Greater Waco Business - Spring 2024 - Focus on First Responders

MATT MEADORS

President & CEO, Greater Waco Chamber

This issue of Greater Waco Business takes a deep look at a crucial element of our community: our first responders. In Greater Waco, we are very fortunate to have the dedicated service and protection of police officers, firefighters, paramedics and others. These dynamic organizations are continually adapting and improving to meet the needs of our expanding economy while safeguarding our critical infrastructure and well-being. We deeply appreciate the courage, resilience, and dedication of our first responders.

It’s also important to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the volunteers who serve and contribute to our community, including volunteer fire departments, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and support organizations for our first responders. These individuals volunteer one of their most valuable resources, time, to keep our community safe and informed.

Additionally, this edition features your Chamber’s 2023 Annual Report, offering insights into the significant impact your Chamber made on our community and economy last year. The results detailed in the report belong to you – our investors, volunteers, and partners. Our essential work of recruiting, retaining, and supporting businesses, and growing and diversifying our economy, would not be possible without your leadership.

2024 looks very promising. We’ve started the year off strong with two major economic development announcements: Walmart Manufacturing and Metal Finishing Solutions. Combined, these projects represent nearly $400 million in new capital investment in our community and will create more than 500 new jobs, generating more than $50 million in payroll annually. The long-term impact of these investments will be felt for years by our business community: the new jobs mean new consumers purchasing from your businesses with new money circulating in our local economy. You can read more about these projects in the economic development section of this magazine. Importantly, we continue to enjoy very strong interest in our market and anticipate additional project announcements in the near future.

Thank you for your continued support of your Chamber of Commerce.

With appreciation,

Matthew T. Meadors President & CEO

2024

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Kary Lalani

Lalani Lodging, Inc.

CHAIR-ELECT

Carolyn Haferkamp

Central National Bank

VICE CHAIR

Todd Moore

Alliance Bank Central Texas

VICE CHAIR

Keith Helpert

K4 Construction

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Philip Patterson, FACHE

Ascension Providence

PRESIDENT & CEO

Matt Meadors

Greater Waco Chamber

CHAMBER STAFF

Olivia Aydelotte Manager Marketing & Communications

Kacie Birkes Director Signature Events

Kris Collins Executive Vice President

Gabriella Colurciello Director Marketing & Communications

Nancy Gupton Director Resource Development

Jacob Hogan Vice President Public Policy & Chamber Foundation

Keith Kusler Art Director

Rachel Ligon Director Leadership Development

Rachel Martinez Director Workforce & Talent

Debbie McCutchen Office Coordinator

Matt Meadors President/CEO

Seth Morris Vice President Economic Development

Jason Powers Senior Vice President Finance & Operations

Lexy Reil Director Economic Development

Magen Sepeda Coordinator Resource Development

Lupe Teichelman Manager Resource Development

Tiffany Gallegos Whitley Senior Director Workforce & Talent

Michelle Williams Assistant Finance & Operations

Bonnie Yeager Coordinator Economic Development

In 2024, your Chamber is celebrating 125 years of building Greater Waco!

Since 1899, your Chamber, with support from our membership and community partners, has been doing vital work to ensure Greater Waco’s continued growth and prosperity.

Visit WacoChamber.com/125 for an interactive timeline and join in the celebration all year long with #GWC125.

A FOUNDATION OF . SAFETY

In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, the significance of robust first responder infrastructure stands as an undeniable cornerstone of societal resilience. From natural disasters to public health emergencies and unforeseen crises, the efficacy and efficiency of emergency response systems determine not only the immediate outcomes but also the long-term recovery and resilience of communities.

In this issue of Greater Waco Business, we delve into the critical importance of first responder infrastructure, exploring how investments in technology, training, and collaboration are shaping the landscape of Greater Waco’s emergency preparedness and response. These vital public services, including local fire departments, police departments and more, are the foundation for a safe,

thriving business community. When disaster strikes, be it a natural calamity, a fire, or a medical emergency, a robust first responder system is the first line of defense, not just for lives, but for the very stability of our economic ecosystem.

First responders aren’t just heroes; they’re silent guarantors of business continuity. Their swift and efficient action minimizes downtime, protects property, and safeguards employees. A well-funded fire department equipped with modern firefighting tools minimizes property damage. A well-trained police force equipped with advanced communication systems ensures a swift resolution to security threats. As our community continues to grow, these services will grow and evolve with us to meet the needs of Greater Waco.

MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LEADERS OF EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY SERVICES EDUCATION

At the heart of McLennan Community College’s (MCC) commitment to excellence, lies its Emergency Services Education Center (ESEC). Established in 2009, the ESEC has forged a path of exemplary education and training for thousands of first responders and emergency service professionals in the Greater Waco area and beyond. Serving students of all ages and backgrounds, the ESEC offers opportunities for all students to excel both in college and in their future careers.

Located on Steinbeck Bend Road near the Waco Airport, MCC’s ESEC is not just a facility – it represents the future of emergency services in McLennan County. The center proudly hosts prestigious programs in Criminal Justice/Forensic Science, Fire Protection Technology, Paramedicine/EMT, and Law Enforcement.

The ESEC was specifically established for emergency services education and offers access to outstanding training facilities for MCC students as well as state-wide agencies.

Lisa Elliott, Ed.D., Director of Marketing & Communications, McLennan Community College

Some of the most outstanding features of the ESEC include:

• A six-story burn tower

• A mock firehouse

• Weight room

• Take-down lab

• Specialized forensics and crime lab

• Paramedicine lab including an ambulance simulator and training manikins

• Classrooms, meeting rooms, a lecture hall, outdoor equipment, and offices

MCC’s ESEC offers students an exceptional opportunity to work with professors who have invaluable realworld knowledge and experience in emergency services. The ESEC also offers students the unique opportunity to engage with peers from different fields within emergency services and health professions. This multi-disciplinary approach enables students to gain a broader understanding of their chosen field and fosters a dynamic learning environment.

“The programs offered by McLennan Community College’s Emergency Service Education Center play a vital role in training public servants who play a key role in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Dr. Frank Graves, dean of workforce education & public service. “These programs also offer students promising employment opportunities in challenging yet fulfilling professions.”

By combining practical expertise with diverse perspectives, MCC’s ESEC stands out as a premier provider of training in emergency services and prepares the next generation of emergency service professionals to make a positive impact on our community and state.

MCLENNAN FIRE ACADEMY

Since 1997, the McLennan Fire Academy has been at the forefront of training certified structural firefighters, partnering closely with the Waco Fire Department. This unique collaboration has yielded thousands of exceptional firefighters, many of whom continue to serve locally and across Texas. Today, more than 70% of firefighters in McLennan County were trained at MCC, including the Hewitt Fire Chief and Woodway Public Safety Chief. While many graduates remain in the Waco area, MCC’s Fire Academy is well represented in fire departments across the state of Texas, the United States, and even internationally.

The ESEC’s extensive fire technology resources and equipment, which enable students to engage in comprehensive training, includes a training structure, fire engine, flashover chamber, vehicle props, gas meters and compressed gas cylinders, a physical agility course and track, and an outdoor classroom.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and laboratory experience in live-fire scenarios, students gain knowledge in hose and ladder operations, fire science, rescue procedures, highangle and vehicle rescue techniques, hazardous materials handling, and more.

Certificate and training options in Fire Protection Technology at MCC include:

• Certificate in Fire Protection Technology (complete in 1 year)

• Continuing education credits for current firefighters

Upon completion of this program, graduates are well-prepared to undertake the Basic Structural Firefighter Certification exam, stepping into their roles as certified structural firefighters in the state of Texas with confidence.

For more information about the Fire Protection Technology program at MCC, visit www.mclennan. edu/fire or contact Program Director Stephen Cook at 254-299-6511 or scook@mclennan.edu.

MCC’S LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY

With a reputation as one of Central Texas’ premier training programs, McLennan Community College’s Law Enforcement Academy equips students with the latest in law enforcement techniques and knowledge. The program’s professors and staff are dedicated to preparing students for high-demand and fulfilling careers as Peace Officers or Basic Tele-Communicators (Dispatchers) in the state of Texas.

Students in the Basic Peace Officer Certification courses learn about law and cultural diversity and are trained in defensive tactics, emergency medical techniques, firearms, traffic enforcement, and patrol tactics. The Basic Tele-Communicators Certification courses prepare students for situations encountered in an emergency communications environment and trains students in the basic skills needed to collect information in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

Certificate and training options in Law Enforcement at MCC include:

• Basic Peace Officer Certification (complete in 6 months)

• Basic Tele-Communicators Certification (complete in 160 hours of training)

Upon completion of the Basic Peace Officer Certification program, graduates are eligible to take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) state licensing exam, a pivotal step towards certification. MCC’s Law Enforcement Academy is a licensed TCOLE training program.

For more information about MCC’s Law Enforcement Academy, visit www.mclennan.edu/law or contact Coordinator Matthew Wise at 254-299-6528 or mwise@mclennan.edu.

PARAMEDICINE PROGRAM AND EMT TRAINING AT MCC

The Paramedicine program at McLennan Community College is distinguished by its exceptional training standards and high-fidelity simulation equipment. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, allowing students to gain mastery in the field. The Paramedicine program at MCC has a reputation for training outstanding paramedics, with graduates in high demand by employers around Central Texas. Students are trained to respond to pre-hospital emergencies and provide the appropriate level of care through handson training in a state-of-the-art lab with an ambulance simulator and working with high-fidelity manikins that simulate real patients as they prepare for real-world field situation and clinical internships. MCC also uses the MCC ambulance to train students on maneuvering and using this type of emergency vehicle.

