TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 1
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
FOCUS ON
BUSINESS Closing the Chapter: Reflection & A Grateful Goodbye Rod Henry, President & CEO, Temple Chamber of Commerce A final comment …
DECEMBER 2023 BUSINESS LINK LUNCH
Thursday, December 14, 2023 12:00 -1:00 pm Sponsored by: Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP Hosted by: Precious Memories Florst & Gift Shop Downtown Registration Required
Last evening, the Temple Chamber hosted the first Jingle & Mingle Business After Hours at Wildflower Country Club, kicking off the 2023 Christmas Holiday Season! The event was filled with great entertainment, delicious appetizers, the opportunity to “jingle & mingle”, and a special gift presented to those in attendance … the first commemorative Temple Christmas ornament … this year capturing the image of what was once a downtown Temple holiday tradition mixed with local folklore! The only thing missing was the dusting of snow and Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas”! We are entering a very special time of year. A time for reflection and renewal. A time for sharing and caring. A time to celebrate achievement and to re-establish dreams, hopes, and the proverbial resolution for the coming year. Let’s pause just a moment and look back at what is happening from the core of our community and radiating out in all directions. The renaissance we are experiencing is not by chance. What we are seeing today is not a fluke. Thousands of hours have been spent by leaders … both private and public … to position the greater Temple community for the growth and development we feel and see today.
As all of us were experiencing the impact of COVID-19, then Winter Storm Uri, we were struck by a common theme from the hundreds if not thousands of calls and emails we were addressing. We had become the place to get the answers, to connect the dots. This revelation led us to adopt a new message, “We can help you at the Temple Chamber of Commerce”. This is more than just words … it is a way of life. It is OUR belief statement. Imagine the world today if everyone adopted and embraced those simple words.
In a few days, I will be stepping away from a 40+ year career and finalizing plans to continue my passion to live the dream by serving others. My parting words of thought come from a quote attributed to Jay Danzie … your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and the way you make others feel is your trademark! Embrace the importance and opportunity of building relationships and partnerships. Thank you for your support, encouragement, guidance, and most importantly, friendship. God Bless!
Over the years, Temple has transformed into a dynamic hub of economic activity, attracting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from near and far. Our business community is a vibrant tapestry woven together by hard work, resilience, and ingenuity. It has been a privilege to witness this growth and evolution of our local economy, and I am immensely proud of the accomplishments achieved together.
TempleChamber.com
One of the hallmarks of Temple is the dedication and collaboration among our business and education leaders, community organizations, and government entities. Through the Temple Chamber of Commerce, we have fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation, bringing together businesses of all sizes to work towards common goals. Together, we have spearheaded initiatives to support entrepreneurship, encourage workforce development, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Rod Henry, President/CEO, Temple Chamber
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
2 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
November Renewing Chamber Members ABC Home & Commercial Services Alton D. Thiele, P.C. Altrusa International, Inc. Brick City Martial Arts, LLC Bryan Properties Cedar Crest Hospital & Residential Treatment Center Donald Bulls Locksmith Fairway Independent Mortgage Company/Donna Lawless Family Pet Clinic Hoelscher Insurance Agency Gunter Financial Services - Raymond James Hill Country Transit District (The HOP) Jan-Pro of Central Texas JCB Packaging LLC Kabler Automotive Langerman Foster Engineering Company
November New Chamber Members
Morether Creative Agency Parsons Commercial Roofing Pendley Party Productions, Inc. Pignetti's Silo of Screams Haunted Attractions Sodalis Senior Living U-Haul Moving & Storage of South General Bruce Drive U-Haul Moving & Storage of Temple Winton Engineering, Inc.
17 South Eric Seidel | (254) 727-4132 17 S. Main Street Temple, TX 76501 www.17-south.com Restaurants
Hotworx Marshalette Lilly | (254) 217-8545 2102 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Ste. 112 Temple, TX 76504 www.hotworx.net/studio/temple Beauty Salons
Ariza Scott Blvd Rachel Milot | (254) 944-2187 2102 Scott Blvd. Temple, TX 76504 www.arizascottblvd.com Apartments
Restore Your Health Thomas Stojanowski | (254) 314-8699 201 Clinite Grove Blvd. #130 Temple, TX 76502 www.restoreyourhealthtx.com Healthcare
Clear Path Home Care Dean Ryan | (281) 748-9730 Temple, TX www.clearpathhomecare.com Home Health Services
Best-Way Carpets 3206 AIRPORT ROAD (254) 770 - 0932 www.bestwaycarpets.com
•SALES •SERVICE •INSTALLATION
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 3
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
Salute to Business 2024: Annual Business Celebration Scheduled for January 30, 2024 Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
The Temple Chamber of Commerce is honored to invite the business community to Salute to Business 2024. Sa¬lute to Business is an annual banquet used to reflect on the past year, pass on Chamber leadership positions, and gain inspiration for the new year.
