H.E.A.R.T. May/June 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

Jill

Vice Chairs

Brian

Mark Robinson Vice Chairman AEP

Directors

Ray Bostick Gregg County

Michael Clements Jr.

Andrew Coggins

Adrienne Deason Henry & Peters, P.C.

Don Deem

Michelle Gamboa City of

Jim Gaton CHRISTUS Good Shepherd

Kristan Ishihara

Lori Ivey

Steve Mason LeTourneau University

Nishil Patel Heritage Wine & Spirits

Dana Rutland STEMCO

This calendar displays the latest program event updates related to the Longview Chamber of Commerce.

Imagine Longview

KELLY HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO

Starting our trip to Billings, MT, over 40 key influencers challenged themselves to ‘begin with the end in mind.’ Each of us made a commitment to learn and appreciate differences in how work is accomplished. We agreed what the next steps will be to shape Longview into the town we want to have and how it should look for future generations.

Yes, the group was able to see several interesting and fun sights, but the main takeaway was how Billings was different from Longview. We saw a sense of community between businesses and how that led to the beautiful town that it is. We experienced the heart and pride that the people of Billings have for their city.

Yes, we agreed to use the InterCity trip as the launchpad to continue the dream for Longview’s future. I believe those who participated in the 2023 trip to Billings were not there by accident. I believe they were placed on the trip to impact Longview in ways we may never imagine. I know we will succeed because we are committed to building a solid foundation for Longview’s success and we want YOU to walk alongside us!

Yes, there was agreement that we all desire Longview to grow and prosper. We know that growth is the evidence of life. That is why while in Billings we focused on HEALTH not growth. Because we also know healthy communities grow. Our next steps must remain focused on taking responsibility to grow a healthy community.

“This year was my first time to participate in an inter-city trip and Billings, MT did not disappoint,” Board member Lori Ivey said. “I came back excited, inspired, and impressed with not only the people of Billings, but our own Longview participants. Their professionalism, knowledge, and hearts for our community were evident during the jam-packed 3 days we were there. We took away a lot of information and are already hard at work implementing what we have learned to make Longview better.”

allows Longview to flourish.

Longview is built with ordinary people … me and you. None of us are perfect. We all have weaknesses. We all have strengths. The goal is to use each other to make the dream a reality.

Longview is known for being committed to think bigger, dream greater, and risk more. We challenge ourselves to expand our vision. We do not base our vision on what you alone but what we can do together.

What makes Longview attractive? Our genuine love for people.

– Lori

How can WE Guarantee Success?

We align on our dream for Longview. After our time with Author Karen Grosz, we can now paint a picture of what we want our community to look and feel like. We were able to bond as a group so that going forward we are all in agreement of our vision and goals for what we want Longview to look like 50 years from now.

What is the Longview Dream?

Longview welcomes families into our community. People feel safe, accepted, and loved. Parents know their children will receive a great education. Singles have places they can engage in and feel valued. Everyone is equipped with skills to use their talents to live their dreams. Citizens are trained to take care of one another and lift one another up. Residents, employees, and employers are committed to building infrastructure where people are inspired to take care of themselves and one another. We lift our leaders up by doing and taking action that accomplishes the important work needed to create an eco-system that allows people to live their dreams and experience prosperity.

Longview is committed to being a community of doers / action takers. We are willing to build a solid foundation and create the framework that

Longview – We Choose to:

LIVE WITH INTEGRITY.

ACCEPT OTHERS.

HUMILITY.

SHARE GRACE AND MERCY.

LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES.

What will Longview be known for? It will be based on how we treat other people. It will be based on how we have demonstrated helping people succeed, to grow, and to prosper.

What is your decision? You get to decide! Will your actions, your faith, and your commitment make a difference in Longview’s future? How will you invest your time, talent, and treasures?

Will you join us? Will you commit to being part of the solution in creating a community that attracts families and businesses?

Let’s BUILD Longview TOGETHER so Future Generations Can Thrive!

“I came back excited, inspired, and impressed with not only the people of Billings, but our own Longview participants.

Ivey, Chamber Board Member

STEPHEN CAPPS

SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, MAY 4 11:30 am – 1:00 pm H Pinecrest Country Club

Stephen Capps is an entrepreneur, podcaster, coach, and speaker. He is the CEO of Texas Gates and Marshall Handyman Service in Marshall, Texas. Stephen has overcome insurmountable odds in his life and business. From the loss of his wife Lisa then losing their largest customer, he has gone from the brink of bankruptcy to now leading a debt-free seven-figure business. The event will include recognition of our Small Business Awards recipients and the Leadership Longview Class of 2023 Graduation. Reserved company tables and business display tables are available, as well as individual tickets.

