Every year since 1987, the Temple Chamber of Commerce has asked the Temple area business community to submit candidates for consideration to Leadership Temple.

Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program designed to help current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership plays in its long-term success. It is a 10-month program where graduates emerge with an unprecedented level of community awareness as well as insights they can apply in the workplace.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Leadership Temple Advisory Council are proud to introduce the Leadership Temple Class of 2026.

In today’s competitive economy, the difference between surviving and thriving often comes down to the information at your fingertips.

Large corporations have long had access to expensive consultants and research firms to guide their decisions. But what about small businesses and entrepreneurs, the backbone of our local economy?

The Temple Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch a new digital business resource designed to change that. This innovative online platform will soon be available to businesses in Temple.

With just a few clicks, business owners will be able to:

• Benchmark performance against competitors in the same industry and region.
• Discover new customers and suppliers using interactive mapping tools.
• Identify the best places to advertise based on real demographic and spending data.
• Access educational content on starting, managing, and growing a business.

This kind of market research and intelligence has traditionally been out of reach for small businesses due to cost or complexity.

Soon, it will be accessible anytime, anywhere, empowering local business owners to make smarter decisions, minimize risks, and unlock new opportunities.

Why is this important? Because small businesses drive job creation, innovation, and community investment.

When local companies succeed, our whole region thrives. By providing cutting-edge tools that are expensive to access otherwise, the Temple Chamber is leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs and business owners right here at home.

Stay tuned for the official launch in the coming month. This is one more way the Temple Chamber is delivering on its mission to advance business and community in Central Texas.

Texans will soon have their say on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. On November 4, 2025, decisions will be made that will directly affect our workforce, infrastructure, economic climate, and community wellbeing.

With just weeks to go, now is the time to get prepared. The language on the ballot can sometimes be technical or complex, but every amendment represents a choice with long-term implications for business and community alike.

Here are three simple steps to ensure you are ready:

• Educate Yourself: Review the proposed amendments in advance so you know what each “yes” or “no” means. Resources are available on the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.tx.us.
  
  
• Plan Ahead: Confirm your voter registration status before the October 6 deadline. If you need to vote early or by mail, note the October 20–31 early voting window and the October 24 ballot-by-mail deadline.
  
  
• Engage Locally: Make your voice heard not just at the ballot box, but also by encouraging employees, colleagues, and peers to be informed voters.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce remains committed to promoting informed civic participation. Thriving businesses and strong communities depend on active voices shaping our future.

Election Day is approaching quickly. Make your plan, stay informed, and help lead Temple and Texas into a strong tomorrow.

For Bell County-specific election information, including sample ballots and voter assistance resources, visit www.bellcountytx.com/departments/elections.