Progress 2015 — Work

WORK A Waco Tribune-Herald Special Section | Sunday, July 26, 2015

The Waco business community remains strong as they position for the future. The abundance of small, medium and large companies will be at the forefront of future economic growth.

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

WORK: 2015

WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD

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WORK 2015

China Spring

Staff Photo - RICHARD BRAUN

Just minutes down the road in Northwest McLennan County is a community that is growing by leaps and bounds: China Spring. Some might call it the suburbs of Waco or a bedroom community, but it has a uniqueness all its own that attracts newcomers who want to live in the country.

Mary DRENNON SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Waco Tribune-Herald

At a Glance

And there’s no denying that growth, either. The recent high school expansion to relieve overcrowding and the widening Founding- 1867, named after a spring of area roads by the Texas Department of in a Chinaberry grove Transportation are just a couple of examples of that explosive growth.

Governance – China Spring is an unincorporated area located in Some of the major attractions to China Precinct 4 in McLennan County Spring are beautiful land, outstanding schools and the area’s proximity to Waco Population – 1,218 as of the 2010 (located just 12 miles outside Waco). In Census, roughly s 28 percent increase addition, families are flocking to the area, between the years of 2000 and 2010 steadily increasing the demand for growth.

McLennan County has noted that China Spring is one of the fastest-growing communities in the county.

Builders attracted to China Spring offer plenty of housing options, the closeness to the lake, the airport and a college makes it a great place to live.

Schools – China Spring ISD Recognized as – Exemplary School District Known for – Outsiders getting its name mixed up (It’s China Spring not China Springs) Staff Photo - RICHARD BRAUN

TAQUERIA 10207 CHINA SPRING RD.

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836-1534

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WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD

WORK: 2015

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

WORK 2015

An exceptional customer experience

Staff Photo - RICHARD BRAUN Front row left to right- Ted Teague-General MGR., Clint Allen-Pre-Owned Sales Director., Leslie Cooper-Finance MGR., David Rhoten-New Car Director Back row left to rightHossain Hessari-Finance MGR., Marcus Ward-General Sales Director, Kevin Six-Comptroller, Brandon Treadway-Service MGR, Billy Martin-Fiat General MGR., Billy Holt-Fleet Sales MGR

Many people dread the process of buying a car. The sticker price, the negotiation and the high-pressured sales staff can really put people off.

Most car dealerships, it seems, prefer to make a one-time sale rather than striving to build lifelong customers and friends.

But there is one company in Waco where making friends and life-long relationships is the norm, not the exception: Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram – and now, Fiat and Alfa Romeo! From the moment you step onto the property, the first thing you notice is the high energy and the sincere, helpful attitude that comes from the staff. They’re not just trying to sell you a bill of goods.

Instead, it feels more like… well, family.

The company is also good to its employees, as well, and it shows. Nearly 40 percent of the staff has been with Allen Samuels DCJR since day one — an unusual aspect of an industry that typically has high turnover and plenty of disgruntled sales staff.

Marcus Ward, general sales manager; Clint Allen, pre-owned car director; Duane Bullock, parts director; Controller Kevin It’s been that way since Allen Samuels Six; and Title Clerk Julie Ehlers, along with himself first opened its doors on Valley Mills Teague, are just a few of the staff who’ve in 2009. Within two months of opening, plans been with the company since it started. were underway to build a new, top-rated Many others have stayed with the company facility at 201 W. Loop 340 (catty-corner for years and have no desire to leave. from Richland Mall).

“The truth of the matter is people have to The company developed a successful want to come to work and have to be excited formula and solid reputation in those to come to work. That attitude begins at the early days that became the model other top,” Teague said. “Customers see the same dealerships scrambled to follow. That smiling faces. The work environment is winning formula has successfully carried really like a family atmosphere.” it through for the 6 years it’s been in business and established the company as And happy employees translate to No. 1 in retail sales for new and pre-owned exceptional customer service in the form of dealerships in Waco. people who enjoy going out of their way to make the car-buying experience a good one Allen Samuel’s General Manager, Ted for anyone who steps in the door.

Teague, who’s been in that position with the company since day one, said it’s a That exceptional customer service combination of factors that create the includes filling the needs of customers as they successful shopping experience for car shop. There’s a playroom for the children, an buyers and brings them in again and again. Internet café with free Wi-Fi, and extended Just a few of these factors include long- hours six days of the week so you can shop tenured employees, strong community when it’s convenient for your schedule. In support, exceptional customer service and addition, there’s a 58,800-square-foot, worldan extensive variety of impressive products class service facility with 32 stalls, master– new and pre-owned – to fit any budget. trained, certified technicians and the latest equipment and technology that can get you “Mr. Samuels always had a huge on your way faster. The Parts Department reputation for supporting the Waco stocks just about everything you need to cut community,” Teague said. When Teague down on your service time and keep your opened up the new facility, “the dealership car in the best condition possible. There carried forward Mr. Samuel’s vision of also are eight express-lube techs, free pickcommunity involvement,” he said. up and delivery and a finance department that can work within your budget.

From the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, to the McLennan County Junior Of course, you can have great customer Livestock Show, from Cameron Park Zoo, to service, fine equipment and helpful the American Heart Association, you can employees, but without the products that find the support of Allen Samuels Dodge fit your needs, you’re still going to shop Chrysler Jeep Ram dealership throughout somewhere else. That’s why Allen Samuels the community.

Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Alfa Romeo — and don’t forget Fiat — has just about “We’re giving back to a community that’s anything you could desire. been good to us,” Teague said.

Mary DRENNON SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Waco Tribune-Herald The 10-acre property with approximately 650 new and pre-owned vehicles in a variety of price ranges makes it one of the largest (if not the largest) car dealerships in Waco.

Car shoppers can always find something to fit their budget, be they credit-challenged or first-time buyers, or customers who want the top-of-the line or something in-between.

There’s even a commercial department with dedicated staff to help meet business customers’ needs. “We can do any commercial up-fit application necessary to accommodate any need,” Teague said.

It’s been these factors and much more that have made Allen Samuels DCJR a favorite in the Waco and Central Texas area and that keeps customers coming back time and time again. Just ask Jerry Don Mathis of C & M Air Cooled Engines, who’s bought approximately seven vehicles from DCJR: “They take care of me,” Mathis said. “I have no problems. I get good service up there.”

Apparently, he’s not the only one. Allen Samuels DCJR is Waco’s No. 1 New Car Dealer, and has been voted Best of Waco and Locals Love Us for a number of years in a row now.

This may all sound like it’s just too perfect, but there’s one way to find out for sure: Stop by and see for yourself. Take a test drive, chat with the staff, and check out the service department. It won’t be surprising if you find out that you, too, are taken in by the winning ways of Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and become part of the family.

The dealership, located at 201 W. Loop 340 (Hwy. 6) in Waco is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Service Department and the Parts Department are open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To find out more or talk to the staff, stop in or call (888) 498-1414 for sales, (888) 512-0606 for service, and (888) 661-8811 for parts.

Or, go online at www.allensamuelsdcj.com, where you browse from home or talk to an agent live online.

Whichever you choose, chances are good that you’ll be glad you did…

“Come by and let’s be friends.”

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

WORK: 2015

WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD

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over 600 units available 201 W. LOOP 340

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

WORK 2015

Bellmead

WILLIS

PLUMBING CO., INC. “Our Plumbing Pays, Because it Stays.”

254-799-5300 • 254-799-2105 3217 Bellmead Dr. Waco, TX 76705

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tax included

3101 Beale (Next to City Hall in Bellmead) To-Go Orders Welcome! 799-6480 10:45-5:30 Mon-Fri • 10:45-3:00 Sat Owners: Janis Hill & Christi Allison

A/C & Radiator Service, LLC.

TIS COX R U C JEWELERS

2812 Bellmead Drive e

254•799•3478

Mary DRENNON SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Waco Tribune-Herald

Just a few of the most recent undertakings include the relocation and Staff Photo - RICHARD BRAUN opening of Denny’s Restaurant in Bellmead, an H-E-B upgrade to a “plus” store, the Baylor stadium and nearby restaurants, opening of a new nursing facility (the hotels and shopping, offer plenty of Atrium of Bellmead), new housing, Belle conveniences for Bellmead residents.

Meadows, under development, the relatively new openings of Gold’s Gym and Collins Street Bakery, and the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative, now up and running in the old General Tire plant.

Founding- mid-1920s, after the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad chose the area for its local shops

At a Glance

Rick’s

• Appraisals • • Custom Design • • Jewelry & Watch Repair •

If you haven’t heard the news, the city of Bellmead is wide open for business, thanks to a tightknit community, an involved city council and a strong, supportive Economic Development Council.

Just in the past few years, a number of businesses have relocated here, creating even more employment opportunities for area residents.

In this community, family takes center stage

Governance – Bellmead was reincorporated in 1954 with a mayoralderman government; mayor is Gary Moore (at large).

...judging by such amenities as a Civic Center, three parks, a variety of churches and plenty of La Vega ISD activities. In addition, the city’s proximity to I-35, the new Population – 10,047, as of 2013 (Population change since 2000 is +9.0 percent Schools – La Vega ISD Recognized for – annual Christmas parade held continuously for half a century now

2014

Readers’ Choice

Known for – contentious city council meetings from time to time

Voted Best Jewelry Store

Bosqueville Staff Photo - RICHARD BRAUN

If you like country living, but want to be near enough to the city to enjoy its amenities... ...Bosqueville is just five minutes northwest of Waco. Located near China Spring – Bosqueville ISD and China Spring once merged for a brief period of time – this community has grown considerably and considered a hot spot by county officials.

Some of the main reasons for the area’s growth include an excellent school system, plenty of housing , good developers and a below-average cost of living. In addition, it’s near enough to the city to ensure an easy commute if you work in Waco.

Recently, China Spring and Bosqueville have joined together once again to organize the China Spring-Bosqueville Area Lions Club. Meetings are held twice a month in the China Spring United Methodist Church.

It’s the perfect venue for helping others and making new friends.

Mary DRENNON SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Waco Tribune-Herald The school district is a strong participant in sports, as well as the FFA, often raising livestock for just that purpose. Because of its rural location, there are a number of ranches, and with the housing market steadily growing, new home buyers have lots of different options.

At a Glance Governance – Under McLennan County’s jurisdiction Schools – Bosqueville ISD Recognized for – Exemplary campuses in a Recognized District Known for – Excellent participation in Sports

PROTECTYOURSELF ANDYOUR FAMILY IN 2015

Mary DRENNON Serving Central Texas For Over 20 Years.

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Waco Tribune-Herald

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

WORK: 2015

WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD

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WORK 2015

Embracing challenges The eyes of the nation and the world continue to be drawn to the amazing things happening in our city.

From Baylor University’s beautiful McLane stadium (home to the Big Twelve football Champions two years in a row), the beautiful lighted signature I-35 bridges across the Brazos, to the exciting designation on July 10th of the Waco Mammoth Site by the National Park Service as a National Monument, Waco is attracting the attention of more and more tourists, families and businesses wanting to locate in the Heart of Texas.

With a strong economy, low unemployment rate and fast moving housing market (no doubt influenced by Chip and Joanna Gaines’ successful HGTV show Fixer Upper) even

Malcolm DUNCAN MAYOR City of Waco more great things are surely on the horizon.

The real heart of our community is how we embrace the challenges we face.

education and financial security of our citizens. The recent collaboration with the County in the forming of the McLennan County Rural Transit District is bringing low cost transportation to residents outside our city to meet their health care, education, job and shopping needs.

One of our greatest challenges is to ensure that Waco remains one of the best run cities in America.

By encouraging responsible pet ownership through Spa Street Waco, together we have earned our Animal Shelter a No Kill status, something every citizen should be proud of. The Prosper Waco initiative is working to address our unacceptable higher poverty rate by focusing on the health,

City Management is meeting the challenge to find new talent to step into positions vacated by those who have retired after distinguished careers with the City of Waco.The city council has supported the Upjohn Economic Study, an update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and will include several infrastructure master plans to continue the legacy set by previous councils in providing the infrastructure and positive economic climate for the future of our City.

