Celebrating Central texas women contributing to the temple chamber & community

​Every year March is designated Women’s History Month by Presidential proclamation. The month honors women’s contributions to American history. Taking a closer look at the local level, we want to celebrate the contributions Central Texas Women have made to the Temple Chamber of Commerce and the community.
 
First, we celebrate champions of business and community who served as Chair of the Temple Chamber’s Board of Directors. In the Chamber’s 114-year history, the Chamber has had two women in this role. Those women are Connie Madsen (1995) and Seleese Thompson (2009). Connie and Seleese built, shaped, and improved upon both the organization and the community.

Connie Madsen

Seleese Thompson

Connie also chaired other committees, such as the Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team of the American Institute of Architects (R/UDAT). In the late 1990s, R/UDAT created a plan for the revitalization of Downtown Temple. This work set the foundation for the current work happening in the heart of the city.
 
Seleese grew up in Temple, “riding her big wheel” up and down Scott Blvd. She has served and is active in many community organizations, including the Chamber and the United Way of Central Texas. She is a local business owner of Precious Memories Florist and Gift Shop, and her involvement has contributed to the growth and success of the business community.
 
Next, we celebrate other local businesswomen who currently serve in leadership roles within the Chamber as members of the Board of Directors. All are active members of the Chamber and community and nominated by their peers to impact the organization.
 
Claire Hartman, an Owner/Partner of First Community Title, is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and serves on the Executive Committee as a Vice-Chair for Organization Improvement. Shannon Gowan, Executive Director of The Ronald McDonald House, Kim Langston, Owner of 3 Texans Winery & Vineyard, and Jessica Walker, Owner of Lengefeld Lumber Company, all serve as members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Claire Hartman

Jessica Walker

Kim Langston

Shannon Gowan

Finally, we celebrate our Chamber Member Woman-Owned Businesses. They lead their workplaces and grow their businesses to the benefit of our community. The Woman-Owned Businesses that are a part of the Temple Chamber Membership offer unique products and services that give Central Texas its unique identity.
 
Each of these women shapes and defines the Temple Chamber of Commerce and the Central Texas community. They are all strong role models for young women and girls interested in entrepreneurship and leadership. This Women’s History Month, we honor and recognize their contributions to our organization and the community.