Greater Waco Business - Winter 2018

WINTER 2018

PHILIP PATTERSON

PROVIDENCE HEALTHCARE NETWORK

GLENN ROBINSON

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER– HILLCREST

SERVING WACO’S UNDERSERVED

FAMILY HEALTH CENTER IS CHANGING LIVES

BEHIND THE SCENES

MCC HEALTH PROFESSIONS LAB

A WACO ADVOCATE

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. SOO BATTLE

A GREATER WACO CHAMBER PUBLICATION WACOCHAMBER.COM | 3

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIR

Englander DzignPak, LLC

Patillo Brown & Hill, LLP

CHAIR-ELECT

PAST CHAIR

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Extraco Banks

VICE CHAIR

Matt Meadors

Hal Whitaker

Loren Schwartz

Rick Tullis

Capstone Mechanical

CHAMBER STAFF

Jennifer Manning

Mark Reynolds

PRESIDENT & CEO Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Alston Jessica Attas Samantha Baker Linda Beasley Lexy Bishop Jennifer Branch Kris Collins Nancy Gupton Amanda Haygood

Keith Kusler Rachel Martinez Debbie McCutchen Matt Meadors Seth Morris Autumn Outlaw Jason Powers Felicia Taylor Michelle Williams

EDITOR

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Autumn Outlaw

Samantha Baker

ART DIRECTOR Keith Kusler

For advertising, contact Autumn Outlaw (254) 757-5603 • aoutlaw@wacochamber.com

ON THE COVER

The Greater Waco Chamber knows healthy citizens are important to our economy and our community. This issue showcases the array of healthcare services, programs and support Waco residents have available at their fingertips. See bios for Glenn Robinson, pg. 11, and Philip Patterson, pg. 15.

Photo by Samuel Scott Photography

Greater Waco Business is published and distributed to Chamber members and economic development prospects. Digital copies are available online at WacoChamber.com.

This publication is printed on FSC-certified paper. © 2018 Greater Waco Chamber 101 S. Third St. Waco TX 76701 • (254) 757-5600 The Greater Waco Chamber reserves the right to reject editorial or advertising content in the Greater Waco Business publication, and via the organization’s full range of communications | WINTER 2018 platforms, at its sole discretion.

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This edition of Greater Waco Business magazine is dedicated to exploring the healthcare sector in our community. As you make your way through the articles and profiles that follow, I am confident that you are going to be very impressed with – and thankful for – the scope and quality of care we enjoy in Waco/McLennan County.

The presence of world-class healthcare facilities in our community also strongly complement our work to encourage local companies to expand their operations in Waco/McLennan County, as well as to attract new business and industry to our marketplace.

Corporate site locators and senior-level company leaders are keenly interested in a defined range of matters that guide their decision making, and access to state-of-the-art healthcare services is always on the list. The healthcare sector is also a major economic driver in our region, employing thousands of professionals who seek entertainment, and purchase products and services throughout greater Waco.

With healthcare a significant and growing sector of our economy, our region’s healthcare providers are continually seeking talented people to help them meet their mission and provide quality care to our fellow citizens. Waco ISD’s Greater Waco Advanced Healthcare Academy and McLennan Community College’s Health Professions program do a great job of preparing students to enter the healthcare field.

McLennan Community College’s Health Professions Simulation laboratory provides students as well as current healthcare professionals with access to simulation technology

by Gaumard. Gaumard is a global technology company with a presence in Waco and is the manufacturer of the world’s most advanced patient simulator manikins. You can read more about these programs on the following pages.

Also included in this edition of Greater Waco Business is an article announcing Jackson Griggs, MD, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Family Health Center.

Dr. Griggs follows in the footsteps of Dr. Roland Goertz – a past Chairman of the Greater Waco Chamber’s Board of Directors – who is retiring after 22 years as CEO of the Center. We wish Dr. Goertz well in his retirement, and Dr. Griggs much success as he ascends to the leadership role of the Family Health Center. You will also find an interview with Dr. Soo Battle. Dr. Battle is Medical Advisor at the Advocacy Center.

She has spent years caring for victims of child sexual abuse. Through her work, she began hosting abuse prevention conversations that led to the creation of Camp Careful.

She is a superhero.

As 2018 draws to a close, I would like to express my warmest thanks to your Chamber’s professional team, our hundreds of volunteers who tirelessly serve the organization, and you, our investors, for another highly-impactful year. It is an honor to work with you, and to serve you. Best wishes for a safe and fruitful new year.

As always, thank you for your support of your chamber of commerce.

With appreciation,

Matthew T. Meadors President & CEO

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2018 HEALTHCARE EDITION

8 CHANGING HEALTHCARE FOR THE BETTER

BY GLENN ROBINSON, BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER – HILLCREST

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HISTORIC ROOTS IN WACO

BY PHILIP A. PATTERSON, PROVIDENCE HEALTHCARE NETWORK

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BEHIND THE SCENES: A LOOK AT MCC’S HEALTH PROFESSIONS LAB

BY LISA ELLIOTT, MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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A WACO ADVOCATE: AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. SOO BATTLE

BY SAMANTHA BAKER, GREATER WACO CHAMBER

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FROM HIGH SCHOOLS TO HOSPITALS

BY DONNA MCKETHAN, WACO ISD

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TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN WRAP-UP

BY AMBER GREENWOOD, GREATER WACO CHAMBER

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LOOKING FORWARD: REFLECTIONS ON PUBLIC POLICY

BY JESSICA ATTAS, GREATER WACO CHAMBER

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LEGAL MINUTE

BY TERESA SCHILLER, BEARD KULTGEN BROPHY BOSTWICK & DICKSON, PLLC

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SMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT ASHLEY FUTRIS, OWNER, BOLT BOUTIQUE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON THE MARKET MARKET REPORT ECONOMY IN FOCUS

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SERVING WACO’S UNDERSERVED: FAMILY HEALTH CENTER IS CHANGING LIVES

BY CARLOS HINOJOSA, FAMILY HEALTH CENTER 6 | WINTER 2018

MEMBERS

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CHAMBER & MEMBER NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CHAMBER AND OUR MEMBERS

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NEW MEMBERS ARE POPPING UP ALL OVER THE GREATER WACO AREA!

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RIBBON CUTTINGS A SNAPSHOT OF MEMBER BUSINESSES

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by Glenn Robinson, President of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest

H

ealthcare is constantly changing. For a hospital, it’s important to innovate to bring our patients the highest possible level of care.

We want to change healthcare for the better.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest has served the Waco area for nearly a century.

Rather than resting on a history of quality care, we are focused on the future.

That means mining fresh ideas, exploring the newest technologies and working collaboratively to transform healthcare.

As part of the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas, we recently rolled out a new system strategy. We think of these as guidelines or a blueprint. This strategy affects everyone from the neurologist to the cafeteria staff member and includes our core values: we serve faithfully, we act honestly, we never settle, and we’re in it together.

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SERVING FAITHFULLY Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center was established in 1920 with a foundation of faith as a Christian ministry of healing. We’ve built upon that foundation, even as we joined with Scott & White Healthcare and, later, Baylor Scott & White Health, by fostering an environment of service where the patient is at the heart of everything we do. This is where the “golden rule” reigns in our daily lives. More than 13,000 patients are admitted to our hospital each year and we strive to create an experience that reflects the care we would want to receive if we were the patient.

An excellent example of this is our Breast Center. A team of nearly all women serves Waco women throughout diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. These female physicians and specialists are experts who can connect with their patients on a deeper level, employing the latest technologies to fight breast cancer. Using genetic testing, our team can inform patients of their hereditary risk factors for cancer before any sign of a tumor. Patients also benefit from advanced digital and 3D imaging to better locate and identify breast abnormalities.

Our newest surgeon is using hidden scar breast surgery, which allows removal of tumors without leaving a visual reminder of the surgery. A recent hidden scar patient told us the procedure changed her life – although she endured a mastectomy, she said her advanced reconstruction without scars relieved her of disfigurement that might prevent her from looking in the mirror with pride. This kind of care is provided locally by experts that collaborate in one location. It’s the convenience, the quality and the empathy that our team would wish for while battling through a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis. We aim to employ that same level of compassionate care throughout our hospital and clinics.

ACTING HONESTLY We believe integrity is an integral part of healthcare.

That’s why our core value of acting honestly is a top priority, including efforts toward transparency in pricing.

Through our new Recondo system, we’re working to inform patients of their out-of-pocket expenses before care begins. We have listened as patients voice their concerns about the burden of unexpected costs. In response, our access services staff helps patients navigate copay and out-of-pockets costs, answer questions and make payment arrangements.

The issue of healthcare affordability is one that reaches from hospitals and clinics to the very top of our government. We know that perfecting the system will not happen overnight, but we believe honest communication with patients is the first step.

Honesty and integrity are at the core of patient care by our physicians, nurses and technicians, and their actions lead the way in helping to make healthcare more affordable. Through the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance, we commit to providing high-quality, costeffective care. That means using accountable, evidencebased, value-driven methods and removing unnecessary, and often costly, testing and treatment. Our goal is that the patient will receive the right care at the right time at the right cost.

Delivering the best possible care also means making quick and sincere efforts to correct issues or concerns honestly. Despite our commitment to researching and implementing strategies to improve quality, enhance

patient experience and reduce risk, a gap in service occasionally occurs. When that happens, we work to make things right. Our patient advocates lead the way in addressing concerns honestly, promptly and transparently.

Each patient’s case is documented, reviewed and brought to the appropriate leadership.

“The concerns that we get actually afford us the opportunity to examine our processes, to look and see what we can do to avoid or change the outcome of this situation in the future,” said Bill Selby, patient relations manager. “I’ve seen policies change, I’ve seen processes change, all based on patients being able to have a place to go to share their concerns.”

Patient advocates develop solutions with patient well-being as the priority. While we’d love to get it right every time, honesty and compassion are key in resolving complaints and rebuilding patient trust.

NEVER SETTLING If you think being the best is good enough, there’s a good chance you’ll never reach your full potential. No matter how many awards and how much progress we achieve, there will always be room for improvement.

It’s with that mindset that we reach for new technology, new methods and improved processes to be the area leader in comprehensive healthcare.

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Earlier this year, we became the first Waco area hospital to offer deep brain stimulation – a treatment for patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Kimball Pratt, M.D., pioneered this method locally, hoping to give those who suffer from debilitating disorders a chance to regain control of their lives.

His first patient, Francis Steiger, said that before the surgery she was unable to accomplish simple daily tasks such as cooking or opening a water bottle.

“It’s beyond words what I could do before to what I can do now,” Steiger said. “I’m as steady as a rock with my hands. It is just a whole new life.”

Our commitment to never settle can also be seen in our pursuit of the most advanced technology to help our doctors and our patients. The McClinton Cancer Center recently acquired a linear accelerator for radiation therapy that sends high-energy rays focused on destroying cancer cells while sparing the surrounding tissue, resulting in less harm to the patient while working to rid them of cancer.

Another example of our commitment to never settling is the construction of a new sports and orthopedic treatment and research facility. Located on the Hillcrest campus, the 106,000-square-foot free-standing facility will provide expert care for injured athletes and active adults as well as a focus on injury avoidance. Researchers will use cuttingedge technology to analyze the movement, training and nutrition of individuals and athletes to improve strength, conditioning and performance with a focus on safety.

“The medical research performed inside our human performance center will shape the future of sports injury prevention in Central Texas and beyond,” said Matt Rohrer, vice president of clinic operations at Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest.

The Warrior Research Institute (WRI), which operates under the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and is led by nationally recognized psychologist Dr. Suzy Bird Gulliver, focuses on innovative treatments for military

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veterans and emergency responders dealing with the effects of dangerous and stressful work environment.

The WRI is studying telehealth treatment for veterans or their family members suffering from depression, anger, substance abuse, or post-traumatic stress. Veterans and family members receive counseling at home through video teleconferencing at no cost. It’s one of more than a dozen WRI research efforts to increase accessibility and address the stigma around mental health.

IN IT TOGETHER All of this is not possible without a commitment to teamwork. We realize that each member of the Hillcrest family brings important knowledge and expertise to the table. We’ve developed a huddle system, where teams of employees “huddle” daily to discuss challenges and opportunities, to make sure each voice is heard. If the team needs help solving a problem or implementing a strategy, it can elevate the issue or idea all the way to hospital leadership. This cultivates a culture of continuous improvement.

