Chamber Focus | December 2020

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 1

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

FOCUS ON

BUSINESS Virtual Holiday Around Town

DECEMBER 2020 EVENTS

CALENDAR

VIRTUAL BUSINESS LINK LUNCH Thursday, December 10, 2020 12:00 pm Sponsored by: Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. Register at templechamber.com/events

VIRTUAL HOLIDAY AROUND TOWN Ongoing

Sponsored by: Bell County Expo Center templechamber.com/holiday-around-town https://fb.me/e/1yRJeDIMy

TempleChamber.com

To keep the community safe, the annual in-person Holiday Around Town event that was slated for November 19, 2020, shifted to a virtual setting.

The event is a combined effort between the Temple Chamber of Commerce, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Bell County Expo Center to encourage shopping, dining, and spending locally. It is an opportunity for the membership of both organizations to demonstrate what Temple and Belton have to offer.

“With a second wave of COVID-19 looming, we reimagined this event in a way that still showcases our members, their goods and services, while also mitigating the spread of the virus,” said Rod Henry, Temple Chamber President.

There are two platforms where one can visit the virtual event, the Temple Chamber facebook page (https:// fb.me/e/1yRJeDIMy) or the Temple Chamber website (templechamber.com/holiday-around-town).

“The virtual event is the perfect opportunity to explore and learn about local businesses all while getting in some holiday shopping,” said Kaylee Blumenfeld, Temple Chamber Event Coordinator.

On both platforms all participating vendors, their contact information, and potentially a special, are included. Take a look around as there might be a business offering the perfect item or service for gift-giving this Holiday season.

Participating Temple vendors include: 4 Legs of Love Boarding & Boutique, 855 Bugs.com, 9Round Fitness, Advanced Chiropractic, Animal Medical Care, Anthony Medical and Chiropractic, Automobili of Texas LLC, Ciaburri Brand, Cotton Patch Café, Dapper & Dashin’ Salon and Shop, Express Employment Professionals, Firefly Yoga & Movement Studio, First Christian Church, Grand Avenue Theater, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Grande Communications, Heart of Texas Hospice, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Temple-Belton, JLN Creates, Mary Kay Cosmetics/Jerlene Vrana, Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop, RE/MAX Temple-Belton Realtors, RE/ MAX Temple-Belton Realtors/Move with Mallory, Reliant, an NRG company, Salon Karen, Sears Hometown Store, Smile Doctors Braces, Spare Time Fun Center, Specific Clinic of Chiropractic, State Farm/ Tyler Jermstad, T3 The Gym, The Hub, U.S. Dermatology Partners, Veterans United Home Loans, Victory Designs Promotional Products, Wildflower Country Club, and Woods Flowers.

Check out the virtual Holiday Around Town here: templechamber.com/holiday-around-town.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

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November New Chamber Members A&D Tests, Inc. Jessica Moreno 4011 S. General Bruce Dr. Temple, TX 76502 (888) 845-8378 www.adtests.net Alcohol and Drug Testing

Automobili of Texas LLC Meagan Kapustka 11244 W. State Hwy 36 Temple, TX 76502 (254) 870-9599 www.amoftx.com Auto Dealers

John Houston Custom Homes Natalie Crabb 421 Century Way, Suite 100 Red Oak, TX 75154 (972) 937-4085 www.jhoustonhomes.com Home Builder

Specific Clinic of Chiropractic Josean Jimenez 204 Paloma Dr., Suite 110 Temple, TX 76502 (245) 598-2677 www.specificclinicofchirotx.com Chiropractors

November Renewing Chamber Members 2TP Services 360 Tents ACH Pest Inc. Acme Brick Company Alethium Star Homes Artco-Bell Corporation Belton Education Station Learning Ctr. Bob Mills Furniture Co., LLC Bryan Properties/Marion Grayson Canyon Creek Baptist Church Casebolt Tree Care Cen-Tex Roof Systems Ciaburri Brand Clear View Window Cleaning Coleman American Allied Van Lines