We are excited to announce a new initiative emphasizing the importance of reading for Longview area students. To kick off the work, a small team came together to develop a plan for how the business community can come alongside our schools and teachers to help students become strong readers.

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.

This campaign and the benefits it will bring to our future workforce are exciting.! Be on the lookout for more information about LongviewREADS! in the coming weeks and months.

GOLD SPONSORS: Eastman Chemical Company - Texas Operations, KLTV-Channel 7, Texas Bank and Trust, VeraBank

TITLE SPONSOR SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS SPONSOR LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW GRADUATION SPONSORS

Longview Chamber of Commerce Accreditation

For the third time the Longview Chamber of Commerce has received a 5-STAR RATING from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce! The Chamber is one of seven chambers who received this rating the round of Accreditation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce explains how they gave these ratings to those who have sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impacts on their community.

The program looks at chambers that promote excellence and fosters a pro-business community in their area. In order to receive accreditation in general, not only 5 stars, the chamber had to meet a minimum standard in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. The whole reviewing process can take between six and nine months to complete.

“The accreditation program facilitates continuing excellence in the chamber industry to foster a pro-business environment across America. Accreditation with the United States Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities.”

U.S. CHAMBER WEBSITE

The chamber’s accreditation application was reviewed by a U.S. Chamber staff, an independent consultant, and the US Chamber Accrediting Board. The accreditation is helpful in several ways to the Chamber and its members. It enhances leadership development, evaluates the quality of the chamber, provides direction for board and staff, develops a realistic work

program, promotes upgrades to chamber bylaws, policies, and procedures, helps with membership development, and brings prestige, respect, and recognition to the chamber.

The Chamber staff is proud to be recognized at this level and acknowledges the help and support of their members and community. The recognition is truly a reflection of the work done in Longview through the work of the Chamber.

FIVE STAR

Friday, May 5, 2023 | 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Come join

H H H H H

This honor is from the U.S. Chamber accreditation program. There will be food, fun, and celebrating and then we encourage attendees to hop on over to the Longview Arboretum for a Cinco De Mayo Celebration in collaboration with Downtown Live!

Talent Attraction & Retention Training Opportunity!

our 40 Under 40 Executive Series

Professional development is a long game. The goal is to provide quality personal and professional development, mentoring, and best practice sharing on how to succeed. Younger employees from entry level to management need to develop a mindset of continuous learning throughout their careers and be an example to their peers.

The 2023 series kicked off on March 8 with over 40 participants. Participant Vincent Purvis, SI&OP Supervisor with STEMCO shared, “The 40 Under 40 workshop provided an excellent presentation where Kristen Stovall, the Dean of Business at Kilgore College, led an in-depth discussion on the most important soft skills in the workplace. While discussing adaptability and flexibility Kristen shared the anecdote of being like a duck in times of chaos to demonstrate confidence and leadership. Ducks float across the water, but underneath could be furiously paddling underneath the surface. I enjoyed our training with the Chamber and look forward to the rest of the series.”

Plans for the June 14 program with Brian Brandt are in place! The program will begin at 10:00am and conclude at 2:00 pm. Participants will walk away with a greater understanding as to how to make a greater impact in their organization. He will discuss how to prepare to capitalize and leverage opportunities to make a significant difference.

The 2023 Executive Series are scheduled for:

• JUNE 14 – Brian Brandt

• SEPTEMBER 18 – John Grubbs

• NOVEMBER 30 – Bill Leckie

Each workshop is only $35pp (includes lunch) or bundle pricing is available for only $90 (all 3 sessions). Will you be taking advantage of this talent retention tool? Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions!

| CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |

“Ducks float across the water, but underneath could be furiously paddling underneath the surface. I enjoyed our training with the Chamber and look forward to the rest of the series.

KRISTEN STOVALL Dean of Business at Kilgore College

SPONSORS:

As you know, talent and retention continue to be a problem for companies. If you are like most, we understand that you pull out all the stops to keep employees around. That is why we believe your employees under 40 will find value in

Our Commitment to Talent Attraction and Retention

Sourcing talent is critical to a company’s operations and chamber members are struggling to retain, attract and promote employees in this economic climate. We are aware of the challenges and we are committed to helping to find solutions for our local businesses.

