Class XLI

2024-2025

Presenting Sponsor:

Contact: Rachel Ligon | rligon@wacochamber.com | 210-618-7667 mobile | 254-757-5613 office

We want to see your pictures! If you post throughout the class, make sure you tag us and use #LeadershipWaco.

LinkedIn: @LeadershipWaco | Facebook: @LeadershipWaco | Instagram: @GWCLeadershipWaco

About the Program

Leadership Waco benefits Greater Waco by developing informed, connected and activated community leaders.

Purpose & Objectives

PURPOSE

Leadership Waco, a Greater Waco Chamber program, is designed to educate, empower and engage current and emerging leaders to make a difference in our community and prepare them for future leadership roles.

Participants will observe our community's realities, opportunities, and challenges. Each class day, participants will be provided opportunities to discuss what they learned with classmates with the hope that each day's content will be personally impactful.

Each class day will feature lectures, panel discussions, dialogue among speakers, on-site visits, and participant interaction with session leaders.

OBJECTIVES

Leadership Waco is an educational program with the following objectives:

  • Educate participants about Greater Waco’s history, government, economy, social issues, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Motivate participants to critically evaluate and work to improve, if necessary, current and future community processes.
  • Facilitate connections and dialogue among participants, presenters, and community stakeholders.
  • Encourage participants to actively engage in future activities that contribute to Greater Waco's growth.
Class Calendar

Class XLI 2024-2025 CALENDAR

Aug. 13th    Retreat

Sept. 17th   Regional Services Day

Oct. 15th     History Day

Nov. 19th    Economic Development Day 
Sponsored by Extraco Banks

Dec. 17th     Nonprofit Day 

 Jan. 14th    Education Day 
Sponsored by Baylor University

Feb. 18th     Leadership Development Day

Mar. 18th     Healthcare Day 

Apr. 22nd     Tourism Day
Sponsored by Carpenter & Croft, PLLC

May 20th      Future Outlook Day

Sponsored by LINC by Extraco

June 17th     Government Day 

June 24th     Graduation Luncheon

Daily Debrief

The debrief portion of the class aims to help participants reflect on how their Leadership Waco experience can enhance their community involvement and professional growth.

In your assigned group of three ("triad"), use the provided metaphors to discuss today's experiences. Spend 20 minutes on this conversation. Afterwards, we'll regroup, and each triad will have the opportunity to share their insights with everyone.

 

Required Activities

Required Activities

Leadership Waco participants are required to complete two outside activities from the list provided below.  Select one experience from Section I and one from Section 2. 

Upload a photo of the agenda or a selfie at the event HERE.


Section I - Civic Leadership Event

Waco City Council meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Bosque Theater at the Waco Convention Center. Agendas are posted on the City website 72 hours prior to the meeting on their website.

Planning & Zoning meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Bosque Theater at the Waco Convention Center.  

County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Court on the 1st floor of the McLennan County Court House.  Agendas are posted on their website the Thursday afternoon prior to the meeting.

Waco ISD School Board Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday each month at 7 p.m. at the Waco ISD Administration Building Downtown. Call Waco ISD to confirm meeting schedule at 755-9473.

Any McLennan County school board meeting qualifies for this requirement. (Midway, La Vega, China Spring, Robinson, etc.)


Section 2 - Cultural Experience - choose one of these experiences that you have not done before

Class Project

Class Project

Your Leadership Waco class is responsible for working together to complete a class project that benefits Waco.

Class projects could include:

  • Neighborhood cleanup
  • Playground Improvement at a neighborhood park or nonprofit such as Family Abuse, Talitha Koum
  • Work collectively with the City Manager or Mayor on a common project
  • Tree planting
  • Serve at a non-profit's special event
  • Special Olympics
  • Waco Cultural Arts Festival
  • Pick an organization (Mission Waco, Methodist Home) and fundraise for computer lab, playground, painting, repairs

The possibilities are endless. A family-friendly project that involves the entire family is encouraged.  

We suggest choosing a class leader to help organize the group and the project.

A plan of work for the project must be completed and turned into Rachel by the January 14th class and the project must be completed by the last class day, June 17th.

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy

Leadership Waco consists of eleven full class days, August through June.

Participants are allowed only two absences.

Arriving to class 2 hours late or leaving 2 hours early constitutes a full day's absence.

Absent from class for more than 30 minutes constitutes a half day, unless prior approval has been given from the Leadership Waco Director.


Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

CLASS PROJECT: Butterfly Garden for Talitha Koum

Information to Share

Donation Link:  Donate — Talitha Koum Institute

Link to Flyer: Butterflyer

Work Days

May 31 and June 7

times TBA

General Info

From Jean via GroupMe:

Leadership Waco Dream Team!

Thank you for your patience as Lindsay and I have been working through final details on marketing, fundraising, purchasing, and logistics for our class project. I’m going to share the first phase of information with you tonight so we can begin fundraising.

Key Details:

-Our fundraising goal is $25,000. This includes monies to cover costs associated with the butterfly kit, painting project, and other relevant tools and materials. Any excess funds we’ll donate into an unrestricted fund for Talitha Koum to use at their discretion.

-Mark May 31 and June 7 on your calendars as our project execution dates! I’ll be following up with sign ups for this project as get closer so we’ll ask that you commit to at least one of these dates or two half days if you can’t do both.


-There is a flyer attached for you to print, email, etc. with your local businesses or organizations. No one is off limits to connect with according to TK so have fun engaging with your people. Personal donations are also allowed! Big kudos to Lindsay on this awesome artwork! Please encourage those you connect with to designate Leadership Waco in their comments when donating online, check, other. There is a QR code included on the flyer for convenience.

-Below are some talking points you can use to make your pitch! If you don’t feel comfortable approaching your friends, family or organizations - Lindsay and I are glad to be appropriately annoying and beg for funds on your behalf!


Join Leadership Waco (LW) in transforming lives one butterfly at a time. LW is a local community development group I am personally involved in who is partnering with Talitha Koum Institute to create a therapeutic butterfly garden for children who have experienced adversity. This garden will serve as a powerful place of healing, growth, and transformation for those served through the program.

This garden will provide emotional healing, hands-on-learning opportunities, sensory-rich supports, and safe play. Just like butterflies, children are capable of incredible growth and change when their environments promote curiosity, nurture, and trauma-informed care.


Please consider supporting this special community initiative that is personally important to me by engaging in one of the following giving opportunities:

-Sponsor a raised garden bed or sensory-friendly feature
-Contribute financially at any level—every dollar will be donated to resources necessary for this project or back to Talitha Koum Institute

For more information, please refer to the flyer or let me know if you’d like to learn more. Please mention “Leadership Waco” in the comments if you choose to donate to ensure your contribution is properly allocated to this project.

Together, we can build more than a garden - we can grow hope.

 
Okay - that’s all! Let us know if you have questions. Go have fun and we’ll have a fundraising update for you at our next meeting!

Class Roster

Beene,Chet

Chet Beene

Beene Wealth Management Group
Bobbitt,Kimberly

Kimberly Bobbitt

Texas Alliance for Child and Family Services
Bolton,Aryn

Aryn Bolton

Capstone Mechanical
Bradley,Rick

Rick Bradley

Haley & Olson
Bradshaw,Jacob

Jacob Bradshaw

Lee Enterprises / Waco Tribune
Brault,-Chrissy

Chrissy Brault

McLennan County
Braus,-Dominic

Dominic Braus

Carlson Law Firm
Chandler,-Jacklyn

Jacky Chandler

First National Bank of Central Texas
Contella,-Kelly

Kelly Contella

Texas State Techical College
Conelissens,-Michelle

Michelle Cornelissens

Greater Waco YMCA
Coward,-Glen

Glen Coward

CapabilitySource
Dickson,-Jake

Jake Dickson

Beard Kultgen Brophy Bostwick & Dickson, PLLC
Hancock,-Corey

Corey Hancock

TFNB Your Bank for Life
Henry,-David

David G. Henry, Sr.

