Longview Progress Report July-August 2014

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING LONGVIEW People. Places. Prosperity.

REPORT

July / August 2014 Vol. 8 No. 4

The Matter of Water

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Sustainable Innovation

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nnovation and entrepreneurism continue to remain the focus of many across our country as well as at our Chamber. Recently, at an executive board meeting Brett Lindig, SYSCO, remarked we spend a lot of time looking at what could be and contrasting Kelly Hall where we are. He is right! That President/CEO may seem like a waste of time.

Thankfully, our board and staff recognize that strategy is about choices and retaining a culture that encourages productivity, effectiveness, and efficiencies.

Is it not true that innovation begins with understanding what the customers want and then delivering in a way they want? Soon we will e-mail a survey to our member businesses’ main contacts. They will be asked a series of questions about what is important to their businesses, and they will evaluate our products and services. Then this information plus our net promoter score will be reviewed at our annual strategic planning session in the fall. We conduct this survey biannually and contrast the results against our prior surveys as well as Chambers who utilize the same survey instrument. Why is this important?

It tells our leadership what is important to our member business and where we need to improve. This critical feedback drives the discussions which have resulted in the development of our public policies at the local, state and national level; the formation of the Longview Business Political Action Committee; the establishment of our E-Learning Center; the Young Entrepreneurial Academy; our Inter City Visits.

Our board and staff are committed to remaining Curious, building Connections, developing Collaborations, and having the Courage to move forward. These 4C’s are examples of how our organization moves forward by remaining teachable. In John Maxwell’s book Sometimes you Win Sometimes you LEARN he defines teachability as “possessing the intentional attitude and behavior to keep learning and growing throughout life.” He goes on to state, “People with a teachable spirit approach each day as an opportunity for another leaning experience.” This fall our board along with community and business leaders will go on their third Inter City Visit to Greenville, SC, October 5th – 8th. By exploring communities that have been recognized as The Most Liveable City, The Best Place to Do Business, or another prestigious national recognition, allows us the opportunity to contrast and compare Longview with the positive attributes for which they are being recognized.

It is imperative we continue to grow our capacity and maintain a teachable spirit to address those critical factors that must be addressed to enhance our community’s quality of life www.LongviewChamber.com

What’s Inside President’s Message....................................................3 Point of First Touch......................................................4 Team Longview Drums Up Business at RECon................5 It’s A Matter of Water COVER STORY.........................6-7 On-Target: Cady Martin................................................8 Why Leadership Longview?...........................................9 Ribbon Cuttings....................................................10-11 Anniversaries & New Members....................................12 Chamber Executives Pursue Professional Development..13 Sports Tourism Makes Dollars and Sense.....................14 All Hands On Deck - TRC 2014 .................................15 Do The Impossible in 2014-2015 with YEA!®...............15 New Personnel Join Chamber’s Team..........................16 Phase II Way-Finding Completed.................................17 By the Numbers........................................................18 Calendar...................................................................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

and improve our business climate. Successful business and community leaders understand and appreciate that to create value we must be able to understand what is meaningful to those on the outside, remain open, seek opportunities and find solutions to move forward. Erwin G. Hall observed, “An open mind is the beginning of self-discovery and growth. We can’t learn anything new until we can admit that we don’t already know everything.” Innovation and sustaining an entrepreneurial spirit are important traits in building business as well as moving communities forward.

Will you help us understand what the customer wants, focus on what their needs are and commit to find solutions?

Are you willing to test ideas with customers, share best ideas and seek the third way to achieve success? Coach John Wooden understood this way of life. He spent hours in preparation and believed when opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare. Your Chamber is seeking individuals who want to make a difference and move Longview/Gregg County forward. Will you choose to Make A Difference?

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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The Point of First Touch

ave a question about businesses in Longview? Who do you call? Need information on Longview attractions or the region around? Where do you go? Have the calling to start your own business? What resources are available to help and where do you find them?

There are many reasons people come through the doors. Many people are not aware how much the Chamber is the front door to the community for a good number of people. In addition to this first point of contact service provided by a professional staff, the Chamber offers many other programs to help businesses start, grow, expand and improve their own processes.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce is a service and action organization for business as well as a community development organization. It is a business center and a visitor center. It provides a venue through which businesses can take effective action for the progress of Longview. If you have a business in Longview, you can best be safeguarded by working with others through the Chamber to protect and advance all businesses. The Chamber’s Board of Directors and full-time staff act as a proactive voice for the membership.

