Chamber Focus | January 2021

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FRIDAY, January 1, 2021

FOCUS ON

BUSINESS

Reflection of 2020 and Looking Forward to 2021 Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff 2020 has been a year unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted our business community, and we continue to work hard to recover.

Early in the pandemic, the Temple Chamber of Commerce recognized that we had a vital role in helping our community through the crisis. Our focus has been on providing as many resources as possible to support our region’s business community and serve as an information provider.

JANUARY 2021 EVENTS

CALENDAR

VIRTUAL THIRD HOUSE SESSION Monday, January 4, 2021 7:00 am

Register at templechamber.com/events

WEBINAR: IMPORTANCE OF AN ONLINE PRESENCE Thursday, January 14, 2021 7:30 am to repeat at 12:30 pm

In Partnership with: Texas A&M University-Central Texas College of Business Administration Register at templechamber.com/events

TempleChamber.com

The strength of the Temple Chamber is not any particular program or event, but rather comes from the network we have built over our 113-year history. We are the hub of a vast network that includes local businesses, all levels of government, state and national business associations, local organizations, schools, and more.

This strength came to the forefront with the turmoil of 2020. The Temple Chamber was in a position to help many local businesses by serving as a mouthpiece for the information that was coming in quickly from our network.

This led to the creation of the Temple Strong initiative, a comprehensive webpage on templechamber.com that serves as a one-stop experience for businesses seeking the latest information regarding COVID-19, and a multitude of COVID-19 specific email communications beginning in April 2020.

The Temple Chamber is a membership-driven organization where businesses pay dues to become members, and those members get plugged into the Chamber network.

However, the economic vitality of our community can only be maintained with a positive business climate, so the information that was shared was not limited to only member businesses. We had information coming in from the state, our U.S. Senators and Representatives offices, as well as from County and City officials. Everyone needed help, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce was there to help.

With continuing uncertainty and state-mandated closures or occupancy restrictions, the Temple Chamber created a space on social media for local businesses to inform a larger audience about their operations and offerings. Two Facebook groups, Temple Strong: Takeout, Curbside, and Delivery Options and Temple Strong: Open for Business, were created.

The Temple Chamber also tapped into our network to provide a morale boost to front-line workers. The U.S. Army Salute Heroes fly over in May 2020 resulted from our outreach to Congressman John Carter and III Corps/ Fort Hood. Blackhawk and Chinook Helicopters from 1st Air Cav Brigade/1st Cavalry Division/Fort Hood flew over health care facilities in Temple, Belton, Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Harker Heights, Gatesville, Copperas Cove, and Killeen.

The Temple Chamber refused to be deterred by the setbacks brought forth by the pandemic. The majority of inperson events shifted to a virtual environment. We provided over 20 virtual programs and have reached more than 1,500 participants.

The 36th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon was reimagined into lunch to go and a virtual presentation. This new platform also allowed us to recognize first responders and front-line workers. We safely served 2,000 to-go meals to show appreciation to those who have and continue to give so much. We were also able to shift our annual Spirit of Santa Fe Wine Festival into a two-week trail that celebrated local craft beverages, wines, and homegrown restaurants.

Though there were many struggles, the past year also inspired innovation, strengthened compassion, and redefined the meaning of perseverance. Temple Chamber of Commerce members stepped up to support the community. They provided healthcare workers vital equipment in short supply, helped non-profits with donations, supported the community with various services, and helped keep spirits high during a time of uncertainty.

Here are a handful of examples of how Temple Chamber Members helped amid the COVID-19 pandemic: • Smile at the World Orthodontics coordinated a personal protection equipment drive among the Bell County Dental community. They collected 5,000 masks, 20,000 gloves, and various other items to donate them to Baylor Scott & White Health.

• La Dalat Vietnamese Cuisine donated 500 masks to area nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Continued on Page 2

FRIDAY, January 1, 2021

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Reflection of 2020 and Looking Forward to 2021 Continued from Page 1 • The seamstresses at Johnnie’s Cleaners & Tailors assembled over 1,800 N95 masks for Baylor Scott & White Health.

• Area churches, The Wrap Professor, and Lamar Advertising partnered for the #BellCountyHeroes appreciation campaign that included yard signs and billboards for local healthcare workers.

