HEART V6 No1 #6

Join us for the Chamber’s premiere business event which brings together top businesses and community leaders. The 2023 keynote speaker is Margaret Spellings, CEO of the non-partisan organization Texas 2036. Ms. Spellings will be presenting on the Real Progress. Real Results. of the organization and the impact Texas 2036 is having on shaping policy.

The evening is also a time of celebration! Help us celebrate as we highlight the success of INDEVCO Plastics, a multinational company located in Longview and AEP/SWEPCO who is committed to working together with their customers and communities to create the future of energy.

2023 Officers

Jessica LaRue Chair

Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC

Steve Gordon Chair-Elect

Longview Regional Medical Center

Kevin Hood Past-Chairman Texas Bank and Trust

Jill Alley

Chair of Finance Eastman Credit Union

Vice Chairs

Brian Daugbjerg

Vice Chairman Longview Scrap & Metal Company

Gerald Rincher Vice Chairman Komatsu Mining Corporation

Mark Robinson

Vice Chairman AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Directors

Michael Clements Jr. PDQ America, LLC

Andrew Coggins

Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations

Adrienne Deason Henry & Peters, P.C.

Don Deem

Longview Cable Television Company Inc Wehco Video Inc

Jim Gaton

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Lori Ivey

State Farm Insurance - Lori Ivey

Nishil Patel

Heritage Wine & Spirits

Dana Rutland STEMCO

Do You Believe in a Free Market?

Do You Want to Protect Our Free Enterprise System?

KELLY

Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to experience hearing some amazing speakers and learn about policy trends. One of the most impactful programs I have heard in recent years was in September of 2019 at a U. S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) Committee of 100 meeting. As we prepare for our 88th legislative session I am reminded of the Chamber’s impactful programs and importance of our role in protecting our economic environment that allows businesses to thrive.

I believe we need to remain diligent in reminding this generation that our country was built on the idea that all people are created equal and that these people have fundamental rights such as liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law, and freedom of assembly. At our country’s core was the belief that free enterprise would provide individuals the ability to choose the businesses we want do business with, have the right to private property, ability to make a profit, competition is healthy, and consumer sovereignty. These principals build the foundation of capitalism. What is alarming to me is the number of individuals who do not know the meanings of capitalism or socialism. Do you and your employees?

The USCC Foundation built a new website on Civics Education called The CIVIC TRUST. The website was birthed after sharing data that had been collected in 5 areas to determine strategies moving forward:

1. Understanding the public sentiment towards “capitalism” and socialism”.

2. Capitalism and socialism are not viewed as mutually exclusive solutions.

3. Engaging in an ideological or political fight over socialism backfires with certain audiences.

4. Socialism must be defined through practical examples, especially cost

5. We need to build-up support for capitalism

The following is a glimpse of the data collected by the USCC.

I. Understanding public sentiment towards “capitalism” and “socialism”

While overall public sentiment strongly favors capitalism over socialism, capitalism has less support among several key demographics – women, Hispanics, and 18 to 34 year old’s.

Younger Americans are concerned about their own access to upward mobility. When asked what they worry about, 45% select “not being able to make enough money to get ahead.”

Not surprisingly, only 1 in 4 said that their “personal economic situation” was getting better these days, while similar levels (22%) report it is “getting worse.” Nearly half (45%) said it is staying about the same.

Key Takeaway: We are not in the midst of a socialist wave, but there is work to do, especially with younger Americans. We should not discount their concerns about the economy and their own personal financial situation.

We can strengthen the argument for capitalism with some audiences by using the phrases “free enterprise” and “free markets.”

“

HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO

II. Capitalism and socialism are not viewed as mutually exclusive solutions

Many Americans do not view capitalism and socialism in distinct “eitheror” terms.

According to a Pew Research2 poll, 1 in 4 Americans have a positive view of both capitalism and socialism. Demographic groups with a near equal “favorable” opinion of both include:

• Adults under 30,

• African Americans,

• Hispanics,

• Those making less than $30,000 annually, and • Democrats

This likely reflects the fact that many Americans see problems that they do not believe the current economic system is solving and more to the point, are not convinced that socialism cannot address some problems.