I am honored to be the Mayor of this great city and look to even more exciting things coming to fruition as Waco reaches its goals.

Staff Photo - RICHARD BRAUN

Upward trend continues The Greater Waco Economic Index represents a monthly snapshot of Waco’s economic condition that includes Amarillo-based economist Karr Ingham’s take on unemployment, home sales and construction, commercial development, spending and strides in tourism as reflected in hotel/motel tax revenues.

Mike COPELAND STAFF WRITER Waco Media Company

Elsewhere, at the I-35 It is sponsored by the First 15 percent increase over 2014, frontage road and South Valley Mills Drive, new restaurants National Bank of Central Texas Ingham reported. such as Bubba’s 33, Starbucks and the Tribune-Herald. A representative of the Greater “This is a very, very active and Potbellies have gone up Waco Chamber of Commerce market, just incredible,” adjacent to a new Gander - usually Whitney Richter, Trammell Kelly, with Kelly Mountain outdoors store. marketing and research Realtors, told the Tribunemanager - presents Ingham’s Herald. “Housing inventory is findings to a gathering of very low, and if anyone is even business and community thinking about selling, now is the leaders. They discuss the time.” nuances of the report and add their own opinions of the Illustrating the strength of Greater Waco economy from the local economy, Richter said, the perspective of their areas of is the fact the index has failed expertise. to improve from one month to the next on only two occasions during the past 40 months.

Then there is the construction going on near downtown along Interstate 35, where restaurants named Twisted Root and In-N-Out Burger, among others, will The index, which is based on data dating to “It has been really, really do business near a new CVS Pharmacy.

2000, mirrors a red-hot strong,” said Richter, economy in Greater Waco “and continues to trend At Lake Air and Valley Mills drives, land clearing and that sets a record almost construction have created a new upward.”

Whataburger restaurant and every month.

The Waco area’s unemployment rate in 2015 continues to fall when compared to numbers from 2014; spending is surging in Waco and its suburbs; and home sales have real estate agents searching for new superlatives. For example, a total of 1,074 existing homes changed hands during the first five months of 2015, which is a

Commercial development is picking up not only in Waco but countywide. Hot spots include Central Texas Marketplace, the shopping center at West Loop 340 and Interstate 35, where stores such as Five Below, Haverty’s and World Market have opened since Jan. 1, and Cavender’s Boot City built a new superstore.

promise of an Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint and a Sprint store.

With job growth comes a population with money to spend.

Sales tax rebates indicate retail merchants enjoyed $36 million more in sales during the first five months of 2015 than during the same period last year.

Richter said that because home sales are booming, contractors are busy creating new housing stock.

“We’re seeing that in the McGregor area, in China Spring and in the core of Waco, as well,” she said. “In downtown Waco, we are enjoying a considerable amount of multifamily development.”

New and used vehicle sales have been a strongpoint of the index all year. Spending during the first five months of 2015 exceeded year-ago levels by 2 percent, and the first five months last year exceeded 2013 by 10 percent.

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WORK: 2015

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

WORK 2015 Fundamentals of

economic development Great cities are defined by great places, which is why it is exciting to witness the transformations taking Matt place in the Greater Waco region. In greater downtown MEADORS Waco, for instance, those transformations include our PRESIDENT/CEO Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce attractive I-35 gateway with McLane Stadium and lighting of the Extrados signature bridges. In addition, strong foundation for longinterest in living in downtown Waco has grown aterm sustainability, (2) building dramatically, as evidence by the significant growth of momentum and capital to ensure long-term success and housing in our urban core.

(3) helping build Greater Waco

and retain the best and brightest talent;

As we always do when bringing on a new strategic plan, part of that work is to build our public and private partnerships to deliver our region’s economic In an effort to capitalize development initiatives. Some of on the positive image growing these include, but are not limited in our region, the Greater to: Waco Chamber’s board of directors recently approved the •Investing in a well-researched, organization’s new strategic compelling economic developplan, Build Greater Waco. ment image strategy for Greater This five-year plan will guide Waco; the Chamber from 2016 to 2020. The strategic plan calls •Facilitating downtown infor the Chamber to build vestment to accelerate the I’m also excited to share that upon its impactful economic transformation of our urban in the last decade, our Chamber development work by (1) building core, create jobs, and attract

The process for economic development has no finish line.

We are excited about these new initiatives to continue building up our economic development efforts, as well as opportunities to keep talent in Waco and encourage existing companies to invest in their facilities.

has assisted in the creation of more than 7,000 desirable, good paying jobs, $971 million in capital investment and helped increase the average income of residents by nearly 20 percent.

The Greater Waco Chamber’s professional team is constantly addressing three trends fundamental to economic development today, such as targeting talent, strategic investments in placemaking and the knowledge and innovation economy. These efforts have helped us partner with nine other chambers in McLennan County to create a louder voice in the marketplace, to create programs to help everyone from high school students and entrepreneurs to young professionals reach their goals.

into a world-class community.

WACO AT A GLANCE POPULATION

Waco MSA:

234,906

7-county Region:

715,080

•Launching an online marketplace for employment and internships in Greater Waco, facilitating strong collaboration among the business community and education institutions.

We’re looking forward to bringing our new strategic plan online and working with all of our partners to continue the transformation of Waco into one of the premier mid-size communities in the nation.

INCENTIVES

LAND AREA

124,805

•Cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem within which a diverse group of entrepreneurs can thrive;

PROVIDED BY:

July 2015

City of Waco:

•Developing the riverfront;

City of Waco: 95.3 miles MSA: 1,041.9 miles

City of Waco Industrial Grants and NAFTA Zones Bond Financing Downtown Public Improvement Fund Foreign Trade Zone #246 Freeport Exemption

FORT WORTH

Tax Abatement (Property)

DALLAS

20

Tax Increment Financing Texas Enterprise Zones Waco Industrial Foundation

20 35 10

EMPLOYMENT

6

Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corp

45

AUSTIN 10

HOUSTON

SAN ANTONIO

Workforce Grants

BUSINESS PARKS

Waco MSA

Labor Force: 117,643 Employment: 112,537 Unemployment: 5,106 Unemployment Rate: 4.3%

Waco International Aviation Park

Texas

Labor Force: 13,097,438 Employment: 12,517,239 Unemployment: 580,199 Unemployment Rate: 4.4% Labor Force: 158,283,000 Employment: 149,645,000 Unemployment: 8,638,000 Unemployment Rate: 5.5%

McGregor Industrial Park

35 37

Central Texas Technology and Research Park Commerce Park Texas Corridor Industrial Park

HIGHWAY

MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Allergan

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT:

Texas Central Park - East Waco Regional Airport

U.S. Numbers from June 2015

Baylor University Waco ISD Providence Healthcare Network Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center L-3 Platform Integration City of Waco H-E-B (all locations) Midway ISD Wal-Mart Stores Sanderson Farms Inc. McLennan County Examination Management Services, Inc. (EMSI) McLennan Community College Aramark Veterans Administration Medical Center Texas State Technical College Waco Mars Chocolate

Texas Central Park

3,204 2,410 2,385 2,295 1,850 1,516 1,500 1,350 1,098 1,041 949 850 837 810 800 768 700 700 675

WacoCustomReports.com

Interstate Highway 35 US Highway 77 and 84 State Highway 6, 31, 164 and 317

Robinson Industrial Park Young Industrial Park Moody Businessand Technology Plaza

Other 4%

BUSES Waco Transit System Greyhound Bus Lines Waco Eagle/The Streak [shuttle service to DFW airport]

AIR Waco Regional Airport [American Airlines] TSTC Airport McGregor Executive Airport

RAIL

Tourism 9%

Government 17%

Education and Health Services 19% Professional Services 8% Finance 6%

Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Amtrak

Information 1%

Construction 6% Manufacturing 14% Trade and Transportation 16%

SOURCE: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION LABOR MARGET INFORMATION