Longview Progress Report July-August 2013

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES.™

REPORT

July/ August 2013 Vol. 7 No. 4

Inside: Your Chamber Here & Ready - pg. 4 | WOW! It’s Happening Downtown - pg. 5 Optimisn Scores High at RECon 2013 - pg. 11 | By the Numbers - pg. 14

FASTer. The 30-MinuTeS-or-LeSS e.r. Service PLedge.

Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed.

You’ll find these at Longview Regional Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival.

If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Visit us online at LongviewRegional.com to view our average E.R. wait time.

*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

2

Longview Progress Report | July - August 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

From the President What is the Chamber’s role in fostering an environment that spawns entrepreneurism?

O

ver the past few years entrepreneurial development has become a new buzz word. What is entrepreneurism? Some say it’s a person who starts their own business; others claim it’s a person who undertakes innovations or introduces new things as part of an existing or start up business.

We believe they’re all of the above and more! Entrepreneurial activities come in many forms and are supported by all types of organizations including chambers, small business development centers, government agencies, and universities.

Our organization advances entrepreneurship in several ways: award recognition, learning opportunities, and the Tools for Success tool kit. Each year we recognize successful entrepreneurs at the Small Business Awards Luncheon. Videos of the 2013 award winners may be seen at www.longviewchamber. com/videos.

The Chamber also continues to identify and provide meaningful learning experiences which has led to the establishment of our NEW online e-Learning Center. The online program delivers a combination of local subject experts in online classrooms. The center will help increase engagement using education with social media.

Chamber member businesses and their employees can access their Longview e-Learning Center wherever they have an Internet connection. It’s learning without limits providing professional development on-line anytime and anywhere. Courses include topics on Customer Service, Ethics, Leadership & Management, Technical Efficiency, Human Resources, and Marketing & Public Relations.

Continued evidence of the board’s commitment is also reflected in the research of best practices during intercity visits.

Attendees have seen firsthand the role a Chamber can play when touring the Hamilton County, TN INCubator. They were able to hear from staff about the development and sustainability of the center, as well as from business owners who were housed in the INCubator.

Contents From the President..........................3 Your Chamber Here and Ready for You....................4 WOW! It’s Happening Downtown ...............5 Hospitality Training Looking Forward!.............................6 2013 Emerging Leaders Call for Applicants...........................7 Ribbon Cuttings...............................8 Anniversaries and New Members.......9 TRC? The What and Why in a Nutshell.......9 Summer Intern Gets a Taste of International Business................10 Optimism Scores High at RECon 2013.............................11 Untangling the Power for Social Media in Business ...............12 Experience Leadership Longview Apply for 2013-14 Session.............13

By The Numbers............................14 Chamber Events Calendar..............15

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601 903-237-4000 / www.LongviewChamber.com The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber @LongviewChamber

Continued to Entrepreneurs on Page 13 www.LongviewChamber.com

July - August 2013 | Longview Progress Report

3

Strengthening our Local Economy 2013 Officers Brad Tidwell

Citizens National Bank

Dr. Dale Lunsford

LeTourneau University

Jeremy DuMond

U.S. Steel Tubular Products

David McWhorter

Gans & Smith Insurance Company

Jill Bayless

Longview Regional Medical Center

Your Chamber - Here and Ready For You

P

eople often ask what a chamber of commerce is in their community. To answer this question it’s important to look at what a chamber does. A chamber of commerce is a business center of a community and in a city like Longview, an important

The chamber organizes events, seminars and programs that provide professional development and puts businesses in touch with other businesses to network, to learn and to achieve better commerce in a group as opposed to business trying to do this individually. Each

The goal is to be recognized as an effective resource, providing relevant, innovative and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview and Gregg County.

Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Builders LLC

Brett Lindig

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Kelly Hall

Longview Chamber of Commerce

2013 Directors James Barron Barron’s

Kara Bolster STEMCO

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company

Ken Cunningham

Good Shepherd Medical Center

David Hayes

Hayes RV Center

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Keith Honey

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Darwin Winfield Atmos Energy

2013 Appointed Directors Lester Lucy BancorpSouth

Mayor Jay Dean City of Longview

Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County

4

center of business activity and vitality. The goal is to be recognized as an effective resource, providing relevant, innovative and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview and Gregg County. You can rely on the chamber for a host of business tools.

