Tiffany Marek is not just a well-known figure in the Temple-Belton area; she's a positive force of energy for the Temple Chamber of Commerce, radiating warmth, humor, and support for local businesses. With a knack for marketing and advertising sales, coupled with her genuine love for her community, Tiffany embodies the spirit of service and camaraderie.
Tiffany's roots run deep in the heart of Central Texas, as a Tem-Bel native and a 2002 Belton High graduate. Currently serving as an Account Executive at Lamar Advertising, Tiffany's expertise in the realm of billboards has positioned her as a go-to resource for businesses seeking effective marketing solutions. Prior to her role at Lamar, Tiffany worked as a stainless buyer and supplier, catering to customers across the United States. Outside of her professional commitments, you can find Tiffany teaching ashtanga, hot and trapeze yoga throughout Central Texas, shopping with her daughter, watching the middle child play baseball, playing dinosaurs with the baby or at a Texas Rangers baseball game with her husband. Since 2016, she has been an active Ambassador for the Temple Chamber of Commerce, where her infectious humor and welcoming demeanor have endeared her to both new and steadfast members alike. Whether she's cracking jokes or asking a friend how she can pray for them, Tiffany's presence adds a special charm to Chamber events and gatherings. Reflecting on her involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Tiffany speaks with conviction and gratitude. “The Chamber of Commerce is unequivocally dedicated to supporting and encouraging community growth and sustainability for small businesses within the community with honor and integrity. It is both an honor and a privilege to aid in facilitating the growth and development for businesses and organizations in our community. I get to assist new members in navigating through their first year as a Chamber member and present to them the many resources offered with their membership. The Chamber gets my time both working, attending, and promoting events, services, and memberships and in turn I get to build, grow, manage, maintain, and nurture the relationships that I might not have had without the opportunity to be an Ambassador.” For Tiffany, being an Ambassador isn't just about attending events or promoting memberships; it's about forging meaningful connections and nurturing relationships that enrich the fabric of Temple's business community. Through her dedication and passion, Tiffany Marek continues to leave an undeniable mark on Temple, embodying the values of service and community spirit.
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Rucks On Main, a nonprofit organization based in Temple, TX, was founded in 2020 by Wes Albanese. The mission behind Rucks On Main is advocating, mentoring, and educating the community on the reintegration process for Veterans and their families. This mission extends beyond just providing support; it is about fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
The driving force behind Rucks On Main is a personal one. “My why to start the organization was to keep the memories and legacy of our military community alive,” said Wes Albanese, founder of Rucks On Main. “Everybody has probably lost a family member in the military or has known somebody who has passed away in the military. It is very important to honor them, and remember them for the sacrifices they made to keep this country free.” The key initiative of Rucks On Main is their biannual military-themed ruck marches, one on Memorial Day which honors fallen military members, and the other on Veterans Day which supports the military community. The Memorial Day 10K Ruck March is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Downtown Temple. The march begins at the Santa Fe Plaza, with a route traversing through downtown north through the historic district and looping back to conclude at the Santa Fe Plaza. For the Memorial Day event, event organizers ask that participants carry pictures of fallen Military Service Members or First Responders on their rucksacks/backpacks. This symbolic act not only pays homage to the brave souls who have been lost but also serves as a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice. Participants carry up to 40 pounds of non-perishable food items in their rucksacks/backpacks that are donated to Operation Feeding Temple. Over the years, Rucks On Main has achieved remarkable milestones. “To date, we have collected over 40,000 pounds of food that our participants have donated after the ruck marches,” continued Albanese. “We have also donated proceeds of over $5,000 to local nonprofits.” As Rucks On Main continues to grow and evolve, their commitment to honoring Veterans, supporting their reintegration journey, and fostering community connections remains strong. Through their biannual ruck marches, donations, and volunteer efforts they make positive impacts on the lives of Veterans and their families, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten. Reflecting on the impact the organization and its initiatives have had since its founding in 2020, Albanese said, “Not only do we have incredible support and participation locally and regionally, but we also have participants that come from all over the United States for this event. We are truly thankful for the community’s involvement!” Those interested in participating in the Memorial Day 10K Ruck March should visit https://runsignup.com/rom2024memorialday. The Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet is on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Inn.
The banquet is a product of a Class of 2018 Action Team project to enhance the program’s Alumni Association and future impact. In addition to acknowledging a Distinguished Alumni of the program, it is an opportunity to network, learn about the current class project, and celebrate the new graduates of the program. The luncheon includes honoring a Distinguished Alumni of the program. The 2024 honoree is David Nix, a graduate of the Leadership Temple Class of 1988. “We’re excited to celebrate the achievements of alumni and the new graduates,” said Whitney Theriot, President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “This banquet not only honors a dedicated community leader like David Nix but also serves as an opportunity for all alumni of the program to connect, learn about the work in service of the current class, and support and celebrate the new graduates - our next generation of community leaders.” The banquet proceeds contribute to the Leadership Temple Tuition Assistance Scholarship, designed to promote inclusivity and diversity within the program. This initiative is a resource for small businesses and nonprofits to participate in Leadership Temple, fostering a more representative community leadership landscape. Reflecting on the 2023 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet that commemorated the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. Led by Camryn Bintz, KPA Engineers, and David Shine, Shine Richardson Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, the graduates presented their Action Team project and were recognized for their dedication to community leadership and personal growth. The 2023 Class Project focused on connecting the world of work to K-12 education through career exploration through reading. Inspired by the Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Student Occupational Awareness and Recognition Program (SOAR), which aims to expose, educate, and engage students in career development and decision-making for middle and high school students, the 2023 Class saw an opportunity to engage elementary-aged students to think about the world of work sooner. They worked with Temple ISD to identify a STEM book series called The Questioneers. Then they not only read to every second-grade class at the district, but through a grant purchased The Questioneers book sets for every elementary campus library. “The Temple Chamber leadership is immensely proud of our Leadership Temple program graduates from the Class of 2023,” added Theriot. “Their commitment to professional development and community service embodies the spirit of Leadership Temple.” The event also honored Gary Schmidt as the 2023 Leadership Temple Distinguished Alumni, recognizing his significant contributions to Temple’s economic and civic development. The Temple Chamber encourages individuals interested in community leadership and professional development to attend the banquet, offering a glimpse into the program’s impact and opportunities for involvement. The 2024 Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet is sponsored by: the City of Temple, McLane Group, Extraco Banks, Garcia Architects, Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln, and First United Bank & Trust. For more information about the Leadership Temple Alumni & Graduation Banquet and registration, visit www.templechamber.com. |
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