Summer 2020
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Waco working together
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Where were you?
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Get to know your MISD teachers
IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar of Events | NewHewittChamber.com Member Spotlights | Hewitt Happenings Hewitt Chamber Express | 1
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Summer afternoon—to me, those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
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HENRY JAMES
Calendar of Events
JULY
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GHCOC Casual Coffee | SpringHill Suites Woodway | 8:30 a.m.
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GHCoC Board Meeting | 12:00 p.m.
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VIRTUAL Business Networking and Education Luncheon with Ian Dawson on Small Business Success Tips | The Exchange Event Center in McGregor | 11:30 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 9
GHCoC Board Meeting | 12:00–1:00 p.m.
16 Membership Orientation | 8:30–9:30 a.m.
11 Ribbon Cutting | Providence Village | 5:00 p.m.
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12 GHCoC Board Meeting | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sleep Inn & Suites
25 CANCELED Hewitt Public Library’s Dog Days Event | Hewitt Park
AUGUST
25 VIRTUAL Business Luncheon & Program on Social Media & SEO with Caryn Brown DiamondBack’s | 11:30 a.m. 27 Lead Explosion Networking Event with Women of Waco | Baylor Club | 1001 South Martin Luther King Blvd. | 5:00–7:45 p.m.
GHCoC Ambassador Mixer | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Technology in Business Breakfast Workshop 8:00–9:30 a.m.
hewittchamber.com
Greater Hewitt Chamber Express Classic Golf Tournament presented by the City of Hewitt at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course 8:00 a.m. morning flight, 11:30 a.m. lunch, 1:00 p.m. afternoon flight
All event dates and times are subject to change due to the Covid-19 regulations that are updated frequently. For the most current information, visit HewittChamber.com/Events to have the most current information possible.
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 | Kacie Birkes | kacie@hewittchamber.com Social Media & Membership Coordinator | Abri Martin | abri@hewittchamber.com
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©2020 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
Waco working together HERMANN PEREIRA • SENIOR CONTENT SPECIALIST FOR EDUCATION • PROSPER WACO
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ollaborations are vital as communities continue Antioch Community Church came together to collect to be about building hope and helping our local items at One Fellowship Church, and then delivered neighbors. During these unfamiliar times of COVID-19, them to family’s homes. During its first two weeks of we are seeing unprecedented needs begin to arise operation, more than 70 families were served through among families in our neighborthe Family Resource Pantry. hoods. Many in our community In coming weeks, the plan is The Pantry is a program are beginning to have their hours to expand this service to additional developed in partnership with cut at work, being laid off, or Grassroots, Transformation Waco, schools in the Waco area. Cen-Tex having to close their businesses. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Waco ISD, China Spring ISD, With assistance slow to come in has partnered with this effort by Connally ISD, La Vega ISD and many situations, this is leading giving financially to assist with the area churches to meet the need to difficulties getting essential expansion of the service. Calvary for essential items families are items like food, diapers, toiletries, Baptist Church, Columbus Avenue now experiencing. and even school supplies for atBaptist Church and Renew Church home learning. However, during of Waco have also agreed to help this unique time in our city, Prosper Waco is collabmoving forward. We are so grateful for collaborations orating with city leaders, churches, non-profits, local like this, and partners willing to play a small part school districts, and other community members to in making a huge community impact. We seek and address these issues. invite more community partners to join with us in One small example of this collaboration is the new this effort. Family Resource Pantry. The Pantry is a Prosper If you would like to know more about the Family Waco program developed in partnership with GrassResource Pantry, its needs and how you or your roots, Transformation Waco, Waco ISD, China Spring organization can get involved, contact Josh Caballero ISD, Connally ISD, La Vega ISD and area churches with Grassroots by email to josh@grassrootswaco.org to meet the need for essential items families are now or to me at Hermann@prosperwaco.org. experiencing. Recently, schools reached out to families to determine their immediate needs and connected them to resources in the community. Needs that couldn’t be met through traditional community resources were then referred to the Family Resource Pantry. Volunteers from University Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and
