Longview Progress Report September-October 2012

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES.™

REPORT

September / October 2012 Vol. 6 No. 5

Gary Smith Longview City Councilman District 2 Chamber’s Candidates Academy.

An alumnus shares his success story.

Inside:

Creating a Pro-Business Climate - p. 4 * Downtown Live! Returns - p. 5 * State of the City an Open Letter from Mayor Jay Dean - p. 7 * Retail Forecast for 2012 Holiday Season - p. 11 * Whatever Happened to Customer Service? - p. 10 * 7th Annual Elected Officials Reception - p. 14

WoW!

Announcing A multi-million dollAr investment in the future of heAlthcAre.

Longview Regional Medical Center has broken ground on the largest expansion in the hospital’s history. We’re nearly doubling the size of our hospital, and will be the only facility in Longview to offer all-private acute care rooms. In addition, we’re almost tripling the size of our mother/baby unit, adding a neonatal intensive care unit, an oncology unit and more.

Visit LongviewRegional.com/NewHospital to find out more about this historic step forward for our hospital and community.

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012

www.LongviewChamber.com

From the President The Future is Ours to Create

T

he Chamber Board is preparing to sponsor their first Inter-City Visit in order to study what other communities have found works well for them and on occasion what does not. This trip provides our community leaders an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities our community is facing. The visit also provides an opportunity for interaction among city leaders and facilitates an exchange of best practices and lessons learned.

Why an Inter-City Visit? The visit is designed to get new ideas. It will provide an opportunity to introduce our delegation to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community. Candid speakers will alert our delegation to the challenges and pitfalls with which they are currently struggling.

The Board chose Chattanooga, TN as a destination where the citizens are dealing with similar issues facing Longview. Participants will be able to focus on best practices and experience true peer-to-peer learning. The networking and relationship building through shared experiences will help our leadership move forward on building a common foundation of understanding. Delegates will become a more cohesive team working to solve problems on behalf of our community.

“When our Inter City Visit is complete, we should all have a broader knowledge of not only the strengths of Longview but also its weaknesses, thus giving us a better understanding of our community,” explained Dr. Dale Lunsford, Chairman of the Board. We are very pleased that over 20 community leaders are participating in this intense 48 hour discovery process. These participants are committing their time to help create Longview’s future by listening and learning.

Longview provides us with a lot of reasons to be justifiably proud. The quality of life, low crime rate, great health care system, strong public and private school systems, a vibrant and connected business community and commitment to a “get things done” attitude are just a few of our advantages. Longview has accomplished much, but there is always more to learn.

Our first Inter City Visit to Chattanooga, TN will allow us to explore an exciting array of topics. We will look at Chattanooga’s redevelopment success stories, its entrepreneurial initiatives, INCubator and its sustainability approaches. These planned topics will help us appreciate more fully Longview’s advantages and to point out things that we can do better. Stay tuned for the recap article in the November-December Progress Report.

www.LongviewChamber.com

Contents From the President..........................3 Working to Create a Pro-Business Climate...........................................4 Downtown Live! Returns..................5 COVER STORY Prepping for Public Office ................6 Leadership Longview’s 31st Class.....7 State of the City..............................7 Ribbon Cuttings...............................8 Anniversaries and New Members.......9 Whatever Happened to Customer Service?........................................10 How To Supervise, Lead a Team and Handle Difficult People...................10 Retail Forecast for Holiday Season...11 From Volunteers to Leaders............12 Elected Officials Reception.............14 Ambassadors of the Month June & July 2012..........................14 Chamber Events Calendar..............15

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601 903-237-4000 / www.LongviewTX.com The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber @LongviewChamber

September-October 2012 | Longview Progress Report

3

Representing the Interest of Business with Government 2012 Officers Dr. Dale Lunsford

LeTourneau University

P. Anne Hugman

Hugman Architecture & Constructions, Inc.