Munck Wilson Mandala
Hogan,-Jacob

Jacob Hogan

Greater Waco Chamber
Kostelich,-Blu

Blu Kostelich

City of Waco
Linebaugh,-Austin

Austin Linebaugh

Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP
Lordeo,-Diego

Diego Loredo

Farmer Veteran Coalition
McCormack,-Brandal

Brandal McCormack

Oso Construction
Meadors,-Lindsay

Lindsay Meadors Waite

Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP
Montgomery,-Lauren

Lauren Montgomery

Ascension Providence
O'Brien,-Haley

Haley O'Brien

American Bank
Odajima,-Becky

Becky Odajima

Midway ISD
Overshown,-Jovan

Jovan Overshown

Baylor University
Palacios,-Lorena

Lorena Palacios

Uzin Utz North America
Peavy, Raven edited

Raven Peavy

JRBT
Ramirez, Abbie

Abbie Ramirez

ESC Region 12
Rosas, Krista edited

Krista Rosas

Seeking Her Next Adventure
Rosier, April

April Rosier

Target Solutions
Schwartinsky, Craig

Craig Schwartinsky

Central National Bank
Spillers, Cody edited

Cody Spillers

Hello Bello
Sullivan, Brian

Brian Sullivan

Alliance Bank Central Texas
Sykora, Catia edited

Catia Sykora

Camille Johnson, Realtors
Tipton, Terra

Terra Tipton

Disciplined Investors
Vigil, Ramon edited

Ramon Vigil

Community Bank & Trust
Washington, Megan

Megan Washington

Baylor Scott and White Health
Wright, Jean

Jean Wright

Methodist Children's Home

April - Tourism Day

Learning objectives:

  • To understand the impact of tourism on Waco's economy
  • What affects tourism revenue?
  • For Wacoans to experience what tourists do
Agenda and Dress Code

April 22, 2025

Tourism Day 

sponsored by

Agenda coming soon.

We will begin and end our day at the Waco Convention Center (100 Washington Ave, Waco TX 76701). There is plenty of free parking there.

Dress Code: Dress like a tourist! Shorts are permissible. We'll walk about 2 miles for the day, so dress accordingly. CLOSE-TOED SHOES ARE REQUIRED due to touring a construction site.

 8:00   Meet at Waco Convention Center in the Brazos Ballroom – Breakfast and Presentation by Convention Center/ASM – Kathy Bart, General Manager

 8:40     Bobby Horner presentation at Lovers Leap

 9:10    Mark Firmin, author of William Cameron Park: A Centennial History, talks about Cameron Park

10:00    Cameron Park Zoo Keeper Talk / Behind the Scenes Tour - Brendan Wiley and Duane Hills

12:00    Lunch at Pignetti's - Presentations by Carpenter & Croft, PLLC; Melinda Adams, Dir Sales/Mktg, Convention Ctr

1:25      Tour Hotel Herringbone – Adriana Regan, General Manager

 2:10     Magnolia Tour/Presentation – Anna Smith, Experience Team Manager, Magnolia

3:20     Tour AC Hotel including Skyline Ballroom construction site - presentation by Luke Whyte of Waco Tours

 4:15    Daily Debrief in the Brazos Ballroom at the Waco Convention Center

Daily Debrief

April triads:

  • Becky Odajima, Blu Kostelich, Craig Schwartinsky
  • Jovan Overshown, Jacob Hogan, Haley O'Brien
  • Dominic Braus, Chrissy Brault, Abbie Ramirez
  • April Rosier, Megan Washington, Chet Beene
  • David Henry, Cody Spillers, Kelly Contella
  • Ramon Vigil, Jake Dickson, Glenn Coward
  • Brian Sullivan, Michelle Cornelissens, Diego Loredo
  • Kimberly Bobbitt, Jacob Bradshaw
  • Krista Rosas, Austin Linebaugh, Jean Wright
  • Terra Tipton, Rick Bradley, Aryn Bolton
  • Jacky Chandler, Corey Hancock, Lorena Palacios
  • Brandal McCormack, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Catia Sykora
Additional Links & Resources

March - Healthcare Day

Learning objectives:

  • Identify key trends in healthcare
  • Identify how social and economic trends impact healthcare
  • Identify levels of care available in Greater Waco

 

LINK TO TODAY'S SURVEY (Reminder: the survey is used to count attendance)

Agenda and Dress Code

March 18, 2025

Healthcare Day

sponsored by Kick Start CPR

For healthcare day, please dress in business or business casual.

We'll start and end our day at Premier ER at 221 S Jack Kultgen Expy

 

8:00     Premier ER and Urgent Care (Breakfast)

9:15     Tour Waco Family Medicine

10:30    Tour Carter Bloodcare

11:30    Tour & Lunch at Baylor Scott and White Center - Hillcrest

1:15     Tour Ascension Providence Hospital

2:45     Tour Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Waco

3:00     Presentation on Mental Health by Oceans Behavioral Hospital

3:25     Snack Break 

3:30     Post-Acute Care Panel with Encompass, Bluebonnet Health Services, and Oceans

4:15     Evaluations & Daily Debrief

4:45     Travel back to Premier ER

5:00     Adjourn

Daily Debrief

March Triads:

