IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar of Events | New Member Spotlights | Hewitt Happenings
Winter 2024
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Calendar of Events JANUARY 5
GHCoC Scholarship Application Deadline
5
Business Marketing Package Application Deadline
10
GHCoC Board Meeting
11
Locals Love Us Business After Hours at The Palladium, 729 Austin Avenue, 5–7 p.m.
16
Monthly Business Networking Luncheon ESC Region 12, 2101 W. Loop 340 • 11:30 am–1 p.m. Ragan Patterson will present “Successful Habits Build Fortitude”
25
GHCOC Annual Banquet • Waco Convention Center’s Brazos Ballroom • 100 Washington Ave. 5–8 p.m.
y n e w ye
a r!
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Every year, you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.
p ap
FEBRUARY 7
GHCoC Students of the Year Presentations
10
GHCoC Shredding Event by HOT Shred Sponsored by GTA Vacations • 9-11 a.m. PointWest Bank • 420 N. Hewitt Dr
14
GHCoC Board Meeting
20
Monthly Business Networking Luncheon Brett Cox, The Grandson “10 Essential Tips in Caring for an Elderly Loved One” Location TBA, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
22
Happy Hour with the President Top Golf • 2301 Creekview Dr • 5–7 p.m.
29
GHCoC Ambassador Kick-off • 9–10 a.m. Black Rifle Coffee Co., 2436 Creekview Dr
YOUR WACO AREA
MARCH
25
Scholarship Winner Recognitions at Banquet
13
GHCoC Board Meeting
25
Annual Small Business Membership Package Awards to be presented at Banquet
14
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GHCoC Member Orientation • Hewitt Public Safety Facility • 100 Patriot Court • 9–10:30 a.m.
Business After Hours • 5–7 p.m. Heartis Waco • 5317 Speegleville Rd @ Hwy 84
19
Monthly Business Networking Luncheon – TBA
28
Membership Drive Kick-off • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Poppa Rollos • 1201 Hewitt Dr
For current details on events, visit HewittChamber.com
hewittchamber.com
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 Director | Misti Smith | misti@hewittchamber.com Membership and Marketing Director | Jake Smith | jake@hewittchamber.com ©2024 Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Mention of commercial products, processes, or services in the Hewitt ExpressChamber cannot be construed HewittChamber.com Hewitt Express as an endorsement by the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Design Kim Giles, ByDesignWaco.com
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Lori Robb Pres. Elect Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
Andrew Westra Vice Pres. Christ Our Refuge Lutheran Church
Lindsey Skinner CPA, CFE, CGMA Treasurer Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP
Ashley Futris Midway ISD
Bo Thomas City of Hewitt Honorary Member
Cecy Holubec Photography by Cecy
Clint Allen State Farm Insurance Hewitt, TX
Diana Crow Digital Media Butterfly
Donna Muhlman Mr. Electric
Donny Hunter Small Biz Guy
Frank Thomas Wash & Thomas Attorneys
Gabby Curry-Evick Walk-On's Waco
Gregg Dungan KXXV News 25
Jean Ann Hoover Educators Credit Union & Hewitt Florist
Jeanne Rieger Mary Kay
Jeff Nunes Maverick Financial
Jeff Stubbs Custom Integrators
Jose Neira Italian Granite
Kathryn Eckblad Sedona Staffing Services
Katy Redding Specialty Restoration
Ken Noble Noble Leadership Solutions
Matthew Boudreaux Align Financial
Reece Flood High & Associates
Regina Martinez Cadence Bank
Richard Nettles Extraco Banks Mortgage
Sam Hersh BeaconPay Solutions
Scott Hedges GENCO Federal Credit Union
Stephanie Tolbert Fluff Wash & Fold
Travis Fagg Texas Document Solutions
Alissa Cady Executive Director Greater Hewitt Chamber
Misti Smith Communications Director Greater Hewitt Chamber
Shawna Bradfute President Edward Jones Investments
Cassie Thomas Secretary City of McGregor
Michael Wyatt Past President ActionCOACH & The Posh Potty
Meet your
2024
Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors!
4 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
Trish Menchu Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtor
Jake Smith Membership & Marketing Director Greater Hewitt Chamber
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 5
Each issue of Express magazine will feature an article submitted by a member of the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Watch for more great info in future issue!