MCC employs paramedicine professors, who continue to serve their communities as EMS professionals, bringing their knowledge and expertise to the classroom to guide students to master didactic, psychomotor, and affective concepts as they prepare for their careers.

Degree, certificate, and training options in Paramedicine at MCC include:

• Associate in Applied Science degree in Paramedicine (complete in 2 years)

• Level-Two Certificate in Paramedicine (complete in 20 months)

• EMT training (complete in 1 semester)

The one-semester EMT training course is offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

While earning a degree or certificate, students learn anatomy & physiology, patient assessment and treatment skills, cardiac resuscitation, basic and advance airway management, disaster preparedness and response, ambulance operations and more.

MCC’s reputation for excellence in training paramedics and EMTs makes our graduates highly sought-after in public or private EMT facilities. Upon graduation, MCC students have numerous opportunities for employment in Central Texas and elsewhere. Some of our graduates choose to continue their studies at MCC’s Fire Academy to become EMT/ Firefighters, which are also in high-demand throughout the emergency services industry.

For more information about Paramedicine or EMT training at MCC, visit www.mclennan.edu/emt or contact Program Director Justin Lawson at 254-299-6504 or jlawson@mclennan.edu.

MCLENNAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM

For those pursuing a career in correctional services, probation, or law enforcement, or want to enroll in law school, the Criminal Justice program at MCC provides a robust foundation. This program’s faculty and adjunct professors represent nearly one hundred combined years of experience in criminal justice, which provides students with exposure to actual criminal justice scenarios and cases.

Degree, certificate, and training options in Criminal Justice at MCC include:

• Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice (complete in 2 years)

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement or Corrections (complete in 2 years)

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Forensic Science, beginning in Fall 2024 (complete in 2 years)

• Certificates in Law Enforcement or Corrections (complete in 1 year)

McLennan Community College’s partnership with local and state-wide municipalities enhances the ESEC’s offerings, providing agencies with access to the best training facilities and fostering a pipeline of talent of first responders in Central Texas.

This program offers face-to-face and online courses to fit into a working student’s busy schedule.

For students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree, MCC’s Criminal Justice department has partnered with Tarleton State University. After earning an associate degree, graduates take Tarleton classes on the MCC campus and graduate with a bachelor’s from Tarleton in just a few years.

For more information about the Criminal Justice program at MCC, visit www.mclennan.edu/criminal-justice or contact Program Director Jarred Hankhouse at 254-299-6523 or jhankhouse@mclennan.edu.

COLLABORATION AND ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS

“It is important to note that MCC’s ESEC does more than serve our MCC students, it serves as a hub for regional training supporting fire, police, EMT/Paramedicine, and criminal justice professionals currently employed and serving our communities,” says Dr. Fred Hills, vice president of instruction and student engagement. “Training opportunities includes licensing, skills development, and continuing educational opportunities for emergency service professionals regionally and throughout the State of Texas.”

McLennan Community College’s partnership with local and state-wide municipalities enhances the ESEC’s offerings, providing agencies with access to the best training facilities and fostering a pipeline of talent of first responders in Central Texas. McLennan Community College’s Emergency Services Education Center stands as a pillar of excellence in emergency services training.

To apply for any of McLennan Community College’s Emergency Service Education programs, prospective students must be eligible for entry into MCC and have either a high school diploma or GED. For entrance into both the Fire Academy and Law Enforcement Academy, enrollees must pass a criminal background check and have a medical release from their physician.

To learn more about MCC’s Emergency Services Center, visit www.mclennan.edu/emergency-services-education or contact ESEC Director Gary Myles, at 254-299-6501 or gmyles@mclennan.edu.

With a focus on excellence, innovative facilities, experienced professors, educational partnerships, and comprehensive programs, McLennan Community College’s Emergency Services Education Center prepares the next generation of emergency service professionals to make a positive impact on our community. n

The City of Waco, McLennan County, and surrounding cities created the WacoMcLennan County Emergency Management Team in order to effectively respond to emergencies with a team effort when necessary. The team operates out of the Waco-McLennan County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and exists to serve the residents of Waco and McLennan County through the five phases of emergency management: Emergency Preparedness, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. We do this through a comprehensive program of preparedness development, planning, education, and training.

PROTECTION

The first step in any successful emergency management program is to assess the critical infrastructures that are part of any particular community; once those are identified, we can begin identifying the threats to each of those critical infrastructures and begin assembling resources to meet those threats and to ensure that our community will not be catastrophically damaged or impacted by natural, technologic, or man-made disasters.

PREPAREDNESS

Emergency managers spend most of their time in this phase. At its core, it constitutes planning for various disasters identified in the protection phase and writing comprehensive plans to respond and protect the identified critical infrastructure. The Waco-McLennan Office of Emergency Management has primary responsibility over the County’s Emergency Operations Plan and its associated annexes. This “Basic Plan” is over 100 pages long and details the roles, responsibilities, and legal steps to

by Ryan Dirker, Emergency Management Coordinator, Office of Emergency Management

respond to various emergencies. It is a countywide plan, of which all municipal jurisdictions in the County are signatories. The “Basic Plan” is supplemented by 22 disaster-specific “Annexes” that cover topics such as Communication, Sheltering and Mass Care, Health, Public Works, Search and Rescue, and others. These plans form the backbone of our operations. Per state law, they are updated and revised every five years.

Of course, we recognize that the very nature of our work comes with a great deal of uncertainty and variability and that each incident we may face is different from one other; that is why emergency management spends much time during “blue sky days” going deeper into a particular incident to find ways that we can improve our program and better meet the needs of the community. While our plans are both thorough and well thought out, they are meant to serve as guidelines. We keenly understand that it is not possible to specify a plan for every possible permutation of a disaster; this requires OEM’s staff to ensure that they are adequately trained to be as flexible and resourceful as possible during times of disaster.

Education and Training are critical components of our program, not only for the public but also for members of our office. Every year, Emergency Management staff attend training in various subjects. Over the last several years, our staff has attended training on volunteer management

during disasters, debris management, public information, advanced incident command, and many others. We plan to enhance our internal and external training programs over the next several years.

Emergency Management is also responsible for making certain that the jurisdictions we serve have staff and members of the general public trained to best respond in times of disaster. Emergency Management hosts training and exercises several times a year at our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and various county locations to help achieve this goal. This ensures the entire first responder community has the tools needed to sustain themselves in times of disaster. A well-prepared community is vital to achieving a positive outcome when it comes time for the recovery phase.

One of the more visible parts of our emergency management program is our system of outdoor warning sirens; this system comprises 34 Waco sirens, two in Lacy Lakeview, three in Bellmead, and one in Beverly Hills. Other jurisdictions in the County also have siren systems that alert their residents to move indoors during adverse weather conditions. OEM tests the sirens on the first Friday of every month (provided the weather is nice). Waco’s sirens are activated through the City of Waco’s public safety radio system.

Waco Emergency Management supervises the City of Waco’s Radio Operations division. A partnership between the City of Waco and McLennan County for over a decade has produced a state-of-the-art 800-megahertz truncated radio system to which every public safety department in the County belongs. This enables first responders to contact one another over the radio anywhere within McLennan County and in many areas beyond. Various parts of its infrastructure belong to and are maintained by one party or the other to build a united and high-quality system.

MITIGATION

Mitigation reduces the severity, seriousness, or adverse impact of a particular incident. The WacoMcLennan Office of Emergency Management conducts this phase in several ways, the most critical of which is the management of the McLennan County Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan, similar to the “Basic Plan,” has signatories of most jurisdictions in the County. It is over 700 pages long and covers a wide range of potential threats identified through meetings with the County’s public, stakeholders, and municipal jurisdictions. OEM is in the process of initiating the five-year renewal of the plan.

RESPONSE

The most visible part of our Emergency Management program is Response. This phase involves immediate actions to address an impactful incident or disaster. Emergency Management, as requested, responds to various

NEW RADIOS KEEPING WACO-AREA FIREFIGHTERS CONNECTED

To improve clarity and eliminate “dead spots,” Waco and McLennan County have erected communications towers countywide since 2019. Now, they are providing volunteer firefighters with new or refurbished radios. McLennan County recently entered into a $285,575 contract with the McLennan County Fire Protection Association to buy radios for firefighters.

“Every department in the county will have the capability of being on the same frequency, that being 800 megahertz,” said Jaime Morris, chief of the Speegleville Volunteer Fire Department. “Before, it was a ‘patch’ system. Some departments had to be patched into 800 megahertz. There were delays. Now we don’t have to do that.”

McLennan County Judge Scott Felton said the County and first responders became aware of communication gaps a decade ago. Local officials crafted a master plan to address deficiencies, with progress gaining traction since 2019.

PHOTO: JERRY LARSON / WACO TRIB

Jeff Wilhelm, chief of the Beverly Hills Volunteer Fire Department, works with equipment for the new radio system

incidents, including severe weather, hazardous material incidents, civil disturbances, shelter operations, and other similar events. As a city/ county office, we are dispatched throughout the county. This allows OEM to get out into the community to build connections and relationships across McLennan County. These relationships are critical in the event of a disaster; we have learned that familiarity and trust amongst stakeholders are paramount to mounting a successful response. OEM maintains offices in the WacoMcLennan County Emergency Operations Center and remains prepared to activate the EOC when needed or requested; the most common activities are severe weather events and significant public events, such as The Texas Food Truck Showdown and TriWaco. When activated, the EOC is staffed by emergency management personnel and other City of Waco and McLennan County departments with expertise in a particular field. This allows us to be agile and effectively respond to various disasters and incidents.

