HEART July/August 2023

Longview Chamber of Commerce Staff

Kelly Hall President/CEO 903.237.4004 khall@longviewTexas.com

David Jochum Chief Operating Officer 903.237.4023 djochum@longviewTexas.com

Susan Roberts Investor Relations 903.237.4000 sroberts@longviewTexas.com

Spencer Sallee Business Manager 903.237.4013 ssallee@longviewTexas.com

Shawna Stewart Investor Support 903.237.4000 sstewart@longviewTexas.com

Catherine Camp Program Coordinator 903.237.4009 ccamp@longviewTexas.com

Kathryn Pedroza Communications Coordinator 903.237.4013 kpedroza@longviewTexas.com

CORNERSTONE INVESTORS

2023 CHAMBER EVENTS

2023 Officers

BENIFITS of investing in the CHAMBER

It is always fun to be able to share when something fun and new happens! Last month the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommended that Fox Business reach out and use our Chamber to get input on an article they were writing.

The purpose of the article was to discuss benefits of the chamber to generate leads from networking events. To read the article in its entirety check out Why your local chamber of commerce networking groups are great for business leads | Fox Business. While I was excited to share my thoughts it was important to me that this opportunity share our ‘why’ and the benefits of investing in the chamber. So, I took advantage of this opportunity, re-framed the question and submitted the following to Fox Business.

CAN YOU SHARE 3 BENEFITS OF JOINING A LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

Why Join? Businesses choose to invest in the chamber because they are committed to safeguarding and advancing the interests of commerce. Creating a favorable economic climate is crucial for businesses as it grants them the chance to not only pursue their aspirations, but also flourish. These enterprises recognize the power of collective action and shaping a lasting impact for future generations.

ADVOCACY

The chamber wields influential power at the local, regional, state, and national levels, standing shoulder to shoulder with businesses to champion and safeguard their prosperity.

PROMOTION

The chamber actively promotes business and dedicates its efforts to enhance the local community as an ideal place for commerce.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

By providing businesses with exclusive tools and marketing opportunities, the chamber empowers them to take the forefront, gaining a distinct advantage in the market.

Creating a favorable economic climate is crucial for businesses as it grants them the chance to not only pursue their aspirations, but also flourish.

KELLY HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO

WHAT CAN SOMEONE EXPECT AT NETWORKING EVENTS? HOW CAN THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE GOING AND PARTICIPATING?

Build Strong Relationships: We firmly believe that building strong relationships, rather than simply exchanging business cards, is the key to expanding your client/customer base. By capitalizing on a few strategic opportunities, you can become an integral part of a thriving network of businesses. Remember, it’s not just about who you know, but also about who knows you.

Active Involvement: We foster a culture of volunteerism that is specifically designed to maximize the potential and profitability of businesses. The chamber encourages employees and owners of companies to actively participate in task forces/committees. The extent of involvement directly correlates with how much value one can add to the company’s annual chamber membership investment.

HOW CAN BUSINESS LEADS BE CREATED AND CULTIVATED? DOES BEING A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER ADD CREDIBILITY WHEN MAKING LEADS?

Quality Referrals: The Chamber diligently promotes its member businesses on a daily basis, handling inquiries via phone, mail, email, and walk-ins. Membership comes with exclusive privileges. As we solely refer our member businesses to the public. Moreover, as a Chamber member, one also receives referrals through the complimentary directory listing, which can be accessed online or through a mobile app, ensuring that member businesses are working around the clock to attract potential customers.

Regarding credibility, being a fellow member of the chamber can indeed add credibility when making leads. Chamber membership signifies a commitment to professionalism and community involvement. Potential leads may perceive chamber members as trustworthy and reliable, leading to increased credibility and a higher likelihood of converting leads into customers. Additionally, being part of the chamber provides networking opportunities with other businesses, potentially leading to mutually beneficial partnership and referrals.

