TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 1
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2024
FOCUS ON
BUSINESS A Letter to the Temple Chamber Membership & Community Whitney Theriot, Temple Chamber of Commerce
As we mark the midpoint of the year, I feel privileged to pen this update as the new President & CEO of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. Stepping into this role, I am deeply honored to continue the legacy of leadership that has defined our organization for 117 years.
JULY 2024 U.S. SBA DISASTER LOAN WEBINAR Monday, July 8, 2024 11:00 am
Registration Required https://bit.ly/3xebfOW
SMALL BUSINESS CONNECT DIGITAL BOOTCAMP Tuesday, July 23, 2024 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Registration Required https://bit.ly/DigitalBootcampTemple
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, July 24, 2024 5:00 - 7:00 pm Sponsored by: Extraco Banks
TempleChamber.com
While I have had the privilege of serving the Temple Chamber for the past nine years, stepping into the role of President & CEO has been a new and welcome challenge. I am committed to building upon and advancing our mission with renewed dedication and enthusiasm. During my interview, I emphasized the importance of architecting a bold future for the Temple Chamber. Boldness, to me, is not just a trait but an action, and our Chamber has a rich history of bold leadership. Since our founding in 1907 by a visionary group of leaders who paved sidewalks for downtown shoppers, the Temple Chamber has been instrumental in shaping our community's growth. From pioneering initiatives like the Blackland Experiment Station to establishing educational institutions, our history is a testament to our commitment to community progress. The growth and development we see in our community today—from our lakes and interstate to our community college and Fort Cavazos (formerly Hood)—are the legacies of bold and pioneering leaders within the Temple Chamber. Drawing strength from this courageous spirit, we are charting a bold new course for our future. This blueprint is not a solitary endeavor; it is a collaborative process. Together with the Board of Directors, our dedicated Chamber Team, community partners, and Members, we have embarked on a journey of shaping our future. My top priority remains listening, understanding, and identifying areas where we can enhance value for our Members and the broader community. To date in 2024, we have welcomed 55 new Members to the Temple Chamber, reflecting a thriving business climate in our region. Our Membership of over 1,000 Members includes
Whitney Theriot, President & CEO , Temple Chamber of Commerce industry titans like Wilsonart and McLane Company, healthcare leaders such as Baylor Scott & White Health, and innovative firms like PDI and Meta, alongside numerous small businesses that enrich our city's fabric. We have celebrated 22 ribbon-cutting ceremonies, symbolizing the birth of new ventures and the expansion of existing ones. In March, we held the State of Temple College Public Policy Council Luncheon, highlighting the present accomplishments and future vision of the institution. Temple College is redefining its physical landscape with new construction and renovations, providing students with cutting-edge facilities and resources to excel in their educational journeys and career paths. Leadership Temple graduated its 35th cohort in May and remains pivotal in cultivating the next generation of community leaders. Our new seminar series with Small Continued on page 3