FASTer. The 30-MinuTeS-or-LeSS e.r. Service PLedge.
Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Longview Regional Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Visit us online at LongviewRegional.com to view our average E.R. wait time.
*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Advancing Mobility Projects Help Drive Growth
F
rom time to time someone will ask what does the Chamber do and sometimes I want to answer, “A LOT”! A more accurate and short answer is, “The Chamber is Kelly Hall engaged in many types of activities President/CEO to Lead Longview—People. Place. Prosperity.” The initiatives adopted by the board of directors are designed to achieve a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous local economy and improved quality of life. We have several working committees and task forces that comprise the Chamber’s plan of action. Extremely important to the organization and Longview are existing and future mobility projects. For us to be effective in this arena we must develop relationships with key stakeholders who are involved in transportation projects like the City of Longview, TxDOT, local, state, and national elected officials, as well as state and national agencies who impact policy. In April a delegation of business and elected leaders joined Chamber staff in Washington DC to lobby on behalf of our community and region. One of the priority areas was transportation. We are very concerned that the Highway Trust Fund is accelerating towards bankruptcy faster than anticipated. It is critical that Congress reauthorize Federal Transportation funding. With the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Department of Transportation (DOT) estimating that the Highway Trust Fund runs out of funds as early as September 2014, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has begun developing contingency plans to prepare for reductions in federal transportation funding. Over the past several months a number of business groups and transportation advocates, including the Longview Chamber, were called in to discuss TxDOT’s priorities for their federal transportation policy. TxDOT has prepared a document outlining the agency’s federal priorities (www.txdot.gov). Last summer, TxDOT appointed the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study Group which is chaired by Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt. They have been charged with assessing and identifying rural transportation needs along I-20 from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan Area to the Texas/Louisiana State Line. As a result Judge Stoudt is seeking public input to better understand the safety and capacity www.LongviewChamber.com
What’s Inside President’s Message....................................................3 The Information Flow...................................................4 Look at What’s Developing...........................................5 Your Business - New Growth COVER STORY..................6 Why Do We Do This?...................................................7 Chamber Board Support’s Proposed Amendment On November 4th Ballot....................................................8 Major Move for Established Local Business....................9 Ribbon Cuttings....................................................10-11 Anniversaries & New Members....................................12 Gill takes the Helm of YEA!.........................................13 On Target: Laura Rectenwald......................................14 Leadership Longview ................................................15 Small Business Awards..............................................15 Pitches Pay off at YEA!..............................................16 Salute Revue.............................................................17 All in a Day at AlleyFest & Depot Days.........................18 Calendar / Business Briefs..........................................19 Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:
410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601 903-237-4000 / www.LongviewChamber.com The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber @LongviewChamber
needs along I-20 through East Texas. Upon gathering input the Judge will be working with stakeholders to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement. As a partner in this conversation the Judge has asked the Chamber to help gain input. Be on the look out for the survey. Help move East Texas growth in the right direction by contributing your ideas. The survey link below will be broadcast through the Chamber’s communication channels. Survey Link:
http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/ studies/statewide/i20-east-corridor.html
May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
T
The Information Flow
he thing about information is that information is more valuable when people know it. There’s an exception for business information and super timely information, but in all other cases, ideas that spread win.” – Seth Godin The challenge is, there is a lot to know. Information overload is what some call the amount and the manner in which information comes at us these days. Yet we can’t turn our backs just because it overwhelms us. It is still important to know some things in order to make the best preparation for what is coming next. The changes brought on by the Affordable Care Act is just one example of small and large businesses needing to know the content of the information pipeline. Your Chamber works to disseminate information. This is specifically and especially true when the information is about government and business and will impact our members and their businesses. What is going on “inside the beltway” in Washington DC? What is happening in the halls in Austin or even at our City Hall.
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
What new trends are showing up that will help make our businesses more efficient, more profitable and what new sources and products are coming to market that our members need to know about. Communicating this kind of information is part of the Chamber’s effort to help strengthen our local economy. The Chamber does much to aid in business development through training workshops and seminars. The Chamber’s channels of information, the methods of communication, are there to assist our effort to pass information to our members. When a political hot button is pressing for action the Chamber has www. LongviewVotes.com. Finding the website and making it a favorite, places this valuable source of information just a click away when one is at the computer. When the urgency is at a greater level the Chamber sends out Action Alerts – special e-mail blasts in addition to the weekly Chamber BUZZ e-newsletter. This publication, The Longview Progress Report, is bimonthly and provides a source where greater depth of details can be delivered on pertinent topics. Other digital and electronic sources are the popular Facebook Pages – the Chamber maintains nine business pages, some seasonal and event-centric. Twitter and the Chamber’s LinkedIn Group are active with 140 characters or extensive discussions depending on the medium. The weekly Business In Longview Blog and the CVB and Main Street e-news also carry relevant information available to all members. Advocacy and membership luncheons as well as special receptions and venues with our representatives and their aides are also methods we structure to focus on what is happening that your business needs to know.
2014 Officers Brad Tidwell
Citizens National Bank
Ken Cunningham
Good Shepherd Health Systems
Roy Eon
Texas Bank and Trust
Dr. Dale Lunsford
LeTourneau University
Brett Lindig
SYSCO Food Services, LLC
Wade Johnson
Johnson & Pace, Inc.