Being part of the chamber provides networking opportunities with other businesses...

Great strides have been made in a short period of time so we are ready to kick off LongviewREADS! at State of the Workforce on September 20th. A team of superintendents, elementary principals and key stakeholders have partnered to advocate on the importance of preparing students for kindergarten and demonstrate successful outcomes with 3rd grade reading.

Why is the Chamber engaged in this conversation? We believe in creating an ecosystem that allows businesses to thrive! Companies’ #1 priority is to ensure they have a skilled workforce, and we know there is a direct correlation between an employee’s ability to read and the success of that employee. Our businesses are already struggling to recruit a strong workforce. This problem will only get worse if our future employees aren’t able to read.

What does the Chamber hope to accomplish? The Chamber’s purpose with the LongviewREADS! campaign is to increase awareness of the need to improve students’ reading skills and help our employers find out how they can take action to help students become strong readers. We know that once our business community is made aware of the need to cultivate a strong workforce by producing strong readers, employers will want to jump right in! The specific call to action for the LongviewREADS! campaign will be for area employers to encourage their employees to participate in specific opportunities provided to help students achieve their reading goals.

Unfortunately, the data shows that 45% of Longview area students can’t read at grade level. This is a serious threat to our workforce, and it is vital for the future success of our businesses that we step up now and do our part.

“We know that success breeds success. Strong businesses and a strong workforce will attract more businesses to Longview and bring greater prosperity to all,” said Ron Hutchison, President of Centris Information Services. “By improving reading, we will create a competitive advantage for Longview area businesses. It is time for our Chamber community to reach out and support our educators to improve students’ reading outcomes,” he continued.

Who can participate in LongviewREADS? Put simply, anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate in LongviewREADS! With the help of our school districts and other organizations currently involved in improving reading outcomes, we are developing specific opportunities for three (3) target groups: Employers, Employees, and Parents. Several tools will be created to help these groups know where and how to plug in, including a website that will provide easy access to productive ways to help our students, a program through which interested individuals can sign up to receive alerts on where and how to engage, and brochures and other printed material to be shared across the community.

We are excited about this campaign and the benefits it will bring to our future workforce. Be on the lookout for more information about LongviewREADS! in the coming weeks and months. Be sure and mark your calendar now for State of the Workforce on September 20th!

The Chamber Has the Back of Business!

By actively engaging in the legislative process and being at the decisionmaking table, we have been able to help shape policies that align with the interests of our members. We are thrilled to share the positive impact of our partnering with influential state and regional advocacy groups. These partnerships have brought significant benefits to our chamber members this year. Through our collaboration, we have successfully driven policy changes that will positively impact the Longview business community.

Our strategic alliances with key partners such as Texas 2036, Texas Association of Business, Texas Association of Manufacturers, TXOGA, Texas Chemical Council, and Commit Partnership have played a crucial role in amplifying our advocacy efforts and achieving multiple policy objectives! These partnerships have allowed us to contribute our expertise and

Taxation:

perspectives to shape policies that address specific issues affecting our business community. Through our active participation in the policy-making process, we played a vital role in shaping a favorable business climate, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities for businesses in our region.

Moving forward, we are committed to nurturing and strengthening these valuable partnerships. By working collectively with our allies, we will continue to advocate for the needs of the business community, drive positive change, and create an environment that supports the growth and prosperity of businesses in our region. Together, we can achieve even greater success in shaping policies and fostering an ecosystem where businesses can thrive!

88TH SESSION RESULTS - 2023 Legislative Session

HB 432 (Schofield) – Destination vs Organization Sales Tax –AGAINST – FAILED to Pass

Related to location where certain sales are consummated for purposes of local sales and use taxes.

Economic Development:

HB 5 (Hunter) — Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act

FOR Results: PASSED

Establishes a new, transparent, and accountable state economic development incentive tool that provides temporary tax limitations for large capital investments, bringing jobs and long-term revenue to Texas communities.

