​Spring Break for area schools is upon us, and the Temple area offers a perfect blend of delightful weather, outdoor recreational activities, and places to explore to make for a wonderful stay-cation. We are happy to share some of our favorite ways to spend time locally this Spring Break.

​Miller Springs Nature Center
Hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking can take place at Miller Springs Nature Center, a 260-acre scenic natural area between the Leon River and the striking 110-foot-high bluffs near the Belton Lake Dam. This remarkable region features awe-inspiring scenic overlooks, winding trails, serene waterways, and abundant wildlife.

Pristine Parks
Enjoy the extensive network of over 25 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails, playgrounds and more at a City of Temple Park. For more information, visit www.templeparks.com.

​Spare Time
No matter what kind of fun you're looking for, Spare Time is ready and able to provide everything you need. Stop in for some amazing food and drinks, bowling, video games, and laser tag. Then, hop outside to Shaker's Backyard and enjoy go-karts, ropes course, batting cages, and a relaxing outdoor pavilion. For more information, visit sparetimetexas.com.

​A movie in Grand Style
Get out of the house this spring break, and watch a movie in Grand Style with Grand Avenue Theater’s special spring break lineup. Learn more at www.grandavenuetheater.com.

Wheels Family Skating Center
Roll on over to Wheels Family Skating Center in Temple. The skating center offers opportunities to have fun, from public skating sessions to beginner skating classes, to public or private parties and fundraisers. Visitors can also have a seat and watch the game, enjoy free Wi-Fi, or have a bite to eat. For more information, visit wheelsfamilyskating.com.

Get ready for a fun-filled week of perfect weather and lots of exciting adventures!

​​It is my great honor to announce that Whitney Theriot, IOM, has been named the next President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Last Thursday, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to offer Whitney the position, and we are thrilled that she has accepted.
 
For the last few months, the Board has been holding virtual and in-person interviews for the position. We interviewed numerous candidates from all over the country. Ultimately, Whitney rose to the top due to her passion and love for Temple and the mission of the Chamber of Commerce.
 
Whitney is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she studied Communication and Spanish. She started working at the Temple Chamber in February 2015. Since that time, she has held several positions including Director of Communications & Marketing and Vice President & COO. Because of this experience, Whitney has extensive knowledge of the business and membership of the Temple Chamber. She also holds a certificate from the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organization Management.
 
At the Chamber’s Salute to Business in January, I spoke about the Chamber’s resilience – its strength in the face of adversity which revealed the Chamber and the community’s capacity to adapt, grow, and thrive. Throughout the last few years and especially in recent months, Whitney has exhibited this type of resilience and strength. During this time of transition, Whitney and the rest of the Chamber staff have adapted and grown. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and commitment.
 
It is also necessary to recognize that Whitney is the first female Chamber of Commerce President in the Temple Chamber’s 117-year history. Over the last several years, we have seen a significant increase in woman-owned and woman-run businesses in our community and across the country. It is time for the Temple Chamber, the organization that assists all local businesses, to move forward with its first woman leader.
 
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank our membership for your support of the Chamber, Whitney, and all the Chamber staff. We are working on your behalf, and we are excited to continue to do so under Whitney’s leadership.
 
Whitney, thank you for being brave, bold, and resilient. You are going to do great things.
 
​
​Sincerely,

​Kayla Landeros
2024 Chair of the Board

​The Temple Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Trevor Coots as its next Ambassador Chairman, effective March 2024. Trevor's dedication and commitment to the Chamber have made him a beloved figure in the local community, and we are thrilled to see him step into this leadership role.
​
For over two years, Trevor has served as an Ambassador for the Temple Chamber of Commerce, dedicating countless hours to volunteering at events and providing unwavering support to our initiatives. His reliability, consistency, and charming personality have made him a cherished member of our team. You can always count on seeing Trevor's smiling face front and center, whether he's holding the ceremonial blue ribbon or steering clear of the sharp scissors!

Beyond his contributions to the Chamber, Trevor is deeply involved in various aspects of his personal and professional life. He has been happily married to his wife, Paige, for 3.5 years. In his leisure time, Trevor enjoys a myriad of activities, including hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling with his wife, working on his family's farm, and cheering at Texas A&M sporting events, particularly football games.

Originally hailing from Zabcikville, Texas, Trevor is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station. After completing his education, he returned to Temple in search of career opportunities and found his calling at Express Employment Professionals, a locally owned and operated workforce management company with over 36 years of history in Central Texas.

Joining Express Employment Professionals in October 2018, Trevor quickly rose through the ranks, fueled by his passion for connecting with local leaders and making a positive impact on the community. His exceptional performance led to numerous accolades for his team, including recognition as a Top 50 team for four consecutive years and achieving Gold level status within the organization.

In the summer of 2021, Trevor transitioned into a management role, further solidifying his commitment to empowering businesses and families in the Central Texas market. As a Franchise Business Development Manager, Trevor's primary goal is to serve as a trusted HR resource for local businesses, helping them find the most qualified candidates across various sectors.

Trevor's involvement with the Temple Chamber of Commerce has allowed him to forge meaningful connections, strengthen community ties, and cultivate lasting relationships. His dedication to the Greater Temple community is truly commendable, and we are grateful to have him as an integral part of our team.

As Trevor steps into his new role as Ambassador Chairman, we are confident that his leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication will continue to propel the Temple Chamber of Commerce forward, fostering growth and prosperity for all. Please join us in congratulating Trevor Coots on this well-deserved appointment!