  • Becky Odajima, Blu Kostelich, Craig Schwartinsky, Jovan Overshown, Jacob Hogan, Haley O'Brien
  • Dominic Braus, Chrissy Brault, Abbie Ramirez
  • April Rosier, Megan Washington
  • David G. Henry, Cody Spillers, Kelly Contella
  • Lauren Montgomery, Ramon Vigil, Jake Dickson
  • Brian Sullivan, Michelle Cornelissens, Diego Loredo, Brandal McCormack, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Catia Sykora
  • Kimberly Bobbitt, Jacob Bradshaw, Raven Peavy
  • Krista Rosas, Austin Linebaugh, Jean Wright, Chet Beene
  • Terra Tipton, Rick Bradley, Aryn Bolton
  • Jacky Chandler, Corey Hancock, Lorena Palacios
Presentations
Additional Links & Resources

February - Leadership Development Day

BEFORE Tuesday's Class Day, please answer these 3 questions: LEADERSHIP RESOURCE QUESTIONS

Learning objectives:

  • Provide resources to sharpen leadership skills in each individual for current and future leadership roles
  • Challenge thinking about leadership and how to grow as a leader
  • Move class members to move forward in their leadership journey proactively

The dress code for the day is business casual.

Wear your nametag (for the sake of our guests and speakers) and bring your journal and a pen. You'll take LOTS of notes!

We'll be at the PRESS LOUNGE at McLane Stadium all day. Park in the lot closest to I-35 and enter through the media entrance.

 

Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance will be counted

Agenda and Dress Code

 

8:00   Breakfast

8:05  Introduction & Agenda Overview; Mark Benning (LW Class XL)

8:10  Greater Waco Chamber Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Program; Rachel Martinez

8:30  Your Personal Board of Directors; Glenn Robinson

9:20  Crucial Conversations; Greg Ligon

10:15  Stadium Tour; Jovan Overshown

10:45  Volunteering for Boards + Commissions; Dillon Meek (LW Class XXIX)

11:45  Etiquette Lunch; Sarah Aynesworth

12:45  Break

1:00  Ethical Leadership; Leah Teague

2:30  Break + Resources for Leaders; Rachel Donohue (LW Class XXXIX)

2:55  Greater Waco Chamber Total Resource Campaign; Nancy Gupton  (LW Class XL)

3:00  Leadership Coaching Panel: Jay Mathis (LW Class XI), Chief Sheryl Victorian (LW Class XL), Mishelle Kost, Tommy Lowrance - Sabrina Moore (LW Class XXXII), moderator

4:00  Daily Debrief

4:30  Class Project Discussion; Jean Wright and Lindsay Meadors Waite

Daily Debrief

February triads:

  • Dominic Braus, Glenn Coward, Raven Peavy, Becky Odajima
  • Jovan Overshown, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Abbie Ramirez
  • Megan Washington, Jacky Chandler, Michelle Cornelissens, Chrissy Brault
  • Krista Rosas, Aryn Bolton, Corey Hancock, Lorena Palacios, Rick Bradley
  • April Rosier, Jacob Hogan, Jake Dickson, 
  • Jacob Bradshaw, David Henry, Craig Schwartinsky
  • Kimberly Bobbitt, Austin Linebaugh, Jean Wright, Diego Loredo
  • Terra Tipton, Lauren Montgomery, Brian Sullivan
  • Ramon Vigil, Haley O'Brien, Catia Sykora, Blu Kostelich 
  • Brandal McCormack, Chet Beene, Cody Spillers, Kelly Contella
Presentations

Contact info for today's presenters:

Mark Benning - mbenning@cnbwaco.com

Rachel Martinez - rmartinez@wacochamber.com

LEAD Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

Nancy Gupton - ngupton@wacochamber.com

Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce - Total Resource Campaign

Glenn Robinson - glenn@pacerhcc.com

Chasing What Matters (Glenn Robinson's podcast)

Greg Ligon - greg@leadingstronger.com

Leading Stronger

Crucial Conversations Presentation

Dillon Meek - dillon@cromwellcommercialgroup.com

Sarah Aynesworth - sarah@sarahaynesworth.com

Dr. Leah Teague - Leah_teague@baylor.edu

Backwards Bicycle

Rachel Donohoue - rachel@buildrdh.com

Jay Mathis - jay.mathis@sandler.com

Mathis Training and Development

Chief Sheryl Victorian - sherylv@wacotx.gov

Michelle Kost - mishfit07@gmail.com

Mishelle Kost - Self Leadership Coaching

Tommy Lowrance - tlowrance@mclennan.edu

Sabrina Moore - sabrina@dinvestors.com

January - Education Day

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the current educational landscape and pipeline from Pre-K-Post-Secondary Education
  • Introduction to nontraditional education opportunities for students: GWAMA, GWACHA

 

Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance will be counted

Agenda and Dress Code

January 14, 2025

Education Day

sponsored by Baylor University

Dress Code: Other than walking to and from the bus, we’ll be inside all day, so no snow boots or parkas should be necessary. Dress code for the day is business / business casual.