For more information visit templechamber.com or contact the Temple Chamber of Commerce at (254) 773-2105.
“Salute to Business is a signature event of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, that brings business and community leadership together to celebrate the excitement of the transformation happening in the greater Temple community,” said Rod Henry, President & CEO of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Salute to Business will be held at the Mayborn Conven¬tion Center on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. A social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and a keynote speaker. The keynote speaker for the 2024 event is Patricia J. Sulak, M.D. co-founder of Living WELL Aware, a holistic wellness educational program. Dr. Sulak is passionate about improving the lives of everyone she encounters. She and her husband, Jeffrey A. Waxman, MD, are co-Founders of Living WELL Aware. While internationally known for her innovative research on difficult women’s medical issues, her current endeavor is assisting men and women of all ages in elevating their health and happiness. She sees first-hand the declining physical, emotional, and social well-being of Americans. The good news: There are doable strategies to deal with these problems. Dr. Sulak shows the way to reclaiming our health and happiness, using her experience of over 40 years as a physician, educator, researcher, and highest-rated speaker.
Patricia J. Sulak, M.D.
She is ideally positioned to provide the best in validated wellness information and has the gift of helping audiences comprehend the root causes of common health issues, assisting them in visualizing and achieving their goals, and addressing the key reasons we all struggle in making life-improving changes. Through her keynote presentations, conferences, webinar series, and her book, workbook, and wellness journal, Dr Sulak provides the necessary framework for all of us to have fulfilling lives.
Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Alteration Specialist
LOCAL DECISIONS. LOCAL TEAM. THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 116 S. Main, Downtown Temple 254-778-2408 Now Offering 24 Hour Dropbox at 37th Street & Belton Locations
2703 S. 37th, Temple
254-770-0355
175 E. Lake, Belton (Behind CVS) 254-613-5638
Scan the QR with your device’s camera to open an account online in 5 minutes! newaccounts.extracobanks.com
“Se Habla Español” extracobanks.com | 254.774.5500
Member FDIC
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
4 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
RIBBON
CUTTING BusR LLC Grand Opening At BusR LLC, we offer safe and reliable transportation services for a variety of needs. Our experienced management team has over 40 years of collective expertise in the transportation industry, and our commitment to safety and reliability ensures that you can trust our job site transportation, ground transportation, and party bus and shuttle services. With handselected buses that are well-maintained by our contracted maintenance company, we are ready to keep you moving. Whether you need transportation for a special event, job site, or your daily commute, BusR LLC has got you covered. Book now and experience luxury transportation at its finest!
Earl Chadwick
1704 South 1st Street Temple, TX 76501
(254) 500-7407 www.busr-llc.com
Heart of Texas Goodwill Community Connect Grand Opening
4108 S. 31st St. Temple, TX 76502
(254) 753-7337 www.hotgoodwill.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
RIBBON
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 5
CUTTING Morada Senior Living Rennovation Grand Re-Opening
4312 S. 31st St. Temple, TX 76502
(254) 771-1226
www.moradaseniorliving.com
Newman Technology Solutions Grand Opening Newman Technology Solutions formerly known as "Newman's Audio & Video LLC", a family-owned business run by two brothers with a passion for technology. We specialize in both commercial and residential work, creating high-quality audio-visual solutions for our clients. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and quality of work has made us a trusted name in the industry.
Branden Newman 1902 N. Third St. Temple, TX 76501
(254) 500-4998 www.ntsi-us.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
6 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
RIBBON
CUTTING Topsarge Business Solutions New Location Grand Opening Topsarge Business Solutions (TBS) is a Texas-based training and professional services company who provides technical, services, research support and digital services to our federal, state and commercial clients from our offices in Texas, Virginia and Missouri. We do that by using our award-winning team to provide high-quality service and support that focuses on managing projects with pride. We are a privately held limited liability corporation that offers a wide variety of technology and management services, our reputation is our strength.
Dan Elder
112 SW HK Dodgen Loop Temple, TX 76504
(254) 853-4410
www.topsarge.com
City of Temple is 77th Annual Christmas Parade
City of Temple
This event is a family favorite and one you truly must see. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Christmas parade. Date & Time: Monday, December 4, 2023 6:15 pm - Mayor Tim Davis will light the Municipal Building's holiday decorations and the City's Christmas tree located in the municipal parking lot of City Hall (2 N. Main Street) 6:30 pm - Parade Starts 7:20 pm - Santa starts his arrival down W. Adams Avenue For over 75 years, the annual City of Temple Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade has brought joy and holiday merriment to Temple residents and surrounding areas. The City of Temple proudly presents the 77th Annual Christmas Parade, "An Old-Fashioned Christmas," a cherished holiday spectacle that stands as one of Texas' staple yuletide processions. Be part of the magic on Monday, December 4, 2023, as we welcome Santa Claus into the heart of Downtown Temple!