Keith Honey
AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
Kelly Hall
Longview Chamber of Commerce
2014 Directors James Barron Barron’s
Jill Bayless
Longview Regional Medical Center
Kara Bolster STEMCO
Pat Britton
Eastman Chemical Company
David Hayes
Hayes RV Center
John Ray
Lively Cadillac GMC
Tim Vaughn
TVaughn Builders LLC
Darwin Winfield Atmos Energy
2014 Appointed Directors Joe Bob Joyce
Longview Economic Development Corporation
Dana Parr
Copeland Insurance Group
Judge Becky Simpson Councilman Richard Manley
www.LongviewChamber.com
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Look at What’s Developing
Staff
A
Kelly Hall
President 903-237-4004 khall@longviewtx.com
Paul Anderson
Senior Vice President Communications Director 903-237-4041 panderson@longviewtx.com
Cajun Steamer
Salsarita’s – Official Grand Opening date is Early Summer. If it’s fresh Mexican you want, they have it. CasaRitos, Cantizza Mexican pizzas, house made salsas and fresh-made guacamole that’s always on the house. “Rita’s” frozen beverages, great combinations, and family specials—all made your way with toppings galore. Salsarita’s is the place for a quick or a stay-aslong-as-you-like meal.
Elaine Reynolds
Vice President of Special Event Operations 903-237-4040 ereynolds@longviewtx.com
Leska Parker
Director of Development 903-918-1546 lparker@longviewtx.com
Melissa Saunders
Business Development & Special Events Director 903-237-4023 msaunders@longviewtx.com
Diana Northcutt
Retail Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 dnorthcutt@longviewtx.com
Jimmy John’s
Lisa Null
Membership Services Coordinator 903-237-4013 lnull@longviewtx.com
Kayla Cantey
Convention Meetings and Main Street Manager 903-753-3281 x215 kcantey@longviewtx.com
Margie Harris
Tourism Services Manager 903-237-4021 mharris@longviewtx.com
Carrie Fisher
Director of First Impressions 903-237-4000 cfisher@longviewtx.com
www.LongviewChamber.com
lready a foodie’s delight, Longview welcomes the opening of six new superb eateries. Cajun Steamer- Official Grand Opening date is Summer. Cajun Steamer offers a traditional taste of Cajun food with a fun friendly atmosphere. The combination of bold flavors, sauce and spices create a unique Cajun flavor. The flavor of our foods as well as the experience is authentic.
Daiquiri Express
Jimmy John’s – Official Grand Opening date is early Fall/late Summer. Jimmy John’s definition of fresh is worlds apart from everyone else’s. Bread is baked in-house every day and served fresh. Meat and veggies are sliced fresh in-house every day. The turkey is real turkey, the roast beef is real roast beef – no additives, no vegetable-based fillers, no fake stuff. Nothing is delivered pre-sliced. Daiquiri Express (Second Location) – Official Grand Opening date is Summer. Located at 3020 S. Eastman Road, it will be the first franchisee of the original and popular Daiquiri Express on Spur 63 in Longview. The new store will be about 1,000 square feet, with a drive-through window and an outdoor patio. Raising Cane’s - Official Grand Opening date is late Summer. Quality chicken finger meals! At Raising Cane’s® you get an exceptionally high quality product served quickly and conveniently. We can do this because we offer a limited menu. The specialized systems developed by Raising Cane’s® allow us to maintain a level of quality unmatched in the industry. Golden Corral — Grand Opening date is Fall. Golden Corral’s legendary, endless buffet features an abundant variety of delicious familiar favorites and continuous new menu offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We are especially proud to serve USDA sirloin, aged and hand-cut daily by our in-restaurant butchers. Our bakery and dessert buffet is filled with freshly baked breads, like our famous yeast rolls, homemade cakes and pies, delicious cookies, brownies, pastries, and ice cream. May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
E
New Growth
Your Business
very year, over 70 area businesses come together on one day to display their most innovative products, services and technologies. Business Expo is their opportunity to showcase their offerings to the business community at large. Donna Smith, with East Texas Shredding, remarks, “Each year, we find that it helps increase our business by giving us the opportunity to network with all of the vendors here as well as the ones coming in from outside to participate.” Perhaps you are satisfied with the products and services you are currently using in your business. So why attend Business Expo? Quite simply, you may not be aware of other opportunities available that could grow your business. Many businesses run a lean staff in order to be profitable. This may not allow owners and managers to get out of the office often. Business Expo provides a single location on one day for you to gain insight for your business. From Human Resource consultants providing services for your business to caterers sharing their latest offerings for your next meeting, everyone is sure to walk away with at least one new contact that will help them in business. You may even walk away with a new lead for your business in the process! In addition to quality business offerings on the expo floor, Business Expo has continued its successful Business Development Sessions. In between your time making new contacts, you can get professional training on how to deal with issues
affecting your business today. This year’s sessions include Navigating the Intergenerational Workplace, Business Healthcare Reform and Improving Employee Development. Sessions can be purchased individually, or you can take advantage of all of the sessions for only $50. If you are not one that is involved in the decision-making process of finding business solutions for your company, Business Expo can still provide consumers with options on many services and products and help save time. Perhaps you are interested in finding a local bank or credit union. Six financial institutions will be present and interested in helping you make the best
“...it helps increase our business by giving us the opportunity to network with all of the vendors here as well as the ones coming in from outside to participate.”
