TEMPLE, Texas—The Temple Economic Development Corporation (Temple EDC) today announced the recipients of the 2018 Annual Industry Appreciation Awards at a luncheon held today at the Hilton Garden Inn in Temple. Cargill,Inc., TTEC, and Johnson Brothers Ford-Lincoln were awarded.
David Blackburn, president of the Temple EDC, presented at the event that about 70 business, school district and community leaders from the Temple area attended.
“The leaders and hard-working employees of Temple industries are what helps make our local economy strong and stable,” Blackburn said. “The relationships with existing employers are imperative to advancing a positive business climate to stimulate prosperity in our community. This luncheon is to show our appreciation to our employers that help advance and support the our skilled workforce and diversify our local economy.”
Expansion Project of the Year
The Expansion Project of the Year Award recognizes a Temple business with a significant expansion project for capital investment, equipment purchases and job growth.
Temple EDC recognized Cargill Inc. for a $32 million-dollar expansion of their poultry feed manufacturing facility in North Temple. The investment will add the capability for agricultural retail and to serve beef customers to the current bulk turkey feed operation. The expansion will include construction of a 70,000 square foot addition for manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and shipping capabilities and thirty more jobs will be added throughout the expansion. Temple’s central location and transportation infrastructure were determining factors in choosing the location for the expansion. Construction is underway and should be complete in early 2019.
Corporate Partner of the Year
The Corporate Partner of the Year Award is presented to a Temple business with substantial involvement in the local community, including active involvement or partnership with a community organization, such as a business organization, charitable organization or the school district.
Temple EDC recognized Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln for their support and involvement with United Way of Central Texas and their partnership with the CTE Automotive Practicum course at Temple High School.
Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln has had a long running relationship with the United Way of Central Texas for many years. They began their workplace campaign over 30 years ago and have exceeded the giving amount of $20,000 for 9 consecutive years. In addition to their monetary support, their employees have participated in United Way’s Annual Day of Caring since 2007. They have been a large supporter of the United Way Chrome & Carols Fundraiser by sponsoring a tree for the last 4 years. This year Johnson Brothers was again recognized for the Largest Campaign of the Year in the Medium Business Category.
Johnson Brothers worked with the CTE program at Temple High School to review program TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) alongside TISD staff to align pathway courses in such a way to efficiently meet workforce demand. They advised on renovations to THS CTE Automotive facility to align with industry standards and serve on the CTE Advisory council to link education with business & industry. Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year Johnson Brothers will be a curriculum partner with the Automotive practicum course and engage students in hands-on work-based learning at the Johnson Brothers service center throughout the year 2 days a week. Upon graduation, students will have the opportunity to become permanent employees on the Johnson Brothers team.
Excellence in Workforce
The Excellence in Workforce Award recognizes a Temple business with notable success in workforce development. This success can be in the area of new job growth, education and training programs for employees, or a unique workforce initiative.
Temple EDC recognized TTEC for their hiring of more than 800 customer care associates at the Temple location since opening in August 2017. TTEC associates benefit from immersive training and tuition reimbursement programs aimed at talent development and career advancement opportunities. Training Development Programs are in place to assist in developing associates to provide a human touch and create a relationship between the customer and their client brand.
The Temple team serves the senior population over 65 by helping interested customers understand features and benefits of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), Medicare approved discount drug card programs, and other related programs. They handle approximately 400,000 calls per year and provide tele sales as well as lead generation for field agents. They also support pharmacy benefits with customers and are available to provide member services 7 days a week, up to 16 hours a day.
About Temple
Temple, Texas, is a community with a diverse economic base that includes healthcare, distribution and warehousing, and manufacturing as its foundation. Within 200 miles of a population of 19 million, Temple is in a strategic location that is central within the Southwest U.S. marketplace. Visit www.choosetemple.com.