Our free Nurse-Family Partnership program connects firsttime mothers to a nurse. The nurse meets with the mother during pregnancy and throughout the first two years of her baby’s life, teaching the mother parenting and life skills to raise her baby successfully. Evidence shows this program improves prenatal health, increases breast feeding and reduces child abuse, neglect and injuries.

Our community outreach is enhanced by our partnership with the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, which helps to grow, develop and enhance our area’s health, education, and business and financial strength. The Chamber allows us to participate in initiatives like Leadership Waco, giving young leaders the opportunity to immerse themselves in the community. In addition to having representatives

in the Leadership Waco class, Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest hosts the class and shows the inner workings of the healthcare system through tours and lectures.

We also have participated in the Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign, focused on providing leadership and financial resources to advance our community. By joining forces with other business entities, we help each other grow stronger and enhance Waco economic growth and development.

That growth and development mirrors what we hope to see in healthcare. Commitment to community and patients paired with our core values creates an environment where we evolve with the changing healthcare landscape and lead the way in making the system work better. n

Glenn A. Robinson, FACHE Glenn Robinson has been the President of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest since September 2007. He previously held several CEO positions at hospitals in Texas, Oregon, and South Carolina. A Georgia native and graduate of the University of Alabama, Glenn completed graduate school at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

He has more than 30 years experience in hospital and healthcare management, is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and has received several professional awards. Most notably, he was named to Tenet Healthcare’s CEO Circle of Excellence in two separate years, and is the recipient of an Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Glenn also serves on a number of national and state healthcare policy boards, including the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees. In addition, he serves as Chair of AHA’s Regional Policy Board 7, a member of the Texas Hospital Association Board of Trustees, and has served as Chairman of the THA’s Council on Policy Development. He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer for both Baylor University and Trinity University and is involved in several non-profit organizations and community councils including Prosper Waco, Pine Cove Christian Camps, Restoration Gateway, and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.

Glenn and his wife, Rhonda, have three children: Josh, Jacob and Sarah Kathryn, and three grandchildren: Pierce, Caden and Colt.

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by Philip A. Patterson, FACHE, President of Providence Healthcare Network

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or more than 114 years, Providence Healthcare Network has been deeply committed to improving the health and wellness of the Waco community. The first hospital founded in Waco, Providence continues to demonstrate strong roots through our mission to serve everyone, with special attention to the poor and most vulnerable. By offering a comprehensive continuum of care to the Greater Waco community and as one of the largest employers in Waco, Providence is committed to bringing excellent healthcare services to Waco and the surrounding communities.

Providence’s roots in Waco go back to 1904 when a local physician and several local businessmen asked the Daughters of Charity to build a hospital. Founded in the 17th century by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, the Daughters dedicated themselves to expressing God’s love through serving the sick, poor and vulnerable.

Knowing there were no funds available to facilitate this request, the Daughters responded, “Providence will have to provide.” God did provide, and Providence Sanitarium opened in 1905 as Waco’s first hospital.

Today, Providence remains a Catholic health ministry dedicated to spiritually-centered holistic care which strives to sustain and improve the health of individuals and the community. Our commitment to sustaining the health of our community also aligns with our mission to care for the sick and people living in poverty. Last year, Ascension’s Texas Ministry Market, which includes Seton Hospitals in the Austin area, provided over $250 million in charity care.

Through Ascension, the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S and the world’s largest Catholic health system, 12 | WINTER 2018

Providence has the resources and national backing to reinvent the future of healthcare in Waco. Last year, Providence rebranded with Ascension as part of a national effort to improve the care we provide by bringing the knowledge and resources of thousands of medical professionals across the country to our own physicians and caregivers. Working together with Ascension, patients will continue to receive the quality care they know and trust with the added strength of a national network.

As our community continues to grow, Providence is investing in the future of healthcare in Waco through more convenient and innovative health solutions. Consumers are looking for healthcare solutions at the right place at the right time for an affordable cost. As a part of Ascension’s Texas Ministry Market, Providence is addressing these growing and dynamic needs to determine the best ways to provide convenient, affordable and effective healthcare options in Waco and throughout Central Texas.

From our historic roots, to our ongoing commitment to identify and address healthcare needs in Waco, we are dedicated to reinventing and investing in services to serve our community.

Care Close to Home Taking care of our patients, associates, family and friends is our top priority at Providence. Every day, 1,600 people trust their care to Providence and we continue to make strides as a community healthcare network dedicated to providing exceptional, coordinated care for everyone at one of our many Providence locations. Our full continuum of care includes Providence Health Center, DePaul Center, Providence Village, Providence Home Care, Providence Hospice and Providence Health Alliance, which includes 23 total clinics offering access to care through Express Care, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and specialty care clinics.

Located on the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin, we are committed to bringing more healthcare services to Waco, from beginning of life to the end of life and every moment in between to ensure quality care is accessible and cost-effective. We understand that our community craves world-class care close to home, and we are confident that new developments and optimized services at Providence will help serve these needs.

Reinventing Healthcare to Serve Waco

Providence has a long tradition of firsts in the Waco community, including the first open-heart surgery, first cardiac stent procedure, opening of the first comprehensive stroke center, first psychiatric clinic to the first robotic surgery and 3D mammography technology, to name a few. Today, new developments in cardiac care, women’s and children’s services and more are paving the way for the future of healthcare in Waco.

Waco’s Heart Hospital

Known as Waco’s Heart Hospital, Providence has long been committed to improving the heart health of Central Texans. Generations of patients have entrusted their heart health to Providence’s superior team of professionals who truly take the health of their patients to heart. This fall, Providence is excited to introduce developments in cardiac care, including a new Structural Heart Program.

The program includes a structural heart room, EP and Cath lab upgrades, and ability to offer a wide range of procedures including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), which offers many benefits for heart patients with critical aortic stenosis, or severe narrowing of a heart valve. TAVR is an innovative procedure that places a new aortic valve into the heart via a catheter inserted through an incision in the groin area and offers much shorter recovery times.

Thanks to a strategic partnership with Waco Cardiology Associates to provide these services, patients can now receive high acuity cardiac care close to home at Providence.

Care for Our Women and Children

In addition to new developments in cardiac care, Providence continuously works to increase our women’s and children’s services to Waco.

At our Providence Breast Health Center, we offer advanced digital mammography and diagnosis in a convenient location with a spa-like atmosphere to help serve women when they are at their most vulnerable.

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From 3D mammogram screenings and Swedish massage therapy to our Pink Partner Fund provided by donations through Providence Foundation, which provides mammograms to women who cannot afford them, our Breast Health Center exemplifies our commitment to compassion and excellence. At the Center, we see firsthand how care from passionate associates paired with state-ofthe-art equipment helps women beat breast cancer.

Our Waco Center for Women’s Health has also expanded to include a Midwifery clinic located on the Health Center campus with Certified-Nurse Midwives (CNM) which allows women to have the midwifery experience in the safety of a hospital environment. Our CNMs are with women through all phases of life, not just during the event of childbirth.

CNMs complete well-woman exams, primary care and perhaps most importantly, recognize what’s normal and what’s not normal for patients. If an abnormality is indicated by a CNM, they refer the patient to a physician.

Providence partners with Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas to offer advanced pediatric-focused emergency care in Waco. Infants, children and teens can now visit the ER at Providence and receive high-quality care based on this special relationship with Dell Children’s in Austin.

Providence staff is trained on the latest in pediatric protocols to help children get well and back home as quickly as possible. Sometimes, children need more intensive services. Telemedicine tools allow Providence ER staff to directly connect with Dell Children’s emergency medicine doctors and hospitalists to coordinate seamless transfers when needed.

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Serving Waco and its Business Community Serving Waco means serving the business community. As one of the largest employers in Waco, caring for and maintaining our long-standing relationship with the business community is important to us and crucial to the strategic decisions we make to help keep Waco healthy and a wonderful place to live. Providence has been a member of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce for 78 years, and we strive to listen to the community and act by investing in quality healthcare.

As we grow, our resources are increasing access to quality care for businesses and their employees. In addition to numerous community outreach initiatives throughout the year, our Providence Express Care Downtown offers anytime appointments to support the needs of the growing number of downtown businesses.

With more than 2,300 employees at Providence, and 150,000 associates at Ascension nationwide, our dedication to Waco and Central Texas is here to stay. From our historical roots to new investments, like our new Lacy Lakeview Medical Plaza that includes family health, pediatrics, Express Care and rehabilitative and radiology services, to plans for a future clinic in Hewitt, we look forward to growth and expansion.

As we celebrate almost 115 years and the journey that has brought us to where we are today, we renew our vow to our community that we will never stray from the foundation on which Providence was built. We are blessed with a rich history and it is a story worth sharing. For as St. Vincent DePaul once said, “God has honored us in our Call to Serve.” n

Philip A. Patterson, FACHE, is

president of Providence Healthcare Network in Waco, Texas.

Patterson has been in executive healthcare leadership for more than 20 years. He comes to Providence from Trinity Health in Minot, North Dakota, where he led operations to strengthen the organization’s quality, service, finance and growth goals as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Strategy Officer.

Previously, Patterson served at and led healthcare organizations across the country, including President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Owensboro Health System in Kentucky; CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System in New York; CEO for HealthSouth Hospitals in Fort Worth, Arlington and Houston; and various executive roles at Allina Health in Minnesota, and Ochsner Clinic in Louisiana.

Committed to community enrichment, Patterson has volunteered for numerous boards, including his current role as Trustee of Kentucky

Wesleyan College. Patterson also serves on the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Prosper Waco Board of Directors, Baylor-Robbins Institute for Health Care and Leadership as an advisory council member, a member of the steering committee for Leading Waco Women Athena Awards Summit and a member of the Waco Business League.

In addition to his professional and community commitments, Patterson is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and has served as President of the organization’s Minnesota State Chapter. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration and continued his studies to earn a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama and a Master of Health Administration from Georgia State University.

Providence is part of Ascension, the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system.

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Need medical or dental care?

The Family Health Center is here to help and high-quality care is our specialty. With 14 locations throughout McLennan County, the Family Health Center has a location convenient for you.

Family Health Center’s mission is to improve the wellness of the underserved and vulnerable residents of the Heart of Texas by providing effective access to high-quality, comprehensive primary healthcare.

Family Health Center (FHC) has been known by several names over the years. Whether you know it by Waco Family Practice or Community Health Clinic, FHC has been in Waco for 48 years, officially starting in July of 1970 in what was once Providence Hospital on 18th Street and Colcord Avenue. The FHC Main Site is still there, although Providence Hospital has long since moved. The idea for FHC started in the late 1960s when there was a shortage of physicians in McLennan County to address the medical needs of the county. Emergency services were inadequate, hospitals were financially strained, and the indigent population, McLennan County’s most vulnerable residents, were drastically underserved. Local leaders could see that the physician population was small and advanced in years, so something 16 | WINTER 2018

by Carlos M. Hinojosa Development Director Heart of Texas Community Health Center (dba) Family Health Center

had to be done to attract young physicians to the area. With support from the City of Waco and McLennan County, the Waco Residency Program was established to train recent medical student graduates in Family Practice (now known as Family Medicine).

Since that time, over 400 physicians have completed their residency training in Family Medicine and FHC’s residency program is one the finest in the nation. More than half of the Family Medicine doctors here in the Greater Waco area were trained at the FHC. But FHC is more than just a residency training facility. It’s the place where a majority of the most vulnerable population receive their medical care. There are currently over 96,000 people in McLennan County that live at or below two times the federal poverty level; last year alone, FHC saw over 58,000 patients. Whether patients are on Medicare, Medicaid, have third-party insurance, or have no insurance at all, we exist to serve them.

We couldn’t see this volume of patients without a great team of caregivers. I had the chance to sit down with our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kelley Reynolds, to ask her about why she serves at Family Health Center. She said, “I joined FHC in early 2005 practicing Family Medicine at the McGregor Community Clinic. I immediately felt I was part of the family and part of a large team focused on excellent patient care. I was pleased to focus on quality and access for

patients needing our services, regardless of their funding or status. I was given the tools I needed to provide primary care, including lab and X-ray services; pharmacy, dental and counseling services; and an excellent electronic health record. Still, many of my patients were limited in their access to more specialized testing and care.“

IN 2017 FAMILY HEALTH CENTER SERVED OVER 58,000 PATIENTS. Over the years we have expanded our services to include an extensive radiology department that can handle X-rays, ultrasounds and even CT scans. Having these services onsite helps to increase access to diagnostic testing to patients who are not insured. Other expanded services include our four dental clinics, which provide care that greatly impacts overall health, comfort, and even employment potential for many WACOCHAMBER.COM

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of our patients. Integrated behavioral health services have also been added to address the overwhelming need in the community, with plans to expand to all of our clinics over the next few years. As Dr. Reynolds put it, “Our Integrated Health Managers are vital members of the primary care team and provide behavioral and mental health care at the same time and location as a medical office visit through assessments, brief counseling sessions, and coordination with community resources.”

