H.E.A.R.T. May/June 2024

EDUCATIO

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

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

2024 CHAMBER EVENTS

SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, MAY 9 11:30 am – 1:00 pm H Infinity Event Center

The event will include recognition of our Small Business Awards recipients and the Leadership Longview Class of 2024 Graduation. The program will include valuable and relevant information about the small business landscape of the Longview community. You don’t want to miss this influential event!

Reserved Company Tables and Company Display Tables are available, as well as individual tickets.

2024 Officers

Steve Gordon Chair

Longview Regional Medical Center

Lori Ivey Chair-Elect

State Farm Insurance - Lori Ivey

Jessica LaRue Past-Chairman

Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC

Brian Daugbjerg Chair of Finance

Longview Scrap & Metal Company

Vice Chairs

Mark Robinson Vice Chairman

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Jennifer Ware Vice Chairman VeraBank

Doug Wichman Vice Chairman

AAON Coil Products, Inc.

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

Andy Hill

Mobberly Baptist Church

Nishil Patel

Heritage Wine & Spirits

Nishil Patel

Heritage Wine & Spirits

Dana Rutland

Intelligent Design Partners

Appointed

Directors

Michelle Gamboa City of Longview

Ray Bostick

Gregg County

Steve Mason LeTourneau University

Julia Tubb

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

REMEMBER TO LOOK FOR

“BUG”

EAST TEXAS COALITION FORMS TO SHAPE PUBLIC POLICIES FOR THE EAST TEXAS REGION

EAST TEXAS COALITION

The chambers of Longview, Kilgore, Tyler, Lindale, and Whitehouse have come together to form the East Texas Coalition, marking a significant step in regional collaboration and strategic policymaking. This union has established the Public Policy Team, aimed at harnessing the collective expertise and interests of its members to drive public policies that significantly enhance education and workforce readiness across the region.

KELLY HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO

Kilgore | Lindale | Longview | Tyler | Whitehouse

The coalition's policymaking initiative kicked off on March 22nd with an engaging session led by Lauren Brown at Monument, involving the Houston Carbon Capture Storage Alliance. This was followed by discussions with Luke LeGate of G. Fox Consulting and representatives from the Texas Oil and Gas Association, who discussed our priorities for the upcoming session. The April 19th meeting focused on aligning educational and workforce systems. Guest speakers were John Hryhorchuk, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for Texas 2036, and Jeffrey Connor-Naylor, Director at Business Leaders United (BLU). John Hryhorchuk illuminated the path towards ensuring a robust education system that meets the evolving workforce demands, with projections indicating that by 2036, over 70% of jobs in Texas will require a postsecondary credential—a significant jump from the current rate where only one in three high school graduates achieve this within six years. Jeffrey Connor-Naylor tackled the skills mismatch currently plaguing the workforce, emphasizing the necessity of training and educational programs that gear American workers for the 21st-century economy and defining federal policy priorities through BLU’s policy areas. These coalition meetings are designed not just as forums for discussion, but as strategic conclaves that aim to craft and implement policies ensuring the long-term economic viability and educational excellence of East Texas. Participants include business leaders and policy shapers who are vested

in exploring how to best utilize and mobilize their relationships to effect positive change.

The East Texas Coalition Public Policy Team embodies the power of collaboration and shared objectives. As this coalition advances, its endeavors to frame policies that bolster business growth and community development are poised to establish a new standard for regional cooperation.

STATE OF THE ECONOMY LUNCHEON:

Insight into Economic Trends and Development

Hosted at the Infinity Event Center from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, this luncheon promises an enriching experience for attendees. Highlighting the event is the distinguished keynote speaker, Aaron Demerson, CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Demerson will deliver a comprehensive analysis of current economic trends and future prospects, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for businesses in our region.

The significance of this event is further underscored by the support of our sponsors. We extend our gratitude to Conterra Networks, the presenting sponsor, for their commitment to fostering economic dialogue and growth within our community. Additionally, we acknowledge Bagley Tractor and Equipment, the title sponsor, whose dedication to excellence aligns seamlessly with the objectives of this event.

Furthermore, we are honored to recognize our Gold sponsors: AAON Coil Products Inc, Copeland Insurance Group, Eastman Credit Union, STEMCO Products, Inc, Texas Bank and Trust, and VeraBank. Their generous support exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing economic prosperity and development in our region.

We are also grateful for the contributions of our Silver sponsors, Austin Bank and Barksdale Federal Credit Union, whose participation enhances the impact of this event and underscores the collaborative spirit within our business community.

