The Temple Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Angela S. Cases, M.B.A. as the new Marketing & Events Coordinator. Angela will lead, coordinate, and enhance event strategy and execution for all Chamber events.
SMALL BUSINESS CONNECT
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Maximize Your Nonprofit's Impact: Strategic Social Media & Fundraising Mastery for Giving Tuesday
BUSINESS LINK LUNCH
Thursday, September 19, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Sponsored by: Temple Charter Academy, Priority Charter Schools
Registration Required
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday, September 26, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Sponsored by: Texell Credit Union
SEPTEMBER 2024 TempleChamber.com
Additionally, she will focus on developing and implementing initiatives in collaboration with Chamber leadership to fulfill the mission of advocating for the community by preserving, protecting, and promoting a business-friendly environment.
“We are excited to have Angela join the Temple Chamber team as our new Marketing & Events Coordinator,” noted Whitney Theriot, Temple Chamber President.
“Angela brings a wealth of experience and an impressive background in leadership and community engagement that aligns perfectly with shaping the future of the Chamber," Theriot continued.
"Her passion for fostering community relationships and commitment to service will greatly benefit our Chamber and community.”
Angela joins us from Ameriprise Financial – The Daniel Team, where she worked as a Customer Service Associate in Operations. She also brings experience in Product Development and Research with Jobes Company/Jobes Organics in Waco, Texas.
Originally from New England, Angela moved to Texas in 2005 and has since made Central Texas her home. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Central Texas with a B.S. in Political Science and an M.B.A. in Management and Leadership/Project Management.
Angela’s commitment to service is reflected in her active involvement with organizations such as Altrusa International of Temple and Lions Clubs International, where she has held multiple leadership roles, including being the youngest District Governor for the LCI District of 2-X3.
Angela S. Cases, M.B.A.
Angela is also deeply involved in the Temple community, serving on the Parks & Recreation Board and the Oak Hills XPlan Committee, contributing to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents and promote Temple as a welcoming place for businesses and families.
An avid distance runner, Angela draws inspiration from the challenges of running, applying those life lessons to her work and community engagement.
Angela resides in Temple with her partner, Ryan Michaelis, their two dogs, and three cats. She is excited to bring her skills, energy, and dedication to the Temple Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to making a positive impact in her new role.
Maximize Your Nonprofit’s Impact: Strategic Social Media & Fundraising
Mastery for Giving Tuesday
Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff
Are you ready to elevate your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts and make the most of Meta Ads? The Temple Chamber of Commerce is excited to present a half-day seminar, tailored specifically for nonprofits looking to enhance their digital presence and maximize their impact through effective social media strategies.
The event is on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn-Temple. Registration for the event is $15 and includes breakfast and printed materials for the event.
The seminar includes two sessions, “Fundraising for Your Nonprofit,” followed by “Harnessing Meta Ads for Nonprofits”. The seminar will be led by Amanda Robinson, Founder & CEO of The Digital Gal Inc., and Meta Certified Lead Trainer.
By the conclusion of the seminar, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen your nonprofit’s online presence, utilize Meta’s fundraising features, develop creative, successful fundraising campaigns, and secure your nonprofit’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
August New Chamber Members
Fix It! Services
Joe Marchuk | (254) 247-2100 Belton, TX www.fixitserv.com
Amanda is an expert in Facebook Ads and digital marketing, known for her engaging teaching style and dynamic expertise. Through her programs like "Swift Kick In the Ads" and "Facebook Ads Training Bootcamp," she has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses. Her presentations are filled with actionable strategies that can help your nonprofit succeed online.
This event is part of Small Business Connect, an initiative launched in 2023 by the Temple Chamber. Sponsored by Meta, Extraco Banks, Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp, P.C., Hilton Garden Inn-Temple, and McLane Intelligent Solutions, Small Business Connect equips small business owners with expertled training to accelerate, enhance, and grow their businesses.
Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of the best in the industry. Mark your calendars and register now to secure your spot at this event.
The Belton Journal
David Tuma | (254) 939-5754
210 N. Penelope Belton, TX 76513 www.beltonjournal.com Newspapers
Vida y Danza, LLC
Anna Pineda | (972) 510-7232
916 S. 45th Street, #B Temple, TX 76504 Dance Studios
August Renewing Chamber Members
6 News
A New Day Learning Academy
American Heart Association-Bell County
Bell County Public Health District
Bill Stokes
Bird Creek Brewing
Candor Consulting and Diagnostics, LLC
Dead Fish Grill
Eagle Eye Consulting and Construction, LLC
East Penn Manufacturing Company
English Maids, LLC
Express Employment Professionals
Extraco Technology
Fast Signs Temple
First Texas Brokerage Company
Garden Estates of Temple
Garden Estates of Temple
Homespec
Johnnie's Office Systems, Inc.
Keene Roofing Inc.
Langerman Foster Engineering Company
Lastovica Jewelers
Lochridge-Priest, Inc.
Nami Japanese Steakhouse, Sushi & Bar
PaperGraphics Printing
Rancho Lago Development, Inc.
Right Sized Inventory
Roger Daniel - Ameriprise Financial
Smile Doctors Orthodontics
Smoothie King
StretchLab Temple-Belton
Temple Breakfast Lions Club
Temple Police Association
Temple Rehabilitation Hospital
Temple Symphony Orchestra
Texas A&M AgriLife Research | Blackland
The 411 House
The Joint Chiropractic Organization
Townsquare Media
Treno Pizzeria & Taproom
Ubeo Business Services
Vista Real Estate/Maria Jones Hall
Finding a martial arts school can be overwhelming. At Legacy Martial Arts, the priority is to help individuals and children become better versions of themselves. The expert instructors at Legacy Martial Arts are dedicated to understanding personal goals and assisting in achieving them in a fun, exciting, and welcoming environment. Discover more about the facility, programs, and community through the website. Legacy Martial Arts looks forward to welcoming new members soon!
RIBBON CUTTING
Located in Temple near the current West Adams branch, Texell broke ground on the new headquarters on Sept. 7, 2022. Completed in 2024, the 45,000-square-foot building has capacity for more than 200 employees and includes meeting spaces, employee amenities, and the state-of-the-art West Temple branch. The milestone marks Texell's commitment to the Central Texas community nearly 75 years after their founding in Temple in December 1948.
773-1604
www.texell.org
Walmart #6929 (W. Adams) Grand Re-Opening
Walmart #6929 in Temple recently celebrated a grand re-opening following renovations. Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity.
Norma Soto
6801 W. Adams Ave. Temple, TX 76502
(254) 598-7593
www.walmart.com
Chamber Ambassador Spotlight: Matt Serna
Bobbie
Jo Young, Temple Chamber of Commerce
Amid the vibrant energy of Temple's Chamber scene, Matt Serna stands out as one of its most recognized and cherished figures. Affectionately referred to as "Matty" by his friends and colleagues, Matt has become a cornerstone of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, serving as a dedicated Ambassador for many years. His bright blue coat and distinctive, stylish hair make him easy to spot at any Chamber event, and his infectious personality guarantees he'll bring both laughter and a warm hug to those around him.
As a Chamber Ambassador, Matt plays an essential role in fostering connections among local businesses and welcoming new members with his ever-present smile. His dedication to the Temple Chamber is unwavering, whether he's catching up with fellow ambassadors or ensuring everyone feels included at events. His presence is not only valued, but vital—Chamber events just wouldn’t be the same without his vibrant spirit.
Matt’s deep ties to the community extend far beyond his professional role. A graduate of Mumford High School, where he was salutatorian, Matt went on to earn an associate degree from Temple College.
After moving to Temple about 15 years ago, he quickly fell in love with the area and its people, making it his mission to give back in any way possible. Over the years, he has served as a committee chair within the Chamber and currently works as an Administrative Coordinator at MEP Electric.
Outside of work, Matt enjoys the simple pleasures in life: reading, sipping a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, and caring for his two beloved cats, Laverne and Shirley. His warmth and humor have made him a cherished figure in both his professional and personal circles.
One of Matt’s most impactful contributions came in the wake of the devastating tornado that struck Temple in May 2024. As the community reeled from the destruction, Matt stepped up to lead efforts in gathering supplies and donations for those affected.
His leadership and compassion helped provide relief to hundreds of families, reinforcing his reputation as someone who can always be counted on in times of need.
The Temple Chamber of Commerce is immensely grateful for all that Matt Serna does to uplift the community. His tireless dedication, friendly demeanor, and boundless generosity have made him an irreplaceable part of the Chamber family. Matty embodies the spirit of Temple, and the city is lucky to have him.
Meet the Leadership Temple Class of 2025
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
Tanner Johnson
Class President 2024-2025
Central National Bank
Class Participants pg. 7-8
Chantel Brooks is Vice President of Lending at Texell Credit Union, overseeing all consumer lending products and services. With 10 years at the credit union, she has held various roles in retail and lending. Chantel holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Houston and joined the credit union industry in 2019. Passionate about personal service and innovation, she enjoys exploring new places, gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors when not working.
Victor Gueits-Burgos is an Operations Manager at Walmart Supply Chain DC 6083 in Temple, TX, where he has worked since 2015. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he moved to Texas to be closer to family. Victor holds an Associate’s degree in Industrial Engineering from ITT College of Puerto Rico and a Supply Chain/ Logistics certification from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is happily married and dedicated to his career in supply chain management.
Tanner Johnson was born and raised in Temple, TX. Tanner graduated from Salado High School with honors 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: 5 & Thea: 3).
Jessica Diem is a Bell County political strategist with a strong record of winning elections. She is District Director for State Representative Brad Buckley. Jessica holds degrees in Government from UT Austin and a Master's from Lamar University. A former educator, she serves as Treasurer of the Salado Education Foundation and is active in the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Council. Jessica is married with three sons and loves reading, chai, and baseball.
Victor Gueits-Burgos Walmart Distribution Center #6083
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 2025.
Logan McClinton Curriculum Chair 2024-2025 CentraLand Title Company
Trae Liller is a Central Texas native who lives in Temple with his wife and two daughters. He currently works at MTC where he is the Manufacturing Operations Director. With a varied educational and experiential background, Trae enjoys driving a strong Employee Ownership culture at MTC while improving operations at all levels of the business. Future aspirations include leading a successful company where people are proud to work.
Liller, M.S., M.B.A. Materials Transportation Company
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.
Terris Goodwin is a dedicated Temple resident, nurse, and community advocate. A 2010 THS Class President and nursing graduate from Temple College, she has served as a Registered Nurse for over a decade. Currently with Central Counties Services, Terris is also the founder of Wake Up Temple, promoting equity and civic engagement. She serves on several boards, including the Temple Education Foundation and TISD Wildcat Mentor Program. She is a proud wife, mother of two, and passionate about serving her Temple community.
BJ Little is Vice President of Operations at Turley Associates, Inc., where he has spent 20 years driving growth and operational success. He is passionate about leadership and business strategy. BJ has been married for 20 years and is a proud father to a 19-yearold son at Texas A&M and a 14-year-old daughter at Belton High School. He enjoys family time, attending Texas A&M football games, and giving back to the community, reflecting his commitment to service and leadership.
Chantel Brooks Texell Credit Union
Jessica Diem, M.Ed. State Representative Brad Buckley
BJ Little Turley Associates, Inc.
Trae
Terris Goodwin Central Counties Services
JoAnne Mengelkamp, an accomplished HR professional, is the Regional Vice President of Human Resources - Strategic Business Services for Baylor Scott & White Health. She advises leaders on HR strategy, aligning people and programs with organizational goals. With a data-driven, collaborative approach, JoAnne excels at developing leaders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in HR and an MBA and moved to Central Texas after being recruited to Baylor Scott & White Health six years ago. JoAnne is happily married with two adult children.
Travis Sawin grew up in Temple and graduated from THS in 1995. He earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in 2000. He joined Cloud Construction Co., Inc. in 2008, and serves as a project manager, overseeing projects for BISD, TISD, KISD, and others. Travis’ wife is an RN at Baylor Scott & White, and they have three children. His oldest daughter attends CTC, and his younger two attend Temple schools.
