March 29, 2021 is the 4th Annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This day was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump as a part of The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce, along with the Association of the United States Army/Central Texas-Fort Hood are Commemorative Partners with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.

As authorized by the United States Congress and on behalf of a Nation, we are doing now what should have been done 50 years ago.  That is to formally thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce honored 5 Vietnam Veterans at a pinning program this year. US Navy Petty Officer Third Class Dale Edmonds, US Navy Fireman Larry Hare, US Marines Private Maurice Poole, and United States Navy Hiram Reynolds.

Thanking and honoring veterans and their families is the right thing to do.  We Americans appreciate Veteran’s service and support of the United States of America.

The Commemoration focuses on specifically thanking and honoring our 7.2 million living Vietnam Veterans and the 9 million families of those who served during the Vietnam War period. The Commemoration recognizes all Vietnam veterans who served on active duty in the US Armed Forces from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 regardless of duty location or branch of service.  No distinction is made between veterans who served in-country or who were stationed elsewhere during that period.  All were called to serve, and many of these veterans served honorably.

The lapel pin contains,

The Eagle – The eagle represents courage, honor and dedicated service to our nation.  As one of the most recognition and notable American symbols, it is emblazoned with distinction on numerous military

Blue circle – Blue matches the canton of the American flag and signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.  The circle shape and blue color also match the official seal of the commemoration.

Laurel wreath – A time-honored symbol representing victory, integrity, and strength

Stripes – The stripes behind the eagle represent the American flag.

Stars – The six stars represent the six allies who served, sacrificed, and fought alongside one another: Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and the United States.
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Message – “A grateful nation thanks and honors you” is embossed on the back, closest to the heart of the wearer.  Also, the official name of the commemoration is included to remind each veteran that this is a national initiative, and this lapel pin is the nation’s lasting memento of thanks.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day is observed annually on March 29th. Mom and pop business is a synonym for small business, so Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates small business owners.
 
Mom and Pop Business Owners Day recognizes the critical role that small businesses play in the United States (and Central Texas!) economy. Let’s celebrate by taking a few moments to show the local small businesses a little bit of love and support.
 
Facts About Small Businesses:

1. Small Businesses support jobs locally – they directly employ members of the community - our friends and neighbors. Nationally, small businesses account for 99.7% of employer firms, 64% of new private-sector jobs, and 49.2% of private-sector employment (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration).
    
2. Small Businesses Pay Almost Half Of U.S Employee Payroll.
   Up to 44% of U.S payroll is paid every year by small businesses (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration).
   
   
3. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.
   If you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy. If you spend $100 at a large business, only $43 stays in the local economy (Source: Civic Economics Study, Grand Rapids, MI).
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4. Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to community causes and non-profits (Source: Seattle Good Business Network).

This #NationalMomAndPopBusinessOwnerDay (and year-round!) celebrate by shopping at local small businesses that are vital and unique to our community. Whether you shop safely in-person or through their websites or social platforms, remember to #shopsmall, #shoplocal, and support businesses in our community!

When you spend money locally, you are keeping your neighbor’s business open, supporting their employees, and Temple’s resilience while positioning Temple to thrive.

For shopping inspiration visit: https://bit.ly/ShopTempleChamberMembers
#TempleStrong

​Every year March is designated Women’s History Month by Presidential proclamation. The month honors women’s contributions to American history. Taking a closer look at the local level, we want to celebrate the contributions Central Texas Women have made to the Temple Chamber of Commerce and the community.
 
First, we celebrate champions of business and community who served as Chair of the Temple Chamber’s Board of Directors. In the Chamber’s 114-year history, the Chamber has had two women in this role. Those women are Connie Madsen (1995) and Seleese Thompson (2009). Connie and Seleese built, shaped, and improved upon both the organization and the community.