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
2021 EDITION REDEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION
ADVOCACY
COLLABORATION
HEALTH
R.E.A.C.H.
Redevelopment. Education. Advocacy. Collaboration. Health.
Our Mission Statement
CONTENTS CHAIRMAN’S LETTER..................................
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS................................
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Vision Statement
OUR STRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES.............
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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.
OVERVIEW................................................
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WHERE WE’RE GOING ................................
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To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area.
Our Core Ideology and Values. 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
Strengths Opportunities
Our Big Questions
Advocacy Business Attraction and Retention Improve Perceptions Enhance Value for Small Businessand Entrepreneurs Member Services Skilled Workforce
SUMMARY & PRIORITIES............................10 Education Redevelopment Health Collaboration Advocacy / Legislative Affairs
Chairman’s Letter
2021 Strategic Business Plan
As we usher in 2021, we are extending our Chamber’s five-year strategic plan, R.E.A.C.H., and our board, volunteers, and staff remain focused on the blueprint brought forth. Like you, we enter 2021 with optimism and the anticipation of a better year. We learned so much from 2020 that has prepared us. Our investors believed in us and rose to the challenge of a new program of work for 2021, always holding the light toward moving our business community forward! And your Chamber has the courage and wisdom to lead into the new reality. We will pilot, assess, and recalibrate as needed to accomplish the major initiatives underway. All that we learned in 2020 propels us forward into an exciting 2021!
Redevelopment. Education. Advocacy. Collaboration. Health. Redevelopment - The Chamber’s Foundation Board
at the Chamber will continue to focus on priority areas
continues to advance the priorities of our business
that impact YOUR bottom line: health care, tax reform,
community while working with key stakeholders. One
school financing, regulatory systems, expanding small
focus area is to aid in the transformation of underutilized
businesses, and more!
areas of our community while remaining in alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. In 2020, the Foundation focused on building relationships amongst higher education and East Texas Workforce Solutions to expand the East Texas Advanced Manufacturers Academy into adult learning opportunities. In addition, due diligence continues for the feasibility of an amphitheater facility.
Chamber continues to serve as the catalytic leader. In 2017, we launched our collective impact work around health and wellbeing: HealthyVIEW. We revived our Association Health Plan for Small Businesses and launched HealthyVIEW of East Texas, encompassing 31 East Texas Counties. We have conducted an employee
Education - The initiatives championed by the Chamber
health & wellbeing survey (with nearly 800 completed)
continue to strengthen workforce development needs. We
and industry driven focus groups to better understand our
will continue to:
local predicament. Moving forward, 5 task forces around
▸ Provide tools to help students plan for their future
our pillars of health will take deeper dives on how we effectively affect change creating an awareness of why it
▸ Convene key stakeholders at the Partners In Education Conference
is critical we advance this work.
▸ Promote the Texas Internship Challenge
The R.E.A.C.H. strategic plan is our roadmap to the future. COLLABORATION is the key to success. Together
▸ Support TX 60 x 30 and Texas 2050
we ARE stronger and together we WILL continue to trail
Advocacy - Representing the Voice of Business will
blaze into the future. We believe by working together we
continue to remain at the forefront of all our initiatives
can move Longview forward and realize a more vibrant
and areas of work. We will build on the unprecedented
community for the generations who follow us.
involvement and leadership of the advocacy team as we prepare for the East Texas Coalition in Austin trip, comprised of four area chambers of commerce for a strong voice in Austin. With the legislature in session, governmental affairs calls resume to keep members abreast of policy development into legislation. Out 2020 Washington, D.C. Fly-In trip will also take place this year.
You, our loyal investors, are our reason for being. You ignite our passion to create programs and opportunities that move our business community forward. The wisdom we gained this past year will make us even better and has opened up even more possibilities to collectively move Longview forward now and in the years to come!
From a local lens, candidate forums will commence for
Here’s to 2021 being a year of bigger and better
city council and mayoral races. Coffee Conversations
milestones and achievements for the Longview trade area!