Best-Way Carpets 3206 AIRPORT ROAD (254) 770 - 0932 www.bestwaycarpets.com

Fairway Indep. Mortgage Company Family Pet Clinic Forest Trail Dental Care Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Heartland Resources, Inc. Holy Trinity Catholic High School Inn at Salado Winery, The J Kowboy Wine Bar Johnson, Kenneth A. & Pat Kasberg Cabinets KCEN Channel 6/Jessica Coleman KCEN Channel 6/Lyndie Miller KCEN Channel 6/Lynette VanBeber Kona Ice Lubes Plus/Amsoil

•SALES •SERVICE •INSTALLATION

Magnolia Realty/Addie Baird Earles Mary Kay Cosmetics/Jerlene Vrana Miller & Company, JIL, Inc. Parker, Judge Jeanne Rudy’s Repair & Remodel, LLC Sports World Temple Health & Bioscience District Tri-Supply U-Haul Moving & Storage of Temple Yellow House Bed and Breakfast Zoe’s Wings Foundation, Inc.

RENTING

The SMART way to get things done!

Choice Rentals, Inc.

254-774-8503 • 2405 S. Gen Bruce Dr, Temple, TX 76504 Lloyd Johle - Celebrating 50 Years in Business!

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 3

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

Now More Than Ever

Rod Henry, Temple Chamber of Commerce

Yep, it is that time of year for the traditional message from the Temple Chamber of Commerce reminding all of the importance of shopping and buying at home.

BUT, this year, the message takes on a little more significance!

COVID-19 has impacted society-upon our way of life, our schools, businesses, churches, and more. What used to be is no longer, at least for right now. The new norm is still not clearly defined. But one thing is for certain, the importance of the local businesses serving you yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The local businesses who have pivoted to find a safe and efficient way to provide you with the products, goods, and services you are seeking. The local businesses who pay taxes for local government services-police, fire, roads/streets, sanitation, and more.

The local businesses who pay taxes to keep our schools open and functioning educating tomorrows leaders. The local businesses who employee our friends, neighbors, family members, and possibly ourselves.

The local businesses who invest in the community we call home.

The local businesses we go to without hesitation for the sponsorship, donation, contributions for our soccer or baseball teams, clubs/organizations, the special event, and more.

NOW MORE THAN EVER, we ask for you to support the businesses in the greater Temple community! The businesses we rely on everyday of the year, now rely on us!

Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Alteration Specialist

Happy Holidays!

Call or go to johnniescleaners.biz to see this month’s special at your nearest location

Leave your business banking

to the experts.

As a business owner you wear a lot of hats, but when it comes to banking, leave it to the experts. At Extraco, we’ll handle the hard stuff, and you’ll be back to business in no time.

“We have masks” THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

116 S. Main, Downtown Temple 254-778-2408 Now Offering 24 Hour Dropbox at 37th Street Location

2703 S. 37th, Temple

254-770-0355

175 E. Lake, Belton (Behind CVS) 254-613-5638

Commercial Loans | Treasury Management | Business Bonus Banking

See what Extraco can do for your business, contact an Extraco Commercial Banker today at 254.774.5500 or visit extracobanks.com/business

“Se Habla Español” Extraco Banks is a Member FDIC.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

4 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

RIBBON

CUTTING A&D Tests, Inc. A&D Testing is a forensic specimen collection service for the workplace, government, schools, courts, and personal needs. A&D was established in 1991

by President Judith Williamson, providing 24 hour on site services throughout the State of Texas.

Jessica Moreno

4011 S. General Bruce Dr., Temple, TX 76502

(888) 845-8378 www.adtests.net

Ciaburri Brand Ciaburri Brand is a creative and strategic branding agency based in Belton, TX and founded in 2018

by John Ciaburri. They work directly with business owners and marketing directors to build brands that tell a story and deliver a clear and consistent message. They have experience working for clients from a number of different industries, such as restaurants, home builders, real estate agencies, manufacturing, retail, and construction. As a result, Ciaburri Brand can provide multiple services to virtually any company, including branding, logo design, website development, graphic design, and digital marketing.

