Table of

Contents

Greetings from the Harker Heights Mayor! 6

Central Texas College 7

Community Comes Together to Build Homes
Through Habitat for Humanity Blitz 10

2022 Class of Vision XXI Unveiled
New Project to Improve Area Near City Hall 11

Military Affairs Luncheon 14

Flag Day Fun 15

Sounds of Spring 16

Harker Heights Community Events Calendar 16

HHCOC Annual Golf Tournament 17

An Overview of the Texas Legislature 20

Political Forum 21

Coffee Connections 23

Lunch Mobs 23

Business After Hours 24

Sip and Social 24

Ribbon Cuttings 26

Spotlight on Jimmy Alexander, Branch Manager
and Senior Loan Officer of SWBC Mortgage 27

The Great Escape of Central Texas 28

SouthStar Bank’s Shares its Common Sense
Financial Services 29

RK Bass Electric 30

552 East Fm 2410, Harker Heights, TX 76548

254-699-4999 | www.hhchamber.com

www.discoverharkerheights.com

E Q D P

This is a Town Square Publications, formerly MetroMedia (since 1997), publication created and produced for the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce 552 East Fm 2410,
Harker Heights, TX 76548

254-699-4999 | www.hhchamber.com

Copyright © 2023 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | [email protected]

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Sales Rep | Tammie Easson

Editor | Mia Katz

Project Manager | Mike Nickells

Greetings from the

Harker Heights
Mayor!

Greetings Citizens, Neighbors, and Friends of Harker Heights,

Welcome to the City of Harker Heights! I am delighted that you chose Harker Heights as your home or place of business. Moving or relocating to a new area can be a hectic time with meeting new neighbors, schools, shopping areas, finding a physician, etc. We stand ready to assist you in discovering all that Harker Heights has to offer.

The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce has put together this visitors guide to make your transition as smooth as possible. You will find pertinent information regarding locations and activities within Harker Heights, and it is our sincerest hope that you will soon participate and get involved in the many opportunities afforded our residents.

I will be out and about at events across the City and would love to see and visit with you. Harker Heights’ largest annual event is the Food, Wine and Brew Festival hosted by the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce. This year’s Festival will be at the Community Park on FM 2410 on September 9, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Festival will host Texas wines, craft brews, vendors, life music and more! On the night before the Festival, September 8, 2023, the Chamber will host a Tacos and Tequila event at 6 p.m. But wait there’s more! We will close out the year strong with Halloween Hoopla, Traditional Tree Lighting at City Hall, Frost Fest, and Christmas Eve Santa on a Fire truck tour of Heights! Don’t forget our Harker Heights Farmers Market is going strong at City Hall until the end of October too! There is so much to enjoy, so I encourage you to take advantage of all these fun opportunities.

We support Fort Cavazos and our military families do not go through deployments alone. The 3rd Cavalry Regiment, our adopted unit, and the City are closely bound. Our City Councilmembers, City Staff, and I are motivated to provide an outstanding quality of life and an exceptional standard of service to those who choose to call Harker Heights their home.

Again, the City Council and I extend our warmest welcome to our community. Please know that if we can be of any further assistance, we are only a phone call away.

Sincerely,

Michael Blomquist

Mayor, City of Harker Heights

Central Texas College

- the real deal for higher education and career opportunities.

Central College (CTC) is the real deal - real hands-on learning, real world job opportunities and real college spirit! CTC prepares students for careers or to transfer to a four-year university with more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs in many diverse fields with classes both in-person and online.

Programs of study include aviation science, agricultural science, business administration, computer-aided drafting and design, electronics technology, culinary arts, computer information technology and numerous vocational technology options such as welding, HVAC, construction trades and more.

CTC also has one of the top nursing programs and one of only 57 accredited paramedicine programs in Texas.

CTC is the number one college choice for graduating high school seniors in the area as more than 20 percent of local high school students come to CTC - one of the most affordable higher education options for students in central Texas. Local students can save nearly $15,000 in tuition and fees by completing an associate degree with CTC before moving on to a four-year university.

For those looking to jump start or change careers, CTC provides quick career training programs with short-term credit certificates of completion and non-credit programs in a variety of areas. CTC’s Continuing Education department also offers career training programs in health care, business, truck driving along with a variety of “fun” non-credit classes such as belly dancing, water aerobics, exercise, photography and other fields.

