​An ambassador is defined as an authorized representative, an official agent with a special mission, and a person who represents a particular organization, group of people, or brand.
 
The Temple Chamber is fortunate to have such individuals who serve as volunteers to help advance the cause of the Temple Chamber of Commerce and the greater Temple community.
 
This group of volunteer members has existed and supported the organization for decades at business celebrations, events, and the Temple Christmas Parade.
 
With the pandemic and fewer celebrations and events, the group was less involved in Chamber and community functions. This provided an opportunity to reimagine the group, and as activities are now picking up, the time was right to unveil a new look and begin a new chapter.
 
Donning Temple Blue Blazers, the Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber ceremonially began their new chapter on May 20, 2022. This group was the first to cut the new blue ribbon with the new blue scissors, that with the blue blazers, complete the fresh new look.
 
Serving as Chair of the Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber of Commerce for 2022 is Dave Hedge, General Manager of the Temple Daily Telegram. The Chamber staff liaison is Bobbie Jo King.
 
With their fresh new look, the Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber will continue to enthusiastically give their time and energy in support of the Temple Chamber and the greater Temple community.
 
For more information about the Ambassadors of the Temple Chamber, contact Bobbie Jo King at (254) 773-2105.

Business and community leaders gathered to celebrate a Leadership Temple Alumni and the Leadership Temple Class of 2022 at the Leadership Temple Banquet Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the Hilton Garden Inn-Temple.
 
The twelve professionals of the Leadership Temple Class of 2022 were celebrated for their commitment and dedication to the 9-month program of community leadership, professional development, and personal growth.
 
The Class of 2022 was led by Tucker Glaske, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, who served as Class President, and Camryn Bintz, Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, who served as Curriculum Chair. The graduates of the Class of 2022 are:

​Thomas C. Baird, Leadership Temple Class of 1990, was recognized as the 2022 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni. This award celebrates an alumnus of the program who has achieved a high level of professional accomplishments, demonstrated service to the community, who exhibits extraordinary leadership and character, and who has contributed to and has a lasting impact on the community.

Mr. Baird wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in construction and engineering. However, after being diagnosed with vision-compromising retinitis pigmentosa, he realized that construction was not for him. Mr. Baird's father suggested studying law.

In 1978, shortly after graduating from law school, Mr. Baird began practice as an attorney in Temple, Texas. He is a founding partner of Baird, Crews, Schiller, & Whitaker, P.C., with which he remains. He specializes in estate planning, business law, family business succession planning, and real estate.

Mr. Baird is active in many city and county professional associations. He has served on the boards of banks, companies, and other business and charitable organizations in the area.
Attendees of the banquet had the opportunity to network with fellow alumni, learn about the Class of 2022 Action Team project, and gain inspiration from a presentation on leadership and community engagement by Wendell Williams, Temple City Council, District 4.
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As an added touch, Perry Office Plus created activity-centered centerpieces for the luncheon, that were donated to the Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, in honor of Mr. Baird.