In 2024, the Chamber of Commerce advanced progress through innovation, technology, and collaboration. Looking ahead to 2025, we remain focused on empowering businesses and building stronger communities.
Kelly Hall
President/CEO
903.237.4004
khall@longviewtx.com
David Jochum
Chief Operating Officer
903.237.4023
djochum@longviewtx.com
Shawna Stewart
Investor Support
903.237.4000
sstewart@longviewtx.com
903.237.4009
ccamp@longviewtx.com
903.237.4013
mwilcox@longviewtx.com
TUESDAY - JANUARY 28 Reception | 5:00 pm H Dinner &
Plan to be part of
This
Lori Ivey Chair
State Farm Insurance (Lori Ivey)
Doug Wichman Chair-Elect
AAON Coil Products, Inc.
Steve Gordon Past-Chairman
Longview Regional Medical Center
Brian Daugbjerg Chair of Finance
Longview Scrap & Metal Company
Mark Robinson Vice Chairman
AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
Jennifer Ware Vice Chairman VeraBank
Andy Hill Vice Chairman Mobberly Baptist Church Directors
Casey Beddingfield
RLM General Contractors
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
Jessica LaRue
Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC
Nishil Patel
Heritage Wine & Spirits
Dana Rutland
Intelligent Design Partners
Julia Tubb
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System REMEMBER
In today’s fast-paced digital world, communicating effectively with key audiences is more critical than ever. The Longview Chamber of Commerce understands that to grow, engage, and strengthen its brand, it must connect with both its existing members and future generations. It’s not just about reaching anyone; it’s about reaching the right people at the right time, through the right platforms. To achieve this, the Chamber employs a comprehensive digital communications plan and a robust marketing strategy that includes a range of tools — each chosen to amplify the Chamber’s message and showcase its deep commitment to community growth and collaboration.
With a target audience that increasingly includes the 25–45-yearold demographic—people seeking fresh opportunities, career growth, and a sense of community—the Longview Chamber has adapted its communication strategies to meet the shifting needs of its constituents. Through digital platforms LongviewNOW!, HEART digital , and the Chamber’s social media channels, the Chamber tells its story in a way that resonates with both businesses and individuals.
One of the primary ways the Chamber communicates its beliefs and values is through the LongviewNOW! digital , published twice a year, alongside a website and podcast series. The magazine serves as a valuable
KELLY HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO
tool to attract and retain young talent, offering insights into the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the Longview business environment. Additionally, the Chamber’s bi-weekly E-buzz keeps members informed about upcoming events, business initiatives, and collaborative opportunities, making it an essential resource for staying connected to the latest Chamber news.
For more detailed stories and community updates, the HEART digital magazine, published six times per year, provides an in-depth look at key projects and initiatives. Accessible to all members and partners, it serves as a platform to celebrate achievements, recognize successful businesses, and keep the community engaged in its shared mission.
Through these dynamic communication tools, the Longview Chamber continues to foster meaningful connections and strengthen its impact in an increasingly digital world.
Social media plays a crucial role in reaching a broader audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube serve as vital communication channels for the Chamber, providing a space to engage directly with the public and business community. Through these platforms, the Chamber not only shares news and promotes events but also celebrates the achievements of local businesses, highlights upcoming initiatives, and fosters a sense of connection within the Longview area.
To further enhance its digital presence, the Chamber has invested in new content tools, including professionally produced videos for its YouTube channel. These videos spotlight key awards, accomplishments, and member success stories, showcasing the value of Chamber membership and reinforcing its role as a leader and advocate for local business growth.
LONGVIEW CHAMBER CONTINUES TO FOSTER MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS AND STRENGTHEN ITS IMPACT IN AN INCREASINGLY
FOR THE CHAMBER, DIGITAL MARKETING GOES BEYOND MERELY SHARING INFORMATION; IT’S ABOUT FOSTERING MEANINGFUL, LASTING CONNECTIONS.
Additionally, the Chamber’s LongviewREADS! program also leverages digital platforms to engage employers, employees, and parents in an important community initiative: ensuring that every child is reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Through its website, podcast, and social media, LongviewREADS! creates a collaborative effort between businesses and the community to support literacy and educational growth—an issue that benefits all of Longview, and one that underscores the Chamber’s deep belief in the importance of education as a cornerstone of community prosperity.
