2023 Annual Report

H.E.A.R.T

Join us in reviewing our 5-year strategic plan

CATALYST FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

CONVENER FOR LEADERS AND INFLUENCERS

CHAMPION FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES

STAFF

KELLY HALL President/CEO

DAVE JOCHUM COO

CATHERINE CAMP New Investor Relations

KATHRYN PEDROZA Communications Coordinator SUSAN ROBERTS Investor Relations

SHAWNA STEWARD Investor Support

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

JESSICA LARUE Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC

STEVE GORDON Longview Regional Medical Center

KEVIN HOOD Texas Bank and Trust

MICHAEL CLEMNTS PDQ America, LLC

MARK ROBINSON AEP/Southwestern Electric Power Company

CASEY BEDDINGFIELD Komatsu Mining Corp Group

LORI IVEY State Farm InsuranceLori Ivey

MICHELLE GAMBOA City of Longview - City Councilwoman

DON DEEM Longview Cable Television Company Inc/ Wehco Video Inc

JIM GATON CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

STEVE MASON LeTourneau University

KRISTEN ISHIHARA City of LongviewCouncilwoman

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area

OUR VISION STATEMENT:

To be recognized as an effective resource, providing relevant, innovative, and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview and Gregg County

CORE VALUES:

Strengthen the local economy by researching and providing available resources to grow our local businesses

Promote the community by marketing Longview as a destination for new businesses, active older adults, and potential employees.

Provide business-to-business networking opportunities by organizing and hosting a myriad of seminars, events, etc. for our Chamber members.

Represent the interests of business with government by building relationships with governmental agencies and effectively voicing the needs of area businesses. Build community-wide leadership by encouraging and developing a shared vision for the future of Longview and collectively influencing stakeholders to make it happen.

CORE IDEOLOGY:

We believe that together we can have a stronger voice and influence positive outcomes.

We believe Longview is a great place to live and work.

We believe that together we can develop leaders to shape Longview’s future.

JILL ALLEY Eastman Credit Union

BRIAN DAUGBJERG Longview Scrap & Metal Company

ADRIENNE DEASON Henry & Peters, P.C.

ANDREW COGGINS Eastman Chemical Company

NISHIL PATEL Heritage Wine & Spirits

DANA RUTLAND STEMCO

RAY BOSTICK Gregg County

HEALTH

Our commitment to excellence is at the heart of our mission. In 2023, you, our members joined us in delivering outstanding service to our members, equipping them with the tools for unparalleled success. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide initiatives like Resource Development, the R.E.A.C.H. Team, State of Series, Business Solutions Summit, and Spring & Fall Golf Tournaments.

State of Series

The State of Series is a series of luncheons held for community leaders and business professionals as they examine the state of the city, county, education, and economy, look at the challenges they face, and encourage future endeavors. The luncheons were every quarter throughout the year and each had its own speakers and agenda.

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STATE OF THE COUNTY

This year's State of the County event, held on May 15th, brought together Judge Bill Stoudt and a panel of elected officials to delve into the legislative impacts on Gregg County stemming from both state and federal levels The discussion revolved around the implications for the local business community, highlighting key issues and potential strategies for navigating the evolving legislative landscape

STATE OF THE ECONOMY 2

At this year's annual State of the Economy event, held on October 10th, attendees had the opportunity to gain insights from industry experts regarding trends in the local, state, and national economy With a turnout of over 350 members and non-members, the event provided a platform for fruitful discussions. Notably, presentations were delivered by individuals who had participated in the Intercity trip to Billings, MT, shedding light on valuable observations and experiences from that excursion

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STATE OF THE CITY

Mayor Andy Mack delivered his final address to the Longview business community at this year's State of the City event. Reflecting on his nine-year tenure, Mayor Mack highlighted the numerous initiatives and improvements that have shaped the city's landscape during his time in office. From infrastructure enhancements to community development projects, Mayor Mack provided a comprehensive overview of the progress made under his leadership, offering insights into the city's achievements and vision for the future

STATE OF EDUCATION/WORKFORCE

At the recent State of Education and Workforce event, the business community gathered to gain crucial insights into pertinent trends, issues, and programs Recognizing the significance of preparing for the next generation's entry into the workforce, community leaders convened to explore avenues for active involvement in shaping the future of Longview. Chelsie Kramer, representing the American Immigration Council, delivered a compelling address, offering perspectives on pertinent immigration issues. Additionally, the introduction of LongviewREADS! highlighted a promising initiative aimed at fostering literacy and educational advancement within the community.

