L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y. E D U C A T I O N A D V O C A C Y C O L L A B O R A T I O N
R E A C H R E D E V E L O P M E N T
A PUBL I C ATI O N O F T HE LO N GV IE W CH A MBE R O F C O MME RC E
M A RC H - A PRIL 2 0 21
H E A L T H
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EDUCATION COLLABORATION equitably providing educational and economic resources
Annual Meeting Tuesday, April 20 Education Workforce 40 Under 40 Capitol Connect R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2021
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w w w. Lo n g v i e w Re g i o n a l . c o m 903-758-1818 2901 N. Fourth Street, Longview, TX 75605
Longview Chamber of Commerce Staff
What’s Inside?
Kelly Hall President/CEO 903.237.4004 khall@longviewtx.com
Stephanie Raudales Special Project & Event Coordinator 903.237.4013 sraudales@longviewtx.com
President’s Message............................................................. 4
Suzanne Brown Senior Vice President 903.237.4003 sbrown@longviewtx.com
David Jochum Business & Leadership Development Director
Leadership Longview, Spring Golf Classic............................... 7
903.237.4023 djochum@longviewtx.com
Bianca Adams Investor Support 903.237.4000 chamber@longviewtx.com
Ana Suriano New Membership Sales & Retention 903.237.4009 asuriano@longviewtx.com 2019 NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
AWARD WINNER
2020
410 N. Center Street | 903-237-4000 | longviewchamber.com
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Education........................................................................... 6
40 Under 40, InterCity Trip.................................................. 8 State of the Economy........................................................... 9 Advocacy.......................................................................... 10 Community....................................................................... 12 New Members, Ribbon Cuttings, Anniversaries..................... 13 –––––––––––––––– CORNERSTONE INVESTORS ––––––––––––––––
Happy150thLongview 2019
CHAMBER OF THE YEAR
Annual Meeting................................................................... 5
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2021 YEAR OF CHAMBER EVENTS March
2.................. BAH: Conterra Networks 23................ BAH: Stoneworks 24................ State of the Economy
April
2.................. Office Closed – Good Friday 8.................. LL Open House 16................ Chamber Spring Golf Tournament 20................ Chamber Annual Meeting 27 ............... Chamber 101 27................ BAH: Elected Officials Reception
May
September
7.................. Labor Day – Office Closed 16-17........... LL Retreat 28................ BAH: Chrome Motor Cars 14-15........... TRC Training & Kick-off 27-30........... DC Fly-In
October
12................ ADV: Coffee Conversation Chamber Classic Golf Tournament 11-15........... Chamber of Commerce Week 20 ............... Chamber 101 26................ BAH: Work Smart
6.................. Small Business Solutions Conference & Luncheon 12................ WUL: Longview Eye Associates 25................ BAH: VeraBank 31................ Memorial Day – Office Closed
November
June
December
10................ WUL: Inline Network Integration LLC 17................ TRC Victory Party 23................ BAH: Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry 25-26........... Thanksgiving – Office Closed
7-9...............InterCity Trip – Tulsa 15................ ADV: Coffee Conversation 22................ BAH: Holiday Inn 23................ Chamber 101
8.................. Chamber 101 8.................. Holiday Reception 23-24........... Christmas Holiday – Office Closed
July
Acronyms: BAH: Business After Hours WUL: Wake Up Longview BA: Business Advocacy LL: Leadership Longview ED: Education ADV: Advocacy
5.................. July 4th – Office Closed 27................ BAH: Baylor Scott & White
August
4.................. TRC Team Captain Mtg 10................ ADV Coffee Conversation 11................ WUL: Wellington Grande Apt 13................ ED: P.I.E. Conference 17................ Chamber 101 18 ............... TRC Renewals 24 ............... BAH: Heartisan’s Marketplace 26................ LL: New Class Meet & Great
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Times: BAH............................................4:45pm – 6:30pm Wake Up Longview....................... 7:45am – 9:00am
2021 Officers Dana Parr Chairman of the Board Advanta Insurance Partners Kevin Hood Chairman Elect Texas Bank and Trust Chuck King Past Chairman of the Board Chick-fil-A
Vice Chairs Jessica LaRue Chairman of Finance Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC Sam Neale Vice Chairman Napps Technology Corporation Gerald Rincher Vice Chairman Komatsu Mining Corporation Bo Rogers Vice Chairman Rogers Law Firm
Directors Brian Daugbjerg Longview Scrap & Metal Company Jim Gaton CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
Visit www.Longviewchamber.com for more information and the most current Calendar of Events.
