Longview Progress Report - September/October 2015

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING LONGVIEW People. Places. Prosperity

REPORT

Every Child Has Access a collective impact project

September / October 2015 Vol. 9 No. 5

Carolyn Northcutt Breast Cancer Survivor

THRIVING. THE TEAM AT LONGVIEW REGIONAL HELPED CAROLYN SURVIVE, AND THRIVE.

When Carolyn found a lump in her breast, her doctor recommended a 3D mammogram at Longview Regional Medical Center. The lump turned out to be a form of cancer that required surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. “I had a whole team of people working together to provide care, answer every question, and help my life go on as normally as possible,” said Carolyn. “They even scheduled my treatments around trips to see my grandchildren. The healthcare system at Longview Regional is second to none.” Contact the Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center at 903-232-8596 for information or to schedule your 3D mammogram.

Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. A physician order is not required, but the patient must provide a physician’s name when an appointment is made.

If the person does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient.

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Reflect, Renew, Refocus!

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hange is often times hard yet change can create a spirit of excitement and anticipation. As your chamber prepares for our 2016 Centennial Celebration and our internal reorganization, it is allowing us to reflect on our existing strategic business plan and consider how we will Kelly Hall become more laser focused on President/CEO the priorities of our investors/members—YOU! We understand there are areas within our organization that can be enhanced. The great news is you have a committed staff, board, and volunteer base that remain teachable and willing to apply their knowledge.

Over the past 10 years we have intentionally equipped and developed ourselves to remain adaptable and focused on our common agenda—Leading Longview. People. Place.

Prosperity.—to support existing businesses while creating jobs and the high quality opportunities Longview has to offer. By leveraging our many strengths, we believe we can improve the local economy and further enhance quality of life for Longview residents.

Reflect …what has occurred during the first six months of 2015?

1. Graduated our first Pine Tree ISD Young Entrepreneurs Class.

2. Hosted our first Business Solutions Conference.

3. Led the largest East Texas Coalition to Austin to lobby on behalf of business.

4. Completed an Economic Impact Analysis of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

5. Created a new 5 Year Marketing Plan for the CVB with Sarah Page Consulting Firm.

6. Hosted leadership trainings for the Chamber Board of Directors and the Main Street Advisory Board as well as key stakeholders and volunteers.

7. Graduated the largest Leadership Longview Class.

8. Testified before the EPA on behalf of East Texas.

9. Organized a Texas Chamber delegation to make Capitol Hill visits at our nation’s capitol to discuss the importance of TPA for Texas businesses.

10. Led the way to secure Chamber resolutions from across the State of Texas to encourage Congress to open the doors to export crude and natural gas.

Renew …what is happening now and where the focus will be as we move forward.

1. NEW www.longviewchamber.com website just launched ...now Mobile ready! www.LongviewChamber.com

What’s Inside President’s Message................................ 3 New Hotels Expand Offerings of Extended-Stay Properties......................... 4 Diversifying Membership.......................... 5 Every Child Has Access............................ 6 The Chamber Classic............................... 8 New Mobile Friendly Website Launched..... 9 A Refreshing Change for TRC.................... 9 Young Entrepreneurs Academy................ 10 Leadership Longview............................. 10 Advocacy Digest.................................... 11 Ribbon Cuttings .................................... 12 New Members & Anniversaries................ 13 Calendar............................................... 14 Invest in Professional Development......... 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

2. NEW www.visitlongviewtexas.com website just launched...now Mobile ready!

3. Intensive preparation is taking place for the 2016 Chamber Centennial Celebration!

4. Just received word from the IRS the Chamber’s NEW Education Foundation has been approved!

5. Planning for a “deeper dive” on our November InterCity trip to Greenville SC is taking place!

6. Transition planning is happening to successfully and seamlessly move the CVB and Main Street operations to the City of Longview.

Continued on Page 6 September-October 2015 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

New Hotels Expand Longview’s Offering of Quality Extended-Stay Properties

Ken Cunningham

The new Sleep Inn opens in North Longview.