2https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/25/stark-partisan-divisions-in-americans-views-of-socialismcapitalism/

independent voters were significantly more likely to support a candidate if their policies were described as “socialist.” Similarly, support for the “socialist” policies increased among soft Democrats.

In short, simply describing policies as “socialist” can boost opposition from the Republican base, but in turn, it boosts support among Independents and soft Democrats.

Majority levels of adults under the age of 40 think specific socialist policies could be “fair.” Nearly 6 in 10 think it is completely or mostly fair to tax people at a much higher rate the more they earn, provide the same insurance to someone who works as to someone who chooses not to work, cancel all student loan debt, and redistribute income between the rich and poor.

Key Takeaway: In the fight to increase support for capitalism, we lose ground with key audiences if we simply rely on philosophical or partisan terms or ideology. We must recognize that younger Americans initially view socialist ideas as “fair” and advance arguments that cause them to rethink this view.

IV. Socialism must be defined through practical examples, especially cost

Demonstrating the personal costs of specific socialist policies is the most effective way to increase opposition to socialism.

In the same survey of adults under 40, 51% thought that policies to provide universal healthcare, free college, forgive student debt, and combat climate change would be “unfair” if it required raising taxes on the middle class by about $19,000 a year.

Key Takeaway: Many Americans, including our target audiences, do not view this as a fight between two mutually exclusive economic systems.

III. Engaging in an ideological or political fight over socialism backfires with certain audiences

In focus groups conducted by the Chamber we learned that while older, more moderate Democrats reject the principles of socialism, they believe the term has become a smear used by Republicans. As a result, they are sympathetic to policies labeled “socialist.”

The Chamber recently tested this in a poll of likely voters in a state with a competitive Senate race. Respondents were asked in a split sample whether they would be more or less likely to vote for a candidate who supported a list of progressive policies. Half the sample were asked the question with the word “socialist” inserted to describe the policies, the other half were asked without the “socialist” descriptor.

As a topline matter, the use of the word “socialist” to describe the policies made no significant difference. However, this topline masks important movement in certain segments of voters. Strong GOP voters increased their opposition to the candidate who supported socialist policies, while

A recent poll of registered voters in battleground districts revealed a significant increase in opposition to Medicare for All when survey participants were informed that “independent studies have shown that Medicare for All as proposed in Congress would mean doctor shortages, longer wait times for urgent medical care and delays in access to the latest drugs for cancer and other serious diseases.

Key Takeaway: Focusing on the personal costs of socialist policies is the most effective argument against socialism

While many younger Americans have a positive view of socialism, perhaps more disconcerting is the fact that, over the past decade, positive views of capitalism have fallen significantly.

Also of importance is the language used in any education efforts. Adults under 40 are more favorable towards the terms “free markets” and “free enterprise.”

Q: Please indicate whether you have a favorable or unfavorable view of each of the following:

A little education about the benefits of capitalism and the consequences of socialism, however, can significantly move the needle in support of capitalism.

It is worth noting that voters want to hear arguments about why capitalism is better and are less interested in hearing negative arguments about socialism.

Key Takeaway: Education about why free enterprise works must be front and center. Voters want to hear arguments about why capitalism works, and a simple definition can significantly move the needle. We can also strengthen the argument for capitalism with some audiences by using the phrases “free enterprise” and “free markets.”

V. We need to build-up support for capitalism.

I am reminded of the Chamber’s impactful programs and importance of our role in protecting our economic environment that allows businesses to thrive.

– KELLY HALL

“

Convening Leaders as Policy Influencer in Austin

The Austin legislature will soon be in session. As the voice of business your chamber has been leading conversations with community leaders across East Texas to ensure we clearly understand the business priorities as we enter into session. Numerous work sessions have been hosted in partnership with Kilgore, Lindale, Longview, Tyler, and Whitehouse chambers.

Collectively our boards have agreed on the following 5 Priorities for the trade area:

1. Support and protect continuing the use of transparent economic development incentive tools to enhance job creation and investment in Texas.

2. Support efforts to increase workforce supply and resiliency by supporting the recommendations made by the Texas Community College Commission Finance (TCCCF).