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
decision for your stage in life. Maybe you’re looking for ways to become healthier? Both Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Medical Center, as well as other healthrelated companies will be onsite to guide you through that process. If you haven’t been to Business Expo in a few years, or have never been, it’s time to set an appointment to attend! The event opens at 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 6, at Maude Cobb Convention Center. The Expo floor will close between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm for the Small Business Awards luncheon and reopen until 3:30 pm. The full schedule of events can be found online at www.LongviewBusinessExpo.com. While there are costs associated with business development sessions and lunch, there is no cost to attend Business Expo, however, pre-registration is highly encouraged. As an added bonus, if you register online before 12:00 noon on Monday, May 5, you will be entered for a chance to win a Dell Latitude 10 Tablet, donated by Complete Business Systems. You don’t want to let another year go by without attending Business Expo! Business Expo wishes to thank Presenting Sponsor, Longview Economic Development Corporation and Gold Sponsors, Copeland Insurance Group and Cynergy Technology for their continued support of this event.
www.LongviewChamber.com
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Why Do We Do This?
D
Tourism Product Development is Economics
o you ever wonder why tourism is so important to Longview? Are you ever confronted by strangers asking questions about restaurants or shopping and wanting directions? What does this all mean? It’s likely a sign that people are in Longview from out-oftown for an event. Events such as AlleyFest, the Great Texas Balloon Race, the Greggton Rotary’s Longview Rodeo, and Dalton Days naturally draw visitors from all over Texas and even the United States sometimes. But people also visit Longview to attend meetings, conferences, conventions, reunions or even sports tournaments. When these visitors are in Longview they are spending money and paying taxes that help support the many city services we enjoy. A significant part of economic development is increasing the flow of capital through our community. Visitors or tourists – as we often think of them – need services such as hotel rooms, meals, fuel, and other items which they pay for. The money they spend is collected by local businesses which use that money to pay their employees and business expenses. The more events, attractions, meetings and tournaments that happen in Longview, the greater is the flow of capital. By this definition, tourism is economic development in its most basic form. However, it isn’t just hotels, restaurants and attractions that make up this mix. Plumbers fix the toilets at hotels. Restaurants deposit money in banks. Dry cleaners clean uniforms, printers produce promotional material, real estate agents sell houses to hotel employees, and car dealerships sell cars to restaurant employees. Those are just the easy ones! Paint this picture a bit more and those employees buy gasoline for their cars. Gasoline is made from crude oil which makes all the oil field and refinery workers, a part of those who benefit from the tourism industry! So how do we know if the tourist product we offer our visitors is actually making the impact in our community that we
aim for? The answers to those questions come through Economic Impact Studies. The studies measure how much money is spent as well as what types of activities and merchandise the money is used for. Recently The Longview Chamber of Commerce contracted with Sarah T. Page Consulting, LLC to provide an economic analysis on the Great Texas Balloon Race. The project was designed to determine the economic impact of the event on our local economy. Of total paid attendees, 71% were from out of town. Attendance was based on ticket sales, gate receipts, and vendors present during the course of the event. It does not include sponsors, pilots and crews, volunteers, and children under 12 who were admitted free. The total economic impact of the Great Texas Balloon Race on the City of Longview was $884,227. The economic impact to local restaurants, bars, and food vendors was $449,020, the impact to local lodging providers was $292,055, and the shopping impact was $143,152. The average party size was 4.3 people, and the average length of stay in Longview was 1.8 days. Average Per Person Per Day Spending -By Spending Category ($56 total) In our continuing effort to track the impact on our economy of these “strangers” in our midst, the Chamber recently conducted another economic impact survey on the TAAF Winter Youth Basketball Festival which was held in Longview March 14-16. This is the largest sports tournament we have had in Longview. One hundred and fifty teams participated in games over the 3 days at 19 different locations in town. Attendees were sent the economic impact survey asking specific questions about their expenditures while in Longview. We should have these figures back in the next few weeks. These studies help the Convention and Visitors Bureau determine which events and attractions are bringing people into Longview and how best to devote our advertising dollars.
Tourists do more than wander around town getting in your way.
www.LongviewChamber.com
May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Chamber Board Supports Proposed Amendment On November 4th Ballot
A
t a recent Chamber Board meeting the directors unanimously supported a proposed amendment to address Texas/ transportation infrastructure needs. Directors and staff visited with Karen Owen, Longview MPO Director; Keith Bonds, Assistant City Manager; Linda Ryan Thomas, Regional Mobility Authority Chairman, Randy Hopmann, P.E., and Judge Bill Stoudt to gain a better understanding on the importance of why there needs to be a constitutional amendment for increased state funding for transportation. Currently, monies are being collected from natural gas and oil production taxes from the Rainy Day Fund, or Economic Stabilization Fund. An average of $11 billion in oil and gas royalties is received every year by more than 672,000 Texas households. Voters will have the opportunity to decide this November if they want to set aside $2 billion from the fund for water infrastructure and an estimated $1.4 billion to transportation projects. If the constitutional amendment passes, revenue will be transferred to the state highway fund to be used only for developing public roadways other than toll roads. Passage of the amendment will also aid in maintaining the current infrastructure and will ease congestion by funding new
projects for added capacity without any new or increased taxes, fees or debt. While the proposed amendment will not fully fund the state’s overall transportation needs, it is a key step in helping secure the critical funding needed for transportation projects in Texas. The Chamber board believes it is important to support passing the constitutional amendment on November 4th. The reality is the CBO and DOT estimate that the Highway Trust Fund will run out of funds later this year. This will have a devastating impact across the country and on the economy. Texas must remain in a position where we can continue with maintenance and construction on existing roads and projects. “Investing in our infrastructure is at the core of what drives our economy and growth,” explains President Kelly Hall. “Infrastructure is a critical component of our local economy and our quality of life. A first-class infrastructure is fundamental to connect people and communities, and is a critical building block in developing, sustaining and growing our local/regional economy. I applaud the board’s decision to support the constitutional amendment for increased state funding for transportation. When people ask what do Chamber’s do? I’m proud to say the Longview Chamber believes in creating a strong economy where people can live, work, and play.”