David McWhorter

Gans & Smith Insurance Company

Dianne Swank

Suzanne Cook & Company

Brad Tidwell

Citizens National Bank

Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Builders LLC

Kelly Hall

Longview Chamber of Commerce

2012 Directors Jill Berney

Longview Regional Medical Center

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company

Cathy Cace

Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steak House

Jeremy DuMond

U.S. Steel Tubular Products

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Shelby Snell

Oleum Operating Company

Dave Spurrier

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Darwin Winfield Atmos Energy

2012 Appointed Directors Suzanne Cook

Suzanne Cook & Company

Keith Honey

Voting Member - LEDCO

Brett Lindig

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Mayor Jay Dean City of Longview

Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County

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Working to Create a Pro-Business Climate

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he way the world does business is changing – each new dawn brings with it new challenges. What doesn’t change is the need to represent the interests of business with government.

Connecting leaders and influencing decisions is a natural role for Chambers of Commerce. We are the only entity in our community that represents busineses of all sizes, industries, and stages. This gives our Chamber a unique market niche to be the leading voice on public policy. The Chamber is able to harness the collective power of the membership and join them together as one voice to influence outcomes in government.

ing them limit the burden on business communities.

Due to the diversity of our membership: from large companies to small, from mature to start-ups, our Chamber includes an

members and their employees to get involved in the process and help shape the decisions being made by their local, state and federal government.

The bottom line is our members want to be profitable and stay competitive.

Who better to be on your side than your Chamber?

Our organization has strategic political insight, timely knowledge of business issues, knows all the players, and can be a positive force to promote business interests with government. A Chamber’s collective clout helps keep business taxes and regulations in line. When Chambers focus on politics and policy, members can take care of running their companies!

A Chamber’s collective clout helps keep business taxes and regulations in line.

Supporting and promoting a pro-business climate should be a major component in representing business interests with government. It is the reason many mature companies and major employers participate in the Chamber. It is not about money, but about connections, building relationships, communication and trust to ensure elected officials and decision-makers are educated about the impacts of their actions on business and the economy.

Businesses need to help government find solutions to economic challenges: businesses have cut back, changed their business models, created new partnerships and learned how to do more with less, and as a result they have become more effective and competitive. By sharing our wisdom and experiences with government, we can partner in help-

Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012

incredibly broad membership.

While there can by many competing interests among this diverse collection, we have the opportunity to channel those common interests among our members into a unified, effective voice. This voice becomes even more effective when it is used to encourage our

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www.LongviewChamber.com

Promoting the Community

Downtown Live! Returns

Staff Kelly Hall

President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com

Paul Anderson

P

The Darby Warren Project

lanning for the Fall season of downtown activities and events is well underway. Presented by the One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Program and its core of volunteers, Downtown LIVE! at 5 and Downtown Market return for your enjoyment in Heritage Plaza October 5th.

Each Friday in October, 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th there will be great musical entertainment, refreshments and a variety of market vendors in Heritage Plaza.

• Westbound 21, • The Darby Warren Project • Lulu and the Vipers Anyone in a band wishing to fill the final slot to entertain hundreds of guests at this event, contact Elaine Reynolds at 903 237-4040.

Senior Vice President Communications Director 903-237-4041 lcvb@longviewtx.com

Elaine Reynolds

VP of Special Event Operations 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com

Leska Parker

Chief Operating Officer 903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewtx.com

Mary Whitton

Community Development Director 903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com

Music entertainment is confirmed for all but one Friday. The bands committing to play are:

Diana Northcutt

Retail Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com

Vendors interested in participating in Downtown Market may request an application to participate by email downtown@longviewtx. com Or call the Longview Chamber of Commerce, 903 237-4040. There is no fee to participate. However, due to the limited spaces, you must have an application on file in the Chamber office.

Missy Saunders

Business Development & Special Events Director 903-237-4023 promotions@longviewtx.com

Kayla Cantey

Convention Meetings and Main Street Manager 903-753-3281 meetings@longviewtx.com

Margie Harris

Tourism Services Manager 903-753-3281 x216 info@longviewtx.com

Lisa Null

Membership Services Clerk 903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com

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It’s only natural!

PRINT

WORKS

East Texas’ Best Since 1959

903-758-1773 • 800-530-4888 • www.hudsonprint.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

Katie Reynolds

Special Events Assistant 903-237-3281 x215 assistant@longviewtx.com

Mark your calendars now and plan to be seen in Downtown Longview at Heritage Plaza in October.

