Business and Community Development

Leadership Temple
Now in its 33rd year, Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program designed to help current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership plays in its long-term success. It seeks to inform participants about Temple's history, government, economy, social issues, needs and opportunities, and the existing processes for dealing with them. It seeks to foster dialogue among participants and current leaders of Temple and encourage participants to actively engage in activities, which contribute to the growth and betterment of the community.

LT graduates are prepared for active involvement in future endeavors which contribute to the growth and betterment of not only the Temple Chamber, but for local government boards, committees and councils. Graduates are encouraged to complete an application of interest with local government to be considered for appointment.

Our 2020 objectives are to:

• Continue to enhance the LT experience
• Host Quarterly Alumni Luncheons
• Host Annual Alumni Banquet
• Further develop Alumni engagement with LT 2.0 initiative to enhance leadership opportunities post graduation 

​
Small Business Connect
Small Business Connect develops, promotes, and supports small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the greater Temple community through partnerships and services that lead to the enhancement of small business and the local economy.

Our 2020 objectives are to:

• Host the McLennan Small Business Development Center at the Santa Fe Business Center monthly
• Work with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor McLane College of Business in development of educational opportunities for students to identify and assist with business issues
• Host periodic meetings with the Small Business Administration to better identify avenues of support for small business
• Host seminars and other programs to assist the growth of small business
• Develop initiatives to encourage support of local businesses​

Workforce Readiness Network
The Workforce Readiness Network is a vehicle for business, education, and community leaders to work together on improving our local workforce. The WRN identifies areas of need in both business and education, connecting the parties for dialogue, pooling resources, and acts as a catalyst and facilitator of partnership development to fulfill the long-term needs of our community’s growing workforce.

Our 2019 objectives are to:

• Conduct quarterly meetings of stakeholders to identify current & future workforce needs
• Support alignment of workforce training and education resources
• Participate in workforce related programs including:  Temple High School’s Career & Technical Education Business and Industry Advisory Council, Belton ISD’s Technology Planning Advisory Committee, P-20 Central Texas Regional Council
• Support and assist with the 8th Grade Career Days at Temple High School
• Support and assist with the College Career Days at Temple College and Central Texas College
• ​Plan and execute the 2nd Annual Central Texas Workforce Skills Summit
  
• Continue to facilitate the development of the Supply Chain Advisory Council with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor McLane College of Business

Governmental affairs

Military Relations Council
The Military Relations Council continues to build strong relationships with the 13th ESC and 1st MED Brigade at Fort Hood, as well as the 36th Sustainment Brigade with Texas Army National Guard. The MRC works to enhance and expand opportunities for community collaboration, information, and education. In 2020, the MRC will be engaged in the following:

• Host the 36th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon
• Conduct quarterly meetings to inform, educate, and communicate
• Attend and support military related events and ceremonies
• Assist Texas Army National Guard with re-opening of the Temple Armory
• Plan and promote Temple Day at Fort Hood, April 13, 2020
• Assist armed forces recruiters
• Identify and recognize Vietnam Era Veterans with the Commemorative Pin
• Support and engage with:  Association of the United States Army Central Texas Fort Hood Chapter; 13th COSCOM Association

Public Policy Council
The Public Policy Council is our direct connection for all matters related to local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory advocacy. PPC advances sound public policy to strengthen private enterprise, and improves our regions pro-business economic climate and quality of life. PPC is a subscription initiative and in 2020 will be engaged in the following:

• Update the Temple Chamber Legislative Priorities 2019/2020
• Communicate and advocate legislative priorities to elected officials and chamber membership
• Facilitate elected federal officials visits to the community
• Host three Public Policy Legislative Luncheons
• Conduct twelve Public Policy Executive Briefings
• Host Third House Sessions on the first Monday of the month
• Develop Industry Focus Groups to address targeted issues
• Encourage appointment of Temple Chamber members to City boards and commissions
• Engage members to become active and engaged in issues affecting business at the local, state, and federal level

membership services

12th Chamber Golf Classic powered by Amos Electric
The 12th Chamber Golf Classic Powered by Amos Electric is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2020, at Wildflower Country Club. This signature event is an opportunity to support the Chamber while enjoying an afternoon on the links. The committee will plan, organize, and coordinate sponsorships and the events of the day. 
 
Baylor Scott & White Health Community Showcase
Now in its 10th year, the Baylor Scott & White Health Community Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2020, at the Mayborn Convention Center. This signature event provides a link between Chamber members and the Resident Physicians, Fellows, and new senior staff at BSWH Temple. The Showcase provides an opportunity for members to promote their products, goods, and services.
 
Chamber Connectivity Council
The Chamber Connectivity Council provides the opportunity for the membership to enhance and maximize networking opportunities on a regular basis through various programs and events. Our 2020 objectives are to:

• Host monthly Business Link Lunch networking events
• Host monthly Business After Hours networking events
• Host First Friday Wine Downs
• Explore new affinity programs
• Explore additional venues for providing networking opportunities

 
Chamber Ambassadors
The Chamber Ambassadors provide a unified image at business celebrations whether it is the welcoming of visitors, opening of a new business, expansion, or the ground breaking for a new employer.
 
Salute to Business
Salute to Business is one of our signature events. It was held Tuesday, January 28, 2020, with keynote speaker Governor Greg Abbott. A native Texan, Governor Abbott was born in Wichita Falls and raised in Duncanville. After graduating from The University of Texas, he received his law degree from Vanderbilt. Shortly after graduating from law school, he was partially paralyzed by a falling tree while jogging. Abbott previously served as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court and as a State District Judge in Harris County. Before his election as Governor in 2014, Abbott was the 50th and longest-serving Attorney General of Texas. He and his wife, Cecilia, have been married for 38 years and have a daughter, Audrey, who attends college. STB is where we recognize community excellence, community partnerships, and celebrate the transformation of our community.

Organization Improvement

The Organization Improvement Pillar focuses on the structure, operations, policy, leadership, finances, technology, and staffing to ensure the investment of time, energy, and resources meets or exceeds expectations.