The Longview Chamber also provides a number of services to its members including business referrals, networking opportunities, co-op advertising, educational seminars,

advocacy with government on behalf of members, and a web site. In addition, there are many community development activities the Chamber is actively involved in including economic retail development, downtown revitalization, tourism support and promotion, a community calendar, and we act as a clearinghouse of community information.

With a tool kit this vast it’s understandable why so many seek and find the help or information they need through our door. One local business found the information and assistance to follow the best path when they started their construction and architectural firm in the garage of their home. Now a robust business the owners continue to support the Chamber with their time and membership investments.

More than a few times each year, calls come into the Chamber’s main number asking for help finding a good tow company and mechanic to help them get back on the road.

Referrals of this kind are made to businesses that are Chamber members.

The Visitor Center at the Chamber attracts a regular flow of traffic from local citizens and visiting guests. One couple visited before making Longview their choice for a move from Minnesota. They continue to come monthly to pick up the printed calendar of events and any new community magazines printed by member companies and distributed through the visitor center.

The Chamber’s front desk receives regular requests by phone from one elderly gentleman who loves promoting Longview.

A resident of a nearby town, this gentleman asks for information and relocation packets to be sent to people he meets and friends he knows because he believes Longview is the best place to shop and do business.

During times of high occupancy in our local hotels, the Chamber receives calls asking for help finding a room for someone who was unable or did not have time to make a reservation. The front desk

A smile and a greeting is what is offered by Carrie Fisher whether contact is on the phone or in person.

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

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

Continued on Page 16 www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Staff Kelly Hall President 903-237-4004 khall@longviewtx.com

Paul Anderson Senior Vice President Director of Communications 903-237-4041 panderson@longviewtx.com

Leska Parker Director of Development 903-918-1546 lparker@longviewtx.com

Elaine Reynolds Vice President of Special Event Operations 903-237-4040 ereynolds@longviewtx.com

Suzanne Brown Advocacy & Communications Director 903-237-4003 sbrown@longviewtx.com

Melissa Saunders Business Development & Membership Director 903-237-4023 msaunders@longviewtx.com

Diana Velazquez Retail Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 dnorthcutt@longviewtx.com

Lisa Monsivais 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

Courtney Gill Young Entrepreneurs Academy Coordinator 903-452-7521 cgill@longviewtx.com

Amy Canton Leadership Longview Coordinator 903-753-3281 x216 acanton@longviewtx.com

Carrie Fisher Director of First Impressions 903-237-4000 cfisher@longviewtx.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

Team Longview Drums Up Business team of four representatives from RECon - ICSC’s Longview Chamber of Commerce and the City of Longview traveled to Global Convention Vegas to attend the

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Las annual Global Retail Real Estate Convention. Attending the convention were Keith Honey, Member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Manager of Governmental Affairs for AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company; David Willard, City Manager; Michael Shirley, Interim Development Center Director; and Diana Velazquez, Retail DevelopKeith Honey, Michael Shirley, Diana Velazquez, David Willard ment Coordinator for the Longview Representatives at ICSC”s RECon Chamber. The convention ran May 18 - 21.

“I thought our time in Las Vegas was productive. We were able to sit down with developers face to face to discuss the business climate in Longview. Although it is difficult to measure actual results, I believe if we don’t put forth the effort to have a presence, we will be further behind the curve in our competition for the retail dollars,” said David Willard, City Manager ICSC’s RECon event is like nothing else in the industry.

RECon is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal making and educational opportunities for retail real estate professionals from around the world.

With over 32,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors it provides an unparalleled opportunity to do a year’s worth of business in just three days. The mood of the convention was integrated omnipresence strategies for both overwhelmingly positive. retailers and mall owners. There is no doubt Retailers have incorporated the latest mobile technology, social media and wave of technology into their merchandising globalization are changing the way we all strategies. Clicks & bricks is giving way to shop.

July - August 2014 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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It’s A Matter of Water

ater – it is a complex issue and a pressing one facing not only East Texas but the State of Texas. As the state continues to experience rapid growth and declining water supplies, implementation of a water plan is crucial to ensure public health, safety and welfare and economic development in the state. Our representatives are working to make certain our region is properly and effectively represented.

State Senator Keven Eltife was appointed to the panel that oversees a $2 billion fund voters created last year for water infrastructure projects.

