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Belton tx

 Brief Highlight Overview of The City

A hodgepodge of culture and history, Belton, TX is a tiny, southern town between Austin and Waco. Belton features the exact kind of cozy charm you would expect from small town Texas. However, please don’t be mistaken, Belton has the power to elicit big city emotions with numerous nods to Texas’ Old Western roots both in the buildings and the hearts of families across Belton. Geographically stunning with its rolling hills and plains, Belton’s compact population of just a little over 20,000 people has plenty of room within the limits of their beloved city.

CFTC Designee Highlight

Business Advice from Charitable Business Leader About the Value of Professional Network

“Effective networking is about reversing the game everybody instinctively plays. It's about patience and buildup, not the close. We celebrate audacity and courage instead of patience and value. It's backwards, and when you make an effort to buck the trend, not only will you be noticed, but you'll be appreciated and remembered. Take that laundry list for what you will, but I assure you that the real takeaway here is to pay it forward first.” - Gary Vaynerchuk https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-232B-2488

In order to continue to grow and be innovative, we must continuously re-evaluate our methods and systems. At some point or another in your career, you will be faced with an external influence that has the power to crumble your success. In this moment you will have the choice to either pivot and develop a strategy for capitalizing on the opportunity or to fold. It has been my experience that it is far easier to stand strong when you have a supportive, valuable network to gain insight from.

Business Advice From a Designee

“Listen to how your clients feel - not just what they say - to show you care!”

Did you know that Aundrea Dudik, Founder of Co.Mission for the Cause, is a licensed professional counselor by trade? While no longer practicing therapy, her empathy and communication skills have helped her build strong relationships with her clients - and have been the key to her success as a realtor.

 

Here’s what Aundrea recommends…

To be an extra effective communicator, don’t just listen to the words people say - listen for the feelings behind it all. Paying attention to how people feel shows you truly care. Especially in business, connecting with people on an emotional level is a powerful way to build client/customer loyalty.

Even if someone doesn’t tell you exactly how they’re feeling, the feeling is there - you just need to listen for it! Let them know you heard them loud and clear by summarizing it back to them.

For example…

The person you're speaking with may say: “I’m so ready to be out of my apartment and into a new home. There just isn’t enough space for my kids and they deserve more.”

You could respond with: “You’re tired of being cooped up and confined to such a small space and are motivated to find a beautiful and spacious new home. You really love your children and want to provide them with plenty of room and security.”

Even if you miss the mark a little, people generally appreciate the effort in knowing you worked to understand their situation! They feel heard and acknowledged - and they will remember that YOU made them feel that way.

We’re all HUMAN and humans are emotional creatures, so never underestimate the power of FEELINGS!

Pro Tip: Study a feelings chart to get clear on feeling words you don’t frequently use!

Good People Doing Good Things

Affirming the belief young children have in themselves is some of the most important work that a parent can do.

That’s why parent, playwright and Professor Kerry-Ann Zamore created the Affirmation Calendar project. After having the heartbreaking conversations with her young son about the death of George Floyd, she knew she needed to help young black boys feel confident in who they are, who they can be, and the role they can play in this world.

Partnering with several other Bell County mothers, Zamore created a 12 month picture calendar that showcases “affirmations for brown boys.” Zamore is also working on a documentary to talk to black mothers “about the intentional use of affirmations to their sons.”

A participating mother, Elizabeth Jennings, said “To really be a part of the Affirmations Project and highlight just how important it is to empower our boys, and for moms to have a role to speak life into them, it was amazing.”

You can read more about the Affirmations Project here or support their mission by buying a calendar here.

Source: https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/community/mothers-take-on-affirmation-project-to-foster-positive-growth-among-their-sons/500-13afe23f-6c1c-4778-a61d-b99213a3efbf

Must Do's In The Area

Chalk Ridge Lake Park

Located on the outskirts of Still Hollow Lake, along the Lampasas River, Chalk Ridge Lake Park is often recognized by locals for it’s incredible sunset views. This natural marvel is composed of walking trails that make up the majority of the landscape while beautiful waterfalls of all shapes and sizes await you around the bend. The local suspension bridge has also been deemed a sight-to-see.

Downtown Belton Market Days

Downtown Belton Market Days occur on every 3rd Saturday on Central Avenue.Belton Market Days are managed by the Downtown Belton Business Alliance, a voluntary organization comprised of local business and property owners aimed at promoting economic growth. The event features a number of local artists and creators, food vendors, and retailers alike.

