May/June 2011 Vol. 5 Issue 3
Don’t Miss…
Salute to Healthcare Awards, p. 5
Chamber of Commerce J Convention and Visitors Bureau J Downtown Development
Also in this issue… LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 3 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES TRAINING
4
SALUTE TO HEALTHCARE
5
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL TRIBUTE TRILOGY TO PLAY ALLEYFEST 6 KLB WINS GOVERNOR’S COMMUNITY AWARD
7
CVB MAKES NEW AMBASSADORS FOR OUR CITY
9
LL INTRODUCES NEW LOGO, MARKETING CAMPAIGN
12
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT HELPS DOWNTOWN 13
Departments RIBBON-CUTTINGS
8
ANNIVERSARIES
10
NEW MEMBERS
11
CALENDAR
15
Longview Progress Report is published by:
410 N. Center Street / Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 / www.longviewtx.com
T
East Texas Coalition Represents Region in Austin
he Longview Chamber of Commerce recently loaded up a bus and traveled to Austin for the bi-annual Legislative Days trip. The trip was renamed to the East Texas Coalition and our usual 45 delegates ballooned to 150. That’s because the Kilgore, Longview, and Tyler chambers, along with representatives from Gladewater, decided this year we would combine our efforts and head to Austin as one large delegation. So, on February 28th our state Capitol got a big taste of East Texas. The delegates came together to find out first-hand the latest legislative news affecting businesses here in East Texas. Each delegate had the opportunity to talk one on one with our Representatives and State Senators about key issues as the state budget shortfall, education, and transportation. The one of a kind advocacy event was such a success each chamber has committed to combining efforts again in the 2013 legislative session. The 2013 East Texas Coalition trip to Austin will include more networking, more delegates, and more opportunities to talk with our state elected
officials. In fact, the Austin trip had such an impact on our communities and elected officials, that all three chambers are also considering expanding the coalition to include a trip to Washington, D.C. in 2012. Watch for more information in the coming months. Just another way The Longview Chamber of Commerce is working on your behalf.
2 May/June
www.longviewtx.com
From the President
Chamber Launches a New Online Tool Kit to Help Businesses Succeed
T
he Longview Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a new FREE resource, “TOOLS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS” website, which was designed to help existing businesses and individuals thinking Kelly Hall about forming their Chamber President own business. What can you find in the Tools for Business section of The Longview Chamber’s website, www.longviewchamber.com?
• Business Formation Information & Assistance- Learn about various business legal structures, get information on what type may be best for them, and then be led step by step through the formation process with links to all the state and federal forms and reporting requirements. • Sources for Support and Free Counseling • Local, Regional, State and Federal Business Loan and Funding Programs all in one place • Business Certifications to compete for new government contracts • Federal & State Contracts open for bid • How to Go Green • Disaster Planning and Recovery Assistance • International Trade and Going Global • A Cash Flow Calculator and other tools • Training programs for owners and employees • A New Hire E-mail and Employer’s Kit that can save hours of time • Marketing and Selling Resources • Buying Locally Our Tools for Business Success site will be continually updated with information to help businesses be successful. The site provides industry-specific resources for: Tourism/Hospitality, Retail, Wood
Industry, Agriculture, Manufacturers, Art in Business, Veterans, Fishing Industry, and Arts and MORE. Why did the Chamber decide to invest in such a site? We are continually asked the following questions and our new “Tools for Business Success” is one of the best solutions we’ve seen.
Q: Does the Chamber have Business
Resource information? A: YES. The Longview Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing your business with the BEST resources available to be successful. Our new Tools for Business Success is the perfect resource for existing and prospective new businesses. To receive your toolkit go to www.longviewchamber.com and click on our succes$ bu$iness icon.
Q: Do you have information on How to
Start a Business? A: YES. Current Business Formation and Employer’s Kits are provided FREE through our website. Our site will has all the forms and instructions on how to create a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC
Q: Does this service cost? A: NO. The Longview Chamber’s “Tools for Business Success” is FREE to all web browsers. Updates to the site are made on a regular basis as laws and information change that may impact your business.