Building a sustainable workforce: minimizing costs and maximizing culture BY SHAWNA BRADFUTE, PRESIDENT, GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
F
ounded in the late 1800s, Hewitt has grown from a small farming community to a city full of loyal residents and growing businesses. This city has proven to be a place where people can cultivate families, build businesses, create jobs, retire, and even vacation. Whatever the season of life someone is in, Hewitt has something for everyone. The Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce has much to do with the city’s success, as well as the surrounding areas. GHCoC’s amazing staff, members, and our faithful volunteers do a superb job of providing the residents and businesses of Hewitt with all the information needed to make this wonderful city their home. We offer signature events throughout the year that focus on bringing our community together for fun, faith, and community-building. We strive to provide valuable resources to business owners to help facilitate their success. We make sure the greater Hewitt area—including surrounding cities—are well informed of networking opportunities and business building education meetings. The Chamber also provides various advertising opportunities for local businesses. GHCoC staff, directors and volunteers are privileged to give back to the community by serving several local organizations, including Christian Women’s Job Corps, Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry, Hunger Free Midway ISD, Midway ISD Education Foundation, Hewitt Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and Caritas of Waco just to name a few.
6 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
Looking in the rearview mirror, 2023 has been a very encouraging year, as I have seen such an impact to the City of Hewitt and surrounding cities. Hewitt has become a hub for thriving international companies wanting to establish their headquarters alongside our local businesses to make our community their home. Hewitt residents and businesses continue to strive and grow this wonderful community through love and faith with a servant’s heart. As we approach a new year, those of us in the Chamber will continue to offer an abundance of benefits to our members, as well as opportunities to rally together, help business owners continue to grow and maintain success, and support each other—all the while continuing to have a fun and inclusive environment. The founders of Hewitt strived to build the amazing community we now enjoy today. As we start this new year, the Greater Hewitt Chamber will continue to do its part to be a community that is expanding in prosperity and growth.
Happy New Year! Shawna Bradfute is with Edward Jones Investments, 6403 Cobbs Drive in Waco at (254) 776-2223.
Your heart care, the way you want it No one knows your heart better than you. From taking steps to prevent heart disease to caring for heart failure, our care team works with you to find the best path forward. Get started by checking in with a specialist today.
Find a specialist
Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2023 Baylor Scott & White Health. 13-HC-894271 DT
AWARD-WINNING HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY INVITES PARENTS TO PLAY ALONG!
1, 2, 3 Come Play With Me!
H
ewitt Public Library (HPL) joined the nationwide system of Family Place Libraries in 2017 after receiving a grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services through the Texas State Library & Archives Commission. The purpose of the Family Place program is to create cohorts of parents and caregivers with children aged 0 to 3, and to guide them through the early stages of child development over a course of five weeks. These cohorts of families are encouraged to engage with their children through interactive free play, build connections with other families at the same stages of child development, and gather resources to use along the way. The HPL team hosts two five-week programs each year—once in the winter and again in the fall. In addition to our own early literacy staff, we invite community professionals from four key areas of child development to act as resources for the parents and caregivers who attend. While these professionals are available to share their knowledge, the children will be the primary focus, as they take the lead in each session, while the parent or caregiver engages alongside them in meaningful play. This free-flowing structure is available in the Library throughout regular operating hours as well. HPL’s children’s area has toys and other manipulatives for children to engage with on their own. These items help fine-tune motor skills and create a healthy sense of curiosity and problem- solving.
YOU
’RE NEVER TOO
8 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
OLD
Libraries are often simply considered a place for books and study, but they are important stepping stones to advanced literacy skills. In addition to our early literacy initiatives as a Family Place Library, we offer the tools to easily prepare young readers for the future. Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program includes 100 backpacks with a series of books and manipulative items that increase in reading level, subject content, and engagement as a child progresses through them. The program aims to have a child ready for a successful year of Kindergarten, having already been exposed to science, technology, engineering, and mathematical concepts. As children grow older, HPL now has a growing collection of VOX books—picture books that read to the child. This format promotes independent reading as an early reader learns how to hold a book, how to turn pages, and how to follow along with the words. These books are an excellent alternative to traditional books on CD, and allow parents to slowly introduce their children to the wonders a book can bring. Hewitt Public Library is always expanding its programs and services for all ages, and with a new year comes new ideas, new goals, and new strategies. A library isn’t just a library—it’s a hub for creativity and innovation.
T O P L AY !
Hewitt Public Library 1, 2, 3 Come Play With Me Make a play date with your child to enjoy a variety of educational toys and activities! We will have a different art exploration activity each week. Community Resource Professionals will be available each week to answer questions you may have. (There is no presentation)
SATURDAYS 10:30-11:45AM JANUARY 13 EARLY LITERACY JANUARY 20 CHILD DEVELOPMENT JANUARY 27 SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING FEBRUARY 3 NUTRITION FEBRUARY 10 MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Register on our Event Calendar at www.cityofhewitt.com 200 Patriot Ct., Hewitt, TX 254.666.2442 library@cityofhewitt.com
For more information about Family Place Libraries go to Family Place Libraries.org
It’s not a bird and it’s not a plane. It’s our new rate. ASK FOR MORE INFO!