The businesses who choose to invest can rely on the Longview Chamber of Commerce to ‘have their back’ as it were. The chamber constantly evaluates issues, matters and pending government changes that may affect business in their communty.

Through the special purpose website, LongviewVotes.com members can keep in touch with the most current legislative activity and are called to action when a supported position needs to be addressed. Members can write their representatives directly through the website.

The Longview Chamber, like all chamber of commerces, is not a governmental body or institution and has no direct role in the writing and passage of laws and regulation that affect business. It may, however, act as a lobby in an attempt to get laws passed that are favorable to business. You can rely on the Longview Chamber to fight for what is best for Longview business, and keep you informed of the political climante in Longview, Austin and Washington D.C. Each year the chamber organizes a coalition of leaders from surrounding East Texas cities. This coalition travels to Austin duing the biennium legislative session or to Washington, D.C. on years when the Texas legislature is not in session. The Inner-City visits take a delegation from the region to cities that are able to showcase successful initiatives in order to see and learn from their achievements.

Longview Progress Report | July - August 2013

year the chamber holds as many as 24 business development programs within its Longview Learning Center—an average of 2 programs per month.

In May 2013 the chamber expanded by launching the Longview e-Learning Center and introducing the Chamber University, an online source of courses which increase the knowledge in Customer Service, Ethics, Leadership & Management, Technical Efficiency, Human Resources, and Marketing & Public Relations.

A chamber is a non-profit, member supported organization, and because they are independently owned and independently operated they serve only the agenda of its members.

New entrepreneurs can rely on the Longview Chamber of Commerce network of members to create connections and tap into resource and commerce pipelines quicker by finding ‘like minded’ business people who are members of the chamber specifically for this reason. You’ll find members that are all in and all for a viable and prosperous Longview.

Your chamber’s core competencies on which the strategic plan is built include: Strengthen the Local Economy; Promote the Community; Provide Networking Opportunities; Represent the Interests of Business with Government; Build Community Leadership and Development Programs.

At the Longview Chamber of Commerce, membership indeed has its privileges, you can rely on that.

This article used material from Business News published by the Turlock, CA Chamber of Commerce; “You Can Rely on Your Chamber” by Alan Seaton, consultant with the SBDC UC Merced, CA Network and BNI Central Valley, CA

www.LongviewChamber.com

Promoting the Community Staff

WOW! It’s Happening Downtown!

Kelly Hall

B

ritish author, James Since that time, Burke, said it best Longview Main Street has himself, “If you developed, adopted and don’t know where you’ve implemented the Façade come from, you don’t know Improvement Grant where you are.” Longview, Program (FIGP) through a Texas has progressed partnership with the City through several stages of Longview Community Development and CDBG since being certified as the Marks Building Before funds. This program has first Urban Main Street City funded a total of 12 façade in 1987. The commitment grants and a staggerand dedication to take ing $119,419.80 has been Downtown Longview awarded for the completion from its past to where it is of these projects. now has been unrelenting.

Longview was founded in The first improvethe early 1870s, when the ment project was for the Southern Pacific Railroad Marks Building at Cotton extended its track from and Center Streets and what The Marks Building After Marshall in Harrison used to be the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, County westward into Gregg County. The which was built in 1919 to house a new railroad laid out a new town a mile to the distributorship for their up and coming prodwest on land purchased from Ossamus Hitch uct. This building helped establish a thriving Methvin, Senior Railroad management called city of commerce, and has been a part of the the new settlement Longview, reportedly Downtown Longview landscape for 94 years. because of the impressive view from Methvin’s It has been in continuous service since it was house on top of Rock Hill. built. Currently, the building is occupied by

Rebuilding a Program In 1994 Longview withdrew from the Texas Main Street Program due to lack of funding. In 2007, newly elected mayor Jay Dean called for a new commitment to the revitalization of downtown Longview. Mayor Dean requested the Longview Chamber of Commerce and the One Hundred Acres of Heritage to apply for recertification in the TMSP. Longview was granted recertification in November 2007.