RECOVERY

Recovery is the act of restoring the community after a disaster; this phase can vary from a week to many years, depending on the impact. Recovery involves working with the private sector and local, state, and, in some cases, federal authorities to marshal physical and financial resources for debris clearing, infrastructure repair, small business loans, assistance with insurance and FEMA recovery paperwork, and other similar activities. Recovery is the final phase in the Emergency Management cycle, as a strong recovery will lead right back into hazard identification for protection measures.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people they serve. The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations or workplaces in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area. Training covers basic preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, team operation, and light search and rescue procedures. The CERT program is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The training is provided free of charge.

In conclusion, the Office of Emergency Management often says that we are not in “the disaster business” but rather “the people business;” we exist to serve people. We strive to ensure that all members of the public who need our services are treated with the utmost dignity and respect— whether through educational activities or after a disaster. We are keenly aware of the difficulties residents may face when a disaster impacts them, and we feel fortunate that we are in a position to help. That is why we come to work every day: to serve. n

by Chief Sheryl Victorian, Commander Jared Wallace and Public Information Officer Cierra Shipley, Waco Police Department

The Waco Police Department (WPD) is committed to earning TRUST through Relational Policing.

“Relational Policing is a philosophy focusing on principles of creating genuine cooperative relationships between the police and the citizens of Waco, Texas. WPD is committed to making every contact count by being Transparent, Respectful, Engaging, building Emotional Capital, and being Accountable to earn the TRUST of the citizens we serve.”

The philosophy of Relational Policing was introduced to the Waco Police Department in March 2021 by Chief Sheryl Victorian after learning about, operationalizing, and branding the idea while working as a Commander and Assistant Chief for the Houston Police Department.

Unlike Community Policing, which primarily focuses on partnering with the community to identify and prevent crimes impacting the quality of life, Relational Policing focuses on the foundation of working in concert with others, building trust. Trust is fundamental

to attaining high-performing partnerships and highperforming teams. For Community Policing to be effective and sustainable, there must be trust. Relational Policing seeks to build this trust through transparency, respect, engagement, building emotional capital, and accountability.

Transparency

Transparency involves timely and honest communication, information sharing, and vulnerability. In policing, transparency does not necessarily mean “laying everything out on the table.” Sometimes, it means saying, “We cannot share that information at the moment, but we will as soon as we can.”

Respect

Committing to making every contact count requires officers to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Every contact with a citizen, whether a complainant, witness, or suspect, is an opportunity for us to build trust.

Engagement

Engagement is an opportunity for police departments to connect with the residents they serve. This is done by hosting and attending events, being approachable, identifying commonalities, and humanizing the police profession.

Emotional Capital

Building emotional capital is essential in policecommunity relationships, specifically, when an unfortunate event occurs that may negatively impact the agency or the profession. Emotional capital is earned through transparency, mutual respect, and engagement and is demonstrated when the community extends grace and allows leadership to investigate, address, and when necessary, hold themselves accountable for a negative event.

Accountability

In policing, internal and external accountability are the impetus for legitimizing the profession. Police officers have been given incredible responsibility and discretion as it relates to the performance of their duties. Therefore, it is required that we are impartial and equitable when using the powers bestowed on us and that we act with integrity in our personal and professional lives.

TRUST

The above tenets, transparency, respect, engagement, building emotional capital, and accountability, are the fundamental principles we use to build trust in our community and are the foundation for effective partnerships and collaborations.

The members of the Waco Police Department have dedicated themselves to Relational Policing and our efforts have been demonstrated by the many ways in which we create genuine relationships with the citizens and communities we serve. There are hundreds of interactions each day between members and visitors of our community and Waco Police Officers. Whether it is in response to a call to 911, an accident investigation, or simply an interaction with the public at a convenience store or restaurant, our officers consistently build trust by treating people with respect and dignity. Studies have shown that when police departments focus on improving the measure of trust and legitimacy communities have in their police services, crime in these communities is reduced. We are happy to see the results of the hard work by the men and women of the Waco Police Department: reduced crime here in Waco. The Waco Police Patrol Officers are the ones interacting with our community on a minute-by-minute basis; they have even received praise from the citizens they interact with. Following a traffic stop, a citizen took the time to message the department about the kindness an officer showed when she was nervous – offering her a piece of gum to calm her. Other times, compliments have been given after a patrol officer has gone out of their way to help a citizen in need when no one else would. Whether that was helping them find a place to stay for the night, helping someone with their vehicle or offering compassion during a traffic stop, these are all moments of trust that were built.

When Chief Victorian joined WPD, the department began creating our own engagement activities beyond the annual National Night Out, which brings neighbors together with first responders to get to know each other and celebrate safe communities. We began by hosting events at the police station, thinking that if we were to welcome the community

into our home, they would see us as legitimate members of their community and be more willing to consider us partners. Our Back to School Bash in August 2021 was the first time we hosted a community event at our police station. It was a resounding success! We gave away backpacks and school supplies, danced and played games with children, and partnered with barbers and stylists

to provide free haircuts so children could look their best on the first day of school. Proudly, we followed up the success of the Back to School Bash with our first Trunk or Treat event, also hosted at our police station. To our amazement, the community came out beyond anything we had ever imagined! Hundreds of community members brought their children to our event. It took two hours for families who arrived at the start of the event to make it through all the community partners giving away candy at our police station. By the second event, we had already outgrown our ability to hold events at our police station! Studies have also shown that police departments that build trust and legitimacy in their community also see the number of participants in their engagement activities increase.

It is amazing how community participation in our engagement events has increased in three years. The 2023 Back to School Bash was held at a local shopping

mall. The lines of families stretched the length of the mall inside and doubled back on itself outside of the mall. We gave away approximately 1,200 backpacks filled with supplies. Again, children played games and interacted with police officers, K-9, and SWAT officers and local barbers and stylists donated their time to provide free haircuts to children. The WacoMcLennan County Public Health District provided free immunizations. The Lions Club also provided free vision screenings. Everyone had a great time connecting with Waco families and preparing our young students for their new school year. Our most recent Trunk or Treat was held at Waco ISD Stadium in partnership with the Waco ISD Police Department. Over 2,400 people attended our event before we ran out of candy to give away. These events are great opportunities for citizens to experience our Relational Policing at work and see the more human side of policing.

In 2022, WPD partnered with local faith organizations to create events bringing police officers together with our local faith community during National Faith & Blue Weekend. We were hoping to hold a few events. Instead, our local faith community blessed us with 12 community events. In 2023, WPD turned National Faith & Blue Weekend into National Faith & Blue Week and held 29 Faith & Blue events over nine days in early October. Over 2,700 people attended, giving us 2,700 opportunities to build trust and improve relationships with members of our community.

WPD builds Relational Policing through smaller events and activities as well. Officers attend every neighborhood association meeting in our city to hear and respond to our citizens’ concerns. Officers also regularly attend community gatherings and neighborhood events. These are opportunities for officers to build relationships with residents and provide a platform for them to have a voice in how we serve our community.

Although it is much easier to build relationships with community members who already trust their local police department, our goal is to build partnerships with all community members. Therefore, we are very intentional about the way we seek to build relationships with members who have traditionally been underserved by the police or with whom there has been very little trust or understanding. Our relationships must be recognized as equitable and impartial for all citizens we serve.

For example, one of our officers came up with the idea of bringing job opportunities, mentoring, academic support, social services, and life skills to youth and young adults in an area of the community that has been traditionally underserved. The goal of this event is to serve the young people where they are, rather than expecting them to find services on their own. In 2023, our Community Opportunity Event featured over 100 service providers who connected with over 3,000 community members.

UNIDOS is a police program that focuses on building relationships with Spanish-speaking members of our community. Many of them come from countries where police officers cannot be trusted due to corruption and graft. WPD officers and professional civilians participate in UNIDOS by hosting community events in Spanish designed to build trust and share information related to quality of life concerns the residents may have. This year, the UNIDOS team was able to reach over 20,000 community members through Facebook, local meetings, and events. The

UNIDOS team participated in 31 events, 38 meetings, and community-based quarterly meetings. The UNIDOS team provided the community with car seat safety training, and fire safety training, answered questions about the Municipal Court system, and provided the Spanish-speaking community a safe environment to communicate with law enforcement without fear, while building trust with WPD.

We place great effort in creating positive experiences when we interact with children. WPD formed a new Police Athletic League (PAL) organization in 2023. Through a grant-funded partnership with Transformation Waco, we began PAL after-school activities with J.H. Hines Elementary School fifth graders in fall 2023 to mentor, coach, and engage with students each week. Officers will continue to engage with the students for the next four academic years as they transition to middle school. Additionally, the program will continue to grow as officers connect with another class of J.H. Hines fifth grade students each year. We are in the process of expanding PAL beyond this partnership with Transformation Waco to include other relationshipbuilding opportunities with youth in our community.

WPD officers will begin teaching the Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (LEAD) curriculum to local students. LEAD is an evidencebased, 10-week, K-12 curriculum designed to provide students with skills and knowledge to apply when confronted with decisions regarding drugs, bullying, and violence. WPD has six officers and professional civilians trained to teach the curriculum and is planning with local school leaders to implement the classes for the 2024-2025 school year.

