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.

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,

To the Temple Chamber Membership,

I am honored for the opportunity to serve as your new President & CEO. The warm wishes and support shown to me since the announcement have humbled me deeply, and there are not sufficient words to express my gratitude.
 
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors for their commitment, careful consideration, and diligence in selecting the new Chamber President & CEO. Although I am not a new face at the Temple Chamber and have had the privilege of working with and for you over the past nine years, stepping into this role is a new and exciting challenge. I am approaching this next chapter with gratitude and enthusiasm to continue and enhance the work of our mission.
 
During my interview, I emphasized the importance of architecting a bold future and creating a visionary blueprint for the Temple Chamber. Boldness, to me, is not just a trait but an action, and our Chamber has a rich history of bold leadership.
 
The growth and development we see in our community today—from our lakes and interstate to our community college and Fort Cavazos (formerly Hood)—are the legacies of bold and pioneering leaders within the Temple Chamber. This foundation has paved the way for the success of our region for generations. Drawing strength from this courageous spirit, we will chart our bold new course.
 
This blueprint is not a solitary endeavor; it is a collaborative process. As we evaluate key priorities and hone in on our organizational goals, your feedback is vital.
 
Working alongside the Board, our dedicated Chamber Team, community partners, and Members, I am eager to embark on this collaborative journey of shaping our future. My top priority as your new President & CEO is to listen, understand, and identify areas where we can deliver more value to our Members and the greater community.
 
To achieve this, we will initiate a strategic planning process that charts our course for the next 3 to 5 years. While we have programming and events already scheduled for 2024, we understand that the landscape may evolve, and our initiatives into the future must adapt accordingly. Our focus will be on mission-critical work that provides our Members with the utmost value and impact.
 
One significant aspect we will address is our Chamber's lean team. We are committed to bolstering our resources to ensure we provide you with adequate support and service. This includes strategically staffing our team with individuals who embody a servant heart and are dedicated to the growth and success of our Members and community.
 
Additionally, streamlining our current responsibilities will create new opportunities for our team to excel and innovate. By aligning our efforts intentionally and thoughtfully, we can maximize our impact and effectiveness.
 
As we move forward, I invite you to share your insights, ideas, and feedback openly. Your input will be instrumental in shaping our strategies and initiatives. Together, we will navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and architect a bold, visionary blueprint for the Temple Chamber of Commerce.
 
Thank you once again for your support. I am genuinely excited about the journey ahead and the incredible possibilities that await us.

Kindly,
Whitney

Whitney Theriot
President & CEO
Temple Chamber of Commerce