Jim Green Eastman Chemical Company Texas Operations
[ CLICK HERE ]
Dr. Roger Johnson Texas Office Leasing
All dates are subject to change.
Rodney Overman Henry & Peters, P.C.
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Nishil Patel Longview Market Square, LLC Mark Robinson AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
FIND THE “BUG”
Be the first Chamber member to find the hidden logo ‘bug’ in this issue of R.E.A.C.H. and your company will get a 1/4 page ad in the next issue! When you find it email [ sbrown@longviewtx.com ] You must identify the page # and exact location of the ‘bug’. The first person to correctly find it and email Suzanne will be notified. You must be a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce to get a free 1/4 page ad.
Travis Sisson Longview Regional Medical Center
Appointed Director Michael Clements Energy Weldfab Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County Kristen Ishihara Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2021
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President’s Message Leading People. Leading Prosperity.
Collaborations Build a Better Tomorrow: The Good News in Education So much of the news we read these days is tragic. I want to take this opportunity to tell you about something that’s going well – and how we can all help to keep it going.
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everal years ago, the Longview Chamber of Commerce was proud to “adopt” Ware East Texas Montessori Academy Elementary in Longview ISD, a campus on which 95% of students experience economic hardship. Believing that a collaborative initiative would have a much greater impact than any one entity on its own, we worked with a number of community-based organizations – including the Boys & Girls Club and several philanthropic foundations – to provide health care, literacy support, faith life, and other resources in the neighborhood so that residents could create better futures for themselves and their children. At the same time, the educators, administrators, board members and– especially– students of LISD were working harder than ever, and their hard work was beginning to pay off at Ware and across the district. From 2015 to 2019, the percentage of students meeting state standards in 4th grade math at Ware tripled. Key benchmarks like 3rd grade reading and 5th grade science saw similarly dramatic gains. Across Longview ISD, as well as nearby Pine Tree ISD and Spring Hill ISD, more students were meeting state standards than ever before. The Chamber and our partner organizations were proud to play a small part in what was ultimately a community-wide effort. But now, unfortunately, these gains are being threatened by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s another example, of even greater importance to the Chamber:
HOUSE BILL 3 reimburses school districts that
provide students with exams for industry-based credentials. Not only that, but it rewards districts with bonus outcomes - funding for every student who receives a credential, and that bonus funding increases if the student comes from a family experiencing economic stability. With just this one piece of a much larger bill, we are providing a path to living wage employment for students who need it most, while simultaneously meeting the needs of local businesses by growing the pool of well-trained talent. This is our way out of a coronavirus recession: equitably providing educational and economic resources, strategically tailored to the needs of communities like ours. Luckily, Texas HOUSE BILL 3 has already begun to do just that. Funding it in full through our current budget deficit will not be easy. But failing to do so will make economic recovery more difficult down the line.
Though we are all weary of hearing about this terrible illness (I know I am), we have to keep the impact it’s had on our children in mind. Though our educators are doing their best with this new hybrid model of instruction, it’s plain to see that our most vulnerable (those without access to internet, transportation, stable housing, etc.) are struggling. But here is some more good news: our state legislature has already equipped educators with the tools necessary to address these issues and begin to close gaps in achievement. In 2019, legislators, with leadership from our own State Senator Bryan Hughes on the Senate Education Committee, passed House Bill 3, a historic piece of student-centered school finance reform. This bill was revolutionary because, in its distribution of funding, it asked two key questions: Is it good for students? And is it equitable? That’s why it funds two-way dual language classes over bilingual education: the former produced better outcomes for all students, while also closing achievement gaps for students learning the English language.
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KELLY HALL CCE, IOM, MSL President/CEO Longview Chamber of Commerce
L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.
Chamber Annual Meeting and Reception Award Winner
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21 L A R G E B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R AWA R D
TUESDAY APRIL 20, 2021
TEXAS ONCOLOGY, LONGVIEW CANCER CENTER
Welcome Reception
The 2021 Annual Meeting is redesigned to highlight the challenges local businesses overcame in 2020. This year’s meeting will feature a panel of business leaders who will discuss how they survived and thrived when faced with unfamiliar challenges. You will not want to miss out on the celebration and inspiration for Longview moving forward.