The following excerpts are from the Water for Texas 2012 State Water Plan which is available on line http://www.twdb.state. tx.us/publications/state_water_plan/2012/2012_SWP.pdf WHY DO WE PLAN? This plan is designed to meet the state’s needs for water during times of drought. Although droughts have always plagued Texas, the one that occurred in the 1950s was particularly devastating. It was, in fact, the worst in our state’s recorded history and is still considered Texas’ “drought of record.” The purpose of this plan is to ensure that our state’s cities, rural communities, farms, ranches, businesses, and industries will have enough water to meet their needs during a repeat of this great drought. As recognized by the Texas Legislature upon passage of omnibus water planning legislation in 1997, water— more than any other natural resource—challenges the state’s future. Scarcity and competition for water, environmental concerns, and the cost of new water supplies have made sound water planning and management

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

increasingly important. With the state’s population expected to grow by 82 percent in the next 50 years, the availability of water supplies during times of drought is essential for not only the Texans of today but for those of tomorrow as well.

HOW DO WE PLAN? Water planning in Texas starts at the regional level with 16 regional water planning groups, 1 for each of the 16 designated planning areas in the state. Each planning group consists of about 20 members that represent at least 11 interests, as required

by Texas statute, including Agriculture, Industry, Public, Environment, Municipalities, Business, Water Districts, River Authorities, Water Utilities, Counties, and Power Generation.

HOW MANY TEXANS WILL THERE BE? The population in Texas is expected to increase significantly between the years 2010 and 2060, growing from 25.4 million to 46.3 million people. Growth rates vary considerably across the state, with some planning areas more than doubling over the planning horizon and others growing only slightly or not at all (Figure ES.1). Thirty counties and 225 cities are projected to at least double their population by 2060, but another 52 counties and 158 cities are expected to lose population or remain the same. The rest are expected to grow slightly.

HOW MUCH WATER WILL WE REQUIRE? Although the population is projected to increase 82 percent over 50 years, water demand in Texas is projected to increase by only 22 percent, from about 18 million acre-feet per year in 2010 to a demand of about 22 million acre-feet per year in 2060 (Figure ES.2). Demand for municipal water (including rural countyother) is expected to increase from 4.9 million acrefeet in 2010 to 8.4 million acre-feet in 2060.

However, demand for agricultural irrigation water is expected to decrease, from 10 million acre-feet per year in 2010 to about 8.4 million acre-feet per year in 2060.

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

HOW MUCH WATER DO WE HAVE NOW? Existing water supplies—categorized as surface water, groundwater, and reuse water—are projected to decrease about 10 percent, from about 17.0 million acre-feet in 2010 to about 15.3 million acre-feet in 2060. For planning purposes, existing supplies are those water supplies that are physically and legally available, defined as the amount of water that can be produced with current permits, current contracts, and existing infrastructure during drought.

DO WE HAVE ENOUGH WATER FOR THE FUTURE? We do not have enough existing water supplies today to meet the demand for water during times of drought. In the event of severe drought conditions, the state would face an immediate need for additional water supplies of 3.6 million acre-feet per year with 86 percent of that need in irrigation and about 9 percent associated directly with municipal water users. Total needs are projected to increase by 130 percent between 2010 and 2060 to 8.3 million acre - feet per year (Figure ES.3). In 2060, irrigation represents 45 percent of the total needs and municipal users account for 41 percent of needs.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET MORE WATER? When projected demands for water exceed the projected supplies available during drought conditions, the planning groups recommended water management strategies—specific plans to increase water supply or maximize existing supply.

These strategies included 562 unique water supply projects designed to meet needs for additional water supplies for Texas during drought (this figure is lower than presented in previous plans because it does not separately count each entity participating in a given project).

WHAT IF WE DO NOTHING? If drought of record conditions recur and water management strategies identified in regional water plans are not implemented, the state could suffer significant economic losses.

If a drought affected the entire state like it did in the 1950s, economic models show that Texas businesses and workers could have lost almost $12 billion in income in 2010. By 2060 lost income increases to roughly $116 billion. Foregone state and local business taxes associated with lost commerce could amount to $1.1 billion in 2010 and $9.8 billion in 2060. Lost jobs total approximately 115,000 in 2010 and 1.1 million in 2060. By 2060, the state’s projected population growth could be reduced by about 1.4 million people, with 403,000 fewer students in Texas schools. If we do nothing, over 50 percent of the state’s population in 2060 would face a water

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need of at least 45 percent of their demand during a repeat of drought of record conditions.

WHAT MORE CAN WE DO NOW TO PREPARE FOR TIMES OF DROUGHT? The state and regional water plans must be implemented to meet the state’s need for water during a severe drought.

POTENTIAL FUTURE PLANNING ISSUES During every planning cycle, new issues emerge that influence the development of regional water plans and the state water plan. The following issues, discussed in further detail in the 2012 State Water Plan, are potentially among some of the issues that will impact future rounds of planning: • Changes in population projections based on the results of the 2010 U.S. Census (Chapter 3, Population and Water Demand Projections).