Director of First Impressions 903-237-4000 info1@longviewtx.com

This event is produced by the One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Promotion Team.

Executive Director Keep Longview Beautiful 903-212-4552 klb@longviewtx.com

Carrie Fisher

Kim Droege

September-October 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Representing the Interest of Business with Government

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Prepping for Public Office

t seems no matter how much professional expertise one can develop in a given field of business, running for public office is a big decision; especially, when determining “am I the right person to run for this position?” The Candidates Academy is a training program initiated by the Longview Chamber of Commerce in 2007 to aid individuals in the preparation of running for public office. The curriculum is designed to equip future candidates with the skills to run and win. The syllabus focuses on the nuts and bolts of running for political office such as communications, fundraising, and campaigning - skills a prospective candidate can use in both their work and community up to the day they decide to run!

Longview Progress Report: What are the reasons that you decided to run for public office?

Cncl. Gary Smith: I’ve known for some time that I wanted to hold public office, that is why I attended the Candidates Academy the Chamber had in 2007. I want to give back to the community. I’ve always found satisfaction in volunteer work and have been a volunteer computer teacher and worked with Partners in Prevention even before I retired form my career with Stemco.

LPR: You mentioned the Candidates Academy which has been presented by the Chamber in 2007 and 2009. What were the key points that made that program attractive to you?

Cncl. Smith: I became interested when I heard about the Business leaders often find themselves wanting to help Academy. I looked over the syllabus and was impressed by the our community be on the cutting edge. They want to be a part of significance of the speakers which held local political office at striving to improve our processes so that Longview and Gregg the time. Some of them are still in office, others have moved on, County continues to be a great place to live and do business. but it was learning from those who knew the ropes with a local The questions become: How do I run for office? Where do I perspective that was important to me. I believe in the value of go to learn more about running for office? These courses in preparing myself for what I hope to do. the Candidates Academy provide ideas, advice and checklists that help individuals run for political office. The training is LPR: You also mentioned Partners in Prevention and computer designed to prepare a candidate to run for office with the local teacher as opportunities you had to volunteer. Have you had any other government office in their community - city council, board of opportunities before you took this step of running for City Council? supervisors, school board or special district. The Academy Cncl. Smith: I first considered running for the District 2 seat in focused on defining what makes a person the best candidate for 2009 but when Daryl Williams decided to run for a third term, the job; what to expect when I didn’t want to challenge him. running for office; issues facing Instead, I got involved volunpublic schools and campaign teering more directly with our ethics. Topics included what city government issues. I was defines a viable candidate and the Chairman of the Longview the importance of Leadership.

Transit System, I served on Campaign finance laws and the Mayor’s 21st Century Task reporting, fundraising, how Force, and as Chairman of the to file for elected office were TIRZ Commission. Volunteercovered as well as essential ing in those areas helped me to skills in managing a campaign better understand the imporwith topics spanning from tance of good government. selecting your campaign team LPR: When you decided to to working with the media.

Councilman Gary Smith District 2 takes the oath of office. run, what were the steps that you In the recent municipal found in the Academy that were especially helpful for you to take on elections in the City of Longview, an alumnus of the 2007 the campaign?

Candidates Academy put into practice what he learned.

Cncl. Smith: Oh, many for sure but the Academy had Councilman Gary Smith represents District 2 on the Longview prepared me to think the process through the right way. I City Council. Councilman Smith decided to run for the council developed a strategic plan, put a team together, and that helped seat after Daryl Williams completed his final term representing me build my campaign. “Let’s Make a Difference Together District 2. Longview City Council limits representatives to three Today for Tomorrow.” The course was a guide that I found very terms. helpful. We had learned how much it would cost for different In an interview with Councilman Gary Smith, the offices so that helped me to prepare financially. There are four Longview Progress Report asked him to talk about his experience rules for raising money which I took to heart because it is my of running for office for the first time and how he benefited from supporters that are directly responsible for my success. attending the Candidates Academy.

