Chamber Focus | April 2024 by Temple Daily Telegram

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

2024 Spirit of Santa Fe Trail

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail invites guests to explore the growing number of Central Texas wineries, distilleries, and breweries. The annual event hosted by the Temple Chamber of Commerce is in its fourth year and has grown from a single day on the Plaza to a multi-week self-guided tour featuring 12 locations. Guests can enjoy an exclusive offer from each location from April 12 through April 28 with a $25 ticket. Purchase tickets online at www.templechamber.com/spiritofsantafe.

APRIL 2024

BUSINESS LINK LUNCH

Thursday, April 11, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Leadership Temple Class of 2025: Accepting Applications

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

The Temple Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce that the Leadership Temple program is now accepting applications for the Class of 2025.

Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program that surveys the inner workings of Temple and Central Texas helping both current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership plays in its long-term success. The 9-month program has class sessions once a month, and topics covered include City, County, and State

Government; Fort Cavazos; Economic Development; and Social Services. The program facilitates opportunities for dialogue among participants and current community, business, and non-profit leaders. It also encourages participants to engage in activities that contribute to the growth and betterment of the community.

Further details about the program, including the application, are available at www.templechamber.com/leadershiptemple. The application deadline is Friday, June 14, 2024.

Save the Date for April Business After Hours

Join us for our April Business After Hours sponsored by Boley’s Smart Foundation Repair and Wilson Valley Mercantile. The event is Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Wilson Valley Mercantile, 2421 Wilson Valley Loop, Little-River Academy, TX.

Business After Hours is an opportunity for Temple Chamber Members to develop new business relationships in a relaxed, social environment by joining other busy professionals after hours. This event will be full of fun, food, and networking!

Registration is not required for this event. For questions, call (254) 773-2105.

LOCAL TEAM. LOCAL DECISIONS.

Here at Extraco, we understand that by building people and businesses, we’re building communities. It is important to each of our employees to give back to the communities that they not only work in but live in.

In 2023, Extraco employees volunteered more than 4,000 hours, and impacted a total of 398 organizations. We remain committed to serving central Texas communities like Bell County!

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 3

LEARN MORE! extracobanks.com/business

RIBBON CUTTING

93 Nursery and Landscape Supply, LLC Grand Opening

93 Nursery and Landscape Supply, LLC is the newest destination for top-quality nursery plants and landscape supplies! Their team provides you with a wide range of beautiful plants, trees, and landscaping materials to enhance your outdoor spaces. Visit them today at 530 W. FM 93, Temple, TX 76502.

Andrew Voelter 530 W. FM 93 Temple, TX 76502

(254) 616-9889

www.facebook.com/93Nursery

Capitol Home Health Grand Opening

Capitol Home Health is a home health agency committed to providing the absolute highest quality of care possible inside the comfort and security of our patient’s home. Our continuum of care includes the patient, the physician and our skilled staff, as well as all other necessary professionals, to ensure a safe healing environment.

Natalie Almquist

2320 S. 31st Street, Ste. 104 Temple, TX 76504

(254) 217-8414

www.capitolhomehealthcare.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 4 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

RIBBON CUTTING

Temple Dental Trails New Office Grand Opening

Welcome to Temple Dental Trails in Temple, TX! Dr. Rich and the team provide exceptional, patientcentered dental care. Their goal is to make your visits relaxing and enjoyable while building lasting relationships with you and your family. From world-class amenities to their commitment to compassionate dentistry, they are here to ensure your oral health journey is stress-free. They recently celebrated the grand opening of their new office and are continuing their legacy of exceptional care at 3731 W FM 93, STE 110, Temple, TX 76502.

Dr. Richard Leung

3731 W. FM 93, Ste. 110 Temple, TX 76502

(254) 771-1115

www.templedentaltrails.com

State of Temple College Public Policy Council Luncheon Review

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

Dr. Christy Ponce, President of Temple College, delivered a compelling ‘State of the College’ address for the recent Temple Chamber Public Policy Council Luncheon. The event, attended by over 150 individuals including state officials, city leaders, and business representatives, was held at the Hilton Garden Inn. The focus of Dr. Ponce's address was to shed light on the present accomplishments and future vision of Temple College.