• Integrity Rehab made “Blessing Bags” for Homebound Seniors distributed throughout Bell and Coryell counties.

• La Riv Kitchen & Bar provided free pasta meals to families in need.

• Subway (Temple) donated sandwiches and cookies weekly to the E.R., Pulmonary, and Surgery departments at Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital – Temple.

• Precious Memories Florist & Gifts sent flowers to the Call-takers at the 2-1-1 Call Center to show appreciation for the long hours and service they provide to the community.

The Temple Chamber is filled with gratitude for our members and the community. Our efforts to support the business community would not be possible without the support of our members. 2020 has shown us that there is no better time to be a member of the Temple Chamber. We have a vital role in our local community and are positioned to help preserve, protect, and promote a positive business environment in the greater Temple, TX area in 2021 and beyond.

For those not already plugged into our network, we invite you to learn more on our website templechamber.com or by calling (254) 773-2105.

December New Chamber Members Amy’s House Jim Fly 2114 S. 15th Street Temple, TX 76504 (254) 598-2378 www.triocentraltexas.org/amyshouse Nonprofit Foundations Blaze Pizza Barrett Fleming 6768 W. Adams Ave. Temple, TX 76502 (254) 452-2324 www.blazepizza.com Restaurants

Edward Jones/John Taylor, Financial Advisor John Taylor 100 Kasberg Dr., Suite B Temple, TX 76502 (254) 774-9300 www.edwardjones.com/john-h-taylor Financial Services The Venue at Mari Springs Brett Pritchard 11796 Wedel Cemetery Rd. Temple, TX 76501 (254) 247-0400 www.marisprings.com Event Venues

December Renewing Chamber Members All County Surveying, Inc. Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker, PC Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Becker Wright Consultants Bell County Museum Central National Bank Central Texas Children’s Center Cloud Construction Co., Inc. Cory Herring Homes Echo Station Apartments Farm Bureau Insurance/Don Murphy Farmers Insurance/Dana Hoelscher Agency Fossum, Richard F., D.D.S., P.A. Gem Pawn Shop

Grace Christian Center Grand Avenue Theater Harvest Church H-E-B Temple #182 Kimmy Jackson & Associates, LLC KXXV News Channel 25 (ABC) Lone Star Structures Lott, Vernon & Company, P.C. Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp, P.C. Mary Jane Roach Realty, LLC Mary Jane Roach Realty, LLC/Steve Roach McCreary & Associates, Inc. McLennan SBDC Megatravel, Inc

Two Maids & A Mop of Temple Joshua Patton 3008 Chevy Cir. Temple, TX 76504 (254) 342-3422 www.twomaidstemple.com Cleaning & Organizing Services Tyree White Retirees

Open Door Properties Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. REAL Star Property Management Redeemer Presbyterian Church Sam’s Club Members Only Shipley Donuts-Temple Spherion Staffing Services Temple Bottling Co., Ltd. Temple Towing Inc Twin Liquors Temple Wendell C. Williams Winton Engineering, Inc. Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Wright Builders

Best-Way Carpets 3206 AIRPORT ROAD (254) 770 - 0932 www.bestwaycarpets.com

•SALES •SERVICE •INSTALLATION

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 3

FRIDAY, January 1, 2021

January Marks the Celebration of National Mentoring Month Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff Launched in 2002 by MENTOR The National Mentoring Partnership (www. mentoring.org) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, National Mentoring Month is about driving systemic change to make mentoring an integral component of youth and workforce development efforts.

Becoming a mentor can lead to unlimited opportunities: mentees can find a source of support from someone invested in their success; mentorships create long-lasting relationships; mentors impart positive values and instill a commitment to learning and betterment. Having a good mentor while you are developing your professional skills is a priceless gift, and all it takes is a little of your time.

It is no secret that time is a valuable thing, and just a little bit of time spent giving advice or spreading your expertise to someone who needs it can make a huge impact. The beginning of a new year is a great time to get involved in a mentoring program either by volunteering your skills to a community organization or taking on a mentee within your own business.

Getting involved in mentoring within your business or organization has been proven to help increase business profitability and longevity. Employees are one of the business’ greatest assets. As a leader, making yourself available to mentor your team can be a worthwhile investment in your business. Here are a few of the benefits of employee mentorship: 1. Employee Loyalty and Retention: creating an employee-based mentoring program shows your employees that you are invested in their growth and success. A study from Kent State University shows that employees who have been mentored by organization leaders tend to stay at their companies longer.

