Advocating for a Strong Business Climate
Temple’s business community thrives when its voice is heard. The Chamber’s advocacy work ensures that local employers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders have a clear, unified presence in the conversations that shape Temple’s future. Through strategic engagement, data-informed positions, and collaborative partnerships, the Chamber works to advance policies that strengthen the local economy, support workforce and industry needs, and enhance quality of life across Central Texas.
The Temple Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective voice for businesses across Temple and the region—amplifying member priorities at City Hall, the county courthouse, the State Capitol, and in Washington, D.C. Public policy directly influences business success, workforce opportunities, and overall quality of life, and the Chamber plays an active, informed role in ensuring business interests are represented where decisions are made.
A Strategic Approach to Advocacy
The Chamber champions policies that foster a business-friendly environment, remove barriers to growth, and support a resilient local economy. Advocacy positions are not taken lightly; they are shaped through a deliberate, collaborative process that reflects the perspectives of Temple’s business leaders.
How Advocacy Positions Are Formed
- Public Policy Council Members identify key issues and help shape recommended positions.
- Chamber staff translate those priorities into formal legislative agendas.
- The Board of Directors reviews and approves all agendas to ensure alignment with the Temple business community.
These approved agendas guide advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels and are shared with legislators, stakeholders, and Chamber members.
Local, State, and Federal Engagement
The Chamber actively engages with policymakers across all levels of government to advance member priorities.
Local
Advocacy
Positions on city and county issues are brought forward and approved by the Board as they arise.
State Legislative Agenda
- Conducted every even-numbered year, the Chamber surveys Public Policy Council Members and the Board to identify issues for the upcoming Texas Legislative Session.
- Staff draft the agenda, which is then reviewed and finalized in October/November.
- In odd-numbered years, the Chamber produces an interim agenda reflecting ongoing advocacy priorities.
Federal Legislative Agenda
The Chamber’s federal positions are informed by research and recommendations from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Association of Business. Staff prepare a draft agenda each year for Board approval in December, guiding engagement for the upcoming Congressional session.
These statewide and national partnerships add weight and credibility to member positions and strengthen the Chamber’s advocacy impact.
A Commitment to Non-Partisan Leadership
The Temple Chamber of Commerce does not endorse political candidates. Its advocacy is focused solely on issues—not individuals—with the mission of advancing policies that support economic vitality, business competitiveness, and community prosperity.