March/April 2012 Vol. 6 Issue 2
Don’t Miss…
Chamber of Commerce % Convention and Visitors Bureau % Downtown Development
Count the Fames Hometown Heroes, p. 4
Also in this issue…
Chamber to Recognize Excellence in Small Business and Leadership Longview Graduates
GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH CHAMBER ED PROGRAMS
3
COUNT THE FAMES
4
ALLEYFEST CHANGES DATES
5
VISITING THE VISITORS CENTER
6
T
he Longview Chamber of Commerce will recognize outstanding chamber
Nomination forms will be available online March 1 at www.longviewchamber.com.
member businesses at the annual Small Business Luncheon as well as the 30th May 1 at Maude Cobb Activity Center. The
2012 DATES SET FOR HOSPITALITY TRAINING
Leadership Longview graduation set for
7
luncheon will be the premier kick off event for the 2012 Business Expo.
GET CONNECTED AT BUSINESS EXPO
10
THE BUZZ ON RESTAURANTS
11
CVB ON THE MOVE
12
Beginning March 1, chamber members will have the opportunity to nominate businesses in the categories of Small Business of the Year, Minority Business of
LL ALUMNI GEAR UP FOR
the Year, Family-Owned Business of the
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
13
Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.
FEATURED AMBASSADORS
14
Departments RIBBON-CUTTINGS
8
ANNIVERSARIES
9
NEW MEMBERS
9
CALENDAR
15
Longview Progress Report is published by:
410 N. Center Street / Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 / www.longviewtx.com
The Ward Agency was recognized as the 2011 Family-Owned Business of the Year.
Congratulations to the 2011-12 Leadership Longview class: • Keri Bradley East Texas Baptist University • Chelsea Cace Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steakhouse • Lori Danielson Coffee News of East Texas/Junior League • Susan Denby Longview Regional Medical Center • Rick Evans - City of Longview • Jonathan Foy - Community Healthcore • Blake Gore - City of Longview • Lora Hammond - Austin Bank • Michelle Heflin - Buckner Children & Family Services of Northeast Texas • Lauren Henson - STEMCO/Junior League • Cami Hinson - BancorpSouth
• Kyle Kinler - Eastman Chemical • Julie Krc - Longview Regional Medical Center • Carol Lee - Spring Hill State Bank • David Marler - Eastman Chemical • Kyla McCormack - Network IP • Terry Miller - City of Longview • Jerry Newman MidSouth Fabrication and Coating • Dawnelle Priddy-Sigmon Hugman Architecture & Construction • Janet Scott - Neiman Marcus • Deena Shelton - East Texas CASA • Kyle Stephens - Hayes Engineering, Inc. • Tracy Vincent - Network Communications • Christa Watson - Hiway 80 Rescue Mission • Dr. Bob Wharton - LeTourneau University
Join us May 1 at Maude Cobb Activity Center to celebrate
2 March/April
www.longviewtx.com
From the President
C
Unemployment Insurance and Drugs ongress is considering federal
legislation to extend Unemployment
Insurance (UI) benefits and an agreement
must be made by the end of February when the newest extension expires. The
legislation sits in a Senate Conference
Committee and includes provisions that
allow states to drug test UI recipients. This
same language was included in a House bill in December that failed.
The use of illegal drugs, or even the misuse
of prescription drugs, directly affects
employment. Drug testing programs in the private sector have been shown to improve absenteeism rates, reduce accident rates,
and improve employee productivity as well as employee turnover.
States are not allowed the option to adopt
legislation that may require unemployment insurance recipients to take a drug test to qualify for benefits. The unemployment insurance system is meant to provide
benefits to those who have lost their jobs
through no fault of their own and who are available to work. If a recipient tests positive for drugs then he or she is technically not available to work.
Tell your legislator to keep this language
in the final bill. Employers should not foot the bill for those who intentionally use available to work.
— Source: Texas Association of Business
Richard Andrews
Richard Andrews Consulting
David McWhorter
Gans & Smith Insurance Company
Dianne Swank
Suzanne Cook & Company
Brad Tidwell
Citizens National Bank
Tim Vaughn
TVaughn Builders, LLC
Kelly Hall
Jill Berney
Longview Regional Medical Center
Pat Britton
Cathy Cace
Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steak House
Thursday, April 12 2012 Social Customer Service Is your company monitoring complaints on Twitter, Facebook, and blogs? We know all the social networking communities you need to be listening to and participating in and we can show you exactly how to do it.
Sponsored by:
Anne Hugman
Hugman Architecture & Constructions, Inc.
Eastman Chemical Company
Grow Your Business at Chamber’s Education Programs Thursday, March 16, 2012 Becoming a Customer Service Rockstar – How to Stand Out and Move Ahead Discover 20 concrete ways for your employees to make emotional connections with your customers. From the memorable “Be Gumby” technique to the “Man in the Desert” analogy to ideas from Disney, Starbucks, Zappos and Apple, your employees will walk away with realistic ideas for improving the customer experience and the inspiration to truly commit to WOWing your customers at every point.
Dr. Dale Lunsford
LeTourneau University
Longview Chamber of Commerce
illegal drugs, and therefore are not
Register Today!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Darwin Winfield Atmos Energy
Jeremy DuMond
U.S. Steel Tubular Products
John Ray
Lively Cadillac GMC
Shelby Snell
Oleum Operating Company
Dave Spurrier
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
APPOINTED DIRECTORS Suzanne Cook
Suzanne Cook & Company
Keith Honey
Voting Member – LEDCO
Also Note: March 23: Facebook Friday Crash Course April 18 – Twitter
For more information and registration go to www.longviewchamber.com. Sponsored by: Longview Economic Development Corporation www.longviewtx.com
Brett Lindig
SYSCO Food Services, LLC
Mayor Jay Dean City of Longview
Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County
The Longview Progress Report 3
Strengthening a Strong Economy
STAFF Kelly Hall President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com
Count the Fames “We decided to stop at 40,” said Kelly
of Dr. Bill Bussey, Chris Davis, Bobby Taylor,
Hall, president and CEO of the Longview
Jose Francisco Torres, Ben Spies, R.G.
Chamber of Commerce. “Actually when
LeTourneau, Robert Newhouse and Matthew
we did the research, we were amazed at
McConaughey. Twenty eight others are
Elaine Reynolds VP Downtown Development 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com
how many famous and accomplished
listed on two panels to the side of the mural.
Kelly Hall was talking about the
Town Faces wall and Visitors Center
Leska Parker Chief Operating Officer 903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewtx.com
Chamber’s new Home Town Faces wall
anytime during regular business hours.
Mary Whitton
Visitors Center (see accompanying article)
Paul Anderson Sr. Vice President 903-237-4041 lcvb@longviewtx.com
Community Development Director
people were born or raised in Longview.”
that was installed mid February. It is intended to be part of the new welcoming people into the redesigned area
903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com
for information on Longview, the East
Mitzi Barnes Convention Sales & Services Coordinator Executive Director East Texas Outdoor EXPO 903-753-3281 projects@longviewtx.com
attractive display just inside the entrance
Missy Saunders Promotions and Events Manager 903-237-4023 promotions@longviewtx.com
Texas region and the State of Texas. The informs anyone looking at it that some well known celebrities call Longview home or at least where they got their start in life. Backed by an attractive mural, there are four large shields featuring Forrest Whittaker, Karen Silkwood, Neal McCoy and Rodney Carrington. Four smaller panels
Diana Northcutt above the shields tell the accomplishments Community Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com Lisa Null Membership Services Clerk 903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com Kim Droege Executive Director Keep Longview Beautiful 903-212-4552 klb@longviewtx.com Margie Harris Tourism Services Manager 903-753-3281 info@longviewtx.com Carrie Fisher Director of First Impressions 903-237-4000 info1@longviewtx.com Katie Reynolds Special Events Assistant 903-753-3281 Ext 215 assistant@longviewtx.com
4 March/April
www.longviewtx.com
You can view the Chamber’s new Home
Promoting the Community
AlleyFest Gets Out of the Heat
A
nnouncing… AlleyFest - A Real East Texas Celebration of the Arts taking place on the streets of Downtown Longview’s historic Main Street district beginning May 11 through 13. Come celebrate with your Mom! Prepare yourself for a weekend of live music with Music Fest Friday and Saturday evening and during the day on a second stage Saturday and Sunday. Art demonstrations, kids’ activities, and of course exhibits filled with all types of art work from pottery, jewelry, paintings to metal work. Alley Art features the best artisans and crafters that can be found. Kids Fest on Saturday and Sunday is packed with activities, performances, and exhibits, many educational and a lot of fun. Alley Run on Saturday presents a 1 mile, 5k and 10k
certified course. We had more than 600 runners last year! Moving the date from the first weekend of June was not taken lightly by the Event staff. For the last four years we’ve experienced hotter than normal weather and it greatly impacted our daytime attendance. Combine that with the sluggish economy since 2008 and exhibitors found it very challenging to move their products and services. During your visit to AlleyFest, Food Fest offers a variety of food and beverages. Admission is $10 Friday, Saturday is free until 5 pm; admission after 5 pm is $10 and Sunday is free for everyone. Children 12 and under are admitted free. A detailed schedule of events is being updated weekly, www.alleyfest.org. Also, be sure and Like us on Facebook!
! It’s only natural!
works
East Texas’ Best Since 1959
903-758-1773 • 800-530-4888 • www.hudsonprint.com
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 5
Promoting the Community
Visiting the Visitors Center
I
t took some creative thinking and a good deal of initiative to bring about an honest to goodness Visitors Center in Longview. Housed in the Longview Chamber of Commerce building at 410 N. Center Street, the Visitors Center is the result of collaboration between several Chamber staff and area businesses. Paul Anderson, Senior Vice President of the Longview Chamber of Commerce remembers when this long sought need started to become a reality. “Margie Harris, our Tourism Services Manager came back from an professional training conference and with the idea of making use of space we already have to create an area for visitors. A TV Monitor continuously displays upcoming events, news, videos on Longview and the time and weather. A computer station is included for visitors to look
6 March/April
up more information on the Internet or even check their web-based email if they need to. Three large racks display information from the immediate Longview area, the surrounding East Texas region and Texas travel information. There is a pictorial history of Longview in the south hall. And last but not least in any way Visitors are welcomed into the center by the new Home Town Faces wall. (see accompanying article). According to Anderson, the next step will be finding a way to have the center open on Saturdays. The Department of Transportation requires a visitors center to be open on the weekend before they will install road signs directing travelers to the visitor Center. “That’s coming, it’s just a matter of working out the details,” Anderson said.
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
Dates for the 2012 Hospitality Training Have Been Set
M
ark your calendar now for the Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training Sessions for 2012 sponsored by The Longview Economic Development Corporation. The sessions set for March 9, May 24 and October 12 include a tour of our local attractions on a luxury motor coach. Experience first-hand the art of winemaking at Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery, or get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the S. E. Belcher, Jr. Performance Center. This Hospitality Training is sure to make you appreciate all the interesting and exciting things there are to do in our city while learning some important tips to insure that our visitors have a wonderful time here and recommend our city to others.
The Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training is offered to all participants for free. It begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Maude Cobb Activity Center and concludes at 2:30 p.m. with a graduation ceremony. You will be treated to a free lunch during the tour. We’re equipping our customer service and hospitality workers with the most current information about our city and regional attractions, and showing them how to serve it up with a smile. Please encourage your staff to attend this training. A well-trained staff and happy customers mean more business and increased profits. For more information or to sign up, please call the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau at 903-753-3281 or email us at info@longviewtx.com.
