FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Leadership Temple Class of 2026 Applications Open
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Leadership Temple Class of 2026.
Leadership Temple is a premier leadership development and community survey program designed to cultivate and equip emerging and established leaders with the knowledge, connections, and insights needed to drive Temple and Central Texas forward.
FEBRUARY 2025
BUSINESS LINK LUNCH
Thursday, February 13, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Sponsored by: McLane Intelligent Solutions
Registration Required
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Tuesday, February 23, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Sponsored by: American Legion Post 133
STATE OF THE CITY
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
11:30 Lunch | 12:00pm Program
Hosted by Temple Chamber PPC Council & City of Temple
Registration Required.
This ten-month immersive experience offers firsthand insight into the inner workings of the community, providing participants with opportunities to build relationships with key stakeholders, engage in direct conversations, and experience interactive learning. Through site visits, discussions, and hands-on experiences, participants develop a comprehensive understanding of Temple’s economic, civic, and social landscape, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the region’s long-term success.
Leadership Temple examines the critical sectors that shape the region, including:
· Government: Exploring the impact of city, county, and state policies on economic and social progress
· Education: Understanding the role of K-12 schools, workforce development, and higher education in shaping the future.
· Fort Cavazos: Gaining insight into the military’s economic and community influence.
· Public Safety: Taking a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement and emergency services.
· Economic Development: Learning about strategies that drive business growth and job creation.
· Social Services: Examining how nonprofits and organizations collaborate to improve quality of life.
· Healthcare: Highlighting Temple’s role as a hub for medical innovation and regional healthcare services.
Beyond traditional classroom learning, Leadership Temple fosters direct engagement with the leaders shaping the region. Participants interact with business executives, elected officials, and nonprofit directors, gaining valuable perspective on the decision-making processes that influence Temple’s development. Civic engagement is a key component, with participants attending City Council and School Board meetings to gain a deeper understanding of local governance.
Additionally, service is central to the program, as participants complete two group projects that address real community needs. These hands-on experiences enhance leadership skills while reinforcing the importance of active civic participation.
Graduates of Leadership Temple emerge with:
· A well-rounded understanding of the city’s history, economy, and key challenges
· A strong professional network of peers and community leaders.
· Practical leadership insights and tools applicable across industries and organizations.
Equipped with a deeper awareness of their community and strengthened leadership skills, Leadership Temple participants graduate ready to make a lasting impact— whether in their workplaces, industries, or through civic engagement.
For more information and to apply, visit www. templechamber.com/leadershiptemple.
January 2025 Renewing Chamber Members
A New Beginning School & Massage Killeen
A+ Roofing and Construction
Academy ISD
Alliance Bank Central Texas
American Legion Auxiliary
Anyplace Audiology
Armstrong Chiropractic Center
Astound Broadband powered by Grande Bethel Church
Bob Mills Furniture Co., LLC
Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, PC
Cadence Bank
CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties
Cen-Tex Roof Systems
Central National Bank
CentraLand Title Company
Century 21 Randall Morris & Associates
Charter Real Estate
Cochran, Blair & Potts
CRW Construction Co. Inc.
Dead Fish Grill
Don Ringler Chevrolet-Toyota
Echo Station Apartments
Empire Seed Company
F8 Tech, LLC
Firetrol Protection Systems
First Methodist Church of Temple
Focus Behavioral Associates
Fowler Medical Group
Glass Doctor
H5B3
Harrell, Stoebner & Villanueva, PC
Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors
Jack Hilliard Distributing Co., Inc.
Imperium Real Estate
Insurors of Texas
Johnnie's Cleaning & Tailoring
KPA Engineers
KWTX-TV News Channel 10
L.M. Armstrong Construction
Level 3 Coworking & Event Center
Linzy & Thigpen, Attorneys at Law
Lochridge-Priest, Inc.
Materials Transportation Co.
Matous Construction, Ltd.
McLane Group
McLane Intelligent Solutions
MEP Electric
Morris & Pursley Financial Plan
Mud City Holdings LTD - Antiques and Real Estate
Omega Builders
Oncor Electric Delivery
Portico at Friars Creek
Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop
R.T. Schneider Construction Co., Ltd
Revol Greens
Richard F. Fossum, D.D.S., P.A.
Right at Home
Rotary Club of Temple
Security Bank of Texas
SPJST Supreme Lodge
Stagecoach Inn
State Representative Brad Buckley
Temple College
Temple Daily Telegram
Temple Feed & Supply Inc.
Temple-Belton Board of REALTORS, Inc.
