Good things happening!

There are so many good things happening, we don’t know where to start.

Guess we’ll start with our meeting about Waco and tourism. Liz Taylor, in charge of the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau gave us an update of events. She and her crew at the convention center are doing a great job.

The new escalators are in now at the remodeling of the convention center. She says this will allow them to use the lower floor while work is still being done on them. She says you will be excited once you see the new entrance on the east side. And now there is a balcony upstairs so you can look out on the Brazos River area. She says it gives you that WOW factor.

Another entrance is being built on the Franklin Street side. Now there will be a service entrance between the two big halls, which was sorely needed.   

As we write this an education summit is going on at the center. Deck the Halls filled

the big hall Nov. 5,6. Before that a gun show occupied the two big rooms.

At the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame they’re planning The Big Texas Christmas Present to benefit Gifts for Grannies.

She announced that the city has hired Hahn-Texas.com as a marketing company to work with the city and any of the other five cities that collect bed tax money if they want to join in. She expects it will take some time to “get their ducks in a row” before they can give us a report on what they think they can do for us.

She said Waco would join with other tourism cities for a Media Fam. Tour.

Carla Pendergraft, director of Sales & Internet Development, said she has booking for December and next year such as 1500 coming for a waste water convention. Texas Farm Bureau convention with 2000 Dec. 4-6. A business association will be in January. The annual Masonic Grand Lodge should attract 5,000 Dec. 2-4.

Carla says the new Hotel Indigo should open in January. Also more restaurants are opening such Heitmiller’s.  The Waco Hotel/Motel Association met there Thursday.

Susan Morton announced dates of the next year’s Showcase Waco.

Vincent Tobola, facilities administrators, explained the progress on the various projects around Waco, such as $280,000 spent on the Wm. Cameron Clubhouse and other upgrades at the park. Also Cameron Park East remodeling is coming along but not yet ready to open.  Two new fire stations, a new library and the remodeling of the current library. The downtown library will be closed during the remodeling.  Also South Waco Community Center has been upgraded. Knox Hall is almost finished with the upgrades. Visitors can look out at the Brazos River now.