• Changes in water demand projections from population growth or varying water use activities, such as the increased use of water for hydraulic fracturing mining operations (Chapter 3, Population and Water Demand Projections) or expanded production of biofuels (Chapter 10, Challenges and Uncertainty).

• Impacts to water availability from new environmental flow standards or modeled available groundwater numbers based on the desired future conditions of aquifers (Chapter 5, Water Supplies).

• Limitations of groundwater permitting processes that provide for term-permits or that allow for reductions in a permit holder’s allocations, which could impact the feasibility of water management strategies (Chapter 5, Water Supplies).

• Lack of sufficient financial assistance to aid in implementation of recommended water management strategies (Chapter 9, Financing Needs).

• Other uncertain potential future challenges such as natural disasters or climate variability (Chapter 10, Challenges and Uncertainty).

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ON TARGET

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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ady Martin is On Target in this issue of the Longview Progress Report. On Target is a regular feature where dedicated volunteers are highlighted and given an opportunity to express their passions for their work as a volunteer and their career. Martin recently assumed the role of Chairman of the Chambers Ambassadors Committee.

Ambassadors are an active group of volunteers that help to welcome new members at ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand openings, Business After Hours, quarterly membership luncheons, and other public occasions of official Chamber business.

Martin is the Office Manager and Senior Recruiter for Kelly Services of Longview. She began as a recruiter eight years ago and was promoted and has held her present position for the past three years. Because Kelly Services of Longview has been a longtime supporter and sponsor of the Chamber,

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Martin has logged many hours as a volunteer before becoming Chairman of Ambassadors.

Kelly Services corporate headquarters and the Longview branch staff stay actively involved in local community and charity events. “We believe as a fundamental character that at our core, we are a community, and we strive to make a difference in the same communities where we all live and work across the U.S. and around the world,” said Martin. “Every branch is free to identify the local organizations they will support, and how to sponsor their preferred charities—most volunteer their time or donate money from related fund-raising activities.”

We asked Martin why she found serving as a volunteer for the Chamber a worthwhile endeavor. “I have a passion for my community and for paying it forward.

I strongly believe the volunteer work I do at the Chamber of Commerce makes a difference in our community. I have the pleasure of meeting new people on a weekly basis and welcoming not only their company to Longview, but Cady Martin Office Manager / Senior Recruiter also their staff! I have been involved in Kelly Services of Longview volunteer roles at the Chamber for the past 7 years. I have worked in Membership Drives, Business Expo, AlleyFest, Ambassadors, and many more!

Being involved with the Chamber and being in leadership roles has helped Martin strengthen her ability to speak in public, become a better networker, and gain a renewed sense of community awareness.

We asked Martin to describe one aspect of the Chamber that she saw as being the most effective in reaching its objective.

“The Chamber provides many opportunities for leadership development.

I have personally attended many of the conferences organized by the Chamber and found them to be very beneficial. Even though I have not participated in Leadership Longview, I do see and hear how this program is molding and training our leadership of tomorrow!”

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903-759-0751

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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Why Leadership Longview?

eadership Longview is a visionary and collaborative program that helps to prepare Leaders for our businesses and our community. Through its inspiring workshops with enthusiastic leaders from every industry sector, it spotlights the importance of each from culture and the arts through economic development. This program transforms and sculpts the personal growth of our community’s emerging leaders.

Our program is designed to enhance awareness of our community and its needs by examining how leadership works together to perpetuate and advance the Longview community and its citizens in six segments; historic, geographic, education, government, art and culture, and economic.

The program nurtures and engages the leadership skills of potential and current leaders by providing a stimulating atmosphere that fosters diverse viewpoints. From this setting come innovative answers to the critical questions facing our community. The program strives to connect leaders with issues; it is not an academic leadership training program. It is not political and does not recommend or advocate policy positions on public matters.

WHERE OUR GRADUATES COME FROM ÌÌ Graduates of the Leadership Program represent a diverse cross section of organizations throughout Longview. Over 700 community-minded individuals, employed by large corporations, small non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, and everything in between, have participated in the program.

CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION ÌÌ Demonstrated commitment to, and interest in, serving Longview in a leadership role. ÌÌ Willingness to commit time and energy to completing the program. ÌÌ Resident of Longview or ability to demonstrate significant current community involvement in the region.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION ÌÌ Prepares you for community leadership by heightening awareness of key issues affecting Longview providing an in-depth view of community issues. ÌÌ Enhances creative problem solving and team building skills — the skills necessary to assume leadership roles. ÌÌ Offers interaction with prominent leaders who influence daily living in our community. ÌÌ Establishes a professional network, which is utilized well beyond the program. ÌÌ Access to community involvement.

