Longview Progress Report May-June 2015

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING LONGVIEW People. Places. Prosperity

REPORT

May / June 2015 Vol. 9 No. 3

r e b y c y t i r u c e s Protecting Your Cyberspace -Page 6 Cyber Security Advocacy Summit - Page 8

ALIGNMENT.

OUR ORTHOPEDIC CARE CAN HELP YOU GET BACK ON COURSE. If joint pain is keeping you from enjoying life the way you used to, turn to the specialized Joint Restoration program available at Longview Regional Medical Center. Our joint program is designed with your needs in mind and will help you transition back to an active lifestyle sooner.

For more information on The Center for Joint Restoration, visit LongviewRegional.com or call 903-233-4770 to find out about upcoming seminars.

Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Understanding the risks and benefits of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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Are You Ready?

ver the last several years I’ve been immersed in reading books on leadership. The journey began when I enrolled at LeTourneau University to earn my master’s degree in Strategic Leadership. Upon graduation I Kelly Hall thought it would be a while President/CEO before I read another book on leadership but the opposite has occurred. A hunger to delve deeper into leadership styles, skills, and how to equip and develop other leadership abilities only intensified. During this discovery process the most significant thing I’ve learned is good things happen when leaders take responsibility for creating an atmosphere that encourages positive outcomes within their organization as well as personal life.

During the discovery process I read ALL IN by Mark Batterson. As I read and reread the text, the question “Are You Ready” kept coming to mind. Then it reminded me of when my parents would ask me if I had my P’s and Q’s in order. Crazy as it may sound, I believe we must have our P’s in order to help us be ready for opportunities that come our way. For me there are 3 critical P’s: Passion, Purpose and Perspective.

Passion creates the willingness to prepare, to be diligent and develop self-discipline.

The knowledge gained through preparation drives our sense of purpose. Purpose builds self confidence in what one believes in. Purpose also opens the door to know and understand our why.

Perspective comes from gaining clarity and understanding.

When I have my P’s in order my eyes are open to know and believe in the why.

Have you ever had someone ask you what your why is?

Whether your answer is yes or no, I’d encourage you to watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk on Why; www.youtube.com/watch?v=sioZd3AxmnE. Sinek shares, “All great and aspiring leaders work in the same way”. His TED Talk discusses the principle behind every successful person and business. A simple but powerful model for how leaders inspire action, starting with a golden circle and the question “Why?”.

Each of us has a leadership role to play in our personal and professional lives. I ask you … Are you Ready?

What’s Inside President’s Message............................ 3 Partnerships Benefit Members.............. 4 Retooling Main Street........................... 5 Protecting Your Cyberspace ................. 6 38th Annual AlleyFest.......................... 8 Tourism Means $$ for Longview............ 9 Small Business Awards Luncheon......... 9 YEA! Investor Panel Results................ 10 Leadership Longview Class of 2015 ... 10 Advocacy Digest................................ 11 Ribbon Cuttings ................................ 12 New Members & Anniversaries............ 13 Calendar........................................... 14 Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601 903-237-4000 / www.LongviewChamber.com www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber @LongviewChamber TACLA023812C

Fixed Right Day or Night Free Estimates • Sales / Installation • Residential & Commercial Service

104 Crockett • 903-753-9624 Office • www.alcoair.com www.LongviewChamber.com

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Partnerships Benefit Chamber Members

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ffinity programs allow your Chamber of Commerce and participating businesses to link their brands in a mutually beneficial relationship. Your Chamber has several such partnerships which enhance our members’ efforts to market and grow their businesses.

The Longview Chamber and Office Depot are working to bring members a cost savings program on items they use most. This program offers discounts of up to 60% from a list of 650 commonly- purchased business essentials including paper, ink and toner. Shop online and receive fast & FREE delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more within local delivery areas. Save up to 70% on copy and print needs. See what it can offer you at SaveAtOfficeDepot.com/longviewchamber Save Local Now is a website and iPhone and Android app that gives people access to exclusive offers from

Chamber member businesses. Locals and tourists alike can use Save Local Now to access deals, events and savings where they shop, eat and play from any browser on any device.

Chamber members can use Save Local Now to create, manage and analyze their digital marketing campaigns. Save Local Now includes live business listings, deal and event publishing, email marketing, social media management, SEO and analytics, bundled together on a single integrated platform.