While digital tools are critical in modern communications, the Chamber recognizes the importance of traditional, hands-on methods as well. The Longview City Map, a valuable resource for both locals and visitors, continues to be printed and distributed annually. Over 5,000 copies of this essential map are handed out to help people navigate the city, find key businesses, and connect with Longview’s economic landscape. This combination of digital and print tools reflects the Chamber’s balanced approach to communication: embracing the digital age while maintaining traditional touchpoints that bring the community together.
At the heart of the Chamber’s strategy is clear, targeted communication. The Chamber uses digital marketing platforms such as Growth Zone and ISSUU to manage e-newsletters, track engagement, and create a seamless experience for readers. These tools allow the Chamber to distribute content, analyze message effectiveness, and refine campaigns for maximum impact. By adapting its marketing tactics based on realtime feedback, The Chamber ensures each campaign reaches the right audience at the right time.
The Longview Chamber has embraced a forward-thinking approach to its digital marketing efforts, and the results speak for themselves. By integrating tools such as AI support, social media platforms, programmatic ads, and a new CRM system, the Chamber has been able to expand its reach and improve audience engagement. The shift towards personalization, where the right message reaches the right person at the right moment, has allowed the Chamber to build stronger relationships with both members and potential customers.
For the Chamber, digital marketing goes beyond merely sharing information; it’s about fostering meaningful, lasting connections. As part of its new approach, the Chamber has implemented remarketing techniques and refined its messaging to create a customer journey that transforms one-time visitors into engaged members. Through consistent engagement across digital platforms, the Chamber is planting seeds for long-term growth, making it easier than ever for businesses and individuals to connect with the Chamber’s resources and programs.
Like any organization transitioning to digital-first strategies, the Chamber has faced challenges along the way. Ensuring advertising partners understand the WHY, HOW, and WHAT of the Chamber’s mission has been a significant hurdle. Frequent staffing changes at marketing firms posed difficulties, but the Chamber has worked closely with StarfishAdAge — its digital marketing partner since 2022 — to ensure that every piece of content aligns with the Chamber’s core values and goals.
The Chamber continues to refine its marketing tactics, focusing on building long-term relationships and ensuring that all marketing efforts are targeted, measurable, and effective. With the addition of strategic partnerships, improved digital infrastructure, and more comprehensive analytics, the Chamber is on track to reach new heights of brand awareness and member engagement.
At its core, the Longview Chamber of Commerce believes in the power of collaboration, community, and long-term success. Through a comprehensive communication strategy that embraces digital platforms, personalized marketing, and strategic storytelling, the Chamber is not only engaging the current business community but also attracting the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and talent.
In a world where information is constantly shifting, the Longview Chamber is poised to stay ahead of the curve, embracing new tools, strategies, and opportunities to engage and inspire the community for years to come.
AT ITS CORE, THE LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF COLLABORATION, COMMUNITY, AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS.
In 2024, the Longview Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed its pivotal role as a dedicated advocate for the growth and success of local businesses. From addressing national policy battles to local initiatives, the Chamber championed critical issues impacting business owners, entrepreneurs, and the broader East Texas economy. Through strategic partnerships, lobbying efforts, and public engagement, the Chamber worked tirelessly to ensure that businesses thrive in an increasingly complex regulatory and economic landscape.
The Chamber has been at the forefront of national policy issues that directly impact the business community. In a significant move, the Longview Chamber led the way by partnering with other chambers in Gregg and Smith counties to advocate for Texas’ primacy application for carbon capture and storage (CCS). This initiative is critical for mitigating climate change while safeguarding Texas’ energy sector. The Chamber continues to fight for policies that support energy independence and innovation, recognizing the importance of both environmental responsibility and economic growth.
The Chamber also took a stand on labor regulations, ensuring employers were wellinformed about the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime salary threshold changes. By staying ahead of such regulatory shifts, the Chamber empowers businesses to plan effectively and remain compliant without disrupting operations.
Beyond energy and labor concerns, the Chamber lent its voice to several other national policy discussions. The organization signed onto a letter opposing the Biden administration’s decision to impose a moratorium on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export license reviews—a move seen as detrimental to economic growth and national energy security. Similarly, the Chamber expressed concerns over the withdrawal of support for international digital trade rules, highlighting the risks of eroding global commerce.
