Longview Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2021 Edition

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L O N G V I E W

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

ANNUAL REPORT

STRONGER TOGETHER

REDEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION

ADVOCACY

COLLABORATION

2021 EDITION

HEALTH


OUR MISSION STATEMENT To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area.

VISION STATEMENT 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.

OUR CORE IDEOLOGY AND VALUE. CORE IDEOLOGY We believe that together we can have a stronger voice and influence positive outcomes. We believe Longview is a great place to live and work. We believe that together we can develop leaders to shape Longview’s future.

CORE VALUES ▸ We do the right thing. ▸ We treat everyone with care, respect, and thoughtfulness. ▸ We strive for excellence. ▸ We are forward thinking and proactive.

CORE FUNCTIONS ▸ Strengthen the local economy. ▸ Promote the community ▸ Provide networking opportunities ▸ Represent the interests of business with government ▸ Build community-wide leadership and development programs

R.E.A.C.H. Redevelopment. Education. Advocacy. Collaboration. Health.


REACH

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL REPORT • 2021

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE We chose to lead with hope because we are stronger together. Leaving 2020 behind, 2021 was envisioned as being the getting back to normal year. But that did not happen. A new form of COVID ravaged through the world, and our trade area was hit hard, and that was most evident in our hospital systems. The Chamber stepped up to the plate by working with the two area hospital systems to create factual information videos for distribution within the community, encouraging residents to seriously consider the impact of this pandemic. New challenges emerged as companies began opening up and returning to some semblance of normalcy. Returning all employees became a challenge and finding skilled workers exponentiated in difficulty. Jobs were plentiful; skilled and qualified workers were not.

Once again, the Chamber recognizes and promulgates that together we are stronger. With programs continuing to move the Longview trade area forward with new collaborations and leadership development opportunities, whether resulting from programs such as the InterCity visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma, or the 40 Under 40 network of advanced leadership development, the Chamber did not rest but moved forward, despite the ravages of the pandemic. 2021 did not bring exactly what we were looking for, but we do know this: we had a choice, and we chose to lead with courage. We chose to lead with anticipation of great things to come. And we chose to lead with hope because we are stronger together. The Chamber has and continues to be the driving force behind growth in Longview.

2021 ushered in the sixth year under the Chamber’s five-year strategic plan, R.E.A.C.H. Despite the restrictions and challenges the COVID pandemic brought, the board, volunteers and staff remained focused on this continued and successful blueprint for the Longview trade area to support existing businesses while continuing to promote an environment that creates jobs and improves the quality of life in Longview. Under normal circumstances a new strategic plan would have emerged in 2021, but the extraordinary support and work during the pandemic response necessitated a continuance and stability of our current plan. This annual report ushers out the well-used and well-attained R.E.A.C.H. plan. Open these pages to see what we accomplished on behalf of now and future Longview!

Dana Parr, 2021 – Chairman of the Board

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

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2021 Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board

Immediate Past Chairman

Chairman Elect

Chairman of Finance

Vice Chairman

Advanta Insurance Partners

Chick-fil-A

Texas Bank and Trust

Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merritt, P.C

Napps Technology Corporation

Dana Parr

Chuck King

Kevin Hood

Jessica LaRue

Sam Neale

Chamber Staff Kelly R. Hall President/CEO

Suzanne Brown

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications

Vice Chairman

Vice Chairman

Bo Rogers

Jim Gaton

Jim Green

Rogers Law Firm

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations

Gerald Rincher

Brian Daugbjerg

Komatsu Mining Corp.

Longview Scrap & Metal Company

Dr. Roger Johnson

Rodney Overman

Nishil Patel

Mark Robinson

Travis Sisson

Texas Office Leasing

Henry & Peters, P.C.