REACH TEAM

The Chamber’s Reach Team facilitates ribbon cuttings, participates at business before and aft hours, and volunteers at quarterly Chamber programs. They are a group of business professionals from many businesses and indust representing Chamber membership. They serve help advocate for Chamber initiatives through th work to benefit Chamber members, the city’s citizens, and the community as a whole.

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31 REACH Volunteers

Ribbon Cuttings

TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN

This year's Total Resource Campaign was marked by a remarkable display of community engagement, with the help of our amazing volunteers Their unwavering commitment and creative initiatives propelled the campaign to new heights, resulting in a record-breaking level of funds raised. The resounding success of the 2023 TRC is a testament to the community's dedication to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth.

Annual eeting & Banquet

nual Banquet is the Longview Chamber’s ere business event It brings together top and community leaders to celebrate the f our trade area. This year it included the uction of the 2023 Board of Directors, the honoring of the 2022 award recipients, WEPCO, INDEVCO Plastics, Ken Hall, and heard from Margaret Spellings, CEO of the nonpartisan organization Texas 2036

Fall + SpringChamber Classic

The Chamber Classic Golf Tournament provided opportunities for business professionals who participated to leave with sales leads, business referrals, and prospective clients The laid-back, casual atmosphere at the exclusive course at Pinecrest Country Club and Tempest Golf Club provided the perfect venue for players to connect with business owners and community members, to win great prizes, and to enjoy outstanding food while experiencing course exclusivity during the tournament. 20 + teams at each tournament!

Education

LongviewREADS!

The Workforce & Education initiatives of the Chamber supports member and community efforts to ensure our region has sufficient quantity and quality of talent to meet employer needs and support sustained growth.

LongviewREADS!, unveiled at the State of the Workforce event in 2023, is the latest initiative spearheaded by a dedicated team at the Chamber of Commerce This program underscores the critical importance of achieving reading proficiency by the 3rd grade, recognizing it as a pivotal factor for future success, both on an individual level and for the prosperity of local businesses.

The Chamber's primary objective with LongviewREADS! is to raise awareness among employers about the challenges faced in elementary schools regarding reading proficiency By informing them about the various organizations actively involved in supporting students with reading, the campaign aims to encourage employer involvement in addressing this issue Once awareness is strengthened, the focus will shift towards actively engaging employers and their employees through the LongviewREADS! campaign.

Sponsors of LongviewREADS! were offered an opportunity for brands to showcase their commitment to the local youth and their education. Sponsors will gain prominent visibility, reaching employers, employees, educators, and families, thereby contributing to the collective effort of fostering literacy and educational advancement within the community

Technology Technology

Because technological progress is occurring at an ever-increasing rate, we must keep up with the latest developments and modify our strategies accordingly to maintain our position as a competitive entity in the international market. The objective of the Council is to satisfy this requirement by formulating short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals with an emphasis on enhancing the technological expertise of the surrounding area and expanding educational opportunities for students of all grade levels that are related to technology

CyberSummit

At the recent Longview Cyber Summit, held on March 2nd, influential corporate, government, and academic leaders convened to address and enhance the state of cybersecurity in the area Delegates gained access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, including the latest insights into cybersecurity, exposure to innovative protection solutions, and valuable networking opportunities with key industry suppliers

TechTalks

Throughout the year, the Tech Talk series provided a platform for technology experts and business executives to convene and delve into various topics surrounding the utilization of technology to address business challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and foster innovation Despite the virtual format, these events continued to offer valuable insights and ideas, with an average participation of over 12 attendees per session The accessibility of these talks allowed local firms to easily engage with speakers' experiences and perspectives, contributing to a collaborative exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Task Force

The Longview Technology Council comes from a wide variety of local companies and academic institutions Each member has a high level of expertise and experience in their field. The formation of the Council responded to the growing recognition that technology is becoming an increasingly integral part of our daily lives. This recognition led to the realization that there is an increasing need for individuals, businesses, and academic institutions to collaborate to increase their collective technological expertise and develop the next generation of technology workers.

