In 2024, your Chamber is celebrating 125 years of building Greater Waco! Since 1899, your Chamber, with support from our membership and community partners, has been doing vital work to ensure Greater Waco's continued growth and prosperity.
1899
The Waco Business Men’s Club, the predecessor to the Greater Waco Chamber, was founded in 1899. The Club’s goal was to bring together local business leaders to impact the quality of life and economic vitality of Waco.
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1911
Isidore Friedlander, president of the Waco Business Men’s Club, hosted the “Waco Prosperity Banquet.” The club was founded in 1909 and is regarded as the great-grandfather of today’s Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. This gathering celebrated the growth of Waco from a small village to a city of some 20,000 people, the opening of the 22-story Amicable Life Insurance Company (ALICO) building, completion of the Santa Fe Train Connection and the boom of other industrial businesses. The event spanned three city blocks with rows of wooden tables covered in linens, and folding chairs lining the street. The entire block of South Fifth Street and Austin Avenue was roped off for a dinner meal, with 2,000 guests in attendance and spectators pressed along both sides of the sidewalks. Bottles of Dr Pepper were served, as seen on the tables, accompanied with cigars. The event showcased the optimism and festive spirit Waco was experiencing in the early 1900s.
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1916
The Texas Secretary of State approved a charter amendment changing the name of the Waco Business Men’s Club to the Waco Chamber of Commerce.
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1938
Louis Lipsitz opened M. Lipsitz & Co, his small recycling operation in 1895 on Bridge Street, near the banks of the Brazos River in Waco. Similar to the company today, M. Lipsitz & Co. began buying and selling scrap copper, iron and brass. They joined the Waco Chamber of Commerce in 1938, making them one of the oldest members of the organization. In 1933, Melvin Lipsitz Sr. joined his father, Louis Lipsitz, and together they relocated the business to the corner of Franklin Avenue and First Street in downtown Waco. Requiring more space, the operation eventually grew into its 20-acre headquarters at 100 Elm Street in Waco, Texas. The company has grown to 14 recycling operations and a waste hauling operation, with the primary office still located in Waco.
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1944
Through the efforts of the Chamber, the General Tire and Rubber Co. opened its second U.S. location, a $5.5 million tire manufacturing plant, in Waco creating 1,500 jobs. It was hailed “one of the most important industrial developments in recent Texas history.” The Waco plant initially produced items like truck tires for the U.S. Army and Navy and other rubber-based equipment for wartime use in World War II. After the war ended, General Tire took nearly full control of the plant and began producing more consumer- and industrial-based products. After just 10 years of production, the Waco plant had doubled in size and was producing 6,000 passenger car, truck, tractor and farm-service tires. The Waco plant underwent a 40 percent expansion in production capacity in the 1950s and continued to experience massive growth and success over the next 30 years. In November of 1985, General Tire & Rubber Co. announced the closure of the Waco plant just one year after the 40th anniversary. The building that once housed General Tire & Rubber Co. main production is now the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC), developing and commercializing new industrial technologies.
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1953
In the early 1950s, a group of business and agricultural leaders from McLennan County including Othel Neely, the Agricultural Program Leader at the Waco Chamber, sought permission from the city and the county to build a new agricultural and entertainment venue. City, county and Chamber officials were tasked with determining the size and scope of the project. Once the project was approved, the group began to set up the board, the bylaws and a charter. After voters in McLennan County approved a $1.2 million bond toward construction, the Heart O’ Texas Coliseum was developed. The fairgrounds were the largest of its kind, west of the Mississippi River, totaling 253 acres. The inaugural Heart of Texas (H.O.T.) Fair and Rodeo took place at the coliseum in 1953. The fair was an event to remember, with renowned rodeo producer Tommy Steiner overseeing popular rodeo events, a Texas wildlife display, fireworks, and a performance by Elvis Presley.