Presented by Azalea Orthopedic –––––––––––––––––––––
Featuring 2020 New Members 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ..........
Award Winner
2021 Annual Meeting
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. LeTourneau University Belcher Center 2100 S. Mobberly Avenue
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Evening Reception
7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pinecrest Country Club 214 Club Drive
I N D U S T RY O F T H E Y E A R AWA R D
FLINT HILLS RESOURCES
RESERVED Company Package for 8 $700
Presented by Longview Scrap & Metal Company –––––––––––––––––––––
Award Winner
INDIVIDUAL Ticket(s) $70 by March 17 INDIVIDUAL Ticket(s) $85 from March 18-April 9 [ CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ] For more information go to longviewchamber.com or call 903-237-4013
C H A I R M A N ’ S AWA R D
MR. RICHARD MANLEY PRESENTING SPONSOR:
RECEPTION SPONSOR: Chick-fil-A
SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Barksdale Federal Credit Union | CHRISTUS Good Shepherd | Henry & Peters PC | Mobberly Baptist Church | US Title Company Back to What’s Inside?
R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2021
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Education The Comeback Kids
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In partnership with The Graduate Network, this article begins a series of communications about the skills and education workforce gap in our trade area, and those individuals taking on the difficult challenge of advancing their skills during “adulthood,” past the time of “traditional education.” This article is an interview with Fred Bassett, a student at she College. Thank you, Fred, for spending time to with us to help tell this story.
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Q:
What made you go back to school and what has been the most rewarding aspects for you during this process?
A: I retired from Federal service as
an Air Traffic Controller, and decided to finish the associate’s degree that I began in 1987 fresh out of high school. By this time, my wife and I had nine children, six of whom had attended Kilgore college (now the seventh is attending dual credit courses there.) Several of these Fred Bassett children had graduated with a 4.0 Kilgore College Student average. That first semester I took twenty credit hours, including two courses that required papers formatted in APA, two in MLA, and two in Chicago style. I also was in the Chorale and took vocal lessons. I actually enjoyed the challenge of juggling all of the above while keeping a 4.0 grade (to avoid getting flak from my children,) even if it wasn’t as grueling as the training was in Air Traffic (whether giving or receiving said training.) I also found that I enjoyed the challenge of certain courses; for instance, after taking Math with Business Applications, I took Business Calculus even though neither one was required for my degree. The sense of accomplishment of finally completing the degree after all of these years was significant.
Q: Is your employer providing you any assistance? (Tuition reimbursement, flex time, College assistance, childcare, transportation, etc)
A: No employer assistance involved, but with as many children as I have in various colleges there was some federal and/or state assistance.
Q: What advice would you give to others in your situation? A: My advice would be to see what financial aid is available, and then just
jump in. It’s much easier than it was when I was eighteen. The changes prompted by COVID-19 have made the online and virtual classroom options even more flexible and available to working adults.
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Q:
How can the community (business, community organizations, or higher education institutions) better support adults wishing to complete their degree?
A:
Most instructors and administrators do a great job of treating adults as adults. Others have developed the unfortunate mindset that because they have a Master’s degree and are employed at a two-year college, they are doing us an enormous favor by condescending to pass on the fruits of their education, and act in a manner that would be demeaning to a fifth grader. Luckily these are in the minority. Other than that, some flexibility in prerequisites and other requirements based on career or other experience would go a long way.
We are grateful to Fred for spending time with us, and we look forward to seeing everything he accomplishes on this journey!
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Texas Individual Assistance Reporting Tool (TIART) With the upcoming application process this Spring, Leadership Longview, along with presenting sponsor Conterra Networks, will embark on its 40th year of contributing to leadership development in our community. There are several important aspects to this including connecting employees to the community, educating them as to all Longview has to offer, introducing them to community leaders, and exposing them to education and workforce initiatives.
[ CLICK HERE ] The objective of this survey is to identify damages across Texas, to help emergency management officials across the state gain an understanding of damages that have occurred during the recent winter weather.
Please submit one survey per impacted address.
In the realm of education, each Leadership Longview Class participates in Education Day. This occurs in February this year and will include a trip to LeTourneau University to hear from several leaders in our institutions of higher learning, an excursion to Pine Tree High School, and a visit at Workforce Solutions East Texas. In March, the class learns more about the contributions and job creation of our larger industry partners by visiting places like Eastman Chemical, Komatsu, AAON Coil, and others.