Longview Main Street Advisory Board inside future home of Longview WOW!

www.LongviewChamber.com

six existing businesses, all of which are service providers, with an estimated 19,000 current patrons. Project Design Assistant, Sarah Blankenship, and Architect Howard Langner, from Texas Main Street, came and provided a design report along with several renderings for this specific building. The total project cost was $21,204.07, of which the Façade Improvement Grant Program reimbursed the building owners $10,000.

Children’s Discovery Center Another fantastic addition to Downtown Longview will be Longview World of Wonders (WOW), a children’s hands-on discovery center. WOW plans to open January of 2014 and with assistance of a grant from the FIGP, they will be able to update the façade of the old Texas Furniture Building. The Main Street Board took a tour of the building as an educational session in March and were able to view the upcoming plans for WOW. The board received information about what WOW plans

President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com

Paul Anderson

Senior Vice President Communications Director 903-237-4041 lcvb@longviewtx.com

Elaine Reynolds

VP of Special Event Operations 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com

Leska Parker

Director of Development 903-918-1546 bmanager@longviewtx.com

Chelle Brown

Director of Entrepreneurialism and Advocacy 903-237-4010 advocacy@longviewtx.com

Mary Whitton

Community Development Director 903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com

Diana Northcutt

Retail Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com

Melissa Saunders

Business Development & Special Events Director 903-237-4023 promotions@longviewtx.com

Kayla Cantey

Convention Meetings and Main Street Manager 903-753-3281 x215 meetings@longviewtx.com

Margie Harris

Tourism Services Manager 903-237-4021 info@longviewtx.com

Lisa Null

Membership Services Coordinator 903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com

Amanda Myers

Special Events Assistant 903-753-3281 x216 assistant@longviewtx.com

Carrie Fisher

Director of First Impressions 903-237-4000 info1@longviewtx.com

Audrey Winders

Intern 903-753-3281 x242 chamber@longviewtx.com

Continued to Downtown on Page 6 July - August 2013 | Longview Progress Report

5

Strengthening our Local Economy Continued frin Downtown on Page 5 to offer the Longview community. Not only will this bring an increasing number of residents to downtown, but will become a great asset for other businesses looking for more consumers.

Included in the plans will be a mini farmer’s market to educate and expand the knowledge of young children on fruits and vegetables. A LEGOLAND® will also be present within the building. The Texas Furniture building has over 15,000 square feet of space for this amazing venture. The Design Team is eager to work with this group on the façade!

Wayfinding Longview Main Street partnered with the City Engineering Department to start on a multi-phased wayfinding project. Beginning in 2008, phase 1 was complete with phase 2 getting underway this year. The Design Team determined geographical locations that needed wayfinding signage. Phase 1 focused on Downtown and north Longview, while phase 2 will focus on re-lettering Downtown signage to add locations in west Longview. With the addition of new attractions and current destination points of interest, Main Street will add to current wayfinding signs in the downtown district.

LET US HELP WITH THE HEAVY LIFTING!

R

Hospitality Training Looking Forward!

eal East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training began in May of 2009 as tough economic times demanded back to basics training. The Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau developed this program to: • Educate customer service professionals and front line staff who come in contact with visitors to our area as to the importance of tourism to our city • Learn how to properly deal with the traveling public • Provide the most current information about our city and regional attractions, and serve it up with a smile.

Hospitality training started in a classroom setting, with three 90-minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. The subject matter included: customer service, how to direct visitors to points of interest, community pride, professionalism and workplace etiquette and Internet resources. Most of the attendees were hotel and restaurant personnel.

After attending a conference and learning how the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau used a tour of attractions to give participants the opportunity to learn firsthand about the activities in their city, the Longview CVB decided to adopt a new updated version of Hospitality Training.

The training was lengthened to six hours and included a luxury motor coach and a day-long tour of local attractions. As the program grew and advancements were made, the draw of participants expanded to include realtors, convenience store clerks, human resources personnel, and Longview newcomers.

As of the publication of this newsletter, The Longview CVB has hosted 17 trainings for over 300 employees.

In a continuing effort to offer the finest training available, the Longview CVB attended the Texas Friendly Hospitality Instructor Workshop June 11 & 12 at Texas A&M University in College Station. Be on the lookout for the next Texas Friendly Hospitality Training in Longview.

We have top talent ready to go to work!

