President of the National Honor Society and Songs for Seniors. She dedicates much of her time to music. At 11, she debuted at Carnegie Hall. In addition to several music awards/scholarships, Haeun has appeared on NPR’s From the Top. In 2018, she toured with the National Youth Orchestra to Asia as the associate concertmaster, and studied music in Salzburg, Austria. She has been selected as a member of the NYO-USA 2019, and will tour Europe this summer. She is passionate about giving back to her community, and is the co-founder of Mission Waco’s afterschool music program. She also founded Music for Veterans, and performs weekly for patients of the Blind Rehab Unit at Doris Miller V.A. Medical Center. In addition, she volunteers at Talitha Koum, a program for young children. She has received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Mission Waco and the Hewitt Chamber Outstanding Community Service Award and Scholarship. She will attend Harvard after graduation.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING US WACOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S #1 VET

2017/18 AWARD WINNER

Serving our community since 1983.

We treat your pets like the treasured family members they are.

Call us today! Appointments preferred. Drop-offs welcome.

254-666-5050

10 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

The vehicle for every family adventure, even if it’s just for dessert. The all-new 2019 Jeep Cherokee

Hwy. 84 at Hwy. 6 • Waco 254-772-1000 • AllenSamuelsDCJ.com

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 11

WHY ASK

EBOOK? FAClocalsloveus.com/waco Choose the site with over

139,000

LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS 12 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

Ready for a long-term business relationship?

Our first one started 130 years ago. Running a business has its challenges. Trying to keep track of your bank and your banker shouldn’t be one of them. At National United, we’ve served the businesses and families of Central Texas for 130 years. That means we look a little further down the road than most banks and we put more value on a handshake and a business relationship. If that’s the way you like to do business, let’s talk today.

NationalUnited.com 701 N Hewitt Dr.

| 254.666.1280

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 13 Member FDIC |

Equal Housing Lender

14 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 15

BushsChicken.com

778 Sun Valley Blvd. Hewitt, TX (254) 732-9823

Convenient loca�on. Comfortable rooms. First-class ameni�es. Minutes away from Baylor University, McLane Stadium, Fixer Upper’s® Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Dr Pepper Museum and Cameron Park Zoo. Conveniently located just oﬀ I-35 between Aus�n and Dallas. Stay at Ramada in Hewi�, and experience Southern hospitality at its ﬁnest.

16 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

The evolution of Hewitt’s City Hall CHARLIE TURNER • FORMER MAYOR OF HEWITT

hen my wife and I moved to Hewitt in 1977, the city’s main road was FM 1695. Driving this road meant dodging potholes and rough spots. At the other end of FM 1695 (in Woodway) was Piggly Wiggly, the only grocery store in the area. Hewitt was a smaller community then, supporting a volunteer fire department building donated by several citizens. The fire station was the central hub of Hewitt and served as its first City Hall (photo 1). Before each City Council meeting, one of the bays housing a fire truck would be cleared for tables and chairs to accommodate City Council members and city employees— leaving residents and visitors the choice to be seated anywhere they could find a place to sit. Some would sit on fire trucks, while others would choose to stand. Cities progress with time, and with that progression comes expansion of necessary facilities to accommodate a growing population. As Hewitt grew, a doctor’s office located on Chama Street became available to be the next City Hall (photo 2). The building was the perfect size for a doctor’s office, but offered hardly enough space to accommodate City Hall (that now included the city’s Police Station). The need to expand City Hall required the original building to be expanded to three times its original size. This expansion accommodated the city’s administrative staff and housed the Police Station for many years, but as the town grew, so did the city’s staff. Police officers called for a campaign to build a new community center to be located on property behind City Hall. The center would be used for public functions to raise revenue, and serve as the location for City Council meetings. Soon, this new City Hall became too small for the growing city. The need to bring together city

administrative offices, Police and the library created a new challenge to find a building large enough to accommodate all of these. City Hall could not meet the new space requirements, so the building became the new Hewitt Police Department—allowing the city to purchase a larger building located behind the station on Chama Drive. The third location had been many different businesses before its transformation to City Hall. Back taxes, renovation costs and declining profits left the building vacant for a period of time before a negotiated settlement was agreed upon between the owner and city staff. For many years, this building served well as Hewitt City Hall, allowing the Hewitt Public Library (photo 3) and various other departments to expand. A growing population requires more city services, as well as a place for those who serve the city. This City Hall location was the first to have true Council chambers in which to hold meetings. As much as it accommodated everything at that time, once again,expansion to meet the needs of Hewitt’s growing population became an issue. Certificates of obligation were issued to raise funds needed to build today’s new City Hall (photo 4). The spacious building we enjoy today serves as a reminder to all Hewitt residents as to how our city evolved. The current City Hall was built to accommodate any future growth that might be needed for additional city departments, administrative demands, more city employees, and/or the growth of the Hewitt Public Library. From a small-town volunteer fire department building to the modern and spacious city complex we enjoy today, Hewitt citizens should feel protected, cared for and proud to be a part of this multi-decade journey known as the evolution of Hewitt City Hall.