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
Texas Office Systems
Texas Roadhouse
Texell Credit Union
The David Nix Agency
The Nitsche Group
Together for Haiti
Turley Associates, Inc.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Valet Cleaners
Veronica Logan Insurance and Financial Services
Wells Fargo Advisors
Wilson Valley Mercantile
Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
World Finance Branch 1750
January New Chamber Members
Accenture
Jennifer Smith | (614) 214-2179 Temple, TX Consultants
Atlas Roofing Pros
Tyler Price | (254) 500-3017
1 E. Central Ave. Temple, TX 76501
https://atlasroofingprofessionals.com
Real Estate & Construction / Roofing Contractors
Basin RV Resort
Tammy Lytle | (254) 276-8430
4885 Lower Troy Rd Temple, Texas 76501 www.basinrvresorts.com
Other / RV Resort
BLDZ Diagnostics & Labs
Lakisha Little | (254) 232-4122
510 E. Ave J, Portable A Temple, TX 76501
Laboratory / Blood Services
Great Escape of Central Texas
Michelle Smith | (254) 654-4869
2603 Thornton Lane, Ste. 170 Temple, TX 76502
Entertainment / Escape Room
Greenview Salon Suites
Jess Clary | (254) 654-4869
320 Greenview Drive Temple, TX 76502
Personal Services & Care / Beauty Salons
High Point Bookkeeping
Tanner Denham | (984) 307-3006
3809 S General Bruce Dr, Ste 103-336 Temple, TX 76502
www.thehighpointbookkeeper.com
Business & Professional Services / Accounting Services
Hilltop Recovery Ministries
Julie Rowland | (254) 239-7623
509 S. 9th Street Temple, TX 76504
www.hilltoprecoveryministries.org
Health Care / Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation
JMAG Services
Sandra Magadan | (254) 674-0720 Salado, TX
www.jmagservicestx.com
Heating & Air Conditioning
Maxwell Locke & Ritter
Ryan Streepy | (512) 370-3260
411 W. Main Street, #300 Round Rock, TX 78664
www.mlrpc.com
Business & Professional Services / Accounting Services
RIBBON CUTTING
Tractor Supply - Temple #2884
For more than 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 293 on the Fortune 500. The Company’s more than 50,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.
3530 N. General Bruce Drive Temple, TX 76501 (254) 237-9783
www.tractorsupply.com
Cultural Activities Center Launches New Logo
The new logo captures the CAC’s Mission to “Enhance the quality of life for Central Texans by igniting interest and promoting participation in the arts" with it’s vibrant, colorful and modern look. That same day, the first art exhibit for 2025 opened as did their 2025 Texas Music Series.
3011 N. Third St. Temple, TX 76501 (254) 773-9926 www.cacarts.org
Joint with the Belton Chamber
Entrepreneurs Wanted for the 2025 Launch Temple Program!
Nancy Glover, Launch Temple
Temple, Texas January 22, 2025: The Rotary Club of Temple South is partnering with the Rotary Club of Temple, Temple Chamber of Commerce and Temple College to present the 2025 class of Launch Temple. This program was developed to provide small business training, mentorship, networking and funding to local small business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs. At the end of the 10-week program, graduates will have a complete business plan and a be ready to start their own small business.
“We are very excited to continue this program,” said Patrick Guillen, Community Service chair for the Rotary Club of Temple South. “This is our fourth year to present the Launch Temple program and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The program provides a great foundation of knowledge to help these entrepreneurs get off on the right foot. We are really looking forward to seeing more successful graduates come out of the program.”
“The Rotary Club of Temple is very excited to be a partner in this program, as well,” said Paul Carr, president of the Rotary Club of Temple. “Rotary International has always made economic development a priority. This program truly stands to support that goal and will provide a positive impact on the local economy.”
The program is completely FREE for the participants.
Online applications will be accepted until April 4, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified of their status by April 20. Classes will be held Tuesday nights at 6:00 pm May 13 through July 8. All classes will be held on the Temple College campus.
For more information or to apply, please visit our website at www. LaunchTemple.com or call 254-298-5997.
A free information session will be provided during the Neighborhood Leadership Academy on Saturday, February 8. Contact Belinda Garcia at 254298-5808 to register.
Business Link Lunch brings Temple Chamber members together to establish new connections over the lunch hour. Plus, you'll get an update from the Chamber, learn about our lunch sponsors, participate in an interactive networking activity and have a chance give your elevator pitch!
What is an elevator pitch? An elevator pitch is a clear, brief message or “commercial” about you and your business. It communicates who you are, what you're looking for in an ideal customer, and how your business can benefit a company or organization. It's typically about 30 seconds, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator.
Registration required.
Business After Hours is an opportunity for Temple Chamber Members to develop new business relationships in a relaxed, social environment by joining other busy profes-sionals after hours. This event will be full of fun, food, and networking!
This Business After Hours includes a special Veteran-owned business showcase during the event. There you can meet fellow members who, following their service to our country, now serve our community through their entrepreneurial spirit.
Registration to attend is not required. If you're a Veteran Owned Chamber Member Business and would like to be a part of the showcase, please contact Bobbie Jo Young for information, (254) 773-2105.