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Earn Cash on Your Balance on Your GENCO KASASA CASH* Checking Account! *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of 10/01/2023. Rates and rewards are variable and may change after account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings. There are no recurring monthly maintenance charges or fees to open or close this account. Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, timeframes, enrollments, log-ons and other requirements apply. Contact GENCO FCU for more information, details, restrictions, processing limitations and enrollment instructions. Kasasa is a trademark of Kasasa Ltd., Federally insured by the NCUA.
10 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 11
stay well-rested At our Sleep Inn & Suites® hotel, we believe that every journey should be a restful one. Through a dreamy palette of warm colors, soft lighting, nature-inspired designs and modern furnishings, our hotels are designed with relaxation in mind. Plus, ease into the day with a complimentary hot delicious breakfast, high-speed WiFi and a trip to the pool and/or fitness center. • Modern and stylish guest rooms • Free Morning Medley breakfast • Free WiFi
• Business center • Fitness center • Swimming pool • Pet-friendly rooms
Dream Better Here®
Book your room with us at choicehotels.com/tx976
12 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
Sleep Inn & Suites Hewitt South Waco 209 Enterprise Boulevard Hewitt, TX 76643 254.420.3200
TEMPORARY &DIRECT HIRE.
In order to ensure the perfect work placement, our personnel service does our best to match specific types of jobs with employees who have the desired skill set. We have job counselors on site who are consistently interviewing candidates, which allows us to choose from a large employee base. We can be your temporary staffing company as well as your source for permanent and as-needed positions.
PROFESSIONAL WAREHOUSE OFFICE/CLERICAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
NIKKI ROMANO OATES Locally Owned & Operated
399-WORK (9675) JobLinktx.com
717 Jewell Dr. Waco, Texas 76712 (off Imperial and Jewell Drive)
Way to go, Midway!
Very special thanks to our Midway teachers! 14 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
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The Bank for Your Business. Am.Bank WOODWAY | DOWNTOWN | BELLMEAD | WEST WACO - AMERICAN PLAZA
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 Winter 2024
(254)405-6162
| CAMILLEJOHNSONREALTORS.COM | 104 MI DWAY CT
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 17
REGI S TER. VOTE. LOV E .
18 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
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R E G I ST E R YO U R B U S I N E SS
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V O T E F O R YO U R FAV O R I T E S
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S E E W HO T HE L O C AL S L O V E
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Special thanks to Raising Cane’s on Hewitt Drive for sponsoring Greater Hewitt Chamber’s 2023 ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
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Hewitt Happenings, continued
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1 HOT Goodwill in East Waco celebrates its recent GHCoC ribbon cutting 2 Hewitt fireman greets guests at GHCoC’s Spooktacular 3 GHCoC President Michael Wyatt congratulates a winner of the Dog Days weiner dog race 4 GHCoC’s staff enjoys their Spooktacular event 5 GHCoC members support La Bottega at their recent ribbon cutting 6 Representatives from four area Chambers of Commerce came together for a recent event 7 Kasper Creations receives a certificate from the City of Hewitt in congratulations for a business milestone 8 First Baptist Woodway donates to GHCoC’s small businesses 9 La Bottega ribbon cutting in Woodway 10 Northern & Nye’s Mike Nye donates prizes to GHCoC’s Chamber Volunteer party 11 Sedona Staffing’s Kathryn Eckblad shares thoughts at GHCoC’s Holiday Happy Hour 12 GHCoC’s Spooktacular proceeds are presented to Salvation Army 13 Jay Ehret with Pickup Outfitters showcases his new location recently 14 Specialty Restoration’s Amanda Ruble speaks at the November GHCoC luncheon SRT sponsored 15 A well-costumed family enjoys GHCoC’s Spooktacular event 16 GHCoC members network at Universal Windows Direct Business After Hours 17 A look at Photography by Cecy behind the scenes 18 Waco Women’s Lions Club provided free face decals at GHCoC’s Spooktacular event 19 GHCoC members enjoy the new surroundings at La Bottega’s ribbon cutting 20 La Bottega’s owners with GHCoC incoming President Shawna Bradfute 21 La Bottega ribbon cutting 22 Computers ‘n Stuff enjoys a ribbon cutting at their new location 23 A GHCoC Board member enjoys throwing an axe at Waco Axe Co. 24 Children enjoy meeting playful pups at GHCoC’s Dog Days event 25 D1 Waco hosts Rookie classes 26 GHCoC members enjoy “Coffee with the President” at Black Rifle Coffee Co. 27 GHCoC’s Board of Directors planning meeting, hosted by Ken Noble 28 GHCoC’s Alissa Cady and Committee Chair Lori Robb enjoy a moment at Spooktacular 29 Clay Pot’s re-Grand Opening and ribbon cutting 30 Computers ‘n Stuff generously donates candy for Spooktacular 31 Kish’s Complete Car Care Center celebrates its 25th anniversary with a ribbon cutting 32 GHCoC’s Marketing Director Jake Smith with Junior Ambassador Kennedy Cady 33 GHCoC’s Misti Smith enjoys greeting members at Clay Pot’s ribbon cutting event 22 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
Looking for a unique venue for your next event?