Whether looking to further your education or start a new career, visit CTC at www.ctcd.edu. Registration is open for fall semester classes, which start August 21.

Community Comes Together to Build Homes Through Habitat for Humanity Blitz

The Habitat for Humanity National Service Blitz took place May 14-18, 2023 in Central Texas as a way to come together to build homes within the Harker Heights community. The annual event is part of a national effort whereby thousands of professional homebuilders and suppliers donate their time and treasure to build, renovate and repair homes in communities nationwide. Volunteers built five homes for veterans in the area.

It was an honor for Mayor Spencer to welcome everyone to the “Bright Star” of Central Texas.

A special thank you is given to Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue, Bahama Buck’s, Signature Care Emergency Center, Raising Cane’s Harker Heights, Steve Bash Music and Fort Hood Area Habitat for making this event a huge success.

2022 Class of Vision XXI Unveiled New Project to Improve Area Near City Hall

On July 11, the 2022 Class of Vision XXI unveiled their completed class project.

The leadership class chose to purchase and install permanent tables and benches placed near the city hall. The seating will enhance the experience of the city’s Farmers Market, sporting events held at the Activities Center, election day voting lines and the daily lives of citizens and city employees.

Over $16,000 was raised from sponsors to fund the project, which was coordinated with help from the City of Harker Heights Parks and Recreation staff. Vision XXI is a leadership development course offered by the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce. Class members include local citizens, small business owners, employees from various area businesses, staff members from government entities, educators, retirees, and high school students from the local high schools.

At the time of this writing, the 2023 class is planning their class project, which will be the beautification and improvement of Carl Levin Park.

Military Affairs Luncheon

Welcome Luncheon Held for New 3d Cavalry Regiment Commander

Welcome luncheon for the new 3d Cavalry Regiment Commander - Col. Barta!

In May, Col. Jeffrey Barta assumed command of the 3d Cavalry Regiment during a ceremony at Fort Cavazos.

On July 3, the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce had a chance to meet Col. Barta and hear about all the changes expected at Ft. Cavazos in the coming months.

Barta has become the 80th commander of the regiment, which falls under the command of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Thank you to our military and their families for the sacrifices you make daily. We are proud to serve this military community!

Thanks also to our Military Affairs Sponsor Cedar Crest Hospital & Residential Treatment Center, Central Texas Home Builders and to our Eagle Award Sponsor Truly Texas Fort Cavazos.

Flag Day Fun

The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce held a special Flag Day celebration on June 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the Carl Levin Amphitheatre in Harker Heights.

Attendees to the event, which was sponsored by Freedom Urgent Care, experienced live music from the 1st Cav Rock Band, an army birthday cake cutting, and shopping with local vendors including:

•  Tipzy Rose Mobile Bar

•  AP Woodworks USA

•  Cupcake Avenue

•  Rossler’s BLUE CORD Barbecue

•  Collier Family Customs, (Beitz) Bring Everyone in the Zone

On site were also Orangetheory Fitness Harker Heights, local author Sarah Doran, and more.

The event featured a Flag Retirement station, which encouraged visitors to bring in old and torn flags to be disposed of properly.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas distributed mini flags and pinwheels to the first few guests.

Sounds of Spring

Gina Pence, president and CEO of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, worked with the city’s Music Friendly Advisory Committee to organize “Sounds of Spring” - a musical event held on April 15 at Carl Levin Park.

Sounds of Spring celebrated a day of song and recognized local musical talent.

Guests enjoyed live music by Steve Bash Music while also sampling wares from various vendors and partaking in a variety of activities - including free guitar lessons, provided by Music & Arts.

The first 25 children who came out to fish received a kids fishing pole and net provided by Texas Boat World, Harker Heights.

The Chamber would like to thank all of the event’s contributors, including Texas Tykes Daycare for supporting the Sounds of Spring.

HARKER HEIGHTS COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Public Policy

An Overview of
the Texas Legislature

By Hugh Shine

Understanding the process of the Texas Legislature requires a brief history lesson. The Texas Constitution was crafted after reconstruction in 1876, done with the idea of making state government as ineffective as possible and thereby protecting the people of the state.

The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every two years. The Governor is an outside participant in the legislative process of a legislature that is composed of House and Senate Districts that represent broad and diverse state economics and demographics.

Legislative initiatives face multiple hurdles in the structure, making failure easier than success.

Although shortfalls in the budget appropriations cycle have presented challenges to funding state services and public education, surpluses present their own challenges.

Legislators in the Panhandle, West Texas, North Texas, East Texas, Southeast Texas, the Rio Grande Valley and Central Texas compete against each other for portions of surplus funds, just as they compete to protect funds previously appropriated.

Separately, large urban areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin and El Paso compete in the process.

Legislation is determined by a majority vote or two-thirds vote, depending on the issue. With 150 House and 31 Senate members (elected by and representing the interests of their district), the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor make compromise difficult.

Population growth, demographic changes, and political party affiliation create a perfect storm for gridlock on major appropriation issues that affect state services and public education.

The legislature ultimately resolves major pending issues after lengthy and brutal debates. Leadership is the key to reaching a successful outcome for Texans.

Hugh Shine is a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 55th District. His current term ends on January 14, 2025.

Political Forum

On July 10, a Harker Heights Political Forum took place covering ballot races for Councilmember Place 2 and Place 4, as well as Mayoral candidates.

Thank you to the Public Policy Committee, participating candidates, attendees, and Palmeras - Premier Latin Cuisine for helping to provide a great event.

The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce partnered with Mountain View Productions to produce a video for the forum.

Spotlight on Jimmy Alexander, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer of SWBC Mortgage

Nothing beats the personal touch and local expertise of a loan officer who’s invested in your success.

Jimmy Alexander, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer of SWBC Mortgage in Killeen, has been in the industry for over 30 years. His team is made up of skilled, trusted professionals who are ready to help you on your home buying journey. They work with you to discover your best interests and determine your financial goals, with a goal of giving you the peace of mind that you’re making informed decisions for your future.

Recently ranked as the #1 VA Lender in Texas, Jimmy specializes in home financing for veterans. Having served in the U.S. Army, he is able to understand the unique circumstances and challenges our military members face. He is dedicated to helping these men and women reach their dreams of homeownership. He’s also well-versed in options for first-time homebuyers, construction financing, and seasoned investors.

For more information, visit JimmyAlexanderTeam.com.

The Great Escape of Central Texas

The Great Escape of Central Texas is a themed attraction where your team must solve a series of puzzles in 60 minutes. Touted to be “a fun-filled adventure that is safe for the kid in all of us,” the escape room is Bell County’s first and only live action puzzle room geared for family and friends in a team building setting – a place where you can get away from the daily grind.

Participants will find six fully themed scenarios to choose from, ranging anywhere from two to nine players. One of those scenarios is the “Lost Tomb of Anubis” – an Egyptian themed game where you must solve your way out of a closed tomb before your air runs out, all the while battling the evil curses you’ve unleashed.

Don’t worry, it is just a theme – you are never trapped in an escape room and there are no actual evil curses. While the last day to play the “Lost Tomb of Anubis” will be August 20, a new theme is being planned to replace this game – “Treasure Island”.

This experience will allow participants to follow the adventure of a lifetime as a team can follow the clues to find the hidden treasure in this classic Robert Louis Stevenson story full of mystery, pirates, and of course booby traps along the way.

Escape room tickets can be purchased at www.greatescapectx.com/tickets-gift-certificates.

SouthStar Bank’s Shares its Common Sense Financial Services

SouthStar Bank, S.S.B. specializes in residential mortgage, real estate, and construction lending, operating 16 full-service branches across the Central Texas region. Established in 1920, the bank holds over $1 billion in assets and focuses on community involvement and personal relationships. Decisions are made locally, allowing the flexibility to apply common-sense standards to products, services and loan requests.

In addition to lending and traditional financial services, SouthStar Bank brings the latest conveniences to its clients, including online and mobile banking with check capture, debit cards with CardManager, and a free worldwide Allpoint ATM network.

SouthStar Bank is one of the largest independent banks in Texas and holds a 5-Star rating by Bauer Financial. SouthStar Bank continually strives to offer the very best in service, convenience and security, with an ongoing, founding commitment: To provide friendly, flexible, common-sense financial services where we live and work – Texas Style!