Our Chamber’s COO, Dave Jochum, is engaged in two national programs to learn how we can better prepare to be a resource for our community in this arena. Both programs are from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The first program is a Skills-Based Hiring certification.

Did you know that when a job opening requires a bachelor’s degree, it can result in eliminating 70% of potential applicants? As degrees, certifications and work experience requirements are added, we shrink the pool even further, resulting in good companies missing out on potentially great employees.

secure.acce.org

Dave recently joined the inaugural group of 14 people seeking to be certified to train others in Skills-Based Hiring. This is a talent recruitment strategy where companies identify skills needed to fill open positions and then rewrite job postings and job descriptions to better communicate the skills needed for the position. By the end of the series, participants will learn how to apply and coach teams through a skills-based strategy.

The second is the Economic Mobility Fellowship. The fellowship is designed to help chambers improve workforce ecosystems and remove barriers to accessing living wage jobs. With the support of the Truist Foundation, the ACCE Foundation will support chambers in building career pathways that create more opportunities for economic mobility. With the guidance of the Foundation, fellows will measure impact through both qualitative and quantitative indicators. Economic Mobility Fellows will be better positioned to support workers and employers in adapting to the new realities of work.

We are proud that Dave was accepted into both of these programs and we are excited to see what will transpire to better our chamber and our community.

LEARNING SERIES: SKILLS-BASED HIRING

Increase Your Leadership and Your Impact Through Leadership Longview

Leadership development takes place through various avenues by participating in Leadership Longview. There is world-class leadership development to start each class day.

Team building and project management, as well as learning about the strengths of other personalities comes to light through project management and execution. Then, for those who wish to take their development further, there are opportunities for post-class participation in the program. It’s a unique combination that provides the ability for leadership maturity.

And the program has the added benefit of stability. Leadership Longview has been positively impacting the community for over 40 years. One 2023 class member had this to say about the program:

Over 200 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars in financial and in-kind donations have been invested, contributing to the dignity of those served by improving the facility.

The project priority for The Martin House was improving the appearance and functionality of the areas for families and children. Floors were refurbished, the entire facility was painted, and all ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures were replaced.

The Leadership Longview class of 2023, comprised of 25 members representing 20 local organizations, conducted a project reveal/open house at The Martin House on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Leadership Longview is a nine-month leadership development program open to members and non-members of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Class members are chosen through an application process that begins in May.

Each year, Leadership Longview class members choose a project to take on for a non-profit in the community. By selecting and then carrying out the project, class members learn how to advocate for the organization by raising funds, handling permitting with the city, and becoming a strong promoter of the organization’s work. They also learn the importance of connecting and collaborating with others to make a significant impact.

The 2023 Leadership Longview Class selected The Martin House as its partner for this year’s class community investment project. The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Longview is dedicated to helping children under 18 who are suspected victims of sexual or physical abuse or witnesses to violent crimes in Gregg, Harrison, and Marion Counties.

To learn more, contact Dave Jochum at 903-237-4023 or djochum@longviewtx.com or

“

Leadership Longview is a great opportunity to learn more about our community, engage with other industry leaders, and to work together towards making a difference with a local community partner.

SHELLY SMITH

Director of Administration & Operations Longview/ Lufkin Buckner Children & Family Services

Has Your Organization Participated in a Tech Talk?

SPONSORED BY:

Why participate? Organizations are fatigued with the never-ending security alerts and updates needed to protect their operations and team members. Attacks are NOT slowing down, and they are no longer going after just the largest companies. The bottom line is there is a real and present danger to your company’s security. That is why the Chamber is committed to bringing solutions on how to address cyber threats with clear and commonsense approaches. Cody and Amy Hertel, owners of Longview Computer Center stated, “We are glad that we can help the chamber offer FREE programming that will guide businesses through the maze of cybersecurity. It is important that we provide clear and common-sense approaches that will help fortify businesses against attacks.” (Cody and Amy Hertel led the April Tech Talk)

What can participants expect? The monthly Tech Talks are virtual and free. Each session will last one hour. Content is being provided by area experts who can provide best practices for organizations follow explained John Andrews, president of Citadel6 and Technology Council Chair. For example, our May speaker is, Robert Armstrong, a Cyber Security Consultant who owns Mathan Cyber Security, LLC. Rob is an expert on Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls. He will be

WATCH TECH TALKS

discussing how to implement the controls, so organizations can reduce their risk of a successful attack and improve their overall security posture.

