Chamber Focus | March 2023

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

2023 Spirit of Santa Fe Trail: Raise a Glass to the Hops, Vines, & Stocks of Central Texas

The Temple Chamber of Commerce has extended its annual self-guided tour of Temple and surrounding wineries and breweries from one weekend to nine days. The 2023 Spirit of Santa Fe Trail runs from Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 9 this year and will feature 13 participating locations.

MARCH 2023

BUSINESS LINK LUNCH

Thursday, March 9, 2023

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Sponsored by: Veryable & Texas Roadhouse

Register at templechamber.com/events

“One weekend proved too short for guests to truly experience how much the Central Texas craft beverage industry has grown,” said the Temple Chamber of Commerce President Rod Henry. “Plus, this year features more venues to visit, including a new distillery in LittleRiver Academy, and we want guests to have a chance to see them all.”

The event showcases Central Texas's mark in the adult beverage space and introduces the community to new businesses and new products from old favorites.

For example, Walker Honey Farm, known since 1930 for producing various honey products, began delivering a bee-to-bottle experience in 2011 by introducing honey wine and mead made in-house at Dancing Bee Winery.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Thursday, March 23, 2023

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Sponsored by: Don Ringler Automotive & Lamar Advertising

Learn more at templechamber.com/events

“It is our desire that Walker Honey Farm preserve and grow its presence as a valued member of the farm community responding to the evolving needs of the communities in which we live and work,” the Walker family explains on their website. “Honey Wine is a logical and intuitive expansion of our offerings from the hive.”

A newcomer to the trail this year, Wilson Valley Mercantile is the only seed, grain, field, and farm-to-glass distillery in Texas –one of few in the United States.

“It’s about more than showing people there’s more to do in Temple,” said Bobbie Jo Young, Director of Membership Development for the Chamber. “It’s about living up to our mission to preserve, protect, and promote business in this city. The tour is one of the many ways we serve our members.”

The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail is one of seven signature initiatives the Temple Chamber of Commerce presents annually. Members can leverage each initiative as a

partnership and marketing opportunity to engage and develop lasting relationships with the community.

“The Business Link Lunch and Business After Hours are great for meeting other business owners and people you can do business with,” said Katrina Owens, the Chamber’s Director of Signature Initiatives. “Those happen every month during the work week and tend to be shorter opportunities to interact.” She continued, “The annual events allow more time to interact more festively. People love doing business with those they enjoy, and the signature events set the tone for enjoyment.”

One benefit of a week-long event is guests don’t have to pack multiple locations into one weekend. Participating venues for the Spirit of Santa Fe Trail will operate during their regular business hours, which means guests can visit any place during featured events such as trivia night and musical BINGO. Nearly every spot on the list has something to keep guests entertained. Another benefit of a week-long tour: Safety.

With good planning, guests will have plenty of time to visit each venue rather than try to fit them all into one booze-filled weekend. Organizers of the Spirit of Santa Fe Trail ask that guests drink responsibly, avoid drinking and driving, and have a designated driver.

Trail tickets are $25 and are valid for one exclusive offer at each participating location over the Trail dates. Guests can purchase tickets online at centraltexastickets.com or pick up a punch card from participating wineries, breweries, distilleries, or the Chamber with proof of ticket purchase.

Visit the Spirit of Santa Fe Trail event page, templechamber.com/spiritofsantafe, for a complete list of participating venues and their hours of operation.

The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail is made possible by generous sponsors: City of Temple, Emerson Construction, Polar Texas Bottling, Ludwick Montgomery & Stapp, McLane Company, Perry Office Products, and First United Bank & Trust.

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

Entrepreneurs Wanted for 2nd Year of Launch Temple

The Rotary Club of Temple-South

The Rotary Club of Temple-South is partnering once again with the Rotary Club of Temple, Temple College, the Temple Chamber of Commerce, and Kiva.org on a second semester of Launch Temple.

This program was developed to provide small business training, mentorship, networking, and funding to local small business owners or aspiring entrepre-

neurs. At the end of the 10-week program, graduates will have a complete business plan and a mentor to help them through their first six months.

“We are so excited to offer this program again,” said Patrick Guillen, president of the Rotary Club of Temple-South. “Launch Temple was very successful last year, and thanks to all of the resources provided by Temple College, graduates walked away with not only an excellent education as it pertains to how to do business, but college credit and connections that will benefit them long into the future.”

