Closing the Chapter: Reflecting on Temple’s Progress & A Grateful Goodbye

Rod Henry, President/CEO, Temple Chamber of Commerce

​A final comment …
 
Last evening [November 30, 2023], the Temple Chamber hosted the first Jingle & Mingle Business After Hours at Wildflower Country Club, kicking off the 2023 Christmas Holiday Season! The event was filled with great entertainment, delicious appetizers, the opportunity to “jingle & mingle”, and a special gift presented to those in attendance … the first commemorative Temple Christmas ornament … this year capturing the image of what was once a downtown Temple holiday tradition mixed with local folklore! The only thing missing was the dusting of snow and Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas”!
 
We are entering a very special time of year. A time for reflection and renewal. A time for sharing and caring. A time to celebrate achievement and to re-establish dreams, hopes, and the proverbial resolution for the coming year.
 
Let’s pause just a moment and look back at what is happening from the core of our community and radiating out in all directions. The renaissance we are experiencing is not by chance. What we are seeing today is not a fluke. Thousands of hours have been spent by leaders … both private and public … to position the greater Temple community for the growth and development we feel and see today.
 
Over the years, Temple has transformed into a dynamic hub of economic activity, attracting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from near and far. Our business community is a vibrant tapestry woven together by hard work, resilience, and ingenuity. It has been a privilege to witness this growth and evolution of our local economy, and I am immensely proud of the accomplishments achieved together.
 
One of the hallmarks of Temple is the dedication and collaboration among our business and education leaders, community organizations, and government entities. Through the Temple Chamber of Commerce, we have fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation, bringing together businesses of all sizes to work towards common goals. Together, we have spearheaded initiatives to support entrepreneurship, encourage workforce development, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.
 
As all of us were experiencing the impact of COVID-19, then Winter Storm Uri, we were struck by a common theme from the hundreds if not thousands of calls and emails we were addressing. We had become the place to get the answers, to connect the dots. This revelation led us to adopt a new message, “We can help you at the Temple Chamber of Commerce”. This is more than just words … it is a way of life. It is OUR belief statement. Imagine the world today if everyone adopted and embraced those simple words.  
 
In a few days, I will be stepping away from a 40+ year career and finalizing plans to continue my passion to live the dream by serving others. My parting words of thought come from a quote attributed to Jay Danzie … your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and the way you make others feel is your trademark! Embrace the importance and opportunity of building relationships and partnerships.  
 
Thank you for your support, encouragement, guidance, and most importantly, friendship. God Bless!

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