On legal fronts, the Chamber took bold action by challenging unfair regulations imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Reserve. These efforts demonstrate the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to defending the interests of businesses against overreach that could stifle innovation and growth.
Through these initiatives, the Longview Chamber reinforced its dedication to protecting the interests of businesses, advocating for policies that support energy independence, innovation, and economic prosperity.
At the state level, the Longview Chamber partnered with legislators and stakeholders to advocate for policies that benefit both businesses and the broader community. The Chamber provided public comments on proposed amendments to the Texas Education Code, responding to House Bill 1416 and its focus on high-impact tutoring. This initiative aligns with the Chamber’s commitment to workforce development, as education is a cornerstone of building a skilled and capable workforce. In the area of public health, the Chamber took action to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. The organization wrote letters to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House urging the prioritization of funding for opioid overdose reversal medications. These life-saving resources are critical to tackling this ongoing public health emergency and supporting community well-being.
Furthermore, the Chamber worked alongside national partners, such as the National Skills Coalition, to secure federal funding for digital skills training. This initiative is vital for preparing the Texas workforce for the digital economy, ensuring that businesses have access to skilled employees who can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Through these efforts, the Longview Chamber demonstrated its dedication to fostering policies that enhance education, public health, and workforce readiness—building a stronger, more resilient Texas for businesses and communities alike.
The Longview Chamber’s advocacy didn’t stop at the state and national levels—it was equally active on the regional and local fronts. The Chamber played a pivotal role in the creation of the East Texas Coalition, bringing together business leaders from Kilgore, Lindale, Longview, Tyler, and Whitehouse to advance pro-business policies. This coalition has proven to be a powerful force in lobbying for infrastructure improvements, regulatory reforms, and economic development across the region.
In 2024, the Chamber’s delegation to Washington D.C. was one of the largest in recent years, with 50 delegates meeting with key federal officials to push for policies that support East Texas businesses. Similarly, the Chamber organized policy calls and legislative trips to Austin, ensuring that the region’s voice was heard on critical issues like broadband expansion, energy policy, and workforce development.
Locally, the Chamber continued to advocate for key infrastructure projects in Gregg County, including the support for the county bond election to fund the construction of a new parking garage. The Chamber also supported the Longview Independent School District’s (LISD) school bond election, understanding the integral role of education in sustaining the community’s long-term prosperity.
Through these regional and local efforts, the Longview Chamber reinforced its role as a powerful advocate for economic progress, community development, and long-term prosperity in East Texas.
Beyond direct advocacy, the Longview Chamber worked tirelessly to raise awareness of critical issues affecting businesses through op-eds and public commentary. Notable pieces published in 2024 included:
• Longview’s Economy Thrives on Small Business Success, But New Regulations Threaten This Foundation
• Advanced Recycling, Carbon Capture Hold the Key to East Texas’ Economic Future
• Carbon Capture and Storage is the Next Energy Frontier for East Texas
• Texas Is on The Cusp Of Expanding Broadband In Rural Communities – Let’s Make Sure We Get It Right
These op-eds reflect the Chamber’s dedication to fostering an informed public dialogue about the challenges and opportunities facing the region. By engaging the community and stakeholders through thoughtful commentary, the Chamber continues to build awareness and support for policies that drive economic growth and innovation in East Texas.
The Longview Chamber’s 2024 advocacy efforts emphasize the importance of a unified, proactive approach to policy. Looking ahead, the Chamber remains committed to protecting the interests of local businesses, driving economic growth, and ensuring that East Texas remains a competitive and thriving business hub.
In a time when the business landscape is constantly shifting, the Longview Chamber of Commerce continues to be a steadfast advocate for policies that encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and success. Through its tireless work in advocating for policies at every level of government, the Chamber ensures that East Texas businesses are not only heard—they are empowered to thrive.
MARCH 2 – 4, 2025 You are invited!
H Members: $375 (includes Monday briefings, lunch, and reception) and Tuesday briefings (includes breakfast)
H Non-Members: $525 (includes Monday briefings, lunch, and reception) and Tuesday briefings (includes breakfast)
H Members - Monday Dinner (following reception): $65
H Non-Members - Monday Dinner (following reception): $75
H Hotel: Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel 701 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701
Block rates available ($249+ tax single/double), Call 1800-Sonesta, ask for East Texas Chamber Coalition block. Register by February 15, 2025
TITLE SPONSOR:
As the heartbeat of East Texas' business ecosystem, the Longview Chamber of Commerce has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community collaboration in 2024. Through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and a focus on fostering relationships across industries, the Chamber has united members, empowered businesses, and contributed to Longview’s prosperity. By strengthening connections, advocating for local businesses, and creating opportunities for all, the Chamber has proven that together, we can achieve greater success.