John Ciaburri

127 Lake Road, #206, Belton, TX 76513

(254) 935-0007

www.ciaburribrand.com

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

RIBBON

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 5

CUTTING Pop-A-Lock Pop-A-Lock of Temple celebrated their new and improved Corporate office and Dispatch Center in November 2020. Pop-A-Lock of Temple provides rapid, reliable solutions to your lockout predicaments. They are a 24/7 full-service locksmith offering friendly, responsive service for the Temple area. Contact them for your locksmithing needs for your home, car, or business at (254) 771-3377 or visit them online at www.popalock.com/franchise/ temple-tx.

Jim Fetherman

1104 S. First St., Temple, TX 76504

(254) 771-3377

www.popalock.com/franchise/temple-tx

Treno Pizzeria & Taproom Treno Pizzeria and Taproom, located in the heart of Downtown Temple, TX, serves brick oven artisan pizza and offers 36 beer and wine taps. It is a destination for all ages with play areas and games for adults, too. Learn more at www. trenopizzeria.com.

Bruce Bates

112 S. First St., Temple, TX 76501

(254) 295-0091

www.trenopizzeria.com

6 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

Temple Health and Bioscience District Celebrates a Year of Life Science Innovation

Temple Health & Bioscience District Although 2020 has presented us with unexpected challenges at nearly every turn, there is reason to be hopeful: the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed project aims to deliver a vaccine to prevent future spread of COVID-19 by the end of 2020. As we await more news, there are several celebrations taking place now in Temple, Texas, specifically at Temple Health and Bioscience District (THBD).

Earlier this year, THBD played an integral role in the research of the coronavirus spread. One of the district’s tenant companies, Industrial Genetics, LLC, developed revolutionary wastewater and environmental surface testing to determine how the virus spreads inside businesses and organizations. All lab testing took place at THBD, with the results impacting the way hospitals, businesses, and even schools conduct business. This advancement paved the way for future development of health and life science companies to benefit from the immense resources available in Temple.

As news spreads of the new medical school destined for Temple, Texas, created through a partnership between Baylor Scott & White and Baylor College of Medicine, the time is ripe to announce the new THBD board members. While three of the elected officials have previously served on the bioscience board, THBD also welcomes a first-time representative.

“Thank you to Temple voters for participating in the first ever election for the Temple Health and Bioscience District (THBD). THBD has our strong community to thank for its existence as a key component of the life science industry in Central Texas,” says Tami Annable, THBD Executive Director.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Jason Locklin as our newest member of the board. We also look forward to continuing under the leadership of incumbent

Students will receive training in the state-of-the-art facilities at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple (Source: Baylor Scott & White Health)

THBD board members—Michael Norman, Tyler Johnson, and Dr. Robert Cortes.

With their visionary leadership, we are excited to see what the future holds as we continue to fulfill THBD’s mission to grow twenty-first century jobs by fostering bioscience education, research, and healthcare in Central Texas.”

As Temple’s role as a life sciences hub continues to grow, so will the role of THBD as an entity that helps businesses expand and professionals establish roots here. Temple provides vital leadership in the Central Texas bioscience corridor, with THBD fully-equipped at the epicenter.

To learn more about THBD, visit templebioscience.org.

KTB Virtual Holiday Eco-Lunch ‘n Learn on Facebook Live - December 9 Tanya Gray, Keep Temple Beautiful

I choose to believe that we are all innocent at heart. This magical innocence is recognized in us when we are children but as we grow up, many of us struggle to hold onto it. Life can be tough and can shatter that goodness in many ways.

Owner of Precious Memories Florist and Gift Shop, Seleese Thompson, will share fun facts and festive trees, arrangements, and tablescapes inspired by children’s Christmas books.

However, it is important for our own happiness and for peace in the world that we do not forget that childlike innocence especially at Christmas, my favorite time of the year. It’s a time when we can rediscover and reconnect with that feeling of innocence that is inside each of us and allow ourselves to become more open, more accepting and kinder.