“The Rotary Club of Temple is very excited to be a partner in this program, as well,” said Rod Henry, 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 from now through March 15, 2023. Learn more and apply at launchtemple.com.

Selected applicants will be notified of their status towards the end of March. Classes will be held Tuesday nights at 6:00pm beginning on April 11, with graduation scheduled for June 13. All classes will be held on the Temple College campus.

February New Chamber Members

1st Place Awards and Embroidery

Justin Ruiz | (254) 410 7051

118 South Main Street Temple, TX 76501

www.1stplacetemple.com

Promotional Products & Apparel

Minority Owned Businesses

Axis Winery

Stephen Springer | (254) 308 2016 831 N. Main St. Salado, TX 76571

www.axiswinerytx.com

Winery

Barrow Brewing Company

KD Hill | (254) 947 3544

108 Royal Street Salado, TX 76571

www.barrowbrewing.com

Brewery & Taproom

Woman Owned Businesses

Veteran Owned Businesses

Capstone Mechanical

Amy Nering | (254) 399 8090

7100 Imperial Drive Waco, TX 76712

www.capstonemechanical.com

Mechanical Contractors

Corks and Barrels, LLC

Cindy Bittenbinder | (254) 727 4011

7373 Honeysuckle, Ste. 150 Temple, TX 76502

www.corksandbarrelstemple.com

Wine Bar

Woman Owned Businesses

Veteran Owned Businesses

Gloria M. Miller/People 1st Realty

Group Real Broker, LLC.

Gloria M. Miller | (254) 727 8885

6107 Catania Dr. Temple, TX 76502

www.people1strealty.org

Real Estate

Minority Owned Businesses

Woman Owned Businesses

Grifols Bio Supplies Inc

Jecika Moreno | (254) 899 0304

8 S. Main St. Temple, TX 76501

www.interstatebloodbank.com

Blood Services

Johnson Roofing, Inc.

Alfonso Ojeda | (254) 662 5571 574 Youngblood Road

Waco, TX 76706

www.jroof.com

Roofing Contractors

Woman Owned Businesses

Kissing Tree Vineyards

Crystal Grider | (254) 859 8039

109 W. Third St. Eddy, TX 76524

www.kissingtreevineyards.com

Winery

POOL ology

Chubba Kasa | (844) 336 7665

127 Lacey Lou Lane

Salado, TX 76571

https://pool ology.com

Swimming Pool Contractors

Swimming Pool Service

The Bin Spa & Power Washing

Brendan Brown | (254) 277 2999

Belton, TX

www.thebinspa.com

Janitorial Supplies & Service

Veteran Owned Businesses

Wags on Wheels

Devin Vandivier | (254) 488 4927

Harker Heights, TX

www.wagsonwheelscntx.com

Pet Grooming

Pet Services

Veteran Owned Businesses

RIBBON CUTTING

Clark Associates

1st Anniversary

Clark Associates is a full service Civil Engineering Consulting Firm. Our team is dedicated to building lasting client relationships through high quality engineering services and our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible solution to each and every project. We take great pride in our honest and open communication and our availability for quick responses. We strive to make sure every project goes as smoothly as possible in order to eliminate any unnecessary stress. Our business is client satisfaction.

Monty Clark

215 N. Main St. Temple, TX 76501 (254) 899-0899

www.clark-assoc.com

Crunch Fitness Grand Opening

Crunch. No Judgments.

Some may call it a tagline, but for us, it’s a way of life. It’s our Monday-thru-every-day mantra. An unfiltered philosophy that drives us to create a community and a gym for all. No judgments means room for everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, race, gender or fitness level. No matter your workout of choice, we want you to feel good while reaching your goals.

Josh Mareta

4501 S. General Bruce Dr. Temple, TX 76502 (254) 677-8700

www.crunch.com/locations/temple

RIBBON CUTTING

Nueva Health System Grand Opening

Nueva Care ... Health The Way It Should Be. You are unique, and your health care should be, too. That's why the Nueva Health System team is committed to helping our patients through the very best of physical, functional medicine, chiropractic care, and rehab. At our state-of-the-art clinic you’ll find that our approach to health care is simple - discover the health issues unique to you and focus on treating the cause, not just the symptoms. This method is the only way to get back to living the life they’ve always wanted. We do this through a team approach. Each and every patient that walks through our doors has a team of professionals working together for them that constantly stay up to date with latest and most advanced treatment techniques.