Longview’s newest hotel property, the Sleep Inn and Suites opened last month. The hotel is part of the Choice Hotels brand and with 67 rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, and meeting space, it provides another option for visitors needing overnight accommodations in Longview. Director of Sales Audrey Whitton says “the location is perfect for the current Longview traveler.” The hotel is conveniently located off of Loop 281 and Fourth St. at 615 City Center Way and located next to the Suburban Extended Hotel, and Copeland’s of New Orleans restaurant opening in September.

Longview’s first full service hotel property is coming soon!

Longview will soon welcome a new, four-story Hilton Garden Inn, which is under development by NewcrestImage. The hotel will have frontage on Hawkins Parkway and Fourth Street at the northwest corner of a planned extension of Fourth St. crossing Hawkins Pkwy. The property will feature 124 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, indoor pool that features a lazy river and outdoor patio. In addition, it will offer over 7,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. General Manager Bobby Dyer who is new to Longview, says “he is excited about the current progress of construction and plans for the Hilton Garden Inn to open in November of this year.” For more information and inquiries visit www. hgilongview.com.

2015 Officers 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

Local Hotel wins big at IHG Summit!

Longview’s Staybridge Suites has received multiple awards and honors this summer at the regional International Hotels Group (IHG) Summit.

There were only 5 awards and the Longview Staybridge Suites won four of these top honors including: the largest growth in RGI, the highest growth in RevPAR, number one in OSAT scores, and number one in IHG Rewards Recognition.

The Staybridge Suites Longview is an upscale extended hotel property located on Fourth St. with over 82 rooms and 600 square feet of meeting space with indoor and outdoor multiuse public areas.

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

Kara Bolster STEMCO

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company

David Hayes

Hayes RV Center

Sam Neale

AAON Coil Products Inc

Staybridge Suites Longview Team TACLA023812C

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

“We’re beyond excited to receive these awards and this recognition out of so many properties we feel super blessed,” said CJ Clayton, general manager, Staybridge Suites Longview. “To be considered for these awards less than two years after opening our doors is an amazing accomplishment for our team, and we look forward to providing our guests with the best Longview has to offer.”

Dana Parr

Copeland Insurance Group

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Builders LLC

2015 Appointed Directors Joe Bob Joyce

Longview Economic Development Corporation

Judge Becky Simpson Dr. Ron Sones

LeTourneau University

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

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2015

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Diversifying Membership

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

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Importance of diverse points of view

he Emerging Leaders Council is comprised of up and coming, dynamic young professionals that are passionate about strengthening our business community through their profession and active leadership.

The council members are proven top performers representing companies across a variety of local industries including private, public and non-profit. The Chamber recognized the need to understand the diverse points of view of its membership. With the Emerging Leaders collaboration, the organization will have a better understanding of what young professionals are facing. The council meets monthly to provide resources, discuss issues, strengths and opportunities of young professionals and how the Chamber can support and start the conversation on addressing particular areas.

The Emerging Leaders Awards promotes young leaders that represent our community.

The awards luncheon will be on Wednesday, December 2nd at Pinecrest Country Club. The Emerging Leaders Award Winners are individuals whose acts of leadership and service represent a dedication of excellence in their area of expertise beyond the scope of everyday employment.

Through commitment to their profession and community, the applicant serves as an inspiration to others in an effort to improve the quality of life in our community. The applicant must be under the age of 40 and have made an extraordinary impact through leadership service in Longview.

Application and Criteria Forms are available online. For more information contact Melissa Saunders at msaunders@longviewtx.com

Emerging Leaders Award Winners are individuals whose acts of leadership and service represent a dedication of excellence in their area of expertise beyond the scope of everyday employment.

Lisa Monsivais

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

Ryan Polk

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

Decedric Williams

Applications for the 2015 Emerging Leaders Award are now available on the Chamber’s website Application Deadline September 23, 2015 www.longviewchamber.com/events/membership/emerging-leaders/

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

Shalee Faircloth

Intern 903-237-4000 sfaircloth@longviewtx.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

September-October 2015 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Every Child Has Access

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oday schools are faced with a plethora of challenges from making sure students are fed when they are not on campus, to safety and health concerns and to kids having kids. Creating an environment for students to be successful begins by discovering, understanding and knowing their critical needs.

Based on those critical needs, it then becomes determining pathways that ensure students have the skills necessary to succeed. To solve this complex situation will require convening key stakeholders, creating strategies, leveraging resources, and activating the community. In short: a multipronged partnership.

True transformation in our education system begins with understanding and understanding comes from knowing the needs of our student population. The Chamber has created an initiative, Every Child Has Access, to bring those partnerships together in order to meet those individually identified needs.

Every Child Has Access is a collective impact project that will address the overall well being of students during non-school hours, in an effort to create a continuous environment conducive to learning and health. The process

will begin with a three-prong approach.

First, we will bring together public and private schools to identify the challenges and needs of area students by focusing on the time gap when kids are not in school: after 3:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m. during the school year as well as weekends, holidays and during the summer break.

Second, key business and community stakeholders will be identified to help develop a shared vision and action plan to address those identified needs.

Third, a quick victory project has been identified: compile and publish a master resource guide as a tool that includes all organizations offering after school programs, summer school opportunities, jobs programs, career fairs, tutoring, mentoring, etc. This tool will be provided to all public, private and home school organizations.

The initiative is not a quick-fix approach and will take dedicated time and resources to bring about completion and success. But if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well and investing the time to create a well integrated outcome.

To solve this complex situation will require convening key stakeholders, creating strategies, leveraging resources, and activating the community.

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

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2015

Continued from Page 3 7. Developing a governance document and proposal to formalize the East Texas Chamber Coalition.

8. Developing the plans and securing funds for the NEW Business Solutions Center at the Chamber.

9. Working in concert with Move Texas Forward and leading the effort to secure Chamber resolutions from across the State in support of Prop 7, a constitutional amendment to designate existing sales tax monies to meet the existing needs of our transportation infrastructure.

10. Looking forward to executing upcoming events, programs, and services (Chamber Golf Classic, State of the City, Emerging Leaders Awards Luncheon, Elected Officials Reception, business development courses and MORE!).

Refocus …We want to hear from you!

1. Call me at 903.237.4004 and let’s discuss your dreams, hopes, and VISION for Longview.

2. Go on the InterCity trip to Greenville, SC and share in the discovery and discussion of how to best embrace best practices on critical issues facing our community.

3. Provide input and participate in the planning of the Chamber’s updated strategic plan for 2016-2018.

Please know we appreciate you and your commitment in making Longview a great place to live, work, and play. Keep in mind, your Chamber is the Voice of Business! www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

JOIN US AT THE 5TH ANNUAL THINK PINK BENEFITING THE BREAST CENTER AT GOOD SHEPHERD

L U N C H E O N & FA S H I O N S H O W

TUESDAY, SEPT. 29

MAUDE COBB CONVENTION CENTER I 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. $300 TABLE OF 8 SPONSORSHIP

LUNCHEON Emceed by KLTV Anchorwoman Anissa Centers

FASHION SHOW Longview firefighters modeling the hottest fall trends from Cavenders, Dillard’s, Hurwitz, La Promenade, Morgan Abbigail, Trendy Chicks & Women’s Health Boutique

HANDBAG RAFFLE Pink Michael Kors, Antonio Melani, Gianni Bini and Kate Landry handbags are up for grabs – one has $500 hidden inside! $5/ticket or $20/five tickets

PINK T-SHIRTS, PINK HEALS FIRETRUCKS & MORE!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHY LIVING OR BY CALLING:

903.323.6511 I GSMC.ORG www.LongviewChamber.com

September-October 2015 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

State of the City Luncheon

Featuring Longview’s Mayor Dr. Andy Mack

11:30 am - 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Pinecrest Country Club 214 Club Dr. Longview, TX Call the Chamber office to make your reservation 903-237-4000 or online at www.LongviewChamber.com

Save the Date!

Business Professionals Connect at The Chamber Classic

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he Chamber’s twenty-second annual golf tournament is changing its name and moving its location. The Chamber Classic golf tournament promises once again to be a sold out success. The one-day networking event provides opportunities for business professionals who participate to leave with sales leads, business referrals and prospective clients.

The laid back, casual atmosphere at the exclusive course at Pinecrest Country Club will provide the perfect venue for players to connect with business owners and community members, to win great prizes, and to enjoy outstanding food while experiencing course exclusivity during the tournament.

The tournament is embraced by local golf enthusiasts. A fun atmosphere, relaxed awards ceremony, entertainment and players of varying abilities have kept many individuals and businesses returning year after year.

The 2014 tournament saw a hole-in-one contest won by a four-person team that was all for one and one for all!

Employment Law Seminar November 5, 2015 Pinecrest Country Club

“Surveying the Workplace Law Landscape: the Fundamentals Every Texas Employer Should Know.”

Presented by Texas Association of Business and Jackson Lewis, P.C. TAB and attorneys from the national employment law firm, Jackson Lewis P.C., will hold a workshop of interactive discussions and practical solutions addressing the latest developments in workplace law.

This unique, fast-paced workshop is geared towards HR professional, high-level management and in-house counsel.

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2015

Cliff Hale

Craig Parr

A special thank you to The Chamber Classic Cochairmen Cliff Hale, Citizens National Bank and Craig Parr, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and the many volunteers that make this golf tournament a continued success.

Platinum Sponsor is Hudson Printing & Graphic Design, Gold Sponsors are Cynergy Technology, FastSigns / Gregg Sign Company, and Solenis. Beverage Carts Sponsors are Spring Hill State Bank and R&K Distributors Sponsorships and teams sell out quickly. For information on 2015 and 2016 Sponsorships and Team Registrations contact Melissa Saunders at msaunders@longviewtx.com. www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Chamber’s New Mobile Friendly Website Launched

A Refreshing Change!

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his year’s Total Resource Campaign has refreshed its opportunities and will align with the 2016 Strategic Pillars he Longview Chamber of Commerce has launched a of The Longview Chamber of Commerce. completely redesigned website, www.longviewchamber.com.

Previously, members searched through a This mobile friendly site was unveiled early July 2015, laundry list of events and programs to find an increasing the ease in which chamber members and the opportunity that would target marketing community can stay informed on the latest chamber needs and reach a specific customer developments. base. With a renewed spirit of “Our mission is to engage in and promote projects that th have a positive impact on the Longview Trade Area. The launch excitement leading into the 100 year of the Chamber, volunteers will be of our new site is just such a project. Our new site will increase out in full force in September and our ability to serve our members,” Kelly Hall, President and October to share the multiple options CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce said. available.

One of the biggest improvements to the site was a Members will be able to choose from four targeted areas reorganization of the vast amount of information available on for promotion: Advocacy Solutions, Business Solutions, the website. Now things like blogs, news, membership info and Education Solutions, Organization Solutions searching are more accessible and organized than they were Among many new offerings, the Chamber is excited to before. announce the launch of the Partners In Education Program – a collaboration of education, non-profit and business leaders who are dedicated to enhancing the success of area students. To find out more about this program and others, please contact Leska Parker at lparker@longviewtx.com or 903-918-1546, who will put you in touch with a trained volunteer who will assist you in reaching your organization’s marketing goals!

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The Longview Chamber partnered with chamber member Advocate Digital Media on the design, implementation and management of the new site. Featuring responsive design, chamber members and the community can access the site easily on any platform – desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

“The one thing I’m really pleased with is how well the site works on all devices. So many people use their iPhone or iPad and our updated website works well on all of them,” Paul Anderson, Senior Vice President of the Longview Chamber of Commerce said.

The site also fully integrates social platforms to encourage engagement and sharing of local content and resources.

“The end result is a web site that is visually stunning, loaded with the latest features, and offers ease at updating the content,” Hall said. www.LongviewChamber.com

611 S. Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 903.758.1773 • 800.530.4888 www.hudsonprint.com September-October 2015 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

“This is MY town”

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id you know that the Young Entrepreneurs Academy has recently been featured in Next City’s online magazine as one of our nation’s programs that encourage youth to pursue entrepreneurship? Len Stevens, executive director of the Reno Chamber stated, “One of the most interesting components of the YEA program is the ‘behind the scenes’ knowledge that local business leaders are able to share with students. This experience is something students will be able to apply to any field they choose to enter, and will provide them with the necessary skills to become future leaders of their industries.”

As part of the 2015 Longview Chamber strategic plan, a priority is community development. What better way to fulfill that goal than promoting students in the area of entrepreneurism and business to enhance the quality of life in the Longview community. Programs such as “YEA” are giving these future community leaders an opportunity to forge their own financial destinies, while enjoying their passions.

As our 3rd year of “YEA” is getting ready to kick off, there is excitement in the air. The Longview Chamber is again partnering with Pine Tree ISD to host a class of young entrepreneurs, but there is also a talk of starting our 2nd program with another local ISD. The word is out on what an awesome program this is and the forecast shows it getting even better!

About the Academy The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) teaches middle and high school go-getters how to start and run their own, REAL businesses.

Founded in 2004 at the University of Rochester with support from the Kauffman Foundation, YEA! has helped more than 4,000 students nationwide launch over 3,000 businesses and social movements.

YEA! guides students through the process of fulfilling their very own American dream. By bridging the business and educational communities students are taught by trained instructors, and are exposed to guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs and mentors.

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2015

hat motto is what drives everything Leadership Longview class members and Alumni do because we truly believe that Longview belongs to and is the responsibility of all of us.

Leadership Longview strives to grow local leaders to get involved in their city and help promote the growth they want to see. The Planning Committee strives to connect our class to a new passion during their year in the program.

We spend time going behind the scenes with county, city, and industry leaders as they answer the questions “What is Longview known for? What makes us different from other East Texas cities? What direction are we growing?” Most importantly “How can I get involved?”

After spending a year getting to know new facets of Longview, participants graduate into the Leadership Longview Alumni. Our Alumni are connected to every part of this city, from non-profit boards, school boards, city boards and committees and beyond. Alumni strive to be the best representatives of leadership in Longview – willing to lend a hand, get involved and share passion to ignite that spark in others. The Alumni meet for lunch with city leaders in a relaxed environment to ask questions and give feedback. Our Alumni also have Summits to work on personal leadership skills and new tours of upcoming businesses in Longview. We will be the change we want to see in our city because it takes all of us working together for a better Longview.

Leadership Longview Class of 2015-2016 was announced in late July. A list of new class members can be seen on the Chamber’s website at: www.longviewchamber.com/business/ leadership/leadership-class/ www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Advocacy Digest

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he Chamber is working behind the scenes on behalf of the business community toward educating on current business issues and legislation, 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.

Texas Transportation Funding: Proposition 7 Proposition 7 (“Prop 7″), a constitutional amendment drafted by legislators in the 84th legislative session and authorized by SJR 5, will appear on the November 2015 statewide ballot. The amendment would authorize a new, stable source of funding for transportation in Texas, dedicated to the construction and maintenance of roads. Upon passage, Prop 7 would dedicate a portion of the general sales and use tax and the motor vehicle sales tax to the general highway fund.

The amendment would provide a significant step toward meeting the unmet funding needs for transportation projects in Texas. The ballot language for the proposition reads: “The constitutional amendment dedicating certain sales and use tax revenue and motor vehicle sales, use, and rental tax revenue to the state highway fund to provide funding for non-tolled roads and the reduction of certain transportationrelated debt.”

The Longview Chamber of Commerce took the lead role in securing support from Texas Chambers of Commerce for this proposition. As of this writing, your chamber had secured the support of 63 chambers!

Fiduciary Duty The Chamber signed on to a letter telling regulators to protect small businesses’ ability to help employees save for retirement. This was added to 175 other small businesses and organizations who want to ensure you can provide retirement benefits to your employees.

The fight is not over! These new rules will create chaos in the marketplace and disproportionately harm small businesses by limiting savings and IRA options. In advance of the second comment period in September, we invite you to join us for an update conference call next week on the DOL’s fiduciary rules and how you can weigh in.

Ozone Level Regulations In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable (BRT), and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Chamber added their support to the joint association letter in support of maintaining the existing ground-level ozone standard. Over 260 chambers of commerce www.LongviewChamber.com

and associations signed the letter, which was sent to the President and all Congressional offices.

Efforts to stop the EPA’s proposal to tighten the ozone standard are gaining traction on Capitol Hill as well. House of Representatives members sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy asking the Agency to retain the existing ozone standard. The effort was led by Congressmen Latta (OH) and Green (TX) and received the bipartisan support of 136 Members of Congress. The Agency must finalize the standard by October 1, 2015.

Senate Passage of Drive Act The Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) Coalition issued the following statement upon Senate passage of a six-year highway, transit, and highway safety bill: The business, labor, highway and public transit interests, and concerned citizens, represented by the ATM coalition applaud the United States Senators who stood together today for improved safety, greater economic competitiveness and growth, increased jobs – reductions in red tape – all possible through greater investment in America’s highway and transit systems.

We particularly applaud the fact that the DRIVE Act, Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy, was the product of bipartisan collaboration. We also commend Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Environment and Public Works (EPW) Chairman James Inhofe, and EPW Ranking Member Barbara Boxer for steering the DRIVE Act to its conclusion in the Senate.

It is now time for the House to hit the gas in development of its bill and revenue options. The October 29 finish line will be here before we know it and American consumers and businesses – as well as states across the nation – have been in need of better infrastructure for years.

Your chamber of commerce reached out to elected officials urging them to support this legislation.

Elected Officials Reception – October 27, 2015 This year’s Elected Officials Reception will be held October 27, 2015, at Pinecrest Country Club. The Longview Chamber of Commerce’s Free Enterprise Award will be presented to Texas Senator Kevin Eltife.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce works closely with job creators to advocate for pro-growth, and pro-business regulations and policies to help ensure economic prosperity for our region.

September-October 2015 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Ribbon Cuttings Colony Park Apartment Homes 502 Scenic Drive, Longview

Expectant Heart Pregnancy Resource Center 515 N Court Street, Longview

HillKrest Designs and HK Inspections 3 Iris Circle, Longview

Longview Transit

908 East Pacific Avenue, Longview

MODA me Boutique

2002 Judson Road Suite 107, Longview

Operator Training & Inspection Services 1604 East Broadway Avenue, Gladewater

Tap Snap

1613 Cimmaron Trail, Tyler

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Longview Progress Report | September-October 2015

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

New Members Bake Cupcakes & Sweet Treats

Jobs at Able LLC

Kathy Johnson 1111 Evergreen Street Longview TX 75604 (903) 295-1212

Warren Lemons P O Box 86 Judson TX 75660 (903) 759-4299

Chillum Grill & More

Sleep Inn & Suites

Zareen Sami 330 Hawkins Parkway Longview TX 75605 (903) 663-3750

Audrey Whitten 615 City Center Way Longview TX 75605 (903) 212-6520

Colony Park Apartment Homes

Thrifty Nickel of Longview, LLC

Pate Greening 707 N Green Street Longview TX 75601 (903) 759-3395

Stephanie Jongsma 100 W Hawkins Parkway Ste. C Longview TX 75605 (903) 758-6900

Copeland’s of New Orleans

Wallis Dermatology Associates, PLLC

HK Inspections

Young Professionals of Longview

Salena Willis 3213 N Fourth Street Longview TX 75605 (903) 431-4669

Tamron Thompson 1111 N Sixth Street Longview TX 75605 (903) 236-3266

Jeff Kresta 3 Iris Circle Longview TX 75601 (903) 553-9607

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Melanie Crocker PO Box 4142 Longview TX 75606 (903) 736-8207

Anniversaries - September & October Years

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The Brown Duck Convergys Cooner & Cooner P C East Texas Acoustical Inc Ken Martin Audiology Landbridge Commercial Properties Liberty Tax Service Morgan Stanley Wealth Management - The James Group Oleum Operating Co, LC Skeeter Products Inc Suburban Extended Stay Hotel Toledo Gas Gathering, LLC Years

CenturyLink State Farm Insurance - Rob Bassett

15 20

Years

Longview Christian Fellowship Years

www.LongviewChamber.com

Sabine Pipe Inc

25

30 35

Years

Cotton Patch Cafe Gans & Smith Insurance Agency Inc Mark E Dulweber PC Midco Sling Of East Texas

Years

A #1 Trophies & Plaques Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau Spring Hill ISD Years

Kirby Chemical and Restaurant Supply Skinner’s Grocery & Market

40 50 60

Years

The Ward Agency

Years

Machin & Associates Inc

Years

Gillespie Coatings Inc Horaney’s Inc Louis Morgan Drug #1 September-October 2015 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

CHAMBER CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

3 t

2

Total Resource Campaign (TRC) Kick-Off Executive Board Meeting

7:30 am – 9:00 am

u

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

i

Ambassador Meeting

s

Emerging Leaders Council

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

d l

T

Business After Hours

Homewood Suites - 205 N. Spur 63 4:45 pm – 6:30 pm

The Chamber Classic Golf Tournament Pinecrest Country Club

Discover Longview Tour

Maude Cobb Convention Center 8:30 am – 2:30 PM

Business Development 8 Providing WOW Customer Service 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Executive Board Meeting p 7:30 am – 8:30 am

Emerging Leaders Council p 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Leadership Longview Committee s

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

TRC Victory Party s

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Member2Member d 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Board of Directors Meeting d 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Blues & BBQ k Elected Officials Reception

Pinecrest Country Club 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Invest in Professional Development

wo half-day courses will be offered this fall to support and educate employees. Both courses will be presented by Core Insights, a company that combines expertise and best practices to help redirect your future.

On October 8th the Business Development Series will present Providing WOW Customer Service a course that will teach professionals what customers expect and how to meet those expectations, common reasons why customers are dissatisfied, five customer service must-do’s and specific actions your business should take immediately to provide

“WOW!” customer service.

On November 4th the Women’s Leadership Series will present Communicating Up, Down and Across your Organizations. This course will teach how to identify the real purpose of your communication, understand nuances that may impact the effectiveness of your communication and how to listen more effectively.

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

Chairman’s Club Platinum

Gold

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Silver ABC Auto Parts AEP Atmos Energy Austin Bank BancorpSouth Chase Bank City of Longview Community Bank Convergys Diagnostic Clinic

Longview Progress Report | September-October 2015

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.

Not just equipment sales.

Complete Business Systems, at it’s core, is a streamlined organization of “specialists” whose mission is to make your business or institution run as smooth, and efficient as possible through various technology solutions. From electronic document management, to copier and printer selection and service, to managed print services, to even network design, installation and support, our goal is to improve workflow and build profits back into your bottom line with proven cost saving strategies.

How efficient is your business printing system?

Organizations routinely spend 1% to 3% of their annual revenue on office printing. Our managed print services program is one way we can help you measure, manage, and reduce your office printing costs. Call today for a free evaluation of your business printing efficiency.

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

Jay Knight President

AUTHORIZED DEALER

W W W. C B S - D I G I TA L . C O M 1 0 2 N . S P U R 6 3 • L O N G V I E W, T X (903) 323-7600

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