Continued to page 13

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012

www.LongviewChamber.com

Strengthening our Local Economy Leadership Longview Selects Its 31st Class “Never doubt that a small group of dedicated individuals can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

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eadership Longview, a program of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce members of the 31st class:

Laura Lea Blanks, The Crisman School; Troy Brown, Thacker Davis Architects; Libby Bryson, Longview Regional Medical Center; Kayla Cantey, Longview Chamber of Commerce; Danny Copeland, CFG Investments; Heath Hamberlin, Texas Bank and Trust; Jennifer Hearron, Neiman Marcus Distribution Center; Scott Haygood, BancorpSouth, Terri Lynn Hodge, Texana Bank; LaDawn Ingram, Dr. Pamela Johnson, LeTourneau University; Keeta King, City of Longview;

Sanchez, Network IP; Saleem Shabazz – Unity & Diversity Committee; Michael Shirley, City of Longview; Roxanne Stevenson, Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg & Harrison Counties; Andy Venables, Eastman Chemical Company; and Kasha Williams, Divine Care Home Nursing Services.

The 2012-2013 class will kick off its year with an overnight retreat on September 14 and 15 at the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine. At this retreat, class members will have the opportunity to participate in team building exercises, personality profiles and the high and low elements of the outdoor ROPES course.

Lane King, Simpson Capital LLC; Rick Matte, The MadeRite Company; Chapin Miller, Citizens National Bank; Russ Montgomery, Community Healthcore; Rachel Norwood, Good Shepherd Medical Center; Janette Rowan, Spring Hill State Bank; Eriik Rowland, Eastman Chemical Company; April

Chris Terry, Westlake Chemical Company, is Chairman of the Leadership Longview program and Vice-Chairman of Curriculum is Tammy Gibbons with Spring Hill State Bank.

State of the City

The State Of The City Business Luncheon is presented by Longview Economic Development Corporation. Cost is $25 for chamber members or $50 for the general public.

Presented by Longview Economic Development Corporation

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ayor Jay Dean will present his 8th State of the City address to celebrate Longview’s accomplishments and its future. More than 200 business and community leaders will attend this annual event at Pinecrest Country Club Friday, September 21st from 11:30am-1:00pm.

Drop questions by the Chamber’s office in advance or to Missy Saunders at promotions@longviewtx.com.

35 YEARS

and We Are Still Going Strong!

Les Mendicello President

Dear Business and Community Leaders, I invite you to attend the 2012 State of the City Business Luncheon, hosted by the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Each year, this is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the Longview community.

It is also a time to discuss the future opportunities and challenges that we face.

I am thankful to say that following the May 2012 election, this will be my eighth State of the City Address. After so many years of speeches though, I am looking forward to doing things a little differently this year by taking time to answer your questions. As mayor, I have always enjoyed hosting Town Meetings because it is an opportunity to have conversations about things that matter to Longview residents. So, I hope you will join us for a special question and answer State of the City.

Due to limited time during the event, please submit questions in advance to the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Please submit questions to promotions@longviewtx.com or in person at 410 N. Center Street.

I hope you will join me as we celebrate Longview’s accomplishments and discuss the City’s future together.

Sincerely, Mayor Dean

Architect’s Rendering South Facade at 3700 Gilmer Road after Remodeling

We’re celebrating! September marks our 35th birthday and we’ve just completed remodeling and expanding our main location. Our sincere thanks go out to our customers and great group of employees for their patience and support during the process. Also, thanks to Architect Joe Boucher, RLM Construction Company, and the many subcontractors who had a part in our project.

Come celebrate with us at our open house in October.

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

September-October 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012

www.LongviewChamber.com

Anniversaries and New Members

1

September year

American Home Patient Cheeburger Cheeburger Dizzy Design, LLC J. LeGrande Northcutt Jim King Photography Redneck Rockstar Boutique & Salon Send Out Cards Southern Survey Company Tommy Thomas & Associastes Travis Mortgage

5

years Jose Sanchez Law Firm The Wieland-Davco Corp.