Dr. Ponce's address resonated with optimism and excitement, as she highlighted the continuous growth in enrollment, the alignment of programs with regional employer needs, and the expansion of partnerships to create more opportunities for students.

The address also showcased architectural renderings and detailed insights into the ongoing and upcoming construction endeavors on campus, including the new Temple College Main Building, Arts and Workforce Building, Campus Services Center, and the forthcoming Health Sciences Building and renovations to the existing Health Sciences Center. These projects, made possible by a $124.9 million bond passed by Temple voters in 2021, are set to redefine the college's physical landscape and, more importantly, provide students with cutting-edge facilities and resources to excel in their educational journeys and career pursuits.

These transformative facilities will not only enhance the campus's appearance but also shape the trajectories of countless future students, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in their chosen fields or seamlessly transfer to four-year institutions.

The post-event buzz reflects a shared sense of excitement and anticipation for the transformative journey ahead for Temple College and our community.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 5

Entrepreneurs Wanted for the 2024 Launch Temple Program

The Rotary Club of Temple-South

The Rotary Club of Temple South is partnering with the Rotary Club of Temple, Temple Chamber of Commerce and Temple College to present the 2024 class of Launch Temple. This program was developed to provide small business

training, mentorship, networking and funding to local small business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs. At the end of the 10-week program, graduates will have a complete business plan and a be ready to start their own small business.

“We are very excited to continue this program,” said Karen Hawley , Community Service chair for the Rotary Club of Temple South. “This is our third year to present the Launch Temple program and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The program provides a great foundation of knowledge to help these entrepreneurs get off on the right foot. We are really looking forward to seeing more successful graduates come out of the program.”

“The Rotary Club of Temple is very excited to be a partner in this program, as well,” said Thomas Sinkey, president of the Rotary Club of Temple. “Rotary International has always made economic development a priority. This program truly stands to support that goal and will provide a positive impact on the local economy.”

The program is completely FREE for the participants. Online applications will be accepted from February 12 through April 5. Selected applicants will be notified of their status by April 19. Classes will be held Tuesday nights at 6:00pm beginning on May 14. All classes will be held on the Temple College campus.

For more information or to apply, please visit our website at www.LaunchTemple. com or call 254-298-5997.

How to Leverage AI for the Greatest Impact on Your Business | Regional Seminar

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

The Temple Chamber has partnered with regional Chambers of Commerce and the SCORE Chapter to bring an informative lunch 'n learn to the business community. If you are curious about how to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your business, join us on May 1, 2024, at the Cadence Bank Center.

Jessica Scanlon, owner of Hot Dog Marketing, will present this topic and we hope you will walk away with practical tips on how to use AI for the greatest impact on your business.

Registration for the event is being taken care of by the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 6 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

Leadership Temple State Day

William Dabney, BKCWS Insurance; Logan McClinton, CentraLand Title; and Bobbie Jo Young, Temple Chamber of Commerce - LT Class of 2024

As the saying goes, there truly is no place quite like Texas. For the Leadership Temple Class of 2024, journeying from the very heart of their beloved state to its esteemed Capitol for State Day proved to be an enlightening and unforgettable experience.

While visiting with different agencies and representatives at the Capitol, the class had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Capitol, hear about pressing political issues, learn about the functions of several state agencies, and gain insight into how these issues impact Bell County.

One classmate, Jennifer Avery, stated, “Leadership Temple – State Day – was truly a remarkable and fun day! From exploring the State Capitol’s rich history to engaging with esteemed leaders like State Representative Hugh Shine and Deputy Comptroller Lisa Craven was truly enlightening.”

The class met first met with District 55 House Representative Shine, who spoke about border security, property taxes, and public education. He spent time explaining how each issue impacted the State of Texas as a whole and the communities within his district. He then answered questions about recent policy and the trajectory of these issues.

The Director of Engineering and Safety Operations for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Jessica Butler, then visited with the Leadership Temple Class about the agency's budget, current major projects, and focus on safety.