3. Support and ensure East Texas is prioritized in the broadband plans.

4. Support improving access to care and increasing behavioral and mental health services through expanding physician loan repayment programs specifically targeted to primary care provider, mental health providers, and underserved areas and expanding the child mental health consortium statewide.

5. Support the implementation of the Tri-Agency workforce Initiative (HB3767) to determine if alignment of education and workforce development has improved through datasharing; advocate for strengthening agency data-sharing and public access to information on progress towards state workforce goals and student outcomes; support engagement with the business community to improve the quality of workforce data collected by state agencies.

We are planning on approximately 175 area business leaders convening to serve as policy influencers to champion the east Texas area. Together we are asking our members to come together and travel to Austin, March 5-7, to meet with elected officials and state agency heads.

All of Monday’s briefings will be held at the Royal Sonesta Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel, just four blocks from the state Capitol. “Attending this year is important,” Mark Robinson, AEP/SWEPCO External Affairs manager stated. “We need to show our local support for our state representative and senator. It will pay dividends down the end.”

On Tuesday morning attendees will hear from area Representatives and Senator Hughes on how they are making sure our priorities are included in the shaping future policies. The morning will continue with briefing sessions and conclude at noon.

This program would not be available with out our Sponsors! Thank you to:

Guest Column : Overview of the Regular Session of the 88th Legislature

The 88th Legislature is set to convene January 10, 2023. I am honored to represent Longview and East Texas in the Texas Senate and will be working to promote economic growth, limited government, and individual liberty. The Texas economy is strong and has created more jobs over the past year than any other state. This strong economy is giving us the resources we need to meet the state’s priorities. Public education will be improved with policies that enrich students, support teachers, and empower parents. Border security will be enhanced with the construction of physical barriers, the use of advanced technology, and the continued deployment of National Guardsmen and state troopers. Business activity will be sustained with the low-tax, limited-regulation policies that have made Texas the economic engine of the United States. I look forward to working with you in the coming session. If I can be of service to you in any way, please let me know.

SAVE THE DATE!

ANNUAL MEETING H BANQUET

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023

Join us for the Chamber’s premiere business event which brings together top businesses and community leaders. The 2023 keynote speaker is Margaret Spellings, CEO of the non-partisan organization Texas 2036. Ms. Spellings will be presenting on the Real Progress. Real Results. of the organization and the impact Texas 2036 is having on shaping policy.

The evening is also a time of celebration! Help us celebrate as we highlight the success of INDEVCO Plastics, a multinational company located in Longview and AEP/SWEPCO who is committed to working together with their customers and communities to create the future of energy.

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

RECEPTION

5:00 pm – 5:50 pm

DINNER & PROGRAM 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Boulevard Longview, Texas

TITLE SPONSOR: RECEPTION SPONSOR:

You’re invited to join us for THE Chamber event of the year on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. It is the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Banquet to be held at Maude Cobb Convention Center and sponsored by VeraBank. Growth & greatness – two things that tend to go hand-in-hand. In Texas, we not only talk about it, we experience it, and we believe it to be a good thing. Growth has been a part of Texas’ past and continues into the present. While we have every expectation that our growth and greatness as a state will flow right into the future, we also know the future will bring new challenges and opportunities as we work to preserve the best parts of Texas.

It is for this purpose we have invited Margaret Spellings, CEO, of Texas2036 to share practical ways we can engage fellow Texans and come together with non-partisan ideas and modern solutions. These solutions must be grounded in research and data to break through the gridlock on issues that matter most to Texans. Margaret Spellings has served as the U.S. Secretary of Education, White House Chief Domestic Policy Advisor, Senior Policy Advisor to then-Governor George W. Bush, and President of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Through her work as legislative director and chief committee clerk for the Texas House of Representatives, Spellings’ helped lead bipartisan efforts making her a well-respected leader across the state. She is no stranger to what it takes to move the needle and get bipartisan support among elected officials.

The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a reception featuring new members joining in 2022 and sponsored by Gregg County Title. The dinner, catered by Perfect Catering, and program will begin at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to remarks from Ms. Spellings, we will be celebrating with AEP/SWEPCO who is being recognized as Large Business of the Year and INDEVCO Plastics who will be honored for their contributions to The Longview Chamber of Commerce and Longview Trade Area. The evening will conclude with special recognition being given to Ken Hall who is receiving the distinguished Chairman’s Award.

AEP/SWEPCO

Large Business of the Year INDEVCO Manufacturer of the Year

DR. KEN HALL Chairman’s Award

Applying for jobs and hiring employees can be difficult and time consuming. But, with Express Employment Professionals, finding the right job or filling the right position is easy.

(903) 663-3559 101 West Hawkins Parkway, Suite 4 Longview, TX 75605 ExpressProsLongview.com

Nunez Roofing

1121 SH-301 Loop

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 (903) 951-2800 http://nunezroofingllc.com/

Carol Coolidge Real Estate

208 N Green Street

Longview, Texas 75601 (903) 643-2828 http://www.lakecherokee.com

Marco’s Pizza

1753 W Loop 281 Longview, Texas75604 (903) 704-4900 http://www.marcos.com/

Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center

3665 US Hwy 259

Longview, Texas 75605 (903) 758-5551 https://www.texassedationdental.com/

Pack & Mail

303 W Loop 281 Ste 110 Longview, Texas 75605 (903) 663-6366 http://www.packmaniac.com

S-N-S House of Care

205 E Hwy 80 White Oak TX 75693 (903) 215-9411 www.snshouseofcare.org

Sam Smead Droneography

705 E Methvin St

Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758 – 3900 http://www.samsmead.com/

RIBBON CUTTINGS OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022

Tula Wellness

4406 Judson Rd

Longview TX 75605 (903) 931-7949 https://tulawellnesstx.com/

1613 W Loop 281

Longview, TX 75604 (903) 297-9992 http://www.ivansmith.com/

TO GO BUSINESS DIRECTORY

As part of our Leadership Longview Alumni programming in 2023, we will be hosting monthly webinars on topics related to leadership and personal development. While a part of our Leadership Longview series, these webinars are open to anyone.

The first webinar titled, Organize Your Organization, will be held on Wednesday, January 25th at 3:30 pm and will have Chad Patterson and Dave Jochum leading the discussion. Here is what they say about it:

“We’ve learned that a company’s level of organization is directly correlated with their overall effectiveness. We’ve also learned that many companies—who have an active goal of being more organized—are overlooking simple strategies that could make a huge difference in their efficiency and effectiveness. Don’t miss out on this untapped potential!”

Announcing Leadership Longview Webinars

Other titles in the series will include, “Discover Your Why,” “Establishing a Morning Routine,” and “Identifying Your Leader Language.” Details will be made available on the Chamber calendar and in emails as dates approach.

Registration for the January webinar can be found here

Cost is $15 but is free for paid Leadership Longview Alumni.

We are thankful to ServPro of Longview for being our Alumni presenting sponsor.

Ivan Smith Furniture

LEADING PEOPLE. LEADING PROSPERITY.

Mark Your Calendars!

Planning has begun to develop an itinerary for the upcoming InterCity Trip; April 16 – 19, 2023 to Billings, MT. Community leaders will have an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities our region is facing. Join us and be part of the interaction among city leaders, plus hear the exchange of best practices and lessons learned.

Why an InterCity Visit? The visit is designed to acquire new ideas. It will provide an opportunity to introduce our delegation to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community. Candid speakers will alert our delegation to the challenges and pitfalls with which they are currently struggling.

Probably one of the most significant reasons to participate in an InterCity Trip is it encourages and reminds us of the importance to dream! Dreaming turns into a vision and a vision translates into ACTION.

Over the past 20 years much has been accomplished because of a dream. Below are just a few examples of the work that has been accomplished:

The Chamber’s work reminds me of a song I love by Matthew West. His lyrics resonate and fuels the passion I feel about taking responsibility for the future we are to build now for the generations to follow. A few of Matthew’s Lyrics are... “If not us -- then who? If not now -- then when? It is time for us do something!”

