Chamber Focus | September 2023

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Empowering Small Businesses: Join Us for the Third Small Business Connect Seminar

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

In an era where small businesses serve as the backbone of local economies, fostering their growth and sustainability becomes paramount.

SEPTEMBER 2023

BUSINESS LINK LUNCH

Thursday, September 7, 2023

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Sponsored by: Temple Charter Academy, Priority Charter Schools

With this goal in mind, the Temple Chamber proudly presents the upcoming Small Business Connect Seminar, a remarkable initiative aimed at bolstering resources and opportunities for local enterprises. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 12, 2023, as the Hilton Garden Inn opens its doors to host an event that promises to equip small business owners with invaluable insights.

Small Business Connect stands as a testament to the Temple Chamber's commitment to nurturing small businesses. As part of this flagship initiative, the chamber orchestrates quarterly seminars featuring subject matter experts, offering comprehensive training to empower entrepreneurs. These sessions encapsulate the essence of collaboration and growth, bringing together business owners, experts, and supporters under one roof.

with indispensable knowledge and practical strategies to safeguard their merchandise and bolster their profits.

The seminar promises an engaging exploration of strategies to deter theft, enhance security measures, and cultivate a shopping environment that encourages trust and loyalty. In a world where the dynamics of theft are ever evolving, arming small business owners with up-to-date insights is not just an investment in their individual success, but also a contribution to the overall vitality of the local business ecosystem.

SMALL BUSINESS CONNECT

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

7:00 - 9:00 am

Shoplifting Prevention 101: Strengthening Your Small Business

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Thursday, September 28, 2023

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Sponsored by: Texell Credit Union

The upcoming seminar titled "Shoplifting Prevention 101: Strengthening Your Small Business," is a timely and essential topic in the retail landscape. This enlightening session will feature an ensemble of experts from the Texas Retail Association, seasoned law enforcement personnel, and security professionals. Their collective wisdom will unravel the latest trends in shoplifting, arming attendees

Small Business Connect's remarkable impact wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of its partners. Meta, Extraco Banks, Ludwick Montgomery & Stapp, McLane Intelligent Solutions, and the Hilton Garden Inn have all rallied behind this initiative, recognizing its potential to ignite growth and foster resilience within the local business community. Their commitment underscores the notion that when stakeholders from various sectors unite for a common cause, the results are nothing short of transformative.

Participation in the Small Business Connect Seminar is an opportunity that no entrepreneur should miss. Visit the Temple Chamber website, www.templechamber.com to register today.

August Renewing Chamber Members

A New Day Fellowship Church

American Heart Association-Bell County

Bell County Public Health District

Big Elm Solar (Apex Clean Energy)

Bourland Landscape Supplies & Outdoor Power Equipment

Central Prosthetics & Orthotics

Central Texas Youth Services

Ciaburri Brand

Cornerstone Gardens Healthcare & Rehabilitation

Darden Building Materials, Inc.

Direct Auto Insurance

Eagle Ridge Builders

East Penn Manufacturing Company

English Maids, LLC

Extraco Technology

Fairways at Sammons Park

Fowler Legacy Group

Grand Avenue Theater

H5B3

Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries, Inc.

Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors

Interim Healthcare

J.A.I.L. Ministry, Inc.

Johnnie's Office Systems, Inc.

August New Chamber Members

BioLife Plasma Services

Erik Dambitis

3817 S. General Bruce Dr.

Temple, TX 76502

https://www.biolifeplasma.com/locations/texas/temple

Blood Services

Circles of Care

Kirsten Wigley | (254) 295-0058

9105 Adams Lane, Ste. B

Temple, TX 76502

www.circlesofcareinc.org

Nonprofit Foundations

Roam Roof & Solar

Aimee Lovera | (254) 877-7663

202 E. Central Ave., Ste. 209

Belton, TX 76513

https://roamroof.com/

Roofing Contractors

Schulte Roofing

Kandis Martinez | (800) 367-7663

1 E. Central Ave., Ste. 205

Temple, TX 76501

www.schulteroofing.com

Roofing Contractors

Judge Larry Wilkey, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 Place 2

Koetter Fire Protection of Central Texas

L.M. Armstrong Construction

M&D Graphics and Printing

Matous Construction, Ltd.

Mitchell Construction

MRB Group

NAACP - Temple Branch

Nami Japanese Steakhouse, Sushi & Bar

Rebath of Central Texas

Smile at the World Orthodontics

Stoney Brook of Belton

Sylvia Winkler Insurance Agency

Temple Breakfast Lions Club

The Joint Chiropractic Organization

The Robinson Family Farm

Topsarge Business Solutions

TownePlace Suites

Ubeo Business Services

United Portable Buildings LLC

VIRON International Corp

Vista Real Estate/Maria Jones Hall

Wildflower Vision

Weltex Investments

Josh Welch

Temple, TX

weltexinvestments.com

Land Development

Window Hero Temple Belton

Mike Murphy | (254) 261-1384

P.O. Box 1103

Belton, TX 76513

https://windowhero.co/locatios/temple belton/ Window Cleaning

Save the Date for the 39th Annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service

The Temple Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 39th annual Military & First Responder Salute to Service, presented by H-E-B on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The event will take place from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple.

The annual event returned to the in-person luncheon in 2022 following a hiatus because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Both the 2020 and 2021 events were reimagined to virtual presentations and drive-thru lunch to go events. The Chamber, H-E-B Partners, and business community volunteers prepared and served hamburger boxed lunches for Temple’s Central Texas Military Partners, veterans, first responders, and the community.

Active-duty soldiers from Temple’s Central Texas Military Partners the 13th ESC/Fort Cavazos, 1st Medical Brigade/Fort Cavazos, and Garrison Command/ Fort Cavazos, along with the 3rd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ABCT)/Texas Army National Guard located in Temple, are invited as honored guests. As are veterans through local veterans’ organizations including the American Legion Post #133 and VFW Post #1820.

Beginning in 2020, the Chamber incorporated First Responders into this annual recognition event. Local law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS, and medical and health care professionals will continue to be invited as honored guests.

Through this annual tradition, the Chamber unites the business com¬munity to give back and honor those who have given so much. The keynote speaker for the luncheon will be announced soon.

Further event information can be found at www.templechamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING

Nova Medical Centers Grand Opening

Nova Medical Centers provide occupational health services such as work-related job injury treatment, pre-employment screens and services, and preventative services including vaccinations and flu shots at each of its locations. Nova works with every size and type of employer to treat on-the-job injuries. Staffed with occupational health specialists using state-ofthe-art systems, Nova provides excellent service and delivers efficient outcomes.

David Martin

3150 S. 31st Street

Temple, TX 76502 (254) 342-3836

www.n-o-v-a.com

Surviving & Thriving Cancer Retreat

Surviving and Thriving Cancer Retreat is a cancer nonprofit founded in 2018. They host an annual retreat for cancer survivors of all types, male & female, from newly diagnosed to long-term. Their 2023 retreat is upcoming this fall. Contact Kathleen Brown or visit their facebook page for more information.

Kathleen Brown

Temple, TX (254) 760-5623

RIBBON CUTTING

USDA Agricultural Research Service Grassland, Soil & Water Research Laboratory Grand Re-Opening

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) celebrated the grand re-opening of the newly renovated ARS Grassland, Soil & Water Research Laboratory in Temple. Their Laboratory houses ARS, NRCS and Texas A&M AgriLife researchers focused on developing technology and solutions that increase efficient use of soil and water resources, enhance forage and crop production, and support sustainable agricultural production in healthy ecosystems.

Collaborations between Texas A&M AgriLife, NRCS and ARS, the chief in-house research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), began in 1929 and continue to exemplify one of the strongest federal-state partnerships in the

Janice Brown

808 E. Blackland Road

Temple, TX 76502 (254) 770-6543

www.ars.usda.gov/spa/gswrl

nation. The new building will provide cutting-edge facilities for the Grassland, Soil & Water Research Laboratory, where scientists will investigate sustainable Blackland Prairie agroecosystems; soil health; and develop tools to evaluate the environmental outcomes of agricultural conservation practices from the field to national scale. Members of USDA-NRCS and Texas A&M AgriLife will share lab and office space with ARS researchers. The collaborative research between ARS, NRCS, and Texas A&M AgriLife will benefit growers, commodity groups, agricultural businesses, and U.S. consumers who rely on this partnership to find solutions to agricultural and environmental problems.

Meet the Leadership Temple Class of 2024

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

Every year since 1987, the Temple Chamber of Commerce has asked the Temple area business community to submit candidates for consideration to Leadership Temple.

Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program designed to help current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of

Class Leadership

Shine

Class Participants pg. 6-7

A Central Texas native, Jennifer Avery joined Temple EDC in June 2014. As Director of Operations, she oversees the administrative and financial responsibilities in cooperation with executive staff, and she helps manage projects. Jennifer also oversees the Santa Fe Business Center, which houses the Temple EDC, Temple Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. Jennifer loves listening to live music, dancing, and hopes to run a marathon someday.

