GREAtER WAcO chAmbER
GRAND
OPENING
June 6, 2008
SALOmE cOmmERcE cENtER
Gildersleeve photo.
Waco Chamber of Commerce, East Texas Trade Trip, 1940
History of the Chamber
t
he Greater Waco Chamber, a volunteer- the bond, and in turn the City of Waco provided
driven business-leadership organization, office space there for the Chamber for more than
has been a force for good in Waco for 30 years.
more than a century. Shortly after the turn of the new century,
Today, the Chamber is advancing an economic Chamber leaders began to dream of a new facility,
and community development agenda that one that could serve as a showcase marketing
promises to lead the region into a new era of center for Greater Waco.
prosperity with an education-based economy and The adoption of a breakthrough initiative in
a reputation for green, livable city practices. 2005 defined the dream, and Chamber leaders
As in prior years, the 21st Century Chamber turned to the city again with a vision for spurring
relies on its members who provide leadership development at Waco’s Town Square.
and resources for the community building on The city made a site available at 101 S.
the organization’s record of success including Third St. adjacent to Heritage Square for a new
developing the area’s highway network and Chamber headquarters. A building committee
Interstate 35, Lakes Whitney and Waco, was formed, and a capital campaign was set
transforming James Connally Air Force Base into in motion to raise funds for construction and
Texas State Technical College Waco, establishing to carry out the Chamber’s strategic economic
McLennan Community College and more development plan. More than $7.4 million was
recently joining forces with the city to retain the raised through the investments of the businesses,
Waco VA Hospital. foundations and individuals.
While the city has grown, so has the Chamber. The Chamber continued to carry out its
It began in 1899 as the Waco Business Men’s strategic plan from the Texas Life Building while
Club with leaders realizing that by working construction was under way. During that time,
together businesses can have a greater impact on the staff grew by six, and many new initiatives
the quality of life and economic vitality of the were undertaken including the Waco Angel
area. The organization continued to grow and Network, Business Leadership in Schools and
stimulate business for decades. Leadership Education and Development. This
By the early 1960s, the Chamber was located period of growth has positioned the Chamber
downtown at Fourth and Franklin. It was during staff for operating from its new headquarters.
this decade that leaders recognized the need for a Ongoing construction around the building for
bond to construct a new convention center. The a $60-million mixed-use town square is evidence
Chamber played a pivotal role in the success of that downtown is vibrant. 1
Green
from top to bottom
Natural Lighting
The 9’ x 24’ skylight brings the outside
inside with superior winter and summer energy
efficiency while transmitting diffuse daylight.
This high-performance translucent product by
Kalwall—combined with a light well—allows
natural sunlight to illuminate both first and
second level workspaces. Most staff areas receive
natural lighting through the skylight and the
building’s 40 insulated windows.
Living Roof
The first living roof in Greater Waco is planted
with varieties of sedum that require little water
and maintenance. The 1,750-square-foot living
roof reduces the urban heat island, absorbs
air pollution, collects airborne pollutants and
stores carbon. The living roof also provides extra
insulation that reduces the amount of heating
and air conditioning needed inside the building. Water conservation
Rainwater that would otherwise run off the site Water-efficient landscaping and plumbing are important
irrigates the plants. Excess rainwater is retained in features in this green building.
a cistern, and a solar-powered pump returns the Low-flow faucets, waterless urinals and dual-flush water
water to the roof during dry periods. closets that use 1.6 gallons per flush or 1.1 gallons per flush
Texas State Technical College Waco and the based on water need are designed to conserve resources. This
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provided system can reduce water use by up to 30 percent.
input for the living roof. A shower also is available for employees who prefer to walk,
run or ride their bike to work as another energy-conservation
measure.
FSc-certified Wood
Millwork and furniture in the Chamber
building is Forest Stewardship Council-certified.
White Roof The council sets high standards that ensure
The Chamber’s 5,400-square-foot white roof forestry is practiced in an environmentally
is Energy Star®-rated and its reflective qualities responsible, socially beneficial and economically
will contribute to lower cooling costs and viable way.
reduced energy consumption. This single-ply Landowners and companies that sell timber
thermoplastic material produced by Carlisle does or forest products may seek certification to verify
not contain any polyvinyl chloride (PVC). to consumers that they have practiced forestry
consistent with FSC standards.
The red oak and pine window frames, stairs
and trim are finished with water-based stains to
reduce chemical emissions.