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
www.LongviewChamber.com
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
W
Major Move for Established Local Business
e were a company that primarily sold hardware and serviced what we sold. Now we are primarily a service company, that also sells hardware and software,” said Keith Bailey, co-owner of Cynergy Technology in Longview and Tyler. Bailey is the managing partner of the Longview location and Dave Pickens is co-owner and managing partner of the Tyler location. The name Cynergy Technology is a new name in the technology marketplace for a company with a long history in the technology sector. Opening in 1980, the business was formerly known as Computerland of East Texas – a name that served them well for 34 years. The business was originally owned by M.E. “Bud” Pickens while Keith Bailey and Dave Pickens managed the two locations since they opened, employing a total of 4 people. In 2006, Keith and Dave purchased the company and today employ 47 people as they make the transition to Cynergy Technology.
L-R Dave Roper, COO and Keith Bailey, Owner and G.M. examine the new logo.
When asked why the owners changed the name Bailey explained, “When we asked the public and our corporate partners what kind of company they envisioned when they heard the name Computerland, the most common answer was ‘You sell computers.’ We have grown so much from those early days when that name was perfectly suitable. We now touch on almost every aspect of what it takes to design, install, configure and maintain advanced technology that selling computers is a much smaller part of our mission. We are a services company more than a computer company because we use technology to build whatever a company needs to be current and competitive.” Primary services include fully managed services, technology consulting, design engineering and acquisition, installation and configuration, system administration and training solutions. Cynergy Technology offers complete technology solutions for business, education, finance, government and an array of other entities. These services allow www.LongviewChamber.com
their clients to increase their productivity and reduce their risk. In short, Computerland, now Cynergy Technology has grown from a retail consumer store into a full service technology leader. “It is the ‘synergy’, the combining of these multiple elements that results in our company empowering business,” said Bailey. Chief Operating Officer Kevin Roper handles the overall operation of both the Longview and Tyler locations and together with the Cynergy management team, provides vital continuity so that both offices function as one company. Roper explained that the company wanted to keep a connection to its previous name so they changed the spelling of synergy to Cynergy and designed a logo that had a high tech familiarity. Roper described the importance of the recent innovations Cynergy Technology has put in place. “When something goes down for one of our clients, it can mean the loss of time and dollars to them. Getting them up and running quickly, or proactively avoiding the
Roper, and Bailey in the Longview office reviewing the company’s world flow.
downtime altogether, is at the core of our dedication to customer service and satisfaction. With this goal in mind, we instituted our Rapid Response team with employees who are committed to responding to the customer’s support ticket within the first 15-30 minutes with a phone call. Anyone can “respond” by an automated e-mail or send a client to a website form. We want to talk to our customer on the phone and find out exactly what is wrong and how much impact the problem is having on their business so we work toward the right solution the first time. Our core values revolve around building long-term relationships, both inside and outside our company.” Being an active and supporting member of the Chamber is important to Bailey. “We believe in being an active part of our community and Chamber membership is the most efficient way to do that. The more involved we are with the Chamber programs the better off we are. The Chamber was instrumental in the Blue Ribbon Award Continued on page 13 May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Arbor Grace
144 FM 1252 W, Kilgore - 903.984.5688
Ribbon C
Guaranty Bond Bank
200 W Hawkins Pkwy, Longview 903.653.4820
Benchmark Family Services
3506 W Loop 281, Ste 100, Longview 903.291.1770
Dale Carnegie Training 903.858.4094
Just Between Friends 903.235.6266
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
www.LongviewChamber.com
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Cuttings
Ashley Furniture
1200 W Loop 281, Longview 903.653.1705
Guaranty Bond Bank
500 W Main St, Hallsville 903.660.2181
Ishihara Law Firm
411 Fredonia St, Ste 102, Longview 903.399.9972
You Glow Girl 903.452.3538
LegalShield 903.240.2092
www.LongviewChamber.com
May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES May
5
years
10
Longview Radiator & Automotive Panther Creek Ranch, LP Texas Bank
years
15 25
ArtsView Children’s Theatre Kevin P Eltife – State Senator Spring Hill State Bank Hollybrook Branch
years
Economy To Performance Paint & Body Supplies
years
30 35 40
JUNE
Carmela Davis CPA TXI – Texas Industries Inc/ Texas Industries Riverside Cement
years
years
Coldwell Banker Lenhart Properties Pliler International/Idealease Hardin True Value Hardware Store Longview Area Association of Realtors
years
5
years
15 20
years
years
30 35
years
years
McAlister’s Deli Stebbins Aviation Inc Stone Bridge Personnel Services
Flanders Electric LTD
All-Service Window & Door Co Trinity Rail
Edward Jones – Gary Skinner
Longview Regional Medical Center
Sobol Welders Supply Co Inc
NEW MEMBERS Alford-Pace A/C & Heating Inc Chris Shafer 3901 Gilmer Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 759-2463
Bear Creek Smokehouse
Ishihara Law Firm
Oakland Heights Baptist Church
Kristen Ishihara 411 N Fredonia St Ste 102 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 399-9972
James Butch Tanner 1600 Judson Road Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-0291
Robbie Shoults 10857 State Hwy 154 Marshall, TX 75670 (903) 935-5217
Paloma Rubio 1499 E Marshall Avenue Longview, TX 75601 (903) 212-4177