David Shine is an Associate Vice President – Investment Officer, partner, and financial advisor at Shine Richardson Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. He is committed to offering clients a wide array of wealth management services, and holds Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations, is licensed in 37 states and is licensed in life and health insurance. He is a Baylor University graduate and has experience in politics, banking, new-venture coaching, and construction. David was born and raised in Temple, TX and is focused on serving clients locally and throughout the country. In his free time David and his wife Morgan enjoy spending their time in the outdoors fishing, hunting, and hiking with their Malinois Ivy.

the community and the role leadership plays in its long-term success. It is a 10-month program where graduates emerge with an unprecedented level of community awareness as well as insights they can apply in the workplace.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Leadership Temple Advisory Council are proud to introduce the Leadership Temple Class of 2024.

Tanner Johnson was born and raised in Temple, TX. Tanner graduated from Salado High School with honor in 2007 and Texas A&M University with a degree in Finance in 2011. After graduation, he went to work for Goldman Sachs in Dallas as a commercial real estate loan officer until he moved back to Temple to join Central National Bank as Senior Vice President. He is happily married to his wife, Brittany Johnson, and has two small girls (Tess: 4 & Thea: 2).

Rachel Clemons is a Belton native and has lived in Central Texas for most of her life. She attended Belton High School and received a BA in Psychology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She is a Licensed Social Worker and obtained her Master’s in Social Work from Baylor University. After living in Waco for a few years, she decided to return to the Temple/Belton area and invest in the community that raised her. When not at work, she enjoys frequenting local coffee shops and spending time with friends and family.

Shane Brooks, a Waco native, holds a business administration and accounting bachelor's from Austin College, where he was a 4-year football letterman. He served as VP, Commercial Lender at First Financial Bank post-graduation, holding a Credit Risk Certification and Texas Tech University School of Banking degree. In Sept. 2022, he became VP, Commercial Relationship Manager at Alliance Bank Central Texas. Shane, with wife Kylie, delights in fishing, hiking, camping, and pickleball.

Before living in Temple, William Dabney resided in Salado, TX. He attended Salado High School and earned his degree from Texas A&M University. Following graduation, he worked in the oil & gas industry in west TX. Hie returned to Temple with his role as a Risk Consultant at BKCW Insurance, focusing on risk management and commercial insurance for local and regional businesses. William looks forward to contributing to Temple's growth and community, aiming to support local businesses through initiatives like Leadership Temple.

Sydney Cable, MBA, born in College Station, TX, and raised in The Colony. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she progressed from electronics maintenance tech to Maintenance Manager. During her service, she earned an AA from Central TX College, a BS in Business Management from Park University, and recently, an MBA in Project Management. With her husband and children, Harlee (5) and Jasper (2), she relocated to Temple after her military tenure. Currently she is a Warranty Manager at Kiella Homebuilders.

Born in Washington DC in 1959, Tom Elmore relocated to Texas in 1965 due to his military parents. He completed his high school education in Waco and pursued studies at McLennan Community College and the University of North Texas. Tom is married to Marcy and has two daughters along with two grandchildren. With 21 years of service at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, he has spent the last 14 years as a Center Manager, a role he has held since 2002.

Tanner Johnson Curriculum Chair 2023-2024 Central National Bank

David Shine

Class President 2023-2024

Richardson Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Jennifer Avery Temple Economic Development Corporation

Rachel Clemons, LMSW United Way of Central Texas

Shane Brooks Alliance Bank Central Texas

Tom Elmore Workforce Solutions of Central Texas

William Dabney BKCW Insurance

Sydney Cable, MBA Kiella Homebuilders

McNeill (Mac) Fairey presently serves as the Patrol Bureau Deputy Chief at the Temple Police Department. With a tenure dating back to 2002, McNeill has engaged in remarkable special roles, including Traffic, COPS unit, K-9, and Narcotics. Currently, McNeill's responsibilities encompass overseeing the patrol division, a vital role involving the safeguarding of Temple's streets and the welfare of its 80,000+ residents.

Taylor Fitzner is an associate attorney at Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker, PC. Taylor graduated from Belton High School in 2010 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a BBA – Finance. Shortly thereafter, Taylor married another Belton native, Kori. Taylor graduated from Baylor University School of Law in 2019 and after a short time in East Texas, returned to Bell County in 2020 where he currently resides with his wife and son.