We’ll begin and end our day at ECS Region 12 (2101 W. Loop 340). There’s an abundance of parking behind the building.

7:45     Breakfast

8:00     Welcome - Patrick Murphy, Deputy Executive Director, ESC Region 12

8:10     CTE Update – TJ Arndt, Education Specialist/Coordinator, ESC Region 12

8:20     How Does School Finance Work & Why Should We Care?

Nick West, School Finance Agent/Field Service Agent – ESC Region 12

8:50     A.I. in Education - John Essary, Internal Training Coordinator, ESC Region 12 

9:15     Team Vision: Function and Mission - Victor Hawks, Director, Actor and CEO of Team Vision Entertainment

9:50     Travel to Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy (GWAHCA)

10:05   Career and College Readiness Panel

Frank Graves – Dean of Workforce & Public Service, McLennan Community College

Kacey Darnell, VP and Sr Exec Dir, Student Learning, Texas State Technical College

Lisa Saxenian - Director of Career & Technical Ed, Waco ISD

Cash Teague – CTE Director, Rapoport Academy Public School

Jess Wheeler – Director of College & Career Readiness / CTE, Midway ISD

Moderator, Heather Wheeler, Education Coordinator, ESC Region 12 - LW Class XL

11:05   Overview & Tour of Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy - Matt Rambo, Dean

11:35   Travel to Baylor Research & Innovation Collaborative (BRIC)

12:00   Welcome, Jeremy Vickers – Associate Vice President, External Affairs

12:15   Lunch, Sponsored by Baylor

1:00     Panel on Local Higher Education

Dr. Shannon Hankhouse, Exec Dir of External Operations, Tarleton State University

Dr. Chad Eggleston, Vice President of Instruction and Student Engagement, MCC

Dr. Nancy Brickhouse, Baylor Provost, Baylor University

Dr. Brandi Ray, Instructor, Texas Tech University, Texas Tech at Waco

Beth Wooten, Provost, Texas State Technical College

Moderator, Stephanie Maultsby, Director-Continuing Education, MCC - LW Class XXXV

2:00     Community Involvement in Education Panel

LaTishia Beacom,Director of Education Initiatives, Prosper Waco

Kaley Eggers, Chief Program Officer, Communities in Schools

Marlanya Massey, Director of Duncan Scholars, Waco Foundation - LW Class XL

Krista Brinser, President, Junior League of Waco - LW Class XXXVII

Moderator,

3:00     Coffee Break

3:15     Shaping the Future of Public Education

Dr. Chris Allen, Superintendent, Midway ISD

Dr. Michael Hope, Robinson ISD

Dr. Mark Faulkner, Superintendent, China Spring ISD

Dr. Joe Kucera, Superintendent, Lorena ISD

Dr. Sharon Shields, Superintendent, La Vega ISD

Superintendent, Waco ISD

Moderated by: Dr.Becky Odajima, Midway ISD 

4 p.m.  Daily Debrief

4:45     Travel back to ESC Region 12

5:00     Dismiss

Daily Debrief

January triads:

  • Dominic Braus, Raven Peavy, Catia Sykora
  • Krista Rosas, Terra Tipton, Megan Washington
  • Becky Odajima, Ramon Vigil
  • April Rosier, Brian Sullivan, Diego Loredo
  • Jacob Bradshaw, Brandal McCormack, Jacky Chandler
  • Michelle Cornelissens, Blu Kostelich, Lauren Montgomery
  • Kimberly Bobbitt, Kelly Contella, Rick Bradley
  • Jake Dickson, Abbie Ramirez, Lindsey Waite
  • Aryn Bolton, Haley O'Brien, Jovan Overshown
  • Chet Beene, Jacob Hogan, Cody Spillers
  • Chrissy Brault, Austin Linebaugh, Corey Hancock

Conversation:

Head- What did you learn? How was your thinking challenges?

Heart- What emotion did you experience? What moved you?

Hand- What was something praiseworthy? Who "deserves a hand"?

Feet- What next steps will you take after today's class experience? Write this in your journal for your own accountability.

