Table of

Contents

Welcome   6

Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Library   7

Clearsky Rehabilitation Hospital   10

Killeen ISD   11

Public Policy   14

Adventhealth Central Texas   15

Central Texas College   18

National Mounted Warrior Museum   19

Empowering Special-Needs Children   20

Award Winners   22

Business After Hours   23

Coffee Connections   24

FWB Festival 2022   26

Lunch Mob   28

Mug Run   29

Ribbon Cuttings   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 your

Harker Heights
Chamber of Commerce!

2023 is off to an exciting and growth-filled beginning. Your Chamber is prepared for and working diligently to continue to support the growth of both established and newly formed businesses, alike, in our great community.

2022 was a very successful year for Harker Heights in terms of returning to near pre-COVID levels of activity. Your Chamber was at the core of many successful initiatives in 2022 such as the return to a robust ribbon-cutting program to celebrate new businesses, “Coffee Connections” to bond businesses and community members, and our well-established ambassador program to allow the Chamber to assist businesses in serving our citizens. Likewise, special events such as the 2022 Chamber Golf Outing and the 2022 Food Wine and Brew Fest continued to rebound and grow in new and exciting directions.

As we plan for 2023, your Chamber is laser focused on ways to expand membership and service to our member partners. We look forward to collaborating with you and our membership in 2023 to achieve our mission of creating and promoting an environment for trade and commerce through strategic partnerships and advocacy to enhance the economic growth of the Harker Heights community.

May you have a blessed and prosperous 2023!

Yours in Service,

Chris Egizio

Chair

Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors

Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Public Library Provides Opportunities for Wellness Enrichment

As a dynamic resource for encouraging lifelong learning, Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Public Library provides in-person and virtual places to explore wellness.

Through its collections, programs, services, technologies, and environment, the library provides opportunities for patrons to enrich their lives and pursue their aspirations. The library has taken a holistic approach to community health. From updated print and online health materials in our TexShare Databases, Pressreader services, and extensive online community resources list, to social-emotional learning and interpersonal engagement through storytimes and parent/caregiver workshops, to cooperative outdoor programs with the Harker Heights Activities Center and yoga and pilates classes led by volunteer specialists, the library looks at the many aspects of wellness: physical, intellectual, social, environmental, emotional, and spiritual.

Last year the Library was awarded a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Institute of Library and Museum Services to design calming sitting areas comprising comfortable seating, flexible lighting, and sound partitions.

Mindfulness crafts, aromatherapy sets, and stress relief sets are available either for circulation or as kits that can be kept by patrons.

The Library also encourages patrons to enjoy the healing power of nature! The library has completed a Story Walk circling the building and heading through its garden area. Patrons strolling along the walkway can read a book or practice movements as directed by the Story Walk signs. Another set of signs alternates between our Harker Heights parks.

Take a look at the library’s website at www.harkerheihgts.gov/library or Facebook page @harkerheightspubliclibrary for links to resources, fliers for upcoming programs, and more cooperative efforts with the Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department.

Construction Progresses on

ClearSky Rehabilitation
Hospital of Harker Heights

Construction is progressing on ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Harker Heights, a 30-bed medical rehabilitation hospital that’s scheduled to open this summer. ClearSky Harker Heights will provide specialized rehabilitative care to individuals living with disabling injuries or illnesses such as strokes, brain injuries, hip fractures, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other medically-complex conditions like COVID-19.

“We’ll provide a level of rehabilitation that’s not available anywhere else in the area,” says Byron Landor, CEO of ClearSky Harker Heights. “Our care will differ from other rehabilitation programs because of our highly trained interdisciplinary team, specialized equipment, state-of-the-art facility, integrative approach, and commitment to high-quality care.”

The hospital is expected to treat about 650 patients annually. Services will be physician-led and include physical, occupational, and speech therapy; rehabilitative nursing; case management; respiratory therapy; wound care management; orthotic and prosthetic services; dietary services; and other specialized care.

ClearSky Harker Heights is 40,000 square feet and features all private rooms, a rehabilitative gym with one-on-one therapy, a dining room with a dedicated chef, an activity of daily living space that emulates home conditions, and an outdoor therapeutic courtyard providing various walking terrains.

The hospital is currently hiring. Visit www.ClearSkyHealth.com/HarkerHeights.

Killeen ISD Boasts Large,
Diverse Population, Adds New
High School This Year

The Killeen Independent School District opened its sixth high school campus at the start of the 2022-2023 school year and in February celebrated the completed expansion of the district’s original high school.

