HEALTH AND WELLBEING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE ADVOCACY REDEVELOPMENT TALENT, TALENT, TALENT
A PUBLIC ATIO N O F THE LO N GVIE W CHAMBER O F C O MMERCE
N OV EMBER- D ECEMBER 2022
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The Chamber Has Your Back!
ADVOCACY Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership! Kevin Hood Texas Bank and Trust
Jessica LaRue Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC
Mark Robinson AEP/SWEPCO
L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.
I CHOSE
Longview Regional so I could watch my grandchildren grow up. – Donna G.
l Cardiac Catheterization
With a nationally recognized Heart and Vascular Institute, a certified Stroke and Chest Pain Center, and an innovative Vein Center, its easy to see why people choose Longview Regional.
MyLongviewCardiology.com • 903-308-3566
Longview Chamber of Commerce Staff Kelly Hall President/CEO 903.237.4004 khall@longviewTexas.com
Susan Roberts Investor Relations 903.237.4000 sroberts@longviewTexas.com
Suzanne Brown Tuma Senior Vice President 903.237.4003 sbrown@longviewTexas.com
Spencer Sallee Business Manager 903.237.4013 ssallee@longviewTexas.com
David Jochum Chief Operating Officer 903.237.4023 djochum@longviewTexas.com
Shawna Stewart Investor Relations 903.237.4000 sstewart@longviewTexas.com
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 and get to the nearest emergency room.
What’s Inside? What Is A Chamber of Commerce?................................................... 4 East Texas Coalition....................................................................... 6 How to Maximize Use of the Member Hub........................................ 7 Program Opportunities................................................................... 8 Ribbon Cuttings.......................................................................... 10 Member Anniversaries.................................................................. 11 New Members............................................................................. 12 Inserts........................................................................................ 12
CORNERSTONE INVESTORS
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2022 CHAMBER EVENTS NOVEMBER
2022 Officers
2...............STATE OF THE CITY
Kevin Hood Chairman of the Board Texas Bank and Trust
9..............Wake Up Longview
Jessica LaRue Chairman Elect Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC
15 ...........Business After Hours Sparklight Business 16 ...........Chamber 101
Dana Parr Past Chairman of the Board Advanta Insurance Partners
30............40 Under 40 Executive Connect
DECEMBER
Current Calendar of Events. [ CLICK HERE ]
7...............Holiday Extravaganza
Travis Sisson Vice Chairman of Finance Longview Regional Medical Center
Vice Chairs
9..............STATE OF HEALTHCARE: GLOW
Brian Daugbjerg Vice Chairman Longview Scrap & Metal Company
SAVE THE DATE!
ANNUAL MEETINGH BANQUET TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023 Join us for the Chamber’s premiere business event which brings together top businesses and community leaders. The 2023 keynote speaker is Margaret Spellings, CEO of the non-partisan organization Texas 2036. Ms. Spellings will be presenting on the Real Progress. Real Results. of the organization and the impact Texas 2036 is having on shaping policy. The evening is also a time of celebration! Help us celebrate as we highlight the success of INDEVCO Plastics, a multinational company located in Longview and AEP/SWEPCO who is committed to working together with their customers and communities to create the future of energy.
RECEPTION 5:00 pm – 5:50 pm
Sam Neale Vice Chairman Napps Technology Corporation Gerald Rincher Vice Chairman Komatsu Mining Corporation
Directors Michael Clements Energy Weldfab Adrienne Deason Henry & Peters, P.C. Jim Gaton CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System Jim Green Eastman Chemical Company Texas Operations Chuck King Chick-fil-A Nishil Patel Longview Market Square, LLC Mark Robinson AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
DINNER & PROGRAM 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm TITLE SPONSOR:
Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Boulevard Longview, Texas
RECEPTION SPONSOR:
| MAKE RESERVATIONS |
REMEMBER TO LOOK FOR THE “BUG”
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What is a Chamber 0 22 2 of Commerce, and Why Should You Join? Over the years I’ve learned to just smile when people ask, “what is a chamber?” or “aren’t you part of the city?”. It is these types of questions that continually have us telling our story. Let’s get a few things out of the way so we can get to the Chamber’s WHY! The Chamber is not part of the City nor are we funded by taxpayers’ dollars. We are solely funded by our investors, the members through memberships, sponsorships, advertising, and registration to events. The chamber is an economic development organization, yet we are not the Longview Economic Development Corporation or compete with LEDCO. LEDCO’s focus is to create and retain primary jobs as outlined on the State Comptrollers website.
