The Temple Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Grace Wallum as its new Programs & Events Coordinator. In this role, Grace will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Chamber events, ensuring engaging and impactful experiences for Members and the community.

A Temple-area resident for more than 23 years, Grace is a dedicated parent of three and brings nearly eight years of professional experience from Lake Belton Middle School. Her background has allowed her to build strong community relationships and foster a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and organizational excellence.

“I am honored to serve as the new Programs & Events Coordinator,” Grace shared. “It is a privilege to give back to a community that has given so much to me, and I am eager to help create experiences that connect and inspire our Members.”
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The Chamber looks forward to the leadership, creativity, and community-focused perspective Grace brings to this role.

A Letter to the Temple Chamber Membership & Community:

Some of the most meaningful moments of 2025 didn’t happen at a podium or during a formal event. They happened in quiet conversations with business owners, in thoughtful exchanges with partners, and in moments where steadiness mattered more than speed. Those experiences shaped not only the Chamber’s priorities this year, but how the work was carried out.
 
As the year comes to a close, it is a meaningful time to reflect on the work behind us and the path still ahead.
 
This year asked a great deal of many organizations, businesses, and leaders, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce was no exception. It was a year shaped by change, uncertainty, and evolving expectations, but also by resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to moving Temple forward.
 
Rather than focusing on volume or visibility, the Chamber spent 2025 prioritizing stability, trust, and long-term impact. That meant making thoughtful choices, strengthening internal operations, and staying focused on where the Chamber can add the most value for Members and the broader business community.
 
Like many employers, the Chamber continued to navigate staffing and capacity challenges throughout the year. These realities required careful prioritization, and, at times, a slower pace than originally anticipated. That discipline allowed the organization to remain steady and responsive while building a stronger foundation for the future.
 
Much of the work done this year may not have been highly visible, but it was essential. Clear roles, stronger systems, and intentional leadership create the conditions for sustainable service, consistent delivery, and long-term trust.
 
The policy landscape in 2025 continued to present uncertainty for businesses. Federal funding discussions, government shutdowns, and ongoing regulatory conversations affected industries central to Temple’s economy, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and military-connected sectors.
 
Throughout the year, the Temple Chamber remained engaged in advocacy efforts that were thoughtful, collaborative, and focused on stability. By working alongside regional and national partners, the Chamber helped ensure that the perspectives of local businesses were heard and represented in important conversations.
 
At its core, the Chamber exists to connect people — business owners, leaders, partners, and community stakeholders. That role remained central throughout 2025. Through networking opportunities, leadership programs, professional development, and signature events, the Chamber continued to create space for relationships to grow and ideas to be shared.
 
These connections matter, especially during times of uncertainty. They remind us that progress is rarely achieved alone and that strong communities are built through relationships rooted in trust.
 
The lessons of 2025 have helped clarify the Chamber’s direction moving forward. The focus ahead is on delivering value with intention, strengthening advocacy, supporting staff and volunteers, and continuing to serve as a reliable partner for Temple’s business community.
 
While challenges remain, there is also a strong sense of opportunity — to build on what has been learned, adapt thoughtfully, and lead with purpose and care.
 
This work is only possible through shared effort. Thank you to the Board of Directors for their leadership and guidance; to the Chamber staff for their professionalism and dedication; and to the Members, partners, and sponsors who continue to place their trust in the Chamber and invest in the future of Temple.
 
2025 was a year of steady leadership and shared commitment. The work continues, and the path forward is one we walk together.

Kindly,
Whitney Theriot, IOM
President & CEO
Temple Chamber of Commerce

The holiday season is here, and it is one of the most important times of year for local businesses across the Temple area. As shoppers make their lists, plan gatherings, and look for meaningful ways to celebrate, our community’s storefronts, restaurants, makers, and service providers are ready to welcome them with unique gifts, memorable experiences, and warm, personal service. Choosing to shop local is more than a convenient option. It is a decision that directly strengthens the businesses and families that fuel Temple’s economy.

From beautifully decorated windows to friendly greetings that feel like tradition, the holidays bring the heart of Temple’s entrepreneurial spirit into full view. These businesses represent years of dedication and community support, and this season offers an opportunity for all of us to help them thrive.

The Impact of Local Spending
A strong local business community builds a strong Temple. The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in the community. National chains return only $43 to the local economy.

Local businesses also contribute 250% more to local charities and community causes, supporting youth programs, nonprofits, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents. When people shop locally, they are supporting the very organizations and efforts that make Temple a connected and vibrant community.

For many small businesses, the holiday season represents a defining portion of their annual revenue. Every shopping choice made during this time creates meaningful momentum for the businesses that serve, employ, and invest in our region.

Holiday Shopping in 2025
Early forecasts for the 2025 holiday season show that shoppers are being more intentional with their purchases. Value, meaning, and community impact are at the forefront of consumer decision making. National spending is expected to grow modestly, and local businesses stand to benefit from a renewed focus on purchasing from trusted, community based establishments.

In Temple, this trend aligns with ongoing efforts to support existing businesses, grow emerging ones, and encourage residents to invest in the community through their spending choices. Shopping locally this season is a simple but powerful way to contribute to Temple’s continued growth.

Choosing Local First
Whether someone is searching for the perfect gift, planning a seasonal outing, or picking up a gift card to support a favorite restaurant, the Temple Chamber encourages everyone to Think Temple First. The Chamber’s Member Directory, available at bit.ly/ThinkTempleFirst, is a great place to discover local options that make holiday shopping easier and more meaningful.

Visiting a locally owned shop or restaurant not only supports business owners and their employees. It strengthens the economic foundation of the entire community. Small choices made throughout the season create a ripple effect that benefits Temple long after the holidays end.

A Community Call to Celebrate Local
As residents share their favorite local finds or highlight a positive experience with a local business, they are encouraged to tag the Chamber (@TempleChamber) or use the hashtag Think Temple First (#ThinkTempleFirst). This simple action helps others discover the businesses that make Temple special and amplifies the community spirit that defines the holiday season.

Shopping, dining, and celebrating locally is more than a tradition. It is an investment in Temple’s continued success. When the community chooses local businesses throughout the holiday season and beyond, it helps keep the heart of Temple strong, resilient, and full of promise.