2017 Newcomers Guide

2017 newcomers guide

KilleenChamber.com

liveexplore and

Killeen

Featuring BUILDING TRUST WITH CUSTOMERS

PAGE 04

THE ECONOMIC NECESSITY OF BROADBAND

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UPCOMING EVENTS / BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS / COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

These Changing Times IF WE, AS INDIVIDUALS, BECOME LIFE-LONG LEARNERS AND IF, AS COMMUNITIES, WE CONTINUE TO INVEST IN CREATING RELEVANT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, WE CAN FILL THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE, GROW OUR ECONOMY AND VASTLY IMPROVE OUR STANDARD OF LIVING. This issue of the Killeen Business Quarterly marks the third anniversary of its publication. We are proud of it. Our staff and volunteers work very hard to fill it with relevant content.

A recurring theme in this magazine is change, change here in our community and change all around us. I recently read an article by Peter Meincke which made several interesting points.

In 1998, Kodak had 170,000 employees and sold 85% of all photo paper worldwide. Within just a few years, their business model disappeared and they went bankrupt. Most did not see it coming. The first digital cameras were invented in 1975. Why did no one see Kodak’s fate back in 1975?

The answer is Moore’s Law. Gordon Moore co-founded Intel in 1965. He noticed that the number of transistors per square inch on integrated circuits had doubled every year since their invention. Moore’s Law predicts that this trend will continue into the foreseeable future. In other words, Moore’s Law predicts exponential growth.

You see, back in 1975 digital cameras were not very good. But, due to Moore’s Law, exponential improvements occurred. Eventually, the technology of digital cameras reached a tipping point and, shortly thereafter, wiped out one of the most successful companies in American history. As the effects of Moore’s Law has spread throughout our economy, it has had, and will continue to have, massive impacts on health, transportation, communications, education, agriculture, printing, the legal profession, real estate, insurance and jobs in all sectors. In fact, it has been estimated that 70-80% of jobs as we know them today will disappear in the next 20 years.

Technology is like a two-edged sword. It can make our lives easier or worse. Much depends on the actions we take as individuals and as a communities to react to technology. If we, as individuals, become life-long learners and if, as communities, we continue to invest in creating relevant educational opportunities, we can fill the jobs of the future, grow our economy and vastly improve our standard of living. If not? Well, let’s put it this way: it is not going to go well for us.

There will be a lot of new job opportunities in the future. Those jobs will be different. The question is, “will people and communities be ready for them?” The clock is ticking — in these exponentially changing times.

Chamber Leadership Chairman of the Board ABDUL SUBHANI Centex Technologies

Sector Chair Communications TANEIKA DRIVERMOULTRIE

Metroplex Health System

GKCC President/CEO JOHN CRUTCHFIELD, III

Guest Contributers ADAM PRICE

Better Business Bureau Serving the Heart of Texas

Editor JENNIFER HETZEL

Design LESLEY ROCQUEHOUSTON

Printing INTEG

For more information on the Killeen area or the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, please visit the following websites: KilleenChamber.com KilleenTexas.gov Facebook.com/ KilleenChamber For Advertising, Contact NICHOLE ANDERSON, nichole@killeenchamber.com © 2017 Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce 1 Santa Fe Plaza, P.O. Box 548 Killeen, Texas 76540 MAIN (254) 526-9551 AUTHOR

JOHN CRUTCHFIELD President/CEO, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce

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GREATER KILLEEN BUSINESS QUARTERLY

FAX (254) 526-6090

Title,Company

Contents SPECIAL FEATURES

02

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

18

BELL COUNTY OVERVIEW

BUSINESS SERVICES

20

WELCOME TO KILLEEN

PLACE DESIGN

22

CITY SERVICES

23

HOUSING

24

EDUCATION

26

EMPLOYMENT

27

BUSINESS

28

HEALTHCARE

29

NON-PROFITS

30

ARTS & CULTURE

32

RECREATION

34

SHOPPING, ENTERTAINMENT & DINING

These Changing Times

04 06 10

Building Trust with Customers

The New Economic Model and its Role in the Creation of Place

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Economic Necessity of Broadband Access

12 14

2017 NEWCOMERS GUIDE

MILITARY RELATIONS Military Relations Council Snapshot

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS Killeen ISD and Walmart

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35

GREATER KILLEEN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

KILLEEN CHAMBER

36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

38

MEMBER PROFILE

39

RIBBON CUTTING PHOTOS

40

KILLEEN CHAMBER EVENT PHOTOS

ON THE COVER Hometown mural painted by artist Hope Overturf on the side of Killeen Power Sports.

Photo taken by Photo by Skeebo

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BUSINESS SERVICES

Building Trust with Customers ADAM PRICE Regional Director, Better Business Bureau Serving the Heart of Texas

WE’VE ALL HEARD OF THE OL’ “GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT.” Some may believe it was just an old fashioned term for a handshake deal. In reality, the phrase appears in British Parliamentary records from 1821 and in Massachusetts public records as far back as 1835.

The Gentleman’s Agreement is dead. It sounds dramatic, but it is a fact we must all come to acknowledge (for many reasons we will not address here). Nevertheless, it is still possible to build trust in our businesses and trust with our customers.

Integrity is having respect for customers and employees. It includes telling the truth and leaving the right impression. Integrity is having the courage to do what is right, even when it is hard. When you say you will do something, you follow through.

According to the book Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey, trust is created through character and competence. At the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we like to think of those two key elements as integrity and performance.

Trust is also about performance — your skills, your results and your track record. People need to know they can count on you to get the job done, and get it done right.

THE TOTAL VALUE OF A CUSTOMER IS NOT JUST THE AMOUNT OF MONEY A CUSTOMER SPENDS WITH YOU. IT’S THE VALUE THEY SPEND WITH YOU PLUS THE VALUE OF WHAT EVERYONE THEY REFER TO YOU SPENDS WITH YOU.

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SPECIAL FEATURE | BUSINESS SERVICES

A HAPPY CUSTOMER TELLS ONE PERSON. AN UNHAPPY CUSTOMER TELLS TEN. Business owners can quickly forget that part customer satisfaction is employee satisfaction. If my employees are not happy, how do I expect to make my customers happy? Whether it is a peer or manager, employee morale is key to a harmonious working environment.

Engaged employees are the happiest employees.

To build trust, create an environment that focuses on your customers and employees. Involve and empower employees – make them feel like a valued part of the team. Studies show that when employees are engaged, they are more committed to your business.

Listen to and engage customers – let them know they are important to you. Put processes in place to measure and monitor performance this is your opportunity to instill continuous improvement into your company.

The total value of a customer is not just the amount of money a customer spends with you. It is the value they spend with you plus the value of what everyone they refer to you spends with you. As an equation, it would look something like this: Initial purchase + repeat purchase + referral purchase = Total Customer Value Trust is the foundation for customer loyalty. Once you have earned a customer’s trust, they are more likely to do more business with you – by spending more, repurchasing and referring you to others. Much like time, trust is money.

On the flip side, if a customer does not trust you, it is likely to have a negative impact on your bottom line. When customers do not trust you, they spend less, go with a competitor and are more likely to share negative experiences with others.

Sometimes the way that you disclose pertinent information can affect credibility. Companies need to also realize how far consumer skepticism can go: if your “full disclosure” is in fine print or spoken fast at the end of a commercial, consumers are going to notice.

When customers do not trust you, they are likely to share negative reviews. In many cases, most of your business is word of mouth.

What if it is negative word of mouth? Everybody has heard the old cliché, “a happy customer tells one person. An unhappy customer tells ten.”

Take action on employee and customer suggestions and concerns.

The foundation of your business should be the “Golden Rule” – treat others as you’d like to be treated. It’s always important to remember to be transparent. Actions and communications should be straightforward and clear – with employees and customers.

A great example of a business which stands behind their performance is a clothing store whose return policy reads: “If you’re not satisfied with any item, simply return it to us at any time for an exchange or refund of its purchase price. We mean every word of it. Whatever. Whenever. Always. But to make sure this is perfectly clear, we’ve decided to simplify it further. GUARANTEED. PERIOD.” This is an extreme case. But, if put to practice, it can create not only satisfied customers, but what management guru Ken Blanchard would call, “Raving Fans.”

The most successful businesses are those that customers trust.

When customers trust a brand they are more comfortable paying for their services, providing personal information, recommending the company to a friend, and more likely to return time and time again.

Building trust among your customers is something takes time and is a continuous effort.

Building trust doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency, transparency, reliability and respect. And once achieved, it might just feel like a good old handshake.  Adam Price is Regional Director of the Better Business Bureau serving the Greater Killeen area. He can be reached at aprice@centraltx.bbb.org.

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SPECIAL FEATURE | PLACE DESIGN

The New

Economic Model and its Role in the Creation of Place IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT, THE UNITED STATES REMAINS A YOUNG COUNTRY. For most of our existence, we have lived in relative economic isolation. Socio-economic development has occurred in the U.S. in three stages. First was the Agricultural Age, during which wealth was defined as ownership of land. Second was the Industrial Age, during which wealth was defined as ownership of capital, often in the form of manufacturing facilities. We are now in the Knowledge Age, where wealth is now based on ownership of knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge to create or improve goods and services.

Killeen’s socio-economic future will depend upon its ability to understand and capture opportunities presented in the Knowledge Age.

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SPECIAL FEATURE | PLACE DESIGN

THE INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING AGE During the 19th, and much of the 20th Century, economic development consisted of three elements: business with a need to expand; labor-often untrained-supplied by a growing population; and infrastructure provided, often, by aggressive communities.

Infrastructure consisted of adequate sites, often in an industrial park operated by a quasi-public organization, available buildings, adequate utilities, reasonable construction costs, favorable tax rates, and other factors under the community’s influence. The payoff for the community was more jobs, often any kind of job. Because we lived in a relative isolated economy, the competition for business was usually next door or down the road.

What does this mean for the U.S.? What does it mean for Killeen?

In many instances, we are no longer the producer of choice and we may no longer be the service provider of choice. These decisions are made by the customer based on costs and availability. It is a fact that offshore competition may offer a better deal to the customer.

So what is the answer? How do we grow Killeen’s economy in the future? How do we ensure that our children continue to enjoy a quality standard of living?

THE NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MODEL Rebuilding barriers to protect us from the outside world might sound like an option. It is not. The rest of the world will simply continue to develop without us.

The answer is, to some extent, in the past: Killeen has a history of rising to the challenge. Just as we have collaborated with the U.S. Army to make Fort Hood and Killeen “The Great Place,” we will rise to this challenge as well. We do what we have always done so well. We will collaborate and adapt. The answer is a new economic development model.

This new economic development model is also based on three different elements. Business continues to be one of those elements.

But today, prosperous businesses are characterized by constant innovation. A prosperous business today might be a company looking to start or expand a manufacturing facility using technology to become more efficient. Or, it might be an entrepreneur looking to use some innovative concept to build a new company. This new company may be looking to provide a product in an unconventional way like Michael Dell of Dell Computers, or a software service like Bill Gates, of Microsoft, or an information service like Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google.

KILLEEN HAS A HISTORY OF RISING TO THE CHALLENGE. THE KNOWLEDGE AGE Economic development began to change in the early 1980’s with the convergence of several events, including: the development of, and access to, computing power; development of the Internet; the development of robust, global telecommunication networks; the expansion of trade agreements; and the emergence of the global economy.

In the span of a relatively few decades, the world has changed.

Where we had been participants in an economy with fixed borders, we are now participants in a global, borderless economy where the competition for capital investment is not only next door or down the street, but around the world.

Talent is the second element. It is defined as labor coupled with education, creativity and innovation. Talent is ever evolving to keep pace with technical development. In the new economy, talent is often referred to as the “knowledge worker.” Talent, as expressed through knowledge workers, has the ability to use knowledge to create or improve goods and services. The knowledge worker has an acquaintance with, or understanding of, a science, art or technique.

Knowledge workers include those in the information technology fields, such as programmers, systems analysts, technical writers, academic professionals, and researchers. The term is also frequently used to include people outside of information technology, such as lawyers, teachers, and scientists of all kinds.

Google is a good example of a knowledge-based company operated by knowledge workers. Futurist Rebecca Ryan has this to say about Google in her book Live First, Work Second: “What does Google manufacture? Nothing. Google doesn’t make anything. Google invents algorithms to help you find obscure information in the fastest, most accurate way. Google manufactures nothing, yet its market capitalization is greater than the greatest brands of my dad’s economy.”

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SPECIAL FEATURE | PLACE DESIGN

OUR STRATEGY, JUST AS IT SHOULD BE FOR ANY COMMUNITY THAT WANTS TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER IN THE FUTURE, IS TO PROACTIVELY CREATE A PLACE WHERE TALENT WANTS TO RESIDE. There is something else about these knowledge workers. Because they are technically savvy, creative and innovative and because they reside in a global economy, they have learned to, literally, work through the wire. That means they are mobile. Today’s talent can live anywhere, work anytime and achieve unprecedented output.

You have

Goals

We have

Solutions BUSINESS LOANS COMMERCIAL CHECKING TREASURY MANAGEMENT

It is this mobility that leads to the third element of the economic development model of the future – Place Design.

PLACE DESIGN Because knowledge workers will create many of the companies and jobs of the future and because they are mobile, Killeen’s future economic vitality will be driven in large part by the location choices of these creative people.

Fortunately, we know a great deal about what knowledge workers are seeking in a place.

Recent books on the subject, such as The Rise of the Creative Class, by Dr. Richard Florida, have researched and documented that there are eight characteristics present in desirable places: Authenticity, Access to Technology, Horizontal Career Paths, Immigration, Low Barriers to Entry, Diversity, Tolerance, and Lifestyle Opportunities. Young Professionals refer to places that have these characteristics as “cool communities.” Rebecca Ryan lists the seven indexes of a cool community as seen by young professionals: vitality,

earning, learning, social capital, cost of lifestyle, after hours, and around town.

Every community is unique. Every community has the eight place characteristics and the seven cool community indexes in varying degrees.

Every community can take steps to change.

THE FUTURE Our strategy, just as it should be for any community that wants to survive and prosper in the future, is to proactively create a place where talent wants to reside.

Can we do this? We certainly can. Take authenticity for example. Authenticity is what is real and unique about Killeen.

We have it in limited supply in downtown Killeen. And, our ability to create more authenticity – those one-of-a kind dining, shopping and entertainment venues – is in downtown. There are many reasons to redevelop downtown. The most important is to improve our quality of place.

By focusing on plans to develop the eight characteristics of Place Design and the seven indexes of a cool community, we will attract talent. That talent will, in turn, help us create the companies and jobs of the future. This is the new economic development model, and one we must embrace. Much depends on it. 

This article is the first in a series of White Papers previously released by the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce. The content in these papers is based on research by chamber staff and the chamber’s Place Design Team. This article is an abbreviated version of the full papers, which can be viewed at embracetheplace.com.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

THE ECONOMIC NECESSITY OF

BROADBAND ACCESS

JOHN CRUTCHFIELD III

President & CEO, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce

hange has always been with us. The difference today is the speed with which that change occurs.

Economic evolution began to speed up with the convergence of several events, including: the development of and access to computing power; the development of the Internet; the development of robust, global telecommunications networks; the expansion of trade agreements; and the emergence of the global economy.

In a global context, the United States remains a young country. For most of our existence, we have lived in relative economic isolation, but that is no longer the case. Rather, we live in a global economy, one that is characterized by the three sectors of socio-economic growth mentioned in the previous article (Agricultural Age, Industrial Age, and Knowledge Age).

These sectors are layered one over the other. We still produce agricultural products but we do it so efficiently that only 3% of those employed in the U.S. are employed in agriculture. We still manufacture industrial products but we do it so efficiently that only 11% of those employed in the U.S. are employed in manufacturing.

Today, knowledge workers are estimated to outnumber all other workers in the U.S. by at least a four-to-one margin. For better or worse, the Knowledge Economy now makes up the largest component of our national economy.

Knowing that knowledge workers make up the majority of our workforce, and that they can work from anywhere, it follows that economic development efforts should focus on making communities attractive to these workers. Simply put: if a community wants to grow its economy, it should focus on growing its knowledge-based economy.

Why? Because that is where the jobs are.

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YOUR SUCCESS IN LIFE ISN’T BASED ON YOUR ABILITY TO SIMPLY CHANGE. IT IS BASED ON YOUR ABILITY TO CHANGE FASTER THAN YOUR COMPETITION, CUSTOMERS AND BUSINESS. MARK SANBORN

SPECIAL FEATURE | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

High speed broadband is a prerequisite for companies looking to open or expand in a community. Lauren Lee, a member of the Corporate Media Relations team at Dell, stated, “when determining where Dell will open a facility, the company considers access to talent, the physical infrastructure and the digital infrastructure, including access to highspeed broadband.”

YOU CANNOT GROW A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY WITHOUT ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED BANDWIDTH. So what does it take to grow a knowledge-based economy? Access to high speed bandwidth is an absolute necessity, making it a critical factor in economic development. Bandwidth is the speed with which information moves from place to place. It is a function of infrastructure – the conductors and the electronics that have been installed. Bandwidth is different from community to community and it is different in different parts of a community.

The average download speed, a function of bandwidth, in our community is 15.74 Mbps (Megabits per second). The national average is 18.2 Mbps. We are at a competitive disadvantage. Our goal should be to exceed the national average all across our community, in every business and in every household. This is a challenge we must embrace for the good of our economy.

The steps we need to take are relatively straight forward. First, we need to map and inventory existing bandwidth. Where is it? Of what does it consist? And, who provides it? By doing so, we will be able to determine areas that are underserved or not served. The gaps in service will be obvious. Then, we need to develop and implement a plan to add bandwidth where required. This will require working with providers, or possibly even identifying new providers, and perhaps, funding. The chamber is prepared to lead this effort. It will require resources.

Today, the world is online and bandwidth has become the 21st-century infrastructure issue. Just as we relied on roads, bridges, electricity and telephone service to build the economy of the past, we must rely on access to high-speed bandwidth to create the economy of the future.

If we don’t have it, we must get it. The future of this community depends on it. 

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M I L I TA R Y R E L AT I O N S

Military Relations Council Snapshot THE GREATER KILLEEN AREA HAS A LONG TRADITION OF SUPPORTING THE MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES. The Military Relations Council’s (MRC) goals are to promote the sustainability of Fort Hood and to make the fence between the post and the surrounding community as invisible as possible.

This is accomplished by building strong relationships between Fort Hood, the U.S. Army and the community. The MRC does this specifically by providing information, networking and access to Fort Hood and the community, locally and across the United States.

INFORMATION With an impact of 136.6 billion dollars, the military is the second largest economic stimulator in the state of Texas, ahead of agriculture and just behind energy, per the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.

Fort Hood, as one of the 15 military instillations in Texas, makes up $35.4 billion of this statistic. One out of every four people in Bell & Coryell County is associated with Fort Hood. Because of this, it is important to arm chamber investors, our strategic partners and the public with information to allow them to function as informed representatives

in Killeen, Austin and Washington D.C. MRC activities that help accomplish this goal include: • Designation as a 2017 Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities.

• Scheduling tours of organizations and support programs on Fort Hood, including Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, AAFES PX, and the Training Support Center.

• Providing operational updates from organizations on Fort Hood, including Fort Hood Garrison Command III Corps, First Army Division West, and the First Calvary Division.

• Providing assistance in planning and execution of the chamber’s bi-annual Legislative Tour, a program that invites state legislative representatives and staff from Austin to tour Fort Hood and the Killeen community.

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• Organizing interactive tours of the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, CA. • Organizing the Senior Command Teams Welcome and Social.

• Distributing monthly electronic MRC Newsletters providing time-sensitive information.

• Attending the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) & Association of Defense Communities (ADC) to build relationships with other military communities, armed forces representatives and legislatures.

NETWORKING In addition to the activities listed above, the MRC participates in several events to build relationships with the Soldiers and Families of Fort Hood, such as Audie Murphy Inductions, NCO & Soldier of the Year Awards, Hails, Farewells, Retirements and AUSA events. During many of these events, the MRC is able to participate in the awards presentations.

Our community does an exceptional job networking and building relationships with the General Officers and Command Sargent Majors. However, these individuals rarely

SPECIAL FEATURE | MILITARY RELATIONS

return to serve at Fort Hood. In an effort to begin building relationships with the Soldiers who will return to Fort Hood, in Fall 2014 the MRC held their first Senior Command Teams Welcome. This social is held in coordination with the New Command Teams training and reaches out to those most likely to return to Fort Hood to serve in the future — Command Teams for Battalions and above. The MRC continues to explore events that engage Soldiers and Families with the local communities.

Most people living in the Killeen area are aware of what the U.S. Army does and have heard the ‘sounds of Freedom’ booming when the troops are in the field. The terms “deployment” and “redeployment” are common in local vocabulary. However, the weight of these actions may not fully register for those who have not ever been Active Duty.

The U.S. Army is looking for ways to educate the population on what it does and the costs associated with its activities. The Chamber is helping with this by hosting the Interactive National Training Center Rotation Tour at Ft. Irwin, CA, the location of one of three ground-force training centers used to train soldiers. The tours, which started in 2015, follow Fort Hood Brigades during their forceon-force activities. The tour has allowed the Army to strategically reach outside the front gate and spread its message by educating local, state, and federal leaders through first-hand exposure to military training.

MILITARY RELATIONS COUNCIL SPONSORS:

SERVING EACH PATIENT WITH

DIGNITY & RESPECT WHILE ALWAYS PROVIDING

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ACCESS The MRC allows chamber investors and leaders access to Fort Hood and the Soldiers stationed there. In turn, this allows these same individuals access to the local community. To build strong relationships with Fort Hood we must continue to build lasting relationships between Soldiers, Families and community members.

Thank you to our Military Relations Council sponsors: • All American Chevrolet • Grace Christian Center 

HEATHER NUSBAUM Vice President of Finance and Administration, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce

855-855-4469 | SetonHarkerHeights.org

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SPECIAL FEATURE | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

KILLEEN ISD DISTRICT OFFICE: 200 N W.S. Young Dr., Killeen | 254.336.0000 | killeenisd.org

MORE THAN 44,000 STUDENTS IN KILLEEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (KISD) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A WIDE ARRAY OF ACADEMIC, FINE ARTS, ATHLETICS, AND OTHER CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES, WHICH HELP TO DEVELOP THEIR INTELLECTUAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES. These learning opportunities are provided by the district, enabling students to learn to their maximum potential. Here are a few of the programs available to help high school students prepare for their future.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, sponsored by The College Board, offers advanced coursework and the opportunity to earn college credit by earning qualifying scores on AP exams. AP curriculum is created for the College Board by a panel of experts and college-level educators in that field of study. Colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain qualifying scores on the tests.

AVID Students enrolled in grades 6-12 have an opportunity to engage in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. This program is designed to provide a greater awareness and motivation to pursue a college education. The course emphasizes organizational skills, goal setting, and time management.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities are offered at the KISD Career Center. The Career Center provides academic choices and opportunities through 15 high demand career clusters. Students choosing to

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GREATER KILLEEN BUSINESS QUARTERLY

engage in CTE courses work with advanced resources and technologies to develop skills which meet today’s industry standards.

Students may take individual classes or enter a program of study which may lead to an industry certification.

DUAL CREDIT In an effort to prepare students to work and compete in a global workforce, as well as ensure graduates are well prepared for college, Killeen ISD offers numerous dual credit opportunities. Students are provided the opportunity to engage in college course work provided through partnerships between Killeen ISD and Central Texas College.

EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL In 2015, Killeen ISD initiated its Early College High School, providing students a pathway to graduate from high school with an Associate’s Degree. In partnership with Central Texas College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas, students begin taking dual credit courses in grades 9 and 10 before transitioning to the CTC campus for their grade 11 and 12 coursework.

PATHWAYS ACADEMIC CAMPUS This campus provides various schedule and course options with appropriate academic and support services to enable students to stay in school, or re-enter school, and pursue personalized educational goals. Students will work at a self-paced rate while pursuing a high school diploma.

STEM Students interested Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) can attend the STEM Academy, which emphasizes learning as it relates to real-life situations.

The STEM Academy strives to promote academic leadership and responsibility among students.

TEXAS BIOSCIENCE INSTITUTE A competitive dual credit program offered in collaboration with Temple College and Baylor Scott and White Hospital is offered through the Texas Bioscience Institute (TBI). This program provides students the opportunity to earn college hours while receiving laboratory experience at a premiere bioscience research center. Students apply for admission during the sophomore year for half-day attendance in the junior and senior years. Transportation between the high school and TBI is provided. The rigorous course of study provides coursework in preparation for students interested in careers in medicine and biotechnology. Upon successful completion, students may earn an associate degree from Temple College in addition to their high school diploma. 

SPECIAL FEATURE | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

WALMART

COMMITTED TO KILLEEN FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, WALMART HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE IN THE LONE STAR STATE. With five stores in the Killeen area, including two recently opened Walmart Neighborhood Markets, the company is always working to find new ways to help customers save money and live better by serving them when, where and how they want to shop.

Walmart also continues to lead the way in Texas by offering good jobs with great benefits, and providing a clear path toward a successful career in retail. Walmart employs more than 171,000 people throughout the state, nearly 900 of them in the Killeen area.

PLEDGE TO VETERANS As part of Walmart’s Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, the company employs nearly 120,000 veterans across the nation.

The commitment originally guaranteed a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran who was within 12 months of active duty. The initial goal in May of 2013 was to offer jobs to 100,000 veterans by the end of 2018. However, the company quickly accomplished that, so in May of 2015, Walmart announced the expansion of that original projection and an updated goal of offering a job to 250,000 veterans by the end of 2020.

Texas Walmart stores employ more veterans than any other state. Walmart has also changed the eligibility from within 12 months of active duty, to any veteran who has been honorably discharged since the announcement of the commitment in May 2013.

GROWING CAREERS IN RETAIL Over the past two years, Walmart committed to helping its associates live better by investing $2.7 billion in training, education and higher wages.

In 2016, Walmart opened its very first Training Academy in North Texas – one of 200 Academies that will open around the country to provide a consistent training program about core retail skills, leadership, merchandising, operations, technology, and customer service. These investments offer associates skills, knowledge and tools to help them grow with the company and provide great customer service during a time of rapid change in shopping habits. A Walmart Training Academy will open in nearby Cedar Park in 2017.

The Walmart Training Academies helped nearly 25,000 Texas Walmart associates earn a promotion to a job with higher pay and more responsibility, and helped Walmart convert more than 22,000 associates from part-time to full-time positions.

Finally, in March of 2017, Walmart gave a quarterly cash bonus to nearly 95,000 associates in Texas. In Killeen, associates shared nearly a quarter of a million dollars

walmart.com KILLEEN LOCATIONS: Walmart Neighborhood Market No. 3449 3801 E. Stan Schlueter Lp. Walmart Neighborhood Market No. 3450 2900 Clear Creek Rd. Walmart Supercenter No. 407 1400 Lowes Blvd.

Walmart Supercenter No. 6286 3404 W. Stan Schlueter Lp.

in cash bonuses, based on the positive performance of their stores.

KILLEEN STORES HERE TO SERVE Associates at the two Walmart Supercenters and the three Walmart Neighborhood Markets in the Killeen area are committed to helping customers save time as well as save money. Today, customer convenience is a top priority and Walmart continues to evolve to make sure the company is serving customers when, where and how they want to shop. We look forward to seeing you soon! 

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

newcomers guide BELL COUNTY OVERVIEW WELCOME TO KILLEEN CITY SERVICES

HOUSING

HEALTHCARE

SHOPPING & DINING

EDUCATION

NON-PROFITS

EMPLOYMENT

ARTS & CULTURE

GREATER KILLEEN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

BUSINESS

RECREATION

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Bell County Overview Bell County Courthouse

Bell County Expo Center

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL TEXAS, BELL COUNTY OFFERS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING: big city amenities in Killeen, famous live music in Belton, eclectic offerings in Salado and various outdoor activities throughout the region. Bell County has something for everyone!

Of the 254 Texas counties, Bell County is 16th largest with a population of more than 326,000 and is home to 12 communities.

Killeen is the county’s largest city, followed by Temple, while Belton serves as the county seat. Bell County comprises some 1,051 square miles of land and 36.9 square miles of water.

The area comprising Bell County has been the site of human habitation since at least 6000 B.C. and early settlers found a rich wildlife population of deer, wild turkeys, wolves, bear, buffalo, antelope, wild horses, ducks, geese, wild hogs and an occasional alligator. While the buffalo, bear, and hogs were hunted to extinction in the county in the 19th century and the last alligator was killed in 1908, Bell County still provides habitat for many wild species, including deer, antelope and numerous species of birds.