Advocacy

Advocacy Continuous

The Longview Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in Longview We work on behalf of our members to address issues at the local, state and federal levels of government. We've successfully endorsed community-wide initiatives and helped negotiate resolutions to local and state issues Demonstrate your support in local, state, and national policy work.

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The annual Elected Officials Reception, held successfully this year, achieved its objective of acknowledging the dedication of Longview's elected officials to the community's betterment. Organized by the Longview Chamber of Commerce, the event facilitated connections between Chamber members and political leaders, fostering dialogue on policy issues beneficial to the local business community Through these collaborative efforts, leaders were empowered to work together towards building a brighter future for Longview.

ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION 2

EAST TEXAS COALITION GOES TO AUSTIN

The business and community leaders' trip served as a platform for voicing concerns and advocating for the interests of the Longview community. Participants engaged in meetings with elected officials attended informative panels, and actively lobbied for legislative measures beneficial to Longview This initiative provided a valuable opportunity for leaders to collaborate and make impactful contributions toward advancing the community's priorities at the legislative level

REDEVELOPMENT

Collaborate with stakeholders to revitalize underutilized areas in our community. Join the InterCity Trips and help shape Longview’s transformation.

INTERCITY TRIP TO BILLINGS, MT

In April 2023, over 40 key influencers from Longview embarked on a trip to Billings, MT, as part of the annual InterCity Trip. The mission was to explore innovative programs, gain inspiration from impactful projects, and bring back valuable insights to shape Longview's future. Little did they know that this adventure would become an insightful event that would inspire initiatives around Longview. During their time in Billings, the delegation witnessed the essence of community collaboration, noting the strong bonds between businesses that contributed to the town's beauty The heart and pride displayed by the people of Billings left an indelible mark, inspiring the Longview participants to envision a similar spirit within their own community In addition to the overarching attitude, they also got to hear about their successful programs, meet with key leaders, and saw different areas of their vibrant city

TALENT + LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

We believe in keeping our talent local and have developed programs and products that encourage just that!

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Leadership Longview is a nine-month program for 2530 local professionals. The class members are trained in leadership, community education, and peer connections to help them better lead our community The class of 2023 graduated at the Small Business Solutions luncheon and the class of 2024 started their year in September The Class of 2023 completed their project with the Martin House.

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40 UNDER 40

The 40 Under 40 Network continues to serve as a leading organization for professionals under 40, dedicated to advancing careers, fostering community leadership, and cultivating meaningful relationships among emerging business leaders. This year's workshops were met with enthusiasm, drawing eager participants eager to engage in both professional and personal development opportunities. As the Network continues to evolve, it stands poised to become a pivotal resource for equipping young professionals with the tools and support necessary for long-term success in the area

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LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW ALUMNI

Leadership Longview Alumni is a group of Leadership Longview graduates who want to further invest their time and talents, enriching their own lives and surrounding community Individuals invest yearly to be a part of this group. Social and developmental events were held throughout the year to bring alumni back together to expand their network connections.

LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW

LongviewNOW!

Never miss an issue!

LongviewNOW! Website

LongviewNOW! continues to stand as a dynamic marketing tool, offering a wealth of information for expanding companies, prospective residents, and site location consultants seeking the latest insights on the region This comprehensive hub serves as an invaluable resource for businesses operating in or considering venturing into northeast Texas With its upcoming video feature, LongviewNOW! aims to provide a captivating glimpse into the diverse opportunities and attractions that make Longview a compelling destination for both business and residential endeavors.

LongviewNOW! Magazine

The bi-annual magazine features people, places, and stories that make Longview unique and a place people want to live, work and play! The magazine highlights families in the area, education, places to enjoy, and more.

LongviewNOW! Podcast

The LongviewNOW! Podcast, presented monthly, offered listeners an engaging platform where Kelly Hall interviewed guests from various sectors of the community These conversations delved into the stories behind the programs, initiatives, and projects shaping the Longview region into a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Providing a unique perspective curated by the Chamber, the podcast served as an informative and insightful resource for individuals seeking to stay informed about the latest developments and endeavors within the community.