SELECT PEOPLE SELECT POWER SELECT PRODUCTIVITY 414 E Loop 281, Longview (903) 236-7755 www.select-staff.com 6

Longview Progress Report | July - August 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Developing Community Leadership 2013 Emerging Leaders Applications Available July 19

I

Luncheon set for December 5

n December 2012 the Longview Chamber of Commerce launched a new initiative with the purpose of recognizing individuals who had both the skills and the passion to excel in their field early in their carreer. The Emerging Leaders recognized in 2012 were Jennifer Ware, Good Shepherd Medical Center, Michael Tubb, Gans & Smith Insurance Agency, Inc. and Cliff Hale, Citizens National Bank, The 2nd annual Emerging Leaders Luncheon is set for Thursday, December 5 at Pinecrest Country Club.

Applications for the 2013 Emerging Leaders awards will be available July 19 at the chamber office or online at www.longviewchamber.com Individuals under the age of 40 (by September 1, 2013) may make application. An applicatant will need to demonstrate how they have made an extraordinary impact,

www.LongviewChamber.com

significant accomplishments, and contributed to their community through both professional and personal involvement.

Possessing high potential, emerging leaders optimize their talents and effectively execute the goals and strategies of their organizations. The applicant’s acts of leadership and service will represent a dedication of excellence in their area of expertise beyond the scope of everyday employment.

Applicants must be a member in good standing with the Longview Chamber of Commerce either as an individual member or business member.

For additional information regarding the 2013 Emerging Leaders application and luncheon, contact Mary Whitton at the chamber office at 903.237.4003.

July - August 2013 | Longview Progress Report

7

Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings

Corner Bakery Café

N 90 30

an Rd, Ste. 102 Longview, T Eastm X 75 60 5

Family Home Center

d, Longview, TX Eastman R 7560 2313 5

Budget Motel

Select Staff

shall Ave, Longview, TX 7 W Mar 5601 518

p 281, Ste 15, Longview, TX 7 E Loo 560 5 414

The Brown Duck

Rd, Longview, TX 7560 B Judson 2324 5

Ag Credit ACA Legacy

te 204, Longview, son Rd, S TX 7 2 Jud 560 1 200

’s Computer Service Tyler

te 12, Longview, oop 281, S TX 7 1WL 560 4 101

Ramsey Realty

Lago Trail, Longview, TX 7560 4 1405

Reeves Mortgage

400, Longview er Rd, Ste TX 7 1 Gilm 560 412 4

8

Longview Progress Report | July - August 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Anniversaries and New Members July

10 5

years

Longview Title

August

years

10 15

U S Steel Tubular Products Inc Texas Operations Division

years

Carino’s Italian Grill

years

Bill Day Tire Center/Apex Tire Group Gregg Appraisal District

25 35

years

C & S Commco Inc

years

KSA Engineers Inc

NEW MEMBERS Alpine House

Popcorn Gallery

Shantealle Ray 2104 Alpine Rd Longview, TX 75601-3431 (903) 234-8600

Rhonda Roberts 1444 McCann Road Longview, TX 75601 (903) 238-9300

Citizens National Bank – Pine Tree Branch

Precept Data Systems

Barbara Fergus 800 Gilmer Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 759-3836

Citizens National Bank – White Oak Branch

Melinda Martin 1101 South White Oak Road Longview, TX 75693 (903) 759-3836

Family Home Center

Kelly Norris 2313 Eastman Road Longview, TX 75605 (903) 757-4866

Legacy Remodel & Design Group Logan Wandell 1605 Rocky Ridge Road Athens, TX 75751 1-800-875-8214

Nutrishop

Jon Jett 3080 N Eastman Road Ste 113 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-3525 www.LongviewChamber.com

Jeffrey Whitworth 200 N Fredonia Street Ste 600-O Longview, TX 75601 (903) 309-0397

Premier Nationwide Lending Paula Lopez 913 W Loop 281 Suite 123 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 704-4289

Ramsey Realty Group LLC Jeff Ramsey 1405 Lago Trail Longview, TX 75604 (903) 759-3333

Troy’s Office Treatments Trevor W Tamplin 2208 Gilmer Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 236-2800

Tyler’s Computer Services

TRC? The WHAT & WHY in a Nutshell

A

s the TRC season approaches we’ll hear again “TRC” bandied about with some still finding the true meaning a mystery. However, there is no ambiguity about what it is with the volunteers of the past. They know the benefits that come from this exciting campaign.