Heritage Wine & Spirits

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Longview Regional Medical Center

Dave Jochum

Director of Business and Development

Stephanie Raudales

Special Projects and Event Coordinator

Ana Suriano

Marketing and Membership Consultant

Spencer Sallee Investor Support

Shawna Stewart Investor Support

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Appointed Directors

Michael Clements

Judge Bill Stoudt

Kristen Ishihara

PDQ America, LLC

Gregg County

Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC


REDEVELOPMENT

REACH

Work with other stakeholders in Longview and the City’s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Dual Credit Training Opportunities

ADULT EDUCATION Retraining and Gateway to Advanced Education

ETXAMA

InterCity Trip 2021

Downtown Alley Initiative

Expansion of this successful program into adult learning resulted in the first adult machining class. A new part-time coordinator will focus on building relationships with area schools and employers to grow enrollment.

The June 7-9, 2021, trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a success! Groups emerged to attack low-hanging fruit, and others are ready to start tackling larger initiatives including a Downtown Alley Initiative, Longview Campus, and Foodie / Arts Task Force.

Collaboration with Gregg County, City of Longview, Southwestern Electric Power Company, and downtown businesses to explore the possibilities of utilizing alley ways as areas encouraging mural work, a place to sit and relax, or spaces for temporary parks, festivals and /or events. Logistical challenges have been identified and solutions being identified to bring this project forward.

40,000

employees represented

East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy is here to provide High School students an opportunity to obtain training in Instrumentation and

Electrical Technology and Precision Machining Technology.

The Academy serves as a training center for local industry as well as an adult education center for retraining the workforce and provides a gateway to

Industry certifications, Associate’s degrees, and Bachelor’s degrees.

etxama.org

HARD-WORKING

TEXANS!

Prepare now for a better Education, Career, and Future!

Sign up NOW for classes starting mid-August and Fall 2021! MEDIA SPONSOR:

SPONSORED BY:

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 903.237.4000

|

410 North Center Street

|

Longview, Texas 75601

|

LongviewChamber.com

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EDUCATION & Talent Attraction

REACH

Seek new and innovative ideas that improve access to basic and advanced educational opportunities with the cradle to career collective impact to help our citizens reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly educated workforce.

Raising Highly Capable Kids

P.I.E. Conference

Superintendents Forum

Bridging the Talent Gap

The four-year partnership with Ware

Chancellor Emeritus, Lee Jackson, was the keynote speaker for the P.I.E. Conference. Jackson is the Chancellor Emeritus of the University of North Texas System. He was the State of Texas’ longest-serving Chancellor when he announced his retirement in March 2017.

Of the two held, the Spring forum focused on broadband initiatives. Eight area superintendents participated with discussions with the East Texas Council of Governments, Conterra Networks, Sparklight, and etex, encouraged school districts to put together a regional broadband plan and scope of work in preparation for Cares funds expected to come available.

As part of the Bridging the Talent Gap grant, the Chamber secured comebacker testimonials to publicize in the Chamber 2021 REACH magazines. These were featured in the January and March REACH issues.

Elementary officially wrapped up, and this successful program was transitioned to a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines. The 13-week parent workshop launched in the Fall, with both Spanish and English classes in place, with the fall class graduating in December. A vision-casting session was held to prepare for the Spring 2022 class.

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Families Impacted by Raising Highly Capable Kids

Jackson previously served as Dallas County Judge from 1987 to 2001. Prior to that, he represented Dallas County in the Texas House of Representatives from 1976 to 1986. Jackson was lauded for his work in public by D Magazine, which named him Dallas’ Best Public Official in 1996 and a Legislative All-Star in 1981. The 2022 Keynote will feature Ron Clark.

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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ISDs Represented


Publications

XERI QUODIS SIM ID QUI UT DOLUPTIS ERUM FACCUS, TE NUM O MOLORPO RECTIUM. Watch the Film

HB 3767

Aligning Education and Workforce Development Meetings were coordinated with Bridging the Talent Gap staff and key people at each of the area’s higher education facilities. Work continued with the Commit Partnership to help shape proposed interim changes for postsecondary access and completion. The Chamber team assisted in advancing HB 3767, relating to the alignment of education and workforce development in Texas. They also continue to review postsecondary access and success programs, during which the Chamber provided comments on challenges related to pathway completion as it relates to CTE and dual credit programs.

