Member Celebration & Legacy Award Presentation

In January 2024, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its Member Celebration and kicked off its yearlong 125th anniversary celebration. During the event, the Honorable Judge Scott M. Felton, McLennan County Judge, was recognized for his ongoing commitment to McLennan County with a Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award.

In January 2023, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its Member Celebration for the first time since the pandemic. The story of B Rapoport's positive impact on the world, community, and individuals was voiced in this video by a handful of people that he affected. B was honored with the Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award, during the event.

In January 2023, the Greater Waco Chamber hosted its Member Celebration for the first time since the pandemic. During the evening, Louis Englander was honored for his commitment to the community and his compassion for others, and received the Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award.

David Lacy, and his family, have had a vital role in envisioning and building Waco as we know it today. David Lacy’s resume comprises an impressive and extensive list of board appointments and accomplishments. His call to serve as his predecessors did is unyielding and admirable. His insight and input are well-respected and solicited by his peers. Among the important roles he’s undertaken is his dedication to serve the Greater Waco Chamber as Total Resource Campaign chair for the first two years. He chaired the inaugural Campaign in 2005 and came back for a second time in 2006. And, then led the Chamber as board chair the following year. Lacy proudly stands on the shoulders of those that came before him, and the community is lucky to have his continued involvement and support.

One of the three 2021 Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Awards was presented to William L. Clifton during our 2021 Mid-Year Luncheon.

William J. Clifton, Jr. encompasses all that the Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Award entails, including a stalwart commitment to building a Greater Waco for everyone. Among his civil commitments and activities, he served as the Greater Waco Chamber Chair in 1995, City of Waco 2020 Vision—Chairman Economic Development Task Force and was a founding director of the Big 12 Task Force. Currently, he also serves on the Waco Industrial Foundation Executive Committee. He also enjoys horse racing and breeding and is committed to spending time with his family.

One of the three 2021 Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Awards was presented posthumously to Harlon M. Fentress during our 2021 Mid-Year Luncheon.

Fentress was committed to the Greater Waco Community and we continue to see the impacts of his work and advocacy.

One of the three 2021 Thomas G. Salome, Jr. Legacy Awards was presented posthumously to Harry M. Provence during our 2021 Mid-Year Luncheon.

Provence was committed to the Greater Waco Community and we continue to see the impacts of his work and advocacy.

In 2020, one of the Legacy Awards was presented, posthumously, Jack Kultgen.

As you drive around Waco, you cannot help but notice the Kultgen name. J. H. Jack Kultgen’s lasting and incredible impact on our community is evident all around us, from the Jack Kultgen Expressway to the long-standing Ford dealership, Bird-Kultgen.

In 2020, two Legacy Awards were presented. One was presented to Jim Hawkins, who was instrumental in building Waco into the community it is today. Hawkins was a dedicated businessman and he dedicated his life to supporting the community around him.

In 2018, the Chamber presented our annual Legacy Award to Virginia DuPuy, a Central Texas business owner and longtime Chamber supporter and community builder. DuPuy has been an influential community and civic leader in Waco for over 60 years. Boasting an impressive resume, she has received many honors and awards during her lifetime.

DuPuy served as chairman of the Greater Waco Chamber in 2000, Waco City Council 2004 – 2005, as mayor of the City of Waco in 2005 – 2010, and she is the co-founder of Prosper Waco. Serving and volunteering with numerous boards and charities across Waco, DuPuy’s dedication to community improvement has had a positive impact on shaping Greater Waco.

The inaugural Legacy Award was presented to Tom G. Salome, Jr., a Central Texas business owner and longtime Chamber supporter and community builder. Salome has been an influential community and civic leader in Waco for over 50 years. Boasting an impressive resume, he has received many honors and awards during his lifetime.

Salome served as chairman of the Challenge Greater Waco Capital Campaign, which raised nearly $7.4 million dollars, and helped fund the construction of the current Chamber headquarters building and the development and introduction of a modern, dynamic economic development strategic plan to guide the Greater Waco Chamber’s work. Serving and volunteering with numerous boards and charities across Texas, Salome’s dedication to economic development and community improvement has had a positive impact on shaping Greater Waco.