Christin Hubbard

9121 Adams Lane, Ste. 120 Temple, TX 76502 (254) 531-0045

www.nuevahealthsystem.com

February Renewing Chamber Members

4 Legs of Love Boarding & Boutique

Acorn Waste Solutions

Advanced Chiropractic

American Legion Auxiliary

Armstrong Chiropractic Center

Automatic Chef Canteen

Belaire Junction RV Park

Bell County Motoworks

Belton ISD

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co./Chip Snowden

Bird Creek Burger Co.

Black Rifle Coffee Company

Bo's Barn Dancehall

Capital Farm Credit

CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties

Chess Vets

Cochran, Blair & Potts

CRW Construction Co. Inc.

Dietz-McLean Optical Co., Inc.

E.R. Carpenter L.P.

Echo Station Apartments

Emerson Construction Company, Inc.

Empire Seed Company

En Gedi Vineyards and Winery, LLC

First United Methodist Church-Temple

Forest Trail Dental Care

Fowler Medical Group

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Fuzzy's Taco Shop

GK & TK Enterprises

H-E-B Food Store #071

Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors

Hilton Garden Inn

Insurors of Texas

Jack Hilliard Distributing Co., Inc.

Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln

Kiger Ventures

KWTX-TV News Channel 10

KXXV News Channel 25 (ABC)

Larry Neal

Lochridge-Priest, Inc.

Materials Transportation Co.

McLennan Small Business Development Center

MooreCo., Inc.

Mud City Holdings LTD - Antiques and Real Estate

Oncor Electric Delivery

Panda Temple Power

Performance Foodservice ROMA

Polar Texas Bottling

Portico at Friars Creek

RE/MAX Temple-Belton Realtors/Marilyn Burres

RM Rodriguez Construction, LP

Sam's Club Members Only

Staples, Inc.

State Representative Brad Buckley

Temple Charter Academy

Temple Daily Telegram

Temple Feed & Supply Inc.

Temple ISD

Temple-Belton Board of REALTORS, Inc.

Texell Credit Union

Treno Pizzeria & Taproom

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Walmart #6929

West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, PC

Whataburger (N. General Bruce Dr.)

Whataburger (SW H.K. Dodgen Loop)

Whataburger (W. Adams Ave.)

Wilsonart LLC

Business Spotlight: First Community Title Company

Much of First Community Title’s success comes from its strong ties to the community and its history in Bell County. Its core team has more than 350 years of combined experience that spans the field of title transactions.

First Community Title first opened in the 1880s and changed ownership and hands several times since. However, it grew noticeably after Hartman was placed at its helm as president in 2002. Soon the company expanded beyond Exchange Place in Temple to Killeen with a small office and a research facility on the town square in Belton.

In 2004 FCT moved its Temple office to its current location at 4613 South 31st Street. Shortly after that came offices in Salado, Harker Heights, and Gatesville —and more than 30 employees.

“When we say real people, real service, we mean it,” Wolff explained. “We value our employees, our clients, and this community.”

Lowery added, “We pour into our team, and, in turn, they pour into our clients.”

Claire Hartman, Brigette Allen, David Wolff, and Will Lowery purchased First Community Title in April 2017. And since then, they have provided top-notch real estate settlement and title insurance services for companies, individuals, and government entities in Temple and throughout Bell County.

Hartman has been in the industry for 37 years and still operates with the notion that every transaction can be closed –it’s just a matter of time.

“FCT shines in our knowledge and ability to get things done,” Hartman said. “With eight underwriters, we can be creative in our approach to solutions where other title companies may turn away a client.”

Since taking over the business, the FCT team has closed on various property types, from condos to airports to the I-35 Right of Way Project.

“Title insurance is a unique product as it provides coverage for ‘back in time’ whereas all other insurances protect you for future events,” said Allen.

One of the main functions of title insurance is to verify that soon-to-be purchased property is clear of liens and all other owners. The title company is a neutral party in the actual real estate transactions as it operates within the contract of the real estate rather than in the interest of the buyer, seller, or lender.