2. Develop Stronger Leaders: spending time mentoring employees prepares them to be the future leaders of your company.

3. Create Organizational Balance: working one-on-one with your employees gives you time to realize their strengths. This can help you better delegate your day-to-day workload into their capable hands while also demonstrating trust.

Businesses that invest in mentorship programs for the community also provide an invaluable resource for future leaders. According to The National Mentoring Partnership, young adults who have been mentored showed increased motivation to participate in team sports and extracurriculars, held a leadership position in a club or at school, showed increased motivation to get a college degree, and volunteered in the community at higher rates.

The survey also identified that one in three young people are without a mentor. Businesses can fill this need by volunteering to join local community mentorship programs. Here are a few local mentorship programs through Temple Chamber Members that business leaders can connect with:

1) Temple ISD Wildcat Mentors: www.TISD.org/WildcatMentors 2) The 411 House: the411house.org/help/#mentor 3) The Un-Included Club: www.unincluded.org/get_involved

Mentoring someone within your business or in the community can have a longlasting impact. A powerful tool that takes only a little of your time to strengthen our community.

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RIBBON

CUTTING Amy’s House Providing affordable temporary housing for Baylor Scott & White transplant patients and their caregivers has been a goal for TRIO’s Central Texas Chapter since its inception in 2014. The $1.1 million 6,000-square-foot facility has eight bedrooms, a common living area, a dining room, a laundry room, and a state-of the-art kitchen, along with a conference room and offices. Amy’s House is named after Amy Henderson Firth, who died suddenly in November 2012. Because Amy had chosen to be a donor, she lives on in the lives of at least 70 other people. TRIO is currently working with the Baylor Scott & White Transplant Department to begin hosting transplant patients and their families.

Jim Fly

2114 S. 15th Street, Temple, TX 76504

(254) 598-2378

www.triocentraltexas.org/amyshouse

Local Transplant Support Group Hosts Virtual Ceremony for New Hospitality House Transplant Recipients International Organization Central Texas - Amy’s House

Providing affordable temporary housing for Baylor Scott & White transplant patients and their caregivers has been a goal for TRIO’s Central Texas Chapter since its inception in 2014. For the last four years the chapter has owned and maintained a trailer at the Baylor Scott & White RV park for transplant patients and their families.

Meanwhile, the chapter began working on providing a permanent hospitality house. The City of Temple donated the land for the facility, and the chapter received funding from two charitable foundations. They hired CRW Construction to build the facility, which was completed last month.

The $1.1 million 6,000-square-foot facility has eight bedrooms, a common living area, a dining room, a laundry room, and a state-of the-art kitchen, along with a conference room and offices.

Amy’s House - New Hospitality House for Baylor Scott & White Transplant Patients Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) Central Texas, a local nonprofit transplant support group, filmed a virtual dedication and ribbon cutting for its new hospitality house for Baylor Scott & White transplant patients and their families at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 13th at Amy’s House in Temple at 2114 S. 15th Street. In light of the pandemic and to help keep everyone safe, the organization adhered to small group, mask, and social distancing protocol, and invites the public to view the virtual ceremony on its website at www.triocentraltexas.org or on TRIO Central Texas’ Facebook page.

TRIO Central Texas has named the facility “Amy’s House,” in memory of Amy Firth, the daughter of two of the chapter’s officers. Amy died suddenly eight years ago and was a multiple organ, tissue, and cornea donor at Baylor Scott & White, the same hospital where she was born 38 years earlier.

TRIO is currently working with the Baylor Scott & White Transplant Department to begin hosting transplant patients and their families.

More information about TRIO Central Texas and Amy’s House is available on their website at www.triocentraltexas.org and on their Facebook page.

