Posted on 24 Jun 2008

Bill Foster, Editor & Publisher

-At ribbon cutting Rick Brophy, David Lacy, Don Moes, Terry Stevens, Bob Davis, Tommy Salome, Johnny Mankin, Dr. Roland Goertz, and Jim Vaughan. Brophy was MC at the dedication. (Bill Foster photos)

   It was like our old Jaycee days. Jim Hawkins, Bob Sheehy, Tommy Salome, Jim Sartain, Jack Stewart, James Bush in 1974 and a few we probably missed. We were all having a good time while promoting Waco. We won awards every year. Hawkins was the one to put the word Greater in the chamber heading when he became president of the chamber.
Now we're all going big time leading the way for a GREATER Waco.
We're proud of everyone who has had a part in this exciting new chamber headquarters.

   We expect to get some national recognition being the first green chamber building in the U. S. according to Jim Vaughan, our President.
My newspaper started on this same property in Oct. 1946 at 315-319 Franklin. Tommy Salome's Lipsitz's co. was on Franklin between 1st and 2nd street. We agreed with Tommy that the city is making better use of our property. We got booted out by Urban Renewal.

   Rick Brophy, MC and GWCC chair, said President Jim Vaughan is a visionary. Tommy Salome said people make things happen. He cited our early leaders built the Suspension bridge. Dallas wanted Baylor, but local leaders ponied up by building Waco Hall and giving it to Baylor to keep the school here for good. Other leaders created a giant new lake so we have adequate water. Current visionaries have built a new dependable dam in Lake Brazos and now we are set for unprecedented growth and the new chamber building will be the center of where it will happen, and in fact is already happening. Just look around the new golden domed building next to Heritage Square, and across 3rd street from the new Hilton Hotel.

   Construction is underway on Washington for upscale student housing. The Roosevelt hotel is undergoing a $15 million renovation. Work will begin soon on the Waco Convention Center improvements. Next to the new Chamber building is a multi use building well underway. If you want part of this exciting new future of Waco better get on board now. Call 254-752-6551 and the chamber will tell you where to get onboard the Waco We Do wagon.

-Scott Felton at the podium said he was proud to have a part in this historic ribbon cutting by announcing that his bank, Wells Fargo, will erect a new headquarters across Franklin from the new chamber building. He is a member of the Board of Advisors. Felton sais he has been working downtown for 26 years, and is glad to see this WACO WE DO attitude.

Posted on 07 Jun 2008

The Waco Citizen will summarize gradation events in Waco for Waco High, University High and A. J. Moore.
The Suburban Courier will publish four specials editions featuring graduate pictures from Robinson, Lorena, Bruceville-Eddy and Moody. We're inviting everyone to help sponsor these special souvenir editions. For $35 if you furnish us a picture we can run a 3 inch by two column ad. For $20 we can publish a 2 cols business card size ad. Family, fiends and even businesses like to celebrate this milestone in our kids lives. Call 754-3511 to reserve one of these. Parents and even grandparents like to do this.
Of course we welcome larger size ads to help us cover all the graduation events we have listed. Again, 254-754-3511 will get you in. But hurry the deadlines are approaching fast. You can send your copy and pictures to billfoster@wacocitizen.com

May 16, 17 all the hotels and motels in and around Waco were full for Baylor University 2008 Spring Graduations. Over 2,000 walked across the stage at the Ferell Center. Baylor directors met to discus the future of Baylor and its president.

Posted on 16 May 2008

Pageant held at newly remodeled Waco Hiltons

Michelle Cude was chosen winner Miss Heart of Texas. She was sponsored by her family's business.
First runner up is Lacie Weatherford and second runner up is Krystal Malloy.
The winner advances to state.
Sarah Boehner of Lake Whitney was picked swim suit winner.
Other entries were: Sarah Boehner, Joanie Brittingham, Deanna Griffin and Kelly Kachinske.
Miss Teen winner is Alexandra Nini. She was sponsored by Family and Friends. Ist Runner up is Allaire Downs and 2nd runner up is Joy Cole. Ms. Nini was also picked swim suit winner in the Teen division.
Other teen entries were Alexandra Danford, Ericka Hammond, Lauren Marroquin and Oshandra Ossowski.
The 2008 Pageant was held in the newly remodeled Waco Hilton Sunday, May 4, 2008. David Eddleman is pageant Director assisted by Jamie Gresham. There were seven contestants in each division.

Posted on 04 May 2008