Lindsay Francis hails from a small town near San Antonio. She pursued agricultural communications at Texas Tech University and excelled as Communications Director for the Texas Peanut Producers Board. Beyond peanuts, her marketing skills thrived, leading her to Temple, TX. Joining the City of Temple in 2019, Lindsay is now Marketing & Digital Media Division Director. She's currently enrolled in Texas Christian University's Certified Public Communicators program, focused on a positive impact on Temple's future.

Ben Hammonds serves the University of Mary HardinBaylor as the Director of Fundraising. Ben and his wife, Kendall, are both graduates of UMHB and moved back to Temple in 2020 after living and working in Austin upon graduation in 2015. They have a dog named Rosie and are expecting their first child in October. Ben enjoys playing golf, running, and traveling in his free time.

Hudson Kennedy, a commercial lender at Extraco Banks, embarked on his journey as a CPA in public accounting before transitioning to banking 2 years ago. A Belton native, he earned a BBA from Abilene Christian University. After 8 years in Houston, he and his wife returned to Central Texas, drawn by the ideal community to raise their 3 children. Now residing in Salado, they engage with Grace Community Church and are dedicated to keeping up with their energetic children.

Chase Kern serves as the General Manager of Paramount Wastewater Solutions, LLC. A native of Temple, TX, he has resided in Belton, College Station, and San Antonio before returning to his hometown in 2020. Chase's wife, Erin, hails from Holland, TX, and they welcomed their first child last year. When not engaged in work or spending time with their son, the couple enjoys trips to the mountains, hunting, and fishing.

Dr. Erin M. Kiella is an executive VP and consultant at Real Property Analytics, Inc., specializing in real estate value impact analysis. Her skills encompass complex valuation methods, statistical modeling, and econometrics. Formerly, she was a Research Economist at Texas A&M's Real Estate Research Center. Erin holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M and a BBA in Finance and Economics from Loyola University. She resides in Temple with husband Chris and their two children, George (2) and Jude (5 months).

Joseph (Joe) Rela, an Operations Director at Materials Transportation Company (MTC), boasts 17 years of expertise in engineering, technical service, and management positions. A summa cum laude graduate from Texas A&M University Central Texas, Joseph obtained a bachelor's degree in software engineering, maintaining a remarkable 3.9 GPA throughout.

Clarissa Martinez is a recent resident of Temple. She completed a BS in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix and went on to New Mexico State University to complete a MA in Educational Administration. Clarissa has over 24 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the Director of the Circle of Support and Alumni Relations at Temple College. Her most recent community involvements include the Pilot Club of Baytown and service on the Habitat for Humanity, and Lifeline boards.

Robert Schilling, aged 36, is a local native. He's married to Mary and is a proud parent of two children: Bentley (12) and Miley (14). Robert graduated from Holland High School and pursued further education at Temple College, earning a certificate in applications specialist. More recently, he attained Supply Chain certification from the University of Tennessee. For the past three years, Robert has held the position of Operations Manager at Walmart DC6083, marking a 12-year journey with the company in August 2023.

Logan McClinton was born and raised an hour northeast of Temple in the small town of Hubbard, TX. He attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a BBA in Energy Commerce in 2018. He continued to live and work in Lubbock until February of 2022 when he moved to Temple for the job at CentraLand.

Bobbie Jo Young is the Director of Membership Development at the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Before joining the staff, she served as a Chamber Ambassador and has a background in marketing and newspaper advertising sales. Bobbie Jo serves on the Main Street Advisory Board and is Vice-Chair of the Promotions Committee. Though she grew up in a small town, she moved here 23 years ago and is now a firm advocate for the bright future of Temple.

McNeill Fairey Temple Police Department

Ben Hammonds University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Joseph Rela Materials Transportation Company

Bobbie Jo Young Temple Chamber of Commerce

Taylor Fitzner, JD Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker, P.C.

Robert Schilling Walmart Distribution Center #6083

Logan McClinton CentraLand Title Company

Clarissa Martinez, MA Temple College

Erin Kiella, PhD Real Property Analytics, Inc.

Chase Kern Paramount Wastewater Solutions, LLC

Hudson Kennedy Extraco Banks

Lindsay Francis City of Temple - Marketing & Communications

Temple Chamber Public Policy Council Luncheon: State of the City

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

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 Friday, October 13, 2023, as the highly anticipated "State of the City" luncheon takes center stage at the Hilton Garden Inn in Temple, Texas.

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.

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 pivotal 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.

Event Information:

Date: Friday, October 13, 2023

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Temple, Texas

Regsistration: www.templechamber.com

$35 - Chamber Member

$50 - Non-Member