The company demonstrates a solid belief in development with its internal training program that pays special attention to growing leaders. Allen wore several hats, including bookkeeper, escrow assistant, and operations/training manager, before becoming one of the company’s owners.

“Terri Holwerda, Cindy Sladecek, and I have been around since we were the Old Republic Title of Bell County (1989),” she said.

Take one glance at First Community’s Facebook page, and the impact of their long relationships becomes evident. The company culture resembles one of a start-up tech company rather than a title company. Birthday announcements tagged #fctfamily, TikTok dances, and invitations to their monthly First Friday meetings flood its profile.

“We can say that the success of our company is built on teamwork, communication, mutual respect between our employees, real estate agents, and lenders,” Hartman said. “It takes a team, and that takes agreement, alignment, accountability, and adjustment. Thru that, you build trust amongst all parties in the transaction.”

The Temple Chamber of Commerce thanks First Community Title for its contributions to the business community and its membership with the Chamber.

Owners of First Community Title Company Will Lowery, Claire Hartman, Brigette Allen, and David Wolff (left to right). Photo courtesy of First Community Title.

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

First Community Title Salado Office

Community

Salute to Business 2023: Celebrating the Continued Transformation of Temple

Over the last four and a half years, Temple has experienced nothing short of a renaissance with the seemingly constant addition of new businesses, which brings new jobs to the city. Salute to Business, the annual event hosted by the Temple Chamber of Commerce brought together more than 500 members of Temple’s business community to acknowledge and celebrate the continued transformation resulting from the growth of these companies.

Originally scheduled for Jan. 31, the Chamber’s signature event was postponed to Feb. 7 out of concern for public safety in the face of the winter storm that visited the area last week.

“We’ve never experienced this with Salute to Business,” said Chamber President Rod Henry. “The Chamber team dedicates months to planning what we consider the largest of our signature initiatives. Moving it unexpectedly involved the help, cooperation, and grace of vendors, sponsors, attendees, and community leaders.” He continued, ”We would like to extend a special thanks to Let Us Do The Cooking who prepared and delivered the original unused groceries to The Salvation Army of Bell County."

Despite the last-minute change and rainy weather, Salute to Business 2023 was well-attended and went as planned by kicking off with Taste of Temple, a showcase of local eateries. Guests were treated to samples of featured dishes from Bliss Candy, Bold Republic Brewery, H-E-B Temple #182, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Temple-Belton, Mo's Rail Yard Saloon & Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Wings Pizza 'N Things.

“There are two ways most people experience change,” said Brown. “The easy way or the painful way. And unfortunately, most people take the painful route,” he said.

Brown acknowledged the Chamber’s role in supporting the local business climate, contributing to the growth of local businesses. Following the work of the Chamber’s Community Partner, the Temple Economic Development Corporation, the city was selected as the site of the newly constructed FedEx facility, which is expected to open in 2023 bringing new job opportunities to Temple. Brown emphasized the importance of providing residents with opportunities to earn wages that afford them the ability to participate in and sustain the health of the local economy.

President of Cadence Bank Robert Jones, who serves as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, presented Gayle Kiger of KCEN Channel 6 with a soaring eagle statue and a print of the Santa Fe Depot –tokens of appreciation for his leadership and service as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors in 2022.

The Chamber also recognized major sponsors for Salute to Business including Platinum Sponsors City of Temple; Central National Bank, McLane Group; Cefco; Fikes Companies; Wilsonart; Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp. P.C.; Meta; and Emerson Construction; as well as Diamond Sponsors Panda Power Funds; KCEN Channel 6; and Extraco Banks.

The evening continued with Katie Comer, Head of Community Development, North America of Meta, who presented Temple ISD with a $75,000 grant on behalf of the company. Temple is the new home of a data center for the social technology company behind platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The grant represents a strategic partnership with Temple ISD to support the reengineering of STEM Programs.

Keynote speaker Shannon Brown, the recently retired Senior Vice President of Eastern Division U.S. Operations, and Chief HR/Diversity Officer of FedEx Express delivered a message highlighting the importance of a skilled and diverse workforce created through mutually beneficial relationships between local businesses and schools. Brown spoke of his rise within the ranks of the FedEx organization and attributed it to his willingness to change and adapt, a nod to transformation, the theme of this year’s event.

Events such as Salute to Business are made possible with the help of The Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber, a volunteer council of Chamber members who assisted with setup, guest check-in, and clean-up among other duties.