What is our WHY? The Longview Chamber believes in protecting the business climate to ensure businesses can thrive! We do this through the power of our collective voice influencing policy, decisions, and outcomes. We have built strong connections with influencers at local, state, and national levels. We have the ability to convene influencers to solve problems. Bottom line we exist to support the interest of our members. That is why we adopted our tag line; Leading People. Leading Prosperity.
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Yes, the chamber is the catalytic leader for business and economic growth but I believe it is best to let our is be told by the members. I hope you enjoy their comments and videos! 4
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Why Join the Chamber? “I am committed to the Longview Chamber because they are committed to protecting and promoting business! The chamber is my go-to organization”, states Chair – Elect Jessica LaRue, Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC. Check out Jessica’s member testimonial to hear more!
Who is the Chamber? The Longview chamber is a group of businesses that supports the interests of its members. We elect our leadership, board of directors, and collectively we decide what agendas to pursue. A chamber does NOT create laws, but we do influence pro-business policies by lobbying elected officials from the local, state, and national level. We advocate for you! Mark Robinson, External Affairs Manager AEP/SWEPCO shares, “The Longview Chamber stands beside you and promotes and defends your cause. The chamber’s job is to promote your business and make our community a better place to do business.”
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How Can Joining Help My Business? Many businesses join for the networking opportunities. You’ll meet other members of your community and form business relationships. Over time, the relationships you build can lead to valuable business partnerships. Plus, if your business ever runs into trouble, you have a network to turn to for assistance. “If you see an existing issue or proposed legislation that may be negatively affecting your business, you can bring the issue to our chamber,” states Chairman Kevin Hood, President of Texas Bank and Trust. “We have a great team who has built relationships across the country and has access to resources that can help businesses of all sizes attack the problems they are facing.” As a business leader, we understand that you’re always looking for new ways to market and grow your business. Joining the chamber can help you do exactly that!
Did you know that joining the chamber can also increase your visibility by developing a strategic partnership with them? There are numerous win-win opportunities for sponsoring events and marketing your company. When we invest together, we strengthen our community and your business! Plus, did you know that customers think more favorably of businesses that are part of a chamber of commerce and are 63% more likely to purchase from your business in the future?
Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership If you decide to join our chamber, the most important thing you can do is be engaged. Read the email and publications produced by the chamber. Share your thoughts and let us know where to mine for additional data to strengthen the positions adopted by the chamber.
Take advantage of cobranding yourself with the Chamber and utilize the valuable tools and perks the Chamber has to offer! H TRIVIA: Where was the First Chamber?
What can You Expect? When you join the chamber, your business will be listed in the chamber’s online directory, and your business and employees could be highlighted in chamber publications or on our website.
Did you know the very first chamber of commerce was established in France in 1599? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was later established in 1912 and the Longview chamber was established in 1916.
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When members see that there is a problem that needs to be addressed, they bring it to us and let us advocate on their behalf.
KELLY HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO
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East Texas Works Together to Advocate for Pro-Growth Policies! Join us March 5-7, 2023 for the East Texas Coalition Trip to Austin Over the past 17 years we have worked tirelessly to build a pro-growth policy agenda to attract talented workers, to make our region strong, and to make Longview the best place for all people to live, work, and do business explains, President Kelly Hall. We are committed to partnering with our sister communities to strengthen our voice in Austin. There is no doubt, the urban centers have strength in numbers, so is it is imperative we align as a region on key issues that impact our ability to attract and retain businesses that provide good jobs. Therefore, the Kilgore, Lindale, Longview, and Tyler chamber policy teams work hand and glove to prepare for legislative sessions. The Longview & Tyler Chamber policy chairs, Mark Robinson – AEP/ SWEPCO and Laura Jackson – Cardwell & Wansley Consulting agree we must be informed so we can shape and build aligned messaging to share with our elected officials in Austin. Collectively, we have spent the past few months meeting every other week to collaborate and form priorities that impact our region. The East Texas Coalition policy team invited experts in healthcare, education, energy, broadband and other key sectors to educate us on the opportunities and challenges facing businesses and individuals in each of these areas. Doing this wok will exponentially increase our ability to advocate on behalf of East Texas businesses, states Kelly Hall.
FAQ’s about the East Texas Coalition Where do the issues represented by the coalition come from? members of the chambers engaged in the East Texas Coalition.