Reporting damage to Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster elief assistance.
Leadership Longview is a great tool for our employers to use in developing future leaders for their organization and for our community. Stay tuned for the 2021-2022 application process to begin in April.
The survey is available in English and Spanish
To learn more about the Leadership Longview program contact David Jochum @ djochum@longviewtx.com www.LongviewChamber.com .............................................................................................................
DELIVERING THE FASTEST AND MOST EFFICIENT FIBER TECHNOLOGY TO BUSINESSES IN LONGVIEW, KILGORE, AND MARSHALL FOR OVER 25 YEARS
APRIL 16, 2021 12:30 p.m. PINECREST COUNTRY CLUB
Internet Private Networks
The Spring Classic Golf Tournament is happening soon! Register a team (4) or volunteer! [ REGISTER AND MORE INFORMATION ]
There will be a shotgun start of 12:30 PM. ............................................................. For more information contact
David Jochum @ djochum@longviewtx.com
Unified Communications Business Continuity
NETWORK SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR BUSINESS Conterra Networks creates custom technology-based network solutions for businesses of all sizes nationwide. For over 25 years our team of local professionals has been designing, building, and managing our 11,000+ mile owned and operated fiber network.
CALL OUR LOCAL SOLUTION SPECIALISTS AT 903-503-7100 OR VISIT WWW.CONTERRA.COM Back to What’s Inside?
R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2021
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SPOTLIGHT: Lee’ah Joseph is a mom of three, a wife, a business owner, a volunteer, and a local banker. For over 13 years, Lee’ah has been assisting the local community with their finances at Southside Bank, “Banking with a Hometown Touch.” She is currently Vice President and Treasury Management Officer where she provides financial resources and tools for large and small businesses.
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Lee’ah began her banking career as a Teller floating between branches inside of the Longview grocery stores. After a few years, she received an opportunity to work in the Bank’s Information Technology department in Tyler assisting the Chief Information Officer. She was then recruited to the Commercial Lending department where she assisted several Executive Loan Officers in Tyler. After gaining some experience in IT and commercial banking, she received an opportunity to office back in Longview and join the Treasury Management team in 2013.
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INTERCITY TRIP TO TULSA, OKLAHOMA JUNE 7-9, 2021 DATE CHANGE
The Longview Chamber of 2021 Commerce and Tulsa Regional SPONSORED BY Chamber Board of Directors invites you to participate in the InterCity Visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 7-9, 2021. Why an InterCity Visit? The visit is designed to get new ideas to move Longview forward. It provides an opportunity to introduce our delegation to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community. Candid speakers will share the challenges and pitfalls with which they are currently struggling or have overcome. Meet with Tulsa’s community leaders and discuss the challenges and opportunities our community is facing. The visit also provides an opportunity for interaction among city leaders and facilitates an exchange of best practices and lessons LONGVIEW TOlearned. TULSA [ INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION ] PRIME SPONSOR DINNER SPONSOR: Azalea Orthopedic RECEPTION SPONSOR: Eastman Credit Union
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She quickly discovered her calling for helping businesses and has grown in this role significantly. She started off as the Assistant to the VP at the time, and she recently earned her Certified Treasury Professional Certificate and was promoted to Vice President. This role has also allowed her to get plugged into the local community where she has volunteered with the Greater Longview United Way as a Loaned Executive and member of their Allocations team. She also volunteers with the Longview Chamber of Commerce as a member of their R.E.A.C.H. team, works on their annual Total Resource Campaign each year, and is a 2018 graduate of their Leadership Longview program and is an active member of their Leadership Longview Alumni Planning Committee. You may have recently seen her in the CHAMBER’S NEW VIDEO for the LongviewNOW! toolkit, extolling the great activities and people in Longview! Lee’ah considers her greatest achievement to be her family. Lee’ah and her husband of 10 years, Mathew Joseph, have three boys: Caleb, 9; Carter, 5; and Cohen, 4. There is never a dull moment with the boys, and in their spare time there are plenty of Nerf wars, Mario Kart races, and Lego competitions. The boys are also the inspiration behind the business that Lee’ah and her husband founded back in 2016, C3 Industrial Technologies. She has a passion for helping others succeed, whether it’s helping her family achieve goals, volunteering with a local organization, or helping her clients and businesses with financial success. Welcome to 40 Under 40, Lee’ah!