For more information, please visit templeparks.com/parade/
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7
Chamber Ambassador Appreciation Bobbie Jo Young, Temple Chamber of Commerce
Who are The Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber? These individuals serve as an elite group of volunteer members supporting the Temple Chamber of Commerce by assisting with member retention, attraction, celebration, and outreach. They are those driven to engage with the Chamber and are passionate about helping others do the same. They are people who enjoy expanding professional contacts and thrive on being part of a distinguished group of raving Temple Chamber fans. Every single Ambassador brings something unique and special to the Chamber world, highlighting our organization with that bright Temple blue. Whether they are wearing their blue coats, Chamber polos or individual company logos, they are the face of the Chamber – the public-facing, non-staff members who represent us everywhere they go. They are dependable, honest individuals who believe in and support the efforts of the Chamber and want to make a difference in the Greater Temple community. The Ambassadors can be spotted at any of our Chamber events, volunteering at the registration tables, ushering guests to their seats or assisting with business celebrations. Each one is a volunteer who consistently takes time out of their workday to bring value to the Temple Chamber and the local business community. The appreciation we feel for this amazing team is unmatched and can't quite be put into words - we can only hope that these extraordinary humans
know how deeply we treasure them. Next time you see a bright blue coat at a Chamber event, please take the time to speak with them and thank them for their hours of service spent devoted to our Chamber and its members. In this season of giving, we are honored to thank each of our Ambassadors: Dave Hedge, Ambassador Chair, Temple Daily Telegram Lisle Meeker, Temple Breakfast Lions Club Tommi Fettig, Cornerstone Gardens Tiffany Marek, Lamar Advertising Bre Alexander, Baylor Scott & White Trevor Coots, Express Employment Professionals Matt Serna, Bold Republic Brewing Kenny Kelly, Residence Inn Angela Cases, Ameriprise Financial Stacy McGinnis, Extraco Banks Paola Hutzler, First United Bank Rylind Newman, Newman’s Technology Services Kevin Thomas, Equitable Advisors Michael Ranger II, Priority Janitorial Services
8 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
Why Shopping Locally Matters Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
Imagine a crisp December night in Temple — streets adorned with twinkling lights; the air filled with festive tunes. In the heart of our community, a local shop buzzes with holiday joy. The bell above the door jingles as customers step into a world of warmth and unique treasures. Each gift chosen becomes a brushstroke in our community's vibrant story, a tale of resilience and unity. This holiday season, as you shop locally, you're not just buying gifts; you're becoming a part of our magical, hometown story. As we approach the holiday season, the significance of Shop Local becomes even more pronounced. Choosing to spend money at local stores and services directly invests in our community, contributing to its growth and prosperity. According to the Small Business Association, when you spend $100 at a local store, approximately $68 stays in the community, compared to $43 when spent at a national chain. Local business owners also create jobs, support families, and contribute more to local causes. Small businesses donate 250 percent more than larger businesses, showcasing their commitment to community support. Beyond economic benefits, shopping local offers personalized service, unique products, and helps maintain the distinctive character of the greater Temple area and small businesses. This holiday season, join the movement to Shop Local! According to the Nerdwallet 2023 Holiday Shopping Report, over a quarter of 2023 holiday shoppers (27%) plan to shop more at local and small businesses to support their community. Holiday sales are a crucial time for retailers, accounting for as much as 30% of their annual sales, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Projected retail holiday sales for 2023 are expected to increase between 3%-4%, continuing a trend of annual growth since 2009. Despite a slower growth rate compared to recent years, this increase aligns with pre-pandemic levels, with online sales expected to rise between 7%-9%. Consumer behavior post-COVID-19 continues to shift, emphasizing the importance of supporting local stores. Individual spending is projected to be slightly higher this year, with an expected consumer average of $875 on holiday gifts, décor, and other items, according to NRF’s latest holiday survey.
First Friday is Tonight - December 1, 2023 City of Temple Join us on December 1 for First Friday in Downtown Temple! Featuring live music and entertainment, food and drink specials, things to do, local favorites, and so much more, First Friday is one of the most exciting events in Downtown Temple. Discover why First Friday is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. First Friday occurs every month on the first Friday of each month. Don't miss First Friday! For a full list of downtown specials visit downtowntemple.com/first-friday.
Shopping is not just about the thrill of discovery; it's an investment in our community. Let the joy of shopping become a collective celebration of our community's spirit and uniqueness this holiday season and beyond. Discover the hidden gems for shopping, enjoyment, and exploration in the greater Temple area by exploring the Temple Chamber's online Business Directory at bit.ly/ThinkTempleFirst.