Energy Low V.O.c.
A grant from Green Mountain Energy is The building was designed to consume 22 The paint and carpet in the building is
providing a 9.6 kilowatt solar array on the roof of percent less energy than typical new construction. low-V.O.C. (volatile organic compounds). This
the building. The Chamber is proud to set the standard translates into fewer emissions and a healthier
The 48 photo voltaic solar panels will offset for innovative ways to utilize cleaner, renewable indoor work environment.
the building’s annual electrical usage by 6.5 technologies. The sustainable carpet system, manufactured
percent and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by In addition, the Chamber’s electrical by Shaw Industries, was aired out for a week
more than 26,500 pounds. That’s as much CO2 management system includes lighting sensors before being brought into the building, and the
emissions avoided as more than 1,500 trees would for the main rooms and offices that cause lights floors were steam cleaned before installation.
absorb in one year. to turn off when the space is unoccupied. The With 853 square yards of carpet tiles in
The solar panels are being installed by exterior lighting on the building is designed to public spaces and 267 square yards of rolled
Texas-based Standard Renewable Energy. Green reduce light pollution by pointing downward. carpet in offices, the carpet impacts every
Mountain is funding the Chamber’s new solar workspace.
array through its Big Texas Sun Club. Shaw carpets are Green Label Plus certified
under through the Carpet & Rug Institute’s
A solar array of 48 panels will offset the Chamber’s energy use by indoor air quality program.
6.5% annually.
The 64 square yards of vinyl by Mannington
Commercial in the workroom is made of 20
percent post-consumer recycled material.
terrazzo tile
Visitors to the building will walk on glass in
the gallery and first floor corridor.
The unique surface manufactured by
Texas-based EnviroGLAS is made of multi-colored
glass chips from discarded bottles, mirrors and
plate windows. The durable floor is colorful and
attractive while adding another product made
from recycled material in the building.
The 1,100-square-foot gallery and 652-square-
foot corridor will be among the most high-traffic
areas of the building.
Sustainable site
LEED tm
The Chamber’s headquarters at 101 S. Third
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Under the LEED™ system, points are St. replaces an asphalt parking lot that was earlier
Design (LEED™) program of the U.S. Green awarded in five categories: sustainable sites, water part of the original Waco square. The Chamber
Building Council is a third-party certification efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and and city recognized the site’s potential as a live,
and nationally accepted benchmark for the resources, indoor environmental quality, and work and play environment that is now being
design, construction and operation of high innovation and design process. realized.
performance green buildings. The Chamber’s architect and contractor— The building was kept free of food, tobacco
The Chamber building was designed to meet RBDR and Barsh Construction Company—were and other contaminants during construction.
LEED™ guidelines from the beginning of the committed to achieving LEED™ certification. The About 75 percent of the site’s waste was diverted
construction process. The Chamber aspires to Chamber recognizes their work on Greater Waco’s from the landfill and sent to recycling centers.1
earn a LEED™ Gold certification. first green building.
building finish
from start to
topping Out ceremony
Oct. 23, 2007
“Raising the funds to construct the building and carry out
the Strategic Plan is evidence that Waco We Do is much more
than a slogan.”
Richard E. Brophy, Strategic Plan Committee Chair, 2008 Chamber Chair
Groundbreaking ceremony
May 11, 2007
Greater Waco chamber
Salome commerce center
Grand Opening
June 6, 2008
Waco Tribune-Herald photo
“Our Challenge Greater Waco campaign represents the
confidence that the business community has in the future
of Waco and our Chamber of Commerce.”
Bob R. Davis, Building Committee Chair, 2006 Chamber Chair
Name of building
The Chamber building has been named the
The Chamber Collection
Salome Commerce Center in honor of Thomas
G. Salome, chair of the capital campaign. He also
was a leading investor in the Challenge Fund—
personally and through his company.
t
he Greater Waco Chamber’s permanent art collection features a wide array of local artists with
Names of spaces in building varying styles and mediums. The artists are as diverse as the pieces in the collection. They range
The Robinson Gallery is named in honor from world renowned painters to founders of Waco’s art community. The Chamber building will
of C. Clifton and Betsy S. Robinson through house stained glass, oils, watercolors, photography, textiles, ceramics and other mediums from abstract to
the generosity of Specialty Properties Ltd. The local landscape scenes. The collection will feature pieces that can be enjoyed by the public both indoors
Robinsons are longtime supporters of Baylor and outdoors.1
University and the arts.
the chamber collection
The Sheehy Room is named in honor of John Local and regional art acquired through the generosity Spadix, 1993
F. Sheehy Jr. through the generosity of the Waco of past chairs of the Greater Waco Chamber Mike Cunningham
bronze scuplture on
Industrial Foundation. Mr. Sheehy served the
Richard E. Brophy, 2008 W. David Lacy 2007 limestone base
foundation as its legal counsel for 50 years.