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AUGUST 27, 2020 | 4:45 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Baylor Club at McLane Stadium This annual event includes cocktails, a catered dinner and impactful structured networking. Registration is limited to 3 companies per category and 1 per company; sponsorships are industry exclusive. Tickets by reservation only. Member registration now open. Visitor registration open August 1. Special thanks to our presenting sponsors:
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Where were you? CHARLIE TURNER • MAYOR, CITY OF HEWITT
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here were you when President Kennedy was assassinated? When the first footstep was placed on the moon? When the space shuttle Challenger exploded? When the Davidian compound burned? When the twin towers in New York City fell, or when COVID-19 was first diagnosed? Perhaps you cannot say precisely where you were when all of these events happened, because some may have happened before you were even born. How did our society survive these pandemics that created such a negative impact? I can recall each and every event during my lifetime, as well as recall how despondent I felt during those times—the only exception being the first steps on the moon. Some believe that events—as positive as they may appear—are smoke and mirrors broadcast on national television to fool the public. Throughout time, these events have produced feelings of sadness, and/or feelings that nothing or no one was in control. Generation upon generation has had to confront such COVID-19 pandemics. In my lifetime to-date, I have had to learn how to deal with situations and negative events entirely beyond my control. My initial reaction to our current pandemic situation was to think that it was just another case of the flu. I’ve watched as some prepared for a pandemic, while others laughed, describing it as the next wave of hysteria. Those who prepared by purchasing a few extra supplies were later called hoarders and/or selfish, because their actions caused a shortage of goods and services. There has always been (and always will be) a division as to how any problem should be approached, much less resolved. Those who wait for a reactive solution to solve the problem will always criticize those who choose to act in a proactive manner. Each person must deal with a situation or problem in a way
that best suits his or her personality and choices in life. To say that someone reacted correctly and someone else negatively is one of the largest problems in solving any situation. There is a belief among some that purchasing additional items to prepare for times when items may be unavailable causes the supply and demand chain to be broken, but I’ve observed that neither opinion is correct for everyone. How do we get through any pandemic situation that occurs? We must understand one another—for as one person may feel isolated and need communication or interaction with others, there are those who believe that self-isolation and maximum precautionary measures are the best options to survive a crisis. One philosophy will never convince the opposing philosophy of the difference between right and wrong; however, I am convinced that each and every person must resolve the situation according to their own need. How do we get through this global pandemonium that affects every part of our lives to bring comfort and assurance that we will survive? We must find something we believe in strongly enough—a faith in God, or perhaps the intelligence of researchers who give us promised hope that a solution will be found. The one common denominator that has reoccurred throughout the history of time—regardless of the event or the number of people it has affected—is the old saying, “The only constant in life is change.” This is true for everything that happens, for when an event happens, there will be certain changes that are temporary, as well as changes that will never be the same. The storms of life do not uplift our spirit, the purpose of a storm is to strengthen our resolve. The person who will survive life is the one who can see situations, adapt to them, and view the future rainbow of hope after the storms have passed. HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 9
35TH ANNUAL
September 18, 2020 Special Thanks to the 2020 Title Sponsor:
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Save the date for the Greater Hewitt Chamber’s annual golf tournament! Join us at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course for a chance to win prizes including a new vehicle and one million dollars! Choose from our 8 a.m. flight or PRIZES ON our 1 p.m. flight. For details and registraEVERY HOLE! tion, visit HewittChamber.com/golf.
Bank United We’re never stronger than when we’re together. United, you can.
Hewitt 254.666.1280 701 N Hewitt Dr.
Waco 254.662.1900 5500 Bagby Ave.
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Member FDIC |
Equal Housing Lender
Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar is a fun and vibrant Louisiana Restaurant that provides a game day atmosphere perfect for watching any game or celebrating any event! 5601 CROSSLAKE PKWY, WACO, TX 76712 | (254) 732-9200 | WALK-ONS.COM HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 13
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.