MyChamberApp is a mobile directory built for the Chamber of Commerce community. Longview Chamber members can find and promote their Chamber businesses, events, and network within their local community. Equipped with location based mobile technology, the information is instantly geographically relevant, making it a great way to find local discounts and hot deals.

It is available to download for free on the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry.

Come see what a locally-owned independent bank can do for you ...

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751

2015 Officers Ken Cunningham

Chairman of the Board Good Shepherd Health Systems

Brad Tidwell

Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Citizens National Bank

Wade Johnson

Chairman Elect Johnson & Pace, Inc.

Roy Eon

Chairman of Finance Texas Bank and Trust

Keith Honey

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Ron Hutchison Network IP

Brett Lindig

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Kelly Hall

Longview Chamber of Commerce

2015 Directors James Barron Barron’s

The ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan offers access to several different UnitedHealthcare health plan options, including standard PPO and consumerdriven 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 the 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 health care professionals, and 5,100 hospitals.

Jill Bayless Kara Bolster STEMCO

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company

David Hayes

Hayes RV Center

Dana Parr

Copeland Insurance Group

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Builders LLC

2015 Appointed Directors Jim Kendrick

Longview Economic Development Corporation

Judge Becky Simpson Councilman Richard Manley Dr. Ron Sones

LeTourneau University

www.springhillbank.com

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2015

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

Lisa Monsivais

Membership Services Coordinator 903-237-4013 lmonsivais@longviewtx.com

Ryan Polk

Tourism Director 903-237-4000 rpolk@longviewtx.com

Decedric Williams

Programs and Projects Assistant 903-237-4000 dwilliams@longviewtx.com

Courtney Gill

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

Amy Canton

Leadership Longview Coordinator 903-261-7125 acanton@longviewtx.com

Carrie Fisher

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

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Retooling Main Street

n 2007, your Chamber took up the challenge The National Main Street Program is to become a vital player with the City of built on The Four Point Approach® to Longview in the redevelopment of downtown Downtown Revitalization Under the Main Longview. The first step was to apply for and Street Philosophy. This four point approach receive recertification as an Urban Main Street has proven successful in programs that apply it City with the Texas Main Street Program, a diligently. part of the Texas Historical Commission. Since 1. Organization: builds partnerships that are 2010, Longview has received recognition as a essential for successful preservation-based National Main Street City because of the work downtown revitalization. of the Longview Urban Main Street Program.

2. Promotion: markets a unified, quality A significant amount of progress has image of the business district as the center been realized with the renovation and of activities, goods and services. improvements in Downtown Longview’s 3. Design: capitalizes on the downtown’s business district. Downtown buildings have unique physical assets and heritage and received façade renovations – many of them helps to create an active district and because of the Main Street Façade maintain its authenticity.

Improvement Program and grants funded by 4. Economic Restructuring: identifies new the City of Longview Community Block market opportunities for the commercial Grants. district, find new uses for historic The Chamber has taken the initiative to commercial buildings, and stimulate step up the Urban Main Street Program so that investment in property. it will be a vital part of the overall Drescher will return to Longview to help Comprehensive Plan adopted by Longview’s train the Main Street Advisory Committee at a City Council. The Comprehensive Plan, future date. according to the City of Longview’s website, “is a long-term planning effort that will serve as “our city’s roadmap for the future.” As a long-range planning tool, it is intended for use by municipal staff, decision-makers, and citizens to direct the growth and physical development of the community for 10 to 20 years to come.”

Downtown Longview’s continued redevelopment and revitalization is essential for the future of Longview. At the Chamber’s April 23rd Board of Directors Meeting, Debra Drescher, State Coordinator of Texas Main Street Program, presented a comprehensive overview of the Texas Main Street Program. The presentations included ideas and suggestions of how the Longview Urban Main Street Program can be taken to the 611 S. Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 next level of efficiency and 903.758.1773 • 800.530.4888 effectiveness.

www.hudsonprint.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

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Protecting Your Cyberspace

yberattacks occur all over the world and have recently had a major impact in our city. Representation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the CIA and Homeland Security as well as cyber specialists from large company members will present a panel discussion for this issue’s impact on the economy, personal finance and national security.

The Cyber Security Advocacy Summit will be held June 18, 2015, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, at Pinecrest Country Club. See ad on page 8 for registration information.

In an interconnected world, economic security and national security are linked. We can’t have a strong economy if our nation is vulnerable to threats like cyberattacks. The Internet is responsible for trillions of dollars in annual online transactions and is a vital conduit for global commerce.

But today, that valuable asset is increasingly coming under attack.

Sophisticated cyberattacks are on the rise, most recently targeting federal agencies, media outlets, social networking sites, top corporations, and leading financial institutions. These attacks are being carried out by nationstates, hacktivists, and criminal organizations. They compromise public safety, classified information, intellectual property, sensitive data, and business networks, putting our national and economic security at risk.

The vast majority of the systems and assets being targeted are owned and operated in the private sector. In the face of high-tech threats, U.S. businesses are working to guard against computer network intrusions, protect consumer data from being compromised, and prevent the loss of capital and trade secrets. But private industry needs the public sector to be a strong partner in these efforts—and that partnership should center around information sharing.

Led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the business community has consistently supported legislation that would direct the government to share timely, reliable, and actionable information on cyber activity with business owners and operators. In turn, businesses need liability protections when they voluntarily share with the government and industry peers.

Cybersecurity legislation should also encourage international cooperation against cybercrime, enhance research and development, reform the Federal Information Security

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2015

Management Act of 2002, and heighten public awareness and education.

It’s vital that cybersecurity policies don’t create burdensome regulations or new bureaucracies. Existing regulatory models won’t allow us to keep up with the rapidly developing threats in cyberspace. Today’s regulations could be outdated tomorrow, and companies could actually become more vulnerable if they’re operating under security requirements that are obsolete. That’s why it’s crucial that we handle this national and economic security challenge the right way.

It’s also critical that each individual business take its own cybersecurity very seriously. Every business that conducts activity online—and today, that’s basically everyone— must adopt essential Internet security practices to reduce network weaknesses and to protect themselves against attacks. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has put together a helpful guide for businesses called Internet Security Essentials for Business 2.0—it can be downloaded from web address: uschamber.com/ cybersecurity.

Smart cybersecurity practices have positive implications for our economy, our communities, our competitiveness—and your business. Most important, the strength of our free enterprise system is directly tied to the prosperity and security of our interconnected world.

Congress is finally moving toward a consensus legislation that recognizes the need for – and supports – a true public-private partnership to counter this growing threat.

The Cybersecurity Act of 2013 (S.1353), includes needed titles to improve research and development, strengthen workforce development and education, and increase public awareness and preparedness. The bill demonstrates the path forward for other cybersecurity legislation: It should be developed in collaboration with industry and other key stakeholders if we want a solution that will truly work. It should not create new regulatory burdens that will divert resources from innovation. And, it should focus on areas of strong, bipartisan consensus.

We all have a stake in cybersecurity. www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

www.LongviewChamber.com

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38th ANNUAL ALLEYFEST A lleyFest 2015 in downtown Longview, Texas is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2015. The annual street festival which celebrates the arts of East Texas will be on Tyler St, Fredonia St. and Center St. Alley Run, presented by Citizens National Bank, will be the first event of the day starting at 7:00 a.m. with 10K, 5K and 1 Mile runs.

Gates to the festival will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. for Marketplace which will feature artists, crafters, food and beverage vendors. Marketplace is presented

by Patterson Nissan Longview.

Admission is $5.00 until 5:00 p.m. and $10.00 after 5:00 p.m.

Kids 12 and under are free all day.

Kids Fest is presented by AAON Coil Products and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Kids Fest will feature free kids activities including Arts & Crafts, Discovery Tents, The Rad Hatter,

Alley Bus and The Pied Piper of Percussion.

Music Fest, presented by R&K Distributors opens at 4:00 p.m. with local favorite band Anchor Down. At 7:00 p.m. Bri Bagwell – from CMT’s Next Superstar will take the stage. Featured Headliner artist is Country Music Texas-born songwriter and performer Jack Ingram beginning at 9:00 p.m.

AlleyFest thanks the presenters and all of the sponsors who make this event possible.