One of the Chamber's most effective tools in promoting community collaboration is the REACH Team. This dedicated group of 47 volunteers serves as the public relations arm of the Chamber, attending events, engaging with
businesses, and ensuring that members feel valued and heard. They play a crucial role in building strong relationships within the community, promoting membership retention, and relaying members' concerns to the Chamber's staff.
A key aspect of the REACH Team's efforts is their support of Ribbon Cuttings, which are held for new Chamber members. In 2024, over 40 ribbon cuttings took place, providing new businesses with an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community, establish important
connections, and showcase their products and services. These events serve as valuable networking opportunities, helping businesses grow and thrive within Longview.
Additionally, the REACH Team’s dedication extends to hosting staffing events—where they welcome and assist attendees at Chamber programs and events. Through these interactions, the REACH Team ensures that every participant feels engaged, appreciated, and supported, creating a welcoming environment for local businesses and fostering a sense of community.
In 2024, the Chamber’s community collaboration efforts combined festive fun with impactful support for local businesses. The Chamber proudly celebrated Small Business Saturday on November 30, a nationwide initiative launched by American Express to spotlight independent businesses and encourage consumers to support them. Since its inception in 2010, this event has generated an estimated $201 billion in spending for small businesses. In Longview, the Chamber played a vital role in promoting local entrepreneurs, urging residents to shop small and keep their dollars within the community. This effort not only provided an economic boost but also reinforced the unique value small businesses bring to Longview.
To further promote Shop Small Saturday, the Chamber introduced the whimsical Elf on the Shelf Campaign, featuring playful elves Buddy and Bella visiting local stores. Through social media, community members were invited to guess the elves’ locations for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. This campaign encouraged shopping locally while inspiring residents to explore Longview’s diverse shops, fostering both community engagement and support for small businesses.
Small Business of the Year, and VizCre8ive received the Family-Owned Business of the Year award. These businesses exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and play a vital role in Longview’s economic vitality.
Additionally, the Chamber’s State of Series hosted a series of insightful luncheons, where industry leaders and experts discussed issues critical to Longview’s future. These events fostered collaboration and provided valuable insights for businesses and community leaders alike.
Throughout 2024, the State of Series allowed the Chamber to bring together community leaders, business owners, and policymakers to discuss key issues affecting Longview’s future. Each event served as a platform for collaboration, fostering meaningful conversations about the prospects of Longview and the broader East Texas region.
• STATE OF THE WORKFORCE: Featuring a panel of local leaders, including representatives from LongviewREADS!, the inaugural year of this literacy initiative was celebrated. The event highlighted the crucial work being done by local organizations such as HighRidge Church Longview, Johnson Realty – Natasha Harrell, STEMCO, Gorman-McCracken Mazda Volkswagen, and Mobberly Baptist Church to address workforce challenges and create pathways for learning and development.
• STATE OF THE CITY: Longview's newly elected Mayor, Kristen Ishihara, provided an update on the city’s 2023/2024 accomplishments. Her discussion focused on initiatives to improve Longview’s infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and strengthen the city's economic development efforts.
• STATE OF THE COUNTY: Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt led a fireside chat emphasizing critical infrastructure projects and ongoing collaboration with regional stakeholders, including the Sabine River Authority and TxDOT.
• STATE OF THE ECONOMY: Featuring Aaron Demerson, CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, this event explored the state’s approach to economic development. The luncheon also included insights from local economic development leaders, including Lisa Denton of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and Wayne Mansfield of the Longview Economic Development Corporation, who shared their strategies for attracting and retaining business in East Texas.
The Business Solutions Summit brought together leaders in the Longview business community to recognize and celebrate outstanding companies. In 2024, Kasha Williams State Farm Insurance was honored as a Minority-Owned Business, Pride Metals was named
In 2024, the Chamber hosted a variety of networking events designed to connect business professionals from all industries. The Chamber Golf Classic, held
twice a year, offered a unique opportunity for business leaders to network in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. These tournaments are not only fun but also serve as vital fundraising events for the Chamber.
Business After Hours events, held throughout the year, continued to serve as essential networking opportunities. With over 100 attendees per event, these events allowed businesses to learn about each other’s services and products while strengthening connections within the local business community. Each event also featured promotional videos highlighting the hosting companies, boosting their visibility and reach.
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Banquet is one of the most anticipated events of the year, where over 700 business leaders come together to celebrate the region's economic successes and honor outstanding companies and individuals. In 2024, the event recognized AAON Coil as Manufacturer of the Year, Austin Bank as Large Business of the Year, and Mobberly Baptist Church with the Community
Impact Award. These honorees exemplify success and demonstrate the positive impact businesses can have on their communities.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Chairman’s Award to Chuck King, a distinguished leader whose tireless commitment to the Chamber and the Longview community has made a lasting impact. Chuck’s leadership, vision, and dedication to the success of local businesses earned him this well-deserved recognition.
The Chamber’s 40 Under 40 program continued to develop young leaders in the region, with four workshops hosted throughout the year. These workshops brought together young professionals to learn from leadership experts on topics ranging from business strategy to personal development. By investing in the next generation of leaders, the Chamber ensures that Longview’s future remains bright, innovative, and forward-thinking.
As we move into 2025, the Longview Chamber remains steadfast in its mission to foster collaboration, connect businesses, and advocate for policies that drive economic growth. Initiatives like the REACH Team, State of Series luncheons, and networking events will continue to create opportunities for businesses to grow, collaborate, and thrive.
In 2024, the Chamber solidified its role as the hub of community collaboration in Longview, offering invaluable opportunities for businesses to network, celebrate achievements, and work together toward a prosperous future. These efforts underscore the Chamber’s belief that when the community comes together, everyone succeeds.
In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, the challenge of talent retention and development is more critical than ever. To help organizations cultivate the leaders of tomorrow, the Longview Chamber proudly present three key initiatives under our Talent Pillar: 40 Under 40, Leadership Longview, and Leadership Alumni.
The 2024 - 40 Under 40 Executive Series is designed to recognize and nurture the most promising employees under 40. This comprehensive program combines personal and professional development, offering participants valuable mentorship opportunities, industry insights, and a platform to exchange best practices. By fostering continuous learning and development, the series not only equips young professionals for success but also positions them as role models within your organization, helping to cultivate a culture of excellence.
Leadership Longview is a nine-month program dedicated to developing community leaders by connecting participants with today’s top community figures. Through this program, participants
gain a deeper understanding of our region while enhancing their leadership skills and capabilities. Graduates of Leadership Longview are encouraged to remain actively involved in both the program and the community. Alumni activities include exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, networking events, and continued leadership training—ensuring that participants stay engaged and make a lasting impact on Longview's future.
The Leadership Alumni program ensures that past graduates remain connected, thriving, and actively involved in community initiatives. Designed to foster ongoing development and collaboration, the program offers a variety of opportunities to keep alumni engaged while supporting their personal and professional growth.
• Connecting Opportunities: Facilitating collaborations among past graduates to inspire innovation and teamwork.
• Leadership Training Alumni: Providing ongoing professional development sessions to enhance leadership skills.
• “Behind the Scenes” Tours: Offering exclusive tours for a deeper understanding of the community and its inner workings.
• Social Activities: Hosting networking and social events to strengthen relationships and foster continued engagement.
These programs represent more than an investment
As we look back on the strides made in 2024, one of the most significant initiatives championed by the Longview Chamber of Commerce is LongviewREADS! . Far more than a project, it is a transformative movement that unites educators, businesses, employees, and organizations with a shared mission: to ensure every child achieves reading proficiency by the critical third-grade milestone, a key predictor of future academic and career success.
Currently, 43% of students in our area are not reading at grade level, but LongviewREADS! is changing that. By working together, we are reversing this alarming statistic, and together, we can build a brighter future—not just for our students, but for our workforce and our community.
Launched this year, LongviewREADS! has already begun to make a profound impact on our community. At the State of Workforce event, we brought together local elementary campuses, giving them the opportunity to showcase their efforts to engage the community in improving student reading proficiency. Through table displays and presentations, these campuses shared inspring stories of how they are helping students become strong, confident readers.
To amplify the campaign’s mission, podcasts have been produced to highlight the voices of volunteers—local community members who are working hands-on with students to improve their reading abilities. These inspiring stories are now
available for all to hear, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and motivating others to get involved.
The LongviewREADS! website serves as a hub for connecting employers, employees, and parents with elementary campuses. This platform provides resources, facilitates information sharing, and helps build strong partnerships. Each participating campus has designated a point of contact to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.
A highlight of 2024 was the inaugural Red Apple Award, which recognized local companies supporting the program. These businesses are more than corporate sponsors—they are champions of literacy and community progress, demonstrating a deep commitment to Longview’s future.
Looking ahead to 2025 , the State of Workforce event will expand its showcase area to celebrate even more district partners, employers, and employees who are driving the success of LongviewREADS!. This larger, more inclusive event will shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done to support the next generation of readers, learners, and leaders.
LongviewREADS! exemplifies the power of collaboration, proving that together, we can create a brighter future for our students, workforce, and community.
The Chamber is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Pines to support the Raising Highly Capable Kids program. This impactful initiative equips young people with essential life skills,
focusing on leadership, character development, and academic success. Through this partnership, the Chamber helps provide the tools, mentorship, and support needed to raise a generation of capable and resilient young leaders. These future leaders will play a vital role in shaping the community’s workforce and driving Longview's success for years to come.
Beyond its efforts in education, the Longview Chamber is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the region’s technical infrastructure. In today’s tech-driven world, access to high-speed internet and other technological resources is vital for both economic growth and individual success. To address this need, the Chamber is working closely with local governments, community groups, and businesses to support the deployment of innovative technologies that will make Longview and the surrounding areas more connected and future ready.
By raising awareness of technology’s transformative potential, the Chamber is fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, employees can succeed, and families can grow in a digitally connected world. Through seminars, community events, and partnerships with local organizations, the Chamber is leading the charge to bring technology to the forefront of the community’s development, ensuring that Longview remains competitive and prosperous in the digital age.
As part of its mission to bridge the digital divide, the Chamber recognized the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s connected world. In 2024, the Chamber hosted the annual Cyber Summit, an event that united corporate, government, and academic leaders to address and enhance cybersecurity efforts in the region.
The Cyber Summit featured engaging workshops and keynote speakers who provided attendees with critical knowledge to protect their businesses and personal data in an increasingly complex digital landscape. During a dynamic power luncheon, experts emphasized the urgent reality that “The Cyber Threat is REAL!” and shared actionable strategies for securing hybrid and remote workforces, preventing ransomware, protecting privacy, and much more.
In addition, the Chamber provided employers with the opportunity to send employees through specialized workshops, designed to help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture. These workshops are an invaluable resource, offering companies practical, actionable tools to safeguard their operations against cyber threats.
The Cyber Summit underscores the Chamber’s commitment to preparing the community for a secure and innovative future, ensuring that businesses and individuals alike are equipped to navigate the challenges of the digital age.
In partnership with THRIVE and Kilgore College, the Chamber hosted Code!Longview, an engaging event designed for middle school students in grades 6 and 7. The initiative aims to spark a passion for coding and introduce students to the exciting opportunities within the tech sector. As technology continues to shape our world, preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s opportunities is more important than ever.
At Code!Longview, students learned about the importance of coding and explored career pathways in the tech industry. They gained handson experience, attended workshops, and engaged with industry experts who provided valuable insights into potential tech careers. By fostering interest in coding at such a young age, we are helping to equip the next generation of tech professionals, ready to meet the demands of an increasingly digital economy.
This year, the Chamber’s regional workforce efforts included hosting four rural economic development forums across twelve counties in Deep East Texas. In partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University’s Center for Applied Rural Research and Innovation (CARRI), this initiative marked the second year of our contract aimed at driving economic progress in these communities. The forums provided local leaders with a platform to identify key steps and the leadership necessary to move their economies forward.
These rural counties face a range of challenges, including healthcare disparities, outdated infrastructure, and limited broadband access. We are proud to support CARRI's ongoing efforts to address these issues and help local leaders create actionable plans for improving the economic health of their communities.
This year, the Chamber hosted two impactful workforce events designed to strengthen leadership and enhance hiring practices.
