Rucks On Main, a nonprofit organization based in Temple, TX, was founded in 2020 by Wes Albanese. The mission behind Rucks On Main is advocating, mentoring, and educating the community on the reintegration process for Veterans and their families. This mission extends beyond just providing support; it is about fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
 
The driving force behind Rucks On Main is a personal one. “My why to start the organization was to keep the memories and legacy of our military community alive,” said Wes Albanese, founder of Rucks On Main. “Everybody has probably lost a family member in the military or has known somebody who has passed away in the military. It is very important to honor them, and remember them for the sacrifices they made to keep this country free.”
 
The key initiative of Rucks On Main is their biannual military-themed ruck marches, one on Memorial Day which honors fallen military members, and the other on Veterans Day which supports the military community.
 
The Memorial Day 10K Ruck March is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Downtown Temple. The march begins at the Santa Fe Plaza, with a route traversing through downtown north through the historic district and looping back to conclude at the Santa Fe Plaza.
 
For the Memorial Day event, event organizers ask that participants carry pictures of fallen Military Service Members or First Responders on their rucksacks/backpacks. This symbolic act not only pays homage to the brave souls who have been lost but also serves as a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice.
 
Participants carry up to 40 pounds of non-perishable food items in their rucksacks/backpacks that are donated to Operation Feeding Temple.  
 
Over the years, Rucks On Main has achieved remarkable milestones. “To date, we have collected over 40,000 pounds of food that our participants have donated after the ruck marches,” continued Albanese. “We have also donated proceeds of over $5,000 to local nonprofits.”
 
As Rucks On Main continues to grow and evolve, their commitment to honoring Veterans, supporting their reintegration journey, and fostering community connections remains strong. Through their biannual ruck marches, donations, and volunteer efforts they make positive impacts on the lives of Veterans and their families, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.
 
Reflecting on the impact the organization and its initiatives have had since its founding in 2020, Albanese said, “Not only do we have incredible support and participation locally and regionally, but we also have participants that come from all over the United States for this event. We are truly thankful for the community’s involvement!”
 
Those interested in participating in the Memorial Day 10K Ruck March should visit https://rucksonmain.org.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2025 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet, set for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn Temple.
 
This annual event brings together community leaders, program alumni, and the graduating class for a celebration of leadership and service. Originally established by a Class of 2018 Action Team project, the banquet continues to enhance alumni engagement while spotlighting the ongoing impact of the Leadership Temple program.
 
A highlight of the 2025 banquet will be the presentation of the Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni Award to Jon Burrows, a graduate of the Leadership Temple Class of 1989. Burrows served five terms as Bell County Judge, retiring in 2018. He is a distinguished public servant whose legacy spans decades of civic, legal, and military service.
 
The banquet will also recognize the Leadership Temple Class of 2025 as they complete their ten-month journey in community leadership. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the class Action Team project and connect with both seasoned and emerging leaders.
 
Proceeds from the event benefit the Leadership Temple Tuition Assistance Scholarship, an initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity by enabling small business and nonprofit leaders to participate in the program. This ensures the continued cultivation of a diverse and representative cohort of future leaders.
 
Looking back on the 2024 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet that celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2024, led by Class President David Shine, Shine Richardson Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, and Curriculum Chair, Tanner Johnson of Central National Bank. The graduates presented their Action Team project, an impactful collaboration with Feed My Sheep and its initiative Elizabeth Farm.
 
Working alongside Feed My Sheep, the class supported the development of Elizabeth Farm in East Temple, a space focused on food access and transitional support. Their contributions included installing a greenhouse, covering an eighty-foot grow house, donating fruit trees and topsoil, and contributing a production plan to support long-term sustainability. The class also helped place a tiny home on the property, offering housing for an individual exiting homelessness.
 
The 2024 Banquet also honored David Nix, Leadership Temple Class of 1988, as the Distinguished Alumni, recognizing his lasting contributions to Temple’s economic and civic development.
 
The Temple Chamber encourages individuals interested in community leadership and professional development to attend the banquet for a glimpse of the program’s impact and opportunities for involvement.
 
The 2025 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet is sponsored by: the City of Temple, McLane Group, Extraco Banks, Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln, and KPA Engineers.
 
For more information about the Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet and registration, click here.

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized the vital role of America’s small businesses during National Small Business Week—and the Temple Chamber of Commerce is proud to join in honoring the ingenuity, hard work, and resilience of our local entrepreneurs.

Small businesses make up over 99% of all businesses in Texas and form the backbone of our local economy. Their impact reaches beyond job creation—they boost city revenues, drive civic engagement, and donate generously to community causes. Simply put, small businesses make Temple a better place to live, work, and grow.
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Join us in celebrating their lasting contributions this week and every week!

Support Local. Think Temple First.
Explore the incredible variety of small businesses right here in our community. Whether you’re looking for a service, product, or a new favorite spot, start with our Chamber Member Directory. Every local purchase makes a big impact.

Browse the Directory & Shop Local!