Completed applications and tuition assistance requests are due before 5:00 p.m. on July 18th. Application link is on the Chamber website at: http://longviewchamber.com/leadership/20142015-Application

Chris Terry, Tammy Gibbons, and Stephanie Wolford are providing a continuity of Leadership for Leadership Longview in the coming year.

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July - August 2014 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Ribbon C Amberwood Place Apartments 411 W Hawkins Pkwy - 903.663.3119

Encore Multimedia

320 E Methvin, 2nd Floor - 903.757.6111

Community Perfusion Services 2208 Judson Rd - 903.241.5907

Grace Creek Church

1500 W Hawkins Pkwy - 903.663.0428

Longview Dream Center 803 Gilmer Rd - 903.653.1740

Fenton Honda of Longview 600 E Loop 281 - 903.757.2739

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Cuttings Optimal Industries 972-827-7884

Fountainview Estates 1408 Lago Trail - 903.291.0020

Outdoor Escapes

Hospice of East Texas

410 Molly Lane, Lindale TX - 903.387.0635

911 NW Loop 281, Ste 47 - 903.230.0606

Salsaritas Fresh Cantina 1009 Wal St, Ste 101 - 903.663.9500

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Whataburger

602 W Main St, Hallsville - 903.236.8775 July - August 2014 | Longview Progress Report

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MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES

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July

5

Years

10 25 30

Gregg County Crime Stoppers Hamill’s Flowers and Gifts Dowden Building Materials Inc Texas Federal Credit Union

Years

Servpro of Longview

Years Years

35

Better Business Bureau - Longview U S Title Company Inc Scott Orthodontics Lowrey & Millikin LLP - J Richard Millikin Lowrey & Millikin LLP - D Kent Lowrey Genpak LLC Austin Bank Texas NA - Greggton Branch

Years

5

Trinity Rail

August Years

East Texas Review Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC - Jim C Tachias / Financial Advisor Overhead Door Company of Longview

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years Tammy Cromer-Campbell Photo/Gallery & Productions Kane Security Company Ana-Lab Corp Longview Fab & Machine Inc Boomtown Industries LLC Bug Police LLC Cox Builders Inc Longview Cycle and Ski Tom Davis & Co Builders & Developers Greenleaves of Longview East Texas Regional Development Company Anchor Safety Years Cubby Hole Texas Consolidated Electrical Distributors Inc./ Interstate Electric Company Buffco Production Inc Texas Air Hydraulic Service & Supply Inc Progressive Waste Solutions J B K Enterprises LTD Stebbins Five Co Inc Schindler Interior Designs Larry Knutson DDS Holmes & Moore PLLC - Clifton Holmes East Texas Lumber Company American Eagle Airlines East Texas Builders Association Joyce Steel Erection Inc East Texas Regional Airport Years East Texas Lawn Care Inc Master Travel Years Trinity School of Texas Casa Flora Flower Shop

20 30

NEW MEMBERS Amberwood Place Apartments

Grace Creek Church

Precision Pools, Inc

Tanya Hickman 411 W Hawkins Pkwy Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-3119

Matt Benson 1500 W Hawkins Pkwy Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-0428

Sheri Alston 6496 McCann Rd Longview, TX 75605 (903) 738-6931

CCI Group

Lone Star Vending

Salsaritas Fresh Cantina

Ted Stevens 900 Estes Dr Longview, TX 75605 (903) 753-2488

Joshua Goll 1200 E Whaley St Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-8639

Whataburger 1062

Longview Dream Center

Debra Shorter 602 West Main St Hallsville, TX 75650 (903) 236-8775

Cameron Strange PO Box 3426 Longview, TX 75606 (903) 653-1740

Steven Baker 1009 Wal St Ste 101 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-9500

The UPS Store

Jay Misenheimer 510 E Loop 281 Ste B Longview, TX 75605 (903) 757-9000

Online Management Group Jerrad Parsons 5001 Judson Rd Longview, TX 75605 (903) 315-0832

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

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Chamber Executives Pursue Professional Development

argie Harris, Tourism Services Manager for the Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau recently completed her third year of a three-year intensive program of tourism marketing and management courses offered by the Travel & Tourism College. Harris will receive the Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) designation upon completion of the three-year program and a capstone project.

