The Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation: Building a Better Waco

By: Jacob Hogan, Vice President of Public Policy & Chamber Foundation, Greater Waco Chamber

Greater Waco has undergone remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, becoming a thriving destination that attracts thousands of tourists every week.

Recognized as a dynamic and growth-oriented city at the heart of the Texas Triangle, Waco boasts esteemed institutions of higher education, diverse industries, and a welcoming community. However, with growth comes challenges. Greater Waco is fortunate to possess a collaborative and partnership-driven culture that strives to overcome obstacles. One of the key organizations driving positive change in the community is the Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation. Established in 1989, the Foundation will play a vital role in shaping the future of Waco by committing to support initiatives that enhance leadership, education, and workforce development.

A Foundation for Growth

The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1899. Today, its mission is to prepare and promote the region for future businesses, jobs, and an exceptional quality of life. Recognizing the need for additional support, visionary leaders created the Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation (WCCDF). The Foundation’s primary objective was to bolster the financial strength of the Chamber, ensuring its ability to be a catalytic organization and execute a focused economic development strategic plan. In recent years, it became evident to the leadership of the Greater Waco Chamber that there was a substantial opportunity to fully activate and utilize the Foundation to play a key role in the development of the Greater Waco region. In the past 21 months, the Foundation’s leadership has taken significant steps in the development and activation of a clear mission statement and strategic focus that will guide its work.

The Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation is led by a dedicated and accomplished Board of Directors, most of whom have previously served as Chairs of the Greater Waco Chamber’s Board of Directors. Hal Whitaker, of Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), currently serves as the Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Alongside him, the board comprises: Rick Tullis, Board Vice-Chair (Capstone Mechanical - retired); Stewart Kelly (Kelly, Realtors- retired); Ed Page (H-E-B - retired); Kent Keahey (Providence Healthcare Network - retired); Mike Reitmeier (JRBT - retired); Jennifer Manning (Pattillo, Brown, & Hill LLP); Mark Reynolds (Extraco Banks); Philip Patterson (Ascension Providence and current Greater Waco Chamber Board Chair); and Matt Meadors (President & CEO of the Greater Waco Chamber). This dynamic team is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s mission and guiding the future growth of the Greater Waco region.

At its core, the Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation aims to advocate for and support the betterment of the Greater Waco community. The Foundation places a strong emphasis on initiatives that promote leadership, education, and workforce development. By cultivating a resilient talent pipeline and empowering future leaders, the Foundation seeks to fuel continued growth and prosperity. A key focus lies in establishing a robust partnership between the business community and educational institutions. This collaboration ensures the alignment of skills and knowledge, paving the way for a forward-thinking workforce that meets the needs of all industries in the Greater Waco region.

By implementing a strategic focus of six key initiatives, the Foundation aims to bridge the gap between the education and business communities, promote technical career opportunities, mentor the next generation of our community’s leaders and attract skilled talent to the area.

Supporting the Establishment of the Industrial Training Center

One of the centerpiece initiatives is supporting the establishment and success of the new industrial training center, which is set to revolutionize workforce development in Waco. This center will serve as a hub for training and skill development in emerging and established industrial sectors in our region. By equipping individuals with the latest technical skills, the center will align the workforce with the evolving needs of the business community. The establishment of the center will create a dedicated space for upskilling and reskilling, ensuring that the local workforce remains competitive and adaptable.

Utilization of the Industrial Training Center Connecting Businesses and Education

Recognizing the importance of early exposure to technical career opportunities, the Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation is providing support to a new initiative to connect the business community with the education sector. With a particular focus on middle school and high school students, this program aims to raise awareness about technical careers and create pathways for students to pursue them. By fostering partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, students will gain valuable insights and experiences through internships and externships, preparing them for successful careers in technical fields. The program will collaborate with K-12 schools, Texas State Technical College, McLennan Community College, Texas Tech University at Waco, Tarleton State University – Waco, and Baylor University to help bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping students with the relevant skills and preparing them for successful careers within the Greater Waco region.

Engaging the Area Industry Managers and Building a Talent Pipeline Management System

One of the critical objectives of the Foundation is to foster the growth of the workforce in the Greater Waco region. The region boasts a diverse and dynamic workforce that is a rapidly growing talent pool for businesses and industries to tap into. The Foundation recognizes the immense potential within this workforce and seeks to maximize it through strategic partnerships and initiatives by activating the Greater Waco Chamber’s Area Industry Managers (AIM). The group is well positioned to play a pivotal role in the business-education initiative. Leveraging their expertise, AIM members will help establish and participate in programs that bridge the gap between businesses and schools. Additionally, they will contribute to the Greater Waco Chamber’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) initiative, which informs school leaders about the talent and skills needed by local industries. This collaboration will facilitate curriculum and program development that aligns with the evolving demands of the business community, thus ensuring a skilled and job-ready workforce.

Supporting the inWaco Digital Talent Recruitment Initiative

To attract individuals with targeted traits and skills to the Waco marketplace, the Foundation supports the Chamber’s inWaco digital talent recruitment initiative. By leveraging technology and digital platforms, this program identifies and communicates with prospective talent, showcasing the numerous career opportunities available in Greater Waco. Additionally, the initiative highlights the excellent quality of life that the community offers. This innovative approach to talent acquisition will not only help address skill shortages but also position Waco as an attractive destination for professionals seeking new opportunities.

Scaling the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Program

The Foundation’s commitment to supporting leadership development plays a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce of the Greater Waco region. It recognizes the importance of leadership and professional development for a thriving workforce and community and will support the Chamber’s continued efforts to scale the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) program. By nurturing leadership skills and fostering personal growth, LEAD empowers high school students to broaden their horizons and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. Through mentorship, networking opportunities and industry tours, LEAD program participants are empowered to better understand available economic opportunities and their importance as future workers and leaders. In turn, they become catalysts for positive change and impact in their families and community contributing to Greater Waco’s growth and vitality and ensuring the community remains at the forefront of economic progress.

The Waco Chamber Community Development Foundation stands as a driving force behind the continued progress and success of the Greater Waco region. Through its advocacy and support for leadership, education, and workforce development, the Foundation is committed to playing a crucial role in shaping a better future for the community. With a dedicated board of directors and a commitment to collaboration and innovation, the Foundation will continue to build upon Greater Waco’s strengths to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities. As Waco’s growth story unfolds, the Foundation remains a key catalyst in ensuring that the region thrives and prospers for generations to come.

For more information about the WCCDF, and to explore partnership and investment opportunities, please visit WacoChamber.com/Foundation.