The Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet is on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Inn.
 
The banquet is a product of a Class of 2018 Action Team project to enhance the program’s Alumni Association and future impact. In addition to acknowledging a Distinguished Alumni of the program, it is an opportunity to network, learn about the current class project, and celebrate the new graduates of the program.
 
The luncheon includes honoring a Distinguished Alumni of the program. The 2024 honoree is David Nix, a graduate of the Leadership Temple Class of 1988.
 
“We’re excited to celebrate the achievements of alumni and the new graduates,” said Whitney Theriot, President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “This banquet not only honors a dedicated community leader like David Nix but also serves as an opportunity for all alumni of the program to connect, learn about the work in service of the current class, and support and celebrate the new graduates - our next generation of community leaders.”
 
The banquet proceeds contribute to the Leadership Temple Tuition Assistance Scholarship, designed to promote inclusivity and diversity within the program. This initiative is a resource for small businesses and nonprofits to participate in Leadership Temple, fostering a more representative community leadership landscape.
 
Reflecting on the 2023 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet that commemorated the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. Led by Camryn Bintz, KPA Engineers, and David Shine, Shine Richardson Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, the graduates presented their Action Team project and were recognized for their dedication to community leadership and personal growth.
 
The 2023 Class Project focused on connecting the world of work to K-12 education through career exploration through reading. Inspired by the Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Student Occupational Awareness and Recognition Program (SOAR), which aims to expose, educate, and engage students in career development and decision-making for middle and high school students, the 2023 Class saw an opportunity to engage elementary-aged students to think about the world of work sooner.
 
They worked with Temple ISD to identify a STEM book series called The Questioneers. Then they not only read to every second-grade class at the district, but through a grant purchased The Questioneers book sets for every elementary campus library.  
 
“The Temple Chamber leadership is immensely proud of our Leadership Temple program graduates from the Class of 2023,” added Theriot. “Their commitment to professional development and community service embodies the spirit of Leadership Temple.”
 
The event also honored Gary Schmidt as the 2023 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni, recognizing his significant contributions to Temple’s economic and civic development.
 
The Temple Chamber encourages individuals interested in community leadership and professional development to attend the banquet, offering a glimpse into the program’s impact and opportunities for involvement.
 
The 2024 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet is sponsored by:  the City of Temple, McLane Group, Extraco Banks, Garcia Architects, Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln, and First United Bank & Trust.
 
For more information about the Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet and registration, visit www.templechamber.com.

National Small Business Week comes to an end tomorrow on May 4. The Temple Chamber of Commerce was excited to join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in honoring and celebrating our local small businesses alongside the nation’s 33 million small businesses!
 
Small business owners and entrepreneurs form the backbone of our econ­omy. According to the Texas Small Business Profile published by the SBA, in Texas alone, small businesses (those employing 100 or fewer) make up over 99% of all businesses in the state.
 
We invite you to join us in celebrating and recognizing the positive and invaluable contributions of Temple area small businesses and entrepreneurs, not just this week but throughout the year. 
 
Their impact is monumental. From job creation to enhancing city revenues and championing civic causes and initiatives, they enrich our community’s vitality. Research from the National Philanthropic Trust and Charities Aid Foundation indicates that small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to nonprofits and community causes per employee.
 
Small businesses make our community a vibrant place to live and work. The small businesses and entrepreneurs of Central Texas are one of the driving factors that our region is a prime business destination in Texas. 
 
We were fortunate to collaborate with regional Chambers of Commerce - Belton, Salado, Killeen, Jarrell, Lampasas, Copperas Cove, Round Rock, Waco, and Georgetown – as well as the SCORE Austin Chapter to have a Small Busi­ness Seminar on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bell County on Wednesday, May 1, during National Small Business Week. 
 
The seminar provided a unique platform for small business owners, budding entrepreneurs, and members to learn more about the transformative potential of Generative AI in enhancing business operations. Jessica Scanlon with Round Rock-based Hot Dog Marketing led the discussion. She introduced the concept of Generative AI, shared versatile uses of AI in small businesses, and demonstrated tactical ways to use a Generative AI tool, ChatGPT.
 
The Temple Chamber extends gratitude and admiration to our vibrant small business community that enriches Central Texas and is here to support and empower them as they thrive in Central Texas.