“Thank You!” to all of our
CREATIVE
loyal clients for entrusting us to explore creative and innovative ways to share your advertising messages. We have been fortunate over the
VERSATILE
past 20 years, and we look forward to serving you – our customers, friends, and community – for many more
STRATEGIC
years to come.
PRINT ADVERTISING, DIGITAL MEDIA & BRANDING SOLUTIONS
FOR
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FORBESANDBUTLER
FORBES_BUTLER
DOWNTOWN LONGVIEW • 903.753.2098 • WWW.FORBESBUTLER.COM
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State of the
Economy
BILL STOUDT Gregg County Judge
KEITH BONDS Longview City Manager
LUNCHEON
LIBBY NEELY Gregg County Chief Appraiser
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Holiday Inn Infinity Event Center 300 Tuttle Circle | Longview
[ CLICK HERE ] For information or reservations call 903-237-4000 visit www.longviewchamber.com or PRESENTING SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS: AAON | Austin Bank | Azalea | Conterra Networks Eastman Credit Union | VeraBank
Come see what a locally-owned independent bank can do for you ...
Applying for jobs and hiring employees can be difficult and time consuming. But, with Express Employment Professionals, finding the right job or filling the right position is easy. Call, come in, or go online today to see what Express can do for you. (903) 663-3559 101 West Hawkins Parkway, Suite 4 Longview, TX 75605 ExpressProsLongview.com
3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive
903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com
Back to What’s Inside?
R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2021
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Advocacy Strengthening Longview by Advocating for Local Business PRESENTING SPONSOR:
GOLD SPONSORS:
TEXAS ENERGY DAY - VIRTUAL MARCH 24
ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION - APRIL 27
Texas Energy Day at the Capitol 2021 is a chance to hear from statewide leaders and legislators as they discuss the importance of the Texas oil and natural gas industry and how the industry is ensuring a cleaner, stronger and better future for all Texans. Visit interactive booths highlighting the latest technological advancements on Virtual Energy Avenue and test your energy knowledge for a chance to win BIG. TXOGA President Todd Staples was a presenter at the East Texas Coalition! It’s clear that the oil and natural gas industry is central to our daily lives here in Texas. Please join us and show your support of Texas oil and natural gas!
Maude Cobb Convention Center Eitelman Room at 4:45 pm.
[ RSVP HERE ]
[ WATCH
]
PRESENTING SPONSOR: GOLD SPONSORS:
Gans & Smith Insurance Agency, Inc. Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP NCIC Inmate Communications Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation
PROTECT HB3 EDUCATION FUNDING
Take Action Now to Maintain HOUSE BILL 3 Education Funding!
D.C. CAPITOL CONNECT - VIRTUAL MARCH 30 - 11:30 AM A FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Join us as we advocate for regional public policy affecting our East Texas business community. Expect to hear timely information and legislative updates from the current federal legislators. HOSTED BY East Texas Coalition Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce Longview Chamber of Commerce Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Registration: Member: $29 | Nonmember: $39
[ LINK TO TAKE ACTION ]
[ REGISTER ONLINE ] Or RSVP SBrown@longviewtx.com, 903-237-4003 This Capitol Connect will be moderated by Mr. Mark Robinson of AEP/ SWEPCO. We will be utilizing Zoom. Once you sign up and pay for the Webinar, you will be sent to the login registration information. The Virtual D.C. Capitol Connect will be in 3 segments of 20 minutes each. Each legislator will “Zoom” in for their allotted time to speak. A 5–7-minute time frame for opening remarks, then the moderator will be asking questions. All attendees will be muted, and remarks will be turned off.
CANDIDATE FORUM - APRIL 6 Starts at 6 p.m. for City Council District 1 followed by City Council District 2. CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1: Temple Carpenter III Jeremiah Hunter John Sims CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2: Nona Snoddy Marisa R. Ward
EARLY VOTING BEGINS APRIL 19 | ELECTION DAY MAY 1 CALL TO ACTION We have joined over 280 diverse organizations to call on Congress to pass a comprehensive, bipartisan infrastructure package that stimulates the economy & invests in our nation’s transportation, energy, water, and communications technologies. [ MORE INFORMATION ]
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Take action urging lawmakers to continue supporting HB3 for Texas public education! Three years ago, lawmakers responded decisively and passed House Bill 3, which put nearly all of the Texas Commission on Public School Finance report’s recommendations into action. The Texas business community was proud to support House Bill 3’s passage precisely because, rather than pouring money into a broken system, it relied on data-driven strategies proven to positively impact student achievement. These included full-day Pre-K, evidence-based literacy training for teachers, life-changing compensation increases for effective educators, and outcomes-based funding for college, career and military-readiness (CCMR).
[
READ OPEN LETTER FROM EDUCATORS, EDUCATION ADVOCATES, BUSINESSES, AND OTHER PARTNERS
]
Although we pushed forward to help meet the needs of area businesses in a pandemic, the Chamber does not rest and the work is not finished. Your Chamber moves forward with a drive toward greater excellence in serving the business community. We know there will be challenges ahead. There will always be challenges, no matter what form they take. Your Chamber is here to take them on.
L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.
EAST TEXAS COALITION RECAP - February 22-23, 2021 Opportunities to view recordings from the East Texas Coalition in Austin will become available soon. Pictured below: Dana Parr, LCC Chairman of the Board, Advanta Insurance Partners John Hyrhorchuk, Vice President of Public Policy, Texas 2036 Mike Morath, Commissioner of Education, Texas Education Agency
WE’RE THE NEW KIDS IN TOWN BRINGING QUALITY DIGITAL ADVERTISING TO EAST TEXAS BY DELIVERING REAL RESULTS THROUGH ACTUAL CONVERSIONS.
PRIME SPONSOR:
GOLD SPONSORS: Conterra Networks | Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP Longview Cable Television Company | Longview Economic Development Corp. Martin Resource Management | Starfish Ad Age Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. Back to What’s Inside?
PROGRAMMATIC IS THE NEW TRADITIONAL FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2021
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Resiliency and Compassion Our Community Comes Together Valentine’s Day in Longview, Texas, brought in a rain of hearts and an epic snowstorm! After 10-12 inches of snow, and temperatures that plummeted to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, the city was challenged to prove its resiliency. This was one for the history books, but the worst of challenges can bring out the best in people. Neighbors helped neighbors and strangers because it was the right thing to do. The friendliness and giving nature of this area was astounding. Here are a few stories of companies that stepped up to help others, and gratitude for those actions. Advanta Insurance Partners took coffee out to electric utility workers Tuesday afternoon who were trying to get power back on for our Longview citizens. Priddy Design & Construction took water to a chamber employees house who did not have running water. Representative Jay Dean coordinated those who have 4-wheel drive vehicles to deliver water, meds, and other items for those in need.
CHRISTUS Instead of hunkering down at home, nurses chose to be snowed in at the hospitals, ensuring their patients had enough staff, food, and care.
Heritage the Market at Green Top This newly opened location recognized how quickly grocery staples disappeared, so they were proactive in ordering and announcing when they were hauling milk, eggs, bread, and other supplies. Throughout the week, they made a run for more food for our residents.
Longview and Kilgore Cable TV These techs were out in the weather, working long days in harsh conditions. They are appreciative of their customers’ kindness and their words and gestures of support. This team jumped in to do whatever it took to maintain service. Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Thank you to New Beginnings Independent Living Homes and Sam’s donated an original 3 pallets of food donations that turned into FIVE PALLETS! Hiway 80 is thankful for these companies thinking of them; it allowed them to able to not turn people away during the time of need.
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Andy Mack Our mayor took to social media to keep residents informed and to dispel myths and rumors regarding Utilities, Infrastructure, and Winter Weather. WATER: Usage was only at 50% capacity. ROADWAYS: The City Streets and Drainage Division had three crews monitoring arterial and collector streets to identify and treat areas that were icing, 24 hours a day. WARMING CENTERS: The Longview Public Library, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army of Longview opened as warming shelters.