JoAnne Mengelkamp, M.B.A. Baylor Scott & White Health
Kaitlyn Neal is the Downtown Coordinator for the City of Temple, where she oversees downtown event planning, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. Kaitlyn holds a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University in New York City. Before joining Temple, she contributed to the City of Pflugerville, where she focused on event execution, tourism, and strategic community outreach. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys traveling, attending concerts, reading, following Formula 1 racing, and exploring new communities—especially downtowns.
Trey Simpson, P.E., is a key member of Clark Associates, specializing in site design, grading, drainage, utility design, water distribution, and construction management. As Client Manager, he ensures civil projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet client needs. Trey has served as an officer in the local ASCE chapter for several years and is currently Director and National Representative. He is also active in TSPE and was named Young Engineer of the Year for 2024.
Ryan Russell is the Teaching Pastor at First Temple, preaching most Sundays and leading the young adult ministry. He also works as a Genetic Genealogist with Open Door Genetics, using DNA technology to help individuals find their birth parents. Ryan holds a Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Theology from Northern Seminary. He moved to Temple in 2023 with his wife, Raechel, and their son. In his free time, he enjoys disc golf, exploring local spots, and cheering for the Baylor Bears.
Taylor Stumberg, an architectural designer from Belton and 2011 BHS graduate, studied architecture at the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on sustainable and public interest design. Since 2017, she has worked on diverse projects in the Pacific Northwest and Central Texas, drawing inspiration from her global travels. In August 2024, Taylor joined Pillar Architecture Studio as an Architectural Design Associate. She is preparing for her architect licensing exams and enjoys hiking, home projects, and exploring bookstores and breweries with her boyfriend.
Brett Wheeler is the senior staff accountant for SPJST in Temple, responsible for internal reporting, compliance, and special projects. He holds a Master's in accounting from Texas A&M Commerce and a Bachelor's in agriculture from Texas A&M College Station. A former Army sergeant and forward observer, Brett is pursuing CPA licensure. He enjoys family time, gardening, working on projects with his son, and serves as finance officer for the Salado American Legion while developing a small rental portfolio.
Michael is a seasoned economic development professional with expertise in workforce training, government relations, and publicprivate partnerships. He has spent two decades addressing challenges in municipal government, education, fundraising, and advocacy. A former politician, Michael served three terms on the Hutto City Council and has been active in chambers of commerce and community organizations. A proud Bell County native from Killeen, he now lives in Belton with his wife, Kristen, and their three dogs.
Jacki Wright is the Director of Communications and Marketing for Academy ISD, dedicated to sharing the district's achievements and programs. She is actively involved in professional organizations, including TSPRA, TCEA, and ATPE, and currently serves on the TCEA Board of Directors. Jacki is passionate about building collaborative networks to strengthen educational ties in the community. Outside of work, she and her husband Matt enjoy supporting their daughter’s activities, off-roading, and cheering for the Aggies.
Sabrina N. Young, CFSP, is a U.S. Army Veteran and the owner, director, and embalmer of Young's Daughters Funeral Home in Temple. A first-generation funeral director and embalmer, she holds a Bachelor's in Mortuary Science from the University of Central Oklahoma. Sabrina is active in veterans' organizations, including VFW Post #1820 and American Legion Post #133. She founded her business in 2018 with support from the V-WISE program and is involved in local community groups. Sabrina is a proud mother of five daughters.
Shanna Wildheart is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her clinical license while working at Heart of Texas MHMR from 2015 to 2022, where she served as a case manager, therapist, and supervisor with a specialization in gerontology. She was also Branch Chair for the Heart of Texas NASW from 2015 to 2019. In 2022, Shanna joined McLennan Community College to create a student resource department. She is now Resident Services Director for the Central Texas Housing Consortium, overseeing programs for low-income residents.
CFSP
Travis Sawin Cloud Construction Co., Inc.
Jacki Wright Academy ISD
Kaitlyn Neal City of Temple - Destination Marketing
Sabrina Young,
Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center