10 15

years R Manley Enterprises years

East Texas Radiator Federated Insurance General Dynamics SATcom Technologies, Inc IHOP John Black & Associates

Maly & Associates Martin Resource Management Saddlebrook Apartments

25

years

Brian Dolive DDS Karen A Jacks & Assoc. PC

30 45

years Bodacious BAR-B-Q

55

years Pizza Hut of East Texas Inc

years Crosby Group Lebus Manufacturing

Gym University Innovative Resources Noble Electrical Security Plano Marine of East Texas Premier Home Care Remedy Intelligent Staffing Richard Andrews Consulting Rick Grisham State Farm Insurance Rivers Recycling, LLC Rubber Lining Specialists, LLC Schmidt Mortgage Company Sittin’ Pretty Smith Insurance Texas State Optical Woods Chiropractic, LLC

5

years Independence Bowl Foundation Lifepoint Church Service Master Services

October

1

year

Advanced Industries Allegiance Home Health Services, LLC Anytime Appliance Company, LLC B & J Security Care First Medical Center Longview Centerstone Suites Custom Food Group

10 20

years Nichols Marine years

Centre of Rehabilitation Excellence

25

years

Highland Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

30

years

Hill & Calk PC - James Calk Hill & Calk PC – Jerry Hill Lost Creek Development Company R L Whitehead, Jr. PC Steve Baker DDS Yowell Group Inc

35

years

ArklaTex Forklift Carter Bloodcare Cox-Rogers & Associates Inc – Robert Rogers Cox-Rogers & Associates Inc – Harold Cox Curtis Blakely & Company PC – Darrell Spence Curtis Blakely & Company PC – Rose Blakely Farmers Insurance Group

45

years Longview Mechanical Contractors

Allied Waste Services LLC

New Members Bella Fleur

Katie Cooper 3008 Gilmer Road, Suite 103 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 653-4807

Cmax Manufacturing & Machine Inc

East Texas Center for Independent Living Karen Holt 4713 Troup Hwy Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 581-7542

Panera Bread

Tidwell Tire Service

Trevor Casey 481 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-5200

Angela Rushing 923 W Marshall Avenue Longview, TX 75604 (903) 758-6263

Spherion Staffing

Tom James Company

Amanda Green 614 Jordan Valley Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 759-3037

Exhale Massage Therapy

Cindy Seifert 2633 Bill Owens Parkway Longview, TX 75604 (903) 291-1530

Linda Stone 105 E Loop, Ste 5 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-2470

Daniel Wiebracht 1011 Beauty Shop Road Diana, TX 75640 (603) 222-0070

Early View

Longview Print Shop

Suddenlink Media

Linda Weir 1816 Riverstone Longview, TX 75605 (903) 746-0748

Charles Vanderbilt 101 W Hawkins Pkwy, Ste 2 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-6800

Tom Brown 1120 N 3rd Street (903) 758-2081

Cary Nichols 1127 Judson Road Ste 144 Longview, TX 75601-5153 (903) 234-8606

WorldPay

Zip Cash

Janice Shaw 3080 N Eastman Road Ste 101 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 291-1172

www.LongviewChamber.com

September-October 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Developing Community Leaders Whatever happened to Customer Service?

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ill Drury is on a mission to help businesses create lifetime loyal customers. On September 27th, 2012 he will present an action-packed 1/2 day workshop with proven strategies and techniques to help everyone in the company win customers and reduce lost sales.

Bill Drury is a man with a passion to help businesses create lifetime loyal customers.

Bill is noted for his humorous and enthusiastic presentations. He is someone who believes learning must be fun to be productive. His presentation will enhance your organization’s ability to compete in the rapidly changing business world of today.

This nationally acclaimed workshop will help your business go to the next level of service excellence. It will refresh, remind and renew a solid understanding of the basics of dazzling customers. For your convenience, there will be two identical workshops presented from 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m and 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m.

For more information or to register call 903.237.4000 or visit us online at www.longviewchamber.com.

“Bill has conducted over 300 workshops for the Zig Ziglar Corporation - we always got good reviews. He knows what he’s talking about. He has an excellent style of delivery. Your people and your company will be better off after hearing Bill Drury”

-Zig Ziglar

How to: Supervise People, Lead a Team, and Handle Difficult People.

G > > > > > >

lenn Shepard, a nationally recognized bestselling author, will be presenting “How to Supervise People, Lead a Team, and Handle Difficult People” on October 17th, 2012. This fully accredited seminar is about setting boundaries to stop people from doing what they’re not supposed to do, motivating them to do what you want them to do, and becoming the caliber of leader that inspires them to give you more than you asked for.