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1955
Chamber leaders Jack Kultgen and Harlon Fentress met with key military and congressional leaders a total of 35 times in Washington to push for an addition to the Lake Waco dam, originally built in 1929. With the help of Texas native and then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, Kultgen and Fentress testified before a U.S. House Flood Control Committee on the need of better flood control for Lake Waco. The men warned that if the federal government did not act quickly, Waco would be forced to build a second lake upstream from Lake Waco for additional water supply, which would cause problems with the corps’ flood control efforts. That same year, Congress authorized $100,000 for planning the dam. In July of 1958, Lyndon B. Johnson arrived in Waco to break ground on the Lake Waco project, which was completed in June of 1965.
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1958
The Waco Industrial Foundation was born out of a meeting of the Waco Industrial Districts. The purpose of this chartered nonprofit, which was managed and promoted by the Chamber, was to provide industrial land at reasonable costs and secure financing for development within Waco’s industrial districts.
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1962
The Chamber’s Education Committee obtained signatures to back the formation of a new junior college. Under the leadership of Chamber president and local editor Harry Provence, the Chamber gave a steering committee $1,000 to work toward drumming up public support for the junior college, now McLennan Community College, which was completed in 1965.
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1964
Over 130 years after the building of Fort Fisher, the Chamber pushed for the site to be developed into a tourist destination along with the newly arrived Interstate 35 through Waco. The Chamber’s Publicity Committee considered various possibilities for a roadside attraction. In 1963, local businessman James R. LeBlond offered the idea of a fresh, revived Fort Fisher that would serve as a multipurpose facility with space for a tourist center, the headquarters of Texas Rangers Company F and a small museum to house Texas Ranger memorabilia. A Fort Fisher Committee was developed by the Chamber, and after several years of work, the Waco City Council approved the Fort Fisher project construction in 1967. The “new Fort Fisher,” known today as the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, was dedicated in October of 1968.
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1965
The Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) opened its doors. Upon learning of the impending closure of the James Connally Air Force Base, the Chamber immediately began working on a plan for the site. Out of a special committee from the Chamber, with membership of Congressman Bob Poage, Murray Watson and John Connally, the idea of Texas State Technical Institute was born. Now, Texas State Technical College, the college is a key asset to Waco.
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1970
The Mid-Tex Farm and Ranch Show debuted as a place for farmers across Texas, and beyond, to congregate and share new technologies and techniques in agriculture.
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1972
In the 1930s, the primary route between Waco and Temple was U.S. Highway 81 and those driving from Waco to Dallas used U.S. 77. In 1957, the first part of the new Interstate 35 was a four-lane stretch from the Falls County line to Temple. In 1958, interstate construction began within Waco and the project was completed in October of 1972. In Waco, Interstate 35 and the access roads are named “Jack Kultgen Expressway” in honor of Wacoan J.H. “Jack” Kultgen. He was instrumental in many city affairs, from fighting for the building of the Lake Waco Dam to leading the Texas Good Roads Association. The Chamber of Commerce’s involvement in the completion of I-35 is, in large part, thanks to former board members Jack Kultgen, Harry Provence and Harlon Fentress. Their efforts helped plan, design and construct the network of highway facilities, ensuring Waco’s continued future as a hub of economic activity.
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1972
Time Manufacturing, with the help of the Chamber of Commerce, relocated its business to Waco with just over a dozen employees. Today, Time Manufacturing employs over 600 individuals at its Waco plant.
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1975
Paul Marable led the Chamber in the major announcement of the new M&M Mars Candy factory coming to Waco. With the arrival of Mars, many other companies followed.
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1975
At a Chamber board meeting, a motion passed changing the name to “Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce,” reflecting the wide area the Chamber served.
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1982
The Chamber’s community development committee developed the “All About Waco” gameboard to promote the area and local businesses.
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1984
Leadership Waco was launched to identify, develop and encourage potential leaders from within the Waco community.
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1985
The Chamber hosted the second Prosperity Banquet with host Bob Hope, celebrating 100 years of Dr Pepper in Waco. The celebration was organized by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and Dr Pepper Corporation. The re-creation of the 1911 Prosperity Banquet was enjoyed by 2,050 attendees. Bob Hope produced a steady stream of one-liners throughout the evening and sang a few of his favorite songs.