The State of the Economy Luncheon promises to be an enlightening and engaging gathering, offering attendees valuable insights into economic trends, opportunities for networking, and the chance to connect with fellow professionals who share a common goal of driving growth and prosperity.

PROOF: WEB BANNER

As the business landscape continually evolves, staying informed about the state of the economy is crucial for decision-makers across industries. The upcoming State of the Economy Luncheon, set to take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, presents a prime opportunity for our community to gain valuable insights from experts in the field.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and perspectives from industry leaders. Secure your spot today and join us for an afternoon of informative discussion and networking at the State of the Economy Luncheon. Together, let's navigate the ever-changing economic landscape and chart a course for success.

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

ACTIVATE Your Network By Joining us in Celebrating and Thanking our Investors!

This July, we're excited to announce our upcoming Thank You Drive, an initiative by our chamber to express our profound appreciation to our investors. From July 22nd, we embark on a week-long journey of gratitude, and we're calling on you – our community of proactive members and business enthusiasts – to volunteer for a cause that not only celebrates our collective achievements but also fortifies our bonds within the business community.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering for the Thank You Drive is not just about making B2B calls or delivering thank-you gifts; it's an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with the backbone of our thriving economy. Whether you're looking to build new relationships, make meaningful contacts, or simply contribute to a celebration of free enterprise, your participation will be a testament to the strength and unity of our business community.

Your

Role as a Volunteer

Volunteers will be at the forefront of our outreach efforts, tasked with making business-to-business (B2B) calls and delivering thank-you gifts to our investors. This is your chance to directly interact with key players in our local economy, share stories of resilience, and express our collective gratitude for their unwavering support.

Volunteer Shifts

We understand the value of your time, which is why we've structured volunteering shifts to accommodate your schedule:

• Morning Shifts: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to NOON

• Each day we will provide a complimentary lunch for the volunteers!

• Afternoon Shifts: Monday to Thursday, 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Choose a shift that best fits your availability or sign up for multiple shifts to maximize your involvement in this rewarding initiative.

How to Get Involved

Ready to make a difference? To sign up as a volunteer for the Thank You Drive, visit our website or contact our volunteer coordination team directly (Josh Warbington & Dayton Cargill). We're looking for enthusiastic individuals who are eager to contribute their time and energy towards fostering a culture of gratitude and collaboration within our business community.

A Final Note of Thanks

Your participation in the Thank You Drive is more than just volunteer work; it's a powerful statement of our shared commitment to celebrating and sustaining the spirit of free enterprise. Together, let's make this Thank You Drive a resounding success, paving the way for a future where our business community continues to thrive through mutual support and gratitude.

Advancing Workforce Initiatives: Embracing Skills-Based Approaches

In our ongoing pursuit to enhance workforce strategies, your Chamber staff remains dedicated to learning from experts nationwide. Over the past months, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse group on skills-based hiring, onboarding, and development—an endeavor that holds immense promise for the Longview business community.

While skills-based hiring may resonate more with larger companies, its principles are invaluable for businesses of all sizes. Put simply, it's about reframing job postings and descriptions to emphasize required and preferred skills over traditional credentials and years of experience. Many roles, despite being posted with stringent qualifications, often don't need specific certifications or degrees. By adopting skills-based hiring, businesses can tap into a broader pool of talent, enriching their workforce with diverse skill sets and perspectives.

What excites me even more are the concepts of skills-based onboarding and development. These approaches build upon existing practices in a deliberate manner. In skills-based onboarding, specific benchmarks are mapped out for new hires, alongside their supervisor and relevant team members. These benchmarks, coupled with timeframes and expected hours, days, or months to achieve them, provide a structured pathway for

skill acquisition. For example, if training on particular software is required, detailing who will provide the training and estimating the time needed for mastery are crucial steps.

Skills-based development extends this approach to ongoing training necessary for job proficiency and advancement within the organization. It identifies skill gaps and outlines pathways for skill enhancement, aligning individual development with organizational goals.

I encourage you to explore these transformative approaches to workforce development. If you're interested in delving deeper into the tools and training available for this initiative, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at djochum@longviewtx. com. Let's embark on this journey together, ensuring our workforce remains agile, skilled, and primed for success.

David Jochum Chief Operating Officer

EVENT SERIES 2024

Join us this year for our 2024 Workforce Event Series designed to help your business thrive and excel. We are excited to offer two informative seminars aimed at

Session 1: The Power of Personal Accountability in Leadership

Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Time: 8:45 am – Noon

Location: Longview Chamber of Commerce

This workshop will be facilitated by Dana Rutland focusing on The Power of Personal Accountability in Leadership. Discover strategies to foster personal accountability within your leadership team and enhance overall performance.