Energy:

SB 2017 (Nichols/Bonnen) – Carbon Capture Use & Storage –FOR Results: FAILED to Pass

Affirms surface owner owns pore space, recognized the mineral estate, and established a process for pore space integration.

Technology:

HB 4 (Capriglione) — Texas Data Privacy & Security Act — FOR Results: PASSED

Establishes a state data privacy standard that enables private sector innovation and protects the privacy and security of consumer data.

HB 9 (Ashby) — Broadband Enhancement — FOR Results: PASSED

Creates broadband infrastructure fund, allocating $1.5 billion over the next 10 years, to ensure the program is fully funded and is accessible and affordable to Texans.

SB 1238 (Nichols/Ashby) – Broadband Development –FOR Results: PASSED, Governor Signed

Transportation:

SCR 2 (Nichols/Canales) – State Highway Fund –FOR Results: PASSED

Allows the Comptroller of Public Accounts to deposit tax revenues to the State Highway Fund.

Education:

HB 8 (VanDeaver) — Community College Finance Reform — FOR Results: PASSED, Governor Signed

Establishes an outcomes-based funding model for community colleges that rewards colleges for positive outcomes, ensures equitable access through financial aid, and helps community colleges increase capacity to meet rapidly changing workforce needs.

HB 3924 (Oliverson/Bettencourt) – State Workforce Skills –Based Hiring –

FOR Results: FAILED to Pass

Related to state agency employment openings and aptitude assessments.

HB 4451 (Bhojani) – Apprenticeships in Emerging & HighDemand Industries –FOR Results: PASSED

Would require the TWC to work with each of the state’s 28 workforce development board in creating an annual legislative report to expand the availability of apprenticeships program in emerging and highdemand Texas industries.

HB4545 (Perez) High Impact Tutoring –FOR Results: FAILED to Pass

Requires TEA to use research-backed strategies to accelerate student instruction and improve student outcomes.

Healthcare:

HB 12 (Rose) – Medicaid Following Pregnancy –FOR Results: Passed

Extends the time Medicaid is able to be used from two months to 12 months following pregnancy.

HB 290 (Oliverson/Hancock) – Health Plan Options for Employers –FOR Results: PASSED, Governor Signed

Creates a new pathway for chambers to offer health insurance to their member companies. Updates statute to better align with updated federal guidelines on broadband mapping and availability.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Credit Card Late Fees

We support efforts to render the CFPB subject to the ordinary appropriations process, and thus accountable to the American people.

Late last year, the Longview Chamber joined the U.S. Chamber and sued the CFPB, arguing that the way they receive their funding is unconstitutional. The Chamber is awaiting a decision.

We support efforts to render the CFPB subject to the ordinary appropriations process, and thus accountable to the American people.

• The CFPB obtains its funding directly from the Federal Reserve.

• The U.S. Chamber has long argued against this unusual insulation from Congressional control and oversight.

• The Supreme Court of the United States has now agreed to decide whether the CFPB’s funding mechanism violates the Appropriations Clause. Oral argument will be in October, and a decision is not expected until June 2024.

• The U.S. Chamber plans to file an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to hold that the CFPB must get its funds through the ordinary appropriations process.

Currently, we are considering joining the U.S. Chamber to again sue the CFPB if it finalizes a rule lowering the safe harbor for credit-card late fees to $8 as proposed.

• The U.S. Chamber has laid out the argument more fully in the Chamber’s comments to the CFPB. We both believe the rule is vulnerable to legal challenge on multiple fronts. The CFPB has misread the statute that authorizes it to regulate late fees, and its proposal is arbitrary and capricious. Moreover, at least one circuit court has vacated a rule because the CFPB’s funding mechanism is unconstitutional.

• The U.S. Chamber will likely seek an injunction to prevent the rule from taking effect, in part based on the Appropriations Clause. The Chamber should have a good chance of obtaining an injunction.

The CFPB has labeled late fees as junk fees. Many associations including the retail association state late fees are a necessary cost of providing financial products and services. Retailers as well as other types of industries / associations partner with financial institutions to issue credit cards. These companies must be able to mitigate the risk associated with missed and late payments. If the late fee reduction goes into effect, costs will go up for all consumers, which means those who pay their credit card bill on time will be subsidizing the costs of those who don’t. Banks may even be force to stop offering credit card rewards programs which benefit consumers at all income levels.

Is Your Company Taking Advantage of the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)?

By amending your quarterly IRS payroll tax returns, your business can claim the Employee Retention Credit based on the wages the business paid to its employees during 2020 and 2021

MYTH: Our company received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so we are ineligible.

FACT: Even if your company received PPP funding, you can still qualify for the Employee Retention Credit. . However, it is crucial to consult with a professional to ensure you maximize both PPP forgiveness the ERC, as they are interconnected.

RECOMMENDATION: Refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for comprehensive guidance and limitations on ERC - Employee Retention Credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).

POTENTIAL BENEFIT: By amending your quarterly IRS payroll tax returns, your business can claim the Employee Retention Credit based on the wages the business paid to its employees during 2020 and 2021. Your business may be eligible for the credit if a government order limited its operations by forcing the business to close, required capacity restrictions, or otherwise restricted its business functions. A business may also be eligible for the ERC if it had a significant decline in revenue in any quarter since the beginning of the pandemic through the third quarter of 2021.

How to Maximize Use of the Member Hub

Did you know that as a Longview Chamber of Commerce member, you have access to an exclusive portal for some unique benefits and for managing your membership?

1. Go to www.longviewchamber.com and click on at the top of the screen.

2. On the next page, click where it says,

3. Enter your First Name and Last Name and your company Email and . You should receive an email with instructions from there. This will be your personal login for the company profile.

This will get you into the “Info Hub.” The Info Hub is a great way for you to network, view member-only events, share your contact information with other members for networking, access vital resources, or use our site to advertise news, events, deals and recruit new employees!

Start by making sure your contact profile is complete and update-to-date, so others can successfully connect with you. Then explore the site and have fun taking advantage of special members-only access.

There is a video tour that will show you how to get the most of the Hub for things such as:

YOUR COMPANY/ORGANIZATION MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF YOU EXPERIENCED:

• FULL OR PARTIAL SHUTDOWNS

• DECREASE IN HOURS OF OPERATIONS

• INTERRUPTION IN OPERATIONS OR SUPPLY CHAINS

• REDUCTION IN SERVICES OR GOODS

• SHIFTING HOURS TO INCREASE SANITATION OF YOUR FACILITY

• INABILITY TO WORK WITH YOUR VENDORS.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP?

We strongly recommend companies consult tax experts. The ERC is a legitimate credit that is providing a lifeline to businesses and organizations nationwide. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous entities, so it is important to seek reliable advice before applying. If your organization would like a recommendation of an agency to work with please reach out to Kelly Hall, khall@longviewtx.com.

First, if you have not already done so, I want to encourage you to create your member login!

• Searching the directory listing – your contact information and our other members are available in the “members only” hub.

• Personalizing your member listing page – included in the directory is your own information page on the website which can include a description area, location, logo, photos and contact details based on your membership level.

• Using the Hub to manage your membership and payments.

• Job Center – create a posting for any job openings you have available - gain visibility and help recruit new employees.

• News – Share exciting and important information with our community. Enter your news item to be added to our site.

Content is always changing – please help us ensure that your information is always updated so that we and others in the community can reach you. Enjoy!

New Economic Mobility fellowship

The Fellowship gives us a framework, a network, and a support system for creating and implementing strategies

It is a privilege to have been accepted, along with 17 other chamber executives from across the country, into the Economic Mobility Fellowship initiative of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. If you’re wondering what this is and how it benefits business in Longview, Texas, then we are of like-mind, as I asked the same questions about applying for the program.