Kindle Dental
Optimal Industries, LLC
BNI – Business Network International
Leading Edge Medical Associates (LEMA)
Splash Kingdom Waterpark
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Natasha Harrell P O Box 2998 Longview, TX 75606 (903) 247-8094
Bobby Hale 700 W Marshall Avenue Longview, TX 75601 (903) 808-2199
Phillip Williams P O Box 1680 Hallsville, TX 75660 (903) 827-7884 Lindsay Hanks P O Box 867 Canton, TX 75103 (903) 567-0044
Dan Hayes 822 S Access Road Longview, TX 75602 (903) 553-1314
Lollar’s Jewelry
Pam Lollar 1913 Judson Road Longview, TX 75605 (903) 295-8677
Traditions Restaurant & Catering
Family Home Health
Matheson Gas
You Glow Girl, LLC
Dave Harbour 2814 Bill Owens Pkwy Ste 100 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 212-8080
Keith Hayes 1618 W Cotton Longview, TX 75604 (903) 666-1420
Jason Bush 6205 S Broadway Ave Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 534-1111 Ashley Morgan P O Box 3789 Longview, TX 75606 (903) 452-3538
North Point RV Park
Belinda Stewart 841 Wiley Page Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 663-6400
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
www.LongviewChamber.com
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Gill takes the Helm of YEA!
T
he Longview Chamber welcomes Courtney Gill, owner of HR on the Run, as the new director of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, (YEA!). “Chelle Brown’s successful management of first year of YEA! will be in good hands. We are excited about bringing Courtney Gill on board. With her experience starting and running her own business, she will be a good asset to the program,” says Kelly Hall President and CEO of the Chamber. YEA! is a year-long program that teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own REAL businesses. YEA! was developed at the University of Rochester in 2004 with the support of a grant from the Kauffman Foundation. The Longview Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer YEA! to the Longview Community and bringing Courtney Gill on will continue the progress of the first year. Gill’s position is part-time. The first YEA! class will graduate at the Chamber’s Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 6. Graduates of this year’s program will also be exhibiting at the Longview Business B2B Expo which will run from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. after the Luncheon.
www.LongviewChamber.com
Continued from Page 9 that we received recently. ” Cynergy Technology was recently recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a national Blue Ribbon Small Business Awards winner, one of only two awarded companies in Longview who are both members of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. In fact, the Longview Chamber of Commerce contracts with Cynergy Technology for its essential IT support. “We want to be the company that others call when they can’t afford to hire their own IT staff or their IT person needs help with a particular challenge. Our staff is really second to none.” said Bailey. “All Cynergy Technology staff is required to carry the industry-specific certifications that fit their area of responsibility. Some have as many as 15 or more certificates.” Bailey concluded, “It is this team taking our 34 year success story into the future that establishes Cynergy Technology as the best source for IT support in the region.” The Chamber’s vision remains 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. The experience with Cynergy Technology is an example of our vision and mission being realized.
May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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I
ON TARGET
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
n 2013, the Chamber initiated a new program for young entrepreneurs. Young Entrepreneurs Academy or YEA! was launched under the Business Advocacy Committee. Committee Chairman Laura Rectenwald is our OnTarget person this issue. Laura Rectenwald is Senior Scientist with Titanium Environmental Services where she has worked for 14 years since its formation in 2000. When we formed Titanium in 2000, we wanted to be the unquestioned “go to” resource in East Texas for the environmental issues faced by individuals, companies, and municipalities. We will never claim to be the cheapest or the firm that can solve all your problems overnight, but we set out to build a business that would stand the test of time. As advisors and advocates for our clients, we strive to provide strategies for regulatory compliance that are also practical. The lack of certainty often associated with environmental projects is a challenge, and one of our main functions is to help our clients quantify risk so that they can make business decisions. As a small business, we understand the courage exhibited by our clients who take on projects that have environmental aspects like redevelopment of an old leaking gas station or a new capital project that requires permitting. We enjoy playing a small roll in the transformation of our clients’ ideas into healthy and viable parts of our economy. Developing contacts and networking with other businesses is a plus for most volunteers. According to Laura, serving as a volunteer with the Chamber has provided her with a great way to get to know others throughout the business community. It has broadened my awareness of the big picture. I overheard a conversation the other day in which a person said, “you know, when you get an expert involved, they tend to make the focus of the problem something that falls within their own expertise.” I agree that there is a tendency to allow this to happen. Being a part of the Chamber and Business Advocacy Committee increases our ability to consider the big picture when we are addressing environmental issues. It has given us a voice. Our East Texas businesses have many common needs: freedom to conduct business, a healthy environment for our employees at home and at work, reliable energy, communication, and security to name a few. Alone, we don’t have a strong enough voice but by leveraging the resources offered by the Chamber we can collaborate with colleagues and take actions to make a difference.