Downtown Temple

The area was first settled in 1834, and the county was officially formed in 1850. By 1870, the county had a population of nearly 10,000. The growth of the Fort Hood-Killeen area was matched by developments in the rest of the county. Bell County’s population shot up to 73,824 in 1950 and increased by 27 to 32 percent every decade thereafter to reach more than 310,000 in 2014.

Harker Heights neighbors Killeen to the east and is one of the fastest-growing communities in Bell County. The city’s population, currently more than 28,000, is expected to grow to more than 30,000 – or approximately 7.5% – by 2022. This is due in large part to the city’s close proximity to Fort Hood, as well as abundant recreational activities provided by numerous city parks and Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Harker Heights also boasts an impressive Farmers Market at Seton Hospital each Saturday from May-October, and a Community Garden year-round. Ample dining, retail and entertainment options are available in the city, and that number will continue to grow with the population.

The City of Nolanville is a growing, vibrant community that maintains the small-town atmosphere located in the heart of Central Texas. With an estimated population of around 5,000, the City strives to live up to its motto of “A Great Place to Live” by offering its residents beautiful scenery and a friendly community feeling.

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Belton, home to an estimated 21,000 people, is the county seat. New residents continue to be drawn to Belton by outstanding schools, great parks and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845, the historic college campus provides both students and area residents with educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. Providing a natural backdrop to historic Belton are more than 160 acres of parkland throughout the city.

Situated along Belton Lake, Belton is a city abounding with parks and recreational opportunities. Beautiful Nolan Creek meanders through central Belton where residents and visitors can enjoy a walk along the Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail.

Temple boasts the county’s second largest population at more than 77,000. Like Killeen, Temple was also founded as a railroad town in the 1800’s but has grown to become so much more than that.

Today, Temple is known as one of the nation’s outstanding medical communities, boasting the only health and bioscience institute in Texas. Through the years, many members of the community have worked together to welcome visitors, attract conventions and market Temple as a central meeting point.

While the village of Salado may be small, it has character the size of Texas. The city was an original stop for the stage lines and was home to the first coeducational college in the state. Today, this small

community is the art hub of Bell County. The Main Street vicinity is a lively marketplace with more than 60 shops and galleries. Whether you are looking for fine art, antiques, pottery, crafts, collectibles, Americana, Southwestern or south-of-the border decor, handcrafted furniture, trendy or exclusive fashions, gourmet foods and wines or a weekend get-a-way, you’ll find that special something in Salado.

In early 2017 the first portion of Interstate 14 (I-14) was designated to the 25-mile stretch of US 190 from Copperas Cove to Interstate 35 in Belton. Once all segments of the Interstate are designated, it will span from El Paso in the West to Savannah, Georgia in the East. The roadway is expected to increase mobility of the state’s rapidly growing population, as well as connect the many military installations along the route. The presence of an Interstate will also have significant economic benefits for the communities it traverses. The number of businesses that will consider locating in our region will instantly increase, as immediate access to an Interstate highway is a requirement of many investors and business prospects. It’s an exciting time to live in Central Texas!

Bell County is a truly amazing place. With the recreational opportunities, strong economy, arts and culture and the wonderful people, this is a place you’ll want to call home! 

School of Professional Studies & School of Applied Sciences

Contact

Start or nish your degree with UIW’s adult education programs offering extra cost-saving beneets and exibility. Choose from 100% online or evening classes at our nearby center.

FREE TEXTBOOKS for ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY & UNDERGRADS Accelerated 8-week courses | No academic fees and reduced tuition Tuition rate at cap for active-duty military | Special rates for dependents & veterans

ADMISSIONS 254-628-7006 fthood@uiwtx.edu AdultEd.UIW.edu

Killeen/Ft. Hood Center 1711 East Central Texas Expressway Killeen, Texas 76541 (Suite 312) Attend an Info Session every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Hometown mural painted by artist Hope Overturf on the side of Killeen Power Sports. Photo taken by Photo by Skeebo

Welcome to Killeen

WHETHER YOU ARE MOVING TO THE AREA OR JUST PASSING THROUGH, WE ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY. Killeen and the surrounding area is a unique place where you’ll find all the amenities of a large city but with small town Texas charm and plenty of Southern hospitality.

Killeen was founded in 1882 as a shipping point for agricultural products grown in about a 20-mile radius. The town was platted by the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad and named for railroad official Frank P. Killeen. The town established all of the necessary services to serve a large rural area along with its own residents.

Merchants, doctors, lawyers and other professionals came to town.

Schools were established, a government was put in place, and a chamber of commerce was organized to undertake the task of building an infrastructure for the busy agricultural center. By 1940, the population had climbed to 1,265.

Then in 1942, the boom hit with the establishment of Camp Hood, a military post serving as a tank destroyer center. After the United States became involved in World War II, a need developed for a military post to train Soldiers in tank destroyer tactics, and the area west and north of Killeen was chosen by the U.S. Army. The initial installation covered 160,000 acres and consumed most of the best farming country around Killeen, so the economic base quickly shifted from agriculture to military.

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... KILLEEN HAS STRIVEN TO MAKE THIS COMMUNITY THE TYPE OF

PLACE RESIDENTS AND NEWCOMERS WANT TO CALL HOME. By 1950, the population had jumped to 7,045, and the Department of the Army declared the Killeen military installation as a permanent post, officially establishing Fort Hood. From that day forward, it was the city’s mission to make this area the best place for military families and civilians to live. With tremendous economic growth, Killeen spread its trade area to cover a 100-mile stretch of Central Texas and continues to sustain heavy growth and development. During the decade of 2000-2010, the population grew by 45% and was estimated at more than 140,000 in 2016.

Since its inception, Killeen has striven to make this community the type of place residents and newcomers want to call home. We know what makes us unique. We are a proud military community. It has been said that the strength of our nation is the Army. The strength of the Army is the Soldier. The strength of the Soldier is the Family.

And, the strength of the Family is the community. Here, members of the military and their Families are not only defenders of our freedom, they are neighbors, friends and active participants in all that we do.

NEWCOMERS GUIDE

CTC National Night Out

We learn much from our military neighbors. We learn about loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

During the past decade, we have also learned much about resiliency— the ability to handle setbacks and still reach our full potential. This is a place where you can build a future.

Killeen is located in one of the fastest-growing economic corridors in the nation—an hour’s drive from Austin and just two-to-three hours from San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. This community boasts a

Killeen Power Sports Mural

robust transportation system consisting of an excellent Interstate and highway system, rail, and the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport.

While Killeen has many wonderful attributes, it is clear that the people are what make this place truly special. Because of Killeen’s close relationship and proximity to Fort Hood, we enjoy a diverse and unique population of talented individuals ready to welcome newcomers and visitors alike. Killeen is a place for people who appreciate strong American values and worldly connections where the

KILLEEN IS LOCATED IN ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING ECONOMIC CORRIDORS IN THE NATION—AN HOUR’S DRIVE FROM AUSTIN AND JUST TWO-TO-THREE HOURS FROM SAN ANTONIO, HOUSTON AND DALLAS. growing, diverse population that is younger and better educated than the state average, living in a tolerant community with low barriers to entry. We have a strong talent pool, especially the group of skilled veterans separating from the U.S. Army at Fort Hood; good public education through an established independent school district; and accessible, user-friendly community college and an upper-level, stand-alone, state-supported university. This community also offers a Downtown Killeen Mural

character of the American Soldier permeates the community so that freedom has a face and pride is personal.

Whether you are looking to make this your home or if you are just passing through, we are glad you are here. For additional information about our community, visit KilleenChamber.com. 

Super Hero Dash

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

City Hall

City Services

THE CITY OF KILLEEN WAS ESTABLISHED MAY 15, 1882 AND INCORPORATED WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE CITY CHARTER IN 1949. The charter established the council-manager form of government that the City of Killeen still operates under today. The mayor is the city’s chief elected officer and presides over a seven-member City Council, which sets policy. The city manager oversees all operations of city services.

The city elects the mayor and the leadership of the city three of its council members manager, city employees carry at large, meaning that every out the daily work of providing registered voter within the municipal services to Killeen’s city limits may vote for these residents, businesses and seats. Four council members visitors. represent specific geographical Essential city services include areas or districts of the city Mayor Jose Segarra police and fire forces, water, and are elected exclusively by sewer, street maintenance and the registered voters in each garbage and recycling services. The city also respective district. Terms for the mayor and provides animal services including an animal all council members are two years, with a shelter, city planning, code enforcement, three-consecutive-term limitation for each building inspections, human resources and a office. The city holds nonpartisan elections municipal court. each May with staggered terms. The mayor and at-large council members are elected Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport offers in even-numbered years, while the four three commercial carriers and 11 departures district council members are elected in odddaily. Skylark Field accommodates private numbered years. flights and provides hangar space. The Fly Killeen campaign reminds travelers to always The City of Killeen has more than 1,300 check Killeen flights when booking travel for employees focused on one mission: dedicated convenience and competitive fares. service—every day, for everyone. Under

Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport

Recreation abounds at the city’s 18 parks, two recreation centers, the Tommie Harris Fitness center, two senior centers, two hike and bike trails and Mickey’s Dog Park. For water enthusiasts, Killeen offers the Family Aquatics Center, Long Branch Pool and a spray pad. Golfers can enjoy Stonetree Golf Club, which features 18 holes, practice facilities, a pro shop and clubhouse. Killeen Civic and Conference Center and the Killeen Arts and Activities Center offer space for many types of events. Readers will find a large selection of printed and multimedia materials at two public libraries. For those wanting to get involved, volunteer services offers training, activities and volunteer matching throughout the year.