Over the next several months, I will be responsible for creating a regional economic mobility plan. Economic mobility is the ability of people to move to jobs that are better, high-paying jobs that allow them to create wealth. Basically, it’s an attempt to remove obstacles to pursing and reaching the “American dream.” At the Longview Chamber, our tagline is: Leading People Leading Prosperity. So, this initiative is in alignment with our core objectives.

Increasing employer participation in the talent development pipeline to create stronger ties between employers, learners, and educators

Working with employers and education partners to align locally offered credentials and degrees with those required for in-demand jobs

These items are similar to issues we’ve been working to address in our community. The Fellowship gives us a framework, a network, and a support system for creating and implementing strategies that actually have a chance of producing results. I am excited about the opportunity and the possibilities and I look forward to reporting on progress made as this process progresses.

Increasing remote work opportunities for low-income workers

“In this fellowship we will have the opportunity to develop a regional plan for economic mobility for our area.” Click on the video to hear more about the new mobility fellowship from COO Dave Jochum

Establishing a one stop navigator program to holistically address barriers to well-paid employment for low-income workers

Increasing up skilling and re skilling opportunities for lowincome workers

Working with employers to identify the skills required for indemand jobs and to implement skills-based hiring practices

Creating a community-wide vision, goal and plan around talent development to promote pathways to mobility

CLICK TO VIEW

Opportunities to Make a Difference

REACH TEAM

Establishing strong relationships is vital for the Chamber’s success. With a membership base of approximately 1,000 businesses/organizations, we rely on the invaluable assistance of our REACH Team. These dedicated volunteers serve as our concierges, playing a pivotal role in various activities. They warmly greet attendees at our functions, participate in ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and generously contribute their time to our events. Our volunteers actively listen to the needs of our members, familiarize themselves with their businesses, and seek opportunities to align the chamber with their goals and values. We are constantly in search of individuals who are eager to expand their network while assisting the chamber in meeting the needs of others. Would you be interested in learning more about the REACH team? Email kpedroza@longviewtx.com

TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN

Cliff Hale, Market President, expresses his belief in the mission of the Chamber of Commerce and its commitment to fostering business growth, including individual business. As the Longview Chamber prepares to launch its 14th Total Resource Campaign (TRC), Cliff encourages engagement. Laughingly, Cliff shared “when we launched TRC 14 years ago the owner of the company that helped us get started stated that if we stay engaged in TRC the opportunity to build lasting friendships will become one of the main reasons volunteers return to work the campaign. I scoffed at these words and now 14 years later, I’m ALL IN! I come back for the deepened relationships that have been built with fellow volunteers and the companies we work with”.

Describing the TRC, Kelly Hall, Chamber President, explains, “Through this initiative, businesses will gain increased exposure within the Chamber membership and among stakeholders. They will also enjoy a higher return on investment by securing greater visibility in the community through Chamber programs and initiatives.”

The TRC aims to offer diverse customer groups and growth opportunities to businesses of all sizes. Member businesses can expect a favorable return on their investment and the flexibility to select options tat align with their specific needs.

Jennifer Harper, Senior VP of Texas Bank & Trust, emphasizes the importance of understanding companies’ missions and their efforts to reach target markets. She hopes that all businesses, particularly smaller ones, will view the TRC as a means to engage with the chamber programs that resonate with them.

To discover more about volunteering for the upcoming TRC we invite you to REGISTER for a FREE lunch and learn on July 19th, 11:30am – 1:00pm. During this session, volunteers will gain insights into the purpose behind the TRC and how understand how their involvement can make a significant impact on our community. They will learn about engaging local business leaders in meaningful discussions regarding customized marketing opportunities that cater to their unique needs.

These dedicated volunteers serve as our concierges, playing a pivotal role in various activities.

