The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors had a special presentation at their June meeting by an exceptional young Temple leader, Benjamin Hall.

Benjamin, who is a third grader at Temple Independent School District’s Western Hills Elementary, was nominated to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Academy this summer.

The National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM Academy is a unique learning experience for bright, forward-thinking elementary school students. During the six-day program, the participants learn by doing hands-on simulations and workshops. They will build and program a robot, investigate and solve crimes using math and science-based forensics, explore different careers in the medical field, and build leadership skills.

The expense of the program was an obstacle, but with an outpouring of community support, Benjamin will be able to attend the program this July. The Temple Chamber of Commerce contributed through their community development foundation, Temple Futures.

During Benjamin’s presentation, he thanked the Temple Chamber Board, shared more about himself, what he is looking forward to during the program, and his other summer plans.

Benjamin will be ten years old this fall, is on the “A” Honor Roll, and is a leader in both the Garden Club and Honor Choir at Western Hills Elementary. He is also involved with his youth program at church.

Benjamin is most excited about building and programming a robot and remote control car, doing experiments and learning new math strategies all while making new friends and representing his school at the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM Academy.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple is the No. 2 major teaching hospital in the country by being named to the 2021 Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors celebrated the national recognition with an award presentation on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple.

Fortune and IBM Watson Health annually rank the very best hospitals and health systems in the country. Researchers from IBM Watson Health evaluated the 2,675 eligible non-federal U.S. hospitals on various performance indicators in the following categories: clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience, financial health, and community health.

“Temple is a BIG player in the training of new doctors,” noted Rod Henry, Temple Chamber President. “We are thrilled that Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple received this national recognition to accompany the 100+ years of history and legacy as a Central Texas economic engine.”

The award presentation also served as the official kick-off to the Temple Chamber’s 11th Annual Baylor Scott & White Health Community Showcase.

“No one else goes to the extent Temple does in welcoming our new resident physicians upon their arrival to the community. Between the annual Showcase, now in its 11th year, and the street banners, Temple is second to none when it comes to rolling out the blue carpet of welcome to our new arrivals and their families,” noted Henry.

The Baylor Scott & White Community Showcase provides new resident physicians, fellows, senior staff, and their families an opportunity to meet and explore their new community. It is a trade show setting where Temple Chamber Member exhibitors introduce their business and services to our newest residents.