W
Make Your Dreams Come True
ant a unique location to host your next event? Check out the Creekside Amphitheater in Warren Park, located at 450 South Old Temple Road in Hewitt. With 36 acres of land, plenty of open green space and a nearby pavilion, te Amphitheater is able to host a variety of mid-sized events, but charming enough to accommodate small and private gatherings. Seating consists of 42 stone benches for 120+ guests. A large concrete apron in front of the stage allows for placement of chairs or other seating during smaller events. There are four electric and water hook-ups for food trucks and/or other vendors. We can help you plan your next event at this beautiful and very special location. Contact Linda Fish at (254) 296-5698.
Kevin Dorton VP - Loan Officer 254-420-1007 5400 Crosslake Pkwy Waco, TX 76712 NMLS#:2400160 kdorton@incommonsbank.com
www.incommonsbank.com HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 23
We’re here to help you make it
home. home
Our Chapel Road Lending Team
Carol Pilant
It doesn’t matter if it’s a new home purchase, home construction or an improvement project, the
lending team at Community Bank & Trust can help you with a loan that matches your vision. Whether you’re working with a builder to construct
your dream home or purchasing an existing home, the way we start the loan process is the same as it’s been for almost 70 years. We still get to know each customer personally—exactly what you’d expect from the oldest locally owned independent bank in Waco. Call us today at 254.753.1521 or apply online at cbtwaco.bank by clicking the LoanLink button.
Member FDIC
Codi Horacek
cbtwaco.bank
24 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
Y
LO
FUZZ GO IS
Precision Garage Door of Waco is locally-owned and operated by Patrick Behrens—a decorated combat Veteran of the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, and a seasoned veteran of the garage door industry. We are a full-service garage door company specializing in garage door repair, replacement garage doors and repair of garage door openers. We do not subcontract, we do it ourselves, and all our technicians are full-time employees. Our slogan is We Fix Garage Doors Right™ We proudly serve Central Texas including the Waco, Temple, Killeen and surrounding areas. Call (254) 522-9661 for more information.
NEW MEMBER
Clay Pot Restaurant is a laid-back Vietnamese restaurant with a menu of soups, noodle bowls, rice plates and bubble tea. Clay Pot has been bringing traditional Vietnamese cuisine to Waco for the last two decades! Family-owned and operated. Outdoor seating available, venue space rental available. Visit us at 416 Franklin Avenue. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Call (254) 756-2721.
SP TLIGHT
Bird Kultgen Ford has proudly served the Waco area for 90 years— bringing the Ford Tough mindset to generations of drivers. As a family-owned dealership, we’re proud of how we’ve grown and changed over the years under the transformative vision of our founder, Henry Ford. One thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to honesty, transparency, fairness, and high-quality service. We want to make you a customer for life. Whether you’re in the market for a new or used car, need repair or maintenance with genuine Ford parts, or want help qualifying for a loan, come join the Bird Kultgen Ford family. Call (254) 633-3006.
Universal Windows Direct of Central Texas, owned and operated by Jon Searles and Trung Giang, stands as a model of professional excellence in the realm of replacement windows and doors. With a shared commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Universal Windows Direct has carved out a reputation for delivering top-notch installations and service—specializing in upgrading homes with energy-efficient, durable and aesthetically pleasing windows. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures a seamless fit that enhances both the curb appeal and the energy efficiency of any property. We are your trusted partner in elevating your home with quality replacement windows and doors Call (254) 457-4021 for more information. Embark on worry-free adventures with The Vault—a newly-built boat/RV storage facility in Hewitt. Our secure and accessible location boasts state-of-the-art features to protect your assets in totally enclosed storage units. We also offer on-site management, all-concrete drives, public restrooms, ice machines, waste dump, wash/air stations, 30 security cameras, 14' overhead doors, chateau locking systems, 24-hour access and pest management. Our facility is equipped with modern surveillance and access control, guaranteeing 24/7 protection. We are located at 1709 Spring Valley Road in Hewitt. Give us a call at (254) 857-5174 for more information.
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 25
Life insurance can be lifechanging
A valuable resource for you that’s available 24/7/365
Richard Kruger, Agent 7213 New Sanger Ave. Waco, TX 76712 Bus: 254-776-4593 www.rkruger.com
HewittChamber.com
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Helpful networking tips Complete member list Calendar of upcoming events and more! 26 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2024
Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. 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 2001574
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 27
PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID AMA GRAPHICS, LLC
P.O. Box 661 Hewitt, Texas 76643
28 | Hewitt Chamber Express Fall 2020