The work that is going on at FHC is always exciting. As we attempt to increase the standard of care our patients receive by expanding our services, we are also trying some different and innovative approaches to medicine. Thanks to our partners at the Episcopal Health Foundation, we have started to look at healthcare a little differently. Instead of a model of sick care – where someone gets sick and seeks treatment – we’re working on a model of well care. Well care focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through getting enough exercise and eating nutritious food. In the fall of 2017, we opened our Wellness Center at our Madison Cooper Community Clinic location. The Wellness Center exists to help patients of FHC learn and practice how to eat more healthily and be more physically active. Baylor graduate students studying exercise physiology serve as Fitness Advisors, helping patients on their way to a healthier lifestyle and getting them accustomed to working out and using cardio and weight machines. We have also partnered with World Hunger Relief, Inc. to create a Prescription for Produce program, where patients who aren’t getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diet can get prescriptions to increase access to fresh produce. Since opening, the Wellness Center has had over 350 people visit and begin their journey to a healthier life! During the spring season 18 | WINTER 2018

alone, the Prescription for Produce program has distributed over 1,300 boxes of fresh produce to patients who received prescriptions. The response from our patients has been outstanding. Several of our patients report back to us about how their health has improved and how good they feel having access to a better diet and a place to work out.

So much has changed since we began our service to McLennan County 48 years ago. We’ve grown in the number of resident doctors we train, the number of clinics we have, the services we provide – we’ve even changed our name a couple of times. But we still have the same commitment to our community, and our community leaders are still committed to us. You also can help! Whether you are a local official, a business owner, employee, stay-at-home parent, student, or just a local resident – we need your help, and there are several ways you can do that.

First, come visit us. If you want to get more familiar with what we do, come take a tour or schedule a visit with one of our caregivers or dentists. See for yourself all the exciting things that are happening here. You can also volunteer. Baylor students are our most frequent volunteers, but opportunities exist for everyone in the community.

Whether it’s helping in our Wellness Center or reading books to the children in the waiting areas of our clinics, we have a job for you. Lastly, you can give. While much of our income is generated from patient visits, we are a nonprofit organization and your gift matters and makes a difference.

Whether you give to the Community Gathering Space that is planned, the sustainability of the Wellness Center that has changed so many lives, or to help make sure our patients who can’t pay can get the medical care they need, your gift is important. Whether you give of your time, your talents, or your treasures, the FHC would not be here without the support of this community. n

Jackson Griggs, MD After Dr. Roland Goertz announced his plans for retirement, with 22 years of service to Family Health Center (FHC) and the Waco community, a search was initiated to fill the role of CEO. A committee of both Board and Community members was appointed to conduct the nationwide search. More than 270 candidates were reviewed by the national search firm assisting the committee. After in-person interviews of finalists, the committee unanimously recommended one candidate, and the FHC’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of FHC’s own Jackson Griggs, MD, effective February 25, 2019.

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A BRIGHT FUTURE AT THE

Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

T

he Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Waco is part of the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). The CTVHCS coverage area includes 39 counties in Central Texas, including McLennan County, and covers more than 35,000 square miles and 11 congressional districts.

For the 2018 fiscal year (FY2018: Oct. 1, 2017 – Sept. 30, 2018), outpatient visits totaled 183,711 for the Doris Miller VAMC with a continued growth in the number of female veterans treated in Waco, increasing from 4,396 in FY2016 to 6,551 in FY2018.

Waco facility only workload * FY16

FY17

FY18

Unique patients

29,465

32,455

44,548

CLC unique patients

264

270

236

Women unique patients

4,396

4,778

6,851

Outpatient visits

152,950 154,531 183,711

*from Veteran Support Service Center (VSSC) 11-14-18

The Waco VA Hospital opened on May 6, 1932, with construction of additional buildings in phases through 1945. In 1974, the Waco VA’s Blind Rehabilitation Program was established and continues to be an excellent service to veterans in Waco and across the nation. Waco’s Blind Rehabilitation Unit is one of only 12 across the nation and veterans often travel here to take advantage of the training and services being offered.

In 2009, then-VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and former U.S. Representative Chet Edwards visited the Waco VAMC to announce the Pharmacy Customer Care Center (PCCC) would move part of its Topeka, Kansas operations to the Waco campus. On October 5, 2012 a grand opening was held for the $9 million renovation project, and the PCCC currently employs a staff of more than 350.

After two bills (H.R. 4199 and S.2128) were passed in 2014 by Congress to officially name the Waco VAMC as the “Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,” a celebration was held in February 2015 with the unveiling of a new sign to honor Doris “Dorie” Miller. Born in Waco, Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic action during the attack on Pearl Harbor while on the U.S.S. West Virginia. Miller continued to serve on active duty until he lost his life while serving on the U.S.S. Liscome Bay less than two years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In June 2016, a new $8 million mega-laundry project was started on the Waco campus. At its opening, the laundry 20 | WINTER 2018

provided services at both the Waco and Temple campuses of as well as the North Texas VAMC in Dallas and the Carl R. Army Darnall Medical Center at Fort Hood. The laundry employs 68 staff and has extended its services to include the VAMC in San Antonio.

Renovations continued across the Doris Miller campus with a $8.8 million project for Building 8 that opened in October 2016 to house outpatient mental health patients. On April 20, 2017 a ribbon cutting celebrated the completion of a $7.4 million project for Building 93 to house the Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, which conducts cutting-edge research on post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.

On October 16, 2017, a newly-created eight-bed women’s acute psychiatry unit was opened in Building 94 with a staff of 19 employees. The Doris Miller VA is also home to a 40-bed psychosocial rehabilitation program.

Employment at the Doris Miller New to Waco is a Women’s Department of Veterans Affairs Traumatic Rehabilitation Unit (WTRU) with eight beds – one of only four in the nation – which is slated to open in early 2019. This Year Full-time Employee

Equivalents (FTEE) is part of a $136,000 renovation

on board* project currently underway for Building 7 to use as a female 2014 783 Veteran’s Domiciliary to house 2015 782 treatment programs for the 2016 881 WTRU, PTSD and rehabilitation.

This project will provide an entire 2017 906 floor dedicated to female beds as 2018 896 well as provide a quiet/mediation *

These numbers do not include the Members room for residents to increase their Services and Austin Finance Service Center physical and psychological safety. employees; adding these FTEE, there are a

2014 - 2018

total of 1,327 federal FTEE working on the

Projects on the books at the Waco Campus Waco Campus for the future include a $2 million Canteen renovation, a $120,000 renovation to relocate and update the space for the pharmacy, and $7 million renovation of Building 10 for Community Living Center residents. The demolition part of this project has been awarded and is expected to start by the end of the 2018 calendar year.

We look forward to a bright future for the Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Waco and continued partnerships with our community partners. n

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by Lisa Elliot, McLennan Community College, Director of Marketing & Communications

I

n the film and TV production industry, “Scene! That’s a wrap” is a common and expected saying, but do you know it may also be used in the Health Professions program at McLennan Community College (MCC)? In January 2012, MCC opened the Health Professions Simulation (HPS) laboratory in the heart of the Health Professions complex, where thousands of students learn and participate in real-world scenarios to prepare them for exciting careers in healthcare. The facility houses mid- and high-fidelity simulation manikins and equipment to replicate real patient experiences that students may encounter in the healthcare field.

Since 2003, MCC’s Health Professions faculty have used high-fidelity simulation equipment to offer safe, nonthreatening, real-world environments for students to practice quality patient care. MCC theatre students sometimes portray sick patients in simulation scenarios, and the HPS lab even offers a “green room” which serves as a briefing area for the actors. Theatre students enjoy participating in these emergency scenarios for the adrenaline rush and the chance to show off their acting skills.

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In order to meet McLennan County’s healthcare demands for skilled professionals, MCC offers a dedicated setting for students as well as community healthcare professionals to learn and practice superior patient care with innovative simulation technology by Gaumard, the manufacturer of the “world’s most advanced patient simulator manikins.”

Meet the Sims

These realistic sim-manikins offer a wide age range of “patients” from infants to elderly. Adult Victoria is the birthing manikin and delivers a neonatal sim-baby named Tory. Adult Susie displays diabetic symptoms, so students may monitor her blood sugar levels using a glucometer. A Skills Development grant in 2010 significantly added to MCC’s sim-family. Besides Victoria, Tory, and Susie, seven other sim-manikins “live” in the HPS lab: adult Hal, five-year-old Hal, one-year-old Hal, newborn Hal, preemie Hal, SimMan, and SimBaby.

Each manikin presents different symptoms and scenarios to challenge students’ clinical and decision-making skills.

They are able to “talk” through pre-recorded messaging or a

professor in the control room, who responds to student questions.

The adult-sized manikins can also breathe, speak and display all the physiologically appropriate functions like heart and respiratory sounds and pulses in both the left arm and legs. Students may start IVs and infuse fluids as well as practice giving injections and other treatments in a stress-free setting. Each sim-manikin has a monitor for the professor to choose vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse for any scenario.

According to the manufacturer Gaumard, MCC’s simmanikins were created after years of research. By using simulators instead of human patients, students no longer have to rely on clinical rotations to gain all of their experience.

When ready for clinical work, MCC’s Health Profession students are better prepared than ever before.

Tour the Lab

MCC’s HPS laboratory includes two 10-bed simulation wards, one labor and delivery room, one critical care unit, and one trauma area. Control rooms allow MCC professors to observe students through one-way mirrors and facilitate scenarios through the manikins. An audio-visual system records student practicums allowing professors to debrief them later on their performance. Each room in the lab is designed to replicate an emergency room, hospital, clinic, or a personal residence and are equipped with actual medical supplies and equipment, so students get a real-world medical experience.

projected onto a manikin.

Community Participation

For many years, MCC professors have collaborated with the Waco Family Medicine Residency program to offer interdisciplinary simulation scenarios in the lab with physicians, licensed medical professionals, and students in MCC’s Health Professions and Public Service programs.

Community partnerships allow MCC students to not only participate alongside professionals in their fields of study, but also receive helpful advice and mentoring.

For more than 50 years, McLennan Community College’s Health Professions programs have served as a primary educational source for working healthcare professionals in McLennan County. Application of knowledge and skills learned while in a chosen program allow students to contribute positively to patient care by improving and maintaining the health of those they serve.

For more information about MCC’s Health Professions program or the HPS laboratory, contact Glynnis Gaines at ggaines@mclennan.edu or visit www.mclennan.edu/healthprofessions/simulation-lab/. Community members are welcome to schedule a tour of any MCC facility by contacting Highlander Central at 254-299-8622. n

On the south end of the HPS building, an ambulance bay allows students to practice caring for patients the moment they arrive to the emergency room.

An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) simulation apartment teaches Paramedicine students how to extricate patients from their homes in an emergency.

Adjacent to the HPS lab is a special classroom housing a Virtual Human Dissector, which the college secured through a Jobs and Education for Texas (JET) grant. This 3D technology allows students to examine actual organs, tissue and muscles inside the human body as they are WACOCHAMBER.COM

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by Nancy Payne McEachern, REBC, Business Development Director/Producer with Insurors of Texas

A

ny business owner distinctly understands the impact that attracting, developing and retaining a strong workforce has on a company’s growth and success.

Many times, small and medium-sized businesses can quickly start to look at what large corporations are investing in their recruitment and retention efforts and feel left out of the game.

However, in Waco, with our strong healthcare community and affordable options, it’s easier than ever to gain a competitive edge by strategically building a benefits package that provides choice, meeting the specific needs of employees and recruits, while making sure healthcare spending is managed.

Plan design starts by looking at traditional medical, dental and vision healthcare. By providing options under the umbrella of a group (2+ lives), you are immediately providing shared risk and more stable premiums.