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1985
Electrospace Systems, Inc. began operations in its Waco facility located at the TSTC Waco Industrial Airport. The Chamber saw Electrospace Systems through a name change to Chrysler Technologies Airborne Systems, Inc., a purchase by Raytheon, L-3 Technologies, and currently L3Harris.
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1988
After negotiations with Chamber and city officials, Allergan, now AbbVie, selected Waco as the site of its new manufacturing plant. Allergan spoke highly of Waco’s quality workforce, central location and posititive business environment as key influences in the decision.
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1989
The first annual Football Kick-Off Luncheon was held at the Lion’s Den. Since its start, the Football Kick-Off Luncheon has been a community-wide effort to generate excitement for the upcoming football season.
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1990
Sherwin Williams opened its 400,000 square-foot distribution center in Waco. Through the efforts of community leaders, city management, Waco Industrial Foundation and the Economic Development Department of the Chamber, the company remains a great employer in Waco.
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1991
The Dr Pepper Museum opened to the public on May 11, 1991, three years after the building was donated to the nonprofit. During the next six years, the museum embarked on additional construction phases until the entire building was restored and opened in May 1997.
The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and the City of Waco hoped that the Museum would be a catalyst for renewed energy and growth in the area. The museum is home to the W. W. Clements Free Enterprise Institute, created in 1997, for the purpose of educating children and adults about the American economic system.
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1996
Teen Leadership Waco was launched as a collaborative effort between the Tejas Council of Camp Fire Boys and Girls, the Chamber’s Leadership Waco Alumni Association and McLennan Community College.
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1996
The Chamber’s sports committee launched the Tip Off Luncheon, an annual community celebration and preview of the upcoming basketball seasons across high school and college campuses.
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1996
The Chamber made its online debut at waco-chamber.com.
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1997
The Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corporation was established with leadership from city and county officials, the Waco Industrial Foundation and the Chamber for the recruitment of industrial business and jobs to the region.
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1998
The Chamber and city and county officials secured a deal with Caterpillar to construct a new manufacturing plant in Waco.
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2003
The SpaceX McGregor site began testing rocket engines for spacecraft with just three employees. Now, each engine that SpaceX produces passes through this 4,000-acre state-of-the-art rocket development facility.
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2005
The 2005-2006 school year saw the launch of the Chamber’s LEAD mentoring program. The initial class was small, with just one mentor in one school with five students. In nearly 20 years, the program has grown to serve more than 100 students each year and has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships.
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2005
The Waco Young Professionals group was founded as part of the Chamber with the goal of making Waco a “magnet for talent.”
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2005
The Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign launched and has raised over $21.6 million over the past 19 years. Annually, over 140 volunteers come together for four months to enlist new members and generate programs, publications and event sponsorships to raise awareness of the Chamber throughout the region. It contributes more than a third of the Chamber’s annual operating budget.
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2005
The Chamber identified 10 breakthrough opportunities which comprised the 2005 Program of Action, a precursor to the Challenge Greater Waco Strategic Plan.
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2006
The Chamber and the Waco Industrial Foundation prepared a site for Sanderson Farms Inc., a project valued at $70 million and the creation of 1,290 new jobs.
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2007
The Chamber and other Waco leaders participated in the first intercity visit to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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2008
The Chamber collaborated with the Waco McLennan County Economic Development Corporation, the City of Waco, McLennan County and the Waco Industrial Foundation to support Waco Coca-Cola Bottling in securing a new location for its sales and distribution center after damages from a tornado in 2006 caused them to seek new facility options.
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2008
The Chamber opened its new building, the Salome Commerce Center, which is the first LEED-certified green chamber building in the nation. The building features an impressive collection of local and regional art, made possible through the generosity of past Chamber chairs and other arts advocates.
The two-story, 13,916-square-foot building, made possible by the Challenge Greater Waco Campaign, is owned by the Waco Chamber of Commerce Community Development Foundation. The Chamber’s sustainable site was made possible by the City of Waco. The building is designed to accommodate the scores of committees and task forces that advance the organization's comprehensive economic, community and organization development agenda.