“This weather has been like nothing I have seen in East Texas during my lifetime and I’m sure the same can be said for many of you. With kindness, these challenging times are made easier.” The Longview Fire Department The Fire EMS crews had more calls than usual. To keep them nourished, the Fire Section Chiefs and Fire Assistant Chiefs reached out to partner with Sysco and Albertsons to place grocery orders that were then delivered to the stations. A big thank you to Chick-Fil-A for their donation of 180 meals and to the Dollar General Warehouse for their generosity of providing food and snacks. The crews from Station 5, located at 102 W Niblick St., are thankful to Longview Diesel and Performance for coming out to clear the station’s entries and exits. A special thank you from Representative Jay Dean, that reflects the feelings of this community: This has been a difficult winter for all of us with extreme temperatures prompting a major emergency. I want to commend SWEPCO and the Southwest Power Pool for the way they responded to the winter storms over the last week or so. The SPP manages the electric power grid in our area (not ERCOT), as well as in 14 other states. The SPP directed SWEPCO to implement two controlled outages, which were relatively short. SWEPCO kept us well informed during the process and returned to regular operations as quickly as possible. We were also kept informed about the workforce that they had assembled in advance of the major storm headed our way, ready to clear fallen trees and repaired damaged lines. In addition to their own crews, they arranged for contractors and utility crews from many other states to assist. They are now working to restore power in the hard-hit areas. SWEPCO and its employees are our friends and neighbors. I commend them for the difficult work they are doing to continue to provide reliable power under very difficult circumstances. Please join me in saying THANK YOU!
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NEW MEMBERS
CLICK ON business names to link to Chamber membership directory information or link directly to their business website. Heritage The Market at Greentop (903) 399-3449 7486 US Hwy 259 Longview TX 75605 www.facebook.com/MARKETatGreenTop
Nolan Properties, LLC (903) 738-5636 1616 Judson Rd Ste 1 Longview TX 75601 https://www.nolanpropertiesllc.com
J.J. Walnofer State Farm (903) 663-4176 2318 Judson Rd STE A Longview TX 75605 www.agentjj.com
Longfellow Arms Apartments (903) 336-3270 115 E Hawkins Pkwy Longview TX 75605 www.longfellowarms.com
Universal Clean Care (903) 235-7859 1812 Rodden St Longview TX 75604 www.universalcleancare.org
JDR Tax Professionals (903) 738-9588 2515 Oasis Dr Longview TX 75601 https://jdrtaxprofessionals.business.site
Longleaf Subdivision (903) 806-4158 223 Longleaf Longview TX 75602
WanderBird Productions (903) 452-5753 2914 Swan Street Longview TX 75604 www.wanderbirdvr.com
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Kasha Williams State Farm (903) 237-1021 2635 Bill Owens Parkway Longview TX 75604 www.kashawilliamsinsurance.com
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RIBBON CUTTINGS DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
Ms Tee’s Wellness 317/319 W Marshall Ave Longview, TX 76501
Christian Heritage Classical School 2715 FM 1844 Longview, TX 75605 www.chslongview.com
Parkside Apartments 1100 McCann Rd Longview, TX 75601-5320 www.parksidelife.com
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Heritage the Market at Greentop 7486 US Hwy 259 Longview, TX 75605 www.facebook.com/MARKETatGreenTop
Complete Roofing Solutions 2010 Gilmer Road, Suite # 106 Longview, TX 75604 https://crs-pro.com
Thank you to Austin Bank for sponsoring the Chamber’s 2021 Ribbon Cuttings!
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES MARCH/APRIL 2021 5 Years Foundation Chiropractic Excel ER Interstate All Battery Center
15 Years Family Promise of Longview Best Western
25 Years Casa Ole’ Mexican Restaurant Safety Council of East Texas Inc Longview Bridge And Road Ltd
10 Years Chick-fil-A
20 Years Yes, Merchant Services USA, LLC
45 Years Mobberly Bapist Church
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65 Years Pinecrest Country Club
R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2021
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L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.
CONNECT TO EVERY OPPORTUNITY, INSTANTLY.
LONGVIEW’S BEST FIBER CONNECTIONS ARE COMING Sparklight Business is introducing fiber internet to our area – and that means progress for your business. Simply put, fiber delivers the fastest speeds possible – speeds that far outpace DSL and cable. In fact, our Piranha Fiber service will feature plans capable of 5 Gig speeds. For the first time, your business will soon: • Upload and download with symmetrical speeds • Experience 99.9% uptime • Power every device with bandwidth left over • Move massive amounts of data instantly It’s the best value there is for your business. What will you achieve with the ultimate in productivity?
Learn More About Longview’s First Fiber Business Internet
SPARKLIGHTFIBER.COM/LONGVIEW 14
W W W. L O N G V I E W C H A M B E R . C O M
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