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Get to know your MISD teachers VANESSA DULOCK • MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL Vanessa Dulock teaches Professional Communications at Midway High School and has worked at MISD for all 12 years of her teaching career. She loves encouraging students to see their potential and works on building student confidence daily. Vanessa is on the MHS Culture Committee, MHS CORE technology team, and has been selected as the MISD 2020-2021 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Her favorite lesson is when students create persuasive speeches over local non-profit organizations and actually select one to assist. Vanessa is married to Simon Dulock and they have two beautiful children, Benjamin (7) and Olivia (4).
ELISABETH HIGH • SOUTH BOSQUE ELEMENTARY Elisabeth High is the Functional Academics Special Education Teacher at South Bosque Elementary. This is her 3rd year teaching and 3rd year in Midway ISD. High is originally from Victoria, Texas, and moved to Waco after graduating from Texas A&M University. High’s favorite part about teaching special education is seeing her students’ progress each day, whether small or big. She loves getting to have students for several years in a row and developing a strong relationship with her students and their families. High volunteers in the special needs ministry at her church and enjoys spending time with her family and taking adult tap classes.
JENNIFER PATRICK • WOODGATE INTERMEDIATE 2020 TEACHER OF THE YEAR Jennifer is in her 21st year of teaching 5th grade math, with the past three years of her career spent at Midway. Her favorite moments are the greetings she gets from her students on MOnday mornings to begin a new week. When she was told that she had won Teacher of the Year honors in March by Principal Kanawyer after being summoned to the school cafeteria where she discovered all of her students awaiting her arrival, she said that the noise level in the room immediately rose and that her students immediately began running to her and hugging her. In her words, “All of this took place the Friday before Spring Break. I never imagined it would be the last time I would get to hug these terrific students.”
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Go make some memories. We’ve got the financial services you want and need to keep your life moving.
Relax. Breathe deep. Take in the moment. GENCO has the Mobile Financial Services to meet your needs! When it comes to finding a local, personalized financial institution, make the smart choice. F Mobile Banking App F Online Banking F Online Bill Pay F CardSecure F Text Banking F Text Fraud Alerts F Text Notification Alerts F Plus, A Whole Lot More!
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www.gencofcu.org | Insured By NCUA | 254.776.9550
STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
For moreHewittChamber.com information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 Hewitt Chamber Express
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Welcome new members! A King’s Sons Moving Company The Blake Davis Iron Works Education Service Center Region 12 Gloryland Hewitt/Waco Keith Sanders Insurance Group Mutual of Omaha Advisors Sally’s Maid Service Truax Plumbing and Septic Service
To get the very most out of your membership: • Visit Hewittchamber.com/90days to maximize your membership • $30 Business Event Sponsor Special Contact Kacie@HewittChamber.com • Summer Series Spotlight Offer Contact Abri@HewittChamber.com • New Resident Welcome Goodie Bag Items Needed (call 254.666.1200) • Follow us on Facebook
Free monthly programs for members • $75/month (reg. $125) e-bulletin digital banner space available Contact Kacie@HewittChamber.com • Send special offers for social media posting to Abri@HewittChamber.com
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Looking for a unique venue for your next event? Reserve Hewitt’s Creekside Amphitheater!
L
ooking for a unique location to host your next concert, performance or event? Check out the Creekside Amphitheater in Warren Park, located at 450 South Old Temple Road in Hewitt. The surrounding park offers 36 acres of land with mature trees, plenty of open green space and a nearby pavilion. Castleman Creek creates a beautiful backdrop to the Amphitheater and serves as the northern border of Warren Park. The unique architecture of this facility compliments the surrounding natural area, and makes an impressive statement to park visitors. Creekside Amphitheater is able to host a variety of mid-sized events, but is charming enough to accommodate more small and private gatherings. Seating is comprised of 42 stone benches to comfortably seat 120+ guests. A large concrete apron in front of the stage allows for placement of chairs or other seating during smaller events. In addition, there are four electric and water hook-ups for food trucks and/or other vendors. We would love to help you plan your next event at this beautiful and very special location. For more information, contact Hewitt Parks staff at (254) 296-5698.
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Dr. Steven Machicek and his team are thrilled to welcome you to their new office at the intersection of Valley Mills and Lake Air Drive! We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted at a price that won’t break the bank. We understand that your smile is one of your greatest assets, and for most people, a beautiful smile doesn’t come without a little help. That’s where we come in! Bear Braces is 100% committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based, state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment to children, teens and adults in the greater Waco area. We look super forward to meeting you and can’t wait to customize the perfect smile for you! Call 254.384.2327 for your next dental appointment. Want to keep your car looking like new? ASK ABOUT OUR AUTODETAILING SERVICES IN WACO AND TEMPLE. Your vehicle is an investment. Don’t let daily wear ruin your car—find someone you can trust to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Bulldog Auto Detailing is home to some of the most experienced professional auto detailing specialists in the Central Texas area. We offer an array of auto detailing services you can trust for a price that won’t break your budget. Whether you drive a commuter car or a foreign vehicle, you can count on us to make sure your car always looks its best. Call Bulldog Auto Detailing at 254-339-0853 now to learn about our car detailing services. Country Spring Vineyard and Wine Garden reflects our love for wines and park-like settings. We offer a relaxing country-side setting that allows you to enjoy your friends, great wines, and beautiful scenery. We are a member of the Texas Stagecoach Wine Trail. Due to COVID restrictions, we are only allowed to offer curbside service at this time. Contact Country Spring Vineyard and Wine Garden for orders and questions at 254.366.2681.
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NEW MEMBER
Andy’s Frozen Custard is a quick-service frozen dessert business. We offer drive-through and walk-up service windows, and we exclusively sell frozen custard treats—from simple vanilla or chocolate cones to seasonal favorites like our Pumpkin Pie Concretes and Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes. Our approach is simple: Hire great people, treat them right, and try to get the product in as many mouths as possible. Andy’s focuses on three main things: product quality, customer service, and community involvement. Our efforts in these areas are what make us unique. It’s this commitment to quality that allows us to be confident in saying that Andy’s makes the best frozen treat in the entire world! Visit your local Andy’s at 900 S. 8th Street in Waco.
SP TLIGHT
At A Kings Sons Moving we strive to provide prompt, quality and friendly moving service in Waco and surrounding cities. Our crew is well-trained, polite and ready to serve you. Contact Chris or Martika with your moving needs at (254) 652-7684.
At Midway Nutrition, we bealieve everybody wants to be healthy, they want to have good energy, but they want their stuff to taste good and be affordable. That is what we do here! Products we offer include healthy meal replacements and energy support teas! Contact us at 254.292.888 or visit us in person at 511 N. Hewitt Dr., Ste. 6 in Hewitt.
NEW MEMBER
Job Link Personnel Services, Inc. has served employers in the Central Texas area for over two decades. We specialize in matching skilled job candidates to your specific job requirements. Contact Nikki Romano Oates with Job Link at 254.399.9675
SP TLIGHT
Reece Flood joined High and Associates’ office in October 2019, bringing 16 years of insurance agent experience with him. Reece specializes in home and auto insurance, as well as coverage for small businesses and prides himself on maximizing your premium dollars by finding the broadest coverage available at the most competitive rate. Reece is a third-generation Wacoan. He and his wife, Erin are thrilled to be able to raise their son, Joseph in this wonderful community. When he’s not out trail-running or working in his yard, Reece enjoys volunteering his time with St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Kiwanis Club of Waco, the Waco Alzheimer’s Association, the ARC of McLennan County and other groups close to his heart. Contact Reece Flood at 254.776.7283.
Modern Media has full-service marketing and advertising experts, always building a unique strategy for every client. Everything we do is custom-tailored to your budget, timing, and goals. Modern Media blends strategy, design, and branding to give you the best market presence. We excel at growing your business through television, radio, targeted digital placement and print. Modern Media is a fullservice advertising agency with expertise to manage all aspects of marketing and advertising for your business—including strategic planning, purchasing, production, creativity, innovations, and interactive marketing. With over 13 years in marketing, television, digital, print and overall branding experience, let Kate Holcomb and her team help you accomplish your marketing goals and deliver the best results for your business!
AMANDA LLOYD
Young Living, Amanda Lloyd Essential oils are aromatic, concentrated plant extracts that are carefully obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or resin tapping. We offer essential oils, blends, and oil-infused products with the optimal levels of specific, naturally occurring essential oil constituents to maximize their potency. We don’t compromise on our standards. Seed to Seal, with its three pillars—Sourcing, Science, and Standards—is our commitment to unmatched quality. Our reason? You. We want to provide the highest quality in everything we do, so we can offer you pure products your family can trust. Click here to discover Seed to Seal! Contact Amanda Lloyd for your essential oil needs at 254.214.0573.
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Hewitt Happenings
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Special thanks to Raising Cane’s on Hewitt Drive for sponsoring Greater Hewitt Chamber’s 2019 ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
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1 Longhorn Steakhouse Manager’s Giveaway event in March 2 GHC staff interview Champions Salon Owners during Reopen Texas on May 1 3 Champions Salon & Barber Business After Hours in February 4 GHC Board’s Nicole Wilburn visits Classic Style Salon during Operation Thank You in March 5 Nacho Daddy Car/Bike 18 19 Show launch meeting in February 20 21 6 The Blake joins GHCoC in March 7 Elegant Nails Spa celebrating Reopen Texas in May 8 GHC staff and Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat partner up for National Bubble Gum Day in February 9 Cady family enjoys GelU Italian Ice in April 10 ASEA receiving their Operation Thank You goodies in March 11 Tri County Guttering receives appreciation from GHC Membership Committee 12 GHCoC 2nd VP Matt Boudreaux welcoming Wings for Waco in February 13 Coach Greg Garrett coaching the Rookie at D1 Waco 14 GHC staff receives Locals Love Us recognition 15 Northern & Nye owner, Mike Nye, delivers cookies to our first responders 16 Networking at Heartis Waco’s Business After Hours in March 17 Do it Best celebrates 40 years with a lunch for staff and community 18 Window Genie and Neat As a Pin receiving appreciation gifts 19 GHC recognizes Hip Pixel Media for investing in our community in March 20 Infinitus Martial Arts receiving appreciation gift in March 21 Bush’s Chicken Hewitt provides exceptional customer service in March
I see more than a bundle. Richard Kruger, Agent 7213 New Sanger Ave. Waco, TX 76712 Bus: 254-776-4593 www.rkruger.com
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While other insurers just see your home and car as a bundle or a combo deal, I take the time to see what they mean to you and give them the protection they deserve. LET’S TALK TODAY.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company Bloomington, IL
A valuable resource for your GHCoC membership that’s available
24/7/365
HewittChamber.com
MATTHEW BOUDREAUX ClearVista Financial Advisors
254.405.6724 • 1600 Lake Air Dr., Suite 125 • Waco, TX matt@clearvistafinancial.com • clearvistafinancial.com Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. ClearVista Financial & Cambridge are not affiliated.
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Helpful networking tips Complete member list Calendar of upcoming events Latest Covid-19 info and more!
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HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 25
TIME TO CHANGE
how your rental property is managed. Put more than 30 years of property management experience to work for you. Learn more. Call 254.732.1599 or visit rpmapex.com Each office is independently owned and operated. © 2019 Real Property Management
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! 26 | Hewitt Chamber Express Summer 2020
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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID Permit #65 Hewitt TX
P.O. Box 661 Hewitt, Texas 76643
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