Travel & Tourism College, presented by the Texas Travel Industry Association, provides participants with an intensive week of marketing and tourism management courses each summer. Travel & Tourism College instructors are university professors and industry CEOs who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. The schedule is packed from start to finish with classes, discussion groups and networking events. The 2014 program took place at Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop from June 16-20.

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elissa Saunders, Business Development and Membership Director, attended her second of the four year Institute for Organization Management in Athens, GA at the University of Georgia.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The Institute was designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize associations, chambers of commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to practice nonprofit management. Its curriculum is taught by university professors, industry experts, and leading practitioners in the chamber and association industries and include courses such as How to Build Strong Chambers of the Future, Event Strategies, Effective Government Affairs and Programs along with many other fundamental courses. “Institute for Organization Management has reshaped my thinking on how I perform my job. The chamber world is changing and evolving.

Education is the key to continuing to be a high performing, 5-star accredited Chamber.” –Melissa Saunders

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Print Inspires Words and images on paper capture the imagination like no other form of communication.

Hudson Printing & Graphic Design 903.758.1773 • 800.530.4888 611 S. Mobberly Avenue Longview, TX 75602 www.hudsonprint.com

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July - August 2014 | Longview Progress Report

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Sports Tourism Makes Dollars and Sense

he Longview Convention &Visitors Bureau and the City of Longview’s Parks and Recreation department contracted with Sarah T. Page Consulting, LLC to provide an economic impact analysis on the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Winter Youth Basketball Festival held March 14-16, 2014 in Longview. The project was designed to determine the economic impact of the event on the local economy.

On March 14-16, 2014, 150 teams called Longview home during the TAAF Youth Basketball State Tournament. The teams competed in gyms throughout the Longview community. There were seven boys and girls divisions ranging in age from under eight to fourteen years of age. Each team played two pool games and then began a single elimination bracket to determine the winner in each division.

Methodology: A Survey Team consisting of 11 paid temps and the consultant collected e-mail addresses from tournament attendees in 13 of the 19 participating gyms. The Survey Team was in place at the beginning 4% 4% of the tournament on Friday evening through late Sunday morning.

The Survey Team was asked to collect e-mail addresses from as many spectators at their location 56% as possible. Following the tournament, an e-mail survey was sent to all who provided a valid e-mail address via the web-based survey tool called SurveyMonkey.

The coaches were issued an identical questionnaire with their registration packets and were asked to complete and return them during the check-in process.

Economic Impact Results There were an estimated 25,020 spectators, players, and coaches at the tournament • The total economic impact for the event is $618,000.

And by multiplying the estimated attendance (25,020) by the per person 3% per day spending figure 6% of $92.67, the high end of the impact range is established at 45% $2,318,603.40.

• The economic impact to local restaurants and drinking places was $220,507, the impact to local lodging providers was $345,113, the impact on the transportation

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

sector was $25,034, and the retail impact was $27,345.

• An estimated 7.2 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs were created.

• The average party size was 13.9 people, and the average length of stay in Longview was 2.25 days.

• Average Per-Person Per-Day spending by Spending Category was $92.67 total on March 14-16, 2014,

$ Impacts by Spending Category($618,000 Total Spending Impact)

36%

Food & Beverage Impact Lodging Impact Retail Impact Transportation

Employment Impacts

by Spending Category (7.2 Total FTEs)

46%

Food & Beverage Impact Lodging Impact Retail Impact Transportation

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

All Hands on Deck for

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TRC

he Chamber is about to kick-off its 4th annual Total Resource Campaign (TRC). Over the last four years, more than 80 members have partnered with the Chamber to make connections and share marketing opportunities with the membership at large. The TRC is not just about seeking sponsorships for chamber events throughout the year. It’s about providing opportunities for members to gain name recognition during events and programs that seek to further the Longview business environment and communityat-large. In addition to this important aspect, the TRC also provides business connections among the volunteers participating in the campaign as well as with those discussing growth opportunities with Longview business leaders.

This year’s TRC call sign is “All Hands On Deck” and will be chaired by Cliff Hale, with Citizens National Bank.

Cliff has been involved with the TRC since its inception and is dedicated to the success of this year’s campaign by building a great leadership team. Joining Cliff as Vice Chairmen are Elizabeth Baumgardner with Longview Regional Medical Center, Roy Eon with Texas Bank and Trust, Dana Parr with Copeland Insurance Group and Craig Sisk with Sisk Buick.