Additional sponsors include ABC Auto Parts, Basic Energy Services, Corner Bakery, Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, Eastman Chemical Company, Geonix Oilfield Products, Hampton Inn & Suites, INA Field Services, Inc., Kellogg Brown & Root, Longview Regional Medical Center, R. Lacy Crain Energy, and S&B Engineers & Constructors.

More information is available at www.alleyfest.org

yber.Security ADVOCACY SUMMIT

PRESENTED BY . THE LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JUNE.18.2015 11:30am - 1:30pm

Pinecrest Country Club 214 Club Drive Longview, TX 75602

Protect the Sensitive Data of Your Business and Customers 2014 was a record year for data breaches and the cost of dealing with those attacks. Get advice about how to reduce your exposure.

+ Government Security Experts + Local Security Experts

Register @ www.LongviewChamber.com/eventdirectory or Call 903.237.4000

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2015

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Tourism Means $$ for Longview

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hen someone thinks of a key component of our local economy, “tourism” is often the last word that comes to mind. But with understanding key performance metrics along with tax revenues, one can see that tourism is in fact an important factor of economic growth in Longview in 2015.

With National Tourism Week happening May 2-10, 2015, the Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) wanted to take the opportunity to really spotlight tourism’s underlying foundation of our local economy. According to the latest monthly economic profile for the Longview MSA, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission, Key Longview Hotel the tourism job sector numbers, Performance Data is provided which include both leisure and

by Smith Travel Research. hospitality jobs grew by 2.4% in • Hotel Occupancy was 63.5% February 2015 to a total of 8,500. for March 2015 which repreThis number alone is a testament sents an increase of 4.01% to not only Longview’s tourism over 2014. Hotel Occupancy is the percentage of total rooms that are sector, but its relevancy as the rented hub of our region.

Tourism isn’t one sided • Hotel ADR was $68.30 for March 2015 which represents with just job numbers. Visitors an increase of 1.5% over who support these jobs not only 2014. pay city and state hotel ADR=Average Daily Rate paid for a occupancy taxes, but also spend hotel room money at local restaurants, retail • Hotel RevPAR was $43.36 stores, and other places. This which represents an increase of 5.6% over 2014. visitor activity generates revenue RevPAR=Revenue Per Available Room for local businesses, and also generates valuable sales tax dollars that fund city services. This cycle of spending keeps local businesses open along with paying local salaries and funding improvements while providing new opportunities.

Therefore the local economic impact from tourism may start with hotel room nights, and then restaurant and retail sales, but it quickly spreads into other areas through those employed in or provide services to the hospitality businesses.

The growth of our local tourism industry is expected to only increase in 2015 and 2016 as the city welcomes two full service and one limited service hotel properties this year. These properties along with the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center push our city’s cumulative meeting space well over 100,000 sq. ft.

www.LongviewChamber.com

Small Business Awards Luncheon

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ore than 400 of Longview’s business and community leaders will gather to salute four remarkable small businesses in the Longview trade area. 2015 award winners are: Small Business of the Year Sherman Briscoe Wilkinson Orthodontics Entrepreneur of the Year RHW Metals, Inc. Minority Business of the Year Casa Flora Flower Shop Family-Owned Business of the Year Bear Creek Smokehouse These deserving recipients will be recognized at the Small Business Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Maude Cobb Convention Center from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. The award winners were chosen by the nominating committee for their achievements and contributions to the community. Each nominee was required to meet a certain criteria including: demonstrating success through sales and profit, potential for long-term success, their commitment to the community along with several others measurements. These four businesses set a great example for other small businesses in the community.

Key Note Speaker, Brian Brandt with Core Insights will advocate for all to be lifelong learners. With an entertaining and authentic style he will prescribe 3 key areas that every leader needs to vigilantly focus on—for a lifetime. All will walk away challenged.

The luncheon will be in conjunction with the Business Solutions Conference and serve as the graduation for the Leadership Longview Class and the YEA students.

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People. Place. Prosperity.

n Wednesday, April 8th, the Young Entrepreneur Academy held its 2nd Annual Investor Panel Presentations.

Eight businesses made presentations, which were Avery Lauren, MaMa’s Bread, Modern Guitar, POSH Babies, WHOA, Next-Gen Marketing Solutions, NaJoKen Jewelry, and Nyoo Cup. Each business was allotted six minutes to pitch their product or service to eight investors.