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 5

FRIDAY, January 1, 2021

Managing A Mentoring Relationship: A Playbook for Mentor and Mentee

Dr. Faiza Khoja, Dean-College of Business Administration, Texas A&M University-Central Texas No matter where you are in your professional career- entry-level position, new ing and easy for you to wield power inappropriately. These can have negative consequences for both you and the mentee in time. Consider the following: business, or senior executive- you were likely, either formally or informally menhave you taken credit for your mentees work? Have you asked your mentee tored by a teacher, friend, parent, colleague, or a seasoned and accomplished to advance your work and put their project on the backbench? Have you expert. Speaking from personal experience as a mentee, I have solicited formal unduly influenced their decision for your benefit? Have you discouraged your mentoring from supervisors and senior administrators and have also enjoyed mentee to seek other mentors? Have you allowed your mentees to repeat informal mentoring relationships with peers and colleagues. Furthermore, I self-destructive mistakes without correcting them? (Chopra & Shanti, 2017; have served as a mentor to colleagues in the workplace and to individuals who Taylor & Curtis, 2018).

I know personally.

A mentoring relationship is “a unique work relationship through which the mentee receives career and psychosocial support from mentors, expediting their progression and development within a particular job, organization, or career path” (Humbred & Rouse, 2016; Taylor & Curtis, 2018). Mentoring develops in phases and is a process. It is neither transactional nor mechanical, but it is an ongoing relationship characterized by mutual respect, trust, shared values, and candid communication (Chopra & Saint, 2017). It is a relationship between two or more individuals (if considering group mentoring) who may be from diverse professional, educational, cultural, or experiential backgrounds and hence has to be managed.

TIPS for MENTORS: 1. Be SMART Mentoring is a time-consuming process that takes time away from your already busy life, be it work, family, or personal life. A mentee must be responsible for keeping the relationship going. Before taking on this commitment, you should make certain of the mentee’s assurance (Chopra & Shanti, 2017).

2. Be TRUE to Your ROLE as a mentor Mentoring is serious business. The mentee is looking up to you to share insights, knowledge, and guidance to help achieve their goals and aspirations (Chopra & Shanti, 2017). You are their role model, as they can identify themselves with you, and with that comes increased responsibilities (Humberd & Rouse, 2016). One of the most critical aspects of any relationship is honesty, reliability, and confidentiality. You should be willing to provide constructive criticism as and when appropriate.

3. Save TIME, ENERGY, and EFFORT It is possible to be a mentor in an efficient manner that benefits mentees, growing their confidence and their network, but also conserves your energy.

This approach is called “fuel-efficient mentoring” (Landry & Lewiss, 2020).

Clarify what your mentee expects from the relationship, match it against your expectations, and reach a consensus.

An important piece of setting expectations as a mentor is establishing and sharing your monthly budgeted mentoring time with the mentee. Mentors should train the mentees to develop thoughts and questions before reaching out. It is not that you do not welcome questions, but you are enabling yourself to guide mentees after they have considered their options in advance (Chopra & Shanti, 2017; Landry & Lewiss, 2020).

4. RESOLVE issues immediately It is not uncommon for mentors and mentees to have a falling out. What may be a perfect pairing on the surface may wind up being a total mismatch (Chopra & Shanti, 2017). It is your responsibility to address any underlying tension or points of contention and if needed, part your ways amicably.

5. Do not DO ANYTHING that does not seem ETHICAL There is power asymmetry in a mentor-mentee relationship, and it is tempt-

6. Train your mentee to become a mentor!

TIPS for Mentees: 1. Be COMMITTED You should hold yourself accountable to the highest standard and should be fully committed to the relationship. The mentee should drive the relationship.

It is your responsibility to identify the skills, knowledge, and/or goals that you want to achieve and communicate them to your mentor. You help yourself by developing and maintaining the mentoring action plan and work with your mentor to set up developmental activities, and time frames. You should also bring up new topics that are important to you at any point and give feedback to your mentor (www.apa.org).

2. Hold yourself ACCOUNTABLE The mentee should be prompt, create the agenda, organize calendar invitations (including a web-based conference link for virtual meetings), and complete action items. You should also be disciplined about keeping meeting times to discuss issues in depth 1:1. Do not unnecessarily email or call mentors at unscheduled times to consult for minor issues. If unexpected or time-sensitive issues arise outside of the scheduled meeting time, then you can request a call or email with pointed questions. Try to run scenarios and problem solve on your own before scheduling a meeting (Chopra & Shanti, 2017; Landry & Lewiss, 2020).