Revitalization of the city’s historic downtown has renovated seven blocks and brought new beauty and energy to the oldest part of Killeen. The first phase of the revitalization effort replaced sidewalks and roadways and added new decorative crosswalks, lighting and landscaping. New event plazas have brought first-time events into downtown and made annual events feel new again.

Façade improvement grants, sign grants, tax abatement opportunities and more are available to new and existing businesses to promote further development. Downtown is bustling and ready for visitors! 

City Hall is at 101 N. College St. For more information, call (254) 501-7600 or visit KilleenTexas.gov or Facebook.com/KilleenTexas.

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Housing EVEN WITH CONTINUED GROWTH AND A BOOMING ECONOMY, KILLEEN CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE IN THE COUNTRY. The cost of living in Killeen is almost 17% lower than the national average, meaning home buyers get more house for their money here. At $105,000, Killeen’s median home price is about 52% lower than the state average of $218,900, offering our residents plenty of options for quality, affordable housing.

If upscale living is what you are looking for, then Killeen has beautiful homes with plenty of space to stretch out. Some of the more luxurious homes in Killeen range from the low $300,000’s to the low $500,000’s. Most of these beauties feature acreage and an abundance of luxurious upgrades, pools and even guest houses all within minutes to the center of town. Buyers may need to add a few more zeros to the prices to get these amenities in a larger city! The area also continues to develop more quality apartment living communities with full feature amenities like workout rooms, pools and saunas, entertainment areas and private parking areas. Meet some of your neighbors or just relax after a hard day’s work without worrying about lawn care. The average rental prices are from about $600 to $1,500 a month, depending on the number of bedrooms.

RESIDENTS AND VISITORS WILL ALSO FIND HIGHWAY EXPANSION PROJECTS THAT EASILY CONNECT TO OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY, THE KILLEEN AIRPORT AND NEIGHBORING CITIES, INCLUDING GEORGETOWN AND AUSTIN. Photo courtesy of Bridgemoor at Killeen

Texas A&M University-Central Texas has attracted a host of developments in the south part of the city, not only in new homes but in new dining, retail and entertainment. Residents and visitors will also find highway expansion projects that easily connect to other parts of the city, the Killeen airport and neighboring cities, including Georgetown and Austin.

For more information about residential living in the Killeen area, visit KilleenChamber.com for a list of real estate companies. 

Photo courtesy of Linnemann Realty

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

KISD Career Center

CTC Campus Center

Education KILLEEN OFFERS A VARIETY OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FROM GRADE SCHOOL THROUGH THE GRADUATE LEVEL. KILLEEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Killeen Independent School District’s (KISD) achievements and purpose make it truly one of a kind in Texas and the nation. KISD serves Killeen, Fort Hood, Harker Heights, Nolanville and the surrounding rural areas.

Approximately 37% of all KISD students are federally-connected, and through targeted support programs, KISD helps meet the students’ social and emotional needs before, during and after deployments.

KISD is the 26th largest school district in Texas with an enrollment of approximately 44,000 students. Students attend 32 elementary campuses (grades Pre-K-5), 11 middle schools (grades 6-8), four high schools (grades 9-12), two alternative schools, one career and technical center and several specialized campuses.

The district will also open Alice W. Douse Elementary School, Roy J. Smith Middle School, and a Middle School STEM Academy for the 2017 -2018 school year.

In 2015 Killeen ISD, in partnership with Central Texas College, opened an Early College High School that provides students with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree upon graduation. The district has again received the highest designation under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST).

Furthermore, under the state’s accountability system, the district continues to exceed the required academic performance targets. KISD employs over 6,400 employees dedicated

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to ensuring all students are provided opportunities to learn to their maximum potential.

The KISD Central Office is located at 200 N. WS Young Dr. in Killeen. For more information about the school district, visit killeenisd.org or call 254.336.0000.

CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE Central Texas College (CTC) opened its doors in Killeen 50 years ago. Since then, the public two-year community college has grown from serving 1,800 students locally to more than 50,000 students at more than 100 locations worldwide. CTC has evolved into a unique institution with sites on most U.S. military installations across the continental United States, Europe, the Pacific Far East and deployed locations across southwest Asia.

CTC also offers classes to U.S. Navy personnel on ships at sea, at correctional institutions and online to civilians and the military.

CTC is accredited to offer more than 100 associate degrees and certificates of completion in a variety of academic, professional and vocational/technical fields. In addition to classroom courses, CTC also offers 27 degree and certificate programs that can be achieved solely online. CTC’s articulation agreements with most four-year universities in Texas allow for easy transfer of credits. In partnership with area high schools, CTC’s dual credit program provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to begin their college careers while still in high school.

CTC also offers degree programs through its Evening/Weekend College program that includes classroom courses, online courses and blended courses (both online and classroom work). Students are able to complete a degree or certificate program through classes offered in the evening and on weekends.

With a strong history of providing affordable higher education opportunities for the military, CTC is a Yellow Ribbon School and a Purple Heart College and is continually ranked among the top Military Friendly® schools, top schools for military members using Tuition Assistance and a Best for Vets school. CTC is also a founding member of the College Credit for Heroes program, which offers current and retired military students college credit for their military training.

The school’s nursing program is among the top five in the state for nurses passing the licensing exam. The CTC aviation program is one of the top two-year flight programs in the country. Business students on the awardwinning Net Impact team are involved in numerous community entrepreneur projects.

Students can participate in various academic and community activities including the CTC Jazz Band and CTC Chorus, the speech team, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and more.

CTC is located at 6200 West Central Texas Expwy. In Killeen. For more information about CTC, visit ctcd.edu or call 254.526.7161.

NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Texas A & M University - Central Texas

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCENTRAL TEXAS One of the first things newcomers discover about Central Texas is a fierce independent spirit and dogged determination that defines the residents, the region, and the State. Need proof? Look no further than Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT).

Born in 2009 as the 10th university in the A&M University System, this upper-level university offers Central Texas residents the opportunity to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degree, citing admissions criteria that purposefully embrace community college transfer students, military experience, and working or first-generation adults.

Brought into being by the efforts of three generations of leaders and the local community, TAMUCT is an “open door” local university designed to be uniquely affordable, high quality, and military-friendly. The admissions criteria is purposefully compatible with firstgeneration undergraduate students, requiring: (1) a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; (2) a minimum of 30 semester hours in collegelevel, academic, or transfer courses, and; (3) good standing with previous colleges or universities attended.

TAMUCT is the most broadly diverse university in the Texas A&M University System, with more than 40% of its students declaring military affiliation. As a GoArmyEd partner, the university provides active duty soldiers seeking tuition assistance for both face-to-face and distance learning courses. In 2012, the Ted and Diane Connell Veteran’s Success Center was established, providing comprehensive assistance to veteran students as they undertake their goals of degree achievement. To date, A&M-Central Texas’ ROTC program has commissioned hundreds of Army Officers, many of whom have earned “Distinguished Military Graduate” status based on their academic and leadership performance.

Recently, two special initiatives demonstrate TAMUCT’s commitment to keeping their degrees within the financial reach of all of their students: (1) The Warrior Guarantee assures each participating student that tuition and applicable fees will not change for a specified number of consecutive semesters, allowing students to “lock in” a tuition rate that never increases, and (2) Bachelor Bonus Savings encourages students enrolled full-time (12 hours) to take additional coursework, if possible, at no additional charge in order to decrease their time toward degree completion, significantly reducing the cost of the undergraduate degree.

The university encourages visitors to drop in, visit online, or check out the latest schedule of athletic events – most recently featuring the university’s new (self-supporting) rugby team.

Visitors are also encouraged to explore the solar research laboratory with electron microscope, the ever-interesting biology and chemistry labs, the wonderfully welcoming library or the Stephen A. and Mary L. Hanik Bookstore for some A&M-Central Texas swag!

Visit the campus at 1001 Leadership Place in Killeen, or find out more at tamuct.edu or by calling 254.519.5400.

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDINBAYLOR The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is dedicated to preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and faith-informed discernment in a global society.

The Fall 2016 semester marked the university’s eighth consecutive record freshmen enrollment.

Despite consistent growth, university officials remain committed to the personal attention that has been a cornerstone of the UMHB experience for more than 170 years.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers bachelor’s degrees in 47 undergraduate majors

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

and graduate degrees in seven master’s programs in business, counseling, education, exercise physiology, information systems, nursing, and sport administration. The university’s Doctor of Education program offers doctorate degrees in P-12, Higher Education, and Leadership in Nursing Education. UMHB is also home to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and 2016 saw the launch of the school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

In February 2016, UMHB began construction on a new performing arts center. Set to open in the fall of 2017, the 40,725 square-foot facility will include multifunctional rooms that will allow it to be easily utilized for both learning and performance purposes. The center will feature a 546-seat theater with a proscenium stage, fly space, and orchestra pit. The design also includes a 2,000 square-foot chamber hall, which can be used as a classroom, a venue for small concerts or recitals, or a reception space for social gatherings.

The UMHB Board of Trustees has also approved construction of a 46,000 squarefoot residence hall on the north side of the campus. The three-story facility will offer dormitory-style housing for up to 214 students.

Construction of the residence hall began Spring 2017, with a projected completion date of Fall 2018.

2016 marked the greatest season in program history for the CRU football program. The CRU won the first National Championship in program history with a 10-7 victory over Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Stagg Bowl XLIV. The team closed out the season with a perfect 15-0 record to set new school and American Southwest Conference records for single-season victories.

Visit the scenic UMHB campus at 900 College St. in Belton, visit umhb.edu or call 254.295.8642 for more information about the university. 

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Employment THE GREATER KILLEEN AREA ACHIEVED SEVERAL STATE AND NATIONAL RANKINGS FOR ITS STRONG ECONOMY AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

4TH

NATIONALLY in Wallprotex’s Construction Job Growth listing (DECEMBER 2016)

106TH

NATIONALLY

in Zumper’s Best Cities for New College Grads in 2016 (MAY 2016)

4TH

NATIONALLY

in WalletHub’s Most Recession-Recovered Midsize City study (JANUARY 2017)

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS OF CENTRAL TEXAS Job seekers in the Killeen area have an excellent resource in Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, which offers career and job search assistance at no charge. They are staffed with job search professionals equipped with the latest technology, who can assist in all phases of job search, provide workrelated resources and assist in finding suitable employment. Labor market information is available in electronic and print format so job seekers can research in-demand occupations, pay scales, hot jobs for the future, company information, and other data on local, national and international labor markets.

Workforce Solutions’ career center offers interest inventory software, as well as written material to assist in researching career options and explore the various careers of interest to job seekers. Workforce staff aids in the preparation of essential tools such as resumes and cover letters, and they can assist with career searches to help job seekers form expectations about pay, working conditions, future employment demands, and needed skills. The information gained through a comprehensive search is also used to match job seekers with current job openings.

Additionally, Workforce Solutions provides interactive workshops at no cost to assist with every aspect of the job search. Topics include: • Employers Hiring Immediately: Using WorkInTexas.com to connect with Jobs • How Do You Look on Paper: Perfecting Your Application • Resumes Guaranteed to Get Interviews

Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Grant-Funded Programs Offer Special Services and Training Options for: • Veterans and exiting military • Military spouses • Laid-off Fort Hood contractor employees • Workers laid-off in Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills and San Saba Counties • Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees

• Ace the Interview and Land the Job • Soft Skills - The New Tie Breaker • Don’t Let Your Background Hold You Down • Social Media....Building Your Brand and Building Your Worth • Straight Talk from the Hiring Managers For assistance with a job search, visit the Workforce Solutions of Central Texas at 300 Cheyenne Drive in Killeen or online at WorkforceLink.com, or call (254) 200-2000. 

TOP 10 MAJOR EMPLOYERS IN GREATER KILLEEN AREA * III Corps & Fort Hood 39,067 Military Defense Contractors & Others* 15,745

Civilian Personnel Office 5,472 KISD 6,000

Central Texas College 1,487

City of Killeen 1,100

ESP Incorporated 420

Metroplex Health System 1,200

Teleperformance 1,700

Scott & White Clinic 361

* AS OF JANUARY 2016

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

So you want to open your own business?

THE CENTRAL TEXAS BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER (BRC) IS A COLLABORATION OF THE WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS OF CENTRAL TEXAS, CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE AND THE GREATER KILLEEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The BRC provides high-quality individual counseling, administrative assistance to potential and existing small business owners and free notary services. As a non-membership, non-profit program, the BRC is dedicated to providing services to all individuals requesting assistance in Central Texas.

The BRC creates relationships with various businesses, organizations and government entities for support and recognition of our programs and activities.

The BRC also establishes projects that can be co-sponsored with other resources to better serve the small business community.

Confidential counseling is available by walk-in or appointment during business hours from 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday.

The BRC also partners with the Fort Hood Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to offer workshops free of charge to soldiers transitioning out of the military. A similar program exists with the Carl R. Darnall Warrior in Transition Unit (WIT), which provides an additional career option once separated. Additional workshops are offered at the Killeen Workforce Center. Most workshops are no charge; however some may have a fee of $5 to $10 with materials provided.

centexbrc.com Facebook.com/centexbrc Twitter.com/centexbrc

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK Each year, the BRC hosts a business vendor fair during National Small Business Week (NSBW) that gives our local businesses an opportunity to showcase their products and services. NSBW is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and has been celebrated every year since 1963.

In 2018, NSBW will be celebrated April 29-May 5th.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY The BRC hosts a Small Business Saturday fair each year where local area businesses can showcase their products and services to the community. Small Business Saturday is a special day to

Workforce Solutions of Central Texas 300 Cheyenne Drive Room 101 Killeen, TX (254) 200-2001

highlight and support small business owners in the community. The event was created by American Express in 2010 and is held each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The 2017 event will be November 25, but the Shop Small movement is year-roun!

The BRC is a champion for small business, and will continue to offer these two events to celebrate and support small businesses that help to grow our community.

Visit CentexBRC.com for additional information regarding workshop topics, dates and times. ď Ź

THE BRC CREATES RELATIONSHIPS WITH VARIOUS BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES FOR SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION OF OUR PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Baylor Scott & White

Healthcare KILLEEN RESIDENTS ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE WORLD-CLASS HEALTH CARE SERVICES RIGHT AT THEIR FINGERTIPS. CARL R. DARNALL ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

three four-level parking garages all connected by an easy-to-navigate concourse.

36000 Darnall Loop, Fort Hood (254) 288-8888 crdamc.amedd.army.mil/Default.aspx

Darnall serves approximately 175,000 military beneficiaries within a 40-mile radius. About 103,000 people are enrolled in Darnall’s system for health through TRICARE. The system is comprised of a main hospital of Family Care Clinics on Fort Hood and in the surrounding communities.

Most military residents are serviced through Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood. A new state-of-the art facility opened in 2016 to serve eligible beneficiaries of TRICARE, the military health plan.

The 947,000-square-foot facility, which is approximately 60 percent larger than the previous 50-year old hospital, specifically addresses Fort Hood’s most pressing needs in the areas of behavioral health, medical/ surgical specialty clinics and pediatric primary care. The medical center has multiple portals of care with a six-story hospital tower, two two-story outpatient clinics, one three-story outpatient clinic and

GREATER KILLEEN BUSINESS QUARTERLY

METROPLEX HEALTH SYSTEM 2201 S. Clear Creek Rd., Killeen (254) 526-7523 mplex.org

Darnall employs almost 3,300 personnel, including active-duty military, Federal Civil Service employees and contractors. All health care is provided on an appointment basis by calling the Patient Appointment Service at (254) 288-8888 or via the TRICARE online appointment system at TricareOnline.com.

Metroplex Health System is a long-standing health care provider for the Greater Killeen area and provides a wide array of medical and wellness services to patients in west Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties. Metroplex is a not-for-profit Christian organization operated as a community service by the Adventist Health System and a partnership with Baylor Scott & White Healthcare.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is committed to providing Service Members, Families and Veterans quality, patientcentered

Focused on their mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, Metroplex provides the Central Texas community with

Metroplex Hospital

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care. Because of this commitment, a team of the best-educated, most professional health care physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, dieticians, other medical providers and administrative staff work around the clock to ensure medical care of the highest quality.

Seton Medical Center

NEWCOMERS GUIDE

more than $30,000 per day in free or low-cost wellness initiatives, while also providing the highest quality health care using state-of-the-art technology.

SETON MEDICAL CENTER 850 W. Central Texas Expwy., Harker Heights (254) 690-0900 Setonharkerheights.net

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights is celebrating its 5th year of opening.

With a medical staff has grown to more than 400 all board-certified physicians, the hospital employs more than 450 associates.

The hospital is recognized with a four-star rating for excellence in patient care. Seton Harker Heights is Joint Commission Accredited and has earned Chest Pain Accreditation.

In 2016, it partnered with Freedom Urgent Care in Harker Heights and will open a second Ugent Care in Killeen in 2017.

The 83-bed Catholic hospital offers a full-service emergency department with a Level IV Trauma designation.

It includes a full array of women’s services, surgical services, acute care, cardiology, family practice, gastroenterology, general medicine, internal medicine, urology, podiatry, imaging and diagnostics and intensive and critical care.

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER 2401 S. 31st St., Temple (254) 724-2111 sw.org

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center is a 636-bed specialty care and teaching hospital and Level I Trauma Center. All major insurance plans are accepted. Baylor Scott & White offers advanced imaging and the da Vinci® Surgical System. The Baylor Scott & White NICU ranks among the top in survival of these fragile newborns. In 2013, Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare combined the strengths of the two health systems to create a new model system able to meet the demands of health care reform, the changing needs of patients and recent advances in clinical care. 

Non-Profits

of Central Texas THE KILLEEN AREA IS HOME TO A VARIETY OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE TREMENDOUS SERVICES TO LOCAL RESIDENTS. Those interested in volunteering in our community have a great number of opportunities to search for using Killeen Volunteers, Inc. and Volunteer Match.

KILLEEN VOLUNTEERS, INC. The Killeen Volunteers, Inc. (KVI) board is organized for charitable, educational and scientific purposes benefiting and accomplishing a public purpose of the City of Killeen. The duties of the KVI board are to mobilize people and resources to address community needs and enhance quality of life through volunteerism. It is also the duty of this board to oversee its five program committees, which are comprised of Keep Killeen Beautiful, Celebrate Killeen, Killeen Volunteers, Inc., Killeen Volunteer Corps and Youth Advisory Commission.

A list of local organizations that need volunteers on a regular basis can be found at KilleenTexas.gov. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at (254) 501-7878 or visit City Hall at 101 N. College St., Killeen.

VOLUNTEER MATCH The City of Killeen partners with VolunteerMatch. org, a national organization that strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. The organization offers a variety of online services to support a community of non-profit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. Their website welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred internet recruiting tool for more than 100,000 non-profit organizations.

Volunteers can search by interest and location to find non-profits in their area that are in need of assistance. Non-profits can register their group for free to recruit, engage and manage volunteers.

NON-PROFIT COUNCIL The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Council meets monthly to serve the needs of non-profit members. The Council hosts workshops and special events quarterly to equip non-profit members with training and opportunities to grow their organization.

The Non-Profit Expo is a free annual event held each spring in partnership with Celebrate Killeen and KISD’s Wellness Fair. This event allows attendees to learn what participating non-profits are doing and how to make a difference with them. 