During the 2023 holiday season, WPD worked with the local Marine Corps Unit leading the Toys for Tots program in Waco. Several officers assisted the Marines while they distributed toys to over 500 families. After the completion of the Toys for Tots giveaway, the Marines donated several boxes of toys to help the WPD Blue Santa program. Blue Santa was able to provide toys to 46 families our patrol officers identified in need, providing toys for 198 children. Our patrol officers also spread holiday cheer by passing out toys to children while patrolling in the community.

Unfortunately, some circumstances make it difficult to create a positive experience for children due to the traumatic incidents we investigate, such as family violence, car accidents, and the death of loved ones. Experiences such as these are likely to cause emotional trauma that can become an Acute Childhood Experience (ACE) beyond the day of the

incident. To provide a more harm-focused response to ACEs, WPD became one of the first police agencies in Texas to participate in the Handle with Care Program. WPD provides a confidential notification to school districts across the state whenever a student at one of their campuses has been witness to a traumatic event we investigate. Schools only learn that their student has witnessed a traumatic event that could cause harm, with no details given. The goal of this program is to pass along information that a traumatic event occurred that could impact the student’s ability to interact and perform in school, allowing the teachers and counselors to handle the situation with care.

One might ask, how is something like Handle with Care related to Relational Policing? Building cooperative partnerships with local service providers who can assist with serving our community members with equity, respect, and dignity is an important part of Relational Policing. On many occasions, police interact with citizens when one of the most traumatizing experiences of their lives has occurred. Investigative responsibilities of police officers, coupled with the grief, pain, or fear of the citizen, can create situations where officers appear to be heartless and without empathy. Building relationships with victim service counselors, chaplains, and advocates is very

important to reduce the harm of the incident, and necessary to maintain the relationship with victims and family members of victims. Additionally, much of what police officers are asked to do by the public has nothing to do with crime or policing. Therefore, working with others who are experts in behavioral health, education, life skills, housing, and shelter is also an important part of our Relational Policing philosophy.

The Waco Police Department takes pride in the trust established with the community, nevertheless, our work is not done. This is through effective and efficient communication with the citizens of Waco, our local media partners, and those who are here for a short time, visiting our great city. With our multitude of social media platforms, the podcast Waco PD on the BEAT, and simply having conversations day to day we strive to keep the public informed about what goes on in their city, good and bad.

We ended 2023 on a record-breaking 20-year crime decrease and we have shown what the power of trust and transparency hold between community and police. When crime increases, we talk about it. We explain to our community why a certain crime trend is happening and steps they can take to remain safe. We are pleased when crime in our community

decreases, but it takes the work of everyone in the city of Waco to uphold those standards. We cannot take a back seat when crime decreases; all of us must work harder to continue that downtrend. When increases occur, we must work together to determine why and to find a solution to address the increase.

For example, when the community was shaken by an increase in violent crime in early 2022, we immediately began connecting with the community using each of our platforms to remind everyone about being responsible gun owners, gun safety, and the impact of violent crime on our city. After multiple public service announcements, our department’s violent crime strategic response plan, a dedicated team of investigators and patrol officers, and our inaugural Community Opportunity Event, the city of Waco went six months without a homicide investigation, and we saw a decrease in violent crime.

When we need the public’s help solving an investigation, the public stands up to help. This is because we have built a strong foundation with the residents we serve. This is not just speaking on topics of crime but also telling our story. We communicate frequently using each of our channels to provide our community with a better understanding of the

work we do. Our goal is not to receive the most engagement when we share our story on social media but rather to reach the community, in a different way of understanding, that we have taken an oath to protect.

Police communication skills are more important than ever. Without successful communication, there is no trust. Laying the foundation of sharing information to keep the public safe is the key to success. Each connection, whether it is via social media or in person, matters. Relational Policing is at the forefront of our work, meaning any contact we have with the public is an opportunity to build trust. Whether it is a police officer responding to a call for service, or hosting and attending events, we work to build a positive connection and earn the trust of the community we serve. A positive connection turns into a more cooperative, healthier community. n

The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) stands as a pillar of law enforcement in Central Texas; its history is interwoven with the fabric of the region’s development and its mission firmly rooted in serving and protecting the community. Founded in 1850, the MCSO has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of McLennan County’s residents, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public safety.

Situated in Waco, Texas, the county seat of McLennan County, the MCSO operates under the leadership of

the elected Sheriff, who oversees a team of deputies, investigators, and administrative staff. The current Sheriff, Parnell McNamara, has held the position since 2013. With a jurisdiction spanning over 1,000 square miles, including rural areas, suburban communities, and urban centers, the MCSO faces a diverse array of challenges and responsibilities.

The MCSO employs over 500 community members across various roles, categorized into Enforcement, Investigations, Courthouse, Corrections, Medical, Special Operations, and Support Services.

Enforcement encompasses approximately 50 employees responsible for responding to service calls, enforcing laws, and preventing crime. This division serves as the forefront of criminal enforcement for McLennan County. Its presence in the community helps deter criminal activity and ensures a swift response to emergencies.

The Courthouse Division, with around 30 employees, ensures security in six district courts, three county courts, and several additional county buildings crucial to McLennan County’s government operations. Its role is essential in maintaining order and safeguarding the integrity of judicial proceedings, thereby contributing to the smooth functioning of the county government.

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID), consisting of about 22 employees, is responsible for investigating a wide range of crimes within the county. Divided into two main sections focusing on property and person crimes, CID tackles offenses such as murder, robbery, burglary, and theft, providing specialized investigative services beyond the capabilities of patrol units.

Corrections represents the largest and most complex division within the MCSO, employing over 340 individuals. Tasked with managing the county

jail and its diverse inmate population, corrections personnel oversee the feeding, care, and security of approximately 1,350 inmates. Compliance with state regulations, including oversight by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, is paramount in ensuring operational success and inmate welfare.

Medical services within the MCSO, primarily based in the jail division, consists of over 40 employees, including clerks, certified medical assistants (CMAs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Through partnerships with the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) and Turnkey, the MCSO delivers comprehensive medical care, including general and specialized services, as well as psychiatric care, to incarcerated individuals.

Special operations units within the MCSO focus on specific areas of law enforcement, including organized crime, criminal intelligence, fugitive apprehension, and special weapons and tactics (SWAT). These highly trained teams work collaboratively to combat narcotics trafficking, gather criminal intelligence, apprehend fugitives, and respond to critical incidents, ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Prioritizing Public Safety

The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office prioritizes public safety through law enforcement, community engagement, proactive measures, partnerships, training, professionalism, transparency, and accountability, creating secure and thriving communities. One of the primary duties of the MCSO is to enforce the law and maintain public order. Deputies patrol the county’s highways and byways, respond to emergency calls, investigate crimes, and apprehend suspects. Their presence is felt not only in the cities and towns but also in the more remote corners of the county, ensuring that all residents have access to public safety services.

Beyond its traditional law enforcement functions, the MCSO is actively engaged in community outreach and crime prevention efforts. Community policing programs aim to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement officers and the people they serve. Through initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs, school resource officers, and citizen academies, the MCSO fosters partnerships with local residents and organizations to address the root causes of crime and promote a safer environment for all.

Special Operations

Drugs: The Organized Crime Unit targets organized crime activities, particularly drug trafficking,

collaborating with other agencies, gathering intelligence, supporting prosecutions, and engaging in community outreach to combat the root causes of criminal activity.

Mental Health: The Mental Health Unit addresses the intersection of law enforcement and mental health, offering crisis intervention, specialized training, collaboration with mental health professionals, community outreach, education, referral, follow-up, and Crisis Response Teams, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in crisis.

Human Trafficking: The Human Trafficking Unit, part of the Organized Crime Unit, investigates and combats human trafficking through focused efforts on digital evidence, undercover operations, victim assistance, awareness and training, collaboration, and prosecution, emphasizing child exploitation prevention and supporting survivors.

In summary, the MCSO is committed to the critical role in safeguarding the community and providing comprehensive public safety, tackling drug-related issues, addressing mental health concerns, and combating human trafficking through specialized units and community-focused strategies. By addressing challenges, embracing opportunities, and fostering strong relationships with the public, the MCSO will continue to serve and protect McLennan County for generations to come. n

Waco Fire Department:

Promoting Safety, Protecting Life & Property Every Day

by Robby Bergerson, Executive Deputy Chief, Waco Fire Department

The City of Waco formally established the Waco Fire Department (WFD) on April 3, 1873, in response to a devastating fire that destroyed many businesses and professional offices on March 23, 1873. For more than 150 years, WFD has existed to serve the Waco community, promote safety and protect life and property.

Today, the Waco Fire Department is the largest paid department in McLennan County and has evolved to meet the needs of the community. In 1997, the Waco Fire Department implemented a First Responder Program to respond initially to rescue and medical emergencies. This service was enhanced with cardiac defibrillators in 1998. In 1997, the department also formed a partnership with McLennan Community College (MCC) to establish a college-based Fire Technology Program and started hiring only pre-certified firefighters. In 2010, the Waco Fire Department changed its hiring process to pay

individuals while attending MCC’s Fire Academy.