Presentations

Contact info for speakers from ESC Region 12:

School Finance: Nick West;  nwest@esc12.net
AI in Education: Josh Essary;  jessary@esc12.net
Team Vision: Victor Hawks; Malcolm Goodwin, Vanessa Goodwin;  Production@teamvisionentertainment.com
Additional Links & Resources

December - Serving Others Day

Learning objectives:

  • Understanding Community Needs: gain insight into specific needs and challenges within our community.
  • Building Connections: establish relationships with nonprofit leaders and volunteers to enhance your engagement with the community.
  • Identifying Potential Involvement: explore how you can contribute through volunteering, donating, or advocating - find a cause that resonates with you.

Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance will be counted

Agenda and Dress Code

December 17, 2024

Non-Profit Day

No specific dress code is required. 

We'll begin and end our day at the Chamber.

7:45 Breakfast; Waco Chamber –Intro Class Projects

8:00 Overview of Non-Profits in Waco, Chris Qualls

8:20 Non-Profit Presentations: Isaiah 117 House, Grassroots, Cooper Foundation

9:30 Talitha Koum; Susan Cowley, Executive Director

10:30 Methodist Children’s Home; Jean Wright and Kelly Lawson

11:25 Jubilee Market

11:50 Mission Waco; John Calaway

12:30 Lunch from World Cup Cafe eaten at NeighborWorks

1:00 NeighborWorks Waco; Delisa Brunell-Smith, VP and COO

1:20 Pack of Hope; Jane Bounds, President

1:40 Coffee Break + Load Jane Bounds Vehicle with POH Shopping

2:20 Friends for Life; Inez Russell, Executive Director

3:10 Waco Civic Theatre; Kelly MacGregor, Executive Director

4:00 Daily Debrief + Class Project Discussion

5:00 Adjourn

Daily Debrief

December Triads:

  • Haley O'Brien, Abbie Ramirez, Catia Sykora
  • David G. Henry, Sr., Lorena Palacios, Corey Hancock
  • Becky Odajima, Jacob Hogan, Lindsay Meadors Waite
  • Brandal McCormick, Ramon Vigil, Jean Wright
  • Terra Tipton, Chrissy Brault, Megan Washington
  • Blu Kostelich, Cody Spillers, Austin Linebaugh
  • Jacob Bradshaw, Glenn Coward, Jacky Chandler
  • Kimberly Bobbitt, Kelly Contella, Brian Sullivan
  • Aryn Bolton, Lauren Montgomery, Diego Loredo
  • April Rosier, Chet Beene, Michelle Cornelissens
  • Craig Schwartinsky, Rick Bradley, Jovan Overshown
  • Chet Beene, Kelly Contella, Dominic Braus
Additional Links & Resources

Community Resource Guide

The Reap and Jubilee Market at Mission Waco address food desert in that part of Waco. Pertaining to that, here's an interesting article:

New Grocery Store

Grassroots Homeownership and IDA

Grassroots Financial Literacy and Homebuyer Education Class Schedule

Grassroots Leadership Training

Grassroots Housing Resource Guide

Talitha_koum

 

November - Economic Development Day

Learning Objectives:

To deepen our understanding of the Waco economy by
exploring the key industries that drive growth and innovation in our region.

These focus industries:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Professional & Financial Services
  • Distribution & Supply Chain Management.

We will visit facilities in each sector to see firsthand the work they do,
understand the opportunities and challenges they face, and gain insight into how these industries
contribute to Waco’s economic vitality and future.

Complete today's feedback form - this is how attendance is counted

Agenda and Dress Code

November 19, 2024

Economic Development Day

sponsored by LINC by Extraco Banks

PLEASE BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES REGARDING DRESS CODE
 
Everyone must wear:
  • pants
  • flat, closed-toed, and closed-heeled shoes (comfortable shoes are recommended)
  • hair longer than shoulder length is recommended to be pulled up
 
Please do not wear:
  • shorts
  • high heels
  • open toe shoes
  • excessive jewelry
 
To be compliant with one of the companies we'll visit, I need the following info from you:
  • Legal Name (as on your driver's license)
  • Company and title of employment
  • Country of citizenship 
  • Shoe size (for safety toe covers, or wear your own steel toe)
  • lunch order (food and drink) from Georges #2. Click here for menu.

Please fill out this FORM that will provide Rachel with the above info no later than EOB Wednesday, November 13th.