In keeping with Keep Temple Beautiful’s annual holiday program, new festive tips and tricks to repurpose everyday items to add style to your home and office holiday decorations.

There’s a Christmas quote I like that goes, “In the eyes of children we find the joy of Christmas; in their hearts we find the meaning.” If you’re like me and you want to bring back that childhood joy, join Keep Temple Beautiful for our annual Holiday Eco-Lunch ‘n Learn. The event will take place on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 12 noon on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/keeptemplebeautiful.

This year’s theme is “Eco-Christmas Through the Eyes of A Child”. A Christmas Carol, Elf on the Shelf, Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer are just a few of the designs featured during this fast-paced Facebook Live event.

This Holiday Eco-Lunch ’n Learn will be festive and fun, sharing decorating tips on trees, tables and gift giving. The event is free and we encourage you to share the details with friends and family. We hope you will join us virtually.

From the Keep Temple Beautiful family to yours, “we wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday and a ‘waste-less’ New Year!” Much “Thanks” to all of our 2020 volunteers, sponsors, and partners.

For information concerning any of our projects or if you would like to become a partner, volunteer, or member contact Tanya Gray with Keep Temple Beautiful at (254) 493-4000.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7

Thankful for Opportunities in Temple, Texas Temple Economic Development Corporation

This year, 2020, has put a spotlight on where people choose to live and work.

As business restrictions forced temporary shutdowns, furloughs, and layoffs across the country, many Americans began to assess their communities for available opportunities and resources. In Temple, Texas there’s lots to be thankful for with a strong economy, growing workforce, and world-class healthcare at the top of the list.

As Meet Temple continues to grow and spread the word that opportunities and the best of both worlds exist in Temple, Texas, here are a few highlights we celebrate this year in the spirit of thankfulness: Employment is on the rise. In stark contrast to economies that have been disrupted by the pandemic, Temple remains a pillar of resilience. Our city has experienced a whopping 14 percent increase in jobs during the last 10 years, with six percent growth projected through 2025. Large development projects launched by existing employers such as H-E-B, Niagara Bottling, and SunbeltSolomon Solutions during the pandemic fortify this forecast. Similarly, Temple’s population has increased by nearly 11 percent during the last five years, with a seven percent increase expected through 2025. As a regional employment hub, Temple is on the rise.

Increased tax base paves the way for improvements. The tax base in Temple continues to grow exponentially, most notably in the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). The TIRZ program funds infrastructure and quality of life improvement projects. Nearly $100 million in developments is underway, upping the allure of existing neighborhoods and local arts and culture for residents and newcomers alike.

Healthcare serves the city. While Temple boasts strong manufacturing, distribution, and business support services industries, the city also acts as a regional health and life sciences hub. In a year when access to quality healthcare became a key factor for many American families, Temple shined brightly as home to Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the State of Texas; McLane Children’s Hospital, the only children’s hospital

between Dallas and Austin; and the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the largest VA medical consortium in Texas and fourth largest in the United States.

Finally, the Temple resource we are most thankful for is our people: From frontline healthcare workers, to distribution and logistics mavens, and manufacturing experts who have risen to exceed all expectations, the men, women, and children of Temple, Texas are our biggest strength. If your business is searching for tools to attract the best talent and help Temple stand out from the crowd, head to meettemple.com and register for your Meet Temple Employer Toolkit to access key recruiting assets.

As we enter the holiday season, remember to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest updates from our growing community.

TopSarge Business Solutions is Recognized Nationally for Veteran-Focused Initiatives

TopSarge Business Solutions Topsarge Business Solutions, LLC was announced as the winner of the prestigious 2020 Platinum HIRE Vets Medallion Award on November 10, 2020, for their commitment to employing and supporting veterans and their families as a small business. It is the only veteran-owned business to win the award in Bell County. The U.S. Department of Labor virtually held the ceremony in Washington D.C.