Q: Is the information available in
Spanish? A: YES. This is a unique bonus that provides an unprecedented level of support to our Hispanic business owners and potential entrepreneurs in Longview. Visit www.longviewchamber.com today and click on the success$ bu$iness icon. It will be able to answer your questions about operating a business! www.longviewtx.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Richard Andrews
LEDCO Past Chairman
Edward Banos Good Shepherd Health System
Shane Best
Texas Bank & Trust
Cathy Cace
Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steak House
Jon Cox
STEMCO
Keith Honey
AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
Anne Hugman
Hugman Architecture & Construction
Jim Kendrick
Longview Regional Medical Center
Dr. Dale Lunsford
LeTourneau University
David McWhorter
Gans & Smith Insurance Agency Inc.
Darrell Rachels
Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations
John Ray
Lively Cadillac-GMC Car Co.
Dave Spurrier
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Dianne Swank Wellness Pointe
Tim Vaughn
TVaughn Properties, LLC
APPOINTED DIRECTORS Jay Dean
City of Longview
Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County
Shelby Snell
Oleum Operating Co., LLC
The Longview Progress Report 3
Strengthening a Strong Economy
STAFF
Paul Anderson Sr. Vice President 903-753-3281 lcvb@longviewtx.com
Elaine Reynolds VP Downtown Development 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com Leska Parker Chief Operating Officer 903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewtx.com Mary Whitton Program Coordinator 903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com Mitzi Barnes Special Projects Coordinator 903-237-4021 projects@longviewtx.com
Amy Tatum Membership and Public Affairs Director 903-237-4029 community@longviewtx.com
Social Media Is the New Customer Service Friday, May 6, 2011 11:40 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Is your company monitoring complaints on Twitter, Facebook, and blogs? If not, why not? Attend the May Business Development workshop and learn how your company can position itself to surprise and delight consumers who post gripes about your brand online.
Inside the Zappos Contact Center Friday, June 25, 2011 11:40 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Learn 5 keys to Creating Magnificent Customer Experience
Cost for each workshop is $25 for members and $50 for non-members. Register today by calling 903.237.4000 or online at www.longviewchamber.com.
The Chairman’s Club Platinum Silver
Lisa Null Membership Services Clerk 903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com Elena Guilbeau Convention Sales Manager 903-753-3281 meetings@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
4 May/June
www.longviewtx.com
May/June Business Development Series
Kelly Hall President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
2011 Salute to Healthcare Honorees 2011 Salute to Healthcare Honorees are: far left, bottom: - Dr. David Sadler and Dr. Oscar Chastain - the Dr. Sam Mack Lifetime Achievement Award. Top right: Dr. Lynn Fitzgerald - Healthcare Professional Award. Bottom right: Glen Brown – Volunteer. Awards were presented by Chamber Board President Anne Hugman.
Print Grows Trees Hudson ad goes here!
Paper is sustainable & recyclable. Pass the word! 903-758-1773
www.longviewtx.com
•
800-530-4888
•
www.hudsonprint.com
The Longview Progress Report 5
Promoting the Community
A
Wade Bowen and Rock ‘n’ Roll Tribute Trilogy to Headline AlleyFest 2011
lleyFest will take place on the streets of Longview’s historic Main Street district in downtown for the 33rd year June 3 – 5, 2011. Alley Art, the event that started AlleyFest, will be open Friday night offering a wide range of original work, quality hand made crafts, and new fine artists with some exceptional work. Artisans bring their pottery, paintings, drawings, sculpture and much more. Kids Fest is open on Saturday and Sunday with FREE activities for children of all ages including a Performance Stage where talent is abundant with a variety of music and performing selections. Kids Fest activities will center on creative hands-on projects in keeping with the festivals
focus on celebrating the arts in East Texas. For the active ones, Alley Run will begin registration in Heritage Plaza Saturday, June 4 at 6:00 a.m. Alley Run offers a 5K and a 10K course, and even a one mile run. The first 500 runners will get an Alley Run T shirt and Alley Run cap.
Music Fest brings great entertainment to Longview on Friday and Saturday evening. Saturday the Regions Bank stage will feature local musicians playing different genres of music during the day. The Bud Light Main Stage will get rocking: • 8 p.m. Friday - Matthew Davidson Band opening for headliner Wade Bowen. • 6 p.m. Saturday - 7Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES
Experience. • 8 p.m. Saturday - Back in Black: A Tribute to AC/DC • 10 p.m. Saturday - Guns4Roses - The Ultimate Guns N Roses Tribute Experience
Far left: Wade Bowen; left: 7Bridges; bottom middle: Back in Black; bottom right: Guns4Roses
6 May/June
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
Keep Longview Beautiful a ‘Top Community’ in the 2011 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards
F
or the second year in a row, Keep Longview Beautiful places at the top of the list amongst communities of
similar sizes in the Keep Texas Beautiful GCAA Awards. Texas communities are divided into 10
2010. Often the point difference between 1st and 3rd place recipients is only 2-3 points. The competition grows each
year with approximately 15-20 communities participating in Longview’s category alone.
