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
STR ATEGIC PL AN
STRONGER TOGETHER
2022 EDITION
H E A R T Health
Education
Advocacy
Redevelopment
Talent
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
H.E.A.R.T. Health. Education. Advocacy. Redevelopment. Talent.
2022 Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Immediate Past Chairman
Dana Parr
Jessica LaRue
Chairman Elect
Chairman of Finance
Travis Sisson
Brian Daugbjerg
Texas Bank and Trust
Advanta Insurance Partners
Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merritt, P.C
Longview Regional Medical Center
Longview Scrap & Metal Company
Kevin Hood
Vice Chairman
Chamber Staff Kelly R. Hall President/CEO
Suzanne Brown Tuma Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman
Sam Neale
Gerald Rincher
Napps Technology Corporation
Komatsu Mining Corp.
Michael Clements, Jr.
Adrienne Deason
Jim Gaton
PDQ America, LLC
Henry & Peters, P.C.
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications
Dave Jochum
Director of Business and Development
Ana Suriano
New Investor Sales/Retention
Spencer Sallee Jim Green
Chuck King
Nishil Patel
Mark Robinson
Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations
Chick-fil-A
Heritage Wine & Spirits
AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
Development Officer
Shawna Stewart Investor Support
Susan Roberts Investor Relations
Appointed Directors
Kristen Ishihara
Judge Bill Stoudt
Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC
Gregg County
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HEART
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STRATEGIC PLAN • 2022
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE This year brings the exciting new strategic plan, H.E.A.R.T.! Enabling the path to this new plan was the Chamber’s adoption of Entrepreneurial Operating System, EOS, in which the Chamber created a new organizational arrangement and well-defined strategy and focus. Establishing the H.E.A.R.T plan for the next 5 years provides the blueprint for our board, volunteers, and staff to focus. We have learned so much during the past two years and we enter 2022 with optimism and anticipation of a bright future. Our investors believed in us and rose to the challenge of a new strategy and program of work, with the goal of moving our business community forward. Your Chamber has the courage and wisdom to lead into the future by collaborating to develop a more regional action plan. We will pilot, assess, and recalibrate as needed to accomplish the major initiatives underway. The Chamber is now ready to move forward into an exciting new chapter with this 5-year plan! H = Health E = Education A = Advocacy R = Redevelopment T = Talent
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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Health - The Chamber continues to deliver outstanding service to investors in our trade area! This is provided through administration, financial and operational excellence. By positioning the organization for long-term success, we enhance our position as the number one choice as the solution leader and resource for Gregg County area businesses. Education – The Chamber continues seeking new and innovative ideas to complement existing programs, improving access to educational opportunities and strengthening workforce development needs. We will continue to convene key influencers to address talent related issues, and increase our voice in state and national organizations to help shape in those policy arenas. Advocacy - Representing the Voice of Business will continue to remain at the forefront of our initiatives and areas of work. We will build on the unprecedented involvement and leadership of the advocacy team by expanding the regional coverage. Candidate forums will commence for local races so that constituents can make informed decisions at the voting booth. Advocacy issues thread through every Chamber program. Redevelopment - The Chamber’s Foundation Board continues to advance the priorities of our business community while working with key stakeholders to invest in infrastructure to promote quality of life for all in the region. One focus area is to catalyze transformation of underutilized areas of our
community while remaining in alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Talent – One of the greatest challenges of our time. We will champion the discussion for improving our community’s ability to attract and retain talent. This involves continuing to optimize tools and programs to improve the quality of place. The Chamber will continue building robust marketing tools for employers, and continue developing leaders through leadership programs and executive networks. The H.E.A.R.T. strategic plan is our roadmap to the future. COLLABORATION with businesses and city and county leadership will be the key to our success. We know by working together we can move Longview and Gregg County forward and realize a more vibrant community for the generations who follow us. 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 during the pandemic will make us better and has opened up more possibilities to collectively move Longview forward now and in years to come! Here’s to 2022 being a year of bigger and better milestones and achievements for the Gregg County area!
Kevin Hood, 2022 – Chairman of the Board
Our Strengths & Opportunities In 2019, the Chamber adopted EOS: Entrepreneurial
ranked in the top tier for more than a quarter-century in its
Operating System. This complete set of simple concepts
category. 38th Top Engineering School In Nation.
and practical tools helped create an even greater clarity and simplicity to achieve the mission throughout the organization along these three things: 1. VISION - This has helped our organization and staff to be on the same page with where we’re going and how we plan to get there.
▸ 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. ▸ Diversified economic base for the area with
2. TRACTION - Instilled focus, discipline, and accountability
manufacturing, professional services, oil & gas,
throughout the company so that everyone executes on
construction, healthcare, education, and retail.
that vision — every day. 3. HEALTHY - We have become healthier as our leaders have become a more cohesive, functional, leadership team. 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 ▸ Forbes Magazine lists Longview 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 BestPerforming Small Cities (2015). ▸ NerdWallet ranks Longview in the top 40 communities in Texas to start a business (2015). ▸ WalletHub rates Longview as 67th in their report on 2016’s Best Cities for Families in Texas. ▸ US News & World Report ranks LeTouneau University in Regional Universities West – 2020, LeTourneau University ranks 25th in the top national tier of the 2021 U.S. News
▸ Cost of living is on average 7% 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. ▸ Job growth in construction, while relatively flat the last
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
TEXAS TO START A BUSINESS NerdWallet (2015)
couple of years, should be primed for a resurgence, which creates an up-tick in new housing development and growth in the area. ▸ Leverage existing high-tech companies to create an
#67
incubator or offer technical skills training through
WalletHub (2016)
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
BEST CITIES FOR FAMILIES IN TEXAS
#157
BEST SMALL PLACES FOR BUSINESS AND CAREERS IN THE COUNTRY
US News & World Report (2016)
to Longview and increased activity by residents. ▸ According to the Longview Area Association of Realtors,
and World Report’s annual rankings of “America’s Best
median price for housing is up 16.2% compared to 2020.
Colleges” in its category of “Best Regional Universities
Housing inventory is at 1.5 months, less than in 2020, with 31
in the Western Region.” LeTourneau University has been
days on market and 43 days to close – 19 days less than 2020.
Organizations looking at a variety of economic factors noted the many favorable conditions that exist in Longview for businesses and families.
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Introducing the New 5-Year Strategic Plan
HEART
Summary To be successful, we need leadership as well as involvement from a broad base of
HEALTH - Deliver outstanding service to investors, through administration, financial and operational excellence.
community leaders. The Longview Chamber of Commerce will provide the staffing and social management of this plan, but the execution of these priority goals and the
EDUCATION - Seek new and innovative ideas that improves access to basic and advanced educational opportunities to connect skilled contributors to the area employers.
opportunity to succeed rests with leaders who serve as the ambassadors of Longview. The plan is distinguished by its aggressiveness, transparency, and commitment to evaluating its progress by established benchmarks. The plan will be achieved through strong leadership,
ADVOCACY - 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. REDEVELOPMENT - Work with other stakeholders in Longview and use the City’s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.
dedication, and broad collaboration. We will know which objectives we are achieving, and which need more attention, but we need your leadership to make H.E.A.R.T. happen. Ask yourself, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Create change for our future with the Longview Chamber of Commerce!
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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TALENT - Champion the discussion for improving our community’s ability in regard to attracting and retaining talent.
Our Big Questions
▸ Diversifying membership. ▸ Focusing on primary roles. ▸ Executing effectively. ▸ Sharing best practices.
“Why does the Chamber exist?” “What is the Chamber’s role in shaping Longview’s future?”
Where We’re Going
ResET Hiring Practices Workshop
H.E.A.R.T. 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.
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)?” 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
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. 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
plan is designed to provide a clear strategic direction for the
provide employment opportunities for the county’s citizens.
organization. It is not meant to be static. Instead, it is made to
Improve Perceptions - Collaborate with other organizations 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, as a resource for community prosperity, must address to ensure accomplishment of our stated mission. These strategic concerns include: ▸ Developing quality of place. ▸ Promoting leaders that represent the community. ▸ Expanding leadership programs. ▸ Strengthening public/private partnerships.
2021 InterCity Trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma
attract and retain a skilled workforce by leveraging Longview’s assets. Enhance Value for Small Business and Entrepreneurs Promote innovative practices, new business formation, 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. Energy Summit 2021
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HEALTH STRATEGY
HEART
Mark Robinson, AEP SWEPCO, leads a virtual policy call.
The health of the Longview Chamber of Commerce is a foundational pillar of its strategic plan. Area businesses trust the Chamber to be their solution leader and the Board is working hard to ensure that the Chamber is organized and resourced to provide this expertise to our community now and for years to come.
- Jessica LaRue, Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merritt, P.C
Goal:
Goal:
To deliver outstanding service to investors, through administration, financial and operational excellence.
To seek new and innovative ideas that improves access to basic and advanced educational opportunities to connect skilled contributors to the area employers.
▸ 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 professionals and support team members. ▸ Enhance our position as the number one choice as THE SOLUTION LEADER and resource for Gregg County area businesses. ▸ Build upon existing, and create new, intercompany connections through intentional programming. ▸ Tell the Chamber story through the eyes of our investors in themed communications pieces. Broadband Expansion
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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chamber is committed to working with businesses and educators to cultivate the next generation of skilled contributors to meet the demands of our area workforce. Our leadership believes that improved access to educational opportunities will be the difference maker for the future of our business community.
- Travis Sisson, Longview Regional Medical Center
Objectives:
East Texas Coalition 2021
EDUCATION STRATEGY
Objectives: ▸ Convene key influencers to develop strategies to address challenges for talent pipeline management. ▸ Participate with state and national organizations to increase our voice in shaping state and national policies.
ADVOCACY STRATEGY
REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
TALENT STRATEGY
Advocacy is our Chamber’s voice defending and promoting East Texas business’s ability to be successful through legislative initiatives on the local, state, federal, and global level. Leading regional collaboration provides our Chamber members with a larger platform, a more powerful voice, and access to crucial information. Our Advocacy goal is to create a thriving legislative environment where businesses, their employees, and our community can flourish.
We are committed to working proactively with educators and other local leaders so we can ensure pathways to success exist. Professional development is fundamental to the growth of our communities and businesses.
- Mark Robinson, AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
As a Chamber, it is our goal to help our members with well-defined 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.
Goal:
- Brian Daugbjerg, Longview Scrap & Metal Company
To 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.
Goal:
Objectives: ▸ Promote and protect the free market economy. ▸ Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials ensuring greater prosperity for the Gregg County Area businesses. ▸ Advocate for completion and continuation of future planning for the City of Longview’s Comprehensive Plan. ▸ Influence public policy at all levels of government, local through federal. ▸ Utilize the Longview Business Political Action Committee (LBPAC) to influence policy at the local and state level. ▸ Provide candidate forums and policy summits for an informed electorate and business community.
To work with key stakeholders utilizing the City’s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.
- Gerald Rincher, Komatsu Mining Corp.
Goal: To champion the discussion for improving our community’s ability in regard to attracting and retaining talent.
Objectives: ▸ Continue building robust attraction/retention marketing tools for employers to promote the area to potential job seekers. ▸ Tell Longview’s story through various media channels. ▸ Develop leaders through leadership programs and executive networks.
Objectives: ▸ Support the integrity of communications for the City’s Comprehensive Plan. ▸ Catalyze transformation towards redevelopment of underdeveloped/underserved areas.
LongviewNOW! Website Potential job seekers will find regularly updated relocation information at NowLongview.com.
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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