What topics are focused on? Economic Development, Education and Workforce Development, Employment Relations, Energy and Environment, Health Care, Retail, Small Business, Taxation, Technology and Innovation, Transportation, Water, and Workers’ Compensation. Is there a process for approval? Yes. First the coalition identifies top priorities prior to the session. Policy experts are invited to discuss trends, challenges, opportunities, and work being done in the interim. The coalition then agrees on the top priorities and take these issues back to each chambers board for policy approval. The aligned and agreed upon policies are then focused on during the East Texas Coalition trip to Austin. Who can go to Austin with the Coalition? Each chamber encourages members to engage and go with the coalition to Austin. When is the next trip? The East Texas Coalition will be in Austin March 5-7, 2023. Those interested can register online. Hotel information is available online as well.
As a former legislative staffer, I processed hundreds of requests from constituents seeking to share their needs and ideas with their elected representatives. I want to use this experience to help business owners and community leaders in East Texas effectively communicate with our officials at the local, state, and national level so we can continue moving our region forward. Tyler Policy Chair Laura Jackson, Cardwell & Wansley Consulting
I enjoy serving on the East Texas Coalition’s policy team because it gives me an opportunity to stand beside a frustrated business owner, promote a entrepreneur’s interest, and remove barriers to their success. We leverage our relationships at the Federal and State levels to create a legislative environment that is conducive to business growth. The work we do is important to the protection of our capitalistic, free enterprise system and the benefits it provides our East Texas businesses. Mark Robinson, External Affairs Manager AEP/SWEPCO
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How to Maximize Use of the Member Hub Networking - Access Vital Resources - Advertise News, Events, Deals - Recruit New Employees
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? First, if you have not already done so, I want to encourage you to create your member login: 1.
Go to www.longviewchamber.com and click, “Member Login” at the top of the screen.
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 updated, so others can successfully connect with you. Then explore the site and have fun taking advantage of special members-only access. This video tour 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.
2.
On the next page, click where it says, “Don’t have an account? Create one.
3.
Enter your first and last name and your company email address and submit. You should receive an email with instructions from there. This will be your personal login for the company profile.
Best Member BestMember@business.com
• 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. • Use the Hub to manage your membership and payments. • Resources – being part of our association includes access to key sites, documents and other information to help you thrive in our community. Check out the resource area to learn more. • 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.
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CONTENT IS ALWAYS CHANGING; please help us ensure that yours is always updated so that we and others in the community can reach you. Enjoy!
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Every quarter, we host a class that we call, “Chamber 101.” It gives us the opportunity to interact with new members, prospective members, and new employees of existing members in a small group setting. Held during lunch time, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, the class focuses on - Who we are as a Chamber of Commerce, what we do and why we do it, and some tips on making the most of your membership. The size of the class is kept to no more than 25 people, in order to allow for questions and conversation. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, flyers, or other promotional items to share with the group. Participating in a Chamber 101 class can give you an edge by helping you better understand the Chamber’s role in our community and help you discover your place within the Chamber.
OUR NEXT SESSION WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022 AT 11:30 AM. The class is free and lunch is provided. | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
KELLY BELT Co-Owner of Action Coach
EXECUTIVE CONNECT SERIES November 30, 2022 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Pinecrest Country Club | $40 PER PERSON / SIGN UP HERE |
DECEMBER 8, 2022 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Pinecrest Country Club
–––––––––––––––– G L O W
PARTNERS
––––––––––––––––
214 S. Club Drive | Longview
COST: $35 members | $55 non-members Tables of 8 $600 ....................................................................................
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
| CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION |
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Right Care. Right Place. Right Time. Collaboration across multiple sectors to address critical community health issues.Bringing together clinical providers with public health departments, schools, social service agencies, community organizations, and others, in a collective effort to make our Gregg County community healthier.
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Digital marketing that converts with one simple concept
Cnecvy Trspncy Accotily
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:
LISTEN HERE! nowlongview.com/podcast/
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L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.
RIBBON CUTTINGS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 CLICK ON business names to link to Chamber directory information or link directly to their business website.
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Axis Fit & Nutrition 3862 FM 2879 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 736-5768 https://www.axisfitlongview.com
TechTrek 1121 Judson Rd. Ste 150 Longview, TX 75601 (430) 201-0123 https://www.mytechtrek.net
Rapid Recovery, LLC 2828 B Bill Owens Parkway Longview, TX 75605 (855) 435-8437 https://www.rapidrecoveryroom.com
Terminix 4703 Judson Rd. Longview, TX 75605 (903) 220-9473 https://www.terminix.com
Elite Cosmetology & Esthetics Academy 454 MC 471 South Fouke, AR 71837 (903) 949-4423 https://elitecea21.com/
Necole’s Learning Academy 1616 Judson Rd. Ste 1 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 424-1146 https://www.necoleslearningacademy.org
First National Bank of East Texas 1699 W. Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604 (430) 625-3996 https://fnbetx.com
Noble Roofing 3106 Gilmer Rd Longview, TX 75604 (903) 738-4591 http://nobleroofteam.com
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L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.