The 2013 Total Resource Campaign (TRC) is about to kick-off, and it’s a good time to share with members why their chamber has embraced this program. In 2011, the Board of Directors envisioned the value that a Total Resource Campaign would add to its members. By organizing all sponsorship solicitation for the chamber into an eight-week period, a few specific and worthwhile goals could be accomplished.

The first benefit is that the TRC adds value to chamber events, programs, services and initiatives by creating revenue specifically dedicated to these programs. The additional revenue allows the chamber to produce more local trainings for member companies and their employees. It helps the chamber team members to continue to attend professional development programs outside of our area, bringing back ideas and new skills to advance your local chamber’s ability to serve its membership.

The TRC allows members to thoughtfully plan out their marketing dollars for the year based on their preferred area of exposure. Members are able to choose from a menu of opportunities at one time and not miss out on opportunities that can prove to be more effective marketing.

Members are approached only during this one time of the year to make their sponsorship selections, rather than being contacted throughout the year as programs and events occur.

Members know they can make decisions during this period and will not be solicited again and again throughout the year.

The most valuable benefit of the TRC has been the Business to Business opportunities. A team of over 80 volunteers do the soliciting for sponsorships, rather than chamber staff. This opens the door for many businesses wanting to make connections with other companies and businesses in the Longview community. It allows young professionals to connect with established business leaders participating in the campaign. These connections become relationships that grow and continue to foster business growth for Longview and chamber members.

If you are interested in learning more about or volunteering for the 2013 Total Resource Campaign, please contact Leska Parker at 903-918-1546 or bmanager@longviewtx.com.

Tyler McFarland P O Box 5973 Longview, TX 75608 (903) 759-1000

July - August 2013 | Longview Progress Report

9

Promoting the Community Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: Alley Art Presented by:

Citizens National Bank Kids Fest Presented by:

AAON Coil Products, Inc Music Fest Presented by:

R&K Distributors Alley Run Presented by:

Fenton Honda of Longview

Take it to the next level and get ready for the Ultimate Block Party in 2014!

Come see what a locally-owned independent bank can do for you ...

Intern Gets a Taste of International Business

T

he Chamber welcomes Audrey Winders to its staff as a summer intern. Audrey is a student at East Texas Baptist University where she is working on a major in Business Administration and double minors in Marketing and Speech Communication. Recently she had the opportunity to study International Business abroad in China. On the two week study trip Audrey visited four of China’s major cities.

On her way home to Texas she had the opportunity to visit the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. The chamber is also known by the name AmCham and its mission is to promote commerce among the United States, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. During the visit, Audrey met with the chamber president Richard Vuylsteke who has a long history of chamber work throughout the U.S. and internationally which eventually led him to his present position at AmCham in Hong Kong. Vuylsteke involves himself in all aspects of this unique chamber and has a passion and excitement that permeates the entire chamber according to Audrey.

AmCham is a central receiving point for many people who fill the office and bring many different ideas to the mix.

One of the primary events hosted by the chamber is Business Matchmaking, which is AmCham’s their version of speed dating. During the event the matchmaking consists of 5-10 minute meetings between American companies and Chinese businesses to see if they have any common interests that could lead to a compatible partnership.

Audrey describes her experience in Hong Kong, half a world away, “Hong Kong is filled with treasures and history beyond imagination. The beauty of the parks, the architectural aspects of the temples, the fast moving pace of city life, and the booming business culture all mixed together made for a lifetime experience for me.”

Audrey will spend the summer working with the chamber staff on projects that are suited to and will help her in her chosen field of study.

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

10

Longview Progress Report | July - August 2013

Audrey Winders - Summer Intern www.LongviewChamber.com

Strengthening our Local Economy Are you interested in starting your own business?

Need new marketing ideas?