3. RESPECT and TRUST your mentor You should be able to take constructive criticism from your mentor and should know that repeating the same mistake is unacceptable (Humberd & Rouse, 2016; Landry & Lewiss, 2020). At the same time, express your viewpoint, thoughts, and concerns. You should be able to trust your mentor and put your card on the table to help the mentor understand your underlying issues and concerns. If you do not have that level of candidness, then you are not in the right relationship.

4. Create a TEAM of mentors As much as the 1:1 relationship is ideal if the mentor and mentee were in the same organization, the likelihood of that happening is almost slim to none.

With jobs being fluid and as the number of jobs held by individuals during their professional career is increasing, securing more than one mentor is beneficial in terms of the range of knowledge and expertise, increasing network base, and alleviating time pressures (Clark, 2017).

5. Become a mentor!

References: 1. Chopra, V. & Saint, S. 2017. 6 Things Every Mentor Should do. Harvard Business Review.

2. Clark, D. 2017. Your Career Needs Many More Mentors not just One. Harvard Business Review.

3. Humberd, B., & Rouse, E., 2016. Seeing you in me and me in you: Personal identification in the phases of mentoring relationships. Academy of Management Review.

4. Introduction to Mentoring: A Guide for Mentors and Mentees www.apa.org/education/grad/mentoring 5. Landry, A. & Lewiss R., 2020. What Efficient Mentorship Looks Like. Harvard Business Review 6. Taylor, E., Curtis, M., 2018. Mentoring: A Path to Prosocial Behavior. Journal of Business Ethics.

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THBD Shares Business Resources in Response to COVID-19 Temple Health & Bioscience District

To say that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted business and our normal way of life in 2020 is an understatement.

As our community adapted during the pandemic and waited for the FDA approval of a vaccine, Temple Health and Bioscience District (THBD) led the charge to offer resources to the community at large.

Born from the necessity to shift programming to a safe, virtual format, THBD launched the E-Learning Series in April 2020. From understanding human fac-

tors to managing holiday stress, experts presented on a wide range of topics and interacted with audiences to expand education and offer resources in 2020.

All webinars are presented free of charge, recorded, and available to view at templebioscience.org/elearning. Visit the website for the video library, to learn more about monthly topics, and register for upcoming events.

In conjunction with the new year, the second season of the E-Learning Series begins. On Tuesday, January 26 at 12 p.m., Temple-based Certified Public Accountant Michael Rousell, Tax Manager of Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, will help individuals and businesses prepare for filing taxes this winter.

From stimulus packages to relief resources such as Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), many Americans were impacted in unprecedented ways in 2020. As 2021 kicks off, Americans are faced with the task of preparing taxes from a year unlike any before. Register now for the January webinar.

THBD E-Learning Series webinars take place on the last Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. Visit templebioscience.org to sign up for our newsletters to be the first to know about upcoming events and get the latest news and resources from THBD. As the new year begins, we look forward to another year of groundbreaking innovation and collaboration from the heart of Central Texas.

Nonprofits Need You More Than Ever

Tanya Gray, Keep Temple Beautiful As communities are reopening and trying—perhaps too quickly—to return to “normal”, we are also learning that no matter how important an organization’s mission might be, things are harder and more expensive in a world with COVID-19 still undefeated. The impact of COVID-19 on the nonprofit community is unprecedented. It has affected the capacity and sustainability of every nonprofit—from education to the environment, affordable housing to mental health services, animal welfare to the arts—no organization will emerge unscathed.

If a nonprofit organization is going to fulfill its mission, it needs a sustainable business model. Any nonprofit will tell you, this has and will always be a challenge, but COVID-19 has upped the ante, leaving the survival of many organizations in question. Organizationally, “Staying Alive” is more than the title of a Bee Gees’ hit song from the ’70s, it is an imperative. Organizations like Keep Temple Beautiful have had to find new ways to provide services in order to serve the community-revenues shrank, but expenses did not go away.

Similar economic losses have been felt across the nonprofit sector across the country. We know now that the virus will remain a threat for months, if not years. Organizations already coping with lost revenue must now take on the added burden of protecting those they serve—and those who serve—from the disease. Minimizing the risk of infection for our volunteers and the public means taking steps that translate into less money coming in but the same or more money going out. The new reality for many nonprofits like Keep Temple Beautiful means a reduction in services that help communities.

As creative and innovative as nonprofit leaders might be, adapting to these new economic realities means they will need help. Conditions may never return to

their earlier state, and now more than ever governments and philanthropists will hopefully increase support.

More so, a call for donors to step forward and buffer the impact of lost capacity, limited opportunities for earned revenue, and higher costs is necessary. As we move towards recovery and the costly and challenging process of rebuilding, we encourage you to support your favorite nonprofits with your time, talent, and treasure.

Temple citizens have the opportunity to contribute to strengthening this city’s quality of living and assist Keep Temple Beautiful. By choosing to donate either a one-time gift or a monthly recurring donation on your monthly water bill to KTB you will be donating toward the future of Temple.

It’s easy - simply check the box, add your gift and return the total amount with your utility bill. With your tax deductible donation, you can help maintain KTB’s valuable community programs. It’s easy to make a difference! Just add $1 or more to your Temple water bill and watch your donation grow! If you don’t want to donate through your water bill go to www.keeptemplebeautiful.org and donate or send a check to: Keep Temple Beautiful, 100 W. Adams, Suite 302, Temple, TX 76501.

For more information about Keep Temple Beautiful call (254) 493-4000 or send an email to tanya@keeptemplebeautiful.org. Don’t forget to like us on “Facebook”, www.facebook.com/keeptemplebeautiful.

From our family to yours, wishing you a wasteless, safe, and healthy New Year!

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7

FRIDAY, January 1, 2021

Temple, Texas Has it All in 2021

Temple Economic Development Corporation Of the many trickle-down effects of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, one shines brightly for Texas businesses, workers, and residents: Texas has attracted numerous corporate headquarters to relocate from other states around the country, in what Governor Greg Abbott describes as an “absolute tidal wave.”

As companies like Oracle, Tesla, and Hewlett-Packard flock to Texas, now is a great time to highlight the opportunities that await in Temple. Remote work, autonomy, and easy access to nearby Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio highlight the city’s prime location within the best state for business.

As you recruit the right talent to achieve your business goals in 2021, here are a few tips to help your work appeal now more than ever: What income tax?

Texas is only one of seven states in the country that does not levy income tax.

When combined with a cost of living 20 percent lower than the national average, and easy access to world-class healthcare at home, living in Temple saves without sacrifice. As a bonus, Texas does not collect property tax at the state level either.

Search jobs, find opportunities.

In Temple, jobs grew by 5,754 over the last 10 years totaling 45,544. Opportunities are abundant here, as is access to shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. These quality of life attractions solidify many candidates’ decision to live and work in Temple. In addition to a six-industry job search tool, the Meet Temple website features resources from Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, Texas Workforce Commission, and eight higher education campuses.

Do the math.

Locals in Temple pay less for housing, groceries, healthcare and just about everything else. However, spending less doesn’t mean earning or amenities take a back seat. Money talks, so candidates can see just how much further their dollars will stretch with the Meet Temple Cost of Living Calculator. For example, a

candidate earning $50,000 in San Francisco would extend his or her salary by 55% by moving to Temple, where: • Groceries cost 40% less • Housing costs 79% less • Utilities cost 16% less • Transportation costs 34% less • And healthcare comes in at 10% less As you kick off the new year with new goals, remember to add the Meet Temple Employer Toolkit to your recruitment strategy. Fully equipped with the Meet Temple brochure, images, videos, and brand guidelines, the employer toolkit has everything you need to market Temple to individuals looking for a new home in the sixth most affordable city to live in the country. Welcome them home in style to Temple, Texas.

Visit MeetTemple.com for access to all of our tools, and remember to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest updates from our growing community. Happy New Year!

Dermatology Physician Assistant Lauren Smith joins U.S. Dermatology Partners U.S. Dermatology Partners

U.S. Dermatology Partners is pleased to welcome Dermatology Physician Assistant Lauren Smith to their Belton, Texas Dermatology office.

Lauren Smith has practiced dermatology since 2012 and has received extensive training in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

In 2011, Lauren earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She received academic recognition and graduated summa cum laude.

Lauren is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners. She is a diplomate member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, which is the highest honor a dermatology physician assistant can hold.

Lauren’s interest in dermatology began as a patient when she was diagnosed with melanoma at a young age. Her clinical interests include skin cancer prevention and acne. She enjoys building relationships with her patients and helping them feel confident in their skin.

