​The COVID-19 outbreak has taken a toll on our families, friends, and neighbors. It has resulted in difficult times for many of our local businesses, which are vital and unique to our community. Early on in the pandemic, some industries were mandated to close temporarily, others had to scale back, and many have changed their operations completely.
 
As we enter the holiday season, and potentially another wave of COVID-19 cases, we must continue to support the local businesses who create the fabric and character of our community. It is easy to rely on online shopping in a time like this, but we have to think of the long-term consequences of a quick online checkout.
 
According to the Small Business Economic Impact Study, consumers’ local impact during the holiday shopping season is significant because an average of $0.67 of every dollar spent at local businesses stays in the local community.
 
Looking at that bigger picture, think how those dollars spent in the greater Temple area make our community a little better. The local businesses where you shop, dine, or play, employ our family, friends, and neighbors. They pay taxes, which help to provide essential services like police, fire and rescue, infrastructure improvements, schools, and parks. Local businesses also support various local clubs, teams, and events. 

This holiday shopping season, we encourage you to shop and buy local with Temple Chamber Members. Be sure to check out our Temple Chamber Member directory at web.templechamber.com/allcategories.
 
When visiting local establishments, be sure to wear a face-covering and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Plus, here are a few other ways to safely support local business:

1. Order Takeout or Delivery – many of our local restaurants have found a way to continue safely serving during this difficult time. Many have curbside pickup or even delivery options. Now is a perfect time to order from your favorite restaurant or to try somewhere new!
   
   
2. Order Ahead – simplify your transactions by placing your order before arriving. Many businesses are offering an option to purchase goods or services through their social media, via a phone call, or through email. Ordering ahead will shorten your exposure time to others and lessen the risk for everyone involved.
   
   
3. Purchase Gift Cards – support your favorite business by purchasing a gift card now to use later.
   
   
4. Write Positive Reviews – Write positive reviews of your favorite local businesses on Facebook, Google, and Yelp.
   
   
5. Utilize Social Media – Like, Follow, Comment, Share – help spread the news of your local businesses to your friends and followers!

 
Local business owners are our family members, friends, and neighbors; they are our community, and they need our support now more than ever before.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted a celebration of the military and veterans the past 35 years. Due to the pandemic, the 36th annual event was reimagined as a virtual salute to honor those on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle. This recognition will include the military (13th ESC/Fort Hood, 1st Medical Brigade/Fort Hood, 36th Sustainment Brigade/TxANG), veterans, JROTC, law enforcement, fire & rescue, EMS, and medical/health care professionals.

UNITY WITHIN COMMUNITY is the theme for the 36th Military & First Responder Salute.
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The traditional components of the Military Appreciation Luncheon such as the presentation and retirement of the Colors, National Anthem, Vietnam Era Veteran pinning, patriotic music, and messages of support are being recorded to create the virtual program.

Also, videos have been requested from various partners to ensure an impactful virtual program sharing the message of how the partners have waged “war” against the pandemic.
Community and military leaders have been asked to provide a short “shout-out” to recognize our honored guests for their engagement and leadership in the community. 

Replacing the annual luncheon, the Chamber and HEB are planning LUNCH TO GO outside of the Santa Fe Business Center on October 27, 2020, from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm (while supplies last).

​Veteran organizations, food kitchens, shelters, and sponsors will have an opportunity to pre-order lunch for pick-up. The general public, including walk-ups, will be accommodated with LUNCH TO GO either using a drive-up process or to-go table.

Video footage will be taken of LUNCH TO GO to include in the virtual presentation.

The inaugural airing of the finished product will occur on Tuesday, November 10, on the Temple Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel. 
 
​The overall video will be approximately 30-45 minutes in length. It will mix a message that is mindful of the struggles all have endured since early March, and the importance of the Greater Temple community bonding together to help our neighbors.

Photos from filming

TEMPLE, TX – The City of Temple has partnered with United Way and the Temple Chamber of Commerce in response to the economic hardships experienced by small businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organizations have established a Small Business Grant Program in an effort to retain jobs and stabilize local businesses. This program provides gap financing for businesses that have lost revenue as a result of social distancing and are at risk of layoffs or closure.

The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds.

“The primary goal of the program is to provide support so that businesses can retain jobs held by low to moderate income persons,” said Stephanie O’Banion, United Way CEO. “We are also hoping to provide assistance to microenterprises with low to moderate income owners. We know that these businesses are vital to the economic health and well-being of our community.”

The program will use $90,000 of CDBG-CV funds to provide grants of up to $5,000 to businesses with up to fifty (50) full-time equivalent employees at the time of application, or up to five (5) full-time equivalent employees with a low to moderate income owner. The business must demonstrate a loss of gross revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to be considered for funding.

Applications will be accepted through August 5, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. on the United Way website.

Due to the anticipated number of submissions and limited funding, applications will be processed by an evaluation committee composed of United Way, Temple Chamber of Commerce, and City of Temple staff.

For more information about this program, contact the United Way by calling 211 or visiting www.uwct.org.
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The application can be found here.