Over the next month, this leadership team will be recruiting team captains to create teams to fulfill the goals of the 2014 Total Resource Campaign. Members have already begun contacting staff and volunteers about their interest to participate this year. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this exciting and rewarding event. Contact a member of the leadership team for more details! If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet one of the Vice Chairs, please contact staff liaison Leska Parker and she will be happy to assist in introducing you and placing you with a team. She can be reached by e-mailing lparker@longviewtx.com or calling 903-918-1546.

www.LongviewChamber.com

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Do the Impossible in 2014-2015

ave you ever thought of the prefect invention or service, only to have it fall away in your memory? Most of us have and later down the road someone else turns that thought into a reality.

Entrepreneurship begins with dreams and age is of no consequence when considering becoming an entrepreneur. The infamous Walt Disney stated “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Dreams, burning desire to achieve, persistence, and failure are the main traits needed. A certain age is not a qualification or condition to pursue your dreams! Quite honestly, that’s because anyone has the ability to start a business and become an entrepreneur.

That’s where the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!®) can make a difference. The mix of ideas and innovation in combination with youth and talent are on the path of our community’s economic growth.

The YEA!® is currently seeking middle and high school students that want to do something exciting and transforming.

Students will have the opportunity to develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their plans to a panel of investors, and actually launch and run their own real, legal, fully formed companies and social movements.

During this 9 month program there are dynamic guest speakers from the local business community and exciting behind-thescenes trips to local companies. The YEA!® program empowers students to take charge of their futures in a profound way while making their dreams come true. Applications for the 2014-2015 year are being accepted and can be found on the website at: http://www.longviewchamber.com/YEA

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”-Walt Disney

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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New Personnel Join the Chamber Team

uzanne Brown joins the Chamber team as Advocacy and Communications Director.

With 20 years experience in the chemical and steel manufacturing industries, her roles included Research, Safety/Industrial Hygiene, Regulatory Compliance, Public Relations and Human Resources/ SPHR. Brown graduated from theUniversity of Houston – Clear Lake with a MBA. Most recently Brown worked for U. S. Steel Tubular Products Human Resources and was co-chair of the U. S. Steel Global Women’s Network. Brown provided functional and recruiting outreach and quarterly compliance reporting support to 6 manufacturing sites in Texas and Arkansas. Among her many other accomplishments at U.S. Steel she served on several corporate task forces to outsource functional operations. Brown is a Member of Leadership Longview, class of 2013-2014, and Zonta International.

As Advocacy and Communications Director, Brown will work to convey the mission and vision of the Longview Chamber by investigating, analyzing, and reporting on issues that have a significant impact on the Longview Chamber organization. She’ll be working closely with the Sr. VP of Communications to enhance reliability and capture new avenues within the dynamic communications arena.

Brown says, “My husband and I moved to Longview, Texas, eight years ago and came upon this hidden gem in America. Supporting and enhancing our businesses to create a strong economic environment in which we provide good jobs where we can enjoy this area’s natural beauty is my personal vision. I am excited to join the Chamber and be part of the dynamic team that leads this vision.”

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my Canton joins the Longview Chamber team as the Leadership Longview Coordinator. Leadership Longview is a collaborative program that helps to prepare Leaders for our businesses and our community. Through its inspiring workshops with enthusiastic leaders from every industry sector, it spotlights the importance of each.

Prior to taking on this responsibility, Canton served as Development Director for the Arc of Gregg County. During her time at the Arc, she created and produced an annual Whodunit murder mystery dinner theater fund-raiser; Movies in the Park family night to raise disabilities awareness and redesigned the Downtown Coffee Shop interior. She also redesigned the Arc’s monthly newsletter, launched their Inside the Arc online newsletter and created an informative brochure about the Arc’s mission and services.

Canton’s responsibilities will include coordination of the overall program and working with the Leadership Longview and Leadership Alumni committees.

She is thrilled to join the Chamber’s team of highly trained professionals and working with Leadership Longview. “My family chose Longview eight years ago after visiting the Chamber and we have loved building a life here. My year in Leadership Longview far exceeded my expectations and now I get to help a new group of leaders fall in love with Longview!”

Point of First Touch

Continued from Page 16 can reach out to contacts at a local hotels and most time find a suitable room.

Recently a couple who own a farm in Gilmer came to the Chamber for help. Planning to sell the farm and move to a Longview retirement facility, they needed referrals and directions. With children living in Central Oklahoma and Central Texas, they wanted to retire somewhere equal distance in between. They happily left with a packet of information including maps marking the spots of the retirement centers they were interested in.