Dana Parr, 2021
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Health - Building a culture of health is no easy task! The
Chairman of the Board
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Kelly Hall, President/CEO
Strategic Plan | 2021 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
Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman
Brian Daugbjerg
Jim Gaton
Jim Green
Longview Regional Medical Center
Rogers Law Firm
Longview Scrap & Metal Company
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations
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
Michael Clements
Judge Bill Stoudt
Kristen Ishihara
PDQ America, LLC
Gregg County
Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC
Dana Parr
Gerald Rincher
Chuck King
Bo Rogers
Kevin Hood
Jessica LaRue
Sam Neale
Chamber Staff Kelly R. Hall
Dave Jochum
Stephanie Raudales
President/CEO
Director of Business and Development
Special Projects and Event Coordinator
Suzanne Brown
Bianca Adams
Ana Suriano
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications
Information Services Coordinator
Marketing and Membership Consultant
A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS…
#12
COST OF DOING BUSINESS
#6
MOST BOOMING CITY IN AREA GROWTH
Forbes Magazine (2016)
Forbes Magazine (2014)
TOP 50 BEST-
50
PERFORMING SMALL CITIES Milken Institute (2015)
TOP PLACES IN
40 #67
TEXAS TO START A BUSINESS NerdWallet (2015)
BEST CITIES FOR FAMILIES IN TEXAS WalletHub (2016)
#157
BEST SMALL PLACES FOR BUSINESS AND CAREERS IN THE COUNTRY
US News & World Report (2016)
OUR STRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES The Longview area has several strengths to capitalize upon and opportunities to pursue over the next few years. Leveraging our strengths and preparing for these opportunities will create business growth and prosperity for all who call Longview “home.”
Strengths ▸ Listed by Forbes Magazine as 12th in the country for cost of doing business in their Best Small Places for Business and Careers ranking (2016) and the 6th most booming city in area growth since 2000 (2014); Milken Institute ranks Longview in the top 50 Best-Performing Small Cities (2015); NerdWallet ranks Longview in the top 40 communities in Texas to start a business (2015). 67th in WalletHub’s report on 2016’s Best Cities for Families in Texas, US News & World Report ranks LeTourneau University #27 in Regional Universities West and #157 Best Small Places for Business and Careers in the Country (2016). ▸ Diversified economy with comparable share of employment in education, health services, government, manufacturing, and retail. ▸ Wage increases have been accelerating over the last few years. ▸ The area’s economic base is diversified with manufacturing, professional services, oil & gas, construction, healthcare, education, and retail. ▸ Cost of living is on average 4% lower compared to the rest of the country. ▸ Proximity to Dallas, Houston, and Shreveport.
Opportunities ▸ Attract and retain skilled workers and degreed individuals in the area to meet the workforce needs of businesses.
Organizations looking at a variety economic factors noted the many favorable conditions that exist in Longview for businesses and families.
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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
▸ Job growth in construction, while relatively flat the last couple of years, should be primed for a resurgence, which creates an up-tick in new housing development and growth in the area.
Strategic Plan | 2021
R E A C H ▸ Leverage existing high-tech companies to create an incubator or offer technical skills training through partnerships and expertise from the local college and university. ▸ Growth in the area will expand the tax base which could create more government services for Longview area residents. ▸ Collaborations on redevelopment/revitalization initiatives to revamp the downtown district will bring new businesses to Longview and increased activity by residents.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES REDE VELOPMENT Work with other stakeholders in Longview and the City’s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.
EDUCATION Seek new and innovative ideas that improve access to basic and advanced educational opportunities with the cradle to career collective
OVERVIEW
impact to help our citizens reach their potential
After analyzing Longview’s economic environment,
educated workforce.
and become skilled contributors to our highly
strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, we are proud to present our Strategic Plan for Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H.
ADVOCACY
Longview needs to ensure the next wave of economic
Advocate for legislation that promotes business
progress. We recognize that our local economy will
and industry, economic development, job creation
need to rely on attracting new employers and enticing
and community quality of life at the local, state,
existing businesses to fuel growth. Businesses of
and federal levels of government.
all sizes will need to be bold and entrepreneurial to seize growth opportunities. The Longview Chamber is committed to being a driving force and reaching out
COLL ABOR ATION
to other partners in our region and state to develop
Seek to play an increasing role in bringing
an environment that cultivates business growth and
stakeholders to the table and continue to build a
increased economic opportunities.
network that fosters an environment where our
Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. The strategic plan for the Chamber was developed
agencies, government and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations.
through the efforts of the Board of Directors as they embarked upon a new 5-year strategic plan. Over the past several years of planning, board members and staff
HE ALTH
(Organizational Health – Administration / Finance / Operations)
have asked themselves two “critical questions” that they
Through the power of the collective impact of
believe must be addressed in defining the roles and
our member businesses, HealthyVIEW aims to
responsibilities of the Chamber.
advocate for real, tangible solutions to create a culture of health for our community.