“As a Veteran myself it is our honor to be the only Bell County firm selected as a U.S. Department of Labor HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion award recipient for 2020. Topsarge Business Solutions is committed to putting veterans and their families to work and this recognition highlights that commitment,” says CEO and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Elder.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the recipients were not able to attend the ceremony in Washington D.C. Instead, the event was held virtually in order to recognize the businesses that have recognized the talent, skill, and capabilities that our nation’s veterans have developed over years of service.

Eugene Scalia summarized his thankfulness to the businesses and veterans in a live stream to the company website, “typically, when we think of the military veterans, we think of the contributions they made while in uniform, and the sacrifices they and their families were prepared to make for our country, but today we recognize something different—the contribution they make in the workplace, following their active military service.”

The HIRE Vets Medallion Awards is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.

The ceremony was held by some of the most prestigious representatives from the Department of Labor and the United States Army in order to reward the businesses that have shown the best practices and care towards honoring those who have honored our great country.

FRIDAY, December 4, 2020

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McLane to Lead Chamber through 2021, New Board Members Announced

Due to the disruption and the impact COVID-19 has had upon the business community, the Temple Chamber Board of Directors felt it was important to keep the stability of leadership into 2021. Local businessman Drayton McLane III has been re-elected as Chair of the Board for Temple Chamber of Commerce. McLane was first elected to the board in late 2017 and was elected to serve as Chair for 2020.

“Drayton was asked to serve an additional year, and he accepted without hesitation,“ noted Rick Kasberg, Chair of the Chamber’s Nominating Committee. “He is prepared to serve an additional year and lead the Chamber forward in our efforts to inform, educate, communicate, and advocate for the business community.”

Drayton McLane III

Gayle Kiger

Bo Harvey

Shannon Gowan

Kim Langston

Shelton Rhodes

“Thank you to the Chamber Board for your confidence in me to serve again in 2021.

I am looking forward to a better year as a community in 2021,” expressed McLane.

“This Chamber can be led with confidence knowing you have the wisdom and experience of the Chamber Board and the Chamber Staff to lean on.”

Other Board Nominations: • Gayle Kiger, Channel 6 (KCEN TV), was elected to the position of First Vice-Chair and will become Chair of the Board in January 2022. He is in his third year on the Board of Directors. Kiger is the President and General Manager of Channel 6 (KCEN TV).

Elected to the Board of Directors for a three-year term: • Bishop Shelton Rhodes, Greater Zion Temple Church of God in Christ • Bo Harvey, Treno Pizzeria & Taproom • Shannon Gowan, The Ronald McDonald House • Kim Langston, 3 Texans Winery & Vineyard

“COVID-19 has unexpectedly wreaked havoc upon all of us, but the Chamber staff has performed admirably to inform, educate, communicate, and advocate for business in the greater Temple community,” McLane noted. “The mission of the Temple Chamber of Commerce is to preserve, protect, and promote a business-friendly environment that is free of obstacles to growth and development. This has never been more important than today.”

City of Temple to host “Night of Lights Frozen Christmas Parade” The City of Temple is inviting residents to kick off the holiday season with its first ever “frozen” Christmas parade.

“The annual Christmas parade has been a tradition for generations of Temple residents,” Senior Special Events Coordinator Holly Leiferman said. “This year, we are excited to present this reimagined format that maintains the health and safety of our community.”

The 74th Annual Christmas Parade will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, in Downtown Temple. The parade route will start at West Central Avenue and South 11th Street and will wind through the Santa Fe Plaza before concluding at South Ninth Street. Temple PD Officers will start lining up guests at 6:15 p.m. on South 11th Street.

To comply with social distancing guidelines, the parade entries will be stationary along the route and participants will drive past them in their vehicles. Vehicles must be in line by 8 p.m.

Mayor Tim Davis will begin the event at 6:25 p.m. with a virtual tree lighting, which will be broadcast by KCEN-TV and on the Temple Parks & Recreation Facebook page.

Vehicles are asked to not stop along the route or pass other vehicles. Drivers and passengers must remain in their vehicles at all times. Pedestrians will not be allowed to walk the parade route.

For more information, visit templeparks.com or call 254-298-5690.