Salute to Business 2025 & 118th Annual Meeting: Our Future is Bright
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
The Temple Chamber of Commerce proudly presented, Salute to Business 2025, our 118th Annual Dinner Meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple.
The festivities kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour featuring a Taste of Temple Reception. A showcase of many of the culinary talents of local Chamber Member restaurants, this year those included Hilton Garden Inn, 7 Mares, Texas Roadhouse, Smoky Mo’s BBQ, Holiday Inn Temple Belton, Jimmy Johns, Nothing Bundt Cake and Mas Fajitas.
We were excited to welcome Brett Culp as the keynote speaker. Brett is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and founder of the not-forprofit, The Rising Heroes Project. He is known for the films, Legends of the Knight, and his latest, Look to the Sky, both of which explore the power of heroic stories and heroic individuals to inspire us to believe in a better tomorrow. Brett's works are featured on Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other top digital platforms. Through his documentary work, Brett has pioneered the art of creating “mini-movements” that connects with the human spirit in us all. His unique approach to community-building and relationship-driven engagement invite people to connect and make a difference together.
For our special night, his work featured some of Temple’s very own with Instant Storytelling. During these quick interviews, Kayla Landeros, Ken Reeves, Drayton McLane Jr, Bryan Daniel, Jessica Walker and Jacob Rodreguiz told their version of what drives them to invest in Temple, where they can see this community growing to, and what each of us as Community Member Leader can bring towards that success.
Passionate, energetic, and engaging, Brett encourages audiences to find their own path to “everyday leadership” using their unique super power. We hope that his inspiring stories along with seeing what your community members had to say will connect with each of the audience members.
The theme of the evening, Our Future Is Bright, resonated with many. Temple is moving forward and as Members of the Temple Chamber, each voice resonates with hope for a future of collaborating together to achieve a renewed and collective belief that our efforts are making an impact.
Beyond the keynote, the Salute to Business is a time to celebrate community excellence, partnerships, and that same growth and development in the greater Temple community. President/CEO Whitney Theriot shared the many wins of 2024, which include new members, Ribbon Cuttings of new businesses, work anniversaries, Chamber Ambassadors, and graduation of Chamber programs such as Leadership Temple and Chamber partnership program Launch Temple.
With 118 years of dedicated service to the Temple community, the Temple Chamber is proud to continue its strong heritage as being a place of resources for the business community, voice of those businesses, and integral player in the development of community health and the next generation of Temple leaders.
Salute to Business
Last
Temple’s historic foundation as a railroad town inspired a new award we introduced, the Last Spike Award.
This award draws its name and symbolism from the historic “golden spike,” which in May 1869 marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, connecting the central pacific and union pacific railroads.
It symbolized progress, connection, and the laying of groundwork for a brighter future—values that resonate with the Temple Chamber.
Founded in 1907, the chamber has spent 118 years fostering economic growth, connecting businesses, and strengthening our community. At Salute to Business, the Temple Chamber honored one of the visionary leaders who contributed to this legacy.
Kayla Landeros, as chair of the Temple Chamber Board of Directors led with courage, clarity, and innovation. During 2024’s year of service, Kayla laid the tracks for continued success, empowering the Chamber to fulfill its mission.
The Last Spike Award celebrated her leadership in uniting businesses and championing progress, making a lasting mark on the Temple community through her role on the Temple Chamber of Commerce Board. It is fitting that Kayla, as our third female chair in history, was the first to receive this honor.
Temple Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Council Presents State of the City Luncheon
Dedicated to fostering local businesses and championing economic growth, the Temple Chamber of Commerce will host an event in collaboration with City of Temple leaders. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the highly anticipated State of the City luncheon takes center stage at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple.
This luncheon offers attendees an opportunity to delve into the current state of affairs within the City of Temple. The event will feature prominent figures at the forefront of Temple's progress: Mayor Tim Davis and City Manager Brynn Myers. Their insights and perspectives promise to provide attendees with a comprehensive update on the city's recent developments and future plans with the theme of Growth with Purpose.
As a steadfast advocate for Temple's businesses, the Temple Chamber of Commerce has consistently championed local enterprises. Through diverse initiatives, networking opportunities, and community engagement, the Chamber is dedicated to creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive. The Public Policy Council, a pivotal arm of the Chamber, plays a key role in promoting business-friendly policies and shaping decision-making at all levels of government.
The State of the City luncheon is more than just an event, it's a platform for transparent communication. Business leaders, professionals, and community members are invited to attend this event to gain a comprehensive understanding of Temple's trajectory and its impact on the business landscape and the community as a whole.
To secure your spot at the luncheon, interested individuals, both members and non-members of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, must register in advance through the Chamber website, www.templechamber.com.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the State of the City luncheon. The Temple Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Council looks forward to welcoming you to this event, celebrating the convergence of civic leadership and local businesses within the City of Temple.
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff