Chamber Focus | June 2024

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Temple Strong: An Unyielding Community Spirit

Bobbie Jo Young, Temple Chamber of Commerce

On May 22, 2024, two devastating tornadoes tore through Bell County, leaving nearly 500 homes and businesses in ruins or severely damaged. As the sun rose the following morning, our community, though bruised and battered, showed its true resilience.

The City of Temple declared a disaster, and in response, hundreds of dedicated individuals mobilized. They assessed the damage, prepared meals, cleared debris, and united under the banner of Temple Strong.

JUNE 2024

BUSINESS LINK LUNCH

Thursday, June 13, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Sponsored by: Cedar Crest Hospital & Residential Treatment Center

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Thursday, June 20, 2024

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Sponsored by: Smile Doctors Orthodontics

The Temple Chamber staff has been dedicated to assisting affected businesses and backing the City's recovery efforts. Our team was honored to help serve food alongside the Bell County Business Group at Tarver Elementary and humbled to deliver meals to firefighters at a dark and powerless station.

The Chamber served as a location for donation dropoffs and lent a hand at the Temple Strong donation drive organized by one of our remarkable Chamber members, Bold Republic Brewing Company. Led by General Manager Matt Serna, Bold Republic gathered massive amounts of clothing, toiletries, housewares, and nonperishable food for those in need.

Among our other extraordinary members, Shaffin

Wegener of State Farm provided 1,500 meals over two consecutive days to residents without electricity. Haute Dog offered hundreds of free meals to those in need. Our roofing and restoration members worked around the clock, providing free tarping and water removal services, often with little to no sleep.

Numerous other members, including Family Promise, 7 Mares, Feed My Sheep, Paradise Nails, Texas Roadhouse, United Way of Central Texas, Wings, Pizza ‘N Things, 3 Texans Winery, Bulldog Auto Detailing, Extraco Banks, KCEN Channel 6, Texell Credit Union, Vista Real Estate and countless others, stepped up to serve the community.

On May 24, 2024, the Temple and Belton Chambers issued a joint statement, a unified call for support, urging members to contribute to The Tornado Relief Fund established by the United Way. The Temple Chamber is ready to support businesses in providing information regarding operating hours and recovery updates to the public.

We encourage our members to contact us for any inquiries or assistance needed. We are actively monitoring resource updates and will continue to communicate this information to our membership.

If you need help with recovery, reach out to The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at https://www. disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800-621-3362. FEMA plans to establish a disaster resource center at Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Temple by Monday, June 10, 2024. Small businesses looking for recovery support can find information from the Office of the Governor at https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/recover.

We will rise from these ashes, stronger than ever, thanks to the boundless compassion and determination of those who live and work here. Together, we embody the spirit of Temple Strong.

May Renewing Chamber Members

Arthur Murray Dance Center

Azbell Electronics, Inc.

Black Rifle Coffee Company

Blount's Speedy Rooter

Boston Properties

Centex Storm Soccer Club, Inc

Dapper & Dashin' Salon and Shop

Flintrock Builders

Holman Offroad Outfitters

Interim Healthcare

Kiella Homebuilders

Liberty Tax Service

Monteith Abstract & Title Company, Inc.

May New Chamber Members

Cantina 1948

Marcos Leon | (254) 540-5544

13 S. 2nd Street Temple, TX 76501

www.cantina1948.com

Restaurants

Door Renew

Danny Magana | (713) 859-0342

9157 E. FM 436, Bldg. H Temple, TX 76501

www.doorrenew.com/waco.tx

Remodeling & Renovations

KCE Homes

Brandon Adkinson | (254) 415-8152 904 W. Main Street

Little River Academy, TX 76554

www.kcehomestx.com

Home Builder

STARRY

Marlon Jones | (254) 244-2400

1711 E. Central Expy., Ste. 203 Killeen, TX 76541

www.starry.org

Counseling & Education Services

The Willow School

Taylore Jackson | (817) 372-8037

1911 W. Avenue H Temple, TX 76504

www.thewillowschooltx.com

Schools-Private

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

PDI Technologies

Pivot Performance Arts

RBO Technology

Right at Home

Rotary Club of Temple-South

Rural Rental Housing Assoc. of Texas

The Hub Temple, LLC

The Robinson Family Farm

The UPS Store #5884

Veronica Logan Insurance and Financial Services

Wellington Rehabilitation and Healthcare

Tis the Season Lighting and Decor

Angie Clampitt | (832) 472-8434

1620 Red Bud Lane, Ste. 105

Round Rock, TX 78664

www.tistheseasontx.com

Christmas Lighting

Wallaby Windows & Doors

Kristen Clifford | (512) 379-7324

2711 Daisy Drive Austin, TX 78717

https://wallabywindows.com/austin

Window Replacement

Leadership Temple: Accepting Applications through June 14

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce that the Leadership Temple program is accepting applications for the Class of 2025.

Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program that surveys the inner workings of Temple and Central Texas helping 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; Fort Cavazos; Economic Development; and Social Services. 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 14, 2024.

Save the Date for June

Business After Hours

Join us for June Business After Hours sponsored by Smile Doctors Orthodontics. The event is Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at 2113 SW H.K. Dodgen Loop in Temple.

Business After Hours is an opportunity for Temple Chamber Members to develop new business relationships in a relaxed, social environment by joining other busy professionals after hours. This event will be full of fun, food, live music, and networking!

Registration is not required for this event. For questions, call (254) 773-2105.

RIBBON CUTTING

Temple Area Builders Association 50th Anniversary & Grand Re-Opening

The Temple Area Builders Association is the voice of the home building industry for east Bell County, Texas. TABA’s advocacy efforts are vital to ensuring the local home building industry is free from excessive regulation and fees. TABA is a non-profit trade association affiliated with the National Association of Homebuilders, serving Greater East Bell County, including the cities of Temple, Belton, Salado, Morgans Point, Troy, Academy, Holland and Rogers. (Photo Courtesy of Wes Albanese Photography)

Sydney Cable

12 N. Fifith Street Temple, TX 76501

(254) 773-0445

www.tahb.org

Freedom Boat Club of Waco/North Central Texas Grand Opening

Freedom Boat Club welcomes and embraces a broad mix of members to its ranks, from firsttime boaters and newbies, to seasoned salts and former boat owners, from young families to active retired. Freedom Boat Club is also actively engaged in developing new and diverse markets. Anyone who loves the water and water-related activities is embraced as a member of Freedom Boat Club!

Tim Falbo 3681 Cedar Ridge Park Temple, TX 76502 (512) 800-1343

www.freedomboatclub.com

RIBBON CUTTING

The Willow School Grand Opening

The Willow School, a member of the American Montessori Society, is dedicated to fostering holistic development, critical thinking, and practical life skills through Montessori education. They nurture academic, social, and emotional growth, empowering students to impact their communities positively. Their nurturing environment fosters resilience, independence, and a passion for lifelong learning. Like the willow tree, they inspire individuals to thrive and embrace challenges, growing into compassionate, empathetic global citizens.

Taylore Jackson 1911 W. Avenue H Temple, TX 76504 (817) 372-8037 www.thewillowschooltx.com

Your Voice Designs & Consulting 1st Anniversary

Every Business Has a Unique Voice That Deserves To Be Heard. Our Company Helps Small Businesses Discover, Communicate, and Maintain Their Voice.

About Our Owner | Glennis Lamm is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of effective communication in a variety of subjects; however, is particularly trained in Brand Development and Public Relations. She holds multiple degrees [BA, MA] and has worked in the fields of education and marketing for small businesses for over 10+ years. Her experience includes businesses both in the non-profit and forprofit spheres. She believes that clear communication is essential for a place to thrive and that small businesses is the backbone of our community.

Glennis Lamm Temple, TX (254) 677-6412 www.yourvoicedesigns.com

Chamber Ambassador Spotlight: Bre’layshia “Bre” Alexander

Bobbie Jo Young, Temple Chamber of Commerce

Bre’layshia “Bre” Alexander’s involvement in the Temple Chamber of Commerce began years ago and she has since become a familiar fixture at events in her bright, blue coat. She often volunteers at signature initiative events, and delivers moving invocations, her head bowed in reflection. Her presence exudes a calm elegance, while her quiet humor makes everyone around her feel at ease. Bre's approachability has made her an integral part of the Chamber and the community it serves.

Professionally, Bre serves as the Senior Physician Liaison for Baylor Scott and White Health Temple Region. In this role, she excels in targeted relationship marketing and business development, fostering connections between providers through school, community, and clinical partnerships. Bre's career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. In 2019, she was recognized as one of the All-Star Athletic Trainers by the Texas Girls Coaches Association. Her journey began as a teacher and athletic trainer with Temple ISD, followed by her role as the Athletic Training Program Supervisor for the Baylor Scott & White Health Roney Bone and Joint Institute.

Bre earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (Cum Laude) from Texas State University and a Master of Education in Sports Administration from Concordia University. Further demonstrating her commitment to professional development, she completed the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Leadership Development Certificate in 2020.

Bre's commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. She serves on several boards and committees, including the Wildcat Mentor Board, Un-Included Executive Board, Temple Education Foundation Board, NATA Career Advancement Committee, and as the SWATA Career Advancement Chair. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice President of the Central Texas Athletic Trainer’s Society. An alumna of the 2022 Leadership Temple Class, Bre exemplifies leadership and dedication in every aspect of her life.

Bre's personal life is a testament to her ability to balance her professional and community commitments with her family life. She and her husband Ali, a teacher and coach at Academy ISD, recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of a beautiful four-month-old daughter, Noa. Despite her busy schedule, Bre continues to dedicate time and energy to the Chamber and the Temple community, showing her unwavering dedication.

Bre Alexander is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader and community pillar. Her contributions to the Temple Chamber of Commerce, her professional excellence, and her commitment to service and family make her an inspiration to all who know her. The Temple community is fortunate to have someone as dedicated and compassionate as Bre Alexander in its midst.