William L. Clifton Jr. 1995 Wilton A. Lanning 1986
W. Lacy Clifton 1968 Paul D. Marable Jr 1988
The Cooper Room is named in honor of Bob R. Davis 2006 Lyndon L. Olson Jr. 1990
Madison A. Cooper Jr. through the generosity Virginia DuPuy 2000 Alton Pearson 1985
of the Cooper Foundation, which has provided Louis Englander 1998 Thomas G. Salome 1993
funding for many significant community projects James F. Haller 2004 Willard J. Still 1989
including the Chamber building. James R. Hawkins 1975 Stanley Strum 1994
David G. Horner 2001
The Hawkins Room is named in honor of Also contributing the chamber
James R. and Nell L. Hawkins, philanthropists to the collection
and benefactors of Baylor University and the collection committee
Cameron Park Zoo. Ted and Sue Getterman Karin A. Gilliam, Chair
James R. and Nell L. Hawkins Mark A. Arnold
Jim and Debbie Sartain Keith J. Bailey
The Greater Waco Marketing Center
Rick and Lisa Sheldon W. David Lacy
recognizes the generosity of the AT&T
Doreen Ravenscroft
Foundation and its commitment to advancing
education, strengthening communities and Festina Lente, 2008
improving lives. Kermit Oliver
acrylic on wood panel
The Waco Foundation Living Roof honors
the organization that has impacted the people of
Waco and McLennan County through its
philanthropic support of the non-profit sector.
Name of plaza
The Plaza at Commerce Center recognizes the
City of Waco for providing the site on which the
Chamber building stands.
NAmING
spaces
marketing
Greater Waco
t
o stay on track with its mission to guide
the area’s economic development, the
Greater Waco Chamber adopted a
Strategic Economic Development Plan in 2006. Strategic Plan
This comprehensive plan identifies five goals GOAL 1:
to help the area achieve a more sustainable GROW WAcO
The stair rail contains an attractive design feature.
economy and quality of life and names six target Grow Waco by broadening and strengthening The 16’ monumental staircase is made of rolled steel.
industries—advanced manufacturing, aviation, existing economic development efforts to
2008 Executive Committee
professional services, health care, logistics and sustain quality job growth and increase local
tourism. wealth in the short- and long-term.
The Greater Waco Marketing Center is where
economic development prospects will gain insight GOAL 2: chair Vice chair
into the community’s strengths. This room is DEVELOP thE WORKFORcE Richard E. Brophy, Beard Kultgen Brophy Don Moes, Equipment Depot, Ltd.
equipped with a flat panel television, projector, Develop the ability of the workforce to Bostwick Dickson & Squires, LLP Immediate Past chair
screen and display panels for maps.1 meet the needs of business by enhancing chair Elect W. David Lacy, Community Bank & Trust
the education, training and development Dr. Roland Goertz, Family Health Center President and cEO
programs of the public school systems, higher
Vice chair and treasurer James G. Vaughan Jr., Greater Waco Chamber
education institutions and other available Terry Stevens, First American Title Company
resources. of Waco
GOAL 3:
chANGE PERcEPtIONS
Change perceptions by enhancing Greater
Board of Directors
Waco’s internal and external image through Elected 2006-2008 Elected 2008-2010
the Waco We Do branding campaign. Kyle Deaver, Harley-Davidson of Waco Connie Clark, Wells Fargo Bank Texas, N.A.