Owners must remember that one size doesn’t fit all, nor does one size fit the same people forever. Offering a base plan that meets the budget and needs of the majority with buy-ups for those with specialized needs or more flexible budgets is easy to do at the point of implementation without additional cost to the company.

For this type of major medical plan, insurers are offering more “narrownetwork” choices, which cover select hospitals and doctors. Premiums for narrow-network plans can be 13 to 19 percent lower than those for plans with broader networks. For businesses watching each dollar, this is often what gives them the ability to offer 24 | WINTER 2018

such a valuable plan, knowing that in Waco, a limited network still contains excellent providers and hospital coverage.

When evaluating the option of offering a traditional major medical healthcare plan, it is important that the additional benefits of providing an Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant plan, which includes preventative care, be taken into consideration. The ACA makes preventative care affordable and accessible by requiring specific private health plans to cover named recommended preventative services without charging a deductible, copayment, co-insurance or other cost-sharing. Preventing disease is key to improving health and keeping rising health costs under control; in addition, it provides a healthier, more stable and productive workforce in our community.

With healthcare plans, it’s essential that business owners and their employees become educated on urgent care and emergency room coverages and in-network providers.

With the rise of high deductible plans, this has become even more crucial, as a financial burden can quickly get in the way of receiving needed healthcare. Fortunately, our community has ancillary options such as express/urgent care providers with flat rate pay structures as well as annual Membership Programs to provide the peace that these types of service are accessible without unpredictable high costs.

When determining options that assist with unexpected needs, it is

essential for businesses to remember that employee benefits don’t end with medical healthcare but extend to disability and supplemental coverage as well. According to Benefits Specials Magazine, even though financial wellness impacts overall health, one in three working Americans doesn’t have adequate disability insurance to provide a source of income when they can’t work due to an illness or injury. Results from a recent survey conducted by Anthem reveal confusion, particularly among millennials, around the benefits of disability insurance and the role it plays in protecting financial wellness.

The fact is that one in four of today’s 20-year-olds will experience a disability before they retire, with the most common being pregnancy.

However, only one-third of millennials think short-term disability insurance is important to their financial wellbeing, and over half say they are not very familiar with long-term and short-term disability insurance. This is where a company of any size can easily provide value by offering the coverage voluntarily or assisting with the cost along with educating employees regarding why it is such a fundamental necessity.

Along similar lines, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are an additional tool to increase the perceived value of a benefits package by providing employees and their family members a broad range of confidential and professional assistance when they need it. EAPs let employees address their problems, seek and receive appropriate

counseling or treatment, and return to work with renewed productivity.

Businesses have recognized that many everyday life stresses can negatively affect employee attendance and concentration, the general workplace morale and an employee’s ability to perform well on the job and are a way for a smaller business to provide such services without the cost of significant raises or richer medical plans.

Healthcare costs can be one of the largest expenses within a budget – going from zero dollars to providing full benefits can impact a business significantly. Therefore, some options assist in providing needed medical care without the same costs of more customary plans. Key examples that are being used more and more extensively in our Waco market are Minimal Essential Coverage (MEC) plans, Direct Primary Care (DPC) programs and healthcare sharing. All create the opportunity to add value to what you are providing your workforce while limiting the upfront costs.

or perk. Small business owners who cannot afford to rehire and retrain over and over need to consider this when determining which benefits to offer, what to cover (medical+dental+vision are preferred) and which ancillary and supplemental options to include, as this is an on-demand generation, choosing to pick what they deem useful.

Overall, while the options and configurations are varied, it is our responsibility to take care of our people and our community. Entrepreneurship

within small businesses no longer means that benefits fall to the wayside. To start the process to build a customized plan, you simply need a business tax ID, two or more employees, birthdates, zip codes and genders.

Then, the market opens up to hundreds of options and the potential for small business owners to seize the chance to impact the future of our buzzing economy by protecting both the health and finances of each and every employee is alive and well. n

As a business begins the strategic planning process for benefits, it is important to remember your audience.

In Waco, we are experiencing a paradigm shift with the increasing number of young adults seeking employment, creating the need to look at our benefits packages in an additional light. This takes understanding what their financial stress is in their eyes, as well as the benefits they see as most advantageous.

It has been shown that millennials will change jobs for a particular benefit WACOCHAMBER.COM

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by Kristina Holcomb, Premier ER, Director of Communications and Patient Relations

The Waco community is home to exceptional healthcare providers with a network of options.

Four years ago, Dr. John Hamilton, CEO and President of Premier ER and Urgent Care, saw the need for an additional option to be offered to the community – there was a growing disconnect between the patient and the physician providing care, and Dr. Hamilton’s desire to bring the

connection and experience back to the Waco community was the foundation of Premier ER and Urgent Care.

Urgent care clinics are a great resource for unscheduled acute needs during the day when it’s often difficult to get into a Primary Care Physician (PCP) or pediatrician and after hours when those offices are closed.

Services for sore throats, sprains, flu and strep tests are examples of what an urgent care clinic can be utilized for.

There are more “freestanding” emergency centers opening in the state of Texas. A freestanding emergency room is a 24/7 healthcare facility that provides emergency care in a location that is not attached to a hospital. They are equipped and staffed to the same standards as an emergency department (or ER) in a hospital. If additional care is needed, such as surgery or further observation, the freestanding facility will transfer the patient to the most appropriate next level of care, just as it is done in a hospital-based ER. Premier ER and Urgent Care is fully staffed with experienced doctors and providers, nurses, radiology techs and support staff. Premier is a comprehensive solution to unscheduled care. There are currently five locations in the Waco, Temple/ Belton and San Marcos communities.

Combining an emergency room and urgent care clinic in one location creates a cost-effective way to receive care with little-to-no wait. The Waco

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community now has options to go where the patient doesn’t have to decide how big or small the injury or sickness is. Over 70 percent of the patients in Premier leave with just an urgent care bill.

“According to a Truven Health Analytics study, 45 to 65 percent of ER visits could have been seen in an urgent care facility. We eliminate that stress of a patient choosing which option they should go to and we help them manage the triage process,” said Paul Hamilton, Vice President of Business and Strategic Development.

“Our data shows over 70 percent of our patients are seen in our urgent cares facilities.”

Millennials are a larger generation than the Baby Boomers and have shown an interest and desire in changing how things “used to be,” and the Waco community has embraced a lot of change and continues to thrive. More and more employers are moving to high deductible healthcare plans for a variety of reasons. There is now a membership option, Beacon Direct, which is an exclusive membership that focuses on partnering with terrific healthcare and wellness services for a simplified and transparent pricing methodology. The membership can be a great tool for people to either use as a solo option or a perfect complement to a high deductible insurance plan. n

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by Samantha Baker, Marketing and Communications Specialist, Greater Waco Chamber

People often romanticize being a doctor - think shows like Grey’s Anatomy and ER. But, as many people who work in healthcare know, being a doctor is actually an intense, exhaustive and often dirty line of work. After talking to Dr. Soo Battle, it’s obvious that being a doctor is also highly rewarding and fulfilling in many ways.

Soo grew up in Austin and met her husband, now Dr. Jake Battle, in high school. They attended the University of Texas together, where they both decided to pursue careers in medicine. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with kids; that, paired with her interest in medicine, started her on her journey to becoming a pediatrician.

After graduating from the University of Texas, Soo earned her medical degree and graduated from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB Galveston) in 2000, while her husband Jake earned his medical degree in Dallas. Before they started their respective residency programs, hers in pediatrics and his in orthopedic surgery, the two squeezed in a wedding and a honeymoon. “I graduated from medical school one Saturday, we got married the next Saturday, and he graduated from medical school the following Saturday,” said Soo. “We went on a four-day honeymoon and then we started our residencies in Galveston.”

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After her three-year pediatrics residency at UTMB Galveston, Soo was a faculty member in the pediatric emergency room. Soon after she began that program, she gave birth to her first child, Sam, in 2003. Jake finished his residency in 2005, and at that point, a friend of his recommended he look at Waco if he was interested in pursuing orthopedic surgery. “At this point, I said, ‘Waco is the place we stop for gas when we’re driving from Austin to Dallas,’” Soo said with a laugh. “I said, ‘Go for it, go interview, see if you like it.’”

Jake interviewed at the Waco Orthopedic Clinic. He also interviewed for a job in San Marcos. “We’re from Austin, so San Marcos sounded really nice, it’s close to Austin, our families are both in Austin,” said Soo. Jake loved his interview at Waco Orthopedic but ended up accepting the job in San Marcos. However, when contract negotiations didn’t work out, Jake recalled how great his interview in Waco was, so Soo agreed to go to Waco with him for a second interview.

“I remember coming here, and one of the Waco Orthopedic partner’s wives was the mayor, Linda Ethridge,” Soo recalled. “She and Nancy Goodnight, who’s basically an ambassador for Waco, gave me a tour.

I had the best two tour guides ever, and I decided, ‘This is doable, Waco is doable.’ So Jake took the job and we moved here in 2005.”

After their move to Waco, Soo decided to take some time off work and had her second child, Brooke. During that time off, she started getting involved in Waco, joining the Junior League, volunteering on the board of directors at the Advocacy Center, and getting involved in the McLennan County Medical Alliance -- there was

never a shortage of opportunities to get involved and get immersed with the awesome people of Waco.

Camp Careful. Learn more about the Camp Careful program at CampCareful.com.

In 2008, Soo began hosting abuse prevention talks at the Advocacy Center, initially inviting a few of her friends with their toddler-aged kids. By 2010, her “talks” had evolved into a program she called “Camp Careful,” a program where children and parents are educated about preventing the sexual abuse of children, talking about things like ‘Stranger Danger’ and keeping ‘private parts’ private. After the Penn State sex abuse scandal broke in 2011, Soo realized there was a great need for education and awareness of child sex abuse, how to spot it, how to prevent it and how to protect children from it.

In 2010, Soo returned to work part-time at Baylor Scott & White in Temple. She transferred to the Waco Baylor Scott & White pediatric clinic in 2013, where she continued working part-time and continued her involvement with the Junior League and the Advocacy Center, where she served on the board of directors from 2008 to 2012. In 2015, while working part-time for Baylor Scott & White, Soo took on a second part-time position at the Advocacy Center and began performing child sexual abuse exams. “The job at the Advocacy Center is hard,” Soo said. “It’s gotten busier, it’s more than I thought it was going to be, both time-wise and mentally and emotionally. I knew what I was getting into, but I didn’t know what I was getting into.”

“Over the next several years, it really kind of exploded once word of mouth passed along what Camp Careful was about,” Soo said. “I started a Facebook page and made a website, and Camp Careful has just grown by leaps and bounds since then.” Camp Careful is not only a resource to children to help them keep themselves safe and aware, but to parents as well, teaching them to realize signs of abuse, how to communicate with their kids about it and start the conversations surrounding abuse. Camp Careful now offers classes to kids ages three through six, ages seven through 12, and kids in sixth through eighth grade, as well as a high school-aged class.

According to the Camp Careful website, from 2008 to 2018, over 3,100 parents and children have attended

Soo now spends most of her work week at the Advocacy Center, spending significantly less time at Baylor Scott & White. Starting December 1 this year, Soo will be assuming the role of Medical Advisor while continuing to perform exams. “I think my calling is to the Advocacy Center,” she said. “I think I always knew that my life was going to go that direction. I remember doing a rotation in pediatric residency in Austin, where we were supposed to just shadow a pediatrician, and she just happened to be a child sexual abuse examiner. I followed her to the Advocacy Center one day, and I shadowed her doing a child

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sexual abuse exam, and I remember being floored by the fact that exams like that even existed. It blew all the stereotypes I’d had about child sexual abuse out the door.”

Learn more about the Advocacy Center and how to get involved at advocacycntr.org.

Although she’s not a Waco native, Soo says she can’t imagine her family living anywhere else. She and Jake initially were sold on Waco because of the medium size of the city, the fact that it’s right between Austin and Dallas, and the fact that the traffic is so light. She said those factors still hold true today, but they’ve also discovered that Waco is an excellent place to set down roots and raise a family. “There’s a great sense of community,” she said.

“You don’t know anyone when you first move here, but once you find your group, there are people there to support you almost immediately.” She described how before they moved here, she only knew Waco from I-35. “It’s beautiful! Once I got inside the city and went out to the lake, to Cameron Park and the zoo, to downtown, I realized that Waco was so much more than I thought.”