Why are the work sessions FREE? John Andrews, president of Citadel6 explains the tech community in Longview would like to building a strong technology eco-system that allows technology experts and business executives to discuss a variety of issues about the use of technology to solve business challenges, seize opportunities, and drive innovation. Having these discussions are important to Citadel6 therefore, we stepped in and sponsored the inaugural year.

Who can participate? Every employee can be the weakest link in an organization’s security. That is why we encourage all organizations to be committed to continuous education and training and an easy way to step into the conversation is by joining the monthly Tech Talks sponsored by Citadel6.

The Chamber is committed to bringing solutions on how to address cyber threats with clear and commonsense approaches.

We are glad that we can help the chamber offer FREE programming that will guide businesses through the maze of cybersecurity.

CODY AND AMY HERTEL Owners, Longview Computer Center

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

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?

login!

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:

• 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!

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

NEW MEMBERS

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

Capital Wealth - Carl Newman (903) 295-4250

222 N Fredonia St. Longview, TX 75601

https://thecapitalwealthgroup.com/

ABC Home and Commercial Services of East Texas (903) 561-6300

3307 Chandler Highway Tyler, TX 75702

www.abchomeandcommercial.com/tyler

Amazing Face Aesthetics (903) 452-9598

405 W Loop 281 Ste J Longview, TX 75605

https://amazingfacelongview.com/

Comfort Suites Longview (903) 663-4991

3307 N 4th St Longview, TX 75605

http://www.choicehotels.com

Elevation Roofing and Gutters 903-686-0490

2194 Jahan Trail Longview, TX 75604

https://www.elevation-roofing.com

Flugers Bicycle and Outdoor Shop (903) 470-7220

1232 W. Marshall Ave Longview, TX 75604

https://flugerslongview.com

Geaux Virtual, LLC

(903) 738-4401

3110 Brent Rd

Longview, TX 75604

www.geauxvirtualllc.com

Hidalgo Granite Group Inc

(903) 668-6141

717 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605

www.hidalgogranite.com

Kleen Sweep TX LLC

(903) 758-4844

P.O. Box 2495

Kilgore, TX 75663

www.kleensweeptx.com

KPOT KOREAN BBQ&HOT POT

(646) 520-5634

2802 Tuttle Blvd

Longview, TX 75605

https://thekpot.com/location/longview-tuttle/

Pendulum Surveying

(903) 987-0766

15544 County Road 173 North Kilgore, TX 75662

www.pendulumsurveying.com

Sara Bradham DDS

(760) 815-4051

3 Doctor Circle

Longview, TX 75605

www.thelongviewdentist.com

25 Years

Longview Eye Associates PA

ETTL Engineers & Consultants Inc

Eberhart - Miller Real Estate Service

Ron Stringer & Associates PC

Homewood Suites Hotel by Hilton

First Presbyterian Church

Women’s Health Boutique Longview

Henry & Peters, P.C.

Bill Day Tire Center / Apex Tire Group

Stone Bridge Personnel Services

(903) 236-9235

408 East Loop 281, Suite B

Longview, TX 75605

http://www.bridgestaff.com

TRIO Educational Opportunity Center

(903) 236 - 2023

209 S Center Street

Longview, TX 75601

https://www.kilgore.edu/future-students/offices-student-services/trio-educational-opportunity-center-eoc

Turner Industries (903) 746-9093

2290 Callahan Rd

Longview, TX 75602

https://www.turner-industries.com/

Walt’s Outdoor World (903) 592-0548

1201 S SE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701

www.waltsoutdoorworld.com

5 Years

Longview Symphony Roberts & Roberts Law Firm

RJ Trailers II

Newk’s Eatery (Newco Dining, LLC)

Tempest Golf Club

Napps Technology Corporation / Jetson HVAC

Lennis Design, LLC

Gregg Appraisal District

RBC Wealth Management Southside Bank

Heaton Eye Associates

Boon Calk Echols Coleman & Goolsby PLLC

- Mark Boon

Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Services

Perry D Reed & Company PC

Summers Cook & Company

50 Years

Longview Scrap & Metal Company

Edge Office Products / SECAL Group, LLC

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