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Our Big Questions “Why does the Chamber exist?” “What is the Chamber’s role in shaping Longview’s future?” Other questions worth considering also included, “How can the Chamber’s leadership initiatives assist in achieving the community’s goals?” and “What is the Chamber’s role in attracting, supporting, and retaining young families in Longview (professional and skills-trade)?” InterCity Visits are designed to generate and experience new ideas. They provide an opportunity to introduce local leaders to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community.
Implementing this plan will require a long-term commitment, as building a strong entrepreneurial community will take time and patience. Success will not be easy to gauge or achieve. The plan is designed to provide a clear strategic direction for the organization. It is not meant to be static. Instead, it is made to be flexible, responding to lessons learned and emerging issues. Each year, the Chamber staff will develop a business plan with tactics to advance the strategies. There are also a number of strategic concerns that we,
Register today to join the next InterCity Visit!
as a resource for community prosperity, must address to ensure accomplishment of our stated mission. These strategic concerns include: ▸ Developing Quality of Place (zero-in on actionable things). ▸ Promoting leaders that represent the community. ▸ Expanding leadership programs (nurture up-andcoming young leaders). ▸ Strengthening public/private partnerships. ▸ Diversifying membership – importance of diverse points of view. ▸ Determining the Chamber’s primary roles (nonduplicative, key areas). ▸ Effectively executing ongoing advocacy. ▸ Sharing best practices between members.
The Bi-weekly R.E.A.C.H. Report logo was updated for 2020. The report is emailed out to keep members up-to-date on upcoming events and opportunities.
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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Strategic Plan | 2021
WHERE WE’RE GOING Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. is a five-year initiative to promote our assets, strengthen our existing businesses and business opportunities, and significantly improve the economic future for all who call the Longview area home.
Advocacy Represent the interests of the business community at the local, state, and federal levels by advocating for issues of importance to economic and business development.
The Chamber coordinates trips to both Austin, Texas and our nation’s capital to advocate for Longview businesses.
2020 brings a return to Washington, D.C.
Business Attraction and Retention Continue to target to fill retail and commercial gaps. Work with existing businesses to ensure they continue to thrive in the Longview area and provide employment opportunities for the county’s citizens.
Improve Perceptions Collaborate with other organizations to attract and retain a skilled workforce by leveraging Longview’s assets.
Enhance Value for Small Business and Entrepreneurs Promote innovative practices, new business formation,
City officials, developers and community leaders discuss redevelopment during the Chamber’s Coffee conversations focused on the city’s billboard codes, in particular the three-sided billboard residing at the vacated Waffle Shoppe restaurant. Ultimately the sign and vacated building were demolished in readiness for new development.
and opportunities for business growth.
Member Services Provide membership benefits and services that give our members an operational and financial competitive advantage.
Skilled Workforce Lead, coordinate, and support activities that produce a globally competitive, educated, and skilled labor force and that provide quality employment opportunities. The East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy has been established to provide high school students an opportunity to obtain training in instrumentation and electrical technology and precision machining technology.
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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R E A C H
SUMMARY
To be successful, we need leadership as well as involvement from a broad base of community leaders. The Longview Chamber of Commerce will provide the staffing and overall management of this plan, but the execution of these priority goals and the opportunity to succeed rests with leaders who serve as the ambassadors of Longview. This plan is distinguished by its aggressiveness, transparency and commitment to evaluating its progress by established benchmarks. The plan will be achieved through strong leadership, dedication, and broad collaboration. We will know which goals we are achieving and which need more attention, but we need your leadership to make R.E.A.C.H. happen. Ask yourself, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Create change for our future with the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
PRIORITY 1:
REDEVELOPMENT
OVERALL GOAL: Launch a campaign that will aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community. “As a Chamber, it is our goal to help our members with welldefined redevelopment efforts. This is a key to the collective growth in both our local and regional economies. Vibrant communities support the business community’s ability to retain and attract talent, and aid in commercial development. A number of things must continue for Longview and our region to remain competitive and thrive. Thoughtful public-private partnerships, and a community that truly supports their local businesses. All of this ultimately improves the quality of life for our business community and our residents.”