The best part of Waco, however, is the people. “If the community hears anyone is in need of help, you’ve got dozens of people ready to give it to you. We’ve made friends really quickly; our kids are actively involved, there are a million things for children to do, from sports to arts to music — there are so many opportunities here for kids and parents.”

The medical community in Waco has expanded a lot in recent years as well. When Soo and her family moved here, there was just Providence and Hillcrest. Then, after Baylor Scott & White bought Hillcrest, the medical market expanded greatly. “It’s all been great,” Soo said. “Doctors can always find a place somewhere in Waco.”

In her free time, Soo enjoys running, reading, spending quality time with her best friends, having date nights with her husband, and spending time with her family. “The biggest reasons I’d recommend someone move to Waco are the sense of community, the public education is wonderful, there’s a lot of growth in the area, and you don’t have to deal with big city headaches,” she said. “If you don’t know all of the great things about Waco, just talk to someone who’s lived here, and give it a try! I’m so glad we gave it a try because we aren’t leaving — we love it. Now we can’t imagine leaving.” n

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by Donna McKethan, CTE Director Waco ISD

The Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy (GWAHCA) was established to provide education and training for the next generation of healthcare professionals with students from high schools across Central Texas in attendance. This year, the campus hosts high school students from Midway, Students embark on their journey at GWAHCA as juniors, at which point they take World Health Research, Anatomy & Waco, University, Crawford, Physiology and Health Science Theory. As a part of Health Science Theory, students study to earn their Certified Nursing Bruceville-Eddy, McGregor, Marlin, Assistant (CNA) certificate. With a 98 percent passing rate, Mexia, Troy and the Methodist students gain both the academic and clinical skills needed to be successful. Seniors returning to GWAHCA can select from Children’s Home.

two pathways. Students may choose to experience various healthcare career fields by taking part in clinical rotations at both Providence Hospital and Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest.

While at the hospital, certified students (CNAs) rotate through a variety of settings including the emergency room and surgery.

Advanced students also earn an EKG certification. Alternatively, a student may also elect to take part in Pharmacy Tech certification classes. Pharmacy technicians work with pharmacists to help prepare and give out prescription medication. Students selecting this route are also provided job shadowing opportunities in allied health settings.

With a population growing more than twice as fast as the national average – and people living longer and experiencing more chronic illness – the demand for health care has never been greater. The state has well-document shortages of primary care physicians and other specialists. Texas counties primary care health needs are not currently being met. Shortages of nurses and allied health professionals contribute to this problem, and GWAHCA plays a major role in meeting this demand.

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This quarterly luncheon event at the Greater Waco Chamber is designed specifically for local business professionals and provides an update on “our economy in one hour�.

Recent economic development news and data is also presented that attendees can use in their business.

Visit web.WacoChamber.com/events to view details of the next Hour Economy luncheon.

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The foundation of GWAHCA is the strong community and health industry support. GWAHCA’s Business Advisory Board meets regularly and provides insight and advice on training the next generation of professionals. Through a partnership with McLennan Community College (MCC), students can also take advantage of dual-credit sciences courses to advance their college plans. GWAHCA is designed to meet the workforce development needs of our community and the needs and interests of students.

GWAHCA Success

Phre’Landrea Fondon is a senior at Marlin High School and in her second year at GWAHCA. Her goal after graduation is to attend Texas A&M University to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and then to continue on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. While attending GWAHCA, Phre’Landrea will earn certifications in Basic Life Support (CPR), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Electrocardiograph (EKG), and Pharmacy Technician certifications. According to this Marlin senior, “The best part about GWAHCA is having the opportunity to see that healthcare is truly a field I’m interested in. The hands-on experience in the nursing homes and hospitals is an amazing opportunity for all students.” This past summer, an internship through Prosper Waco and Waco ISD confirmed the rewards following her goal of becoming a nurse: with her CNA certification, Phre’Landrea thrived at Royal Manor Nursing Home and earned priceless experience.

Quadranea Holden is a senior at University High School and a second-year student at GWAHCA. After high school, she plans to attend college to reach her goal of becoming a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse. Eventually, she plans to seek an Master of Science in Nursing and become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP). In addition to taking courses at GWAHCA, Quadranea has taken advantage of Waco ISD’s Accelerate program. Starting in ninth grade, she began taking dual-credit courses at MCC, and now, her hard work has paid off. This spring, she will graduate from high school with CPR, C.N.A., EKG and Pharmacy Tech certifications. In addition, Quadranea will have earned an associate degree in Allied Health from MCC. Quadranea’s advice to those interested in GWAHCA is, “It doesn’t hurt to try it out. If you’re not

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sure about what you want to do in life, or even if you are, GWAHCA has a lot to offer. The greatest benefit of attending GWAHCA is getting to experience what it is like in the healthcare field before you commit to the profession.”

There are so many benefits associated with working in the healthcare industry. Whether you work as a nurse, a pharmacy technician or a surgeon, there are countless advantages that come with these positions. From the positive job outlook and high salaries to the better work-life balance and opportunities to serve others, you can’t go wrong with a healthcare career. If you are interested in finding out more about GWAHCA, contact Kandace Beckham (GWAHCA Dean) at (254) 399-6654. n PHOTOS COURTESY OF WISD

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The Chamber raises $1,385,758 in its fourteenth annual Total Resource Campaign Over 140 volunteers from numerous member companies raised funds for the Greater Waco Chamber through a theme inspired campaign.

These products included program, event and publication sponsorships, economic development, budget-reduction trade items, selected membership renewals and new members.

The TRC campaign kicks off in April and goes through the end of August annually. The volunteers meet weekly to celebrate the incremental success!

C A M PA I G N P R O D U C T I O N & S T R U C T U R E 2018 Campaign Chair Chuck Sivess, American Guaranty Title 2018 Campaign Chair-Elect Aaron McMillan, 1519 Surveying & Engineering

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CAMPAIGN TOTAL $1,385,758 CAMPAIGN GOAL $1,375,000 S U M M A RY R E S U LT S New Memberships Member Renewals Direct Budget Reduction Trades Publication Sponsorships Program & Event Sponsorships

$43,134 $235,401 $96,644 $207,620 $802,959

2018 C A M PA I G N V I C E C H A I R S: Nancy Gupton – American Guaranty Title Loren Schwartz – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Sam Brown – Extraco Banks

26 Teams:

American Bank American Guaranty Title ATMOS Energy Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest Baylor University BBVA Compass Bank Cen-Tex Roof System Community Bank & Trust Extraco Banks First National Bank of Central Texas First Title Company of Waco H-E-B Hilton Waco/Leadership Waco

Insurors of Texas Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd & Therrell, P.C. Kelly, Realtors Merrill Lynch Wealth Management National United Oak Farms Dairy Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. Providence Healthcare Network Tejas Logistics Trane Vogel Financial Group Waco Tribune Herald Waco Young Professionals

Greetings, paign was a We Kept On Groovin’!!! The Total Resource Cam eded our goal of major success for the 14th year in a row. We exce rds were broken $1,375,000 by raising $1,385,758, and several reco during this TRC, including: 10, we raised $271,502 • Most funds raised in a single week – Week •

Most raised in Wrap Up – $225,595 Most TRC Volunteers – 147

•

New memberships sold – 81

•

ership, staff and 26 corporate teams that The success of the TRC is attributed to our lead in countless hours that raise over a third of the collectively have almost 150 volunteers and put rs, Nancy Gupton, Loren Schwartz and Sam Chamber’s annual operating budget. Our vice chai with the Team Captains to achieve our goals. My Brown, did an outstanding job of coordinating the campaign helping me encourage everyone Chair-Elect Aaron McMillan was there throughout to meet our goal. A big thanks to all of them!

I am honored to have been the last TRC Chair Last, but certainly not least, is Amber Greenwood. s ng force of the TRC for each of the 14 years she’ under Amber’s leadership. She has been the drivi is a major factor in the success of the TRC all led it. Her dedication and countless hours of work these years. She will be greatly missed! leading the TRC. I know she and Aaron will Congratulations to Nancy Gupton on her new role the TRC for years to come. have a fantastic year and will continue growing In appreciation,

Chuck Sivess 2018 Total Resource Campaign Chair WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 37

PAST CAMPAIGN RESULTS & LEADERSHIP

YEAR TRC A M O U N T C A M PA I G N

G OA L RAISED CHAIR 2005 $250,000 $499,061 David Lacy, Community Bank and Trust 2006 $500,000 $640,499 David Lacy, Community Bank and Trust 2007 $650,000 $729,940 Terry Stevens, First American Title Co. of Waco 2008 $750,000 $849,168 Stewart Kelly, Kelly, Realtors 2009 $850,000 $943,623 Scott Felton, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 2010 $950,000 $1,081,132 Debbie Keel, AT&T 2011 $1,100,000 $1,137,411 Jim Haller, First National Bank of Central Texas 2012 $1,150,000 $1,182,546 Mark Reynolds, Extraco Banks 2013 $1,200,000 $1,238,643 Mike Reitmeier, Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd and

Therrell, P.C. 2014 $1,250,000 $1,268,163 Glenn Robinson, Baylor Scott and White

Medical Center – Hillcrest 2015 $1,275,000 $1,296,529 Ted Teague, Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler

Jeep Ram 2016 $1,300,000 $1,327,794 Ed Page, H-E-B 2017 $1,350,000 $1,368,639 Hal Whitaker, Englander dZignPak, LLC

TOP FIVE PRODUCERS

Jim Haller, Retired, $110,502 Peggy Jezek, Hilton Waco $65,419 Baylor Team Sales, $64,040 Loren Schwartz, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management $59,336 Gary Vogel, Vogel Financial, $52,906

TOP FIVE TEAMS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

First National Bank of Central Texas $218,367 Vogel Financial Group $200,144 Providence Healthcare Network $101,628 Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, $92,927 American Guaranty Title, $89,350

TOP FIVE ROOKIES

Scott Rogers, Alliance Bank Central Texas, $28,739 Travis Louge, Texas First State Bank, $24,280 Christine Lopez, American Bank, $24,190 Dan Ingham, First National Bank of Central Texas, $22,360 Matt Reynolds, Tejas Logistics, $20,899

38 | WINTER 2018

CAMPAIGN GIFTS & DONORS Balcones Distilling Bangkok Royal Barefoot Campus Outfitter Baris Restaurant Baylor University Brazos Grille - Hilton Waco Bubba’s 33 Buzzard Billy’s Swampshack Captain Billy Whizzbang’s Christian Brothers Automotive - Woodway Clay Pot Common Grounds Dickey’s Barbeque Pit Don Carlos Catina & Mexican Restaurant D’s Mediterranean Grill Englander dZignPak, LLC Fazoli’s Freddie Kish’s Complete Car Care Center Freebird’s World Burrito George’s Restaurant & Bar #2 H-E-B Hilton Garden Inn Waco Hilton Waco Home 2 Suites Waco by Hilton IHop #3001 (New Road) Jack-of-All-Trades Personnel Services Jesse’s Tortilla Factory Klassy Glass Wine Bar & Bistro Locals Love Us Massage Envy of Waco McDonald’s of Waco One Thirty Five Prime Outback Steakhouse PHD Quilts, LLC Raising Cane’s (Downtown) Raising Cane’s (Hewitt) Red Lobster REFIT Studio + HQ Schmaltz’s Sandwhich Shop Scotty’s Brewhouse Waco LLC Sironia, Inc. Spice Village... A Collection of Shops!

Springhill Suites by Marriott Swan Products LLC The Egg & I The Findery Vogel’s Spices, LLC Waco Paddle Company Whataburger, Inc.

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT SPONSORS

CAMPAIGN EVENT SPONSORS

WACOCHAMBER.COM WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 39 | 39

PUBLIC POLICY

LOOKING FORWARD: Reflections on Public Policy

by Jessica Attas, Vice President Public Policy, Greater Waco Chamber

plans on – some might say mandates – that and calls for increased property tax valuations ranging from six to seven percent annually for each of the next two years. This allows the state to pay less by shifting the cost down to local taxpayers. Where the state used to pay the majority of perpupil costs to educate our children, it has now fallen to 37 percent of the cost being paid by the state and the remaining balance paid by local property tax payers.

Without reform to the way we fund our schools, the state’s contribution will drop to just 30 percent by 2023. At a time when Texas already has the forty-sixth highest property tax burden of all fifty states, this will inevitably mean millions more dollars that will have to be collected locally to offset the loss of state dollars.