A more unusual circumstance occurred one time when a couple who met on the Internet decided to make Longview the spot where they would meet in person. Neither lived in Longview and knew little about it. Both contacted the Chamber to get visitors information and even more. After meeting for the first time in person at a locally owned restaurant referred by the Chamber, they visited the Chamber to meet Carrie Fisher our

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

Longview Visitor Center includes “Home Town Faces” wall honoring accomplishments by those who once called Longview home.

Director of First Impressions. Carrie had spoken to both on the phone in the days leading up to their meeting. The couple are now married and bought a home in Longview because they chose it as the place to start their life together.

The personal and financial support of its members enables the Chamber to carry out its broad program of work to protect business, encourage continued growth, and improve the quality of life in Longview. www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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Phase II Way-finding Completed

s more cities seek to encourage multi-modal transportation—walking, biking, public transit, etc.— the need for good signage to make those activities easier becomes more and more apparent. At its simplest, way-finding is defined as spatial problem solving— knowing where you are, where you want to go, and the best route to get there.

Today, effective urban maps require layers of information relayed in a clear, consistent, and concise manner so that anyone can quickly determine how to get from point A to point B. Longview Main Street launched its way-finding initiative in the summer of 2008 to provide a clear visual language and graphic standard that can be universally understood, encourage walking and transit usage by offering quality multi-modal information, and provide consistent information across a broad range of environments in the city.

More than “just” signs, this innovative navigational system captures the essence of Longview’s character and history, while performing the critical function of helping people find their way. Through a series of thirty individually designed signs, the project tells a story about the distinct culture of our region, blending color and architectural patterns.

In addition to the signs, design components and artistic patterns are also featured on a family of signs, which include vehicular and pedestrian elements that make downtown attractions easier to locate whether visitors are traveling by foot, car or public transit. This year Longview Main Street installed a total of ten signs throughout Longview. They can be found at places like the East Texas Regional Airport, Loop 281 at U.S. Hwy. 80 and Judson Rd. at U.S. Hwy. 259. With financial help from the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau, Main Street has accomplished placing a good amount of signage recommended in the original report. The City of Longview will finish up the project this summer by adding landmarks to already existing signs from Phase I. Main Street Manager, Kayla Cantey, states “We are proud of the hard work that our Design Committee has put into this project.

Longview residents and visitors will now be able to find their way to special landmarks within our City.”

www.LongviewChamber.com

Locations of Signage: • Leaving the East Texas Regional Airport • Highway 322 • Pacific Avenue leaving Train Depot • 5th Street South of Whaley • Intersection of Center and Whaley • Intersection of East Loop 281 and U.S. Highway 80 • East U.S. Highway 80 • North Judson Road • Intersection of Judson Road and Hollybrook • North High Street

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

By The Numbers June 2013-May 2014

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Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

JULY

AUGUST

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

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Office Closed for Independence Day Leadership Longview Committee Meeting 11:30 am

Chamber Executive Board Meeting 7:30 am

Business After Hours

4:45 pm Copeland Insurance Group 1203A W.Loop 281

Main Street Advisory Board Meeting f

12:00 pm Member2Member g

11:30 am

Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 pm

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

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Business Development Series

Communicating Across Generations

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting 11:30 am

Chamber Executive Board Meeting 7:30 am

TRC Training 3:00 pm

TRC Training

8:00am; 1:00 pm

Board of Directors Meeting 3:30 pm

Business After Hours

4:45 pm A-1 Party Tent & Rental 4005 Judson Road

Business Briefs

Your business story could be here. Has your company recently received recognition for excellence? Has a top-level executive retired or been hired? Has a significant milestone been reached that you want to share with the Chamber membership?

Business Brief is a feature produced by Longview Chamber of Commerce exclusively for Chamber members. The Business Brief posts and reports news tips, ideas, and accomplishments gathered from or submitted by its members about or related to their businesses. Business Briefs include shared e-mails, newsletters and any news release announcement Chamber members would like other members and the public to know.

Read more at: www.LongviewChamber.com/BusinessBriefs

Chairman’s Club Platinum

Gold

www.LongviewChamber.com

Silver ABC Auto Parts AEP Atmos Energy BancorpSouth Capital One Bank Chase Bank Citizens National Bank City of Longview Community Bank Convergys Diagnostic Clinic

Eastman Chemical Company Good Shepherd Health System Halliburton HOLT CAT Joy Global Inc JW Energy Longview News-Journal Martin Resource Management Neiman Marcus National Service Center

Regions Bank Southside Bank Spring Hill State Bank SYSCO Food Services of East Texas, LLC Trinity Rail T Vaughn Properties LLC USSTP Lone Star Tubular Operations

July - August 2014 | Longview Progress Report

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410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 www.longviewtx.com

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