The Gin at Walnut Creek

Located in a 1927 brick cotton gin that has been restored and converted into a restaurant complex, The Gin at Walnut Creek serves the kind of comfort food that is Texas’ claim to fame..Much of the original building has been preserved. You can still see the writing on the original wooden doors that feature calculations expected to have been written by farmers attempting to calculate their yield.

Stillhouse Lake - Scuba Divers Paradise

Learn to dive for the first time or get certified to dive anywhere in the world once the course has been completed. Divers of all levels can find a way to participate with multiple courses available onsite. Kayaking and canoes are also available for rent.

Charitable Mention

CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties - “When a child enters the foster care system, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to help them. That volunteer is a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or a CASA.” CASA needs volunteers of all backgrounds from all walks of life in order to provide a well rounded perspective on the system as a whole. It is extremely important to the wellbeing and futures of the children CASA serves to have as many voices advocating for the best interest of these children as possible by truly getting to know them and their story in a way that others involved in their cases may not be able to.

"Success is … knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others." --John C. Maxwell

Volunteer Opportunities in This Area

CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties - https://casabellcoryell.org/volunteer/ CASA volunteers are community leaders who advocate for safe, permanent, nurturing homes for children in the court systems by acting as an extension of a system put in place to give these children a stronger voice. The Bell and Coryell chapter is a member of the National Casa Organization. Apply today to begin making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected youth right in your hometown.

Helping Hands Ministry - https://www.helpinghandsbelton.org/volunteer At Helping Hands Ministry, new volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Helping Hands Ministry’s mission is to end all poverty both spiritual and physical in the local area. Whether it is checking in clients at the front desk, working in the food pantry, the warehouse, their resale shop, or in the chapel, there is a great need for extra hands on deck to support this mission. Helping Hands generally needs volunteers on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Helping Hands Ministry is a place where people go when they want to connect and find comfort. Positions are available as a curbside/drive through pantry volunteer or in food rescue/home delivery.

More Than Meets the Ears

From the second you enter Texas’ fourth largest city, you begin to encounter numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich experience that is Austin, Texas. You might feel inclined to stop to enjoy the sounds and songs bellowing from one of the 6 stages at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Perhaps you find yourself drawn more to the natural beauty of the southwest city, exemplified by the near 12 miles of trails found along the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Austin was voted the No 1 place to live 3 years in a row. Regardless of motivation, Austin, Texas becomes home to an average of 169 new families, entrepreneurs, artists and Silicon Valley companies each day. Needless to say, there is quite a bit more to Austin than Longhorns football and being labeled by visitors as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Many Hands Make Light Work - The Value of Professional Networks

“It takes a village to have a successful career; people who provide you with information, connect you to others, help you get your job done, advocate for you, mentor, guide and sponsor you. And to build this type of network, your networking activity needs to be strategic.” - Cathy Hoover, Executive Director of Westlake Chamber of Commerce 

As business professionals, we often wear many hats. It can be difficult to let others infiltrate the inner workings of these businesses we’ve dedicated so much of ourselves to. We often forget that before all else, we are human, and because of that we are not capable of being everything for everyone. One of the best things we can do for growing our businesses is to recognize our strengths, admit our weaknesses and commit to being of high value and quality service to those in your network. By incorporating this mentality into your operations, you will grow your network organically and humbly welcome others to join you in that commitment.

CFTC Designee Highlight

Business Advice From a Designee

"It's always been taught, you leave your community greater than you found it. There's no better way to do so than volunteering and giving back."

Lacy is a Mortgage lender for The Wood Group of Fairway Mortgage. Lacy has always believed in volunteering within her local community. The pandemic made it difficult, but it hasn't stopped her. She has consistently given monetary donations randomly throughout the year to different charities and missions. 

Lacy has pledged to donate $20 to a charity of her clients choice for every loan closed as a result of Co. Mission network. 

 

Good People Doing Good Things

We love a story of businesses giving back, so here’s our most recent favorite. Austin’s The Backspace - a favorite pizza joint created by the same chef who opened Parkside - is celebrating 10 years. But they didn’t want the celebration to be just about them...

As a way to give back, Chef Shawn Cirkiel and his team took the opportunity to thank Austin’s healthcare workers. For every pizza bought for healthcare workers, Backspace will match your pizza donation by providing a free pizza to the frontline workers at People’s Community Clinic. Who doesn’t love free pizza...especially when it’s for the people putting their health on the line to keep us all safe!

And it doesn’t hurt that they're offering a discount for pies that are purchased for your healthcare heroes!

Our thanks to The Backspace team for giving back to those who give so much to the Austin community! And if you want to support Backspace, feel free to check them out here.