Dr. Roland Goertz, Family Health Center Dr. Brad Holland, Waco Ear, Nose & Throat
GOAL 4: Judy Guyer, Bank of America Michael Holmes, L-3 Communications
REVItALIZE StRAtEGIc Debbie Keel, AT&T & Integrated Systems
Stewart Kelly, Kelly, Realtors Carlos Lopez, Wal-Mart Stores
cOmmUNItY AREAS
Michael Reitmeier, Adam Mize, Caterpillar Work Tools
Revitalize downtown, the Brazos riverfront Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd & Therrell, P.C. Randy Odil, KCEN-TV/DT, Channel 6, Inc.
and other key areas by enhancing efforts to Randy Robertson, Innovation Mark Reynolds, Extraco Banks
create more vibrant communities and improve Kathy Schroeder, Coldwell Banker Glenn A. Robinson, Hillcrest Health System
housing options. Jim Stewart Realtors Dr. Sharon Shields, LaVega Independent School District
David Smith, Central National Bank Hal Whitaker, Englander Container & Display
GOAL 5: Elected 2007-2009 Appointed 2008
bUILD A cULtURE OF Scott Bracey, Dealers Electrical Supply Darci Jo Harris, Mars Snackfood US
ImPLEmENtAtION Tate Christensen, Barsh Construction Company Kai’lah James, Baylor University
Growing Greater Waco by attracting Build a culture of implementation by Don Moes, Equipment Depot, Ltd. Jim Sartain, FirstCity Financial
new jobs and investment is the focus strengthening stakeholder relationships and Charles Olson, Haley & Olson P.C. Ricky Thompson, First National Bank
of the strategic plan.
obtaining the resources necessary for success. Dr. Reagan Ramsower, Baylor University of Central Texas
Mike Raymond, Curves International Brad Toben, Baylor Law School
Gordon Robinson, Specialty Property, Ltd. Russell Trippet, Brothers Management
Al Rodriguez, MarathonNorco Aerospace Rick Tullis, Capstone Mechanical
Enid Wade, Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee, LLP Greg Vanek, National Lloyds
Bird-Kultgen Ford TVA Development
Investors
challenge Greater Waco Blackhawk Modifications
Blue Bell Creameries
Vogel Financial Group
Waco Associaton of Realtors
Brazos Environmental and Engineering Services Wesley Woods Alzheimer's Care Center
DIAmOND INVEStORS Douglas C. Brown William Taylor & Co.
$500,000+
Capstone Mechanical F.M. and Gloria Young
Thomas G. and Martha B. Salome
Carter BloodCare
Waco Industrial Foundation Waco Tribune-Herald and Central Texas Investors
INVEStORS
James M. Cox Foundation $5,000 - $9,999
PLAtINUm INVEStORS Central Texas Printing
Allen Samuels Chevrolet
$250,000 - $499,999 The Wallace Group Sammy Citrano and
AT&T Foundation Wal-Mart Stores and Sam's Club George's Restaurant and Catering Award Specialties
Cooper Foundation Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Coca-Cola Enterprises Bauhaus Knoll Furniture
James R. and Nell L. Hawkins Center for Occupational Research Caterpillar Work Tools
bRONZE INVEStORS W. Lacy Clifton
Specialty Property, Ltd. $25,000 - $49,999 and Development
Texas Life Insurance Company Crawford Austin Properties William L. Clifton, Jr.
Advanced Concepts and Technologies International
Waco Foundation CWA Construction The Dwyer Group
American Income Life
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Fletcher Communications
GOLD INVEStORS Bailey Insurance & Risk Management
DuBois Furniture Jim and Judy Haller
$100,000 - $249,999 Ben E. Keith Beverages
Doug Eastland/Keller Williams Realty INNOVATION Marketing and Communications
Allergan Inc. and Allergan Foundation Cargill
Easy Gardner Products KXXV News Channel 25 TV/DT
American Bank Compass Bank and Foundation
EMSI Examination Management Services MTTS Granite & Marble
Anonymous DuPuy Oxygen & Supply
EnviroGLAS Miner Raymond IV
Bank of America Educators Credit Union
Findley Group Reynolds Distributing
Baylor University Fashion Glass & Mirror
First Community Bank Central Texas Jim & Debbie Sartain
Big Red Fidelity Bank of Texas
First National Bank of McGregor Rick and Lisa Sheldon
Central National Bank Haley & Olson
Fulbright Winniford Texas EZPawn
City of Waco Harley-Davidson of Waco
Clifton Foundation Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd & Therrell Ted and Sue Getterman cONtRIbUtORS
Community Bank & Trust John W. Erwin General Contractor Grande Communications $1,000 - $4,999
Curves International KCEN-TV/DT, Channel 6 Green Life Interiors Allen Samuels Auto Group
Bob and Erin Davis Knife River Corporation South Region Harrison Davis Steakley Royce and Janis Berger
Equipment Depot Legends Crossing/John R. Cawthron Heart of Texas Builders Association Carolyn and Rick Brophy
Extraco Banks Mazanec Construction Company Home Abstract & Title Company Brothers Management
FirstCity Financial Corporation Members Choice of Central Texas Hobby Howell Central Transportation Systems
First National Bank of Central Texas Federal Credit Union Jeff Hunter Toyota Scott and Victoria Connell
Hillcrest Health System Ambassador Lyndon L. Olson, Jr. Insurors of Texas CTW Wendy's
Luminant River Square Center/Wallace Bajjali Group Johnson Roofing Dunnam and Dunnam
The Meadows Foundation The Roosevelt July Business Services Louis W. Englander
Profiles International Sheehy, Lovelace & Mayfield Richard Karr Motors Dr. Roland and Rosemary Goertz
Providence Healthcare Network Synergy Bank Kelly, Realtors David Hoppenstein
Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation Tejas Logistics System L-3 Integrated Systems David G. Horner
Scott & White Time Warner Cable Nancy and David Lacy Ice-O-Matic/Kitcheneeirng Div.
