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As part of our mission to champion business success and regional prosperity, the Temple Chamber of Commerce served as a strong advocate at the local, state, and federal levels during the first quarter of 2025. Guided by our Public Policy Council and Board-approved Legislative Priorities, we’ve taken meaningful action on behalf of our Members in the following areas: State Legislative Advocacy Support for the Texas Water Fund Coalition | January 15, 2025 We joined more than 40 chambers and business organizations across Texas in signing a letter of support for the Texas Water Fund Coalition. This effort promotes a dedicated, long-term revenue source to meet critical water infrastructure needs—a $110 billion gap over the next 50 years. Reliable water infrastructure is vital to Temple’s continued economic growth and quality of life. Temple Chamber Day at the Capitol | March 4, 2025 In early March, the Temple Chamber led a delegation of business and community leaders to the Texas Capitol to engage directly with lawmakers during the 89th Legislative Session. This in-person advocacy effort strengthened our relationships with state officials and elevatedTemple’s voice on critical issues impacting Central Texas.  Opposition to Senate Bill 878 | March 17, 2025
We joined a coalition opposing SB 878, which proposed restrictive changes to Chapters 380/381 of the Local Government Code—tools communities like Temple rely on for job creation and investment. Our opposition aimed to protect local control, reduce regulatory burdens, and ensure Texas remains competitive in attracting new businesses. Support for Extending R&D Tax Incentives | March 17, 2025 We supported SB 2206 and HB 4393, which would extend key R&D tax incentives set to expire in 2026. These tools attract innovation-driven industries and sustain high-quality jobs—directly impacting Temple’s economic development goals. Federal Legislative Advocacy Support for Extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) | February 21, 2025 We joined nearly 500 business organizations nationwide in urging Congress to make permanent pro-growth provisions of the TCJA. A stable, transparent tax environment empowers businesses to plan, invest, and grow—critical to our national and regional economy. Monitoring Trade Policy, Tariffs, and Executive Action We remain actively engaged in federal trade discussions through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—particularly around the Administration’s proposed reciprocal tariffs and Section 232/301 investigations into imports like copper, lumber, and shipbuilding. While framed as tools to balance trade, these policies risk raising costs for U.S. businesses and consumers, disrupting supply chains, and weakening manufacturing competitiveness. In alignment with our Public Policy Council’s priority to support the free enterprise system, we oppose burdensome trade actions and regulatory overreach that increase costs and limit opportunity. We continue to monitor executive orders and federal reconciliation efforts that may impact trade, tax, and regulatory frameworks—and we advocate for policies that uphold free market principles and lower the cost of doing business locally and nationally. Local Advocacy State of the City, Growth with Purpose, Public Policy Council Luncheon | March 19, 2025 With more than 220 business and community leaders in attendance, the event served as both a reflection on the city’s trajectory and a rallying point for our shared future. This year’s theme, Growth with Purpose, underscored that while growth may be inevitable, purposeful growth is what truly drives meaningful progress. Championing Member Concerns on Commercial Roll-Off Dumpsters | March 2025 In response to Member concerns—and in partnership with the Temple Area Builders Association—the Chamber proactively addressed issues related to enforcement of Section 15-10 of the City of Temple Code of Ordinances, which regulates the collection and hauling of commercial construction and demolition debris. At the March 20 City Council meeting, the Chamber voiced appreciation for the Council’s unanimous adoption of a 120-day moratorium on enforcement. We reaffirmed our commitment to collaborating during the moratorium to help shape a long-term solution that supports private sector participation while maintaining public standards. Your Voice, Amplified Each of these initiatives reflects the power of our collective voice in shaping policy. As local, state, and federal decisions continue to evolve, your input remains essential. The Temple Chamber is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and advocating for the long-term success of our region.
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Whitney Theriot, Temple Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
As the first quarter of 2025 wraps up, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum we’ve built and express gratitude to our Board of Directors, Chamber Members, Chamber Team, and the greater Temple community. If 2024 was a year of resilience and alignment, 2025 has roared into action—with focus, purpose, and impact. Over the past three months, we have moved from planning to execution, bringing our bold vision to life through strategic initiatives, strong partnerships, and meaningful engagement. Quarter One Wins In just the first quarter, we have: • Welcomed 31 new Members, continuing the growth of our network of over 1,000 businesses and organizations. • Celebrated 17 Ribbon Cuttings and Business Milestones, each one a meaningful celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Temple. • Hosted Salute to Business, our 118th Annual Meeting—a signature event of the organization featuring keynote speaker and documentary film maker Brett Culp, whose inspiring message of leadership and storytelling set the tone for the year ahead. • Held a successful Temple Chamber Day at the Capitol, where we amplified our voice on critical issues for our business community, bringing together our Board of Directors, Public Policy Council, and Leadership Temple Class to constitute our delegation. • Hosted the well-attended State of the City Luncheon, where Mayor Tim Davis and City Manager Brynn Myers shared a compelling vision for “Growth with Purpose.” From Vision to Action We began the year with clarity—redefining our strategic framework with three verticals: Advocacy, Member Services, and Organizational Excellence. Each initiative we undertake now aligns with these core areas, ensuring that our efforts are intentional and impactful. • Under Advocacy, we advanced with strong participation with the delegation at the Capitol, a Public Policy Council luncheon, and advocacy efforts at the local level—most recently championing Member concerns regarding commercial roll-off dumpsters at City Council meetings. • In Member Services, we introduced fresh engagement tools at our first six Business Link Lunches and Business After Hours, including interactive games like a “conversation beach ball” and a Veteran owned business showcase. Additionally, our Membership Directory in print and online continues to serve as a vital connector. • Under Organizational Excellence, we’ve begun executing key aspects of our strategic plan-- including the initial development of a dashboard to enhance transparency and accountability for our Board of Directors and Membership, along with continued efforts to align governance with our long term vision. Investing in Leadership and Legacy Our commitment to community building and leadership development remains strong. The Board of Directors green lit the Leadership Temple Spring Project, opened applications for the Class of 2026, and continued recruitment for the Launch Temple entrepreneur program. We also celebrated legacy by establishing memorial contributions to honor past Chamber leaders. Looking Ahead The second quarter brings even more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and lead. We’re excited to support upcoming networking programs, educational partnerships, and enhanced storytelling to highlight the incredible businesses that shape Temple. To our Members—thank you for your trust, partnership, and continued engagement. Your success is our mission, and together, we are building a resilient, connected, and thriving business community. Here’s to continued momentum and bold progress in 2025! Published first in the April 2025 Focus on Business - Temple Daily Telegram Temple Chamber of Commerce: 2025 Legislative Priorities and Their Impact on Temple Businesses3/18/2025 The Temple Chamber of Commerce has a clear focus on what matters most to our local businesses. We’ve outlined our legislative priorities to help create a strong, business-friendly environment right here in Temple. Our goal? To support policies that drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life for both businesses and residents. Business Advocacy: Championing Free Enterprise and Local ControlThe Temple Chamber is committed to advocating for policies that support the free enterprise system. A business-friendly regulatory environment ensures that entrepreneurs and established businesses alike can operate without excessive government interference. By opposing burdensome legislation and advocating for local control over business regulations, the Chamber helps businesses maintain autonomy and efficiency in decision-making. Additionally, reducing employment barriers is a key focus. By supporting policies that remove obstacles to workforce participation, the Chamber is helping businesses access a broader, more skilled talent pool. This is particularly significant as many businesses face labor shortages and evolving workforce needs. Infrastructure and Transportation: |