The seminar will present situations from weeding people out during the interview process to dealing with problem employees to how to legally fire employees. Glenn is recognized as a leader in fighting the declining American work ethic and increasing entitlement mentality. This halfday seminar qualifies for credit of CPE/CEU and SHRM/ HRCI and will be held in The Citizens National Bank Board Room at the Longview Chamber of Commerce.

Glenn Shepard is a professional speaker and best selling author based in Nashville, TN. More no-cost resources are available at his website at www.

GlennShepard.com Register online at www.longviewchamber. com or call 903-237-4000.

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012

www.LongviewChamber.com

Strengthening our Local Economy Are you interested in starting your own business?

Need new marketing ideas?

Check out our Tools For Business link on our home page! www.longviewchamber.com

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Retail Forecast for 2012 Holiday Season

he holidays may be months away, but smart retailers are strategizing today, according to Retail TouchPoints (RTP).

Over the past decade, holiday season sales have declined. It is believed that it is due to consumers beginning to shop earlier in the year.

Each year, about 40% of shoppers begin their holiday shopping before Halloween. Retailers have figured out, that the sooner they put holiday merchandise on the shelves, the sooner consumers will start purchasing and they will spend more over a longer period of time.

Follow us on:

facebook.com/longviewchamber

@LongviewChamber

Longview Chamber of Commerce Group The Business View Blog businessinlongview.com

Diana Northcutt

Retail Development Coordinator

Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601

903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

The holiday season can account for 25% - 40% of annual sales for some retailers.

Stores like Ellis Pottery and Hobby Lobby are in the process of displaying their holiday merchandise.

According to Derrick Ellis from Ellis Pottery, there are other reasons that smaller retailers put merchandise out earlier in the year; they purchase their holiday product in advance in order to satisfy consumer demand before other larger merchants buy out the season’s trend. Smaller retailers do not have the capacities to store holiday merchandise so they start stocking shelves as they are receiving it.

over the previous year, according to the study titled: Google Post Holiday 2011 Takeaways.

Additionally, 12% of online visits to a retailer’s web site came from a mobile device during the 2011 holidays, a 5% year-over-year increase.

Consumers look for retailers to put store specials and coupons on their websites in order to save money and see what is new.

Retailers and restaurants also support 41.6 million jobs in America. In September 2011, the National Retail Federation launched a twelve-month campaign to advance their Jobs, Innovation, and Consumer Value Agenda on behalf of America’s retail industry. The campaign launched with specific priorities to support creation of new jobs, encourage continued innovations that will drive the growth of commerce in retailers of all sizes.

Monica Bermea, Director of Marketing & Business Development of Longview Mall states that, retailers begin hiring additional employees by midOctober in time to train for Black Friday. In the retail industry, Black Friday is the official kickoff for the holiday season.

Source: http://nrf.com/holidays

Consumers have also put the pressure on retailers to prepare for the mobile revolution. On Christmas Day 2011, for example, consumers increased mobile shopping by 173% September-October 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Developing Community Leaders From Volunteers …To Leaders

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ne Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board is always looking for people to volunteer in the revitalization of downtown Longview. As a team member or event volunteer, you will be given the opportunity to actively participate in a nationally recognized program that follows a carefully designed and tested approach to breathe life back into the core of our community. As an Advisory Board member, you will volunteer on one of the four core Teams of the Main Street Program: Organization, Promotion, Design, or Economic Restructuring.

No matter what your interests or areas of expertise there is a place for you in Longview Main Street. If you have a few hours to spare occasionally (or on a regular basis), we’d love to have you join in the efforts to improve our community.

Hop Onboard!

Annual projects include AlleyFest, Movies on the Plaza, DowntownLIVE!, Longview Christmas Parade, and the quarterly Main Street Newsletter. For more information on how you can help cultivate our Main Street into a place visitors and locals love to visit, call Kayla Cantey at 903-753-3281 or by email meetings@longviewtx.com.

Save the Date!

LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW ALUMNI NETWORK PRESENTS

FALL INSTITUTE 2012

StandOut

by Marcus Buckingham

Presented by John Grubbs, GCI, Inc. Thursday, October 23, 2012

Longview Chamber of Commerce

The Power of Three Your Business • The Chamber • UnitedHealthcare

Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training Friday, October 12 8:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m.

Please be our guest... to tour some of our finest local attractions on a luxury motor coach and learn more about Longview. You will be treated to a FREE lunch during the tour. Graduates will earn a Certificate of Completion and a Free Hospitality Training Resource Manual.

Reserve your space today by registering at www.longviewchamber.com or email info@longviewtx.com. For more information call (903) 753-3281.

Registration is FREE, but space is limited.

Presented by:

The Longview Chamber of Commerce’s ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan offers access to several different UnitedHealthcare health plan options, including standard PPO and consumer-driven health plans – at prices that fit most budgets. In addition, businesses that enroll with UnitedHealthcare through this partnership will receive up to a 7 percent discount on select medical plans and have an option for an administrative savings of up to 5 percent on their bundled dental and vision plans.

Businesses and employees who enroll in the ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan will also have access to UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide health care provider network of more than 650,000 physicians and care professionals, and 5,100 hospitals.

GET ANSWERS. REQUEST A QUOTE . GROW HEALTHY. CALL US TODAY.

ChamberChoice Health Care

Sponsored by: © 2012 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

UHCTX543659-002

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012

www.LongviewChamber.com

Developing Community Leaders Public Office: Continued from Page 6

Rule 1) Make a list of everyone you know regardless where they live and contact them personally or in a letter.

Rule 2) ASK. Few people contribute to a campaign without being asked. A friendly appropriate and polite request is how it is done.

Rule 3) Personal Solicitations are usually the best way to gather contribution; make a personal request.

Rule 4) Thank You’s. Always send a written thank you and do it soon, within two to four days. Handwritten notes are the best, but phone calls and personal letters are good too.

LPR: A final question, what are some of the things you would like to see accomplished while you represent District 2?

Cncl. Smith: I believe that after serving as Chairman of the Longview Transit System, I have come to realize how important mobility is to the people of District 2 and the whole City for that matter. I want to see if there is a way we can help those who cannot make City Council meetings because of mobility, have the opportunity to comment on what takes place at the meetings. I want people who cannot get around easily to be able to submit comments on the budget process, and I want to be transparent. I want to help maintain and improve transparency in the way the City conducts business like the budget process and other matters. I’m still a freshman in this job and I’m still in the learning process. I have been requesting taking tours of all the city departments so that I can be aware of all the ways we serve the citizens of this city. I hope to meet with all the department directors and carry my message to them “Together, Let’s Make a Difference.”

Emerging Leaders Awards

An event recognizing excellence in leadership.

Save the Date for a new event that will honor the next generation of leaders in our community. Emerging Leaders Awards will highlight three professionals that demonstrate significant accomplishments in their career, contribute to their business and work to improve the quality of life by their involvement in the community. Young professionals are instrumental to the vision and the future for Longview.

The individuals that will be honored will have excellent leadership skills, represent their company in a professional manner and be a role model to others. A committee of diverse leaders will review all nomination forms. The committee will rank the professionals then choose three that best represent the next generation of leaders.

The winners will be honored at a luncheon on December 6th from 11:30a.m.-1:00p.m. at Pinecrest Country Club.

Longview has a dynamic community of young professionls and we need your help in recognizing these individuals.

Nomination forms will be available in September online at www.longviewchamber.com or at the Chamber offices. For more information please call 903-237-4000.

The Chamber plans to offer the Candidates Academy again in 2013. The training is a 4 week training designed to demystify the political process by teaching individuals the basic skills involved in running a campaign and being a candidate. Studies show that men are twice as likely to self-identify as political leaders and run early - before the age of 35. With the political pipeline 86% male and 81% white, we need to invite individuals from throughout our community into the process to gain fresh perspectives and diverse solutions. The training provides the nuts and bolts of running for political office by focusing on the core areas of Communications, Fundraising, and Campaigning.