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
The benefits realized from involvement with the Chamber are both personal and business. In 2010 we had the honor of being named SBA Region 6 Small Business of the Year largely due to the member services provided by the Longview Chamber. Many people commented that they had seen the great article in the Longview News-Journal. The support from the Chamber over the years, starting with our ribbon cutting, has always given us the feeling that someone had our back. My involvement with the Chamber keeps me connected to the people and businesses which shape the future of the town I grew up in and plan to work in for the rest of my life. My parents live in Longview and I graduated from Longview High School. Longview is my home and I want to make a contribution to the future of the community for my children. The Chamber provides an efficient platform for maximizing my potential influence on Longview’s future. Laura was asked to describe one aspect of the Chamber’s strategic plan that she believed was the most effective in reaching its objective? The combined strategies of the Chamber, including marketing of Longview as a destination and supporting entrepreneurs, are making a big difference in our city. While in Shreveport last weekend, when I told someone I was from Longview, they said, “Oh, I love to go to Longview to go shopping!”
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www.LongviewChamber.com
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
2014 Small Business Award Winners Small Business of the Year
Cynergy Technology
Leadership Longview Learns about the Good Things that Make Longview Great!
Family-Owned Business of the Year
eadership Longview class members learned all about the good things Longview has to offer during its final session this year. The program’s Quality of Life session kicked off with leadership skills training with John Grubbs with GCI, Inc followed by tours of the Gregg County Historical Museum and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts. The morning session concluded with a presentation highlighting the East Texas Arboretum and a tour and preview of the current production of “A Little Mermaid” at the Artsview Children’s Theater. The afternoon session began with presentations by David Simmons with Longview Recycling and Kim Droege, Executive Director of Keep Longview Beautiful. The day concluded with a Volunteer Speed Networking exercise featuring thirteen area nonprofits who presented their agencies volunteer and board opportunities to the twenty-six class members. The Quality of Life Sponsors are The Made-Rite Company and BancorpSouth. The Platinum Sponsor for the Leadership Longview program is Longview Economic Development Corporation.
Entrepreneur of the Year
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Longview Glass Minority Business of the Year
bc SPA by BeautiControl Robert & Jo Ann Crawley, Robert’s Coffee & Vending Service Tourism Partner of the Year
Natalie Rabicoff Cont. LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW CLASS OF 2013-2014 Amanda Pitre, Pine Tree ISD Kayla Richardson, Oceans Behavioral Hospital Laura Rodgers, Spring Hill State Bank Mark Shrewsbury, The Made-Rite Company Shun Taylor, Baxter Clean Care Taylor Whyte, First Bank & Trust East Texas Daniel Wiebracht, Tom James Company
LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW CLASS OF 2013-2014 Martell Armstrong, City of Longview Chris Beard, Eastman Chemical Company Dwayne Bennett, Community Healthcore Allyson Bock, BancorpSouth Suzanne Brown, US Steel Tubular Products Amy Canton, The Arc of Gregg County Jon Cromer, Texas Bank and Trust Roy Finch, Longview Regional Medical Center Quory Flowers, Maly & Associates Ashley Haub, Eastman Chemical Company Allen Hold, Good Shepherd Medical Center Sean Jamerson, Westlake Chemical John Jaskiewicz, Good Shepherd Medical Center Kate Langston, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Scott Lewis, Longview Transit Management, Inc. Brian Livingston, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Jackie Moseley, Citizens National Bank Tequita Mumphrey, Longview Transit Management, Inc. Tammy Oberthier, Good Shepherd Medical Center
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www.expresspros.com www.LongviewChamber.com
May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
Pitches Pay Off at YEA!
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Local Young Entrepreneurs Obtain Funding to Launch Enterprises
our high school students from the Longview area pitched their business ideas, on March 19th, before a panel of four investors from several of the area’s largest companies. The students were competing for funding at the Longview Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!™) Investor Panel Presentation and Pitch Event. Through hard work, and with © great tenacity rarely seen at such a young age, these four teens qualified for this opportunity to gain funding for their original ideas—that could just be the next big thing! The audience in the theatre in the School of Engineering at LeTourneau University was family, friends and members of the community. This year’s YEA!™ class is comprised of high school students from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Judson Middle School and Foster Middle School, The Investor Panel Event is one of the program’s three “big events” that take place over the duration of the nine-month program. The Investor Panel donated monetary contributions and in-kind donations, as well as their support and encouragement in their belief that everyone can make a job—not just take a job—at any age! The investor panel consisted of the following prominent business professionals: • Joe Bob Joyce with Presenting Sponsor Joyce Crane • Ryan Hamilton with Guaranty Bond Bank • Floyd Miller with Hayes-Miller Roofing • Eli Logan with Texas Classic Productions • Wade Johnson with Johnson & Pace Additional investors included Landon Ogilvie and Cassity Jones. The funds were divided and allocated to the businesses that the investors felt had a well thought-out plan, and an idea that had a good chance at success. The investments were as follows: The Chairrier: A sole proprietorship that sells a simplistic transportation device for large objects that are not easily carried. Instead of a single-strap sling, The Chairrier is a full backpack with other hooks and clips to carry additional smaller things. Carter Sorrels, owner is a student at Foster Middle School and received $1,232.00 from the investor panel. BYC Customized Baskets: Baskets You Customize was created after the CEO experienced her busy mom struggle to buy school supplies for their family. BYC allows the purchase of school supplies in a one stop shop instead of going to various stores. BYC, Baskets You Customize, is a school supply basket business that offers a lower priced basket and a higher end brand name product basket. Busy moms can choose what they want in
Begin as a student and finish as a CEO!