“We had a strong year,” says KLB
categories based on population. Communities submit applications which consist of a written
Executive Director Amy Tatum. “Our focus was
beautification, educational, and cleanup
in a year-long recycling project. All of the
on education. We had 7 campuses participating
summary and a scrapbook detailing all of the
students, volunteers, board members, and
projects accomplished by that community
sponsors of KLB should be once again
over the past year.
commended for their efforts over the past year.”
This year, KLB placed 3rd after Pearland in
Keep Longview Beautiful will accept the
1st and Allen in 2nd. Only the 1st place
third place award at the annual Keep Texas
recipients in each category receive a TXDOT
approved project. The project in Longview’s
category is equal to a $270,000 project. KLB placed 2nd in
www.longviewtx.com
Beautiful Conference in Austin in June.
The Longview Progress Report 7
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
Arabella Manor Arabella Manor is located at 11361 Hwy. 300. Call 903-7465641.
Prudential Preferred Properties
Just Store It
Prudential Preferred Properties is located at 1125 Judson Road, Ste. 153. Call 903-753-0800.
Just Store It is located at 1909 W. Loop 281, Ste. 100. Call 903-297-6400
Verizon Wireless
SAF - T - BOX SAF-T-BOX is located at 1742 Callahan Road. Call 903-7578484.
8 May/June
Verizon Wireless is located at 415 E Loop 281. Call 903-2417699.
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
E
CVB Hospitality Training Focuses on Excellent Customer Service
very person who lives or works in Longview can be an ambassador to our city. Sometimes it means
giving directions to a business or suggesting activities for a family during their stay in Longview.
Whatever the needs of our visitors, we must provide
exceptional customer service and reliable information on our attractions.
KidsView, Lear Park, Teague Park, Nugget Hill, Boorman Trail and the Amtrak Station. Participants were treated to lunch and live entertainment at Heritage Plaza during Brown Bag Lunch and the Downtown Market.
This updated version of Hospitality Training will make
you appreciate all the interesting and exciting things there
are to do in our city while learning some important tips to ensure that our visitors have a
Once again the Longview
wonderful time here and
Convention and
recommend our city to
Visitors
others. The Real East Texas
Bureau
Friendly Hospitality
offered
Training is offered to all
Real East
participants FREE OF
Texas
CHARGE.
Friendly
We’re equipping
Hospitality
our customer service
Training, except
and hospitality
this time it was
workers with the
much more
most current
informative and a
information about
lot more fun. Our
our city and
Hospitality Training
regional
now includes a tour
attractions, and
of our local attractions
showing them
on a luxury motor
how to serve
coach. It began at 8:30
it up with a
a.m. at Maude Cobb
smile.
Activity Center on Friday,
Please
April 8, and concluded at
encourage
2:00 p.m. with a graduation
your staff to
ceremony.
attend the next training
Our participants
experienced, first-hand, the art
session on Friday, October 21. A well-
of winemaking at Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery
trained staff and happy customers mean more business
Jr. Performance Center. Other East Texas attractions visited
Longview! For more information or to sign up, please call
and got a sneak peek behind the scenes of the S. E. Belcher,
were the Gregg County Historical Museum, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, the East Texas Oil Museum,
and increased profits. YOU can be an ambassador to
the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau at 903-7533281 or email us at info@longviewtx.com.
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 9
Promoting the Community
Anniversaries One Year
May 2011
Gary Lawrence Insurance
SlushFun
Longview Cash Now LLP
Stragent Foundation
Longview Community Center/Longview Federated Clubs, Inc.
Five Years
Lowe’s of Longview, Inc.
Advanced Temporaries, Inc.
Strathmore Products
Ashley Furniture Homestore One Year
The Wedded Bliss
June 2011
Ten Years
East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind
Bagley Tractor & Equipment
Eben Concepts, Inc.