OBJECTIVES: ▸ The board will form a leadership team that will champion developing a plan which complements the work of the City and LEDCO to complete redevelopment initiatives. ▸ Transform underdeveloped/underserved areas of Longview into a thriving marketplace where individuals and
– Brian Daugbjerg, Longview Scrap & Metal Company
PRIORITY 2:
EDUCATION
families want to live, work and play.
Redevelopment
Education
OVERALL GOAL: Continue to focus on executing a cradle to career collective impact that supports helping individuals reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly educated workforce. “The Chamber believes we must prepare for the demands of tomorrow’s skilled and competitive workforce environment.
▸ Lead the management of the Education Collective Impact.
Businesses have an important role in leading
▸ Develop a regional action plan in partnership with key stakeholders.
and advocating for Career Readiness; a
▸ Convene stakeholders to sign a covenant that communicates
business-led approach for implementing cradle to career education systems. Our leadership is committed to being proactive to ensure our academic standards are raised so students are successful in making progress toward important transitions to either college or careers.” – Gerald Rincher, Longview Regional Medical Center
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OBJECTIVES:
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
shared vision and key principles that focuses on solutions to increase attainment levels and employment. ▸ Develop partnership opportunities with ISDs and secondary education organizations that support the development of a skilled workforce for Longview. ▸ Leverage community resources, align strategies, and improve policies.
Strategic Plan | 2021 PRIORITY 3:
Advocacy / Legislative Affairs
ADVOCACY / LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
OVERALL GOAL: Advocate for legislation that has a positive impact on business and industry, economic development, job creation and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government. “Our work in advocacy is the foundation for our chamber’s existence. For over 100 years we’ve been committed to promoting and protecting the interests of our Longview area businesses through legislative initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Our local voice, 1100 members strong and representing over 45,000 hard-working East Texans, is combined on a regional level with other chambers across the state and nation, leading to successful and impactful representation. ” – Bo Rogers, Rogers Law Firm
PRIORITY 4:
COLLABORATION
OBJECTIVES: ▸ Promote and protect the interests of our Longview area businesses. ▸ Advocate support for the City of Longview’s Comprehensive Plan. ▸ Influence public policy on specific local and state issues through the LBPAC. ▸ Influence public policy at all levels of government. ▸ Build and maintain strong relationships with all levels of elected officials to ensure greater opportunity for positive outcomes for the Longview Trade Area.
Collaboration
OVERALL GOAL: Continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations. “Longview is a desirable, regional destination. It provides a great business environment to conduct business. By virtue of being one of the largest cities in the East Texas region, our economy thrives. But being one of the largest isn’t good enough: Longview must be the best by offering a dynamic urban setting and quality of life that is viewed as the finest East Texas has to offer. This will only occur when key stakeholders across the area work in concert with one another to make the right things happen.”
OBJECTIVES:
– Chuck King, Chick-fil-A
▸ Continue to provide exceptional Leadership Training.
PRIORITY 5:
HEALTH
▸ Create a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous local economy. ▸ Remain the lead in convening key stakeholders to drive Longview’s future. ▸ Continue to practice economic inclusion by encouraging participation from Longview’s diverse business community. ▸ Remain a key partner for entrepreneurial activity by utilizing the Business Solutions Conference to celebrate entrepreneurism.
Organizational Health: Administration / Finance / Operations
OVERALL GOAL: Through the power of the collective impact of our member businesses, HealthyVIEW aims to advocate for real, tangible solutions to create a culture of health for our community. “The Longview Chamber of Commerce has made organizational sustainability a top priority in its Strategic Plan. We are working in the present, using evaluation and innovation, to be certain that the Chamber’s future is strong, allowing us to be the solution leader for Longview area businesses for years to come.” – Sam Neale, Napps Technology Corporation
OBJECTIVES: ▸ Position the organization and the staff for long-term success. ▸ Provide cutting-edge technology to achieve increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. ▸ Protect and improve the Chamber facilities to create a safe and efficient work environment, and provide a warm and welcoming environment for visitors. ▸ Attract and retain executive-level Chamber professionals and support team members. ▸ Remain the number one choice as THE SOLUTION LEADER for access and resources for Longview area businesses.
Health LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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410 North Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903.237.4000 Fax 903.237.4049 www.longviewchamber.com
