temple chamber launches diversity, equity & inclusion initiative

​Our region and world have changed. Not only is there a global pandemic, but our nation continues to struggle with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 
The Temple Chamber of Commerce, as an advocate for the greater Temple business community, recognizes that addressing the evolving demographic changes in our area is fundamental to the growth and sustainability of our members. Creating an inclusive and equitable environment that engages individuals reflective of the full spectrum of our community strengthens our organizations and is key to the success of Temple as a whole.
 
“The goal of a regionally diverse, inclusive workforce and increased economic prosperity for our citizens led our Executive Committee to propose a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council that our Chamber will implement with our members,” stated Rod Henry, Temple Chamber President.
 
The Chamber, in both its values and practices, is committed to inclusion and excellence in the management of all diverse people irrespective of differences. This means that there shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of this Chamber on-the-basis of economic position, gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
 
We recognize that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making. We believe inclusiveness is a fundamental principle of every organization that enhances its ability to respond more effectively to changing demographics and needs. We affirm our commitment to reflecting the diversity of the Central Texas region and the members of the Temple Chamber of Commerce.
 
The Vision and goals of the DEI Council are outlined below:

DEI Council Vision
We believe that all citizens deserve the right to live in a community that welcomes diversity and embraces the value of all citizens, irrespective of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physique, political persuasion, age, economic status, or any other way we differ from each other. The Temple Chamber welcomes everyone to our beautiful city, and we ask you to “Come as you are.”
 
The Chamber’s DEI Council focuses on economic competitiveness based on three key focus areas while highlighting diverse employee populations that are underrepresented. Focus areas include:  the workplace: adopting policies and practices that include people who have historically been absent from your organization; the workforce:  concerted effort to recruit qualified employees from traditionally underrepresented groups; and the marketplace:  more deeply involve minority-owned enterprises and consumers in the regional economy and recognize the enormous purchasing power of minority groups.
 
DEI Way Ahead
The Temple Chamber of Commerce DEI Council members reflect the diversity that makes our City strong and we will work closely with the City’s DEI efforts, to provide feedback and support. Our initial planning efforts will focus on race-relations.
  
We ask that our local business members support this effort and focus on the long-term health and growth of our City. For more information contact Rod Henry, Temple Chamber President, at (254) 773-2105.