THREE NEW PRODUCTS to HELP Businesses Recruit & Retain Talent! Our New Talent Tool Kit includes the relocation website, video, and our new VIRTUAL interactive relocation magazine LongviewNOW! Talent attraction and retention continues to be at the top of most conversations when our team asks investors, “what keeps you up at night?”. Companies are looking for cutting edge, first class tools to use when selling Longview. The toolkit is focused on telling our why: ▸ Why we love living in Longview? ▸ How can I get connected?

▸ Targeted emails to HR specialist, business owners, realtors, etc. ▸ Social media ad campaign ▸ Google Ad search campaign ▸ Programmatic advertising

PREMIER ISSUE

The website, magazine and video are located at nowlongview.com. The focus of the Summer/Fall digital magazine is on arts in Longview. A new video is being released and the website is also being updated. A new marketing campaign started in July to promote the pieces. Staff is currently working on developing a digital marketing plan to support talent attraction. The Summer/Fall digital magazine, video and updated web site were released in July. To view the updated website, view new video, and see the new publication visit nowlongview.com.

FALL/WINTER ISSUE

▸ What is it like living in Longview? The new toolkit is gaining momentum thanks to a strong marketing campaign: ▸ Advertising with LNJ in print and online ▸ Rack card distribution

LongviewNOW! Website Updated regularly with the latest relocation information.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

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Advocacy

REACH

Advocate for legislation that promotes business and industry, economic development, job creation and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Washington, D.C. Fly-In

East Texas Coalition Attendees

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The DC Fly-In included 10 representatives from the Longview and Tyler Chambers. Day one featured meetings with the US Chamber of Commerce on Economic Policy, Broadband Outlook, Energy: Market Situation and Outlook, Employment Policy: State and Federal Policy Changes. Day two featured meetings with the Federal

East Texas Coalition

Railroad Commission, Wolfe Street Partners, National Retail Federation, and the Federal

A delegation of 75 went to Austin February

Communications Commission.

28 – March 2. The agenda was built around Rural Broadband, Education/Workforce

Meetings with Senator Cornyn and

Development, Healthcare, and Redistricting.

Representative Gohmert were held to discuss policy issues for the Longview trade

Keynote speaker Secretary of State Ruth

area and Gregg County, along with a group

Hughs’ reviewed the integrity of Texas

dinner with Representative Gohmert.

voting system and election results. The event was available virtually for individuals to participate remotely. Recordings of the presentations were available post-event.

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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# Attendees of the Washington D.C. Fly-In

Watch the Invitation

Elected Officials Reception The Longview Chamber of commerce hosted a successful reception honoring our elected officials was held at Maude Cobb Convention Center in the Eitelman Room. The event was well-attended and all elected officials were recognized and thanked for their time, service, and sacrifice to serve their community.


Legislation Watch The Chamber continued partnering with organizations like Texas Association of Business (TAB) to watch potential legislation that could have a negative impact on business. Issues include the following:

Mark Robinson, AEP SWEPCO, leads a virtual policy call.

Watch the Forum

City Council Candidate Forum The year 2021 brought contested races for Longview City Council District 1, with three candidates, and for District 2, with two candidates. With the live event held on April 6, this allowed time for constituents to review candidates’ positions prior to early voting on April 19, 2021. Our partnership with Longview News-Journal and LongviewKilgore Cable TV allowed us to live stream the event as well as film and produce it for future viewing on Longview Cable.

Governmental Affairs Calls & Legislative Updates: With the Texas legislature in session, group calls were held in April and May covering initiatives with Aim Hire / Commit Partnership / TX 2036; Chapter 313 - Economic Development Act; 4072 updates; healthcare legislation updates from Mary Elizabeth Jackson - CHRISTUS Health – Northeast Texas; broadband update on regional approach with emphasis on creating shovel-ready projects for impending Cares Act funds. Calls-to-Action, letter sign-ons were initiated as well. Bills actively supporting/supported include: Federal: Oppose the proposed changes by the OMB to change

Scorecards

FE D E RAL & STATE L EGIS L ATIVE S COREC ARDS

population thresholds. Impact included loss of CDBG funding, our MPO would no longer exist, decrease Longview transit funding, and placed us at risk of losing our attainment status for air quality. State: Generic statement of bills.

VIEW THE FEDERAL

LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD

VIEW THE STATE

LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD

One Click Politics / Grass Roots Campaigns ▸ Healthy Kids & Moms – HB 290 & HB 133 ▸ Sales Tax – HB4072. This was a multi-area approach, creating campaigns for LCC, regional chambers, and state-wide. ▸ SB14 – Preemptive action to stop cities from passing local ordinances regarding employment. ▸ Build by the 4th campaign – Texas messaging targeting enacting bipartisan infrastructure bill this summer, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Unemployment Insurance (UI) – The UI program faces a deficit of almost $7 Billion because of the unprecedented unemployment during the pandemic. The Chamber supported TAB’s position of allocating a portion of the $16 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund to replenish the UI trust balance. Reconciliation Bill – Oppose the 3.5 trillion reconciliation bill in its current form. This bill included the recommendation from the Treasury Department proposal to require financial institutions to automatically report customer account inflows and outflows to the IRS. Staff worked closely with community banks, the American Bankers Association, US Chamber and TAB on this banking issue. Pending whether we keep this. Infrastructure – The Chamber continued working with and serving on the U.S. Chamber’s Infrastructure team. This group was engaged in the bi-partisan infrastructure package that continued being delayed due to the negotiations related to the framework of the reconciliation package. Workforce Shortage Crisis – The workforce shortage had a significant impact on businesses across the country. Partially as a direct result of the pandemic, the baby boomer retirement, and that there are more jobs today than there are unemployed. The Chamber continued to stay abreast of employer-led solutions to address the worker shortage, how they created new ways to find and train employees, and developed innovative ideas that contributed to an equitable workforce for all. Visit the Talent Forward Series to learn more. Emergency Temporary Standard – Monitored the recommended OSHA standards known as (ETS) for companies who have over 100 employees. With it’s adoption, employers will need additional resources on these important issues related to the vaccine mandates.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

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TESTIMONY TO EPA Energy Summit Utilizing local expertise and leadership in the dynamic energy industry, the Energy Summit took a realistic view of current and future indicators. Discussions included policy review from a federal and state lens, particularly heightened with the Texas power grid failure in February 2021. A discussion of how policy and business changes impact the economic perspective from investor and banking lens. Finally, a look at

Testimony to EPA on behalf of member, Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations, with broadened scope to include other Texas areas.

new technology emerging and what does the future look like, with an emphasis on

The EPA proposed a marked decrease for

preparing at all levels to embrace the future and exploit business opportunities.

Ethylene Oxide (EO) cancer risk levels that

MSA Designation

was controversial and conflicted with higher

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had issued a proposed notice in January 2021 that included a recommendation to raise the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) cutoff from 50,000 to 100,000, potentially cutting off federal funding to more than 140 cities with populations between 50-100K. These changes would have included Longview. The Chamber worked with the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, the City of Longview, LEDCO, regional chambers, and member companies to create a crafted statement for the OMB comment period. This was a collaborative effort across all stakeholders. The OMB received 740 comments on the population cutoff recommendation with 712 of those comments opposing the change. Here is the OMB Notice that was published in the Federal Register and OMB’s PR. Our collective lobby efforts paid off in maintaining the current population cutoff of

levels in the OSHA workplace standard, levels naturally occurring in the human body, and with TCEQ risk value. In addition, this new level was based on a review, without significant new data or clinical studies suggesting the risk due to exposure to low levels of EO was much greater that previously identified The Chamber commented that the predicted Ethylene Oxide cancer risk was controversial, unreasonable, and not in alignment with naturally occurring human levels. Also outlined the resiliency of Eastman’s environmental protection program, and their Commitment to Environment and Community. The Chamber respectfully