Every property owner can expect their local property tax bill to increase if changes to the way we fund our schools are not made.

As we wrap up the year and look to the year ahead, the Texas 86th Legislative Session looms large on the horizon and front of mind.

As the organization dedicated to the economic well-being of the area, we at the Chamber seek to actively promote policies that are conducive to growing a thriving economy and community. Our ability to help develop the economy – and your ability to help your business flourish – is impacted by state and federal policies and the regulatory environment in which we operate. For that reason, your Chamber of Commerce is active in the public policy sphere, advocating to our legislators on behalf of businesses on issues of importance to our community.

Prior to every state legislative session, we go through a process to seek input from our members on their policy priorities. Our public policy committee, together with other community stakeholders, listen to the conversations being held around the state about coming policy debates and develop a relevant legislative platform to inform and guide our advocacy work in the session and the interim that follows.

There has been a great deal of conversation during the past few months at the state and local levels related to property tax, school finance and workforce development. Indeed, the growth of property tax and the quality and future of our workforce are both directly related to school funding and are in fact consistently the top concerns we hear from business members.

The manner in which schools are currently funded is too heavily reliant on local property tax dollars, and as economic growth occurs and values rise, the state uses the increased local contributions to themselves pay less in per-pupil spending. The state’s budget 40 | WINTER 2018

The question of how we fund our schools also ties in with whether they are adequately funded. While money isn’t the only determining factor, it is a big factor. Money matters in education, and money well-spent can allow our schools to produce the student outcomes we need.

Recognizing our currents skills gap and that our student outcomes are not aligned with what businesses need, Governor Abbott called on three key agencies, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Higher Ed Coordinating Board, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), to work together on a shared vision for the workforce our state will need if we are to keep our economic strength. That vision, called 60x30Texas, aims to see 60 percent of Texans aged 25-34 hold post-secondary degrees or higher by the year 2030. This is a data-driven goal: by 2020, more than 60 percent of jobs created will require some sort of postsecondary degree. The current reality provides a stark contrast. At present, just

over 30 percent of graduating students in Texas test on the ACT or other college or career readiness measures as “college-ready,” and less than 30 percent of high school graduates have completed any post-secondary degree six years after graduating. If we do not act, the implications for our future workforce and our ability to sustain and grow our economy are grave.

For these reasons, as we move into the legislative session our key priorities are: addressing property tax reform; opposing increases in local appraisal growth mandated by state budget planning; and increasing the state’s share of per-pupil spending on public education, focusing those dollars on the strategies proven to improve student outcomes to build a 21st-century workforce. The process of appraisal valuation needs reform, and we call on improvements to include local input on valuation ranges. At present, the state sets target valuation ranges based on a sample of properties and each appraisal district has to come near that target.

Aligned with our overarching support of local control, a priority is local input on those target ranges.

Because there has been significant conversation at the state level around these interwoven issues of property tax and school finance, they are key priorities for our Chamber. However, as the organization responsible for the economic development of the area, we also have state legislative priorities regarding competitive incentives, small business and entrepreneurship, and trade and international competitiveness. We continue to support the Texas Enterprise Fund – the state’s deal-closing incentive fund – and call on the legislature to expand accessibility to the fund for existing businesses of all sizes throughout the state.

Of course, your Chamber of Commerce is a membership-driven chamber, and there are issues across the board that impact your ability to develop

and grow your business. For example, given this magazine issue is focused on healthcare, we know access to a healthy workforce impacts day-to-day business operations. However, access to healthcare in Texas is limited; in fact, Texas has a rate of uninsured more than twice the national average, at 26 percent compared to 11 percent.

Texas is also experiencing both a physician and a nursing shortage, with half of the counties in Texas not having sufficient physicians for their population and 35 counties not having a single physician. For that reason, legislative priorities focused on healthcare include things like expanding access to healthcare coverage, prioritizing preventative and behavioral healthcare, and supporting robust nursing programs and allowing those nurses to practice within the scope of their expertise.

Given that doctors are most likely to work where they do their residency, prioritizing additional medical residency slot funding over new medical school funding is also a priority.

Our legislative agenda is robust yet focused, prioritizing those topics of greatest impact to our businesses: business climate (including fiscal policy and regulatory reform); economic development; public and higher education; healthcare; transportation and infrastructure; and water and natural resources. To see our full state legislative agenda for the 86th session, please visit our website or reach out via email to jattas@wacochamber.com. If you become aware of a bill during session that would impact your business or your industry, please let us know.

It is our charge to be the voice for the business community of Waco in Austin, and we look forward to working for and standing with you for the good of our community in the months of legislative action ahead. n WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 41

LEGAL MINUTE

by Teresa Schiller, Beard Kultgen Brophy Bostwick & Dickson, PLLC

A

s businesspeople, we compete every day to provide high-quality services and products. Profit-making opportunities are abundant in Waco. Greater Waco Chamber recently reported 74 consecutive months of economic growth, with McLennan County outpacing the region, state and U.S. in labor-force growth. Businesses are structured to grow and compete more effectively than individuals in the marketplace.

Therefore, maintaining a properly-formed business entity (“company”) is essential. Here is some general information.

1. Be Aware of the Benefits a Company Provides One benefit is that doing business as a company can protect your personal assets from creditors and other third parties.

If the company has been properly formed, maintained and operated, a creditor may be limited to collecting funds from the company’s assets. The creditor may not be able to “pierce the corporate veil” and collect funds from the owners’ personal assets. Another benefit a company provides is that the ability to raise capital is enhanced. For example, a bank may require an entrepreneur to form a company before it lends seed money.

2. Recognize Key Terms For example, types of companies include corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships. Is your company one of these or another type?

cover topics such as the following: (1) powers of the company; (2) limitations on liability; (3) powers of the owners; (4) limitations on the transfer of ownership interests; (5) powers of the leaders, term lengths, compensation, and indemnification; (6) meetings and written consents; (7) capital contributions; (8) allocations of profit and loss; (9) distributions; (10) tax treatment; (11) amending the agreement; and (12) dissolving the business.

4. Take Actions at Annual Meetings Documented by Minutes, or by Written Consent It is important for owners to take certain actions at least once a year, and for leaders to do so as well. Certain notice requirements for meetings may apply. In lieu of meeting, owners or leaders may opt to take actions by written consent.

Examples of actions for owners to take include the following: (1) election of certain leaders; (2) amendments to the governing agreement; and (3) major actions, such as merging or dissolving the company. Examples of actions for leaders to take include the following: (1) election of certain leaders; (2) reviewing financial statements; (3) adopting policies; (4) approving major expenses and contracts; and (5) changing certain corporate filing information.

Owners of such companies may be called members, shareholders, or general and limited partners. Leaders may be called managers, directors and/or officers.

Companies should have governing agreements. Governing agreements may be called company agreements, bylaws or partnership agreements. Does your company have a governing agreement?

5. Comply with Corporate Filing and Tax Requirements When certain types of companies change information on file with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office — such as the company’s name or registered office address — they are required to file the new information. In addition, certain types of companies are required to pay franchise taxes and submit related reports to the Texas Comptroller’s Office as a requirement of doing business in the state. Corporate filing and tax requirements imposed by other governmental entities may apply as well.

A governing agreement and other documents showing the formation and maintenance of the company should be kept together in a corporate records book. Is your corporate records book up to date?

In conclusion, this general information about maintaining a business entity can help you to compete more effectively – during the current period of robust growth in our area and throughout the life of your business. n

3. Follow a Governing Agreement The agreement helps to minimize disputes among the company’s owners and leaders, and it helps demonstrate that the company is being properly maintained. Review the agreement. Does it reflect what your company is actually doing?

If not, should the company’s practices change, or can the agreement be amended instead? A governing agreement may 42 | WINTER 2018

Teresa is a business and employment lawyer at Beard Kultgen Brophy Bostwick & Dickson, PLLC in Waco and Dallas. She is a former in-house lawyer and teacher. Teresa can be reached at schiller@thetexasfirm.com.

WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 43

PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA BAKER

SMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT

44 | WINTER 2018

S

mall businesses are the engine of our economy in the Greater Waco community — more than 70 percent of our membership is considered “small business.” We love introducing small businesses and their owners in our “Small Business Spotlight.” This allows us to showcase some of our local small business owners and hear from them what it’s like owning a small business in Waco and how the Chamber has helped their business.

Why Bolt? A question Ashley Futris, owner of Bolt Boutique, often gets asked. When coming up with a name for her vision, she came across a quote that summed up says that you are made of lightning and to never let anyone dull your thunder. Bolt Boutique has given Ashley an outlet to put her innate gift giving ability on display, showcase her cheeky fun original shirt designs and really let her personality shine through each product in the store. Ashley is proud to bring a unique boutique to downtown Waco.

1. Why did you decide to start your business – why now, why Waco?

I don’t know if you’re ever fully ready to start, but when the pieces started falling into place it just felt like this was the time. I’ve lived in Waco for 20 years now and have watched it grow and even been a part of some of that growth – it’s an exciting time to be in Waco!

2. You have lots of fun, unique items in your store. How did you decide what kind of business you wanted to open?

While promoting our metal art businesses SportHooks and Kaktos Rose, my sister and I noticed that people often commented on what we were wearing. Our friends and family often comment on our ability to always find the perfect gift for anyone and when traveling we would see other great things that other cities were doing so we decided to put a little bit of all of that into Bolt.

3. As a longtime Wacoan, what do you think about the growth and changes that have happened in Waco over the last several years?

We’re originally from Chicago, but in the last 20 years it has been remarkable to see the change that has happened, not only in downtown Waco but also in the surrounding suburbs. It’s an exciting time, we’ve always said that Waco has always had this unique draw.

4. Why did you decide to join the Greater Waco Chamber?

Having been a previous employee at the Chamber, I am very aware of all the great things the Chamber is implementing into the community and collaborating on.

It has helped get the word out about Bolt and helps me stay connected to my community.

6. What’s your favorite thing about owning a business in Waco?

The locals! I know most people think that businesses are popping up downtown because of the tourists, and while that is great, my locals continue to be my strongest customer base! They really come out to support me and are genuinely excited about the new businesses opening in Waco.

7. What’s your top piece of advice for other small business owners in Waco?

Be ready to 100 percent commit and live and breathe it 24/7. And know that every hard, long day is completely worth it in the end. Only a select few are built for it and there’s a reason you’re doing it!

8. On the weekends or in your free time, what are some of your favorite things to do in Waco?

Wait, what free time? Just kidding!

I am loving my workouts at Rush Cycle, if you haven’t tried it I highly recommend it! Aside from that I enjoy checking out the new fun menu items Milo All Day is bringing to Waco and all the new businesses popping up daily! n

5. How has your Chamber membership benefited your business so far?

WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 45

ON THE MARKET

5045 Franklin Ave. Waco, Texas 76710 Specifications: • Centrally-located office space for lease • 29,700 square foot facility on 1.92-acres • Includes 3,000 square feet of warehouse storage • Multiple private offices and built-in workstations • Negotiable tenant improvement allowance • Divisible floor plan and 95+ parking spaces • $7.50 per square foot + NNN rent For additional information, please contact Kenny Stevens at (254) 752-9500

5045 Franklin Ave. (5 Mi Radius) Value Population

PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T

142,504

# of Households

55,090

Median Age

31.9 years

Average Household Income

$62,126

Labor Force

68,224

Employed

65,499

Unemployment Rate

3.84%

Educational Attainment

%

#

Graduate Degree

8.77%

7,431

Bachelor Degree

23.18%

19,638

Associate Degree

31.50%

26,888

Some College (No Degree)

53.10%

44,988

High School/Equivalency Degree

80.45%

68,152

No Degree

19.55%

16,555

#

% of Total

Retail, Trade & Transportation

987

17.26%

Leisure and Hospitality

987

17.25%

Education and Health Care

716

12.52%

Professional & Business Services

697

12.19%

Mining, Ag & Construction Services

405

7.08%

Top Industry Types

Source: Info USA, November 2018

For more information on available properties, including demographic reports and surrounding businesses in Greater Waco, visit WacoProspector.com or call (254) 757-5627

46 | WINTER 2018

The Greater Waco Chamber Staff is proud to support the new Welcome to Waco Ambassador Program. #wacopineapple WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 47

MARKET REPORT

New Downtown Businesses Opened!