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
their basket and what they don’t want. Owner Anna Ward of Foster Middle School received $910.00 from the investor panel. Bottles of Joy: Bottles of Joy designs, manufactures, and sells unique handmade necklaces. The necklaces are small bottles of liquid available in just about any color imaginable and attached by a small hook to beaded or faux leather cords. Owner Skye Blatz is a freshman at Judson Middle School and received, $274.00 from the investor panel. P4 Bedding: P4 bedding has made a new and easier way to clean any small pet’s home. It is basically a bedding pad so when you clean the home all you have to do is lift the pad and throw it away. It is ideal for anyone who wishes to purchase a locally made, eco-friendly, Investor panel and audience listen to disposable presentations by the young entrepreneurs. bedding. One P4 bedding can last up to a week depending on the size of the home and the small pets, or change as needed. The owner Carolina Gonzalez is a student at St. BYC: Baskets You Customize by Anna Ward Mary’s and received $584.00. Carolina is also the overall winner of the event and will move on to the Saunders SemiFinals in Frisco, Texas, May 8-10th. Carter Sorrels distributes flyers of his product, The Chairrier to the members of the Investor Panel before his presentation. Students will now begin the launch phase of the program where they will be marketing and selling their products and services, and preparing for the YEA!™ Trade Show which is part of the 2014 B2B Expo to showcase their goods to the www.LongviewChamber.com
A d
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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
general public. The Trade Show will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maude Cobb Convention Center. This event is free and open to the public. Call 720-440-3726 for more information, or e-mail khall@longviewtx.com. The class of 2013-14 will be recognized and honored as they graduate from YEA!™ during the Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 6 which happens in conjunction with the Business Expo. YEA!™, The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, is a ground-breaking educational program that takes students in grades six through twelve through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year. Students work in close Anna Ward introduces BYC to Joe Bob Joyce cooperation with local during pre-presentation meet and greet time. leaders of industry, community members, and educators to develop ideas and objectives, write business plans, pitch potential investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, develop their brand identity and much more! Students learn to make a job–not just Skye Blatz (Bottles of Joy) talks up her idea with Wade Johnson during the meet and greet time. take a job! YEA!™’s direct mission is to help students embrace their passion, energy, creativity and talents, launch a venture, and view entrepreneurship as synonymous with success and freedom. In 2008, YEA!™, with support from the P4 Bedding is eco-friendly disposable bedding for pet Kauffman hamsters and guinea pigs. Foundation was “spun-off” from the University of Rochester, where it was formed in 2004 and created its own not-for-profit corporation, YEA!™ Inc.
Salute’s Revue
Over 275 people attended the Salute to Healthcare Luncheon to celebrate the four Award Winners. Keynote speaker Dr. Rodney Henry, Longview Cardiac and Vascular Consultants, gave an enlightening speech about the past, present and future of cardiology in East Texas and the impact that Dr. Charles Newkirk has made in the healthcare community. Dr. Ben Mack presented Dr. Charles Newkirk with the Dr. Sam Mack Life Time Achievement award that was named after his father. Beverly Rutland, RN received the Healthcare Professional of the Year award and Larry and Diann Bennett received the Volunteer of the Year award. Both awards were presented by Dana Hughy with CBS19. “Beverly provides leadership by action and influences everyone around her. Beverly has produced a model effort of workmanship that we are all proud to be a part of,” said Elizabeth Baumgardner, Marketing Coordinator, Longview Regional Medical Center. See the videos www.LongviewChamber.com/healthcare
Dr. Sam Mack Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Charles Newkirk Cardiologist, Longview Cardiac and Vascular Consultants
Healthcare Professional Award
Beverly Rutland, RN Supervisor of Cardiology, Longview Regional Medical Center
Volunteer Award The Investor Panel selected Carolina Gonzalez’s P4 idea as the overall winner sending her to the Semi-Finals May 8-10.
www.LongviewChamber.com
Larry and Diann Bennett Auxiliary Volunteers, Good Shepherd Medical Center
May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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Leading Longview
All in a Day at AlleyFest /Depot Days People. Place. Prosperity.
Alley Art:
Kids Fest:
Our Featured Artist Tent is sure to please, as we will have art demonstrations throughout the day. Painting with a Twist will be there from 2-4 on Saturday May 10th with a painting class for all ages. The class will be $25 to join in and paint. The Museum of Fine Arts and Art Works will be open for tours and classes.
Food Fest:
Do not miss out on Kids Fest this year! There will be an entertainment stage, carnival, train ride, Ally Bus and kids activities galore!
Music Schedule Friday, May 9
Come enjoy food that will include corn dogs, funnel cakes, McAlister’s Deli sandwiches/club wraps/Tea, nachos, ice cream, milkshakes, malts, turkey legs, sausage on a stick, double barrel baked potato, and BBQ sandwiches!