The Waco Fire Department is an “all-hazards” emergency services organization divided into four main functional areas of management: Fire Administration and Support Services, Emergency Operations, Community Risk Reduction, and the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management. It employs 228 uniform and civilian employees, operating from 14 fire stations that protect 102 square miles of Waco and its more than 143,000 residents. Waco firefighters responded to 21,984 calls for service in 2023, which included structure fires, vehicle fires, grass/brush fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and other emergencies. Additionally, the department performs water rescue, vertical rescue, vehicle extrication, animal rescue, prefire inspections, public education, fire investigations, and much more. More than 50 firefighters are on duty every day and night to keep Waco safe.

Special Response Capabilities

In addition to fire and medical responses, the Waco Fire Department provides several specialized response teams to address nearly any potential emergency. With limited external resources to request help from the area, the Waco Fire Department has planned and built many specialized teams to ensure residents and visitors remain safe. The Special Operations Teams comprises firefighters with unique training, technical knowledge, and skills to address and mitigate the worst manmade or natural disaster that could threaten life, safety and property within the city of Waco and Heart of Texas Council of Government’s (HOTCOG) six-county region covering 5,645 square miles, an area larger than the states of Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.

Technical Rescue Team

The Waco Fire Department provides a specialized Technical Rescue Team that responds from Fire Station 1 to assist in unusual and unique rescue operations. The team includes firefighters with multiple certifications and disciplines who are trained to

operate specialized equipment. The Technical Rescue Team provides the following response capabilities:

• Flood and Swift Water Rescue, Lake and River Water Rescue

• Structure Collapse, Trench Collapse Rescue Rope and High Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue

• Automobile and heavy vehicle rescue, Industrial Machinery Rescue

• Grain Silo Rescue

Hazardous Materials Team

The Waco Fire Department also provides Technician Level Hazmat response from Fire Station 11 to mitigate specialized hazardous materials releases and investigations that include:

• Fuel spills

• Natural gas leaks

• Weapons of mass destruction/terror threats

• Chemical releases

Tactical Medics/SWAT Medic

To ensure member and patient safety during tactical SWAT Team operations of the Waco Police Department, the Waco Fire & Police Departments jointly instituted the SWAT Medic Program in April 2019. Organizations usually dispatch SWAT teams to situations where regular law enforcement teams need more equipment or training. SWAT Medics ensure team members have the best possible immediate treatment and receive the level of care required. Team members provide medical aid to non-lawenforcement personnel who become injured or ill during an operation until their care can be transferred to emergency medical services (EMS).

Rescue Task Force

In 2018, the Waco Fire Department established the Rescue Task Force (RTF) concept to provide point-ofwound care to victims in an ongoing active shooter or other violent, mass casualty event. Four Waco Fire Department Engine Companies were outfitted with body armor, ballistic helmets, and large quantities of tourniquets and bandages. The goal of the RTF personnel is to stop the bleeding and rapidly remove injured patients while wearing ballistic protective equipment. These tasks are completed while operating under the protection of law enforcement personnel to remove patients to areas where our medical personnel can safely treat them. The typical RTF comprises five personnel: two trained law enforcement officers and three Waco Firefighters who are deployed to the following incident types:

• Active shooter in a school, business, mall, conference, special event, etc.

• Any incident with the possibility of an ongoing ballistic or explosive threat

Dive Services (Rescue and Recovery)

The Waco Fire Department Dive Team includes seven certified dive members who participate in scheduled monthly training. In 2023 the team also trained and fully equipped two additional new divers. The Waco Fire Department’s dive program operates with rescue and recovery capability. The rescue

component focuses on the immediate rescue of a person with a rapid response time to growing water emergencies, such as a car driven into a river, lake, or any body of water. Both Battalion Chief vehicles are equipped with an Aqua Lung Rapid Driver Pro system, which allows a dive-trained firefighter to be in the water for rescue situations within 60 seconds of arriving at a scene. Waco is one of only a handful of Texas agencies that carry this vital life-saving equipment. The Recovery Dive Team is a formal, extensively trained personnel that can respond regionally to requested incidents to help in body and evidence recovery missions. The Department operates a firefighting boat that is housed at Ridgewood Country Club Marina for responses on Lake Waco and supports dive operations.

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting

The Waco Fire Department provides Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) to the Waco Regional Airport (Fire Station 10) and the TSTC Waco Airport (Fire Station 3) on the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) campus, the largest airport operated by an educational institution within the United States. These teams of specialized firefighters are regulated by either the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at Waco Regional Airport or the Department of Defense at TSTC. The FAA conducts yearly inspections to ensure the Waco Fire ARFF team meets or exceeds a very high level of standards and training. The Department of Defense regulates TSTC Airport due to the L3Harris’ military contracts.

Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System

The Waco Fire Department participates in the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System or TIFMAS. TIFMAS is a resource management system under the Texas Division of Emergency Management to request resources for large wildfires. It is common for Waco Firefighters to respond to Wildfire or All-Hazards requests and deploy alongside other firefighters from around the state. The responses, including personnel or equipment, are fully reimbursable, and firefighters receive valuable experience. The Waco Fire Department has actively participated in the TIFMAS

program over the past few years, with firefighters deploying to numerous wildfires, assisting with the COVID-19 response, and Hurricane Ida in Louisiana. In addition, Executive Deputy Chief Bergerson serves as a Division Coordinator managing resources for 13 counties in the region.

Insurance Services Office Property Protection Classification

The Public Protection Classification (PPC) program is a community fire protection scoring system based on the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), a manual containing the criteria used to review the fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities of individual communities or fire protection areas by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The schedule measures how well a community’s fire department responds to first-alarm structure fires and fire mitigation and develops a PPC number on a relative scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the very best and 10 representing less than minimum recognized fire protection.

The City of Waco achieved an ISO Class 1 PPC rating from ISO and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office in February 2020. The Class 1 rating is the highest possible score given to any fire department nationwide and scored by several factors:

• Fire department review, including distribution of fire stations and companies in the area, the level of training provided to the company personnel and the maintenance and testing of the equipment

• Water supply, including access to enough water for fire suppression above the maximum daily usage, an adequate system for supplying the water and working fire hydrants

• Emergency communications, which focuses on how well the fire department receives and dispatches fire alarms

The Waco Fire Department’s ability to earn the rating of Class 1 reflects the City of Waco’s commitment to provide quality public safety services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of our community. n

In early 2024, WFD broke ground on Station 15, located at 10905 Panther Way. The new station will help WFD maintain the national standard of getting the first fire truck on scene within six minutes of a 911 call and will serve citizens in a rapidly developing part of Waco.

Some of the design features and amenities

the new station will have include three vehicle bays, strategically placed beds and storage, washing machines able to clean the firefighters’ gear, apparatus exhaust removal systems and decontamination areas available before entering the station, all measures to increase safety.

Construction is expected to take 15 months, with substantial completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.

Easing the Burden of Mental Health Crisis Calls

by Vince Erickson, Director of Community & Governmental Relations, Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network

Does easing the burden of mental health crisis calls on local law enforcement and emergency departments sound like a far-fetched idea? It’s not – in fact, it’s becoming a reality, through the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) Diversion Center.

Put simply, the Diversion Center, a project five years in the making through collaboration with several community partners, is designed to provide a center point for all of HOTBHN’s Crisis Services – to ease the burden of crisis calls on law enforcement local emergency departments, and local jails. The Diversion Center, located at 6500 Imperial Drive in Waco, is the crown jewel of HOTBHN’s Imperial Drive Health Campus (IDHC). It is a newly constructed, 27,500 square foot facility located roughly equidistant between Waco’s two major hospitals, and designed to be the center point of all of HOTBHN’s crisis services:

• The Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT)

• Crisis Treatment Center (CTC)

• Crisis Respite

• Crisis Residential Unit (CRU)

• Extended Observation Unit (EOU)

Waco Family Medicine will occupy a 3,000 square foot full clinic in the Diversion Center and will help provide the medical clearance component – to decide the best mode of care for an individual brought to the Diversion Center. Local law enforcement will have a desk presence at the Diversion Center as a warm handoff for anyone bringing in a person in crisis.

HOTBHN received a funding boost from the Texas Legislature as part of a collaboration with our local healthcare partners during the current biennium.

“Our Center was part of a collective effort from the CEOs of HOTBHN, Ascension Providence Waco, Baylor Scott & White-Hillcrest and Waco Family Medicine, requesting $30 million from the Legislature,” said HOTBHN CEO Daniel Thompson. “What passed was $8 million – specifically for crisis service enhancement and expansion. This will be for our region and partnership that will focus on crisis process, allow us to divert people in crisis from having engagement with law enforcement as appropriate.

“This will allow our partners to provide medical clearance for people brought to our diversion facility, which will reduce the burden on emergency departments. The diminished burden provided by the medical clearance component will couple with the diminish impact on law enforcement—which will

certainly help reduce incarcerations in county jails for those with a serious mental illness.”

Thompson stressed the funding bolsters HOTBHN’s commitment to creating better lives by strengthening the safety net it and its partners provide the community when it comes to mental health crisis care.

“The funds will also help sustain the crisis professional workforce HOTBHN provides and allow us to further fund law enforcement activities as far as law enforcement engaging those in a mental health crisis.

“We are grateful for the opportunity these funds will offer for us to provide quality outpatient care the diversion facility and staff were designed to provide. Outpatient treatment is the most cost-effective and humane approach to care versus in-patient care or jail.” n

“We want to be part of the solution and I think our community members and our taxpayers want to do the same thing. The concept came up that there has to be something different than what we have now, one more piece in the puzzle to be able to have early, effective intervention.”