50,000 for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA).

requested the EPA abandon that proposed risk

Broadband Infrastructure

line with peer regulatory agencies.

level and take a deeper review of science more in

Coordinated regular meetings with our

This support statement was provided as a

County Judge and City Managers in

template for other Texas chambers in areas

Gregg County. Great work is being done

that were subject to the same EPA proposal for

to ensure all residents of our county

their comment period, that included Indorama

will have access to high quality/reliable

Ventures (formerly Huntsman), Port Neches, Texas,

broadband service.

and Shell Technology Center, Houston, Texas.

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for the incredibly supportive message you shared at our community meeting with the EPA on Tuesday evening. It was unexpected but very much appreciated! I have to say that the quality of the message was off the charts. I was floored by all of the information you shared and it was very motivating for me personally. Great job Suzanne and I am not sure who pulled all the content together and crafted the statement but please pass on my thanks if it was not one of you two. I appreciate your support as an Eastman employee and I have personally enjoyed working with both of you since I have been back in Longview. Thank you! Andrew Coggins, Vice President – Texas Operations, Eastman Chemical Company


Collaboration

REACH

Seek to play an increasing role in bringing stakeholders to the table and continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies, government and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations.

The Chamber Classic

Customized Marketing

COVID PSA

This annual event grew in 2021 to two

Partnering with VizCre8tve and Starfish Ad

events! Each outing brought together over

Age, four marketing videos were created

100 golfers made up of some of the most

for four investor companies. This is a great

influential members of the local business

opportunity for small businesses to tell their

community, as well as dignitaries from the

story and align a new customer base with their

surrounding area. It is embraced by local

mission and values. Distribution took place on

golf enthusiasts, with its casual atmosphere,

Chamber social media, as well as providing to

a fun and relaxed awards ceremony,

that member for their marketing plan.

During the height of the COVID spread in the Longview trade area and Gregg County, both area hospital systems worked with the Chamber ot create PSAs for distribution with the objective of educating the public and dispelling rumors and false information. This was a public health crisis and the chamber stepped up to the plate to communicate the facts to our area. Click the links below:

additional entertainment and players of varying abilities keeps many individuals and businesses returning year after year. As part of an additional revenue stream, a Spring Chamber Classic was added to the 2021 programs. Held at Tempest Golf Club. 17 Teams took part in this successful event.

It is a favorite of local golf enthusiasts with signature casual atmosphere, fun-filled awards ceremony, entertainment, and welcoming to players of all abilities. As such, there are many individuals and businesses returning each year to engage in the tournaments.

• Conterra Networks Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 • Keebaugh & Company, LLC Full Service Real Estate Video • Retire Smart | Video

1

2

• C3 Industrial Technologies | Video • Eastman Credit Union | Video ANNUAL REPORT 2021

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Watch the Recap

Leadership Longview

Leadership Longview Alumni

Under 40 Network

The 2020/2021 class dealt with COVID issues but continued moving forward with their class agenda.

Worked diligently on programming to create a meaningful program to engage this elite group of leaders.

December was Health & Emergency Services Day and the highlight was visiting the EOC and hearing how agencies work together in an emergency.

Gatherings included:

John Griffin, the Executive Director of The John Maxwell Team, worked with us on areas of leadership development, professional skills, and personal growth. Griffin was trained and mentored by John Maxwell and mentors of Maxwell’s world-class faculty. He has the tools, resources, and experience to help individuals improve their productivity, performance, and profitability.

January was Criminal Justice & Public Safety Day. It looked a little different than previous years, but great information was given to the class from county and city officials. The local SWAT unit presented to the class and there was also a demonstration by the K-9 unit of LPD. February was Education Day: the class visited the Boys & Girls Club and heard from Pine Tree Superintendent, Steve Clugston, as well as speakers from LeTourneau University and Vista College. The class of 2021 completed their project for Heartisans Marketplace and had the ribbon cutting on April 8. Graduation is set for Thursday, May 6 at our Small Business Solutions Luncheon.

January – Lunch & Learn with John Grubbs at Landmark Social. February - Celebrating Downtown event, visiting businesses that have recently opened and then had the pleasure of hearing from Peggy Vaughn on the efforts to bring an Amphitheater to Longview. March – Tour of the new facility at AAON Coil.

An additional 40 Under 40 Executive Series workshop was held in December at Pinecrest Country Club. Amy Pechacek lead the workshop on “Impacting Lives Through Intentional Leadership”. During lunch mentors were assigned to tables to encourage discussion on community engagement.

Received 30 applications for the next round of Leadership Longview, class 2021/2022. Initiated the process of enlisting submissions for projects from area non-profits. The class of 2022 had their Leadership Retreat September 16-17, with their first full day session on October 14. Speakers focused on economic and community development of the County.

— Leadership Longview by the Numbers —

1981 1,400+ 28

Program Established 10

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lifetime Graduates

In REACH Team


HealthyView Pillars

Health

• PHYSICAL HEALTH • EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL HEALTH

REACH

(Organizational Health – Administration / Finance / Operations)

• FINANCIAL HEALTH

Advocate for real, tangible solutions to create a culture of health in our community.

• CAREER & WORKPLACE HEALTH • COMMUNITY HEALTH

Watch the Invitation

HealthyVIEW Two Summits were held to move forward HealthyView initiatives, as well as some related task force development after the Tulsa, Oklahoma InterCity visit. Summits highlight one or more of the HealthyView pillars: ▸ Physical Health ▸ Emotional & Spiritual Health ▸ Financial Health ▸ Career & Workplace Health ▸ Community Health The first summit partnered with Community Healthcore with a follow-up to a COVID stress webinar held in May. Stress levels continued to be high and both employers and employees could benefit from some reminders of how to cope. Hospitals were concerned about PTSD for front line employees: nurses, doctors, etc.

In addition, churches started reaching out to the Chamber: ▸ PTSD concerns are high ▸ Increase in divorces ▸ Willing to help coordinate counseling with businesses The HealthyVIEW Summit was held in December at Pinecrest Country Club. Steve Gordon, CEO of LRMC, and Todd Hancock, CEO of CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System were the keynote speakers. The discussion centered on what they have and are facing related to managing COVID cases, surgery cases, elective procedures, and staffing. CEOs discussed their planning for the future in combating COVID variants – the invisible enemy. They detailed key learning from the past 18 months.

Transformation Longview

ResET Hiring Practices

Many of the members of HealthyVIEW task force continue to work with the John Maxwell Foundation and Transformation Longview Team. They completed an 8-week training on how to host round tables and then held their own group sessions to train the next group of leaders in this methodology, at an exponential rate.

The Workforce Solutions Center of East Texas provided a workshop on ResET Hiring Practices. Employers had the opportunity to see TWC’s mobile bus and experience hands on what an on-site hiring event can look like. Attendees left with best practices and tips on hiring practices.

120

OVER

COMPANIES

for the Hospitality & Lodging Industry

HealthyView Summit

ATTENDEES ANNUAL REPORT 2021

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catalyst for business growth Leading People. Leading Prosperity.

Stay up-to-date with the latest information and publications: www.longviewchamber.com

Keep in touch with YOUR Chamber 903.237.4000 | Fax 903.237.4049 410 North Center Street - Longview, TX 75601


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