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.

Call, come in, or go online today to see what Express can do for you.

(903) 663-3559

101 West Hawkins Parkway, Suite 4 Longview, TX 75605 ExpressProsLongview.com

PRESENTED BY:

NEW MEMBERS

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

Affordable Dentist Near Me in Longview (903) 508-5750

444 Forest Sq Longview, TX 75605

affordabledentistnearme.com

Allied Bookkeeping, Casey Cade Auctions, Cade Estate’s (903) 561-6300

507 N. Fredonia St Longview, TX 75601

https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063472451418

Aurora Services Group (832) 776-7339

10290 US Hwy 271 S Gladewater, TX 75647

https://amazingfacelongview.com/

CSS Healthcare (903) 232-7144

121 Gilmer Rd Longview, TX 75604

www.csshealthcare.net

Elrod Legal

(915) 229-1862

805 Irene St Longview, TX 75605

www.elrodlegal.com

Hickory Behavioral Center

(430) 562-9623

22 Bermuda Ln Longview, TX 75605

https://hickorynetwork.com/

5 Years

Humana Inc

Robroy Industries

Gamesters’ Paradise Mobile Entertainment, LLC

White Oak ISD

Lakeport ACE Hardware

The Blaze and MEGA 99.3

TECHrx Services

TechLink LLC

Firenza Pizza

Longview VA Clinic

JD’S AC LLC

(903) 759-7483

117 Avenue B Longview, TX 75604

http://www.iwantairnow.com

Landbridge Commercial Properties

(903) 352-3000

4614 DC Dr Tyler, TX 75701

www.landbridgecommercia

McAlister’s Deli

(903) 663-6868

2804 Judson Rd Longview, TX 75605

http://www.mcalistersdeli.com

Merry Maids

(903) 295-0669

110 Triple Creek Dr Ste 75 Longview, TX 75601

http://www.merrymaids.com/longview/

Music & Arts

(214) 422-3044

3092 N Eastman Rd Ste 104 Longview, TX 75605 musicarts.com

Redline Roofing & Construction

(903) 508-1651

911 W Loop 281 Suite 211-45 Longview, TX 75604

https://www.redlineroofingtx.com

10 Years

Trend HR

Ronda Henry / Author

TLC Office Systems

Guaranty Bank & Trust - West Hawkins

Heartlight Ministries Foundation

S&B Engineers and Constructors, Ltd.

Teri Norwood Real Estate Team, LLC

Independence Fuel Systems

Hopkins & Hopkin LLC

15 Years

IKON Office Solutions, Inc.

U. S. Steel Tubular Products Lone Star Tubular Operations

AAA Sanitation Inc

Allstate Insurance - The Jeremy Quinn Agency

Starbucks Coffee Company

Shipley Do-Nuts

Emerald Glen RV Park

Silver Falls Townhomes

(903) 522-5819

900-974 Creekside Dr Longview, TX 75604

https://livesilverfalls.com/

Smile Doctors Braces by Scott Orthodontics

(903) 759-0282

2830 Bill Owens Pkwy Longview, TX 75604

http://www.scottortho.com

Tarry Title

(903) 757-3000

1127 Judson Rd Ste 144 Longview, TX 75601

www.tarrytitle.com

The Office Center inc.

(903) 984-4052

512 W South St Longview, TX 75601

theofficecenterkilgore.com

The Woods Luxury Apartments

(903) 500-9941

1412 Main St Dallas, TX 75202

https://www.facebook.com/thewoodsluxuryapts/?fref=ts

Uniforms Etc.

(903) 445-0135

2417 S. Eastman Road Ste B Longview, TX 75601

https://www.uniformsetc.net/

20 Years

East Texas Title Companies of Gregg County

40 Years

East Texas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Northcutt Interests LC

60 Years

N B Riddle MD

MILESTONE CHAMBER MEMBER

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