Solid Gold Neighbor Initiative Launches Go Gold Program in Partnership with Waco Businesses Providing Local Discounts to Faculty and Staff

There has never been a better time to live in Waco. In 2014 when Baylor alumni Chip and Joanna Gaines rocketed to stardom with their HGTV show “Fixer Upper,” no one could have predicted their impact on the city. At a time when downtown development had slowed, their entrepreneurial spirit served as a catalyst, paving the way for entrepreneurs and artisans interested in revitalizing and rehabilitating unused spaces. Today, the city’s growth continues at rapid speed, with developments announced downtown, along the riverfront corridor and in East Waco that will enhance the way that Wacoans engage with their town.

Baylor and Waco have always shared a special bond. When Baylor University relocated to Waco in 1886, the University joined the ranks of storied institutions and notable landmarks already putting the city on the map — Dr Pepper, born downtown at the Old Corner Drugstore; Cameron Park, one of the largest urban parks within the state of Texas; and the iconic Waco Suspension Bridge, where cattle drivers moved herds along the Chisholm Trail. During those years and throughout the decades that followed, Baylor and Waco worked together to bring mutually beneficial projects to life as both parties sought ways to be better neighbors. Baylor’s Christian mission calls for leadership within a caring community, on campus and off. That starts by being a good neighbor — respecting the surrounding community, stewarding local resources responsibly and caring for the wellbeing of one another.

Solid Gold Neighbor, Baylor’s intentional community engagement initiative serves as a point of connection, coordination, engagement and innovation, helping to marshal the resources of the University in support of goals and opportunities that are important to economic development, education, health and city growth. Encompassing the City of Waco, but focused on the University’s nearest neighbors, Baylor strives to serve the community in partnership with leaders, organizations and businesses that strongly believe in the potential of Waco.

Baylor University is in a unique position to be a good neighbor by driving city growth and helping all of Waco flourish. The easiest way faculty, staff and students can support and sustain this momentum is by shopping local. Circulating funds to locally helps develop an energetic city center — enhancing Waco as a great place to live, work and play. The Go Gold! programs of the Solid Gold Neighbor initiative encourage the Baylor Family to fully live in Waco.

Go Gold! offers local businesses a variety of ways to engage the campus community, most notably through the Go Gold! Discount program, our flagship program under the Go Gold! banner. Exclusively open to businesses operating in Waco, entities offer discounts and deals redeemable simply when faculty, staff and students show their Baylor ID card — no swiping required!

From dining to retail and beyond, there are more than 50 discounts for the campus community to utilize. Current Go Gold! Partners include some of Waco’s premiere eateries, boutiques, services, and cultural experiences, spanning multiple categories.

Among the many partners:

Mobile Vendors:
Sabor – 10% off purchase
Waco Cha – free boba topping (or topping of choice) for one bubble tea drink

Retail:
White Elephant Waco – 10% off all goods
Scout Homegoods + Findings – 25% off all green and gold items

Fitness & Leisure:
Cyclebar Waco – Enjoy 10% savings - first two months - any level; Ride unlimited monthly: $99; Ride 8 times monthly: $79; Ride 4 times monthly: $59. First ride is free!
Waco Paddle Company – rent one hour, get the second one free

Services:
Big Ben Dry Cleaning – 10% off all dry cleaning
Skinny’s Repair Shop – 15% off accessories, $10 off repairs

Arts & Entertainment:
Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute – special $6 admission rate
Waco Tours – 20% off a classic tour when you use the code “GoGold!”

For a full list of participating businesses, visit
baylor.edu/waco. Be sure to bookmark the website and check back often, as new partners are added frequently. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
@SolidGoldNeighbor for the latest Go Gold! updates.