Downtown LIVE! Explodes Friday, March 23
D
owntown LIVE! will launch Friday, March 23rd at Heritage Plaza. It will feature East Texas’ finest
McElhany, Clark Langley, Mark Wynn and David Stopani. Downtown LIVE! will continue for three weeks: March 30, April 13, and April 20. Please check our Facebook
musicians, refreshments and Downtown Market. The Darby Warren Project will kick off the inaugural Downtown LIVE! event on March 23 at 5 pm. The Darby Warren Project is an old-style group with a stand-up bass that produces a unique sound, blending 50s rockabilly, with a little 40s blues, and a twist of the 60s. Their music is all original by Darby Warren and bandmates David
page for the latest information. Downtown LIVE! is an evolution of the existing Music on the Plaza Concert Series that started in 2005 at noon in Heritage Plaza. Downtown LIVE! is the latest project produced by the One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street designed at improving the quality of life in downtown Longview.
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 7
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
American HomePatient
FISH CITY GRILL
American Home Patient is located at 2920 Tuttle Road. Call 903.663.3020.
Fish City Grill is located at 3084 N. Eastman Road. Call 903.212.3070.
Cheddar’s Casual Café
Service First Mortgage
Cheddar’s Casual Café is located at 3074 N. Eastman Road. Call 903.663.6660.
Service First Mortgage is located at 1300 Hollybrook Drive. Call 903.247.0803.
8 March/April
Texas Classic Productions Texas Classic Productions is located at 2107 Courthouse Drive, Ste. 106. Call 903.297.5081
SWEET TREATS & GIFTS
Jim King Photography
Sweet Treats & Gifts is located at 409 W. Loop 281, Ste. 102. Call 903.399.5397.
Jim King Photography is located at 100 Tall Pines Ave., Ste. 4. Call 903.757.7427.
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
Anniversaries March ‘12 - 1 YEAR
Thacker/Davis Architects, Inc.
April ‘12 - 1 YEAR
Aerotek, Inc.
Westlake Chemical Corporation
Longview Community Magazine
Wingstop Restaurant
BNI Dynamic Referrals Chick-fil-A Southern Home Builders – Lost Creek Office Leasing Stone Bridge Heating & Air Conditioning Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #987
Longview Vault, LLC Marco Inspection Services, LLC
March ‘12 - 15 YEARS
Prudential Preferred Properties-
Partners in Prevention
Dottie Miles Prudential Preferred Properties –
March ‘12 - 20 YEARS
April ‘12 - 5 YEARS
Gregory Cuke
Community Healthcore
March ‘12 - 25 YEARS
Divine Care Home Nursing Hometown Hardware Richard Lazarus
Clairmont Longview
April ‘12 - 10 YEARS
R. Lacy Services, LTD
Edward Jones – Randy Brint
STS Electronic Recycling, Inc. Terminix
March ‘12 - 5 YEARS Cash Now #2 Greater Longview Area Apartment
March ‘12 - 40 YEARS
Association
R & K Distributors, Inc.
April ‘12 - 25 YEARS KFXK FOX51/KETK NBC 56
Longview City Council
April ‘12 - 35 YEARS
Longview ISD School Board
March ‘12 - 45 YEARS
Spring ISD School Board
Baxter Sales
ABC Printing
April ‘12 - 45 YEARS
Pine Tree ISD School Board
A-1 Party Rentals
Surplus Warehouse
New Members American Red Cross East Texas Piney Woods Tammy Prater 1604 E State Highway 31 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 753-2091 Bethany Home Health Services Delphine Andrews 103 W. Loop 281 Ste. 440 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 553-0056 Julia Chapman 146 North Pelican Gilmer, TX 75645 (903)
Cheddar’s Casual Café Chelsee Dorgan 2074 N Eastman Road Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-6660
Fresh Dental Dr. Sang Tran 3052 N. Eastman Road Ste. 108 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-6900
Security Finance Abraham Requena 106-B E. South Street Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-6413
Dallas Plastics Wayne Mashe 900 Jordan Valley Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 291-0960
Gene Gallien 303 W. Loop 281 Ste. 110 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 452-8392
Silverleaf Resorts Gabriel Sauceda 5201 W. Broadway Ste. 190 Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 220-0089
ESA Consulting, LLC Karen Ritch 1201 W Loop 281 Ste. 600 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 234-0404 Eugene M. Forsythe P.O. Box 411 Waskom, TX 75692 (713) 515-3202
IN Magazine Shannon Dorsey 410 W. Erwin Street Tyler, TX 75702 (903) 596-6369
WPC Services, LLC Rick Williams 5810 W. Marshall Longview, TX 75604 (903) 686-0597
Maximize Social Media Jean Gibbs P.O. Box 3683 Longview, TX 75606 (703) 969-5413 www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 9
Strengthening Our Local Economy
A Positive Opportunity
E
leven buildings in downtown Longview have received financial assistance for renovation because of the Longview Main Street’s Façade Improvement Grant Program. Matching funds provided by the City of Longview through its Community Development Block Grant helps building owners find a way to cut costs of facade restoration and increase the value of their property in the Main Street District. Grant fund for 2012 are available now in amounts of $10,000 to $20,000. The CDBG funds are from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grants are administered through the Longview Main Street Program
“The grants help local building owners in Downtown Longview to close the gap in financing important and urgent projects. You can see the projects all over downtown. It’s helping to make Downtown Longview a great place to have a business, to eat, or shop for quality gifts and home furnishings,” said Paul Anderson Sr. Vice President of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Application can be made by the owner or by a building tenant on behalf of the owner and with the owner’s full knowledge and permission. Longview Main Street invites those interested to contact Missy Saunders at 903-237-4023 or Elaine Reynolds at 903-237-4040. An initial meeting is required in order to receive an application packet.
Connect at Business EXPO
D
oes your company want to save money on products or services? Would it be easier to work with a local business to get the customer service your company needs? Do you need affordable hands-on training? If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 1, and plan to attend the Longview Chamber of Commerce Business Expo! Business Expo is your chance to connect with over 60 companies in one location to get the products and services your company needs! This is Longview’s ONLY comprehensive Business to Business event during the year. Vendors will be exhibiting everything from software systems to insurance products that will help you cut cost and better service your customers. There will be live product demonstrations and qualified representatives onsite to help you work smarter, not harder! Low-cost business development sessions will also be presented during Business Expo. This is an opportunity for you and your employees to receive quality education without traveling out of town and incurring additional costs. Already scheduled are a Marketing Class with Trey Finley of ActionCoach and a Leadership Class with Steve Turner of AGI Consulting. Both sessions promise to be extremely beneficial, and more sessions are currently being finalized. 10 March/April
Business Expo kicks off at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Maude Cobb Convention Center. This year’s event is presented by the Longview Economic Development Corporation and sponsored in part by Computerland of East Texas, Good Shepherd Medical Center and UnitedHealthcare. Admission to the show is free and open to the public until 5 p.m. However, Chamber members are given exclusive access during Business After Hours, which begins at 4:45 pm and will conclude at 6:30 pm. For a full listing of events, times, and costs, please visit www.longviewchamber.com.
www.longviewtx.com
Strengthening our Local Economy
The BUZZ on Retail Development EMPLOYMENT RATES DRIVE RESTAURANT GROWTH The Texas restaurant industry is projected to lead the country in sales growth in 2012 according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Texas is projected to see sales of $38.4 billion and Diana Northcutt restaurants in Texas Community will employ 1,017,500 Development Texans. Coordinator Locally we have already seen changes. In 2011, nine restaurants opened in Longview. They range from locally inspired restaurants like Brother’s Sandwiches to national chains like Panda Express. Restaurant growth can also be linked to the employment rate. The higher the employment rate is the
higher the demand for restaurants will be. Recently Longview has moved up in the ranks of Best-Performing cities to 9th in the 2011 Smallest Metros division, up from 15th in 2010. The Milken Institute BestPerforming Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. Be on the lookout for additional restaurants to pop up around Longview. Currently there are two restaurants scheduled to open by Summer 2012.
Are you interested in starting your own business? Need new marketing ideas? Check out our Tools For Businesses link on our home page.
Follow us on: Facebook
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING … Twitter
To feature a story in The Buzz, contact: Diana Northcutt Balance Diet “Business After Hours has given us a great networking opportunity to mix and mingle with other business owners and a fun way to generate sales leads!” - Lisa Noble, Owner
Knowledge Nook - The Toy Place “I’m glad the Chamber offers business education programming to help me be a better store manager.” - Nick Rogers, Store Manager.
www.longviewtx.com
Community Development Coordinator Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N. Center St. Longview, TX 75601 Tel: 903-237-4029 development@ longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 11
Promoting the Community
The Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau is On the Move
M
argie Harris with the Longview Chamber of Commerce CVB and Cindy Smith with Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center attended the Southwest Showcase January 26 in Austin, Texas. Southwest Showcase is the premier event for those involved in meetings, education and exhibits. The event is designed for CEOs, meeting planners, education directors, exhibition managers and other support staff from associations, government entities and corporations. It provides them with the opportunity to receive professional development and meet Longview Wine Garden with suppliers who can address their meeting and event needs in one day, at one place. Attendees have the opportunity to attend targeted education sessions in the morning. In the afternoon, the 175 booth trade show and market gives professional the opportunity to network and conduct business on meetings of all kinds. Longview’s booth was a hit as they highlighted the surrounding East Texas wine industry. “This is the one show where we get to meet face to face with the decision maker about where they plan to hold
their meetings. I think it will help bring more meetings and conventions here, because they realize there are some really great entertainment opportunities with the wineries,” said Margie Harris. Longview Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau joined four other cities to promote tourism in the northeast part of Texas at the Katy Home and Garden Show in Katy Texas. The show was held January 28 & 29. The effort was organized by the North East Texas Tourism Council as a co-op project among its member cities. Margie Harris, Tourism Services Manager for the Longview Chamber of Commerce CVB, represented Longview at the show. “At these consumer and travel shows we visit with those that come to the show and provide a packet of information with brochures from participating cities as well as the NETTC Visitor’s Map and the 2012 Regional Visitor and Events Guide we just released,” said Harris. The Longview CVB will be attending another similar type show in Fort Worth February 24 -26 promoting Longview tourism.
Grand Prize Winners Experience Longview through Geocaching Suites by Hilton for two nights, two he Grand Prize for the Uniquely AlleyFest VIP Hospitality Passes good for Longview Geocache Hunt has been admission all weekend, two Great Texas claimed! Congratulations to Ennis and Balloon Race VIP Sponsor Passes good for Sue Dyess who posted this comment on admission all weekend, dinner for two www.geocaching.com about their and a bottle of wine from Enoch’s Stomp experience. “FTF (first to find) @ 9:20am on Vineyard and Winery. Monday, January 23. Really fun series. #5 Margie Harris (left), Tourism However, the hunt is not over yet! We nearly snookered us. Took 3 trips with 1 Services Manager with the Longview CVB, presents the grand prize in the still have special commemorative coins for 1/2 hrs on the last trip. Left some swag at this really neat site. Thanks for the series.” Uniquely Longview Geocache Hunt geocachers who locate all of the Uniquely to winners Ennis and Sue Dyess. Longview Geocaches. So keep looking and Mr. & Mrs. Dyess have won an alllet us know what you think about your experience. expense paid Staycation in Longview which includes Deluxe overnight accommodations at the Homewood
T
12 March/April
www.longviewtx.com
Developing Community Leaders
Leadership Longview Alumni Network Gears Up for Membership Drive
A
re you a graduate of the Leadership Longview program? Are you a member of the Alumni Network? The annual Leadership Longview Alumni Network membership drive will run from March 1 through April 30. Alumni opportunities include: • A series of events to connect Leadership Longview Alumni • Leadership training and community education • Community Involvement