Hunt Financial Group
Hibbs Hallmark & Company
Fifteen Years
House of Disciples
Austin Bank Texas NA Loop Branch
Innova Patent Licensing, LLC Longview Public Library
Twenty-Five Years
Super One Foods
Blue Bell Creameries LP
United Healthcare of North Texas
Thirty Years
West Real Estate Inspection
East Texas Auto Air & Glass
Oak Forest Montessori School
Five Years
Churchill at Longview LP
Sherman Sherman & Briscoe Orthodontics
Hospice of East Texas
Longview Computer Center Rexam Beverage Can
Are You Ready to Network? May Business After Hours Tuesday, May 3 • 4:45 - 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Newk’s Location: Maude Cobb Activity Center June Business After Hours Tuesday, June 28 • 4:45-6:30 p.m. Hosted by Homewood Suites Location: 205 N. Spur 63 10 May/June
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
New Members Aerotek Bailey Beal 275 W Campbell #400 Richardson, TX 75080 (972) 832-6616 C. Wright’s Machine Tool, Inc. Carl F. Wright 12298 FM 2879 Diana, TX 75640 (903) 777-2344
Caroline Geer P.O. Box 248 Longview, TX 75605-0248 (903) 758-4324 Cavender’s Boot City Julio Arriola 1305 W Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 759-1207 Just Store It Judy Tidwell 1909 W Loop 281 Suite 100 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 297-6400
Longview Community Magazine Lisa Doyle 3106 Gilmer Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 704-0755 Marco Inspection Services, LLC Juan Marcott P.O. Box 1941 Kilgore, TX 75663 (903) 984-8656
Maxima Energy Corporation Alicia Cox P.O. Box 531 Kilgore, TX 75662 (903) 983-2641 Merchant Payment Systems Jon Whattoff 3800 Paluxy Drive Ste. 400 Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 939-1919 Mill Creek Terrace Candy Bobo 200 Bostic Drive Longview, TX 75602 (903) 758-1008
National Truck Repair Jimmy Head 15481 FM 968W Longview, TX 75602 (903) 234-9051 Prudential Preferred Properties James Hanlon 1125 Judson Road Ste. 153 (903) 753-0800
Prudential Preferred Properties Dottie Miles 1125 Judson Road Ste. 153 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-0800 Prudential Preferred Properties Gregory Cuke 1125 Judson Road Ste. 153 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-0800
Select-A-Pro Marketing Mindi Turner P.O. Box 150768 Longview, TX 75615 (903) 242-9990
www.longviewtx.com
Southwest Restaurant & Beverage Solutions Leslie Thurston P.O. Box 3396 Kilgore, TX 75663 (903) 983-2000 STS Electronic Recycling, Inc. Shad Mabry 522 CR 1520 Jacksonville, TX 75766 (903) 589-3705 Terminix Roger Corpier 4703 Judson Road Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-0045 TLC Office Systems/TLC Tonerland LP Rick Wynn 400 W. Methvin Street Longview, TX 75604 (903) 753-7216
The Longview Progress Report 11
Developing Community Leaders
A
Leadership Longview Rolls Out New Logo, Marketing Campaign
s a prelude to its 30th anniversary, Leadership Longview is rolling out a new marketing campaign. Established in 1981 and graduating its first class in 1982, Leadership Longview has been the premier leadership development program in our community and will celebrate its 30th anniversary beginning in the fall of 2011. Keeping with the community branding campaign, the new updated and contemporary logo symbolizes Leadership Longview’s continuing mission of developing future leaders. A new marketing video highlighting the current program as well as the alumni program will be used for recruitment and promotional purposes. Created by Media Quest, the video is a testimony of the history of the program as well as exciting new opportunities for
participants and alumni as well. Applications for the 2011-2012 class will be available online June 1st at www.longviewchamber.com. To learn more about how you can become involved in the Leadership Longview program and the Alumni
Network, contact Program Coordinator Mary Whitton at 903.237.4003 or programs@longviewtx.com.
2010 Leadership Longview Team
Linda Martin - Chairman Network Communications Richard Lazarus - Vice Chair, Curriculum
Donna Koerner - Alumni Chair REMAX First Choice Chris Terry - Marketing Chair Westlake Chemical
LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW
12 May/June
www.longviewtx.com
Strengthening a Strong Economy
T
Façade Improvement Projects Continue to Boost Local Economy
hree downtown Longview projects have been approved to receive funding assistance from Longview Main Street. The funding is part of the Façade Improvement Grant Program administered by the Longview Main Street program and funded by Community Development Block Grants through the City of Longview. The building at 204-208 North Center Street was built in 1928 by the Longview Knights of Pythias Lodge #26. In the 1950s the lodge façade was modified and covered with slip covers. The plans call for the removal of the coverings and restoring the building back to what it was when it
was built. A grant of $10,000 in matching funds was approved by the Main Street Design Committee. Around the corner on West Methvin Street is a building that was built for the Dickerson & Harrison Insurance Agency about 60 years ago. Tenants of the building at 102106 W. Methvin include Forbes and Butler Visual Communications. Longview Main Street Design Committee has approved a grant of $5,000 in matching funds. The plan calls for the replacement of all the glass windows and doors and upgrade to energy efficient glass.