Check out our Tools For Business link on our home page! www.longviewchamber.com

Follow us on:

facebook.com/longviewchamber

@LongviewChamber

Longview Chamber of Commerce Group The Business View Blog businessinlongview.com

Diana Northcutt

Retail Development Coordinator

Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601

903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com www.LongviewChamber.com

Optimism Scores High at RECon 2013

T

he International Council of Shopping Center’s (ICSC) 2013 RECon real estate convention has come to a close. Optimism reigned at RECon 2013 as many retailers, developers, lenders, brokers, and public sector professionals converged on Las Vegas for the retail real estate industry’s biggest annual global event.

This year the attendance was up 10% from 2012 with over 35,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors making it an unparalleled opportunity to do a year’s worth of business in just four days!

of Cities Pavilion, Longview was one of many communities showcasing their city. Staff was able to secure several appointments with retailers prior to the show, which was a huge advantage.

RECon is the perfect place to meet retailers and developers to discuss new or existing opportunities in your community, view the latest industry products and promote Longview, TX!

The Chamber’s Retail Development Coordinator Diana Northcutt observed how good the trip to RECon was, “This year, we purchased a full page ad in the convention program. Our ad was in the hands of over 35,000 real estate professionals. 2013 is a good year for Longview to expect new openings and changes to happen throughout our community.”

Chamber employee Diana Northcutt, City Planner Michael Shirley, LEDCO chairman of the board Keith Honey, and City Manager David Willard presented Longview at the show. Located in the World

City Manager David Willard stated, “The ISCS convention in Las Vegas was an eye-opening experience for me. The sheer size of the convention center and the number of companies and organizations related to the development industry was a little overwhelming. I felt like it was a very productive trip and I hope to go back next year.”

Business Talks Not a Mark

Painting with a Twist

“The Longview Chamber of Commerce also helped me get new clients. They had a Business After Hours meet and greet. What was so great about it was that it allowed me to do networking.”

“Joining the Longview Chamber of Commerce is one of the best decisions I’ve made as a new business owner. The chamber hosts multiple networking events each month, and has provided unique events for us to get involved in the community while promoting our name.”

Mark Puckette has successfully grown his business to more than 20 clients since starting his company in October of 2008.

Mark Puckett Not a Mark Window Cleaning PH: (903) 237-9365

Kimberly Wells Painting with a Twist 100 Tall Pines Ave Ste 5 Longview, TX 75605 PH: (903) 236-8585 July - August 2013 | Longview Progress Report

11

Developing Community Leadership Thanks our 2012-2013 Session Sponsors BancorpSouth Chick-fil-A Health Care Express Eastman Chemical Company Network Communications Oak Forest Montessori School Spring Hill State Bank Texas Bank & Trust The Made-Rite Company U.S. Steel Tubular Products Inc Texas Operations Division Westlake Chemical Company Applications are now being taken for the 2013-2014 Leadership Longview program. Applications are available online at www.longviewchamber.com/leadership or contacting the Longview Chamber at 903.237.4000.

Application deadline is Friday, July 19.

Express Employment Professionals has a solution for your hiring needs.

Whether you want temporary help now, or you’re looking for the perfect fit for a long-term position, Express has skilled workers ready when your business needs them.

Call or go online today to see how Express can help.

Solutions include: • Office Services • Professional Search • Industrial

(903) 663-3559 101 W. Hawkins Pkwy.

Longview, TX 75605

Experience Leadership Longview – Apply today!

T

Application deadline: July 19

he Leadership Longview Program of the Longview Chamber of Commerce is an amazing opportunity to hone your leadership skills, learn about the history and governance of Longview & Gregg County, and discover how you can become more involved in the community. During the program you will become knowledgeable about local concerns and resources, extend your professional network, and gain valuable project and team leadership experience by: • An introduction to the various aspects of developing and maintaining a vibrant community; • Establishing dialogue with a wide range of community leaders; • Active participation in activities that contribute to the betterment of Longview and Gregg County; • Enhancing your knowledge and leaderships skills in order to benefit your employer and have a positive impact on the business community.

The nine month program is designed to identify, motivate, and develop business and community leaders who can contribute more effectively to the companies they work for and to instill a sense of community and the importance of volunteerism. Each month participants are introduced to a different aspect of Longview and Gregg County. These aspects include city government and services, education, health and human services, economic development and justice and law enforcement and quality of life.