Lauren Smith joins Board Certified Dermatologists Lenore Chiles, M.D., Jordon Ilse, M.D., Leo Conger, M.D., and Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon Nick Snavely, M.D. The office treats patients of all ages and specializes in medical, surgical, cosmetic dermatology, and Mohs Surgery for the treatment of skin cancer.

Lauren is currently accepting new patients in Belton, Texas.

U.S. Dermatology Partners is located at 1300 E. 6th, in Belton, TX. They can be reached at (254) 778-5400 or online at usdermatologypartners.com.

FRIDAY, January 1, 2021

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Temple Chamber Board Announces Promotion of Chamber Staff Member

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently announced the promotion of Whitney Theriot. Theriot assumes the role of Vice President, following her accomplishments as Director of Communication and Marketing.

“I’m pleased to announce Whitney’s promotion to the position of Vice President for the Temple Chamber of Commerce,” said Drayton McLane III, Chair of the Board of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “She has shown a quality of excellence, creativity, and drive to complement the executive staff at the Chamber.”

In her new role, Theriot will be working on a day-to-day basis with the President of the Chamber, Rod Henry, on all matters pertaining to the achievement of the organizations mission to preserve, protect, and promote a businessfriendly environment.

A five-year veteran of the organization, Theriot began as the Front Office Manager and in six months was appointed to Director of Communication and Marketing upon a vacancy.

“Whitney has shown over the past five years her sincere interest and commitment to the Chamber profession,” stated Rod Henry, President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “She understands well the important role the Chamber plays in advancing the economic strength of our community whether it is informing, educating, and communicating through enhanced communications and marketing, or pivoting and reimagining how we continue to be relevant and exceed expectations in a changing world.”

In addition to duties in communication and marketing, Theriot is instrumental in managing Leadership Temple and the Workforce Readiness Network.

In 2019, Theriot was selected as one of 33 chamber executives nationwide, by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to participate in the third cohort of its premier business leadership program, the Business Leads Fellowship Program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.

Whitney Theriot

“I’m proud to call her a colleague,” said Rod Henry. “She is a rising star for the Temple Chamber.”

Theriot will graduate from the Institute of Organization Management, a fouryear professional development program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in 2022.

Temple Strong: Pay A Membership Forward Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

As the Temple Chamber of Commerce looks back on 2020 there are two things that are certain: 1) COVID-19 has impacted the business community, and 2) A robust and engaged Membership is critical for the Temple Chamber of Commerce to be able to advocate for the economic vitality of our community.

Today, the Temple Chamber of Commerce is launching a Pay A Membership Forward campaign to help those businesses most impacted by the global public health crisis retain their active membership status in the organization.

The Pay A Membership Forward program provides a one-time grant to a business in need for maintaining their Chamber Membership in 2021. This allows them access to Chamber Member benefits while supporting the Chamber’s advocacy and programming.

“COVID-19 has impacted everyone … especially the businesses that provide products, goods, and services to all of us. Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is a proven effective business strategy and for us to offer this one-time grant assistance is altogether fitting and proper,” said Drayton McLane III, Partner of McLane Group and Chair of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Board.

When consumers know that a small business is a member of the Chamber, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

“As a past Chair of the Board of the Chamber, I know first-hand the importance of a small business to be connected to the organization,” noted Steve Niemeier, CPA, and Partner of Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, PC. “Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, PC supports Pay A Membership Forward because we want to keep the greater Temple small business community strong and engaged in an organization that is built upon the foundation to preserve, protect, and promote a business-friendly environment.”

The economic vitality of our community can only be maintained with a positive business climate. A donation to the PAY A MEMBERSHIP FORWARD program will enable the Temple Chamber of Commerce to continue to serve those hardest hit members to make sure they are here tomorrow.

“The Temple Chamber has worked diligently during the Pandemic to find new and inventive ways to help businesses, especially small business. This initiative is just another way the Chamber searches to bring the sense of community to businesses, so everyone knows we care! Being a member affords you resources and assistance that can make the difference in our community which helps all business. Pay it forward! Feels Good,” expressed Claire Hartman, Owner and Partner of First Community Title, and Vice Chair of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Board.

For more information or to contribute visit templechamber.com/pay-a-membership-forward.