If you're ever in search of Tommi Fettig, you're likely to find her actively engaged with the community at a local function, dedicating her time to volunteer work for numerous organizations, or enjoying a bike ride with her husband, Lester. Tommi holds a significant role as an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, making her one of our most cherished assets. Ambassadors like Tommi play a pivotal role in the day-to-day success of our organization. For those fortunate enough to meet Tommi, it becomes evident that she seamlessly embodies quiet capability, reliability, and inspiration all at once—a calming force of nature.

A fourth-generation Texan, Tommi has spent her entire adult life in Temple, TX. Together with Lester, she has successfully raised two children and currently relishes their time together biking, fishing, and camping when not immersed in work or volunteering.

Tommi's professional journey commenced with her involvement in the PPCD program, assisting special needs children for Temple ISD. She subsequently contributed her skills at a Baylor Scott and White Clinic, serving as a Charge Auditor for Clinic Physicians and residents, while also working in the Insurance and Billing department. During her tenure at Baylor Scott & White, Tommi concurrently served as a blood donor volunteer coordinator.

After her mother suffered a stroke, Tommi transitioned to a role in a Skilled Nursing and Rehab Facility, gaining valuable insights into the healthcare industry. This experience paved the way for her involvement in home healthcare marketing and eventually finding her calling in Hospice as a marketer. When the opportunity arose to join Cornerstone Gardens after the retirement of their beloved long-term marketing director, Tommi seized the chance. Since becoming part of the Cornerstone Gardens family, she has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to being a resource to the community and educating the elderly population and their families.

Tommi's commitment extends beyond her professional life; she actively participates in various service organizations such as the Lady Lions Club and the Salado Ladies League. As a Meals on Wheels volunteer for homebound residents in Bell County during the week, Tommi exemplifies her passion for making a positive impact. Additionally, she serves on the Senior Expo Committee, contributing to the planning of the largest resource fair for the senior population.

As a proud member of Altrusa International of Temple, Tommi, alongside her daughter Kennedi and mother-in-law Michelle, serves as the current recording secretary on the board. Through Altrusa, Tommi has been involved in numerous impactful projects, including Bingo for Books, Closet of Hope clothing drive, Kids Against Hunger, and Love Covers All. In the 2023 Taste of the Holidays event, Tommi held the position of Invitations Co-Chair—a testament to her dedication to growing and serving the community she proudly calls home.
As an Ambassador, we are so grateful to Tommi, who stands as such a beacon of community spirit, seamlessly intertwining her professional expertise, volunteerism, and personal passions to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Temple, TX. 

​Salute to Business, an annual event hosted by the Temple Chamber of Commerce, brought together around 400 business and community members on January 30, 2024, to acknowledge and celebrate community excellence, partnerships, growth, and development in the Temple community.
 
The event began with Taste of Temple, a showcase of local eateries. Guests sampled featured dishes from 7 Mares Tacos Y Mariscos, Clem Mikeska’s Bar-B-Q, Holiday Inn Temple-Belton, Jimmy John’s, Mas Fajitas, Nami Japanese Steakhouse, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Whataburger. They also enjoyed music by Ray Palousek, a local pop, jazz, and R&B singer/songwriter and pianist who entertained during the reception.
 
The evening continued with Whitney Theriot, Interim President of the Temple Chamber, welcoming guests and sharing a message of 2023 highlights for the organization. Followed by a keynote presentation by Patricia J. Sulak, M.D.
 
Dr. Sulak is co-founder of Living WELL Aware, a renowned wellness educational program. She is a practicing physician, medical school professor, accomplished women’s health researcher, and national speaker. Her keynote presentation, titled "ILLNESS is Expensive. What Does It COST To Be HEALTHY?", provided a fresh perspective to guests on a journey of well-being designed with the end in mind.
 
“The data is clear and startling, health in the U.S. is declining despite extraordinary expenditure in prevention and treatment,” said Sulak. “Employers are spending major bucks on healthcare premiums and programs to elevate well-being with suboptimal return on investment.”
 
Sulak explained that the critical first step, design with the end in mind, is not included. She used an analogy of building a house and hiring contractors without first having the final plans.
 
“Our health is the most important construction project we will ever undertake. Our brain functions like a GPS system and needs a clear destination and an efficient route to get us there – that’s what Living Well Aware is all about,” said Sulak.
 
Kayla Landeros, Partner at West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, PC, who serves as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, took the stage to share the vision of the Temple Chamber through 2024. She then presented Robert Jones of Cadence Bank with a soaring eagle statue and a print of the Santa Fe Depot –tokens of appreciation for his leadership and service as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors in 2023.
 
The Chamber also recognized major sponsors for Salute to Business including Platinum Sponsors City of Temple, Central National Bank, McLane Group, Wilsonart, Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp. P.C., and Meta. As well as Diamond Sponsors Emerson Construction, Extraco Banks, Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors, and Temple Generating Station.
 
Events such as Salute to Business are made possible with the help of The Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber, a volunteer council of Chamber members who assisted with set-up, guest check-in, and clean-up among other duties.
 
“Chamber Ambassadors are such an essential part of everything the Chamber does,” said Bobbie Jo Young, Director of Membership Development for the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate the time, dedication, and energy they bring to Chamber events big and small.”
 
Salute to Business is held on the fourth Tuesday of each January. For details on how to participate in Salute to Business 2025, please contact the Temple Chamber of Commerce at 254-773-2105 or www.templechamber.com.