In addition, participants have the opportunity to build their leadership skills through targeted leadership skills development programming each month as well as two full days of leadership training and teambuilding. By committing just one Thursday each month you will accelerate your professional career, discover the value of community volunteerism and build lifelong friendships.

Applications are available online at www. longviewchamber.com/leadership or contact Mary Whitton, Community Development Director at 903.237.4003 for program information.

“Leadership Longview is a great organization that teaches leadership development and skills that are used in everyday life, both professionally and personally.”

www.expresspros.com

12

Longview Progress Report | July - August 2013

Tammy Gibbons, Chairman, 2013-2014 www.LongviewChamber.com

Provide Community Development Programs Continued from Entrepreneurs on Page 3

In the Chamber’s long range plans is the development of an Entrepreneurial Center where office space and support can be provided to those seeking a unique environment to launch their innovations and startup businesses.

JUST ANNOUNCED! A recent development has led key stakeholders to champion a NEW initiative for the Chamber called Young Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA!). When the chamber’s leadership learned of this exciting new program there was no question of its relevance to the strategic direction of the organization. YEA! is a new, exciting and groundbreaking program that teaches students in grades 6-12, in communities across the country, how to launch and run their own real businesses. During this year-long YEA! Class, kids 11 to 18 years old start as students and graduate as CEO’s of their own real and legal business. Since the program’s inception in 2004, YEA! students have launched over 600 real businesses featuring new products, new inventions, and new services.

engaging young adults and families is an important element to sustainability by helping to create a community dynamic that supports entrepreneurism. The Longview Chamber is thrilled about embracing this groundbreaking and exciting afterschool program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs to advance the Longview Chamber’s strategic plan.

Entrepreneurial development is not just one organization’s responsibility. It is a collaborative effort from all types of organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of entrepreneurship as the engine that stimulates economic growth.

This is an exciting time for the Longview Chamber of Commerce as we will be able to teach local students the power and spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

By

TO POWER UP YOUR HEALTH PLAN MORE CHOICES FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES

CONSISTENT COSTS

For more information on the Chamber Choice Health Plan, call 903-237-4000 today.

All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. ©2013 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

UHCTX644807-000 www.LongviewChamber.com

July - August 2013 | Longview Progress Report

13

Promoting the Community

By The Numbers Your Chamber Team is proud to serve you and Longview in so many ways.

14

Longview Progress Report | July - August 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Calendar of Chamber Events JULY

AUGUST

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

4 e y

Longview Chamber Office Closed

President’s Coffee

7:30 a.m.

Chamber Executive Board Meeting Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

7:30 a.m.

o z

Member2Member

Business After Hours Staybridge Suites

3:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

9 y

p d k

President’s Coffee

7:30 a.m.

Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

3:30 p.m.

Chamber Executive Board Meeting

7:30 a.m.

Member2Member Business After Hours Citizens National Bank - Downtown

11:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

Chairman’s Club Platinum

Gold

www.LongviewChamber.com

Silver ABC Auto Parts AEP American HomePatient Atmos Energy BancorpSouth Capital One Bank Chase Bank Citizens National Bank City of Longview Community Bank Convergys

Diagnostic Clinic Eastman Chemical Company Good Shepherd Health System Halliburton HOLT CAT Joy Global Inc JW Energy Longview News-Journal Martin Resource Management Neiman Marcus National Service Center

Regions Bank Southside Bank Spring Hill State Bank SYSCO Food Services of East Texas, LLC Trican Trinity Rail T Vaughn Properties LLC US Steel Tubular Products, Inc. Texas Operations Division

July - August 2013 | Longview Progress Report

15

410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 www.longviewtx.com

Are you tired of fighting leaks?

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have overactive bladder or incontinence: • • • •

Frequent and sudden urge to urinate Waking up during the night to urinate Involuntary release of urine, especially when you laugh or cough Leaking urine after a sudden urge to urinate

More than 15 million American men and women suffer from this condition,and many do so unnecessarily. The good news is – we are here to help. You don’t have to be afraid to venture too far from a bathroom anymore. A variety of treatment options are available, and Good Shepherd Medical Associates Urology can help you return to living the life you want to lead.

Charles Secrest, MD Board Certified in Urology Reconstructive Urology & Female Pelvic Medicine To schedule an appointment, call (903) 315-5799.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 82 LONGVIEW, TX