4 HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 17

Welcome new members!

Bo Thomas now on the job

Welcome to Hewitt’s new City Manager B

Bo began his service to the City of Hewitt on January 28, 2019 and is excited to help the City of Hewitt continue in its steep tradition of excellence and positive growth. Prior to being appointed as City Manager in Hewitt, Bo was the City Manager of Bellmead, Texas from 2012 to 2019, the City Manager of Page, Arizona from 2002 to 2012 and the City Manager of Hobbs, New Mexico from 1994 to 2002. Bo is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a major in Management, and has served on committees at the state level in New Mexico and Arizona.

The Sapphire Room at 416 A & N Nails & Spa Fruitful Marketing Agency RE/MAX Roya, Kimberly Fowler M&M Tours and Cruises Superman Electric National Farm Life, Royce Berger Amazing Lash Studio Northpointe Bank Skate Waco, Inc. Keep Waco Beautiful Water Source Plumbing Services, LLC Yaxx, Inc. Poppa Rollos Hewitt Double 10 Platinum, LLC Jim Bland Construction J J’s Tinting Harris Services, LLC Brooks Wealth Advisors Mail Plus Robin Jamison Insurance Redline Powersports Pickup Outfitters

Our members save thousands with our services, every year. We grow with our neighborhood. Stop by and let us help you grow! Make the smart choice with a local, personalized financial institution.

u u u u u

FREE Rewards Checking with FREE debit card Home & Auto loans (New, Used & Refi) FREE online Banking & Bill Pay Mobile Banking App Savings & Investment options

Insured By NCUA 254-776-9550 | 800-922-6428 | www.gencofcu.org |

www.facebook.com/GENCOFCU

W A C O • L U F K I N • W O O D W AY / H E W I T T • L O R E N A • B E L L M E A D / L A C Y L A K E V I E W

18 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 19

Founded in 1998, Gold Financial Services sets the gold standard for mortgage banking excellence. From prequalification through (and after) closing, our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing a smooth and successful home purchase transaction. An equal housing lender, we are able to proudly serve our community with a diverse range of mortgage products, helping clients with FICO scores as low as 500 with free credit restoration as part of purchasing a home. We’re experts at matching our clients with the loan program that best suits their needs.Mortgage transactions are handled entirely in-house by Gold employees who live and work in the communities we serve. Contact Tina Wilson at (254) 733-1852 or twilson@goldfinancial.com.

Heart of Texas Puppet Lady

New Beginnings Entertainment’s Davena Pogue has rebranded her services and is now known as Heart of Texas Puppet Lady! Davena provides fun and family-friendly puppet shows for all ages and occasions: birthday parties, churches, daycares, schools and festivals! We also offer advertising with puppets for all kinds of businesses. Our customer always comes first–and that means exceptional products and exceptional services. For information or to book a show, contact heartoftexaspuppetlady@aol.com, follow us on Facebook or visit davp74.wixsite.com/heartoftexaspuppet. In 1979, Frances Sturgis, friend of First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson (who introduced the national beautification effort) convinced local leaders to establish the Greater Waco Beautification Association. Keep Waco Beautiful became an official nonprofit organization specializing in environmental conservation in 1980. KWB averages 450 members and 13,000+ volunteers annually, and has won seven awards for best practices in waste reduction, recycling outreach and beautification projects—bringing in $1.5 million+ to Waco provided by TxDOT and Keep Texas Beautiful. Founded by Charlie and Margaret Maddux in 1991, M & M Tours and Cruises plans and coordinates 30+ tours each year—offering day trips, overnight motor coach trips, and fully guided fly-in trips. Gift certificates are also available to serve any special occasion! Call (254) 666-7887 or visit mmtourscruises.us today for a calendar and to book your next getaway, but don’t wait, tours sell out quickly! All tours leave from the National Bank in Hewitt.

20 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

NEW MEMBER

At Fruitful Marketing Agency, we use the power of the internet to help local business owners get more customers and revenue. Have you wasted time and money on marketing that didn’t get results? Aren’t you too busy for ineffective marketing? You have a business to run, and you need to make money. The #1 reason marketing fails is because the wrong strategy is being used at the wrong time. So we keep it simple with one question: Do you need customers now or later? Then we do what we do best and get you measurable results that give you a return on your investment. Visit fruitfulmktg.com for more information, or call (254) 723-2310.

SP TLIGHT

Jim Bland completed his architectural training at Texas A&M and opened Jim Bland Construction in 1974. To-date, the company has built hundreds of homes and developed many beautiful subdivisions in Central Texas. Jim Bland Construction maintained its standing as a family-owned company with the addition of Scott Bland as company President in 2006. As Jim Bland Construction moves into its fifth decade of service, we are very proud of the reputation we have created and the homes we have built. Visit Jimblandhomes.com or call (254) 772-6508 for information.

We’re a local, family-owned pizzeria that proudly serves the greater Waco area. We use only the finest and freshest ingredients and we’ve been voted best pizza in Waco for the past 20 years! We invite you to come try the best pizza in Waco in our unique atmosphere. Party rooms are available for groups of 20-100. Call (254)227-6434 to order or make a reservation.

NEW MEMBER

When Northpointe Bank opened in 1999, founder Charles Williams had a clear vision for the bank—he wanted real people working with real people, and to provide an exceptionally high level of service for each and every customer. We pride ourselves in our commitment to our clients, while also creating a tight-knit, caring community of employees. Northpointe Bank is a business created by smart-working people for smart-working people. Our experienced home loan professionals will make your experience a great one. Call us today at (254) 299-7400 or visit Homeloanteam.xyz for more information.

SP TLIGHT

National Farm Life has served Texans professionally and personally since 1946 with a variety of life insurance and financial products. We believe in developing relationships of trust and respect by caring for our customers’ needs and giving them information to make sound decisions. Whether you’re a spring chicken or just young at heart, today is the perfect time to plan for your loved ones in the future. We can give your family the security they deserve at an affordable monthly rate. Visit us online at www.nflic.com, contact Royce Berger at (254)744-3070 or Don Hutto at (254) 399-0803 for more information.

We are a full-service industrial/commercial construction company providing engineering/construction solutions to meet the needs of our clients while delivering superior results on-time. Services include turnkey designbuild construction, project management consulting, process improvement consulting, automation & controls and industrial resinous flooring. We deliver for multi-national corporations, smaller companies, engineering firms, and municipalities. For more information, visit theprojectgroupconsulting.com or call (254) 221-9908. Over 25 years and still rolling strong, we’re the place to go for fun and making memories! Two convenient locations provide skating, laser tag, and arcade games. Fully-stocked concession areas and piping hot pizza, legendary teen lock-ins and skate camps provide holiday fun for all ages. New to skating? Check out weekly classes. We have multiple options for birthday parties, corporate events and fundraisers. For more information, a calendar of events and to book a party, visit Skatewaco.com or call (254) 772-0042.

Superman Electric serves the greater Hewitt area, providing electrical services for both commercial and residential properties. We are equipped to perform any electrical work—from new construction, remodels or additions, as well as upgrading electrical services to code standards. For all of your electrical needs, contact Ruben at (432)-349-4117 or send an email to supermanelectricalservices@gmail.com. Visit our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/SupermanElectric.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 21

Hewitt Happenings

13 22 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

Special thanks to Raising Cane’s on Hewitt Drive for sponsoring Greater Hewitt Chamber’s 2019 ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

1 Ace Dental Ribbon Cutting held in January • 2 Setting Boundaries luncheon program presented by Dr. J. Michael Godfrey in March • 3, 4 & 15 Greater Hewitt Chamber Annual Banquet in January 5 & 7 Champions Salon and Barber Business After Hours in February • 6 Dr. Erica Bruce’s Hewitt City Council swearing-in ceremony with Congressman Bill Flores held in January • 8 Digital Media Butterfly Ribbon Cuttting in March • 9 A & N Nails and Spa Ribbon Cutting held in January • 10 Grant-Writing and Small Business Skills luncheon held in February • 11 Friends for Life Ribbon Cutting held in January 12 Christmas basket assembly by Kiwanis in December • 13, 22 & 24 Locals Love Us Business After Hours held in January • 14 Joint Greater Hewitt and McGregor Chambers Ribbon Cutting for John Houston Custom Homes held in February • 16 Legacy Workshop at Springhill Suites held in March 17, 19 & 20 Right at Home Business After Hours held in January • 18 Midway Middle School Red White & Brew Coffee Co. Ribbon Cutting held in February • 21 New Year Networking Event at Carter BloodCare held in January • 23 Heartis Waco Business After Hours held in March

Mark your calendar to join us on Saturday, April 27 at the Nacho Daddy Car Show & Concert, presented by H-E-B Woodway! Donations for Hunger Free MISD accepted. HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 23

Insuring your life helps protect their future. Richard Kruger, Agent 7213 New Sanger Rd. Waco, TX 76712 Bus: 254-776-4593 richard.kruger.pkib@statefarm.com

It can also provide for today. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs. GET TO A BETTER STATE.ÂŽ CALL ME TODAY.