She highlighted the department's goals regarding safety and emphasized the number of tragic accidents on our roadways that are in some way controllable or avoidable altogether. During their exploration, the class discovered the magnitude of Texas's infrastructure, with over 56,000 bridges and bridge structures dotting its expansive landscape. They also gained insight into the diverse array of departments within TxDOT, spanning rail, aviation, maritime, and ferry divisions.

Next up was Lisa Craven, representing the Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. She described the intricate workings of the State Comptroller's office, comparing Texas's system with those of other states. She explained the multifaceted responsibilities of the comptroller’s office, which include tax collection, bill payments, and the vigilant monitoring of economic dynamics and growth.

Lunch was hosted at the Texas Association of Business, where attendees enjoyed an enlightening presentation by Jeff Emerick, Manager of Member Relations. Jeff explained various facets of the robust Texas economy, leaving a positive impression on the class. Tom Elmore, one Leadership Temple participant, remarked, “It was very impressive to learn about the Texas Economy being the 8th largest in the world”.

After lunch, the group returned to the State Capitol for the grand tour, led by their knowledgeable guide, Derek. Amidst the tour, Derek entertained the class with the rich history of the Capitol. It was completed in 1888, financed through 3 million acres of public land. Nestled across 22 acres in downtown Austin, the Capitol stands out with its "sunset" red granite, a donation from the proprietors of Granite Mountain in nearby Burnet County and transported by a railway constructed solely for that purpose.

The group truly enjoyed visiting the rotunda of the Capitol. From the beautiful terrazzo floors to the stunning 266-foot-high dome, it was a tremendous highlight of the tour. Additionally, portraits of former governors of Texas line the walls of the rotunda up to the fourth floor. These oil paintings are arranged in chronological order, starting on the ground floor. This arrangement not only honors the individuals who have held the esteemed position of governor in Texas but also provides a visual journey through the state's political history.

The tour also included a visit to the Senate Chamber, which still boasts the original walnut desks for the 31 Senators. Unfortunately, the group was unable to visit the House Chamber - the largest room in the Capitol - as it was undergoing renovation. During the tour, Whitney Theriot, President of the Temple Chamber, shared a fun tidbit, noting that Ma Ferguson, the first female governor of Texas, hailed from Temple.

Concluding the day was a meeting with Jarvis Brewer from the Texas Economic Development & Tourism division of the Texas Governor’s Office. Jarvis delivered an engaging presentation, shedding light on their initiatives and endeavors to attract individuals and businesses to Texas. Notably, Temple was designated as the kick-off location for the Governor’s Small Business Summit in 2023.

The day proved to be both informative and inspiring, showcasing Texas as a beacon of opportunity and progress. It underscored the concerted efforts of our legislators in addressing pivotal issues to enhance the quality of life in our beloved state. Overall, it was a profoundly positive and enriching experience.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7

Small Business Connect Seminar Informs Small Business About Finance & Funding

Temple Chamber of Commerce Staff

Small Business owners seeking expert insights gathered early at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 3, 2024, where they also enjoyed breakfast, networking, and an informative seminar featuring a panel of local financial industry experts and entrepreneurs on the topic of ‘Access to Finance and Funding for Small Business’.

Small Business Connect is a new initiative of the Temple Chamber of Commerce launched in 2023, with the goal of resourcing small business owners to accelerate and enhance their businesses, through training from subject matter experts.

‘Access to Finance and Funding for Small Business’ was presented as a panel discussion moderated by Bryan Daniel, The Daniel Group of Ameriprise Financial, and consisting of panelists Art Coley, Jr., CGI Franchise, Jason Ehler, McLennan Small Business Development Center, Hudson Kennedy, CPA, Extraco Banks, and Jonathan Briscoe, Extraco Banks.

The moderator led attendees on a journey surrounding finance and funding for small business from the needs and challenges of start-ups and new business to accelerating and scaling a business to considerations for business exit strategies. Each of the panelists shared practical advice based on their personal experiences and expertise.

One key takeaway from the seminar was the importance of proactive financial management and strategic planning. Many attendees expressed newfound confidence in approaching lenders, optimizing their budgets, and making informed decisions to drive business growth.

The Temple Chamber extends its gratitude to all the panelists, attendees, and sponsors who made this seminar a success.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 8 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM