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On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Texans will have the opportunity to vote on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Decisions that could directly impact the future of our workforce, infrastructure, economic climate, and community well-being. While these elections may not carry the visibility of federal races, the outcomes are no less significant. Many of the proposed amendments touch on issues critical to business operations, taxation, education, and long-term investment across our state. As a business-led and member-driven organization, the Temple Chamber of Commerce encourages active civic participation and informed decision-making. Now is the time to:
A full list of the proposed amendments is available from the Texas Secretary of State and can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.tx.us. Informed voters are the foundation of strong communities and thriving economies. Make your plan, cast your vote, and help shape the future of Temple and Texas. In addition to statewide amendments, Bell County residents should take special notes of important local voting deadlines and resources:
For all the details and resources, you can visit the Bell County Elections website: www.bellcountytx.com/departments/elections.
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The Rotary Club of Temple, the Rotary Club of Temple-South, Temple College, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the graduation of seven local entrepreneurs from the fourth cohort of Launch Temple. The celebration was held on July 22, 2025, in the new Workforce and Visual Arts Building at Temple College. Launch Temple is part of the LaunchMyCity family of programs, developed by Rotary International and modeled after successful initiatives like LaunchDETROIT and LaunchRALEIGH. The program is designed to cultivate successful entrepreneurs by expanding access to comprehensive business training, financial literacy, and resource networks. This local version, Launch Temple, is a collaborative effort between the two Temple Rotary Clubs, Temple College, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce. It stands apart by focusing specifically on doing business in Temple, Texas. “Unlike traditional courses that use broad, one-size-fits-all content, Launch Temple focuses directly on doing business in Temple,” said James Skinner, MBA, Director of Adult Education and Literacy at Temple College, who serves as program instructor. “We study our local economy, customer base, and supply chains. Participants walk away with strategies tailored to succeed right here.” The 10-week course is intensive, with weekly three-hour sessions covering topics such as business modeling, market research, legal strategy, funding, marketing, and branding. Participants used a hybrid format combining Gmetrix online training with in-person instruction to earn the Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate. Each graduate leaves the program with a completed business plan and a clearer path forward, whether starting fresh or strengthening an existing business. During the graduation celebration, the entrepreneurs presented their businesses to a supportive audience. They were welcomed by Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce, who applauded their vision and commitment. Nancy Glover, Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Temple, also shared words of encouragement, recognizing the positive impact these new entrepreneurs are having on the city's small business landscape.
One of the program’s defining strengths is the long-term support it offers. “Once you complete the program, you’re not on your own. We stay with you,” Skinner added. “Whether you need help registering your business, building a website, or managing growth, our team is just a phone call away. You won’t just get a class—you’ll get a community behind you for life.” The Temple Chamber of Commerce congratulates the graduates of the fourth Launch Temple cohort:
The next Launch Temple cohort runs May 2026 through July 2026. For more information visit https://launchtemple.com/.  The Temple Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the fifth annual Summer Sizzle “Seltzer”, presented by Polar Texas Bottling, on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Santa Fe Plaza, 301 Santa Fe Way, in Downtown Temple. This free, family-friendly block party is the perfect way to wrap up the summer season! From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food trucks, a lively outdoor market, and activities for all ages. This year’s Summer Sizzle “Seltzer” brings even more fun to the Plaza with exciting additions including free face painting, a mobile video game trailer, a foam party, inflatables, a caricature artist, and a jalapeño eating contest sponsored by Flintrock Builders. Live music by Members Only 80’s Party Band will begin at 7:30 pm in the Plaza Greens. Known for high-energy performances and exceptional musicianship, bring your lawn chairs or blankets and settle in on the Plaza Greens for a great time.  Polar Texas Bottling is bringing the chill to the party, sharing their New England roots and refreshing Polar Beverages with Central Texas. Founded in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1882 by a savvy bartender, Denis Crowley recognized an opportunity in carbonation as Prohibition began to rumble in New England. He crafted what he considered the best-tasting bubble recipe and began selling sparkling beverages from a horse-drawn carriage. Today, Polar Beverages remains owned and operated by the Crowley family’s fourth and fifth generations, under the leadership of President and CEO Ralph Crowley Jr. They are the largest independent beverage company in the United States. They are purveyors of premium quality sparkling beverages, including Polar® Seltzer, heritage sodas, and Polar Orange Dry®. Summer Sizzle “Seltzer” is proudly supported by Polar Texas Bottling, McLane Company, Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors, Reynolds Consumer Products, Emerson Construction, Perry, Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp, PC, and Flintrock Builders. Polar Texas Bottling invites you to sip into their world during this one-of-a-kind summer celebration. Come out, cool off, and connect with your community—Downtown Temple is the place to be on August 8.
Learn more at: templechamber.com/2025-summer-seltzer. |