Chaparral High School is KISD’s sixth high school and fifth traditional comprehensive high school. It is located on Chaparral Road near the boundary of the cities of Killeen and Harker Heights in the southern part of the school district.

The school district also marked this year the completion of a massive renovation and addition of Killeen High School, the district’s flagship high school in the north part of the school district.

The two high school projects brought to completion a bond program that began with voters’ approval of a $426 million bond issue back in 2018.

Killeen ISD is an exciting place to live and to work. Enrollment is already underway for the 44,000-plus pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students.

The school district is always looking to hire qualified applicants.

Teachers in KISD have the opportunity to participate in the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment that can boost salary thousands of dollars for five years.

Killeen ISD serves the cities of Killeen, Harker Heights, and Nolanville and the Fort Hood installation. It is the 24th-largest school district in Texas and the fourth most diverse district in the state.

AdventHealth Central Texas:

Committed to Care

At AdventHealth Central Texas, we are constantly evolving to provide you with the highest level of compassionate care and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.

From the moment you walk through our doors, you can expect to be treated with respect as an individual based on your own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Like many others in healthcare, COVID-19 presented a domino effect of challenges. To say the last few years have been challenging for everyone is an understatement. But the future is bright.

“Our teams in Killeen and Lampasas have overcome the many adversities the pandemic has presented. But the dedication to our patients has remained constant,” said Kevin Roberts, president and CEO of AdventHealth Central Texas and AdventHealth Rollins Brook. “Our teams did not lose hope and continue to look ahead to the future with the goal of expanding our focus.”

Here at AdventHealth Central Texas and our sister hospital in Lampasas, AdventHealth Rollins Brook have recently been recognized for several accolades.

For two consecutive years, the community has voted our hospital in Killen as “Best Hospital in Central Texas” by readers of the Killeen Daily Herald and our Maternal Child Health department also received national recognition.

In Killeen, our Maternal Child Health department is one of the country’s top hospitals for delivering babies. Whether you are a first-time mother or a fifth-time parent, AdventHealth is here to provide a safe, comforting, and healthy birthing process.

“We are amazing at really individualizing our care,” said Nicole Allsopp, RN, MSN, director of nursing for Maternal Child Health at AdventHealth Central Texas. “We look at who you are, your excitement and fears, and what you want out of your birth experience, and then we mold our care to fit those things. It does not matter if you are a first-time mom or if you’ve done this plenty of times, each baby is a new experience, and we do everything we can to make it memorable.”

Learn more about our free classes, events, and programs by visiting our website www.adventhealthcentraltexas.com, or follow us on Facebook at AdventHeatlhCentralTexas.

Central Texas College Serves

Both Students and the Public

Central Texas College (CTC) offers more than just quality higher education/career opportunities, it also hosts a variety of activities for both students and the public. Some of the upcoming events include:

April 5:  CTC Wellness Fair; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Anderson Campus Center

April 27:  Math Appreciation Day; 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Mayborn Science Theater

May 5:  Eagle Trot 5K Run/Walk; 9 a.m.; CTC Gym

May 6:  Community Field Day fun in the sun; 10 a.m.; CTC Gym

Other ongoing activities and offerings include Patio Café Cuisine Night dinners, the Fine Arts drama production, concerts in the gazebo featuring the CTC Band and Choir, art exhibits, tennis courts, a frisbee golf course, walking/jogging path, Saturday shows and weekday matinees at the Mayborn Science Theater and in-person and virtual engaging presentations through the campus library.

On the education front, CTC prepares students for careers or to transfer to a four-year university with more than 100 associate degrees and certificates of completion available in many diverse fields.

Programs of study include aviation science, business administration, logistics, agriculture science, communications, computer-aided drafting and design, electronics technology, industrial technology, interdisciplinary studies, language, mathematics, nursing and paramedic, science and computer and information technology. CTC continues to expand its program offerings. Recently added were the new Kubota Technology certification training, the Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies and the Robotic Technology program.

The CTC Continuing Education department provides career training programs in health care, business, truck driving and more. It also offers a variety of “fun” non-credit classes such as belly dancing, water aerobics, exercise, photography and other fields.

Whether looking to further your education, start a new career or enjoy a moment of entertainment, visit CTC at www.ctcd.edu.

National Mounted Warrior Museum to

Honor U.S. Army’s
Role in History

Every day, thousands of soldiers at Fort Hood report for their duty to protect our nation’s sovereignty and advance democracy worldwide.

While their experiences vary, soldiers have stories about courage and heroism, fear and loss, camaraderie and respect, integrity, and pride. The National Mounted Warfare Foundation (NMWF) has built a world-class military museum, the National Mounted Warrior Museum (NMWM), in the heart of Texas to honor the history of the units and soldiers who have served at Fort Hood.

The Museum will share their untold stories and provide historical accounts, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Army’s role throughout history. Various immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and educational programs will appeal to people of all ages and bring history to life. Visitors will discover how the role of mounted warfare has evolved, hear personal stories from soldiers, learn about Fort Hood’s history, gain insights through simulations, and discover the military’s role in peacekeeping and disaster-relief missions.

The NMWM is scheduled to open to the public in November 2023, but individual tours may be arranged by emailing [email protected]. Learn more at
www. nmwfoundation.org.

Programs for Archery, Bicycling empower special-needs children in Central Texas

The City of Harker Heights and Peaceable Kingdom by Variety of Texas are excited to partner together throughout 2023 to bring opportunities for children with special needs in Central Texas to participate in two very exciting recreation programs: archery and bicycling. Peaceable Kingdom is a retreat center and camp near Youngsport, just south of Killeen, which specializes in outdoor recreation for children with various special needs by providing summer camps and educational programs.

Throughout the year, Peaceable Kingdom and Harker Heights Parks & Recreation staff will join forces to offer archery programs for children of all abilities. The programs will be held at both Peaceable Kingdom and various Harker Heights Parks & Recreation locations. ‘PK2U’ is a one-hour course for learning archery using beginner compound bows, designed to make learning the sport fun and simple. Certified and experienced instructors from PK and HHPRD will be on-site to teach and assist throughout each program.

From July 17 to July 21, PK and HHPRD will bring the iCanShine Bike Camp to the Harker Heights Recreation Center. This program gives children with special needs the chance to learn the skills related to bike riding, taught by experienced and trained professionals and volunteers that utilize specialized bikes and equipment until participants feel comfortable.

Harker Heights Parks and Recreation works tirelessly to ensure that programs are offered that include members of the community of all ability levels. Partners like Peaceable Kingdom make those programs possible for more people and we are excited to see what the future holds!

A True Taste of Texas

Experience Delectable Food and Drink at the Annual Harker Heights Food, Wine & Brew Festival

Whether you’re a craft beer drinker, wine lover, or a foodie, you’ll find something to savor at the Harker Heights Food, Wine & Brew Fest. Fill your glass and pair your drink of choice with delectable food from around the world. Attend a culinary demonstration and tasting session to up your own game in the kitchen, or kick back and listen to live music.

Held in September, the one-day culinary festival in Harker Heights brings some of the top breweries, wineries, and talented chefs to town, giving you the chance to get a true taste of Texas all in one place.

You had better come thirsty, as there is an endless supply of mouthwatering beverages to try. Featuring such purveyors of Texas-made spirits as Fire Base Brewing Company, Southern Roots Brewing Company, Nolan Creek Brewery, Salado Winery, Big Rock Winery, and Georgetown Winery, you are sure to find something that will please your palate.

There is much more to the festival experience than just trying out the wares — meet the winemakers and learn about the micro-brewing process. They say with knowledge comes power, but it also might make that drink in your hand a little bit more delicious, too.

Speaking of palate pleasers, the festival is also a culinary experience all on its own. Top chefs from across Texas create crave-worthy dishes spotlighting the foods and cultures from around the world. Not only is the cuisine divine, but you will also have the opportunity to check out cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions with the experts. If you are lucky, you might hear a few kitchen secrets and entertaining war stories.

When you’ve had your fill, or you need to give yourself a break, find a shady spot on the hill overlooking the venue and listen to the live music.

Come experience Harker Heights —we know you will have a fantastic time enjoying our first-class food and drink under the late summer sun.

Savor a delicious craft beer, pair your choice of wine with some delectable food, and enjoy many of the flavors of Texas at the Harker Heights Food, Wine & Brew Fest. This one-day festival in September brings some of the best breweries, wineries, and chefs in the Lone Star to Harker Heights for a truly remarkable culinary experience.

Indulge in all the enticing beverages and mouthwatering food, check out the cooking demonstrations, and attend beer and wine tasting classes. Add in some live music and you’ve got yourself the makings of an exciting time. Plan to be in Harker Heights for this one-of-a-kind event. Visit www.hhfoodandwine.com to learn more about hours and ticket prices.

We are a proud partner: