Temple Chamber joins Texas Coalition of Defense Communities to better serve Texas’ military missions

At the beginning of May 2023, the Temple Chamber of Commerce joined the Texas Coalition of Defense Communities (TCDC), created by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. This coalition was created to take a collective approach to advocating for policies, legislation, and initiatives that impact military missions – active, guard, and reserve. Texas’ military installations, infrastructure and personnel generate more than 136.6 billion to the state’s economy and make invaluable contributions to national security.
 
“Texas is the proud home to 15 military installations and the U.S. Army Futures Command, as our support for our nation’s military remains unwavering,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This coalition and its partners will play an important role in helping attract more military missions to Texas, ensure our brave men and women in uniform can benefit from the best economic opportunities, and bring together community and business leaders in military communities at the state and federal level. I look forward to working with the TCDC as we continue to support our nation's military and service members across Texas.”
 
TCDC partners include civic and business leadership of Texas’ military-connected communities and organizations that best represent the most active and engaged members from a business, industry, and economic development perspective. Current partners include:

• Abilene Chamber of Commerce
• Austin Chamber of Commerce
• Belton Area Chamber of Commerce
• City of Texarkana
• City of Del Rio
• Dallas Regional Chamber
• Del Rio Chamber Foundation
• El Paso Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce
• Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center
• Houston Military Affairs Committee (HMAC)
• Kingsville Chamber of Commerce
• Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
• San Angelo Chamber of Commerce
• San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
• Sheppard Military Affairs Committee (SMAC)
• Temple Chamber of Commerce
• United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
• Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce
  
  

The TCDC partners will work to avoid reductions in infrastructure, personnel and funding and seek to attract new missions and increase defense-related employment.
 
“Texas Coalition of Defense Communities brings together local Chambers and organizations from all over Texas who have a direct connection to one or more of the 15 military installations.  We are here to add strength to the message radiating out from the group to maintain a strong commitment and support for the military and our local economies,” says Rod Henry, Temple Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.
 
TCDC will speak with one voice to our state and federal representatives, spearheading important advocacy on items that impact the state of Texas’ military missions.