Each business was awarded funding ranging from $345 to $2,090 based on merit, presentation, and viability of the company. The money awarded will go to further launching of their businesses, including creating Young Entrepreneur Academy Class of 2014-2015 prototypes, website development, filing DBA’s, attending the Longview Business Solutions Conference as a vendor, and additional start-up cost.

Joyce Crane was the Panel’s Presenting Sponsor.

Additional investor sponsors were Gill Electric LLC, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Johnson & Pace Inc., Landon Ogilvie, Longview Scrap & Metal, R Manley Enterprises, Russell & Sons, and Satterwhite Log Homes The Investor Panel selected one business, NYOO Innovations, to attend the 2015 Saunders Scholars Western Regional Competition. Arthur Dixon, Pine Tree High School Senior, will be competing at the Regional Competition with his company’s NYOO Cup. NYOO Innovations has created the first ever smart cup.

Arthur Dixon The Western Regional will be held May 14-15, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona and includes YEA! Saunders Semi-finalists from fourteen states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Additional investors on the panel included Network Communications and an honorary judge from Sam’s Club Longview. Sam’s Club awarded one $500 gift card to MaMa’s Bread based on business necessity.

The event was an evening to remember for the YEA! students, the Investors, and the attendees!

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eadership Longview is proud to introduce the following graduates. As part of the largest Leadership Longview class to date, this team of 30 leaders completed a project for D.O.R.S. Community Services and learned how they can affect positive change in our city. They are a wonderful addition to the Alumni Association and the city of Longview. Congratulations class of 2014-2015!

Leadership Longview Class of 2014-2015

Kimberly Ball -Longview Public Library Cody Bailey - Austin Bank.

Macy Bannert - Community Healthcore Elizabeth Baumgardner - Longview Regional Medical Center.

Brady Beddingfield - RLM Contractors.

Anthony Boone - Longview Police Department Jeremiah Born - Westlake Chemical Corporation Kendal Brown - Eastman Chemical Company Nikki Davis - Eastman Chemical Company Joseph Egbe - Eastman Chemical Company Don M. Esch - 2C Processor Rusty Fennell - Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Sarah Humphrey - Guaranty Bank & Trust Dave Jochum - Oakland Heights Baptist Church Andrew Lewis - Westlake Chemical Corporation Taryn MacIntyre - R. Lacy Services LTD Michelle Miller - East Texas Title Companies Brian Mohns - Eastman Chemical Company Brandi Morris - Good Shepherd Medical Center Amber Mulcahy - Eastman Chemical Company Jeremy Neill - BancorpSouth Paul Sellers- Contractors Supplies Inc Bert Scott - Eastman Chemical Company Whitney Slack - Henry & Peters PC Roy Smith - Flint Hill Resources Amanda Traywick - Citizens National Bank Clint Quinn - BankTexas Yanika Valentine - Texas Bank and Trust Company Linda Whitehead - KLTV Misty Winn - Neiman Marcus www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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Advocacy Digest

he Chamber is working behind the scenes on behalf of the business community toward educating on current business issues and legislation, and writing resolutions and letters to elected officials and U.S. Senate Committees on supporting business. The following is a synopsis of your Chamber in action.

than half of all businesses currently paying the franchise tax. By quadrupling the current small business exemption (from $1 million to $4 million), SB 8 will exempt more than 61,000 small businesses from paying the franchise tax and save Texas’ small businesses $760 million over the next two years.

business with SB 7 and 8, and these bills have successfully passed the senate! The Chamber listened to its members over the past 2-3 years, and has advocated on SB7 and SB8 via letter writing and social media campaigns for its support and passage. Here’s what that means:

S.280 – Federal Permitting Improvement Act of 2015 The Chamber issued a letter of support to the Honorable Ron Johnson, Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and to the Honorable Tom Carper, Ranking Member of the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs regarding support of S.280, the “Federal Permitting Improvement Act of 2015,” and urged the committee to report it favorable to the full Senate as soon as practicable. This critical piece of legislation would provide a streamlined process for developers to obtain environmental permits and approvals for their projects in a timely and efficient manner, allowing jobs to be created and the economy to grow.

This bill would address the problem far too many projects face today: lengthy project delays from endless environmental reviews and challenges result in lost opportunities to create jobs and grow the economy. Every year of delay results in millions of jobs not created. The creation of millions of jobs is worth ensuring that our government works faster and more efficiently.