“Chamber Ambassadors are such an essential part of everything the Chamber does,” said Bobbie Jo King, Director of Membership Development for the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate the time, dedication, and energy they bring to Chamber events big and small.”

Salute to Business is held on the fourth Tuesday of each January. For details on how to participate in Salute to Business 2024, please contact the Temple Chamber of Commerce at 254-773-2105 or www.templechamber.com.

Robert Jones, Cadence Bank and Chair of the Temple Chamber Board of Directors, left, presents a Cowboy Hat made in Temple to Shannon Brown, keynot speaker of the 2023 Salute to Business, center, with Rebekah Glover, Co-Owner of Brinks Hattery, right.

2023 Salute to Business attendees enjoy fellowship and networking awaiting the keynote presentation by Sannon Brown.

Temple ISD Superintendent Recognized at State Capitol

Temple Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Bobby Ott was honored in both chambers of the Texas State Legislature Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the State Capitol in Austin.

Ott was first recognized on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. District 55 Representative Hugh Shine honored Ott with House Resolution 9. The resolution recognized Ott for his Texas Association of School Boards’ (TASB) State Superintendent of the Year honor. Ott was also named Region 12 Superintendent of the Year and was the Texas nominee for National Superintendent of the Year.

“Dr. Bobby Ott is a public school superintendent that leads with conservative values and strong personal convictions. He is a trailblazer who makes a path for others to follow. He inspires others to reach higher, dream bigger and achieve greater with his presence, encouragement and leadership” Shine said. “When I think about Dr. Ott’s leadership at TISD I recall a statement by General of the Army Douglas MacArthur who stated, ‘A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.’ Dr. Ott’s leadership is all about pursuing excellence, which is the result of caring more than others think is wise and expecting more than others think is practical and translating a vision into reality.”

Ott was then honored on the floor of the Texas Senate. Senator Pete Flores, who represents District 24, which includes Temple ISD, recognized Ott with Senate Resolution 147. That resolution also highlighted many of the same accomplishments mentioned in the House Resolution.

“It is a great privilege to recognize Dr. Bobby Ott with Senate Resolution 147, congratulating him on being named the Texas Association of School Boards’ Superintendent of the Year 2022,” Flores said. “Dr. Ott has proven to be a strong leader for the entire Temple community through his commitment to Temple ISD students and staff, and his countless service efforts. Through his leadership, Temple ISD has deservingly received numerous awards and recognitions at the local, state and national stage. Dr. Ott is a phenomenal superintendent and community leader and it was an honor to have him join me on the Senate floor today to celebrate his incredible accomplishments.”

Ott oversees a district with nearly 8,700 students in grade Pre-K through 12. Temple ISD schools have rich offerings in advanced academics, athletics, career & technical programs, fine arts, foreign languages, and technology. TISD has eight elementary campuses, three middle schools, one high school, one

Dr.

at the Texas

prior to being recognized by the state House and Senate for being named state

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early childhood campus, and two alternative campuses. The day after he was celebrated at the Texas State Capitol, Ott was recognized by the AASA, the American Association of School Administrators, as National Superintendent of Year nominee.

“This award has everything to do with who I serve and where I serve, and that is Temple ISD. I am truly grateful to be part of such amazing families, students, staff and community.” Ott said.

Leadership Temple Class of 2024: Accepting Applications

Temple Chamber Staff

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce that the Leadership Temple program is now accepting applications for the Class of 2024.

Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program that surveys the inner workings of Temple and Central Texas. The program helps both current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership plays in its long-term success.

The 9-month program has class sessions once a month, and topics covered include City, County, and State Government; Education, Fort Hood, Public Safety, Economic Development, Social Services, and Healthcare.

The program facilitates opportunities for dialogue among participants and current community, business, and non-profit leaders. It also encourages participants to engage in activities that contribute to the growth and betterment of the community.

Further details about the program, including the application, are available at www.templechamber.com/leadershiptemple. The application deadline is Friday, June 16, 2023.

Temple ISD Superintendent

Bobby Ott, bottom left, is shown on

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superintendent of the year. Joining him are state Rep. Hugh Shine, top, TISD Board President Dan Posey, right, and Ott’s wife, Nicole Ott. (photo courtesy of Temple ISD)