Source: https://www.austin360.com/story/entertainment/dining/restaurant-reviews/2021/01/07/backspace-celebrating-10-years-pizzas-healthcare-workers/6580620002/

Austin’s Must See Attractions

Zilker Park

https://austinparks.org/zilker-metro-park/
A visit to Austin wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Zilker Park, affectionately named the city’s “most-loved park.” Complete with a miniature train that is central to the history of the park and the nostalgic memories of beholden by families all over Austin. (Currently under repair until 2021). The park is also home to the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, attended by over 450,000 music lovers each year. See below for opportunities to support Zilker Park.

Congress Avenue Bridge -

https://www.austintexas.org/listings/ann-richards-congress-avenue-bridge-bats/2841/
While the entire world seems to have gone a little batty lately, we promise you that nothing you’ve seen before compares to the 1.5 MILLION bats that fly out from the Congress Avenue Bridge near dusk. This bridge shelters the largest urban bat colony in North America. With thousands of watchers flocking to the bridge each year, it is safe to say that Bat Watching is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The colony that calls the bridge home is a maternity colony, meaning the group is primarily made of Mexican Free-Tailed females who give birth at the head of summer. If you’d rather see the spectacle by boat, there are public sightseeing tours available. Capitol Cruises and Lone Star Riverboat are both available for touring.

The Heart of the Park

Established as a non-profit in 1992, the Austin Parks Foundation is a dedicated force behind the preservation and restoration of the 300+ parks that call Austin home. APF is the long standing Featured Charity Partner of the above mentioned Austin City Limits Music Festival. The organization has also emerged as the interim operator for the restoration of the Zilker Train, with proceeds of the operation benefiting Zilker Park directly. The future of Austin’s parks relies on the improvements and developments driven by the foundation.

"Success isn't about how much money you make; it's about the difference you make in people's lives." -Michelle Obama

When setting your professional goals it is important to remember that more often than not, those goals directly affect people's lives in one way or another. Being intentional about the impact you intend to have on your community can help you catapult the growth of your business farther than you ever thought possible

Ways To Get Involved - Volunteer Opportunities

Zilker Train - Support the Zilker Train by making a donation. https://austinparks.org/zilker-train/

Austin Parks Foundation - Check out upcoming events at https://austinparks.org/volunteer/. Next up is the Cook Elementary School Outdoor Classroom Setup on January 9th. In partnership with the Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative, the Austin Parks Foundation team will help set up brand new outdoor classrooms at Cook Elementary, to provide a safe distant gathering place during the pandemic. Virtual opportunities are also available!

Austin Bat Cave is a community focused on creative empowerment and helping students to find their written voice. ABC is looking for writers, educators and creative professionals to join their network of volunteers. Participants will work with students to develop their creative and expository writing skills. Those without teaching experience are still welcome to apply. The program has moved to a fully digital platform. Volunteers from all over the country, even those without prior teaching experience are able and encouraged to apply. Austin Bat Cave - https://austinbatcave.org/volunteer/

 

During this challenging time in our society, let us be mindful of the challenges faced by Austin’s senior community members. Drive A Senior Central Texas is an organization matching seniors with those who can assist them in running errands. Drive a Senior is on the hunt for volunteer drivers to provide seniors with rides to the grocery store, beauty shops, pharmacy, banks and the like. This opportunity requires no minimum commitment. Drivers who can pilot vans are especially in demand. https://driveaseniorcentraltexas.org/volunteer/

Join an Autism Speaks Walk - The largest foundation dedicated to improving the lives of people with Autism. By joining this walk, you will make an impact on the lives of those who may lack access to the resources they need to 'live their best life'. 

Learn more at https://www.autismspeaks.org/texas

NAMIWalks - A United Day of Hope. Join a NAMIWalk to support the Mental Health for All - Always Movement. 

Join the greater Austin walk here.

 

Brief Highlight Overview of the City

30 miles north of Texas’ capitol, you’ll find Georgetown, Texas. This small, but vibrant town is sweetly nestled along the San Gabriel River, contributing to the natural charm of the city. Featuring over 180 homes that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Georgetown is known for its dedication to preserving the area’s historical significance. After your refresher course in local history, set some time aside to catch the red poppies that bloom in abundance in the Spring. Also, 200 year old Pecan trees rooted in the San Gabriel park would be the perfect place to find some shade and host a picnic. The city remains one of the best places to spend some quality time outdoors. Set some time aside to catch the red poppies that bloom in abundance in the Spring or visit the 200 year old Pecan trees rooted in the San Gabriel park.

CFTC Designee Highlight

Business Advice from Charitable Business Leader

Tony Robbins has made a name for himself as the go-to guru for motivational inspiration. During an interview with Network Marketing Central, Tony Robbins exclaimed that the only way to be wealthy is “to do more for others than anybody else is doing.” By pouring your energy into others, you are not only investing in their success, but you are naturally cultivating a relationship that can be beneficial to both parties if approached properly. You can not force authenticity and those with their eyes open can see through it a mile away. So before you go just handing someone a business card, why not ask yourself how you can be of value to this person or organization? Then once you have your answer, go BE of value to this person or organization. You see, networking is about more than shaking hands and sourcing contacts, it is about building genuine relationships and the only way to do that successfully is by being genuine and unmatched in your desire to be of good service.

Good People Doing Good Things

There are certain organizations that our communities just cannot live without…and Helping Hands of Georgetown is one of them. While their mission has always been to help others help themselves by giving back, it meant more than ever this last year…

Over the holiday season, Helping Hands delivered 184 Christmas dinners to families in need. That means 184 families who did not have to feel hunger on Christmas! And that wasn’t all. In 2020, they were able to provide 175 night stays of emergency housing, pay more than 40 phone, medical or prescription bills, offer more than $4,500 in rent assistance and $2,000 in utility assistance. All while delivering over 2,000 family bags of pantry goods since the beginning of the pandemic.

In a year when many were forced to step back, Helping Hands stepped up to support the Georgetown community more than ever before.

Want to be part of something great? Click here to learn how you can help support this incredible Georgetown organization.

Must Do's in The Area

After World War II, legend has it that soldier Okra Compton brought home poppy seeds from the European war fields. His mother planted them in her yard, and before she knew it, the bright red flowers began to sprout all throughout Georgetown. No each year, thousands gather to celebrate the re-emergence of the poppies. Red Poppy Festival is a melting pot of art, music, food and culture spanning throughout the last weekend in April. Spread out through the landscape are 3 individual stages that will be home to some of the hottest performances of the season. On the second day of the festival, a parade fills the streets to put smiles on the faces of those citizens there to witness the floats, performances and the accompanying 5K run.

Stalactites, Stalagmites and Limestone Oh My! Discovered by the Texas Highway Department drilling team in 1963, Inner Space Caverns is a literal hidden gem beneath the surface of Georgetown. At 72 degrees cool and 69 feet deep, the Inner Space Caverns is the fourth largest cavern in Texas. The cave is noted by visitors as being a perfect way to cool down on a hot Texas afternoon. Sign up for one of the various tours to get a look at the forty-five species of animals that have been discovered within the limestone bedrock that makes up the cave.

The Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is not your average Adventure Farm and Petting Zoo. Sweet Eats has a dedication and commitment to sustainable, good-for-you and good for the earth produce, The farm, which began in 2013 makes an intentional effort to keep their 80 acres stocked with fruit bushes, activities and room to play available.

Charitable Mention

Family Eldercare is designed to protect our seniors and prevent them from being taken advantage of. This community led mission is to provide essential services such as counseling, guardianship, transportation, and in-home care. FE serves aging individuals, those with disabilities, and the caregivers that are a part of their support system. Family Eldercare strives to increase the independence of older adults, therefore upgrading their quality of life and increasing their well being.

Source: http://familyeldercare.org/?utm_source=hellogeorgetown&utm_medium=businesslisting&utm_campaign=websitelink

"Do what you can with all you have all of the time" - Theodore Roosevelt

Volunteer Opportunities in Georgetown

Faith in Action Georgetown is a non-profit organization that provides transportation and other support services that help seniors age 65 and over maintain their independence. Faith in Action is powered by volunteers and the team is always on the hunt for new volunteers. If you enjoy meeting new people, driving new places and have a few hours to give back to the seniors of Georgetown, please reach out to volunteering@faithinactiongt.org.

A year round gardening volunteer opportunity awaits at the Sunken Garden of San Gabriel Park. The garden is overseen by the Georgetown Garden Club. There is constant weeding, plant transport, and general maintenance help needed. No prior gardening experience is necessary. https://government.georgetown.org/become-a-volunteer/

The Georgetown Public Library has a variety of opportunities available for all kinds of personalities! Volunteer opportunities at the library range from event planning to behind the scenes support. No matter the role you play, the time you donate to the Georgetown Public Library is an investment on the enrichment and fulfillment of minds everywhere.

 

 

Traditional designations identify what you do or what you know – a Co.Mission designation highlights who you are as a person. A Co.Mission designation says, I’m a community conscious, charitable professional. I have been exclusively selected and held to a higher standard than the norm. I have pledged to give back to my community and serve beyond the standards required of my profession / business.

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