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

National Mounted Warrior Museum Rendering

Arts & Culture The Nov. 5, 2009 FORT HOOD MEMORIAL, located next to the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, pays tribute to the 13 killed and 32 injured during the Fort Hood tragedy. Bronze statues celebrate the hobbies, books, and pets beloved by the 12 soldiers and 1 civilian lost that day.

Coins commemorating the memorial can be purchased at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center (3601 S. W.S. Young Dr.) or at Killeen Volunteer Services (2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.) for $10, and donations can be made at November5Memorial.com.

which opened in 2012. The facility offers a variety of spaces for rent, state-of-theart audio visual equipment, and a chapel, preserved from the original structure. Visit DowntownKilleenEvents.com to learn more about the venue.

The City of Killeen purchased the building at 801 N. 4th St. downtown, formerly First Baptist Church, in 2006, renovating and renaming it the KILLEEN ARTS AND ACTIVITIES CENTER (KAAC),

The KILLEEN CIVIC ART GUILD has been instrumental in promoting art in Killeen and the surrounding areas. As a non-profit organization, their goal is to foster a fellowship of like-minded artists and craftsmen by

The FARMERS MARKET PAVILLION is located on Green Avenue, adjacent to the Arts and Activities complex. It features a large pavilion and plenty of space for outdoor events. For information about renting the facility, call 254.501.6519.

meeting and sharing knowledge and talents.

Formerly housed in the KAAC, the group is now seeking new headquarters as the city explores new uses for the building. Follow the group on social media for news and events.

Killeen is home to VIVE LES ARTS THEATRE, a non-profit arts organization that produces several main stage and children’s theatre shows each year. This community theatre relies on local talent to produce high-quality productions from Broadway classics to ballets to Shakespearian favorites.

Founded in 1976, VLA is supported by funds from the City of Killeen Arts Commission, a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the contributions of art lovers in the community. Visit VLAkilleen.org to view the season’s programming.

THE ANNUAL FLAVORS OF CENTRAL TEXAS event is designed to please the palates of all who attend. Restaurants, caterers, and bakers set up beautifully decorated booths to showcase their business.

Cooking demonstrations and a Chopped for Kids Contest are all featured at the event, which takes place in the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. One regular booth is included in the chamber membership of restaurants and caterers. The 2017 Flavors of Central Texas will be Tuesday, August 1. Tickets can be purchased at flavorsofcentraltexas.com.

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A StAffing PArtner thAt

Goes the Distance Cosplayers at Geekfest at Central Texas College

At nearby Fort Hood, two outstanding MUSEUMS are available to visitors. The museums offer displays of weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts. Exhibits trace the histories of the storied 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 1st Cavalry Division through peace and war.

Funds are currently being raised to build the NATIONAL MOUNTED WARRIOR MUSEUM, which will be located just outside the Fort Hood main gate. This museum will be the most technologically advanced military museum west of the Mississippi and is expected to attract visitors from all over the country. Learn more about the National Mounted Warfare Foundation and how you can get involved at nmwfoundation.org.

Each year in August, geeks from around the state convene on the campus of Central Texas College. GEEKFEST is an annual non-profit convention that raises scholarship funds in celebration of all things geek. The weekend includes cosplay, gaming, programs, celebrity appearances, and other activities that appeal to a wide range of interests. Food trucks, vendors, and an artists’ alley are among the offerings. Wristbands and scheduling information are available through geekfest. ctcd.edu.

Over the past two decades, CELEBRATE KILLEEN, formerly known as the Festival of the Flags, has grown into a three-day event featuring a carnival, food truck competition, gospel concerts, poetry slams, and craft vendors. The Fallen Heroes 5k and KISD wellness fair kick off the events on Saturday, with most of the festival taking place in or around the Killeen Community Center. The festivities conclude with a movie in the park and a firework display. Volunteers are always needed; sign up at killeentexas.gov.

Killeen takes a peak at the latest looks for spring each year at the CTC FASHION SHOW. Hosted by the CTC Foundation and benefiting nursing and EMT scholarships, the nearly decade-old event features fashions from local stores and boutiques. Many familiar faces turn out to raise money for a good cause, as the styles strutting the runway are modeled by local luminaries. Raffles, goodie bags, and silent auction items are available as well. The annual luncheon is held in the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. To make reservations, call the CTC Foundation office at 254-5261662.

For 70 years, Spherion® has been giving employers a significant edge in their quest for skilled resources that will move them swiftly toward their goals. Locally owned, our staffing team will go the distance to ensure your recruiting and staffing needs are met with the high-performing administrative, biotech, customer service, non-clinical healthcare, and professional talent you need to stay ahead of the competition.

In 1993, the Killeen City Council and the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce established KILLEEN SISTER CITIES, INC. A member of Sister Cities International, KSCI seeks to promote peace and understanding through cultural exchange with Osan, Korea, Killeen’s sister city since 1995.

The annual Sister Cities International Festival, held in the fall of each year for over 20 years, celebrates multicultural entertainment, food, arts, and crafts. Learn more about Killeen’s sister city and the International Festival by visiting kscosan.org.

The KNCT WINE CLASSIC is a fundraising event held each June. Oenophiles can support public radio station KNCT FM and public television station KNCT TV with an evening celebrating wine education, local vineyards, and pours from around the world.

Gourmet appetizers and a silent auction round out the evening in the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. Guests take home a complimentary KNCT wine glass and have the option of taking part in a food and wine pairing led by sommeliers and featuring premium wines from Texas, California, and Europe. Tickets can be purchased at KNCT. org/wineclassic. 

Killeen 254.778.0369 Temple 254.778.0533 Professional Search 254.217.8111

spherion.com 31

NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Recreation

City of Killeen Family Aquatics Center

KILLEEN AND THE SURROUNDING AREA OFFERS A PLETHORA OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RECREATION AND FUN. FROM FACILITIES TO PROGRAMS, KIDS AND KIDS AT HEART CAN ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO PLAY. Eighteen public parks offer acres of open green space and a variety of amenities like pavilions, playgrounds, multi-purpose fields and picnic areas. The city’s trail system includes the 1.4-mile Lions Club Park Hike and Bike Trail and the 2.5-mile Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail. Additionally, two skate parks, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts and soccer fields are located throughout the city. Mickey’s Convenience Stores Dog Park caters to the four-legged crowd.

playground. The Tommie Harris Fitness Center is located on the second floor and offers a full range of cardio and weight training equipment. Members have access to a variety of traditional fitness classes like strength training and spin and contemporary classes like Zumba and Bokwa.

Four huge slides, deep and shallow pool areas, a lap pool with diving boards, a climbing wall and spray features make the Family

Parks and Recreation athletics programs provide sports for the entire family throughout the year. Annual programs include adult and youth flag football, basketball, volleyball and softball. Additional programs for youth are baseball and soccer leagues and instructional sports camps.

For spectators, Killeen hosts numerous invitational softball, basketball and baseball tournaments.

The City-operated Family Recreation Center at 1700 E. Stan Schlueter Loop is a 41,000-square-foot facility featuring two full-size gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, aerobics room, game room and

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Greater Killeen Young Professionals Kickball Tournament at Killeen Atheletic Fields

Aquatic Center at Lions Club Park the best waterpark around. The aquatic center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers daily and season passes and can be rented for private events. Swim lessons for all skill levels are offered throughout the summer.

The city’s water amenities also include the Junior Service League of Killeen Spray Pad at Long Branch Park open March through September.

NEWCOMERS GUIDE

PARKS AND RECREATION ATHLETICS PROGRAMS PROVIDE SPORTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Stonetree Golf Club is the city’s beautiful 18hole, par-72 course. Men’s tees play at 7,113, surpassing standards found at many private courses. Open every day except Christmas, golfers can select from daily, semi-annual and annual green fees. The course hosts dozens of local and regional tournaments each year and offers a number of golf programs for local youth. The clubhouse, which can be rented for private events, features a fully stocked pro shop and snack bar.

Killeen hosts events for the whole family throughout the year. Annual favorites include the Celebrate Killeen Festival in April, the Killeen Rodeo in May, the Back-to-School Splash Bash in August, Barktoberfest in October and the Christmas Parade in December. Other events include an Easter egg hunt, mother daughter sleepover, daddy daughter dance, movies in the park series and the Halloween Carnival.

The Cen-Tex Race Series hosts 16 races each year from Copperas Cove to Temple. Road and trail courses, 5Ks and 10Ks, runners of all skill levels can enjoy the camaraderie and competition. The full schedule of races and online registration is available at KilleenTexas.gov/CenTex. Just outside of Killeen, two man-made lakes are nestled Harker Heights among beautiful hills and bluffs. Both 201 E Central Texas provide excellent fishing, boating, sailing, Expressway skiing and swimming opportunities. They also offer hiking trails, campsites and picnic Harker Heights, TX 76548 areas. Stillhouse Hollow Reservoirs located (254) 213-0157 southeast of Killeen while Belton Lake is located northeast. Visitors to Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir can enjoy exploring hiking Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm trails and Chalk Ridge Falls. Miller Springs Nature Center is located below Belton Lake Sat: 9am-7pm Dam and has 11 miles of hiking trails, bird Sun: 11am-3pm watching and native plants. Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) features waterslides, paddle boats, horseback riding, jet ski rentals and a beach for swimming. It is also home to the annual Nature in Lights, 1 4/11/17 The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce provides vision, leadership and support an incredible holiday lights display open 17-JG-0207-0405_Brand_4-625x3-625.indd to business and community leaders to create economic prosperity. Join Today!

Thanksgiving through New Year’s. 

9:09 AM

killeenchamber.com | 254-526-9551 | info@killeenchamber.com

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NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Cinergy Cinemas

Shopping, Entertainment & Dining - Oh My! KILLEEN OFFERS MANY OPTIONS FOR SHOPPING, FROM LARGE CHAIN RETAILERS TO SMALLER, LOCALLY OWNED BOUTIQUES AND SHOPS.