Greater Downtown Waco is booming! With more than $600 million invested in recent years and more than 2.5 million visitors, annually, Waco has become a destination city. Through implementation of a strategic vision, Waco is attracting great companies, talented people and continued interest to our distinct community. Since 2009, more than $1.4 billion in new private development activity has been announced in enterprise zones throughout Waco.

Restaurants/Eateries J-Petal 315 S. University Parks Dr. Facebook.com/JPetalWaco J-Petal is adding to the international flavor of Waco with their Japanese sweet and savory crepes, Thai rolled ice cream and a variety of drinks.

Taste by Kissing Tree Vineyards 804 S. Seventh St., Ste. 105 KissingTreeVineyards.com/taste Kissing Tree Vineyards out of Eddy, TX now has its own tasting room in downtown Waco. Taste offers wine tastings, Italian style coffees, and an upscale bistro in a unique atmosphere.

Billy Bob’s Burgers 200 S. Second St. This food truck success story is serving up old fashioned burgers out of their new brick and mortar.

William Hoyt Bagel and Brew 1123 S. 8th St. (food truck behind Common Grounds) WilliamHoytBagelandBrew.com Bringing a taste of Brooklyn to Waco, William Hoyt is providing traditional east coast bagels, locally sourced schmears, and all other bagel related needs.

48 | WINTER 2018

Downtown Living/Shopping REFIT Revolution 1522 Washington Ave. RefitRev.com This Waco-based dance fitness brand is more than just a fun workout, and its new location on Washington is offering a one stop shop for all things health and wellness.

Champions Barber Academy 721 Austin Ave. ChampionsBarberAcademy.com A new barber academy added to the Austin Ave retail line-up will be offering barber certification including instruction on skills such as beard facials and pampering services.

Brazos River Dry Goods 210 S. Fifth St. Facebook.com/BrazosRiverDryGoods Amidst the boutiques of downtown, Brazos River Dry Goods is here to provide a lifestyle store for men. They provide men’s grooming tools, cocktail supplies, clothing, gifts and more!

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT

FreedomBallWaco.com or (254) 757-5600 $125 per person $50 for veterans and active duty military $800 for table of 8

Dinner & Dancing

HONORING SOLDIERS BOTH PAST & PRESENT

6 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, March 2, 2019 Waco Convention Center

PRESENTING SPONSOR

WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 49

ECONOMY IN FOCUS

SEPT.

2017

Numbers are Year-to-Date

Retail Spending Automobile Spending Hotel Motel Tax Receipts

SEPT.

2018 2.8% change

$442,152,879

$475,667,256

$39,047,990

$45,270,122

2,102

2,282

7.6% change

50 | WINTER 2018

SEPT.

2018

Payroll Employment 117,641 121,158 Unemployment Rate 3.8% 3.4%

15.9% change 8.6% change

Economic Outlook U.S. Average Composite: 100 WACO COST OF LIVING

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)

2017

$2,643,053,403 $2,715,794,753

Existing Home Sales

Third Quarter 2018

SEPT.

Waco Composite: 91.6

PURCHASING POWER

COMPARISON CITIES

Housing:

85.1

Chattanooga, TN:

96.3

Groceries:

82.7

Albuquerque, NM:

90.8

Utilities:

102.4

Greenville, SC:

95.7

Transportation:

95.9

Richmond, VA:

94.5

Health Care:

100.1

Colorado Springs, CO:

99.1

Misc. Goods & Services:

93.8

Charlotte, NC :

97.2

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2019 6 – 8 P.M. The Greater Waco Chamber’s Grand Celebration Reception is an opportunity to show appreciation for our members, volunteers and community partners for support throughout the year. This year’s reception will feature buffet stations, an open bar, presentation of the Legacy Award, good company and fun for all!

Ticket information at WacoChamber.com WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 51

CHAMBER NEWS

Farewell December 2018 would have been the start of my eighteenth year with the Greater Waco Chamber. It’s hard for me to imagine that seventeen years could fly by so fast, but it’s true!

I am so fortunate to have grown professionally and personally through an entity so intertwined with the development and growth of Waco. I’m forever grateful to the leadership that hired me and to the TRC Chairs, all thirteen of them, who dedicated their time to ensure its continued success and legacy. I’m the lucky one working side by side with these amazing local business leaders during their TRC Chair year. Selfishly, I always hope some of their incredible traits soak in!

I’m abundantly blessed to have worked with hundreds of volunteers through the years including the TRC, Ambassadors, Chamber Partners, Networking Forum, New Member Committee and many other committees the Chamber depends on to keep events and programs thriving. The dedication you give shows how much you care about our community, it is contagious and motivating!

Never could I have imagined seventeen years ago, what seemed like a job in the beginning would evolve into a career in the Chamber industry. There are only a few trades that give you the opportunity to work with passionate people who care about their community. This includes our team members, board directors, leaders, investors, business owners and our members. I could never imagine that volunteers would become dear friends and practically family. It is truly a blessing that I will never take for granted.

I’m awestruck to think about all the amazing milestones that have taken place in seventeen years in our great community with the Chamber’s help. These events shaped us and are woven in the fabric of the past, present and future.

Even though I’m letting go of something I care so much for, I’m excited about the unknown adventure ahead! I’ll be taking on a new role as a trailing spouse and following my wonderfully supportive husband who accepted a remarkable new job a few states away in Huntsville, AL. Although getting settled seems overwhelming at times, I’m thrilled about the opportunity to bring a little Waco to Huntsville. I’m looking forward to getting plugged in and volunteering from the other side.

I struggle with the right words to express how much I’ll miss Greater Waco, my second family in the Chamber and especially all of you. Fortunately, I’ll be back many times visiting family, as my roots are here! Most of all thank you for all that you do for this great community!

I know only great things are in your future!

Sincerely, Amber Greenwood

NEW RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Nancy Gupton joined the Chamber staff in October as the Resource Development Director.

She has worked in the Waco community for over 30 years in marketing, business relations and fundraising.

For the past 14 GUPTON years, Nancy has been with American Guaranty Title in Business Development.

Nancy graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising. She has been an active volunteer in our community and a longtime volunteer of the Waco Chamber. For the past 14 years, Nancy has been a volunteer of the Waco Chamber of Commerce’s Total Resource Campaign and served eight years as one of the division chairs for the TRC. Nancy and her husband, Wade, reside in the China Spring area. They have two sons, Will and Robert.

Nancy currently serves on the board for First United Methodist Church of Waco, Christian Women’s Job Corp (CWJC) and the China Spring ISD Education Foundation. n

WACOCHAMBER.COM 52 | WINTER 2018

CHAMBER PRESENTS INAUGURAL ATHENA AWARD We are pleased to present the inaugural recipient of Waco’s very first ATHENA Leadership Award, Jill McCall, executive director at Compassion Ministries. This award was given on Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Leading Waco Women Summit.

Jill has worked at Compassion Ministries for nearly 20 years serving homeless and underserved families. A native, lifelong resident of Waco, Jill graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975. After college, she worked for McLennan County as a juvenile probation officer for several years before leaving the workforce to raise her children.

Mrs. McCall has been actively involved in many organizations over the years, including the Junior League of Waco and the Waco Girls and Boys Club. She also served on the Waco ISD School Board from 1990 through 1996. When she joined the team at Compassion Ministries in 1999, she saw the difficulty in ending the “cycle of homelessness,” where struggling families repeatedly became homeless. She developed the current program to change the lives of those families facing homelessness. This transitional housing program for homeless families is an invaluable resource in Central Texas, and its success is due in large part to her leadership and vision.

ATHENA Leadership Award recipients are individuals who: have achieved the highest level of professional excellence; contribute time and energy to improve the

quality of life for others in the community; and actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.

Mrs. McCall exemplifies each of these qualities and more; she doesn’t shy away from challenges and is always looking to serve people both within her job and within her community.

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented annually by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities. Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 7,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Award. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.

JILL MCCALL,

COMPASSION MINISTRIES 2018 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER

Join us for the next Leading Waco Women Summit on Thursday, Feb. 7 at The Phoenix Ballroom. Visit WacoChamber.com for more information. n

WACOCHAMBER.COM

| 53

MEMBER NEWS

PB&H MANAGERS APPOINTED TO PARTNERS

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD PRESENTED TO LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER

Cindy Praesel, owner of Five Star Painting of Waco, a service brand of Neighborly (formerly known as The Dwyer Group) was recently honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award. A group of the franchise owners from around the country called “Movers and Shakers” selected Praesel for this award. The mission of the franchise group is to support and encourage one another as businesses owners. n

Three managers with the local firm Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. were appointed partners of the firm. Dana Broadway, a Baylor University graduate, is president of PB&H Benefits LLC, the firm’s employee benefit practice. Dana also specializes in plan design consulting, regulatory compliance and client and advisor development. Shelly Spinks, CPA, a Baylor University graduate, specializes in tax compliance and planning services for individuals, fiduciaries, partnerships and corporations. Shelly was the past president of the Central Texas Chapter of the TSCPA and was awarded the TSCPA Rising Star Award in 2013. Lindsey Skinner, CPA, a Baylor graduate, specializes in performance of reviews and job cost analysis for the construction industry, advising clients on overall best business and accounting practices. Lindsey is currently the president of the Central Texas Chapter of the TSCPA and awarded the 2015 TSCPA Rising Star Award. All three are Leadership Waco Alumni as well. n

BROADWAY

SPINKS

SKINNER

BAYLOR MOVES TO #6 AMONG TOP 25 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOLS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDIES

Baylor University offers one of the nation’s top entrepreneurship programs for students who aspire to launch their own businesses, according to the latest rankings released by The Princeton Review and featured in Entrepreneur magazine. Baylor’s entrepreneurship program in the Hankamer School of Business moved up to No. 6 in this year’s rankings of the top 25 Best Undergraduate Programs for Entrepreneurs.

The rankings outline key insights for potential Baylor entrepreneurship students, including the number of entrepreneur-related courses offered (31) and the number of startups (1,095) launched by grads in the past five years. n 54 | WINTER 2018

TSTC TECHNICAL PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONWIDE RECOGNITION

An information clearinghouse for higher education rankings has put Texas State Technical College at the top of the power pole in Texas. Universites.com has named TSTC as having this year’s best Electrical Lineworker Technology program.

The program has 80 certificate and associate degree students enrolled this fall.

The program accepts 35 new students each semester. The program mixes classroom lectures and hands-on learning at its oncampus pole lab. For more information, visit tstc.edu. n

LOCALLY-OWNED MANAGED IT SERVICE PROVIDER ACQUIRES LEADING FINANCIAL SERVICES IT PROVIDER

Data Systems Technology Solutions, a locally-owned Managed IT Service provider and sister company of Data Systems of Texas, is excited to announce the acquisition of Unicom Technologies, Inc., a leading regional IT provider for banks and credit unions.

