Letter to Temple Chamber Membership from the new President & CEO Whitney Theriot

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