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 1203087.1

24 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

H A P P Y H E A R T S • D R E A M H O M E S • R OYA L I F E S T Y L E S

Kimberly Fowler

Sales Representative

KimFowlerHomes.com • 254-733-1395 Serving all of Central Texas

409 HWY 36 N BYP Ste. 2, Gatesville, TX 76528

Each office is independently owned and operated.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 25

814 Majes�c Drive Hewi�, TX 76643 (254) 666-5656 RoyaltonVillage.com myhome@RoyaltonVillage.com Spacious 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, duplexes, townhouses and homes from 700 to 1700 square feet with 8 diﬀerent ﬂoor plans. Our ameni�es include: • Two reserved covered parking spaces • 24-hour emergency service • Fireplaces • Washer/Dryer hook-ups • Two car garages (houses only) • Extra storage space • Fenced-in backyards • Large walk-in closets • Single and double pa�os • Solar-screened windows • Midway ISD

Let us treat you like royalty! For up-to-date Hewitt Chamber events and info, visit

HewittChamber.com or call 254.666.1200

26 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019

Ask the Experts How bad is one “cheat meal” per week? The term “cheat meal” has become popular, thanks to strict diets many try to follow—even diets built mostly of cheat meals. You want to have a cheat meal, so what’s the big deal? A good cheat meal is usually not going to be nutritious. The biggest challenge to your health is not what you eat in the cheat meal, but the term itself. Think about what happened when someone got caught cheating in school. “Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater” sound familiar? Being labeled a cheater can be demoralizing. When you don’t plan, and you place undue pressure on yourself to be perfect all the time, the temptation to have a cheat meal grows exponentially. Once you say to yourself that the meal you’re having is your “cheat meal,” you’ve effectively labeled yourself a cheater. Another phrase we all learned in school? “Cheaters never win.” Not only have you labeled yourself a cheater, but now you subconsciously have told yourself you can’t win at your health goal. In other words, “I’m a loser.” How do you break through to your subconscious and remove the label of cheater? Stop calling it a cheat meal! If you want to step out of your meal plan/diet, do so with confidence, but understand that the potential consequence is not reaching your health goal as quickly as you would like. That’s okay, it’s a choice. A big part of choosing wisely is choosing the words you use. Stop cheating yourself.

Have a question for an expert? Get it answered! Call 254.666.1200 or send an email to megan@ hewittchamber.com and your question may be featured in the next issue.

Tips for the home-buying process Purchasing or moving into a new home is an exciting process. Use the following tips to make the dream of homeownership easier for you: • Reduce debt:

Why don’t we make exercise a priority in our lives?

We all know that regular exercise has tremendous health benefits. Why isn’t it a priority in our lives? Common reasons for not working out include time Develop a habit of paying off your constraints, exercise is boring, you’re self-conscious about your body, you’re credit cards every month. not very athletic, or there’s no support group. Clean up your credit report. Get your downpayment together. (Typically 5-20% of the purchase price of the house) Get Pre-Qualified with a lender. Getting pre-qualified lets you know how much house you can afford. By submitting an application, basic information is collected and a credit report is obtained and reviewed. Preliminary documentation will be requested and reviewed to verify the information you provided on your application. The lender will then review the results with you. • Begin looking for your new home: Find a good real estate agent. They will show you how much a house is really worth to help you avoid paying too much. • Final Step: Execute a Purchase Contract. Three days prior to closing, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure with closing costs included. Buyer and seller then sign all documents and funds are disbursed per the Purchase Contract. You’ll then get the keys to your new home!

Let’s talk about time. Many have children with busy after-school lives. Get your workout in while they are in school. A lunch workout will do, or get it done at 5:00 a.m., before they even get out of bed. Is your workout boring? Find another one! There are so many workouts available right now. Orangetheory Fitness workouts are a great example of a high-energy, never boring workout. Self-conscious about your body? Guess what, so is everyone else! This is true among fit people just as much as someone who is just starting out. The hardest thing to do is walk through the door. Find a place that does all the thinking for you! You’ll be too busy sweating and working hard to even notice who’s next to you. We don’t all have to be athletes to enjoy the benefits of working out. Find a workout that makes you feel successful! If you have no support group to guide you in your fitness journey, don’t feel alone. Find a workout that embraces a community spirit, has an active Facebook/Instagram community, and you will find the support you need.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 27

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #65 Hewitt TX

P.O. Box 661 Hewitt, Texas 76643

Feeling like you paid too much in taxes this year? Contact your financial advisor today to learn about investing strategies that could benefit you.

John M Maddux

FAP-1942L-A-AD

Financial Advisor

400 Sapphire Hewitt, TX 76643 254-666-9009

28 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2019