Whitney Theriot, Temple Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

As the first quarter of 2025 wraps up, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum we’ve built and express gratitude to our Board of Directors, Chamber Members, Chamber Team, and the greater Temple community.
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If 2024 was a year of resilience and alignment, 2025 has roared into action—with focus, purpose, and impact. Over the past three months, we have moved from planning to execution, bringing our bold vision to life through strategic initiatives, strong partnerships, and meaningful engagement.

Quarter One Wins
In just the first quarter, we have:
• Welcomed 31 new Members, continuing the growth of our network of over 1,000 businesses and organizations.
• Celebrated 17 Ribbon Cuttings and Business Milestones, each one a meaningful celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Temple.
• Hosted Salute to Business, our 118th Annual Meeting—a signature event of the organization
featuring keynote speaker and documentary film maker Brett Culp, whose inspiring message of leadership and storytelling set the tone for the year ahead.
• Held a successful Temple Chamber Day at the Capitol, where we amplified our voice on critical issues for our business community, bringing together our Board of Directors, Public Policy Council, and Leadership Temple Class to constitute our delegation.
• Hosted the well-attended State of the City Luncheon, where Mayor Tim Davis and City
Manager Brynn Myers shared a compelling vision for “Growth with Purpose.”

From Vision to Action
We began the year with clarity—redefining our strategic framework with three verticals: Advocacy, Member Services, and Organizational Excellence. Each initiative we undertake now aligns with these core areas, ensuring that our efforts are intentional and impactful.
• Under Advocacy, we advanced with strong participation with the delegation at the Capitol,
a Public Policy Council luncheon, and advocacy efforts at the local level—most recently championing Member concerns regarding commercial roll-off dumpsters at City Council meetings.
• In Member Services, we introduced fresh engagement tools at our first six Business Link
Lunches and Business After Hours, including interactive games like a “conversation beach
ball” and a Veteran owned business showcase. Additionally, our Membership Directory in print and online continues to serve as a vital connector.
• Under Organizational Excellence, we’ve begun executing key aspects of our strategic plan--
including the initial development of a dashboard to enhance transparency and accountability for our Board of Directors and Membership, along with continued efforts to align governance with our long term vision.

Investing in Leadership and Legacy
Our commitment to community building and leadership development remains strong. The Board of Directors green lit the Leadership Temple Spring Project, opened applications for the Class of 2026, and continued recruitment for the Launch Temple entrepreneur program. We also celebrated legacy by establishing memorial contributions to honor past Chamber leaders.

Looking Ahead
The second quarter brings even more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and lead. We’re excited to support upcoming networking programs, educational partnerships, and enhanced storytelling to highlight the incredible businesses that shape Temple.

To our Members—thank you for your trust, partnership, and continued engagement. Your success is our mission, and together, we are building a resilient, connected, and thriving business community.

Here’s to continued momentum and bold progress in 2025!

Published first in the April 2025 Focus on Business - Temple Daily Telegram

A Message from Temple Chamber President & CEO Whitney Theriot

As business leaders, we understand that a thriving community is the foundation of a strong local economy. When our neighbors struggle—whether it’s with hunger, homelessness, or financial instability—it doesn’t just affect them. It affects all of us. It affects our workforce, our schools, our local businesses, and the future of our community.  

Right now, the United Way of Central Texas is facing a challenge as they continue to step up in assisting families struggling with hardships.  Campaign funding has dropped, leaving critical community programs at risk; programs that serve real people—our employees, our customers, our neighbors--many of whom work hard every day but still struggle to make ends meet. Others affected are children who represent Temple’s future workforce, and their readiness for that future depends on the support they receive today.  

While the United Way of Central Texas is experiencing this, the effects will extend throughout our community, impacting the partner nonprofit organizations that rely on its support to sustain essential programs. Many of these nonprofits are not just partners but fellow Chamber members—organizations that stand alongside us at events, share in our mission, and are committed to making Temple the best community it can be.

Among the partner non-profit organizations vital to our community but also valued members of the Chamber are:

Central Texas 4-C - operating 12 Headstart Centers in our region, serving more than 500 children and ensuring that Temple area pre-schoolers get the best start on their educational journey.

Central Texas Youth Services - providing support for youth and families in crisis.

Churches Touching Lives for Christ - meeting the food, clothing and other needs of nearly 300 Temple area families each week.

Family Promise of Bell County - empowering families experiencing homelessness to achieve sustainable independence.

Helping Hands Ministry of Belton - cultivating an environment in which individuals and families are empowered to work out of systemic poverty 

Ralph Wilson Youth Club - providing an environment where Temple children can learn, socialize and play; and supporting their development into self-sufficient and responsible members of the community.

STARRY Counseling - providing family support services such as counseling, case management, youth skills, parenting skills, and resource navigation.

Temple Community Clinic - helping to bridge the healthcare gap by delivering quality healthcare for under and uninsured members of the Temple community.
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The Salvation Army of Bell County - providing shelter and financial services, emergency disaster services, food insecurity support and spiritual care for Temple citizens in need.

These nonprofits provide essential services that help sustain and strengthen our community. Their ability to continue this work is vital to the well-being of those they serve.

If, as business leaders, we want Temple to be a place where businesses grow, where talent chooses to stay, and where families thrive, we must step up. A community that takes care of its most vulnerable is a community that attracts investment, creates opportunity, and builds a strong, resilient workforce.  
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So today, I’m asking you—not just as a business leader, but as a fellow member of this community—to take action. Whether it’s a personal donation, a workplace giving campaign, or simply spreading the word, every effort counts. A small contribution can have a major impact. 

Let’s show that Temple is a community that takes care of its own—because when we support each other, we all win.

Visit UWCT.org to find out ways you can help.