The holiday season has officially arrived in Temple. Aside from the excitement and pageantry of the Temple Christmas Parade, there is one unmistakable local signal that December is here: Santa has been spotted atop Lengefeld Lumber. For generations, the Jolly Ol’ Elf’s appearance downtown has served as Temple’s unofficial marker that the season of celebration has begun.

Longtime residents know this Santa has stories to tell. The fourteen-foot-tall figure first appeared on a printing building at North Sixth Street and East Adams, where it watched over downtown for years before a spirited group of Temple High School students borrowed him for an ill-fated campus prank.

After a few conversations with authorities, Santa was safely returned and later took up residence atop the Temple Daily Telegram portico on South First Street. His arrival each year let families know the hustle and bustle of the season had begun.

Santa eventually found his way to Lengefeld Lumber’s former location in downtown Temple, where his iconic red suit and bag filled with two-by-fours — the perfect gift for every handyman — became a beloved symbol of Temple’s holiday spirit.

When Lengefeld moved to Lucius McCelvey Drive, the community didn’t forget him. Refurbished and looking none the worse for wear, Santa again stands proudly above the business, greeting residents as December begins.

Now, with Santa once again taking his familiar place above Lengefeld Lumber, the message is clear: the holiday season is here. His return each year ushers in a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and community pride, and is a tradition that stands the test of time.
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Santa, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce, wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!

The Temple Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the fifth annual Summer Sizzle “Seltzer”, presented by Polar Texas Bottling, on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Santa Fe Plaza, 301 Santa Fe Way, in Downtown Temple.

This free, family-friendly block party is the perfect way to wrap up the summer season! From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food trucks, a lively outdoor market, and activities for all ages.

This year’s Summer Sizzle “Seltzer” brings even more fun to the Plaza with exciting additions including free face painting, a mobile video game trailer, a foam party, inflatables, a caricature artist, and a jalapeño eating contest sponsored by Flintrock Builders.
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Live music by Members Only 80’s Party Band will begin at 7:30 pm in the Plaza Greens. Known for high-energy performances and exceptional musicianship, bring your lawn chairs or blankets and settle in on the Plaza Greens for a great time.

Polar Texas Bottling is bringing the chill to the party, sharing their New England roots and refreshing Polar Beverages with Central Texas.

Founded in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1882 by a savvy bartender, Denis Crowley recognized an opportunity in carbonation as Prohibition began to rumble in New England. He crafted what he considered the best-tasting bubble recipe and began selling sparkling beverages from a horse-drawn carriage.

Today, Polar Beverages remains owned and operated by the Crowley family’s fourth and fifth generations, under the leadership of President and CEO Ralph Crowley Jr. They are the largest independent beverage company in the United States. They are purveyors of premium quality sparkling beverages, including Polar® Seltzer, heritage sodas, and Polar Orange Dry®.
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Summer Sizzle “Seltzer” is proudly supported by Polar Texas Bottling, McLane Company, Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors, Reynolds Consumer Products, Emerson Construction, Perry, Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp, PC, and Flintrock Builders.

Polar Texas Bottling invites you to sip into their world during this one-of-a-kind summer celebration. Come out, cool off, and connect with your community—Downtown Temple is the place to be on August 8.
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Learn more at: templechamber.com/2025-summer-seltzer.

Whitney Theriot, Temple Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

As the first quarter of 2025 wraps up, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum we’ve built and express gratitude to our Board of Directors, Chamber Members, Chamber Team, and the greater Temple community.
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If 2024 was a year of resilience and alignment, 2025 has roared into action—with focus, purpose, and impact. Over the past three months, we have moved from planning to execution, bringing our bold vision to life through strategic initiatives, strong partnerships, and meaningful engagement.

Quarter One Wins
In just the first quarter, we have:
• Welcomed 31 new Members, continuing the growth of our network of over 1,000 businesses and organizations.
• Celebrated 17 Ribbon Cuttings and Business Milestones, each one a meaningful celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Temple.
• Hosted Salute to Business, our 118th Annual Meeting—a signature event of the organization
featuring keynote speaker and documentary film maker Brett Culp, whose inspiring message of leadership and storytelling set the tone for the year ahead.
• Held a successful Temple Chamber Day at the Capitol, where we amplified our voice on critical issues for our business community, bringing together our Board of Directors, Public Policy Council, and Leadership Temple Class to constitute our delegation.
• Hosted the well-attended State of the City Luncheon, where Mayor Tim Davis and City
Manager Brynn Myers shared a compelling vision for “Growth with Purpose.”

From Vision to Action
We began the year with clarity—redefining our strategic framework with three verticals: Advocacy, Member Services, and Organizational Excellence. Each initiative we undertake now aligns with these core areas, ensuring that our efforts are intentional and impactful.
• Under Advocacy, we advanced with strong participation with the delegation at the Capitol,
a Public Policy Council luncheon, and advocacy efforts at the local level—most recently championing Member concerns regarding commercial roll-off dumpsters at City Council meetings.
• In Member Services, we introduced fresh engagement tools at our first six Business Link
Lunches and Business After Hours, including interactive games like a “conversation beach
ball” and a Veteran owned business showcase. Additionally, our Membership Directory in print and online continues to serve as a vital connector.
• Under Organizational Excellence, we’ve begun executing key aspects of our strategic plan--
including the initial development of a dashboard to enhance transparency and accountability for our Board of Directors and Membership, along with continued efforts to align governance with our long term vision.

Investing in Leadership and Legacy
Our commitment to community building and leadership development remains strong. The Board of Directors green lit the Leadership Temple Spring Project, opened applications for the Class of 2026, and continued recruitment for the Launch Temple entrepreneur program. We also celebrated legacy by establishing memorial contributions to honor past Chamber leaders.

Looking Ahead
The second quarter brings even more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and lead. We’re excited to support upcoming networking programs, educational partnerships, and enhanced storytelling to highlight the incredible businesses that shape Temple.

To our Members—thank you for your trust, partnership, and continued engagement. Your success is our mission, and together, we are building a resilient, connected, and thriving business community.

Here’s to continued momentum and bold progress in 2025!

Published first in the April 2025 Focus on Business - Temple Daily Telegram