RIBBON CUTTINGS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 CLICK ON business names to link to Chamber directory information or link directly to their business website.
A Beautiful You Health Center 1409 McCann Rd Longview, TX 75601 (903) 470-8100 https://abeautifulyouhealthcenter.com
The Elite Team Supreme Lending Shana Williams 6951 Virginia Pkwy Ste 101 McKinney, TX 75071 (903) 646-4819 http://eliteteamsupreme.com
Cali Spa Skincare 2010 Gilmer Rd. Ste 104 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 418-6222 https://calispacare.com
Stillwater Luxury RV Resort 11684 County Road 3101 Winona, TX 75792 (903) 483-4414 http://stillwaterrvresort.com
! u o Y k n Tha Bish’s RV Center 5009 Judson Rd Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-3488 https://www.bishs.com
2022 Chamber Ribbon Cutting Sponsor
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 5 Years
15 Years
25 Years
Tri-W Global Mr. Cooper Automotive Super Center #1 Hanks Frame & Wheel Service EDsuite
Longfellow Arms Apartments Gill Electric LLC Maximus Operating LTD BTH Bank NA
Boys & Girls Club of the Big Pines
20 Years
LeBus International Inc
10 Years
Texas State Technical College - Marshall
VeraBank Harley’s Cut-Rate Liquor H & S Lawn & Landscape
Open Imaging of Longview / Longview Diagnostic Imaging LTD Back to What’s Inside?
40 Years
Cynergy Technology
50 Years 60 Years
Prosperity Bank GG Distributing, Inc H . E . A . R . T. R E P O R T 2 0 2 2
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NEW MEMBERS
CLICK ON business names to link to Chamber directory information or link directly to their business website. Allstate Insurance - Melissa Azzam (903) 984-6250 738 US Hwy 259 North, Kilgore, TX 75662 http://www.allstateagencies.com/melissaazzam
Genesis Industries (469) 399-2213 2435 N Central Expressway #1000 Ste 420 Richardson, TX 75080 http://www.genesisresources.com
ARK Health & Life Insurance (870) 302 - 8600 1127 Judson Rd Longview, TX 75601 https://www.facebook.com/ArkHealthandLife
Greenside Beverage Company (512) 944-2009 102 N Green Street Longview, TX 75601 https://Greensidebevco.com
BioLife Plasma Services (903) 252-3440 2531 Judson Rd Ste 101 Longview, TX 75605 https://www.biolifeplasma.com/locations/Texas/Longview
Kelly-Moore Paints (903) 759-3873 920 W Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604 http://www.kellymoore.com
Crunch Fitness (430) 201-3636 2505-B Judson Rd Longview, TX 75605 www.crunch.com/locations/longview
Operation True North (903) 932-3938 PO Box 5022 Longview, TX 75608 www.otnus.org
FreeUp Storage Longview Tyler Street (903) 308-3387 350 W Tyler St Longview, TX 75601 https://freeupstorage.com/location/longview-tyler-street/
Roseville Bed & Breakfast (903) 935-5000 6843 US-80 W Marshall, TX 75670 https://www.rosevillebedandbreakfast.com/
Sam Smead Droneography (903) 758 - 3900 705 E Methvin St Longview, TX 75601 www.samsmead.com S-N-S House of Care (903) 553-0952 3709 Cabec Dr Longview, TX 75605 The Learning Center (903) 230-3112 515 N Court St Longview, TX 75601 https://winnie.com/place/the-learning-center-longview USI Logistics Solutions (800)291-2773 510B E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 www.usilogisticsgroup.com
TO GO BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Digital marketing that converts with one simple concept
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$99.99 Fall and Winter Special: Winter rodent prevention and treatment special. As the weather gets cooler mice and rats become more active and will be seeking shelter indoors. Includes: • 2 Exterior Rodent Boxes and Bait. • 2 Interior Snap Traps __________________ To book a service, or for any questions, please call Bug Police LLC at our office number, 903-553-9003!
H.E.A.R.T. Inserts Are you a new member? For more information about advertising contact Kelly Hall | khall@longviewTexas.com |
FIND THE “BUG”
Read the Longview Chamber of Commerce BLOG Articles! 12
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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 – khall@longviewTexas.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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