• Spring Session: The Power of Personal Accountability in Leadership
Additionally, Code!Longview serves as an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their technology and engage with top talent. As companies continue to search for skilled professionals, this event offers a direct pipeline to the brightest young minds in Longview, creating opportunities for both students and businesses alike.
In 2024, the Chamber launched Tech Talks , an engaging series of workshops designed to provide local industry experts with a platform to share insights and guide businesses through the challenges of the modern tech landscape. These workshops, which are now available on the Chamber’s YouTube Channel, are part of a growing digital library that offers resources to businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing technological world.
These Tech Talks cover a range of topics from cybersecurity and data protection to leveraging emerging technologies for business growth. By making these resources available to local companies, the Chamber is helping businesses stay informed and competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
This session was inspired by feedback from managers and C-suite executives, highlighting the need for more leadership training opportunities for employees. Attendees learned how personal accountability plays a critical role in effective leadership and organizational success.
• Fall Session: Skills-Based Hiring Workshop
In response to the evolving needs of the job market, this hands-on workshop focused on how employers can construct job postings and descriptions that emphasize skills over formal credentials. This approach expands the candidate pool and fosters a more inclusive hiring process.
These events are part of the Chamber’s broader commitment to improving workforce development and providing leaders with the tools they need to succeed.
EVENT SERIES 2024
As we look to the future, the Chamber is more committed than ever to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within our community. From improving literacy through LongviewREADS! to supporting local businesses through Cyber Summit and Tech Talks , our work in 2024 has laid the foundation for a brighter, more connected future.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new On-Demand Training Library on the Chamber's website! This innovative resource is designed to house a variety of video series to empower our members with valuable skills and insights at their convenience. Starfish Ad Age is helping us launch trainings focused on digital marketing strategies, social media engagement, and effective branding techniques. Accessing this wealth of information is simple and flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. Explore our On-Demand Training Library today and elevate your professional development!
By continuing to focus on education, technology, and community collaboration, the Longview Chamber of Commerce is ensuring that our city remains a vibrant place to live, work, and grow. Together, we are shaping a workforce that is ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges, setting the stage for Longview’s continued success.
Join us on this journey—because when we invest in our children, our workforce, and our community, the future is truly limitless.
of East Central Texas 1409 S Lake Harris Rd Suite 1004 White Oak, TX 75693 budgetblinds.com/longviewtx/
Alpine Church of Christ (903) 758-0161
610 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 alpinecoc.org
Direct Path Church (430) 558-5936
1616 Judson Road Ste 4 Longview, TX 75601 directpathchurch.org
Dunvegan Corporation (214) 282-3997 145 N. Beaulah, Ste 203 Hawkins, TX 75765 dunvegancorp.com
Ekon Bath (903) 932-0302 530 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 ekonbath.com
European Wax Center (430) 562-9811
2120 Olive St Dallas, TX 75201 Wax Center - Longview
IRISNDT (713) 459-0059 1202 Champion Way Longview, TX 75604 IRISNDT.com
James Machine Works, LLC (318) 322-6104 1521 Adams St Monroe, LA 71201 jamesmachineworks.com
Oasis Oxygen Therapy (903) 218-7660 1515 Judson Rd Longview, TX 75601 oasisoxygentherapy.com
Pride East Texas Longview (903) 658-5829 PO Box 3852 Longview, TX 75606 Facebook
RaceTrac, Inc. (770) 431-7600 3120 Estes Pkwy Longview, TX 75602 racetrac.com
Reytech Refrigeration (903) 985-1350 2907 Broadway Blvd Kilgore, TX 75662 reytechrefrigeration.com
Right at Home (903) 445-8908
1125 Judson Rd Longview, TX 75601 Directory Listing
Ross Mortgage (423) 352-9459
508 CR 1125 Linden, TX, 75563 rossmortgage.com
E L C O M E
Henry & Moore Jewelry The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler Jarvis Christian College
(903)
Be the first Chamber member to find the hidden logo ‘bug’ in this issue of H.E.A.R.T. and your company will get a 1/4 page ad in the next issue! When you find it email –@longviewtx.com
You must identify the page # and exact location of the ‘bug’. The first person to correctly find it and email Kelly will be notified. You must be a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce to get a free 1/4 page ad.
It’s the whole ball of yarn
The ties that knit Longview businesses and the local community together are an important part of what make this region so unique.
Cablelynx Broadband is delighted to be part of the whole kit and caboodle.