Information about the 2013 dates for the next Candidates Academy will be made public and announced in this publication and other outlets. For more information contact Kelly Hall at 903-237-4000 or by email president@longviewtx.com.

www.LongviewChamber.com

September-October 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Representing the Interest of Business with Government

T

7th Annual Elected Officials Reception

he 7th Annual Elected Official’s Reception will be held Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from 5:00p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Summit Club located at 210 E. Methvin Street.

The appreciation reception honors our region’s local, county and state elected officials. It will be an evening of networking. As business leaders, we support our elected officials whose various initiatives benefit our local business community. Their dedication to Longview and Gregg County makes it a better place to live and do L to R Judge Tim Womack, 307th Family District Court Judge Alfonso Charles, District Judge for the 124th Court business.

Traci Wallis, Spring Hill ISD Board of Directors

The reception serves to connect business leaders and elected officials in an informal setting and allows the opportunity to discuss a variety of important policy issues. Business leaders have the opportunity to build relationships and ensure elected officials are educated about the impacts of their choices in our community.

Join the Longview Chamber and our presenting sponsors as we honor our elected officials. Please RSVP no later than September 20th, by calling 903-237-4000 or visiting our website at www.longviewchamber.com.

Presented by:

Eastman Chemical and Texas Bank & Trust Other sponsors: U. S. Steel Tubular Products Inc Texas Operations Division Martin Resource Management Corporation Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson

Developing Community Leaders Ambassador of the Month June 2012 July 2012

Troy Neuman

July 2012

Chapin Miller

Employer: Eastman Credit Union Position: Branch Manager

Employer: Citizens National Bank Position: Business Banking Officer

How long have you been an Ambassador?

How long have you been an Ambassador?

“Since December 2011”

“I have been an Ambassador since September 2010.”

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

“I have really enjoyed getting to know my fellow Ambassadors. We have a really good group of people from all types of businesses in the Longview area ready to welcome new Chamber members.”

“I enjoy learning about the different businesses in Longview and the products and services the businesses offer. ”

How has being an Ambassador helped your business?

“Being an Ambassador has helped me put a face on Eastman Credit Union. It has allowed me to educate people who we are and what we have to offer the Longview area in terms of financial services”

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Ambassador of the Month

Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012

How has being an Ambassador helped your business?

“Being an Ambassador has allowed me to network with many different local professionals and get more connected within the Longview community.”

www.LongviewChamber.com

Calendar of Chamber Events September 2012

3 Chamber Office Closed for Labor Day

e r

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 a.m.

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Executive Meeting

4:00 p.m.

i 3:30 p.m.

5 q w

p a

Member2Member

j 7:30 a.m.

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Board

12:00 noon

Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

4:00 p.m.

s

k Business Development Series: “A Passion for Service”

8:30 a.m.

State of the City Membership Luncheon at Pinecrest Country Club

11:30 a.m.

h

Longview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

October 2012

Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

Elected Officials Reception @ The Summit Club

Business Development Series: “A Passion for Service”

1:00 p.m.

l Business After Hours sponsored by Longview Regional Medical Center

4:45 p.m.

Physician’s Surgery Center 1404 N 4th Street

4:30 p.m.

Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

i

Downtown LIVE! – Downtown Longview

4:00 p.m

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 a.m.

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Executive Meeting

4:00 p.m.

e

g

Business Development Series: “How to Supervise People, Lead a Team and Handle Difficult People”

o

Business After Hours – Hampton Inn – North, 3044 N. Eastman Road

4:45 p.m.

p d

Downtown LIVE! – Downtown Longview

Downtown LIVE – Downtown Longview

4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

Longview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

Advocacy Luncheon @ The Challenge at Oak Forest

h Member2Member

7:30 a.m.

Business Development Series: The Zappos Experience

11:30 a.m.

Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

j

4:00 p.m.

Downtown LIVE! – Downtown Longview

4:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

www.LongviewChamber.com

September-October 2012 | 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

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COMPREHENSIVE CARE PROVIDED BY A TEAM OF FAMILY PRACTICE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIANS 703 EAST MARSHALL AVE. Fifth Floor, Medical Plaza II, Suite 5007 Monday – Friday • 9 am to 5 pm

Appointments and Walk-ins Welcome To schedule your appointment, please call:

(903) 315-5600

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