Celebrating Leadership Temple Alumni and the Class of 2024

Photos from the 2024 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet: Top left clockwise: David Nix, 2024 LT Distinguished Alumni; Leland Gersbach, CPA, presenting LT

Distinguished Alumni Award; Class President David Shine receiving award; Class of 2024 Member Ben Hammonds, MBA, presenting Action Team project; Leadership Temple Class of 2024; Class of 2024 Member Sydney Cable, MBA, presenting Action Team Project; Banquet Attendees; Kelly and David Nix, and Leland Gersbach, CPA.

Celebrating Leadership Temple Alumni and the Class of 2024

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, business and community leaders gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn-Temple to celebrate the Leadership Temple Alumni and the Leadership Temple Class of 2024 at the annual Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet.

This event, a product of a Class of 2018 Action Team project, aims to enhance the Alumni Association and the future impact of the program. It is an opportunity to network, learn about the current class project, and celebrate the new graduates.

Proceeds from the banquet contribute to the Leadership Temple Tuition Assistance Scholarship, designed to promote inclusivity and diversity within the program. This initiative supports small businesses and nonprofits, fostering a more representative community leadership landscape.

Honoring a Distinguished Leader

The highlight of the luncheon was honoring David Nix, a graduate of the Leadership Temple Class of 1988, the charter class of the program.

Leland Gersbach, CPA, Retiring Partner at Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, and founder of the Leadership Temple program, presented the 2024 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni Award to Nix.

Nix, a dedicated community leader known for his commitment to economic development and civic engagement, recently retired as President of The David Nix Agency, which he founded in 1993. Under his leadership, the agency, now affiliated with Acrisure, won numerous industry awards for sales, service, and community involvement.

His extensive civic contributions include service on the Boards of the Temple Economic Development Corporation, the Temple Chamber of Commerce, the Temple Business League, the Temple Industrial Foundation, the Temple Reinvestment Zone, and the Rotary Club of Temple, among others.

“The banquet was a wonderful way to honor a dedicated community leader and alumni of the program, David Nix, and to celebrate the new graduates,” said Whitney Theriot, President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “It was encouraging to hear from a pioneering community leader and inspiring to learn about the work in service of the new graduates. Temple has a strong foundation of community leaders who model civic engagement for future generations. Temple’s future is bright with the new and recent graduates of the Leadership Temple program.”

Celebrating the Class of 2024

The eighteen professionals of the Leadership Temple Class of 2024 were celebrated for their dedication to the nine-month program focused on community leadership, professional development, and personal growth.

Led by Class President David Shine of Shine Richardson Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors and Curriculum Chair Tanner Johnson of Central National Bank, the 2024 graduates are:

Jennifer Avery | Temple Economic Development Corporation

Shane Brooks | Alliance Bank Central Texas

Sydney Cable, MBA | Temple Area Builders Association

Rachel Clemons, LMSW | United Way of Central Texas

William Dabney | BKCW Insurance

Tom Elmore | Workforce Solutions of Central Texas

Mac Fairey | City of Temple - Police Department

Taylor Fitzner, J.D. | Baird, Crews, Schiller & Whitaker, P.C.

Lindsay Francis | City of Temple - Marketing

Ben Hammonds, MBA | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Hudson Kennedy, CPA | Extraco Banks

Chase Kern | Paramount Wastewater Solutions, LLC

Erin Kiella, Ph.D. | Real Property Analytics

Clarissa Martinez | Temple College

Logan McClinton | CentraLand Title Company

Joe Rela | Materials Transportation Co.

Rob Schilling | Walmart Distribution Company #6083

Bobbie Jo Young | Temple Chamber of Commerce

Action Team Project: Feed My Sheep Community Farm Collaboration

The Class of 2024 presented their Action Team project, a collaboration with the Feed My Sheep Community Farm, aimed at addressing hunger and homelessness in Temple.

The project involved significant contributions to Elizabeth Farm in East Temple, including acquiring a greenhouse, covering an eighty-foot grow house, donating fruit trees and topsoil, and developing a production plan for produce. The class also assisted in the installation of a tiny home on the property, providing housing for a previously homeless individual.

Through their efforts, the class has bolstered the farm’s resources, providing the necessary infrastructure for the farm to begin growing fresh fruits and vegetables and providing educational opportunities for Feed My Sheep’s clients. This initiative complements the City’s ongoing Arbor of Hope project, making it a promising long-term investment for the community.

“The Temple Chamber leadership is immensely proud of our Leadership Temple program graduates from the Class of 2024,” added Theriot. “Their commitment to professional development and community service embodies the spirit of Leadership Temple.”

A Lasting Legacy

The Leadership Temple program continues to cultivate strong community leaders. The contributions of David Nix and the Class of 2024 exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to the growth and prosperity of Temple.

Thank you to the 2024 banquet sponsors, including the City of Temple, McLane Group, Extraco Banks, Garcia Architects, Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln, First United Bank & Trust, Clark Associates, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, Materials Transportation Company (MTC), and Walmart Distribution Center #6083, who helped make this celebration possible.

As the Leadership Temple program moves forward, it continues to build a brighter future for the community, driven by passionate and dedicated leaders.

For more information about Leadership Temple, visit www.templechamber. com/leadershiptemple.