Support for HCR 57 and HCR 63 Cyber Security Summit – June 18, 2015 The Chamber has issued resolutions in support of HCR Cyberattacks occur all over the world and have recently 57 urging Congress to lift the federal ban on exporting crude oil had a major impact in our city. Representation from the U.S. and HCR 63 urging Congress to expedite natural gas exports to Chamber of Commerce, the CIA and Homeland Security as all countries within the World Trade Organization (WTO). The well as cyber specialists from large company members are Chamber reached out to Commissioner Craddick, Chair of the being recruited to form a panel discussion for this issue’s Texas Railroad Commission, thanking her for support of HCR impact on the economy, personal finance and national security. 57 and HCR 63, and advocated for and received support from An IT security expert from Midland, Odessa and Tyler Eastman Chemical Company Chambers to create an East/West will be part of this panel collaborative approach on these The Longview Chamber of Commerce discussion. See ad on page 8 for important issues. The Texas works closely with job creators to registration information.

Association of Business has advocate for pro-growth, pro-business shared their crafted letter of SB7 and SB8 Pass the regulations and policies to help ensure support. This is important as Senate! economic prosperity for our region.

Gregg County has lost over 300 The Longview Chamber related jobs during the first of Commerce advocated for quarter of this year. relief of franchise taxes for

SB7 - Permanently reduces the franchise tax rate by 15 percent, saving businesses $1.43 billion over the next two years.

SB7, also reduces burdensome compliance costs for Texas’ small businesses by expanding eligibility for EZ franchise tax reporting. By doubling the amount of revenue allowed on EZ reports (from $10 million to $20 million) and reducing the EZ rate by 42 percent, Texas small businesses will save $283 million over the next two years.

SB 7 - includes the Texas Franchise Repeal Act (as amended), putting Texas on a path to abolish the state franchise tax which was implemented in 2006. It instructs the Comptroller of Public Accounts to complete a 2-year study and report to the legislature how best to abolish the franchise tax and replace those revenues from existing sources.

SB 8 - Supports Texas’ small businesses by exempting from the franchise tax all businesses with less than $4 million in revenue, completely eliminating franchise tax liability for more www.LongviewChamber.com

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Ribbon Cuttings

Auntie Anne’s

2920 North Eastman Road, Longview

Brookshires Food Store

The Downtown Coffee Shop

3354 Gilmer Road, Longview

Newk’s Eatery

110 East Loop 281, Longview

SpaMag

101 East Tyler Street, Longview

Ross & Shoalmire, LLP

1125 Judson Road, Longview

Matheson Gas

104 West Tyler Street, Longview

1618 West Cotton Street, Longview

Texas Bank & Trust Lecture Hall at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts

D.O.R.S. Community Services Youth Transition and Leadership Longview Project

215 East Tyler Street, Longview

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Brookdale Longview

Longview Mall 3500 McCann Road, Longview

Longview Progress Report | May - June 2015

1125 Judson Road, Longview

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

AFLAC - Henry Truax

New Members

Media Quest

Jessica Schultz 208 N Fredonia St Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-6555

Cody Sage 400 American Legion Blvd.

Longview, TX 75601

Auntie Anne’s

Office Barn

Cile Stokes 110 Triple Creek Dr Ste. 40 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 871-5015

Tariq Bashir 3500 McCann Rd Ste. L-10 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 753-7786

Jon Longcrier 11315 Hwy 69 N Tyler, TX 75706 (903) 881-0340

Cooks Lighting & Flooring

Office Depot

Ryan Cook 118 Johnston St Longview, TX 75601 (903) 553-9551

Heidi Wilcox 422 W Loop 281 Ste. 300 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 757-9757

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches

Pace Opportunity Centers

Massage Envy - Longview Towncrossing

Pure Nail Bar

Andy Teel 510 E Loop 281 Ste. A Longview, TX 75605 (903) 563-9025

Terri Padinha 3800 Eastman Rd. Ste. 100 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 237-8797

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Years

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Transet Company

Floyd Henry Truax, Jr. PO Box 1472 Hallsville, TX 75650 (903) 431-0966

Years

www.LongviewChamber.com

Renea Sartain 1101 Jaycee Drive Longview, TX 75604 (903) 238-9523 Frankie Tran 3052 N Eastman Rd Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-1166

Sola Salons of Longview

Suburban Propane

Gene Patterson 411 E. Grand Ave. Marshall, TX 75670 (903) 592-5612

Suzanne Cook & Company

Total Legendary Catering Paul Kaster 316 Iris Drive White Oak, TX 75693 (903) 720-0801

Transet Company

Cody Sage 400 American Legion Blvd.

Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-3086

White Rock Consulting, LLC Jared Russell PO Box 3563 Longview, TX 75606 (903) 704-0712

Alicia Yoder 1127 Judson Rd Ste. 146 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 757-2111

Sylvan Learning Center

Carol Pope 913 W Loop 281 Ste. 206 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 297-3300

Anniversaries - May & June Belcher Center Hibbs-Hallmark & Co. Longview Public Library SlushFun Super One Foods UnitedHealthcare of North Texas East Texas Symphonic Band Eastman Credit Union – South Elwood Staffing Freeman Mills PC Little Animal Hospital Smotherman’s Scenery Inc Winston / Royal Guard Corporation

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Years

Years

30 50 55

Years Years Years

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission State Farm Insurance - Big John’s State Farm Flint Hills Resources Gregg County Sonitrol Security Systems Longview Independent School District Cooper Optical Co Inc Ruff Realtors Inc

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CHAMBER CALENDAR JUNE

MAY

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

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y i i o o o f

Downtown LIVE!

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Heritage Plaza - Corner of Methvin & Green Streets

Business Solutions Conference

8:30 am – 3:00 pm Maude Cobb Convention Center - 100 Grand Blvd.

Small Business Luncheon

11:30 am – 1:00 pm Maude Cobb Convention Center - 100 Grand Blvd.

Leadership Longview and Young Entrepreneurs Academy Graduations 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Maude Cobb Convention Center - 100 Grand Blvd.

Tourism Week Luncheon

7 u AlleyFest Downtown Longview

11:00 am – 2:00 pm Maude Cobb Convention Center - 100 Grand Blvd.

Executive Board Meeting 7:30 am

Bill Drury Seminar 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting 11:30 am

Ambassador Meeting 11:30 am

Cyber Security Advocacy Summit 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Pinecrest Country Club

Board of Directors Meeting 3:30 pm

Business After Hours

4:45 pm – 6:30 pm Longview Regional Medical Center – 802 Medical Circle 4th Floor

10:00 am – 11:00 pm

o a s f h j k

Executive Board Meeting

7:30 am

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 am

Ambassador Meeting

11:30 am

Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 pm

CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED – Memorial Day Business After Hours 4:45 pm – 6:30 pm Citizens National Bank – 200 N. Fredonia St.

Main Street Advisory Board Meeting

Don’t Forget to Vote in the City Elections Saturday May 9, 2015

Polls are open from 7 am - 7 pm G. Floyd

For Mayor:

Andy Mack

Richard Manley

For City Council District 1 Ed Moore

Jearl P. Morris

For City Council District 2

12:00 pm

Nona Snoddy

For City Council District 5 Ben Shelton

David Wright

Find your Election Day Polling location: www.longviewtexas.gov/2153/City-Elections

Chairman’s Club Platinum

Gold

14

Longview Progress Report | May - June 2015

Silver ABC Auto Parts AEP Atmos Energy Austin Bank BancorpSouth Chase 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 www.LongviewChamber.com

Need help writing a grant?

ETEDD is designed to aid you with grant research, writing and post-grant administration.

Eligible applicants for and recipients of Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant assistance include a state, city, county, or other political subdivision of a State. For-profit, private-sector entities do not qualify for public works assistance. Economic Development Administration (EDA) will fund up to 90% of the total project costs.

When working on an EDA Public Works grant, the East Texas Council of Governments will work closely with the applicant and will write the application for the customer and submit to EDA. We charge 1% for writing grants, and offer post-grant administration as well.

For more information, contact Julie Burnfield at 903-218-6436 or visit www.etcog.org

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 82 LONGVIEW, TX

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

Meet Your Complete Business Technology Partner.

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“Today more than ever, a business technology specialist can improve your bottom line.”

Jay Knight President

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