We extend our gratitude to James Machine Works for their generous support as the Series Presenting Sponsor.

Session 2: Skills-Based Hiring Workshop (Fall Session)

Date: To be announced

Location: Longview Chamber of Commerce

Our fall session will feature a hands-on workshop on Skills-Based Hiring. Learn to craft skills-based job descriptions that provide clarity to prospective employees about their role within your organization. Additionally, gain insights into writing skills-based job postings to broaden your pool of potential candidates for open positions.

Registration Information: Each session’s cost: $49 for Longview Chamber Members, $69 for Future Members

CodeLongview!

Encouraging Tomorrow’s Tech Workforce

Get ready to witness the ignition of future technological talent at CodeLongview! This captivating event, hosted by the Technology Council of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, is a pivotal initiative aimed at introducing middle and high school students to the dynamic realms of coding, cyber security, IT services, and Cloud Computing.

Middle and high school students will hear about the opportunities in the tech world and also learn more about the industry. This allows for an educational opportunity for the students as well as open their eyes to what is available even in Longview.

CodeLongview serves as a beacon of opportunity for our community's youth, providing them with a hands-on

exploration of technology's vast landscape. With the support of our sponsors, such as our presenting sponsor, Citadel 6, and our gold sponsor, Starfish Ad Age, we are poised to make a significant impact in shaping the future of our workforce.

The importance of this event cannot be overstated. As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals is essential for the continued growth and success of our businesses and community. By participating in CodeLongview, Chamber members have the opportunity to contribute directly to this endeavor through sponsorships and company display tables.

This event takes place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Kilgore College - Longview Campus.

MAY 15

Amy Pechacek

10 am - 2 pm Pinecrest Country Club

AUG 14

Brian Brandt

10

- 2 pm Pinecrest Country Club

OCT 30

David

Tamalocos Mexican Food LLC 1809 W Loop 281 Ste 110 Longview TX 75604 (903) 297-7474 tamalocosmexicanfood.com

3080 N Eastman Rd Ste 109 Longview TX 75605 (903) 663-9992 allureeyelashandnailslongview.com

1421 W Loop 281 Ste C Longview TX 75604 (903) 736-0402 facebook.com/DavillKitchens Cope

2010 Gilmer Rd Ste 103A Longview TX 75604 (903) 347-3115 copelandcounseling.us

Allure Eyelash & Nails (903) 663-9992

3080 N Eastman Rd Ste 109, Longview, TX 75605 allureeyelashandnailslongview.com

Chief Justice Scott Stevens (903) 235-2512 stevensforjustice.com/

Cope Land Counseling (903) 347-3115 2010 Gilmer Rd Ste 103A Longview, TX 75604 copelandcounseling.us

Cost Recovery Group, LLC (903) 931-1843 4536 W Bluefield Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308 costrecoverygroup.net

Elara Caring (903) 234-0104

100 W Hawkins Pky Ste B Longview, TX 75605 elara.com

Gecko Pest Control LLC (903) 472-4973 911 NW Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 geckopestcontrol.com

NEW MEMBERS

Goode Brothers A/C and Heating (903) 291-0608

8792 Hwy 259 Longview, TX 75605 goodebrothers.com

Hamilton Group (903) 753-6773

1625 E Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605 trusthamilton.com

Heritage Home Health and Hospice (903) 691-9981 4605 Texas Blvd, Texarkana, TX 75503 heritagehhh.com

JP Morgan Chase Bank (903) 291-1491 1720 W Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604 chase.com

Longview Too Ambucs (903) 753-3329 PO Box 331, Longview, TX 75606 ambucs2longviewtx.com/

Nothing Bundt Cakes (903) 675-0619 4917 S Broadway Ave Tyler, TX 75703 nothingbundtcakes.com

RangerPRINT (903) 983-8153 1100 Broadway Blvd Kilgore, TX 75662 rangerprint.com

Sam's Club #6422 (903) 754-9439 3310 N 4th St Longview, TX 75605 samsclub.com

Taylor Brokerage (903) 235-5495 603 Linda Ln Longview, TX 75601 Directory Information

Truevine Wealth Partners (903) 297-9800 911 W Loop 281 Ste 113 Longview, TX 75604 ameripriseadvisors.com/team/truevine-wealth-partners/

US Energy and Supply (903) 522-0077 3856 Creekwood Circle Longview, TX 75602 usenergyandsupply.com

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

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 –kpedroza@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.

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