Registration is open. Please go ahead and mark your calendar now! I appreciate you for believing in Longview and our trade area! Thank you for your willingness to be part of building the future!

Montana | CLICK HERE |

H Heritage Plaza H Lear Park H The Belcher Center at LETU H Expansion and improvements to parks and trails H The Green H The recent passage of three (3) significant bond elections, totaling $104 million H George Richey Road Expansion H Companies like Nucor, Sysco, Mr. Cooper, and Dollar General opening in Longview H East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy H Establishment of the state’s 43rd Cultural Arts District, in Longview H The opening of the Arboretum in November 2020 H And much more!

AD SPONSOR:

REACH Team Key to Business Devellopment

The REACH Team, is a highly engaged group of professionals who volunteer for Longview Chamber of Commerce events and activities on behalf of their employers.

Business development is at the heart of why employers, like Texas Bank and Trust, give their employees the time to participate.

Business development is not only important for our larger employers, but our smaller employers as well.

Companies encourage employees to be involved in the community and serve in order to be visible as community leaders. Being on the REACH Team is a way to do just that. The opportunities to serve involve ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, and events like the Golf Tournaments and quarterly luncheons.

The networking opportunities through the REACH Team allow you to not only share ideas with others in business, but also grow lasting relationships with people in the community as well.”

Applications to serve as a REACH Team member are accepted yearround. If you are interested or have an employee that you would like to have engaged with this group, you can access the application at this link:

| 2023 REACH TEAM APPLICATION |

NEW MEMBERS

CLICK ON business names to link to Chamber directory information or link directly to their business website.

All Star Muffler & Brakes (903) 746-4107 1000 W Marshall Ave Longview, TX 75604 https://locations.autovalue.com/tx/longview/2728062/

BreMarie Designs LLC (903) 213-5545

3122 Nealy Way Office #105 Longview, TX 75605 https://bremariedesigns.com/

Capital Wealth Group (903) 295-4250 222 N Fredonia St. Longview, TX 75601 https://thecapitalwealthgroup.com/

Chuy’s (432) 400-1002 208 E. Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 www.chuys.com

Citadel 6 (903) 230-0967

119 W Tyler St Ste 100 Longview, TX 75601 citadel6.com

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (D&D Restaurant Enterprises, LLC) (903) 331-0281 1903 West Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604 https://www.dickeys.com/

Everlasting Aesthetics (903) 808-1552

100 W Hawkins Parkway Ste E Longview, TX 75605 https://www.everlasting-aesthetics.com/

Guild Mortgage Company (903) 247-0803

1300 Hollybrook Dr Longview, TX 75605 http://guildmortgage.com

Ishihara & Parker Law Firm PLLC (430) 625-3110

3000 H G Mosley Longview, TX 75605 http://www.longviewestateplan.com

Ivan Smith Furniture (903) 297-9992 1613 W Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604 http://www.ivansmith.com

Keurig Dr Pepper (903) 309-4011

315 Industrial Dr Longview, TX 75602 www.Keurigdrpepper.com

Network Elite Transportation (903) 544-7433

119 West Tyler St Ste 100 Longview, TX 75601 www.networkelite.net

Pine Tree Automotive (903) 291-0468 3320 Birdwell Ln Longview, TX 75605 https://pine-tree-automotive.edan.io/

PVE Gaming, LLC (210) 291-7442 1426 McCann Rd Suite A Longview, TX 75601 https://www.facebook.com/PveEsports/

Saber Defense Technology Inc. (903) 557-2402 1012 Donald Dr Longview, TX 75604 www.saberdt.com

Starbucks Coffee - Gilmer Rd (903) 686-0477 2105 Gilmer Rd Longview, TX 75604 https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator/store/1039607/ gilmer-road-and-loop-281-2105-gilmer-road-longview-tx756042514-us

State

Realty

(903) 215-0425 600 Mobberly Avenue Longview, TX 75602 http://lateefahpruitt.com

Tele’s Restaurant- Longview (903) 553-9833 1700 Judson Rd Longview, TX 75602 www.telesrestaurants.com

TXO Restoration LLC (818) 943-7028 3220 Collinsworth Ft Worth, TX 76107 www.txoroof.com