want to further invest their time and talents, enriching their own lives and their surrounding community. To learn more about the LL Alumni Network log on to www.longviewchamber.com/leadershiplongview. Upcoming Events: May 1 – Small Business Luncheon and Leadership Longview Graduation May 4 – Leadercast at Mobberly Baptist Church
LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW ALUMNI ADVANCING COMMUNITIES
We invite you to be a part of a group that will build upon your acquired leadership skills by providing you with intensive training and community engagement, and reconnecting you with other aspiring leaders in your community. Leadership Longview Alumni Group offers a $75 annual membership to graduates of Leadership Longview who
2012 Leadership Longview Alumni Sponsor
Meet Our New Staff Members Missy Saunders
Katie Reynolds
MAIN STREET MANAGER PROMOTIONS AND EVENT MANAGER
SPECIAL EVENTS ASSISTANT
Before joining the Chamber staff, Missy Tucker Saunders managed Victoria's Secret where she was rated among the top 2 percent of managers nationally. "I am excited about joining a team of such passionate, dedicated people who truly have the best interest in the One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street. I look forward to being a part of improving the quality of life in Downtown Longview," Saunders said. She is a graduate from Pine Tree High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from LeTourneau University.
Katie Reynolds joins the Longview Chamber of Commerce staff to provide support to the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Katie was born in Fayetteville, Ark., and moved to Longview at 2 years old. She is a graduate of Longview High School and is currently attending Kilgore College. Katie enjoys playing the piano, volunteering at her church and spending time with family and friends. “I really enjoy meeting the many leaders in the business community and assisting them to discover ways that the chamber can be an effective business resource to their companies.”
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 13
Developing Community Leaders
Chamber Names Ambassadors of the Month Name: Cynthia Bell Employer: RK Productions, Advertising Position: Marketing and Advertising How long have you been an Ambassador? over 6 years What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? I enjoy meeting business owners and learning about the products and services they bring to the community. I enjoy networking with other business professionals.
14 March/April
Cynthia Bell
How has being an Ambassador helped your business? It is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the community and help new and established businesses grow and prosper.
Name: Anne Rush Employer: East Texas Review Position: Community Relations How long have you been an Ambassador? 3 years What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? Meeting people, giving to my community and helping others. How has being an Ambassador helped your business? Meeting business owners who need to advertise and making introductions to others who have stories to share.
www.longviewtx.com
Anne Rush
CALENDAR March 8 4:00 p.m.
One Hundred Acres of Heritage — Main Street Team Meeting
9
8:30 a.m.
Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training
14
11:30 a.m.
Leadership Longview Committee Meeting
15
11:30 a.m.
Business Development Series: Becoming a Customer Rock Star – How to Stand Out and Move Ahead
19
3:30 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting
20
4:45 p.m.
Business After Hours - sponsored by The Clairmont
22
11:30 a.m.
Member2Member at Chamber Office
4:00 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting
11:30 a.m.
Technology Series: Facebook Friday Crash Course
5:00 p.m.
Downtown Live!
28
Noon
One Hundred Acres of Heritage Advisory Board
30
5:00 p.m.
Downtown Live!
23
April 4 8:30 a.m.
Women’s Leadership Series: Business Etiquette
11
11:30 a.m.
Leadership Longview Committee Meeting
12
11:30 a.m.
Business Development Series: Social Customer Service — Best practices for listening and engaging your Customers
4:00 p.m.
One Hundred Acres of Heritage — Main Street Team Meeting
13
5:00 p.m.
Downtown Live!
16
3:30 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting
17
4:45 p.m.
Business After Hours - sponsored by Complete Business Systems
18
11:30 a.m.
Technology Series: Twitter
4:00 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting
20
5:00 p.m.
Downtown Live!
26
11:30 a.m.
Member2Member at Chamber Office www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 15
410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 www.longviewtx.com
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 82 LONGVIEW, TX