 

AGENDA:

7:45 AM      Breakfast @ Waco Chamber

8:00 AM      Economic Development Overview
                   Waco Chamber, Kristina Collins, Executive Vice President

8:45 AM       Professional Services
                     STV, Jennifer Boen, Group Manager

9:30 AM       Distribution and Supply Chain Management Tour
                    Amazon, Michael Morrison, General Manager
 
10:45 AM      Advanced Manufacturing Tour
                     Hello Bello, Peter McLaughlin, Vice President and General Manager

11:30 AM      Construction Site Tour
                     Graphic Packaging Site, Rusty Miller, SVP Mill Division Engineering and Technology

12:30 AM      Lunch at George’s #2

2:00 PM         Aerospace & Defense
                      L3Harris, David Coody, Director of Strategic Business Operations

4:30 PM         Daily Debrief at the Chamber

5:00 PM         Adjourn

Daily Debrief

November Triads:

  • Chrissy Brault, Ramon Vigil, Raven Peavy
  • Austin Linebaugh, Haley O'Brien, Chet Beene
  • Jacob Bradshaw, Jacob Hogan, Lorena Palacios
  • Krista Rosas, David Henry, Jake Dickson
  • Brandal McCormack, Rick Bradley, Abbie Ramirez
  • April Rosier, Lauren Montgomery, Cody Spillers
  • Megan Washington, Brian Sullivan, Jean Wright
  • Jovan Overshown, Blu Kostelich, Jacky Chandler
  • Kelly Contella, Lindsay Meadors Waite, Dominic Braus
  • Kimberly Bobbitt, Craig Schwartinsky, Diego Loredo
  • Becky Odajima, Michelle Cornelissens, Corey Hancock
  • Terra Tipton, Aryn Bolton, Glenn Coward
Presentations

Powerpoint Presentation made by Kris Collins:

LW ED Presentation 11_19_24

 

Map shared by Jennifer Boen, STV:

STV Econ day Leadership Waco

Additional Links & Resources

Waco Chamber's Economic Development Website: https://wacoeconomicdevelopment.com/

City of Waco's Economic Development Website: https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Economic-Development

Texas Labor Market Information: https://texaslmi.com/

Waco Prospector (available commercial land bank): https://www.wacoprospector.com/#modal-one

October - History Day

Learning Objectives:

-gain a perspective from our history that will inform our future

-gain an awareness of your surroundings

-appreciate all of Waco's history: the good, bad, and ugly

 

Complete today's feedback form

Agenda and Dress Code

October 15, 2024

History Day - Sponsored by M. Lipsitz

Prior to class, please download the Waco History app to your phone. We will be utilizing it throughout the day.

Dress Code: Casual; ready to walk

We will be doing a lot of walking outside. Please dress for the weather (shorts are permissible; the high is forecasted to be 100 degrees!) and definitely wear shoes built for walking.

Bring a refillable water bottle and your LW journal and a pen. Since we'll be walking, consider a backpack for these items (instead of a heavy purse, ladies). We will only be on the bus for half of the day. So, you won't be able to leave your items on the bus during the latter part of the day.

Please wear your lanyard with your nametag.

7:50 - Meet at the Chamber in the Cooper Room. We will depart right at 8:00. Please be on time.

8:00 - Depart the Chamber

8:10 - Breakfast at the Mayborn Museum

8:30 - The Politics of Rocks - Dr. Joe Yelderman

9:10 - Waco History App - Dr. Stephen Sloan

9:40 - Travel to East Side tour

9:50 - Historical Walking Tour - East Side of the River - Adrienne Cain

10:50 - Travel to Oakwood Cemetery

11:00 - Tour Oakwood Cemetery - Clint Lynch

11:45 - Travel to Alico Building

12:00 - Lunch at the Alico - Presentation my Mary Lou Castillo of Casa de Castillo and Alico Team

1:30 - 1953 Tornado Presentation - Harry Harelik

2:00 - Walking Tour of West Side of the River / Waco's Downtown - Mark Firmin, JD & Bobby Horner

3:10 - Dr Pepper Hour at Cultivate 7Tweleve / Undercroft - Emily Embry

4:15 - Daily Debrief & Survey (see tab for triad assignments)

4:50 - Walk to Chamber

5:00 - Dismiss

Daily Debrief

October Triads:

  • Chrissy Brault, Jacob Hogan, Jake Dickson
  • Becky Odajima, Austin Linebaugh, Haley O'Brien
  • Brandal McCormack, Ramon Vigil, Aryn Bolton
  • Kelly Contella, Blu Kostelich, Catia Sykora
  • Kimberly Bobbitt, Mark Ard, Brian Sullivan
  • Jacob Bradshaw, Megan Washington, Diego Loredo
  • David Henry, Dominic Braus, Rick Bradley
  • Jovan Overshown, Corey Hancock, Glenn Coward
  • Terra Tipton, Craig Schwartinsky, Abbie Ramirez
  • Lauren Montgomery, Raven Peavy, Jean Wright
  • Chet Beene, Jacky Chandler
  • Michelle Cornelissens, Cody Spillers

September: Regional Services Day

Learning Objectives:

Gain understanding of the intricate web of services that support life in greater Waco.

