​Small business Saturday is November 26, 2022. This nationwide effort is poised to direct lots of retail traffic and revenue to U.S. small businesses. And you’ll want to be a part of it.
 
Started by American Express, to support small businesses during the 2010 recession, Small Business Saturday became recognized by the U.S. Senate and all 50 states in 2011.
 
The holidays are all about giving – and the best gift you can give local businesses is your support. Get out there and Shop Small this Small Business Saturday to kick off the season in a meaningful way.
 
Click the button below to find the best spots in the greater Temple area to shop, enjoy, and explore locally!

Gaining a better understanding of County Government was the objective for the Leadership Temple (LT) Class of 2023 Bell County Day. The group not only got to learn first-hand from several key departments and elected officials within County Government, but they also heard from many of the dedicated employees of the County who are driven by caring for the community.

The first stop of the day was at the Bell County Courthouse, where Bell County Judge David Blackburn and Bell County Commissioner for Precinct 3 Bill Schuman briefed LT about the history of Bell County and their responsibilities, as elected officials, to the public.

A surprising takeaway from the Bell County Commissioners Court meeting was learning how state regulations impact County authority and budgets. The group realized a contrast to a municipal authority that can pass and enforce ordinances and penalize violations, which they heard about in their September session with City Government. The statutes imposed on County Government are often unfunded mandates. One such mandate is to operate and maintain a jail without funding or resources to support it.

The day continued with a briefing and visit with Bell County’s ‘first’-first responders at the 9-1-1 Communications Center. These individuals direct first responders 24/7, 365 days a year, and are available to answer emergency calls caused by bad weather, fires, car accidents, violent crimes, and everything in between. They are highly trained and play a primary role in maintaining public safety for the residents of Bell County.

“It was evident to me that those working as 9-1-1 call takers are driven by caring for the community through their stressful jobs,” noted Brooke Barron, BGFN and LT Class of 2023 participant. “The hearts and storks on the wall representing their assistance with CPR life saves and delivering babies was extremely touching.”

The day continued with a stop at the Bell County Jail with a briefing and tour by Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange and members of his team.

The Pandemic had a negative and continuous impact on the operational efficiency and capacity of the County Jail system. This caused the County to resort to drastic measures to house inmates, including at other jail facilities across the state at an average monthly cost of $400,000.

In May 2021, the Bell County Commissioners Court approved the Bell County Jail expansion project. The first phase of construction is now nearing completion, and the LT class had the opportunity to see the new pod that will help alleviate some of the capacity issues.

The afternoon continued with a deep dive into the judicial system with District and County Judges and Attorneys. “I know that I am making a difference in one person’s life, which is enough. Making a difference is important to me,” said Stephanie Newell, First Assistant District Attorney.

The final stop was at the Bell County Clerk’s Office. The Bell County Clerk's office is responsible for recording our county history.
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“What struck me the most was the dedication of the people we encountered, who do difficult and demanding jobs. From the call center to the jail, to the justice center - Bell County employees are dedicated to keeping the community safe,” said Christine Leal, City of Temple and LT Class of 2023 participant.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2023 Board of Directors and Officers, including four new members.
 
Robert Jones of Cadence Bank will serve as Chair of the Board, succeeding Gayle Kiger of News Channel 6 KCEN TV. Kayla Landeros of West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C. has been named First Vice-Chair.
 
The 2023 Board of Directors will focus on critical issues for the Temple Chamber of Commerce membership and business community, including providing valuable resources for member businesses, keeping members informed, connected, and prosperous, advancing community excellence, and maintaining organizational sustainability.
 
Bo Harvey of Treno Pizzeria & Taproom will continue to serve as Treasurer. Other Officers for the 2023 Board of Directors are Gayle Kiger of News Channel 6 KCEN TV, Immediate Past Chair; Claire Hartman of First Community Title, Vice-Chair of Organization Improvement; Mike Pilkington of Bell Contractors, Vice-Chair of Governmental Affairs; Kim Langston of 3 Texans Winery & Vineyard, Vice-Chair of Membership Services; and Dr. Christy Ponce of Temple College, Vice-Chair of Business and Community Development.
 
The four joining the Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2023, are Natascha Bates, H-E-B Temple #182, Dell Ingram-Walker, McLane Children's Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, H.B. Macey, Perry Office Plus, and Mark Woodford of Polar Texas Bottling.
 
“Business leaders who agree to serve on the Chamber Board share a commitment to creating an environment where all can thrive,” said Rod Henry, President, and CEO of the Temple Chamber. “We will continue to build upon the strength of the previous year, with the knowledge and experience our Board provides of particular value in continuing to effectively lead to preserve, protect, and promote a business-friendly environment.”