-McLennan County Judge Scott Felton

GREATER WACO CHAMBER CELEBRATES WALMART MANUFACTURING COMING TO OUR COMMUNITY!

The Greater Waco Chamber welcomes Walmart Manufacturing to Greater Waco. Walmart Manufacturing has selected Robinson, Texas for its next state-of-the-art milk manufacturing plant. The $380 million capital investment project will create nearly 400 new jobs in the Greater Waco region of Central Texas. This project also represents the first anchor tenant in the Robinson Business Park.

Walmart’s announcement comes after an extensive site selection process. The Robinson Business Park was selected due to its prime Texas location along Interstate 35 and its proximity to the central United States, the region’s comprehensive infrastructure to support the food and beverage industry and its extensive higher education resources to nourish a longterm talent pipeline. Upon completion, the facility will have more than 310,000 square feet of production and distribution space.

The Robinson plant represents Walmart’s third milk processing facility and its first in Texas. The facility will use locally and regionally sourced ingredients and will produce a variety of milk options in multiple sizes and flavors. n

METAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS BREAKS GROUND IN ROBINSON BUSINESS PARK

Metal Finishing Solutions has selected Robinson, Texas for its next facility. The $17 million capital investment project will create nearly 80 new jobs in the Greater Waco region of Central Texas. This project also represents the second tenant in the Robinson Business Park announced in recent weeks.

“We’re really excited to be expanding our metal finishing operations to Texas. Our new facility in Robinson will primarily focus on the electric vehicle market and will greatly expand our capacity for conversion coating solutions that are a critical part of the car manufacturing process,”

TEXAS WINS GOVERNOR’S CUP FOR RECORD-BREAKING 12TH YEAR IN A ROW

Governor Greg Abbott has announced Texas secured Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-breaking 12th consecutive year and 20th win overall. With records unmatched by any other state, this latest win recognizes Texas as the No. 1 state for attracting the most new and expanded business facility projects in 2023, with 1,254 total projects— more than twice the total for the second-ranked state. Awarded annually by Site Selection since

said Micheal Laptalo, Owner/President of Metal Finishing Solutions. “It will also feature our first e-coating line which we plan to aggressively expand to meet our growing customer demand around the country. We look forward to establishing our manufacturing footprint in Texas. Our new Robinson site is well positioned to become our strategic location to fuel the next stages of our growth and expansion.”

Upon completion, expected in 2025, the facility will have more than 110,000 square feet of manufacturing space to serve its growing customer base. n

1978, the Governor’s Cup recognizes the nation’s top-performing state for job-creating business relocations and expansions. n

INTRODUCIN G TH E CL ASS OF 2024

Teen Leadership Waco develops future leaders by teaching them about di erent sectors of Waco's economy and community. Students learn about Waco's history, government, businesses and non-pro ts; they are encouraged to undertake leadership roles to improve their environment and community. Learn more at WacoChamber.com/ Teen-Leadership-Waco

Abigail Akins Vanguard College Preparatory School

Willow Alexander Vanguard College Preparatory School

Brooke Battle Midway High School

Macaria Brown Mart High School

Mia Campos Midway High School

Jason Chavez Riesel High School

Amelia Chen Vanguard College Preparatory School

Aria Cleveland Vanguard College Preparatory School

Carlee Cooper Midway High School

Connor Croft Midway High School

Avni Deivanayagam Midway High School

Emry Deivanayagam Midway High School

Zara Diaz Vanguard College Preparatory School

Cynthia DuBois Midway High School

Saydi Durbin Mart High School

Daisy Goodman Vanguard College Preparatory School

Paisley Groschke Riesel High School

Emma Haferkamp Midway High School

Madeline Jackson Midway High School

Nelly Moradi Vanguard College Preparatory School

Ke’yonna Ochoa Rapoport Academy Harper Peel Vanguard College Preparatory School

Allison Ressetar Vanguard College Preparatory School

Brindley Ressetar Vanguard College Preparatory School

Jasmine Satchell Waco High School

Jackson Sheffield Mart High School

Samuel Wong Midway High School

Christopher Xolalpa Vanguard College Preparatory School

Maddie Zander Vanguard College Preparatory School

GREATER WACO CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS & CELEBRATES PROMOTIONS

The Greater Waco Chamber is pleased to welcome several new professional staff members to continue to serve the Greater Waco community: Rachel Ligon, who serves as the Director of Leadership Development; Olivia Aydelotte, who serves as the Manager of Marketing and Communications; and Kacie Birkes who serves as the Director of Signature Events.

Rachel oversees and champions Leadership Waco, Leadership Waco Alumni, Teen Leadership Waco, as well as Leading Waco Women. Rachel, a native Arkansan, has recently returned “home” to Waco. She met her husband, Greg, at Baylor University where they both graduated in 1992. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, and a Master of Arts from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Rachel comes from New Braunfels where she was the Family Camp Director at T Bar M Camps for the past five years. Before that, Rachel was the marketing director for a national conference. Rachel and Greg have a daughter, son, and new daughter-inlaw in the Dallas area, and they are so happy to be closer to them! In her free time, she enjoys being outside: hiking, sitting around a firepit, yard games, or reading in a hammock, and, naturally, supporting her beloved Baylor Bears!

Olivia is a Waco native and is excited to be back in the Waco community after attending the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont. She graduated from UVM with a bachelor’s degree in public communication and a

GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK LUNCHEON

The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Economic Outlook Luncheon in December at Baylor University’s Hurd Welcome Center. The event brought the business community together to explore economic development work, progress over the past year, and provide a vision for what the next year may hold. By leveraging academic and professional thought leaders, participants heard about trends, programs, projects, and initiatives that will continue to thrust Waco forward. During the event, we heard a thoughtful presentation from Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and a panel with CEOs from the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce, the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber

concentration in strategic communication in January 2023. Kacie, originally from Andrews, Texas has embraced Waco for the past seven years. She earned her LVN and a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management from Texas Tech University. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kacie has enjoyed dedicating time to CASA of McLennan County and Junior League of Waco, weaving community threads. Nestled in Robinson, her home is a haven, shared with her husband Matthew and their lively trio: Cayden, Landen, and Presley. Kacie brings her unique blend of compassion and expertise to every endeavor.

In addition to these exciting new hires, the Greater Waco Chamber announced promotions for Kris Collins, now serving as the Executive Vice President; Jason Powers, now serving as the Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations; and Jacob Hogan, now serving as Vice President, Public Policy and Chamber Foundation. n

of Commerce and our very own, Matt Meadors.

Presenting sponsorship for the Economic Outlook Luncheon provided by TFNB Your Bank for Life. n

KACIE BIRKES

OLIVIA AYDELOTTE RACHEL LIGON

GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS MIDTEX FARM & RANCH SHOW

For more than 60 years, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has hosted the MidTex Farm & Ranch Show. This year, with presenting sponsor, United Ag & Turf, we welcomed hundreds of farmers, ranchers, and their families to the BASE at Extraco Events Center to see the latest in farming and agriculture technology.

During MidTex, the Greater Waco Chamber had the opportunity to award two scholarships, sponsored by Helberg Barbecue, to local high school students: Jacob Singer and Claire E. Tunnicliffe. Jacob Singer, a student at McGregor High School, is an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he immersed himself in the world of agriculture, setting the stage for his future endeavors. Throughout his high school years, Jacob chose the agribusiness pathway with a clear intent to excel in both business and agriculture. Jacob plans to attend Tarleton State University and pursue a degree in Agricultural Marketing.

Claire Tunnicliffe, a student at Riesel High School, has been heavily involved in the FFA, holding office as a district and chapter officer in addition to serving on the meat, wool, livestock and farm business management teams. Claire has chosen to continue her education at Texas A&M University focusing on elementary education. She hopes to have an

overwhelming direct effect on students’ lives and help them recognize their potential.

The Chamber also partnered with the BIG Conference to offer classes about beef, cotton, rural land management, grain, and more, with professional development credit available for certain courses. n

COMMUNITY RAISES FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AT 2024 FREEDOM BALL

The Greater Waco Chamber and the Greater Waco Aerospace Alliance hosted Freedom Ball, with presenting sponsors, Johnson Roofing and University Kia, in February at the BASE at Extraco Events Center.

Freedom Ball was established in 2008 and is a patriotic celebration honoring activeduty service men, women, veterans and Gold Star families.

This year, we welcomed honorary chair, Karen Keith, who avidly supports the military. The event featured live music, dinner, drinks, dancing and more.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Greater Waco Aerospace Alliance Scholarship Fund, providing scholarships

to McLennan County high school and college students pursuing aviation, aerospace and engineering careers. To date, the Alliance has distributed nearly $245,000 in scholarships to more than 115 Central Texas high school and college students. n

GREATER WACO CHAMBER RECOGNIZES LEADERS DURING MEMBER CELEBRATION

The Greater Waco Chamber hosted its Member Celebration in January. This is a prestigious event that honored the 2024 Board Chair, Kary Lalani, and 2023 Board Chair, Philip Patterson. The Chamber presented McLennan County Judge Scott M. Felton and, posthumously, William Cameron and Madison A. Cooper, Jr. with Thomas G. Salome Jr. Legacy Awards. Cameron, Cooper and Felton were selected for their leadership, impact, sustained investment of time and talent, innovative thinking, and collaborative approaches to addressing community needs and opportunities. In addition to recognizing the Greater Waco Chamber membership, event sponsors, investors, and volunteers, the Celebration served as the official start of the Chamber’s yearlong 125th celebration.

Presenting sponsorships provided by Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat and the Waco TribuneHerald. n

FIRST PITCH LUNCHEON

In January, the Greater Waco Chamber wrapped up its 2023-2024 Sports Luncheon Series with its annual First Pitch Luncheon to celebrate the start of the baseball and softball seasons. We heard updates from McLennan Community College and Baylor University baseball and softball coaches and heard from guest speaker Cody Bradford.

Presenting sponsorship for the Sports Luncheon Series is provided by Jim Turner Chevrolet. Details about the upcoming Series will be available at WacoChamber.com soon! n

GREATER WACO CHAMBER HOSTS BIENNIAL CORPORATE APPRECIATION DINNER

The Greater Waco Chamber hosted its Corporate Appreciation dinner in March. The event, hosted at the recently completed Cambria Hotel, showed appreciation for local business leaders who continue to do business in Greater Waco. After a cocktail hour, guests enjoyed dinner, a short Chamber update from chair, Kary Lalani, and a fireside chat with Paul L. Foster, Baylor University graduate and founder and CEO of Franklin Mountain Investments, LLC.

Presenting sponsorship provided by Central National Bank. n

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS HOSTED BY CAMBRIA HOTEL

The Greater Waco Chamber visited the new Cambria Hotel for a March Madness themed Business After Hours. Guests enjoyed drinks, snacks, scavenger hunt and tours of the new rooms. n

Watch our calendar at WacoChamber.com/Calendar for details about upcoming Business After Hours events.

ROMARK RECEIVES RECOGNITION FROM SUPPLIER LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE TRANSITION

Romark Logistics, one of the country’s leading supply chain solutions, logistics, and cold-chain providers, is proud to announce its most recent achievement in climate leadership. As part of its ongoing sustainability initiatives, Romark has earned the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (Supplier LoCT) GHG Scope 1, 2, and 3 Footprint badges. These badges recognize Romark’s commitment to fostering sustainability throughout its operation and reducing its impact on climate change.

Supplier LoCT is a consortium of companies created to accelerate action towards reducing supply chain carbon emissions with the ultimate goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They provide organizations with a scalable, cost-effective solution to the challenge of addressing supply chain or Scope 3 emissions.

“For years now we have been implementing sustainability initiatives to both reduce our environmental impact and to

align with our clients’ sustainability goals.

Romark was named a Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics magazine for three consecutive years. The Supplier LoCT achievement further reflects our dedication to creating a greener supply chain,” said Ryan Ziegler, Director of Sustainability Management at Romark. This milestone showcases Romark’s dedication to transparency and accountability in measuring and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. n

TSTC RECOGNIZED BY NATIONWIDE AUTOMATION CERTIFICATION ORGANIZATION

Texas State Technical College has been recognized by the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) for the number of microcredential certifications awarded to noncredit Industrial Systems students in 2022.

“This recognition further validates the push for industry-based certifications,” said Adam Barber, TSTC’s executive director of Workforce Training and Continuing Education for the Marshall, North Texas, and Waco campuses. “It is a fast-track option for those who want to gain the skills to make themselves attractive to industry.”

The college awarded more than 430 certifications in 2022 and granted more than 260 certifications in 2023.

“SACA certifications are recognized everywhere in manufacturing throughout the United States,” said Larry Griffin, a TSTC workforce trainer.

The SACA silver certifications awarded are Electrical Systems I, Electrical Motor Control Systems I, Variable Frequency Drive Systems I, Electrical Systems Installation I, Programmable Controller Systems I, Pneumatic Systems I and Mechanical Power Systems I.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu. n

LAKE AIR POOL SUPPLY

CELEBRATES 65 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE POOL INDUSTRY

Lake Air Pool Supply, a pioneer in the pool and spa industry, proudly announces its 65th anniversary in business. Since 1959, Lake Air Pool Supply has been a trusted name, providing top-quality products and exceptional service to customers in the Greater Waco area.

For over six decades, Lake Air Pool Supply has been at the forefront of the pool and spa industry, establishing a legacy of excellence and innovation. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, combined with a passion for delivering top-tier service, has solidified its position as a leader in the market.

“At Lake Air Pool Supply, our success over the past 65 years is a testament to our dedication to quality, customer service, and innovation,” said Katie Maze, director of marketing and human resources. “We are proud to have served our community for so many years and are grateful for the trust our customers place in us. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to providing top-tier service and quality products in a fun and friendly environment.”

To commemorate this milestone, Lake Air Pool Supply will host events throughout the year, including special promotions, customer appreciation days, and community outreach initiatives. These events are an opportunity for the company to express gratitude to its loyal customer base and engage with the community that has been instrumental in its success. n

Tecovas

Ribbon Cutting on December 2, 2022

Tecovas offers unique handmade men’s & women’s western goods, including boots, apparel, and accessories. Additional offerings include product personalization, boot stretching and shining, exotics, and more. Tecovas makes you to feel like you’re hanging out with old friends that you just met. Tecovas is a place where novice and lifelong boot wearers can come together and enjoy the spirit of the west.

729 Washington Ave, Ste 100, Waco, TX 76701 store017@tecovas.com (254) 244-5911

The Toasted Yolk Cafe

Ribbon Cutting on August 25, 2023

The Toasted Yolk Cafe brings a new brunch spot to Waco that will not disappoint. This full-service bar and restaurant is open seven days a week in downtown Waco. Offering dine-in or catering options, you will be satisfied with the quality of their from-scratch menu items. You can also book the entire restaurant for a private after-hours event.

Hans Gerner, General Manager

1725 Washington, Waco, TX 76701 (254) 300-4218

TheToastedYolk.com

Anna Cheri Foundation

Ribbon Cutting on April 26, 2023

The Anna Cheri Foundation (ACF) is a nationally recognized non-profit 501(c)3 that exists to help fund adoptions for families who are in the adoption process and to inspire people to orphan care around the world. ACF’s primary goal is to fundraise for their grant program and speak to community groups about adoption. They desire to help more children have a forever family.

Doug and Laura Butler, Co-Founders 1725 Washington, Waco, TX 76701 (832) 248-8194

InspiringOrphanCare.org

JP Morgan Chase & Co

Ribbon Cutting on August 29, 2023

Chase Bank held a Grand Opening of its third Waco-area branch, located on I-35 across from the Baylor campus. The full-service branch gives customers access to a wide range of products and services - from checking and savings accounts to mortgage and auto financing and retirement planning. In addition, the branch offers small businesses a full suite of services including cash management and merchant services.

John Bauer, Branch Manager

720 S. 5th St, Ste 100, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 340-6054

Chase.com

SPONSORED BY

Magnolia RV Resort

Ribbon Cutting on September 1, 2023

Experience exceptional family-friendly hospitality at Magnolia RV Resort. The premier RV campground located in Waco, TX is perfect for family trips and tailgating during sports seasons. The resort offers ample RV parking options for all RV sizes and strives to provide a comfortable and affordable vacation experience. Whether you’re looking to have fun, kick back and relax, or explore the area, they have everything you need for an enjoyable stay.

Joy Newberry, Office Manager

3096 New Dallas Hwy, Waco, TX 76705 (254) 799-3105

MagnoliaRVResort.com

Da’ Shack Farmer’s Market

Ribbon Cutting on September 14, 2023

Da’ Shack Farmer’s Market has been in East Waco since 2017. It was founded by gardening enthusiast Dr. Donna Nickerson, PhD, LCSW along with the support from her family: husband Roderick Nickerson, Sr, father John Wesley, mother Melba Wesley, sister Dr. Cherise Wesley, EdD, and son Zake Nickerson.

Da’ Shack Farmers Market flourishes by cultivating organic vegetables and herbs you can pick directly out of the gardens. Nursery plants and education workshops are open from March through June.

Dr. Donna Nickerson, Owner

925 Houston St, Waco, TX 76704

dashackfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Anthem STORIES

Ribbon Cutting on September 7, 2023

Anthem STORIES celebrated its 100th anniversary. STORIES offers a one-of-a-kind event experience in the heart of Downtown Waco. The venue offers in-house dining & beverage options, rental amenities, and a vintage urban aesthetic that is sure to set the stage for a memorable experience. This thoughtfully restored 20th-century space is a perfect setting to celebrate events with up to 500 guests.

Peter Ellis, Executive Director

800 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701 (254) 307-0447

AnthemStories.com

StudioCTX

Ribbon Cutting on September 19, 2023

StudioCTX offers professional and affordable full-service production services to create, record, and produce original audio and video media for digital distribution. With multiple professional studios and sets, StudioCTX can produce podcasts, commercials, and photography to help businesses elevate their brand on digital platforms. StudioCTX has the largest cyc wall in Central Texas. Don’t know what a cyc wall is? Then take a tour to see the best-in-class facilities.

Dave Urabe, Founder

5496 N State Hwy 6, Ste 2, Woodway, TX 76712 (888) 593-3101

StudioCTX.com

WCTractor

Ribbon Cutting on September 21, 2023

WCTractor, Waco’s local Kubota dealer, celebrated opening its new sales and service facility. The property allows for a greater selection of inventory and equipment service capabilities. WCTractor proudly provides equipment for all your land needs, from agriculture and construction to residential. Their personable staff will find the right solution for you, whether you rent or buy. They also offer delivery and on-site services.