The Killeen Mall is located centrally along Interstate 14 and features more than 90 stores with many national retailers including large department stores. Other shopping centers can be found along the Interstate, including he Market Heights outdoor shopping center featuring many national and local retailers, as well as dining options, bank locations and entertainment.

There’s always something to do in Killeen, whether it’s bowling at Hallmark Lanes or Killeen Bowlerama, breaking into a bank vault at the Great Escape of Central Texas, seeing a laser light show at the Mayborn Science Theater on the Campus of Central Texas College, or watching a movie at one of three area movie theaters.

Cinergy Cinemas, a state of the art movie theatre in neighboring town Copperas Cove, features an arcade and laser tag! Residents will soon have a new entertainment venue in Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park, set to break ground soon.

The Killeen area has been featured in national print and online articles for its delicious and authentic dining options. Because of the many cultures brought to the area by the military, area residents are

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fortunate to have access to diverse restaurant choices to fulfill their cravings. Along with many national chain options, Killeen has a variety of locally owned restaurants specializing in cultural cuisines including Hawaiian, Italian, Thai, American, European, Jamaican, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Chinese, and staying true to Texas, several options for delicious BBQ are served. Look for a detailed article about the dining options in Killeen in our upcoming Restaurant and Catering Guide!

For those with a sweet tooth, the Killeen area offers bakeries, dessert shops and ice cream parlors. The Vineyard at Florence, located just a few miles out of town off Highway 195, is a local winery featuring a café, event space rentals, classes and other events.

Can’t decide where to eat? Residents can sample more than 40 local eateries at our annual Flavors of Central Texas on Tuesday August 1 at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center! You can also check our Restaurant & Catering Guide for a full list of member restaurants and caterers. 

NEWCOMERS GUIDE

Inspiring Young Professionals to

Transform Killeen.

The Greater Killeen area is a unique, dynamic community that offers area residents a myriad of opportunities to meet others and make positive, visible, lasting changes. Navigating this exceptional community and taking advantage of these opportunities may seem like a daunting task, but the Greater Killeen Young Professionals (GKYP) can help. The group is composed primarily of 20-40 somethings, but we welcome anyone that is young at heart and has a passion for community and individual development. By joining this group, you will join the ranks of many other prominent community and business leaders and give yourself the best possible chance for success.

GKYP was formed in 2008 to give young professionals access to events and programs that would allow them to grow professionally and help grow the community. Currently, GKYP

offers its members the following opportunities for networking, professional development, and community service: • MONTHLY SOCIALS: First Thursday of each month at a local business, allows attendees to meet other young professionals in a relaxed, informal environment.

• MONTHLY BUSINESS LUNCHEONS: Third Thursday of each month at the Workforce Commission; gives attendees the opportunity meet other young professionals, and engage with community leaders.

• COMMUNITY SERVICE: YP’s in the Killeen area give back to the community through a variety of service projects throughout the year, including work days at our adopted park, participation in the annual Food for Families food drive, and the toy drive for CASA. GKYP has made its presence known in the community through the annual event Rock the Foundation (RTF) Casino Night.

Through RTF, the group has helped raise more than $100,000 for scholarships since 2010. In 2014, Texas A&M University-Central Texas named a conference room in its new building after the group to say thank you.

Being active in a group like GKYP is an investment in yourself and your community. Memberships are available for both individuals and businesses for as little as $60/year. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss ways to become a member, do not hesitate to contact us at info@gkyp.org or 254-526-9551.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

BIG ON FUN.

SMALL ON YOUR WALLET.

LOCATED ON THE CAMPUS OF CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE.

Experience the universe on our 60-foot dome with state-of-the-art digital projection technology.

Featuring birthday parties, weekday matinees and weekend public shows.

Memberships available, which include reciprocal membership in more than 250 partner science museums and planetariums.

For more information, call (254) 526-1800 or visit us online at WWW.STARSATNIGHT.ORG

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KILLEEN CHAMBER | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar of Events

June

July

August

8 THURSDAY

6 THURSDAY

1 TUESDAY

Chamber Update

15 THURSDAY

Young Professionals Monthly Social

Third Thursday Mixer at First National Bank Texas

11 - TUESDAY

15 THURSDAY

20 THURSDAY

Young Professionals Monthly Business Luncheon

22 THURSDAY

2 WEDNESDAY

Chamber Networking and News

Headbands of Hope

3 THURSDAY

Third Thursday Mixer at TAMUCT

Young Professionals Monthly Social

20 THURSDAY

8 TUESDAY

Young Professionals Social

Young Professionals Monthly Business Luncheon

28 WEDNESDAY

20 THURSDAY

Flash Networking at Truly Texas BBQ

Flavors of Central Texas

Networking & Professional Development Lunch: Social Media

26 WEDNESDAY

Flash Networking at Fuddruckers

New Teacher’s Showcase

11 FRIDAY Hood Howdy

17 THURSDAY

Third Thursday Mixer

17 THURSDAY

Young Professionals Monthly Business Luncheon

Save the Date!

SEPTEMBER 21 2017 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BANQUET

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23 WEDNESDAY Flash Networking

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More than 60 majors are offered across six colleges (Business, Christian Studies, Education, Humanities, Nursing, Science, and Visual and Performing Arts).

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Over 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid.

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JOIN US Aug 1, 2017

A showcase of area food hosted by the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce.

Register today to be a vendor at Flavors of Central Texas!

Contact Jasmine Suino, jasmine@killeenchamber.com or 254.526.9551.

GREATER KILLEEN BUSINESS QUARTERLY

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KILLEEN CHAMBER | MEMBER PROFILE

MEMBER PROFILE

GREAT ESCAPE OF CENTRAL TEXAS

IMAGINE BEING ABLE TO LEGALLY BREAK INTO A BANK AT NIGHT TO MAKE THE HEIST OF A LIFETIME. Perhaps you ARE toys and you are locked in the bedroom of the evil kid named Sid, notorious for destroying toys.

Ever thought of how you would fare by being trapped on a deserted island? Perhaps you can test your wizarding magic skills in a school of witchcraft. These are just some of the scenarios you can immerse yourself in while solving your way out of a themed Escape Room in sixty minutes or less.

Michelle Smith and Charles Duncan, owners of the Great Escape of Central Texas, brought the Great Escape to the Killeen area in January of 2016 to give people something fun and exciting to do outside the normal entertainment venues. Coming from many years of customer service in a retail background, Smith and Duncan decided that those skills and the fun environment of an Escape Room is just what Killeen needed.

Michelle is a transplant from Maryland and Charles is a native of the Central Texas area.

The two met while working together in the same retail industry and decided to put their unique experiences together to create a live

puzzle-room experience. The two design the rooms, rules for play and the puzzles inside.

It is not difficult, but you must think in a different way by using what you see around you to solve your way out. That, plus the cooperation needed to solve puzzles more quickly, make it suitable for team building exercises or simple family fun. 

Questions, tickets, pricing, and reservations can be made online via the Great Escape’s website at greatescapekilleen.com.

811 South W.S. Young Dr. | Killeen, TX 76543 | 254.680.2686 | greatescapekilleen.com

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CONTACT THE KILLEEN CHAMBER AT 254.526.9551 TO SCHEDULE YOUR OWN RIBBON CUTTING.

Killeen Chamber

RIBBON CUTTINGS March-April 2017

2H SOLAR 451 E. Central Texas Expy. Ste. A | Harker Heights, TX 76548 254.294.7907 | 2hsolar.com

BETHEL BREATH OF LIFE MINISTRIES 2300 Schwertner Dr. | Killeen, TX 76543 254.432.7647 | facebook.com/bbolmoutreach

FIRST NATIONAL BANK TEXAS-HEB BRANCH 1101 W Stan Schlueter Lp. | Killeen, TX 76549 254.554.6699 | 1stnb.com

HEB 1101 W Stan Schlueter Lp. | Killeen, TX 76549 heb.com

TUTTI’S BEAUTY SALON 3507 Trimmer Rd. | Killeen, TX 76543 254.577.9471 | facebook.com/Tuttisbeautysalon 

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Killeen Chamber 1

E V E N T P H O T O S

2

4

3

6

5

7

1. MARCH - Business of the Month-Vive Les Arts Theatre, 2. MARCH - Chamber Staff Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, 3. MARCH - Public Policy State of the City & Region Luncheon, 4. MARCH - Flash Networking-Wayback Burger, 5. MARCH - Chamber Staff Birthday Lunch, 6.MARCH - Young Professionals Social at Brick and Barrel, 7. MARCH - Young Professionals Park Cleanup

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Killeen Chamber

E V E N T P H O T O S

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8-11. MARCH - Young Professionals Rock the Foundation Casino Night, 12. MARCH - Mixer at Metroplex, 13. MARCH - Leadership Killeen Austin Day, 14-15. MARCH - MRC Division West Update Luncheon, 16. MARCH - Young Professionals Luncheon

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Killeen Chamber 17

P H O T O S

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E V E N T

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17. APRIL - Young Professionals Social at Stonetree Golf Course, 18. APRIL - Business of the Month Christell’s Flowers, 19. APRIL - Casual Friday-Lemonade Day, 20. APRIL - Flash Networking at French Quarters, 21-23. APRIL - MRC Luncheon Darnall Update

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Killeen Chamber

E V E N T P H O T O S

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24-26. APRIL - Interstate 14 & GADC Ceremony, 27. APRIL - Young Professionals Luncheon, 28-29. APRIL - Mixer at Courtyard by Marriott, 30. APRIL - Young Professionals Check Presentation for Stewart Park

GREATER KILLEEN BUSINESS QUARTERLY

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