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.

​If you weren’t able to make it to last week’s SizeUp Temple Launch & Ribbon Cutting at the Temple Chamber office, here’s what you missed…

The Temple Chamber of Commerce officially unveiled SizeUp Temple, a powerful new online tool that gives local entrepreneurs and business owners access to the kind of data and insights once reserved for large corporations.

Now live on our website, SizeUp Temple helps businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions—whether you’re comparing your performance against competitors, identifying potential customers and suppliers, finding the best locations for expansion, or targeting your ideal audience.

A big thank-you goes to J.R. Charles with SizeUp for joining us for an engaging live demonstration of this powerful tool. Attendees saw firsthand how local businesses can use SizeUp Temple to uncover opportunities, benchmark performance, and explore detailed market insights tailored to Temple and Bell County.
 
This resource is available free of charge through the Chamber’s Small Business Connect Initiative, supported by our sponsors: Extraco Banks, McLane Intelligent Solutions, City of Temple, McLane Company, and Meta

Small businesses are vital to the prosperity of our community. They represent over 99% of all U.S. companies and create the majority of new private-sector jobs. Tools like SizeUp Temple ensure that those businesses have access to the same level of intelligence and opportunity as their larger counterparts.

Now it’s your turn—take it for a spin!

Explore SizeUp Temple today at www.templechamber.com/sizeuptemple

This week, the Temple Chamber of Commerce joins chambers across the state in celebrating Texas Chamber of Commerce Week, officially proclaimed by Governor Greg Abbott to recognize the vital role local Chambers play in driving economic growth and community prosperity.

Chambers of Commerce are more than Membership organizations; they are connectors, advocates, and catalysts for progress. From small business support to workforce development and public policy leadership, Chambers power local economies and keep Texas the best place to live, work, and do business.

Here in Temple, that mission is alive and well. Every day, the Temple Chamber helps businesses connect with opportunity, strengthen their voice, and access the tools they need to succeed. As part of this week of celebration, we’re proud to continue that commitment by launching a new online business intelligence tool designed to help local businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions.

This free digital resource—available Thursday, October 16—will make market research and competitive insights more accessible than ever before for Temple’s small business community. It’s another way the Temple Chamber is helping entrepreneurs plan, grow, and thrive in a changing economy.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the impact of Chambers across Texas and in exploring this new era of business empowerment right here in Temple.

Learn more and join the launch event on Thursday, October 16, 9:00 a.m. at the Temple Chamber of Commerce. RSVP today:  https://bit.ly/EmpowerLocalBusiness
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Read the Governor’s Proclamation