​The Temple Chamber of Commerce is honored to invite the business community to Salute to Business 2024. Salute to Business is an annual banquet used to reflect on the past year, pass on Chamber leadership positions, and gain inspiration for the new year.
 
“Salute to Business is a signature event of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, that brings business and community leadership together to celebrate the excitement of the transformation happening in the greater Temple community,” said Rod Henry, President & CEO of the Temple Chamber of Commerce.
 
Salute to Business will be held at the Mayborn Convention Center on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. A social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and a keynote speaker.
 
The keynote speaker for the 2024 event is Patricia J. Sulak, M.D. co-founder of Living WELL Aware, a holistic wellness educational program. Dr. Sulak is passionate about improving the lives of everyone she encounters.
 
She and her husband, Jeffrey A. Waxman, M.D., are co-Founders of Living WELL Aware. While internationally known for her innovative research on difficult women’s medical issues, her current endeavor is assisting men and women of all ages in elevating their health and happiness.
 
She sees first-hand the declining physical, emotional, and social well-being of Americans. The good news: There are doable strategies to deal with these problems. Dr. Sulak shows the way to reclaiming our health and happiness, using her experience of over 40 years as a physician, educator, researcher, and highest-rated speaker.
 
She is ideally positioned to provide the best in validated wellness information and has the gift of helping audiences comprehend the root causes of common health issues, assisting them in visualizing and achieving their goals, and addressing the key reasons we all struggle in making life-improving changes. Through her keynote presentations, conferences, webinar series, and her book, workbook, and wellness journal, Dr Sulak provides the necessary framework for all of us to have fulfilling lives.
 
For more information visit templechamber.com or contact the Temple Chamber of Commerce at (254) 773-2105.

​Imagine a crisp December night in Temple — streets adorned with twinkling lights; the air filled with festive tunes. In the heart of our community, a local shop buzzes with holiday joy. The bell above the door jingles as customers step into a world of warmth and unique treasures. Each gift chosen becomes a brushstroke in our community's vibrant story, a tale of resilience and unity. This holiday season, as you shop locally, you're not just buying gifts; you're becoming a part of our magical, hometown story.
 
As we approach the holiday season, the significance of Shop Local becomes even more pronounced. Choosing to spend money at local stores and services directly invests in our community, contributing to its growth and prosperity.
 
According to the Small Business Association, when you spend $100 at a local store, approximately $68 stays in the community, compared to $43 when spent at a national chain. Local business owners also create jobs, support families, and contribute more to local causes. Small businesses donate 250 percent more than larger businesses, showcasing their commitment to community support.
 
Beyond economic benefits, shopping local offers personalized service, unique products, and helps maintain the distinctive character of the greater Temple area and small businesses.
 
This holiday season, join the movement to Shop Local! According to the Nerdwallet 2023 Holiday Shopping Report, over a quarter of 2023 holiday shoppers (27%) plan to shop more at local and small businesses to support their community.
 
Holiday sales are a crucial time for retailers, accounting for as much as 30% of their annual sales, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Projected retail holiday sales for 2023 are expected to increase between 3%-4%, continuing a trend of annual growth since 2009. Despite a slower growth rate compared to recent years, this increase aligns with pre-pandemic levels, with online sales expected to rise between 7%-9%.
 
Consumer behavior post-COVID-19 continues to shift, emphasizing the importance of supporting local stores. Individual spending is projected to be slightly higher this year, with an expected consumer average of $875 on holiday gifts, décor, and other items, according to NRF’s latest holiday survey.
 
Shopping is not just about the thrill of discovery; it's an investment in our community.
 
Let the joy of shopping become a collective celebration of our community's spirit and uniqueness this holiday season and beyond. Discover the hidden gems for shopping, enjoyment, and exploration in the greater Temple area by exploring the Temple Chamber's online Business Directory at bit.ly/ThinkTempleFirst.

​A final comment …
 
Last evening [November 30, 2023], the Temple Chamber hosted the first Jingle & Mingle Business After Hours at Wildflower Country Club, kicking off the 2023 Christmas Holiday Season! The event was filled with great entertainment, delicious appetizers, the opportunity to “jingle & mingle”, and a special gift presented to those in attendance … the first commemorative Temple Christmas ornament … this year capturing the image of what was once a downtown Temple holiday tradition mixed with local folklore! The only thing missing was the dusting of snow and Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas”!
 
We are entering a very special time of year. A time for reflection and renewal. A time for sharing and caring. A time to celebrate achievement and to re-establish dreams, hopes, and the proverbial resolution for the coming year.
 
Let’s pause just a moment and look back at what is happening from the core of our community and radiating out in all directions. The renaissance we are experiencing is not by chance. What we are seeing today is not a fluke. Thousands of hours have been spent by leaders … both private and public … to position the greater Temple community for the growth and development we feel and see today.
 
Over the years, Temple has transformed into a dynamic hub of economic activity, attracting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from near and far. Our business community is a vibrant tapestry woven together by hard work, resilience, and ingenuity. It has been a privilege to witness this growth and evolution of our local economy, and I am immensely proud of the accomplishments achieved together.
 
One of the hallmarks of Temple is the dedication and collaboration among our business and education leaders, community organizations, and government entities. Through the Temple Chamber of Commerce, we have fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation, bringing together businesses of all sizes to work towards common goals. Together, we have spearheaded initiatives to support entrepreneurship, encourage workforce development, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.
 
As all of us were experiencing the impact of COVID-19, then Winter Storm Uri, we were struck by a common theme from the hundreds if not thousands of calls and emails we were addressing. We had become the place to get the answers, to connect the dots. This revelation led us to adopt a new message, “We can help you at the Temple Chamber of Commerce”. This is more than just words … it is a way of life. It is OUR belief statement. Imagine the world today if everyone adopted and embraced those simple words.  
 
In a few days, I will be stepping away from a 40+ year career and finalizing plans to continue my passion to live the dream by serving others. My parting words of thought come from a quote attributed to Jay Danzie … your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and the way you make others feel is your trademark! Embrace the importance and opportunity of building relationships and partnerships.  
 
Thank you for your support, encouragement, guidance, and most importantly, friendship. God Bless!