On May 22, 2024, two devastating tornadoes tore through Bell County, leaving nearly 500 homes and businesses in ruins or severely damaged. As the sun rose the following morning, our community, though bruised and battered, showed its true resilience. The City of Temple declared a disaster, and in response, hundreds of dedicated individuals mobilized. They assessed the damage, prepared meals, cleared debris, and united under the banner of Temple Strong.

The Temple Chamber staff has been dedicated to assisting affected businesses and backing the City's recovery efforts. Our team was honored to help serve food alongside the Bell County Business Group at Tarver Elementary and humbled to deliver meals to firefighters at a dark and powerless station. The Chamber served as a location for donation drop-offs and lent a hand at the Temple Strong donation drive organized by one of our remarkable Chamber members, Bold Republic Brewing Company. Led by General Manager Matt Serna, Bold Republic gathered massive amounts of clothing, toiletries, housewares, and non-perishable food for those in need.

Among our other extraordinary members, Shaffin Wegener of State Farm provided 1,500 meals over two consecutive days to residents without electricity. Haute Dog offered hundreds of free meals to those in need. Our roofing and restoration members worked around the clock, providing free tarping and water removal services, often with little to no sleep. Numerous other members, including Family Promise, 7 Mares, Feed My Sheep, Paradise Nails, Texas Roadhouse, United Way of Central Texas, Wings, Pizza ‘N Things, 3 Texans Winery, Bulldog Auto Detailing, Extraco Banks, KCEN Channel 6, Texell Credit Union, Vista Real Estate and countless others, stepped up to serve the community.

On May 24, 2024, the Temple and Belton Chambers issued a joint statement, a unified call for support, urging members to contribute to The Tornado Relief Fund established by the United Way. The Temple Chamber is ready to support businesses in providing information regarding operating hours and recovery updates to the public. We encourage our members to contact us for any inquiries or assistance needed. We are actively monitoring resource updates and will continue to communicate this information to our membership.

If you need help with recovery, reach out to The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800-621-3362. FEMA plans to establish a disaster resource center at Tarver Elementary School in Temple. Small businesses looking for recovery support can find information from the Office of the Governor at https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/recover.  We will rise from these ashes, stronger than ever, thanks to the boundless compassion and determination of those who live and work here. Together, we embody the spirit of Temple Strong.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, business and community leaders gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn-Temple to celebrate the Leadership Temple Alumni and the Leadership Temple Class of 2024 at the annual Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet.
 
This event, a product of a Class of 2018 Action Team project, aims to enhance the Alumni Association and the future impact of the program. It is an opportunity to network, learn about the current class project, and celebrate the new graduates.
 
Proceeds from the banquet contribute to the Leadership Temple Tuition Assistance Scholarship, designed to promote inclusivity and diversity within the program. This initiative supports small businesses and nonprofits, fostering a more representative community leadership landscape.

In the wake of the devastating tornado that recently struck our communities, the Belton Area and Temple Chambers of Commerce are coming together to call upon our members, businesses, and residents to unite to support a centralized fund dedicated to tornado relief efforts. The impact of this natural disaster has been profound, leaving many of our neighbors in urgent need of assistance.

The United Way of Central Texas has established a Tornado Relief Fund. The centralized fund aims to streamline the donation process, ensuring resources are distributed efficiently and effectively to those most affected by the tornado in Bell County.

It addresses immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts, including rebuilding and ensuring sustainable recovery. Supporting this fund not only aids those in immediate need but also strengthens the resilience of our community against future disasters, laying the foundation for a stronger, more prepared community.

Here is how you can help: Donate any amount, as every contribution makes a significant difference. Donations can be made online through a secure portal at www.uwct.org, via mail, or dropped off at United Way of Central Texas, 4 N. 3rd Street, Temple, TX 76501. Checks need to be made payable to United Way of Central Texas, Memo: Bell County Tornado Relief. 

Organize fundraising events within your business or community group, as every effort, big or small, strengthens our collective response. Use your networks to raise awareness about the Tornado Relief Fund, increasing its reach and impact.

In addition, United Way operates 2-1-1 Texas / United Way HELPLINE, the community’s key information source for those impacted – they are maintaining the most current information on shelters, basic needs assistance, and long-term recovery support.

The strength of the Belton Area and Temple Chambers of Commerce lies in our sense of community and our willingness to support one another in times of need. By coming together and supporting this centralized fund, we can ensure a more efficient, effective, and compassionate response to this disaster.

We thank you in advance for your generosity and commitment to helping our communities rebuild and recover. Together, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,