Building in 1942 Artist’s Rendering A third project receiving approval from the Longview Main Street Design Committee is the Longview Museum of Fine Arts on East Tyler Street. Last year, LMFA received Façade Improvement Grant to repair the façade on their main building. This year, LMFA will be renovating the Art Works building next door and adding an awning on the building to match the work that was completed in 2010. A grant of $10,000 in matching funds has been awarded to LMFA.
Building Today
W
Longview Wins with Sports Tourism
hen the bats crack, whistles blow, and crowds roar, you might not hear it… but Sports Tourism has a significant direct impact on citizens of Longview. Most people aren’t aware of the activities that happen nearly every weekend of the year at Lear Park Sports Complex and other parks around Longview, but if you talk to local business, you’ll quickly learn that sports tourism means big business revenue. Creating a massive new sports complex like Lear Park has changed the landscape for area league sports, both on student and adult levels. With soccer, softball and baseball fields, expansive parking lots and concession stands,
the development cements the impression of Longview’s passion for sports and professionalism. The ripple reaches out to local businesses, including new restaurants who serve hungry players and hotels who typically book 10 to 12 rooms per team. Most larger tournaments bring in thousands of players and fans, resulting in sales tax revenue into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Longview is quickly becoming a sports destination. Developing this sports environment in Real East Texas brought more than $11 million into the community in 2010, and the numbers are growing. Now that’s something we can all cheer about!
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 13
Strengthening a Strong Economy
T
Longview Chamber Launches My Town, My Job, My Voice Campaign
he Longview Chamber is proud to be part of the titled My Town My Job My Voice campaign to defend the oil and gas industry in east Texas and across the U.S. Last fall, when the Business Advocacy team was developing the organization’s public policy statements, they asked our members their opinion about supporting the development of local energy resources such as natural gas, oil and lignite. 100% of the members who answered the survey
supported this statement. Therefore, when the MyTown
MyJob MyVoice campaign came to our attention we fully
embraced it. The website, www.mytownmyjobmyvoice.com, aims to educate the public about the impact the oil and gas
8
14 May/June
industry has on American communities, jobs and quality of life and provides an outlet for the public to speak out about their concerns and make a difference. Several Chambers of Commerce along the
Gulf Coast are also involved in the effort. The campaign’s vision is that more chambers across the State of Texas and throughout the U.S. will join as well. The My Town My Job My Voice campaign is designed to unite businesses and organizations affected by the current regulatory and public pressures on the oil and gas industry. The campaign speaks for groups beyond petrochemical and refining companies. Every industry from medicine to air-conditioning to hospitality services is impacted.
8
www.longviewtx.com
May
CALENDAR
3
11:30 a.m.
6
10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
9 11 16 25 26
June
Small Business Luncheon/Leadership Longview Graduation at Maude Cobb Activity Center 1 - 5:00 p.m. 2011 Business EXPO - MCAC 5 - 7:00 p.m. Business After Hours, Hosted by Newk’s at MCAC
Noon
Downtown Market in Heritage Plaza Business Development Programming: Social Media- The New Customer Service Brown Bag Lunch Music on the Plaza
Noon TBD
Leadership Longview Committee Meeting TELP Workshop- Longview Chamber of Commerce
11:30 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m. Noon 4:00 p.m.
3-5 8
3:30 p.m.
24
11:30 a.m.
28
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting
Member2Member at Chamber Office One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting
AlleyFest in Downtown Longview
13 22
Business Development Programming: Excel 2010: Tips and Tricks to Spreadsheet Success
11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Noon 4:45 p.m.
Leadership Longview Committee Meeting
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting
Main Street Board Training Member2Member at Chamber Office One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting Business Development Programming: Inside Zappos Contact Center
Business After Hours at Homewood Suites 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