With the acquisition of Unicom, Data Systems Technology Solutions greatly expands their ability to serve the highly specialized IT needs of credit unions and local/regional banks in Texas and the southwest United States. Brian Hoppe, CIO of Data Systems, has been named President of Unicom, and will oversee the day-to-day operations of its Waco, Houston and Dallas offices. n

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NEW MEMBERS

PRESENTED BY

ABC Supply Co. Inc. 605 Cherry St. • Waco, TX 76704 (254) 757-2111 • ABCSupply.com

Phil’s Trailer Sales 3100 S. Loop 340 • Robinson, TX 76706 (254) 752-6200 • TrailerNut.com

Tice Foods 7215 Bosque Blvd., Ste. 214 • Waco, TX 76710 (346) 708-2405

Amazing Lash Studio 2448 W. Loop 340, Ste. A30 • Waco, TX 76711 (254) 777-5274 AmazingLashStudio.com/studios/tx/waco/waco

Pickens Bail Bonds 705 Kane St. • Waco, TX 76705 (254) 755-7589 • PickensBailBonds.com

The Waco Mercantile 526 S. Second St. • Waco, TX 76706 (254) 732-2009 Facebook.com/TheWacoMercantile

Bhayani Brothers 311 S. Robinson Dr. • Waco, TX 76706 (254) 339-8382 Bolt Boutique 300 S. Second St., Ste. 100 • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 313-1869 • Bolt254.com Convergint Technologies 2000 W. Loop 340, Ste. 302 • Waco, TX 76712 (512) 351-4042 • Convergint.com Expedia CruiseShipCenters 8810 W. Hwy. 84, Ste. 107 • Waco, TX 76712 (254) 247-3866 CruiseShipCenters.com/900225 Green Door Lofts 714 Austin Ave. • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 722-2842 • GreenDoorLofts.com Guncleaners of Waco 937 Lake Air Dr. • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 224-6930 Holy Contractors LLC 712E Panther Way • Hewitt, TX 76643 (254) 715-5318 LinkedIn.com/company/holy-contractors-llc Small Business - Silver Integrated Environmental Solutions, LLC 600 Columbus Ave., Ste. 106 • Waco, TX 76701 (214) 455-6022 IntEnvSol.com Intrepid Development Group 913 Franklin Ave., Ste. 207 • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 301-7781 IntrepidDevelopmentGroup.com Law Offices of Denny Lessman 100 N. Sixth St., Ste. 702 • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 776-4544 • LessmanLaw.com Small Business - Gold M & I Industries, Inc. 1620 W. Loop 340, Ste. 8 • Waco, TX 76712 (254) 722-8372 Neat as a Pin! Organizing Experts Waco, TX 76710 • (254) 715-3888 NeatAsAPin.net New Leaf Staffing, LLC Waco, TX 76701 • (254) 379-0666 NewLeafStaffingSolutions.com Oasis Heating & Cooling 105 E. Tate • Robinson, TX 76706 (254) 237-9660 • OasisWaco.com Small Business - Silver Peter Piper Pizza 120 S. New Road • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 751-1212 • PeterPiperPizza.com

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Pretty in Pink Flamigo Boutique 611 Washington Ave. • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 749-2710 • PrettyinPinkFlamingo.com Leadership Investor - Silver Providence Village 300 W. Hwy. 6 • Waco, TX 76712 (254) 761-8500 AscensionLiving.org/Senior_Living Rare Performance Memorabilia 700 Franklin Ave., Ste. B • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 242-9450 • RPM33Gallery.com Riverview Campground 988 Riverview Rd. • Waco, TX 76706 (254) 662-0475 • RiverviewCampgroundTX.com Sedona Staffing Services 815 N. Hewitt Dr. • Hewitt, TX 76643 (254) 666-9494 • SedonaStaffingTX.com Schleicher Law Firm, PLLC 1227 N. Valley Mills Dr., Ste. 208 Waco, TX 76710 (254) 776-3939 • TheFirmForFeds.com Sidekick Agency 1716 Franklin Ave. • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 307-1162 • Sidekick.Agency Simer & Tetens, Attorneys at Law 3715 Bellmead Dr. • Waco, TX 76705 (254) 412-2300 Slow Rise Slice House 7608 Woodway Dr. • Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 235-0785 Facebook.com/Slow-Rise-Slice-House-181 Spiral Ed Solutions, LLC 8014 May Cir. • Woodway, TX 76712 (254) 218-6970 • SpiralEdSolutions.com Texas Security Equipment & Gun Store 600 S. Valley Mills Dr. • Waco, TX 76711 (254) 752-3612

Small Business - Gold Tiff’s Treats 720 S. Fifth St., Ste. 112 • Waco, TX 76706 (254) 244-2500 • CookieDelivery.com Twin Bends Realty 425 Twin Bends Rd. • Crawford, TX 76638 (254) 723-1248 • TwinBendsRealty.com UBS Financial Services, Inc. 200 W. Hwy. 6, Ste. 400 • Waco, TX 76712 (254) 751-0130 • UBS.com United Healthcare Medicare & Retirement Waco, TX 76703 (254) 227-7934 • UHCMedicareSolutions.com Small Business - Gold VanTran Industries, Inc. 7711 Imperial Dr. • Waco, TX 76712 (254) 772-9740 • VanTran.com Waco I.T. Pro 7215 Bosque Blvd., Ste. 101 • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 400-2039 • WacoITPro.com Window Genie of Waco 724 W. Waco Dr. • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 300-2552 • WindowGenie.com/waco Yaxx Brewing Company 7215 Bosque Blvd.,Ste. 140 • Waco, TX 76710 (801) 473-0996 • Yaxx.beer Yaxx, Inc. 7215 Bosque Blvd.,Ste. 140 • Waco, TX 76710 (801) 921-2608 • Yaxxinc.com Z’s at the Curry 611 Washington Ave. • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 749-2710 FIND OUR MORE ABOUT INVESTMENT LEVELS AT WACOCHAMBER.COM

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

9ROUND FITNESS

Member since June 26, 2018 • Ribbon Cutting October 9, 2018

SPONSORED BY

ADVOCACY CENTER FOR CRIME VICTIMS AND CHILDREN

Member since October 7, 1996 • Ribbon Cutting October 11, 2018

8810 Woodway Dr., Ste. 310 • Waco, TX 76712 (254) 946-1920 • 9round.com/wacotxwoodwaydr

3312 Hillcrest Dr. • Waco, TX 76708 (254) 752-9330 • advocacycntr.org

Chris Brown, Owner/Trainer

Barbara Wright, Executive Director

9Round is a specialized fitness center that brings kickboxing fitness training to the average person in a convenient, affordable, 30-minute, full-body, circuit format. The 9Round workout offers a kickboxing-themed fitness program that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regimens. Workout routines change daily, trainers are always onsite, and because of the circuit format, there are no class times and a new session starts every three minutes.

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MARKETPLACE CLINIC

Member since October 1, 1943 • Ribbon Cutting August 22, 2018

Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children provides hope and healing to all survivors of violent crimes in six Central Texas counties by providing forensic interviews and medical exams to children under 18, case management, unlimited counseling sessions, a 24/7 crisis hotline, and sexual assault forensic examiners who perform exams at both Waco hospitals. All services are free. Education staff give presentations at schools to change attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that may lead to sexual violence.

BOLT BOUTIQUE

Member since July 24, 2018 • Ribbon Cutting September 7, 2018

2304 Marketplace Dr. • Waco, TX 76711 (254) 202-7362 • BSWHealth.org

300 S. Second St., Ste. 100 • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 313-1869 • bolt254.com

Austin Taylor, Manager of Clinic Operations

Ashley Futris, Owner

The Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Marketplace Clinic officially opened on August 22. Located at 2304 Marketplace Dr., this Hillcrest Clinic location offers services to patients from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Convenient Care service with no appointment necessary are available to patients with unanticipated needs, and the family medicine clinic helps patients manage their health and wellbeing on an appointment basis.

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Bolt is a modern apparel and lifestyle boutique located at the heart of downtown that’s geared towards providing a little something for everyone. When you walk into the store, there’s no telling what you’ll discover – Bolt’s shelves are stocked with unexpected and fresh finds. Between original tees screen printed in-house, the finest party goods around and edgy apparel, Bolt is the men’s and women’s style destination that Waco has been waiting for.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

CHAMPIONS BARBER ACADEMY

Member since June 29, 2018 • Ribbon Cutting October 17, 2018

CHAMPIONS SALON & BARBER

Member since June 29, 2018 • Ribbon Cutting September 14, 2018

721 Austin Ave., Ste. 2 • Waco, TX 76701 (254) 300-2320 • championssalonandbarber.com

6706 Woodway Dr. • Waco, TX 76712 (254) 855-9744 • championssalonandbarber.com

Kevin & Lorraine Gritten, Owners

Kevin & Lorraine Gritten, Owners

The need for barbers is high and it is a great career choice. That’s why Lorraine Gritten, with over 30 years of barbering experience, has decided to pass her knowledge to the next generation of barbers, along with her husband Kevin Gritten and staff. Champions Barber Academy is excited for the future of barbering in Texas. Champions Barber Academy is offering classes for both the Cosmetology Cross Over program and the Class A Barbering program.

FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS

Member since June 1, 2016 • Ribbon Cutting October 18, 2018

Established in 2014, Champions Salon & Barber has evolved over the last few years. Owners Kevin and Lorraine Gritten have created the best place in Waco, Texas for all your men’s grooming needs with both barbers and stylists on staff specializing in men’s cuts, beard work and straight shaves. You or your man will be glad to stop by for a visit. Champions Salon & Barber is proud to be a “Cut above the Rest” (pun intended).

HOPE RESALE SHOP

Member since February 8, 2018 • Ribbon Cutting April 10, 2018

7333 I-35 S. • Robinson, TX 76706 (254) 662-0000 • freeflightsystems.com

3400 Bosque Blvd. • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 301-9829 • lmmt.vcardinfo.com

Tim Taylor, President/CEO

Fredie McKinney, Owner

FreeFlight Systems designs, manufactures, sells and supports avionics systems that improve the safety, efficiency and affordability of flying. We specialize in technologies and solutions that bring the benefits of the NextGen airspace transformation to all segments of aerospace. We are known for the quality and reliability of our products, the flexibility and compatibility of our solutions, and our commitment to long-term client satisfaction. Our modular and scalable products can be used as stand-alone devices or as fully integrated avionics systems.

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At Hope Resale Shop, we use our proceeds to help low-income families work from their homes, along with women getting out of and those who have been in prison. Just stop by and shop at our store to help support.

SPONSORED BY

RIGHT AT HOME

Member since July 20, 2012 • Ribbon Cutting July 24, 2018

SEDONA STAFFING

Member since August 15, 2018 • Ribbon Cutting October 17, 2018

605B Towne Oaks Dr., Ste. B • Waco, TX 76710 (254) 399-0788 • rahcentex.com

815 N. Hewitt Dr. • Hewitt, TX 76643 (254) 666-9494 • sedonastaffingtx.com

Anna Hoffman, Community Relations Director

Robert Crouch, Owner

Right at Home Central Texas is a locally-owned non-medical caregiving service that provides quality in-home care for seniors and disabled adults. Our goal is to assist those in need to maintain wellness, safety and independence by using custom care plans to meet the unique needs of each individual and improve the quality of life for those we serve. “The Center of Your Universe is at the Center of Our Care.”

Sedona Staffing is a full-service employment agency specializing in the recruitment and placement of Office/Clerical, Support/ Administrative, Technical/Professional and Industrial Personnel.

Sedona Staffing is one of the larger employers in the Central Texas Area having hired over 12,000 employees since 2000. All of our services are free to prospective employees. Our positions can be temporary, temporary to permanent or permanent positions. At Sedona Staffing, WE KNOW PEOPLE! For more information, call us at (254) 666-9494 or visit us online at www.sedonastaffingtx.com.

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CHAMBER CALENDAR Want to know what’s coming up at the Chamber?

Then visit web.WacoChamber.com/events to view and register for upcoming events.

Here are just a few signature events you don’t want to miss: 1000 Friends of Waco WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19 | 10:30 – 11:30 A.M.

This monthly meeting series includes updates from various stakeholders working in the greater downtown area, including the City of Waco, the Downtown Merchants Association, the Public Improvement District and the Greater Waco Chamber, among others.

20th Annual First Pitch Luncheon THURSDAY, JAN. 17, 2019 | 11:30 A.M. – 1 P.M. The 20th annual First Pitch Luncheon will provide a preview of the upcoming local baseball and softball seasons with updates from coaches at both Baylor University and McLennan Community College. Guest speaker to be announced.

49th Annual Mid-Tex Farm, Ranch & Garden Show THURSDAY, JAN. 31, 2019 | 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.

The annual Mid-Tex show provides a forum for exhibitors specializing in farm, ranch and garden work to present their products and services to Central Texans. Visitors will have opportunities to view top exhibits of the newest equipment, seed, chemicals and other ag-realated services and technologies.

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Annual Member Celebration THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2019 | 6 P.M. – 8 P.M.

The Greater Waco Chamber’s Grand Celebration Reception is an opportunity to show appreciation for our members, volunteers and community partners for support throughout the year. This year’s reception will feature buffet stations, an open bar, presentation of the Legacy Award, good company and fun for all!

Leading Waco Women Summit THURSDAY, FEB. 7, 2019 | 10:30 A.M. – 1 P.M.

Join us for the second part in our three-part Leading Waco Women Summit to be held at The Phoenix Ballroom. Details for our second summit will be released soon, so keep an eye on our social media!

11th Annual Freedom Ball SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019 | 6 – 11 P.M.

This unique event provides Central Texas with the opportunity to honor military personnel, both past and present, and Gold Star families. Proceeds from Freedom Ball are used towards scholarships to high school and college students pursuing careers in aviation and engineeringrelated fields. Find out more at FreedomBallWaco.com.

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 30 Waco, Texas P.O. Box 1220 Waco TX 76703-1220

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