A Bold Start to 2025 - Temple Chamber First Quarter Review

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