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2009
The Chamber’s Sports and Special Events team kicked off the first annual TriWaco Triathlon.
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2009
1000 Friends of Waco launched as an initiative to mobilize volunteers in the development of the Greater Waco Downtown Master Plan and Economic Development Strategy, which later became the Imagine Waco Strategy.
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2009
The Chamber, with support from former Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy, formalized the Education Alliance. The alliance’s mission was “to develop an understanding that the entire community shares responsibility for educating every citizen.”
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2013
Construction of the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) was completed, occupying 300,000 square feet of the former General Tire facility. The BRIC space is appointed for laboratories, prototyping and testing, offices and workspace, workforce training, business formation and development opportunities, and symposium halls. The Chamber was a collaborative stakeholder in BRIC.
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2015
The Chamber’s Sports and Special Events team created The Texas Food Truck Showdown, the first event of its kind in Texas. This unique event far exceeded goals, with 35 food trucks traveling to Waco from all over the state to compete while serving upwards of 15,000 people.
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2018
MarsWrigley Confectionary announced $30 million in new investment into its Waco facility, including the construction of a 65,000 square-foot expansion to accommodate product distribution.
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2018
The Greater Waco Chamber played a pivotal role in the development of Startup Waco, inspired by its 2016 InterCity Leadership Visit to Nashville, TN. The Chamber also served as a temporary “home base” for the initial Startup Waco employees, providing desks and meeting space, while the permanent space was under construction. The space was completed in late 2018 and continues to serve aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.
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2020
The Mexico-based Envases Group broke ground on its Waco operation, focusing on aluminum beverage containers commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. The facility, located in Texas Central Park, has more than 450,000 square-feet of production and distribution space.
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2020
HOLT, the largest Caterpillar equipment dealer in the United States acquired the former Caterpillar Work Tools, a 200,000 +/- square foot industrial campus in Texas Central Parkway. The company invested over $32 million and created 128 new jobs, with services including heavy equipment maintenance, engine rebuilds, equipment assembly and other products and services that will compliment other HOLT operations in the State.
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2020
City of Waco, McLennan County, Greater Waco Chamber, and the Waco Industrial Foundation welcome Amazon to the community. Amazon’s site represents an investment of $200 million into a 3-story robotic fulfillment center in Waco, creating 1,000 jobs for Central Texans.
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2020
Leading European galvanizer, ZINKPOWER, selected Waco for their first greenfield U.S. operation. This is the only galvanizing operation between DFW and San Antonio. Not only that, but it is the company’s longest galvanizing dip bed in the world. ZINKPOWER created 100 new jobs with this $32 million investment.
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2021
In January 2021, Uzin Utz North America Inc. announced its intentions to build its second North American manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas. The 125,000 square-foot facility is located on the corner of Mars Drive and Texas Central Parkway. This facility also houses a new North American training center for professional flooring contractors. The expansion in Waco adds to the extensive global manufacturing footprint of Uzin Utz AG with manufacturing facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Indonesia, and China.
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2022
South-Carolina based AstenJohnson selected Waco for its nonwoven manufacturing plant, supporting the auto, aviation, healthcare, filtration, and home furnishing industries. The 200,000 square-foot advanced manufacturing facility, located in the Waco International Aviation Park, represents an investment of $40 million, creating 36 new high-skilled jobs.
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2022
Magnolia announced and commenced construction on its new headquarters located in the historic Waco Tribune Herald facility in Downtown Waco. The renovation of 70,000 square feet included offices, studio and film production space and a test kitchen. More than 75 new professional positions were created. This location employs approximately 200 Magnolia professionals.
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2023
In early 2023, the Greater Waco Chamber announced its largest capital investment project! Graphic Packaging International is investing $1 billion in its new facility in the heart of Waco’s largest industrial park, Texas Central Park. The 124-acre campus will be home to 640,000 square feet in production and warehousing facilities and will offer approximately 230 high-paying jobs. GPI manufactures fiber-based consumer packaging solutions for the world’s leading consumer product and foodservice companies.