John Sumner, Store Manager

6378 IH-35 S., Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 662-2420

WCTractor.com

Family Martial Arts of Texas

Ribbon Cutting on September 28, 2023

Family Martial Arts of Texas has been serving the Central Texas community for the last 30 years. Using the traditional martial art of Tae Kwon Do as a vehicle to develop leadership life skills that provide the students a head start in life. Over the years they have worked with students of all ages in a family environment that offers the most nurturing atmosphere for personal development. It has two locations to serve the communities of China Spring and Waco.

James Londenberg, Owner

7005 Woodway Dr, Ste 111, Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 772-5425

FamilyMartialArtsOfTexas.com

Rent-A-Center

Ribbon Cutting on September 22, 2023

Waco’s new Rent-A-Center store concept and layout provide customers with access to a convenient and elevated shopping experience. Upgrades include online shopping kiosks, improved focal displays, and additional team members. The store showcased local businesses and a Baylor University athlete as they welcomed the Waco community. As part of Rent-A-Center’s mission to give back to those in need, the store contributed $2,000 to the Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry.

Jim Mills, Store Manager

622 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 772-2668

RentACenter.com

Foster Village Waco

Ribbon Cutting on September 29, 2023

Foster Village Waco celebrated the opening of its Family Resource Center as well as its fifth anniversary serving McLennan County. The organization provides physical resources, community connections, advocacy, and support to foster kinship, reunifying, and adoptive families. The Family Resource Center serves as a hub for these families and community volunteers to experience “Community Beyond the System” as they utilize space for family visits, care closets, and more.

Amanda Vasquez, Executive Director

9191 Woodway Dr, Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 300-1916

FosterVillageWaco.org

Tinovus Health

Ribbon Cutting on October 6, 2023

Tinovus Health is a new comprehensive primary care clinic located in Woodway. The physician-owned clinic is operated by Dr. Stefan Huber (Family Medicine) and Dr. Aaron Kolar (Internal Medicine). They offer various services including Child/Adult/Medicare Annual Wellness Exams, Acute Care Visits, Chronic Care Management, Mental Health Evaluation/ Treatment, Weight Loss Management, In-Hospital Services, and more. Tinovus Heath is passionate about giving back to the community that has given them so much.

Aaron Kolar, DO, Co-Owner

9111 Jordan Lane, Ste 300, Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 253-2855

TinovusHealth.com

Farmer Veteran Coalition

Ribbon Cutting on October 12, 2023

The nonprofit Farmer Veteran Coalition, established in 2009, moved its national headquarters to Waco in 2022. Farmer Veteran Coalition assists military veterans starting a career in agriculture or beginning a farm or ranch and works to replace our nation’s retiring farmers. Through its partners, FVC helps members with discounts and a Fellowship Fund program that provides grants to assist their agricultural operations. Its Homegrown By Heroes program promotes food produced by members.

Jeanette Lombardo, Executive Director

1516 Austin Ave, Ste 2, Waco, TX 76701 (855) 382-3276

FarmVetCo.org

Holos Medical Spa & Holos Wellness

Ribbon Cutting on October 7, 2023

Two businesses under one roof, Holos Medical Spa and Holos Wellness Ketamine Clinic, celebrated their grand opening in October. The medical spa specializes in all services antiaging including injectables, laser services, body contouring and weight loss. The ketamine clinic offers new emerging treatments for depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation and chronic pain. Whether you are looking for medical or wellness services, Holos is here to help.

Tamara Dutter, MD & Severine Whittier, RN, MSN, CRNA

6701 Sanger Ave, Ste’s 105A & 105C, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 265-4576/(254) 424-4373

HolosMedicalSpa.com

HolosWellness.net

C&D Medical Aesthetics

Ribbon Cutting on October 13, 2023

C&D Medical Aesthetics has been improving the lives of Central Texans since 2019, providing a vast range of services such as Botox, medical weight loss, hormone replacement therapy and IV therapy. At C&D you will find personalized attention that competitors simply cannot and will not match including same-day appointments, evening appointments, weekend appointments, and walk-in appointments.

Dr. Clifton “Dirk” King, Owner

1603 N Valley Mills Dr Waco, TX 76710

(512) 665-6911

CDMedicalAesthetics.com/waco-med-spa

Glory Bell Coffee

Ribbon Cutting on October 18, 2023

Glory Bell Coffee is a space that was designed for everyone. Whether you are a college student or a family with little children, there is room for you! Glory Bell Coffee serves a variety of delicious food and drinks. There is also faith-filled music that plays 24/7 inside and outside the shop. The hope is that you will walk by or come inside and be encouraged!

Rob Lim, Manager

600 Columbus Ave Ste 102 Waco, TX 76701 (254) 345-3077

GloryBellCoffee.com

Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network

Ribbon Cutting on October 26, 2023

The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) took great pleasure hosting around 150 community leaders and Greater Waco Chamber Ambassadors for our Ribbon Cutting Extravaganza at our new Diversion Center. The Diversion Center, the crown jewel of our new Imperial Drive Health Campus, is a 27,500 square-foot facility designed to be the center point of all HOTBHN’s Crisis Services—to reduce the burden on law enforcement and local emergency departments.

Daniel Thompson, CEO

6400 Imperial Drive, Waco, TX 76712

Main (254) 752-3451 | Crisis Services (866) 752-3451

HOTBHN.org

Mariner Finance

Ribbon Cutting on October 23, 2023

Mariner Finance works to provide customers with tailored and convenient lending options. Their goal is to deliver excellent customer service and pair consumers with access to credit that meets their immediate needs. With over 480 branches in 25+ states they are driven to be pillars in the community.

Chaseny Evans, Branch Manager

4300 W Waco Dr, Ste B, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 651-2840

MarinerFinance.com

Kelly, Realtors

Ribbon Cutting on October 19, 2023

Nestled in the heart of Waco, Kelly, Realtors offers a wealth of expertise and guidance in the ever-evolving landscape of real estate. For over three decades, their team of dedicated professionals have been passionately serving the community, helping individuals and families navigate the intricate process of buying, selling, and investing in property. Their unwavering commitment to exceptional service extends beyond mere transactions; they strive to forge lasting relationships, ensuring that every client feels empowered and confident throughout their real estate journey.

Leah Cox, Owner & Broker

1229 N Valley Mills Dr Waco, TX 76710 (254) 741-1500

KellyRealtors.com

A&D Tests, INC.

1620-C W Loop 340

Waco, TX 76712 (254) 399-8378

ADTests.net

ALPA Insurance

2410 W Waco Dr

Waco, TX 76701 (254) 489-0200

ALPAInsurance.com

Armstrong’s Bayou Cafe

720 Franklin Ave Unit 8

Waco, TX 76701 (254) 304-0662

ArmstrongsBayou.com

Atlas Spas and Swim Spas

6931 Woodway Dr

Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 777-6801

AtlasSpas.com

Baked Bliss Bakery

1114 N 15th St

Waco, TX 76707 (254) 214-9911

BakedBlissCo.com

Bealka Eye Surgery

104 Burnett Crt

Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 722-0345

BealkaEyeCare.com

Big Wave Energy

3615 Franklin Ave #279

Waco, TX 76710 (254) 722-5233

BigWaveEnergy.com

Bush’s Chicken - 19th Street

3505 N 19th St

Waco, TX 76708 (254) 757-0040

BushsChicken.com

Bush’s Chicken - China Spring

10100 Granada Dr

Waco, TX 76708 (254) 836-5209

BushsChicken.com

Card My Yard Waco (254) 644-0428

CardMyYard.com/waco

Chilton ISD

905 Durango Ave

Chilton, TX 76632 (254) 546-1200

ChiltonISD.org

Clear Path Home Care (281) 748-9730

ClearPathHomeCare.com

Dream Big Balloons (254) 715-5523

DreamBigBalloonsWaco.com

Limelight Construction

3197 Levi Pkwy

Lorena, TX 76655 (254) 315-2270

LimelightConstruction.org

Mariner Finance

4300 W Waco Dr Ste B Waco, TX 76710 (254) 651-2840

MarinerFinance.com

Poppa Bear Boba

4716 W Waco Dr Waco, TX 76710 (254) 343-7643

Instagram.com/PoppaBearBoba

Slumber Rollz

160 N New Rd

Waco, TX 76710 (817) 938-9665

Slumberrollz.com

The Patch Boys of Waco (254) 232-0002

ThePatchBoys.com/waco

Ultra-Clean Janitorial Services

6815 Broad Ave

Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 857-4626

UltraCleanJanitorialServices.com

Waco Concrete Services 2012 Lake Air Dr Ste E Waco, TX 76710 (254) A-Pour-4U

WacoConcreteServices.com

Waco Neurotherapy

1101 Wooded Acres Dr Ste 103 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 203-5099

WacoNeurotherapy.com

MISSION: TO CREAT E THE WORKFORCE AND LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Connecting Businesses and Education

Fostering partnerships between businesses and educational institutions to build a career-ready workforce.

Working with K-12 schools and higher education institutions to equip students for successful technical careers.

Providing student internship, industry tour, job shadowing and teacher externship opportunities to raise awareness of technical career opportunities and pathways.

WacoChamber.com/Foundation

“The Waco Chamber has provided our small business an excellent opportunity to meet other local business people through the Networking Forum and Business After Hours. This, along with the event sponsorships, has helped us keep our name in front of the Waco community!”

— DAVID WILSON, Allstate