 

Complete today's feedback form

Agenda and Dress Code

September 17, 2024

 Regional Services Day

 Dress code:  Casual/Comfortable

 Jeans are acceptable; tennis shoes are recommended.

In order to enter the jail ladies must wear pants or skirts that cover the knees and no bare shoulders.

Please no shorts today.

 

8:00                Meet at the Emergency Operations Center at 721 N. 4th St.

                        Breakfast will be served.

                        We’ll leave our cars here. Rest of the day, we’ll travel by city bus.

8:15                Travel to City of Waco DAF Water Treatment Plant

8:30                Tour DAF and Mount Carmel Water Treatment Facilities

10:30              Travel to Waco Transit – 1717 Austin Ave.

10:45              Presentation & Tour Waco Transit

11:30              Travel to Fire Station #6

11:45              Tour Fire Station and Presentation: Chief Bergerson

12:45              Travel back to EOC - 721 N. 4th St

1:00                Lunch

1:15                EOC Presentation (Ryan Dirker or Tim Jeske)

Neighborhood Presentation (Melett Harrison)

City of Waco PD (Chief Victorian)

2:20                Travel to Hwy 6 Jail - 3201 E. State Highway 6, Waco, TX 76705

2:40                Tour Bomb Squad/SWAT

3:10                Tour Jail

3:55                Travel back to EOC 

4:15                Restroom & Coffee Break

4:25                Daily Debrief in Triads

5:00                Dismiss

Daily Debrief

September Triads:

Ramon, Brian, Rick

Catia Lorena, Chet

Jovan, Austin, Dominic

Jacky, Craig, Lindsay

Cody, Raven, Brandal

Diego, Terra, Abbie

Blu, Haley, Glenn

Jean, Krista, Jacob H.

Megan, Lauren, Corey

Jake, Kelly, Chrissy

Michelle, Aryn, Kimberly

Jacob B., April, Becky

August - Orientation Retreat

Learning Objectives:

  • begin building trust-based relationships among classmates
  • learn what to expect of Leadership Waco
  • learn what Leadership Waco expects of you

 

Complete today's feedback form 

Agenda

Retreat - Eastland Lakes

 

Today’s Dress Code:  Cool/Casual/Comfortable

*closed-toe shoes required* (Crocs don’t count)

We’ll be outside in the morning, so shorts are encouraged.

 Bring a refillable water bottle and sunscreen.

 

8:00 a.m.            Gather Baylor University Challenge Course

406 Eastland Lake Dr, Waco, TX 76706

Breakfast will be served

8:15 a.m.            Class XLI Introductions 

Rachel Ligon, Director of Leadership Development, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

9:00 a.m.            Team Building & Ropes Course

Baylor University Challenge Course Staff

12:15 p.m.           Lunch + Welcome

Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LW Presenting Sponsor

Matt Meador, President, and Kris Collins, Senior Vice President, Waco Chamber

1:15 p.m.             Improving Communication Skills Using Emotional Intelligence Training

Chip Wilson, CEO, 360 Solutions

3:15 p.m.            Break

3:30 p.m.            Leadership Waco Overview

4:15 p.m.             Daily Debrief + Survey

5:00 p.m.             Adjourn

Daily Debrief

August Triads:

Mark, Chet, Kimberly

Aryn, Rick, Jacob B.

Chrissy, Dominic, Jacky

Danny, Kelly, Michelle

Glenn, Jake, Corey

David, Jacob H., Blu

Austin, Diego, Brandal

Lindsay, Lauren, Haley

Jovan, Lorena, Rachel L.

Raven, Abbie, Krista

April, Craig, Cody

Brian, Catia, Terra

Ramon, Megan, Jean

Additional Links & Resources

The curriculum committee cannot include everything they would like for you to experience in one class day. This tab will contain some opportunities for further learning. 

-other tour ideas that you could arrange for yourself

-links to blogs, videos, books or other resources related to each day's topic

If you have suggested resources to share with the class, send them to rligon@wacochamber.com and they will be added to this tab as well.

Thank You to Our Sponsors