2:30 - 4:00 - 5:30 - 7:00 - 9:00 -
Bud Light Music Stage Saturday, May 10
3:30 p.m. Cole Allen 5:00 p.m. Matthew Davidson Band 6:30 p.m. Ally Venable 8:30 p.m. LuLu and the Vipers 10:30 p.m. Kayla Reeves
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 9:00 - 10:30 p.m.
The Darrin Morris Band Ambush Buddy Flett Jonathan Fox Band Crooks Folk Family Revival Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr.
Big Thanks goes to our AlleyFest Sponsors Citizens National Bank Alley Art Presenting Sponsor
El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant Food Fest Presenting Sponsor
R&K Distributors Music Fest Presenting Sponsor
AAON Coil Products Inc. Kids Fest Presenting Sponsor Anytime Fitness Alley Run Presenting Sponsor
Depot Days Activities
Transportation between AlleyFest (Cotton @ Center Street) and Depot Area (Pacific Avenue)
Friday, May 9
Tours of Amtrak Exhibit Train Noon - 6 p.m. (Pacific Avenue) Tours of Historic Train Depot Noon - 6 p.m. (Pacific Avenue) Greyhound Showcase Bus Noon - 6 p.m. (Pacific Avenue) Tours of Historic Central Fire Station (Cotton @ Center) Noon - 6 p.m. Gregg County Historical Museum Train Exhibit (Fredonia @ Bank Alley) Noon - 6 p.m.
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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2014
Saturday, May 10
Grand Opening of Depot (Pacific Ave.) Tours of Amtrak Exhibit Train Tours of Historic Train Depot Greyhound Showcase Bus Loblolly Train Exhibit Tours of Historic Central Fire Station
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
(Cotton @ Center)
Gregg County Historical Museum Train Exhibit Antique Car Show First Baptist ROC Swing Group & Free Ice Cream Historic Farmers Market Noon
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Noon - 2 p.m. 8 a.m. -
www.LongviewChamber.com
Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.
MAY Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.
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2014 Business EXPO
9:00 a.m.
2014 Small Business Luncheon and Leadership Longview /YEA! Graduation 11:30 a.m.
Chamber Executive Board Meeting e 7:30 a.m. Chamber Board Meeting y 3:30 p.m. Main Street Board Meeting s 12:00 noon Member to Member d 11:30 a.m. Business After Hours k Center for Breast Care at Longview Regional Medical Center 4:45 p.m. JUNE
The Longview Chamber is helping members tell others about the good things that happen in their business. LongviewChamber.com/BusinessBriefs
Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.
Chamber Executive Board Meeting
u p g j
11:30 am.
Chamber Board Meeting 3:30 p.m
Business After Hours – Hampton Inn 4:45 p.m.
Member to Member 11:30 am.
615 Clinic Drive Longview, TX 75605 TEL: 903.212.3105 Fax: 903.212.3107 Oceans Outpatient Program IOP 100 W. Hawkins Pkwy, Suite D Longview, TX 75605 TEL: 903.212.2930 Fax 903.212.2932
ANXIETY • DEPRESSION • ALZHEIMER’S • DEMENTIA EXCESSIVE WORRY • PANIC • SEVERE MOOD SWINGS SLEEP DISTURBANCES • APPETITE DISTURBANCES If you answered “Yes” to any of these conditions, call the professional staff at
Oceans Behavioral Hospital of LONGVIEW For more information, please call
903.212.3105
Referrals accepted 24 hours 7 days a week
Business Briefs
Read more on these stories at: www. LongviewChamber.com/BusinessBriefs
Hospice of East Texas Named as Prestigious 2014 HOSPICE HONORS Recipient Tyler, TX, April 8, 2014 — Hospice of East Texas has been named a 2014 Hospice Honors recipient, a prestigious award recognizing hospices providing the best patient care as rated by the patient’s caregiver. Established by Deyta, this prestigious annual honor recognizes hospices that continuously provide the highest level of satisfaction through their care as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. Deyta used the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC) survey results from more than 1,700 partnering hospice agencies contained in Deyta’s FEHC database with an evaluation period of October 2012 through September 2013. Deyta identified Hospice Honors recipients by evaluating hospices’ performance on a set of eighteen satisfaction indicator measures.
“SPECIALIZING IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES” www.LongviewChamber.com
May - June 2014 | Longview Progress Report
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 82 LONGVIEW, TX
410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 www.longviewtx.com
G O O D S H E P H E R D M E D I C A L A S S O C I AT E S
QUALITY FAMILY CARE AVAILABLE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
From a simple stomach ache to something more serious, you need physicians you can trust with the well-being of your family. The physicians of Good Shepherd Medical Associates Family Medicine offer expert, compassionate care, often with either same-day or next-day appointment availability.
LONGVIEW Scott Hunter, MD • Paul Kyser, MD 2101 W. Loop 281 • (903) 315-4422 Lynn Jennings, MD 703 E. Marshall Ave., Ste. 1001 • (903) 753-7291
KILGORE Angela Cade, MD 1711 S. Henderson Blvd., Ste. 100 • (903) 984-1394
• Routine exams (Well-woman exams, pediatric well visits and school physicals) • Treatment for chronic conditions (Diabetes, asthma and heart disease) • Ear, nose and throat care • Bone and joint care • Mental and behavioral healthcare
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