Tymco, Inc. Triliji Group Merrill Lynch Vernon and Doris King
James G. and Patty M. Vaughan Oak Farms Dairy Lease Town Inc.
SILVER INVEStORS Waco Business League Packless Industries Lehigh White Cement
$50,000 - $99,999 Pakis Giotes Page and Burleson
G.E. Walker & Associates Manitou North America
Beard Kultgen Brophy Bostwick Pearson Construction, Inc. Paul D. Marable Jr.
Dickson & Squires cOPPER INVEStORS Andy and Elaine Restivo Mars Snackfood US
Coldwell Banker Jim Stewart, Realtors $10,000 - $24,999
Schwartz Design Center Matus Electric
Englander Container & Display 360 Solutions
Sorrells & Gunn Gary and Andrea Moore
First American Title Phil Adkins / Shipley Do-Nuts of Waco
Mike Staas Services Othel M. Neely
GENCO Federal Credit Union Alcoa Fastening Systems
Star Tex Propane Inc. Pat and Kendall Nowotny
Green Mountain Energy Company Alliance Bank Central Texas
Terry and Elaine Stevens Alton Pearson
H-E-B Alphagraphics
Sturdisteel Ramsgate Veterinary Clinic
KWTX-TV American Classifieds
Sunbright Paper Recycling Loren and Martin Schwartz
M. Lipsitz & Company American Guaranty Title
Gordon and Susan Swanson Jon W. Spelman Company
Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee, LLP Associated General Contractors
Texas State Technical College Waco Stanley and Glenda Strum
National Lloyds Atmos Energy
Time Manufacturing Tractor Supply Distribution Center
RBDR Architects Austin Closs Company
Trautschold Millwork Waco Ear, Nose & Throat
Texas First State Bank Barsh Construction Company
Investors current through May 23, 2008. For information about investing, contact Jim Vaughan, (254)752-6551
Greater Waco chamber Staff
James G. Vaughan Jr. Allan Marshall
President/Chief Executive Officer Director of Community Development
Linda Beasley Debbie McCutchen
Executive Vice President, Organization Development Economic Development Coordinator
Kris Collins Chris McGowan
Director of Business Retention & Expansion Director of Urban Development
Scott J. Connell, CEcD Seth Morris
Senior Vice President, Strategic Development Project Manager
Alexis Cooper Jennifer Peel
Research Manager, Economic Development Director of Entrepreneurship
Virginia Ferguson Lesly Rascoe
Community Development Coordinator Vice President, Communications
Amber Greenwood Sarah A. Roberts
Vice President, Resource Development Senior Vice President, Economic Development
Binti Ferrales J. Scot Sanders
Public Relations Specialist Account Executive Membership Sales
Ken Hampton Christy Sanders
Senior Vice President, Community Development Organizational Development Coordinator
Blake Harris Debbie Sherman
Director of Sports & Special Events Office Assistant
Jean Lathern Steve Smith
Office Manager Senior Vice President, Sports & Special Events
Jill Lockhart
Art Director
101 S. Third St. • Waco TX 76701
P.O. Box 1220 • Waco TX 76702-1220
(254) 752-6551
Wacochamber.com
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Printed by central texas Printing
Editor • Lesly Rascoe
Sponsor of commemorative brochure Art Director • Jill Lockhart