​The Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet held on May 23, 2023, at the Hilton Garden Inn-Temple was filled with celebration and recognition. Business and community leaders gathered to honor the achievements of both the esteemed Leadership Temple Class of 2023 and the recipient of the 2023 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni award, Gary Schmidt.

The fifteen professionals comprising the Leadership Temple Class of 2023 were commended for their unwavering commitment and dedication throughout the intensive nine-month program. Their remarkable journey of community leadership, professional development, and personal growth was a testament to their passion and drive. Led by the capable leadership of Camryn Bintz, Class President, and David Shine, Curriculum Chair, these graduates have emerged as future leaders poised to make a lasting impact in their respective fields. The graduates of the Class of 2023 are:

Amanda Alvarado | First Community Title
Brooke Barron | Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier
Jodi Brazeal | Magnolia Realty Temple-Belton
Amanda Carlson | Temple Economic Development Corp.
Jeffrey Clark | City of Temple – Police Department
Kevin Craven | Baylor Scott & White Health
Jentry Davis | Temple Area Builders Association
Annette Farmer | Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas
Tanner Johnson | Central National Bank
Christine Leal | City of Temple – Performance Excellence
Ben Lopez | Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
Megan Mondrik | Garcia Architects
Cassidy Revis | Wildflower Country Club
Caleb Smith | First United Bank & Trust
Bryson Soden | Walmart Distribution Center #6083

The banquet provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to network and engage with the Class of 2023. Guests were also presented with a report on the Class's Action Team project, highlighting the practical application of their newfound skills and knowledge in addressing real-world challenges.

Amidst the festivities, the event reached a pinnacle as Gary Schmidt, an exceptional alumnus of the Leadership Temple program, was honored as the 2023 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni. This esteemed recognition celebrates Schmidt's outstanding professional accomplishments, remarkable service to the community, extraordinary leadership qualities, and enduring impact on Temple.

Schmidt's distinguished career began in 1978 as a Banker in Temple, and he has since risen to the position of President at Central National Bank, where he has demonstrated exemplary leadership since 2000. Beyond his professional achievements, Schmidt has been actively engaged in numerous community organizations and boards, leaving an indelible mark on the growth and development of Temple. His contributions to the Temple Economic Development Corporation, Temple Tax Reinvestment Zone #1, Temple Chamber of Commerce, Temple College Foundation, United Way of Central Texas, the Central Texas Housing Consortium, Temple Business League, and the Texas A&M Central Texas President's Advisory Council have been instrumental in shaping the city's success.

To honor Schmidt's accomplishments and his commitment to making a positive difference, a donation will be made to Altrusa International of Temple's Summer Fan Drive, benefiting the United Way of Central Texas. This contribution reflects Schmidt's dedication to serving the community and ensuring the well-being of its residents.

As the Leadership Temple Alumni and the Class of 2023 were commemorated, it was evident that they represent a vibrant force of leaders poised to create a lasting impact on Temple and beyond. Their graduation not only marks the end of an intensive program but also signifies the beginning of a lifelong journey to lead with excellence, inspire others, and continue making a positive difference in the greater Temple community.

A changing economic landscape is updating and shaping forecasts for residential and commercial real estate industry nationwide — including real estate within Temple.

Realtor.com’s 2022 Housing Market Forecast Midyear Update in June of 2022 shared a new prediction for inventory that will grow double-digits over 2021, offering buyers a better-than-expected chance to find a home in the months ahead. Among its projections: sales that will hit the second-highest level in 15 years, trailing only the 2021 pace.

“The supply chain shortages are dragging out the building process, (while) all of these people (are) coming into the area needing a place to live, work and play,” said Damon Gottschalk, president of the Temple-Belton Board of REALTORS. “This puts additional demands on all parts of our local economy. Commercial growth is strong.”

Still, Gottschalk warns against rushing into buying your first home. “The first step is to get with a well-known mortgage company,” he said. “They will tell you exactly what you need to do to better your position for buying a house — for example, save more cash, pay off certain debt and (repair your) credit.”

As to making a move specific to the Temple region, Gottschalk acknowledged vying for a home is a competitive process. “People are flocking here for a better way of life, with a lower cost of living,” he said. “Research projections show steady growth for the next 10 years.”

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for Realtor.com, shared that preparation will be key throughout 2022, as at the time of its June 2022 midyear report, it continues to be a seller’s market and asking prices remain high.

Her advice?

“For buyers who choose to wait until later in the year, take that time to assess your budget so you’re set up with a strong financial footing whenever you’re ready to move forward,” she said.