September/October 2010 Vol. 4 Issue 5
Don’t Miss…
Surf & Turf, p. 7
Chamber of Commerce J Convention and Visitors Bureau J Downtown Development
Also in this issue…
How will the Healthcare Bill’s 1099 Amendment Affect Your Business?
DON’T JUST SURVIVE- THRIVE! FROM THE PRESIDENT
3
PARTNERSHIP GOES MOBILE
4
GREGG COUNTY DAYS IN AUSTIN
5
TIME TO CLEAN UP LONGVIEW 6 SURF & TURF SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION
7
ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION SET
8
Departments RIBBON-CUTTINGS
A
Working on Your Behalf
10-11
ANNIVERSARIES
12
NEW MEMBERS
13
CALENDAR
15
re you challenged with the learning curve regarding the upcoming changes that the Health Care Reform bill will have on your business?
Here are a few points you need to know: 1. If you use a credit card to purchase products/services for your business you will not be required to file a 1099 to a company. For example, if you shop at Sam’s with your MasterCard you will not have to file a 1099 because you are not cutting a check to them. 2. You will be required to have EVERY vendor’s TIN # in order to cut them a "payment" check. If your company does NOT have a TIN # for a vendor you are required to withhold 28% of the bill in order to remit to at the end of the year to the IRS. This applies to cities/governments, too. There is major concern over this bill regarding identity theft because the self-
W
employed use their SSN as their EIN/TIN.
3. If a vendor provides you with the wrong TIN# your business is responsible for withholding the 28% until the correct vendor # is identified. YES, you are liable to the IRS for that 28%. We do NOT know how to confirm correct TIN #s at this time.
The Longview Partnership has been active in working to repeal the 1099 amendment by supporting HR 5141 and its companion bill S-3575. The Partnership has sponsored a letter writing campaign received by Senators John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison as well as Congressman Louie Gohmert. As opposition from the business community grew, so did the support on Capitol Hill for both measures. For the latest on HR 5141 and S-3575, go to www.longviewvotes.com.
GREGG COUNTY DAYS — AUSTIN
Advocating on behalf of our members is Job #1
Longview Progress Report is published by:
410 N. Center Street / Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 / www.longviewtx.com
hat’s your issue? Whether you are concerned with the budget, education, developing all energy sources, or even immigration, Gregg County Days is your chance to have your voice heard. It’s also important to note this year that the trip to Austin will come a little earlier. The bus headed to Austin will leave Longview the morning of February 28 and will return
March 1. Also new this year, some of our events will be done in conjunction with the Tyler delegation in order to truly represent the East Texas region.
Our first day at the Capitol will begin with a series of Legislative briefings. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions on the issues they face on a
continued on p. 5
2 September/ October
www.longviewtx.com
From the President
Don’t Just Survive, Thrive! 8 Ways to Make Your Cash Register Ring
O
n Thursday, July 22, the Longview Partnership offered a webinar through HALO Team. Once again, this learning opportunity was fantastic for our area businesses. Eight key points were discussed which generated several potential solutions to Kelly Hall businesses and great LP President discussion items.
1. Offer an experience that impacts all 5
senses. • Sight – what impression do your customers leave with? Consider place of business, website, and/or email campaigns? • Hearing – What does your customer hear when they walk into your place of business? • Smell – Every sense creates an experience. Does the aroma of your business match the music you are playing or compliment the product/services you are selling? • Taste – Have you thought about having something special for your customers that reflects the type of experience you want them to have when they visit your place of business? • Touch – What opportunities do you have for your customers to interact with which educates them on your products and/or services?
2. Create and use a consistent and memorable brand. Remember, a brand is not a logo! A logo is a piece of the brand. 3.
Pursue the business trifecta. Know what you do best and do it! Stay true to your mission and purpose. Do you have a proprietary product line? Could you? Have you thought about having a signature item such as a t-shirt, gift soap, food product, etc? Put your logo and website on the packaging. Use as customer loyalty gifts, hostess gifts, sell in your place of business. Do you provide value added services? How can you create a customer experience that helps you develop long term loyal customers? Perhaps it is as simple as hosting a “how to” workshop.
4. Focus on customer retention and
nurture relationships. What are your touch points with your customer? How often do you “connect” with your customers? Not to talk to… but relate with!
5. Events.
Do you host events for your business? Why not? Have you thought about ways you can focus on reinforcing your services, websites, and tools you have to grow your business? Perhaps it is as simple as bringing your top customers in and let them review your products and services. Or you host customer appreciation events.
6.
Offer Samples. Sampling is a critical part of the beverage industry. They learned years ago through sampling you begin shaping the type of experience potential customers has about your products and services. What can you do? Perhaps you provide items for a silent auction to benefit a non-profit, you set up a trade show and give prospective customers mini-items that gives them the opportunity to learn more about your business.
7. Work with Other Businesses.
Partnership marketing is an effective way to help reduce your marketing costs. Example: Identify businesses who want to reach the sample target market. Identify marketing strategies that you can work together in to promote your product and services. Take advantage of bounce back programs with each other. If a customer spends $500 with you over “x” period of time send them a thank you card with a gift card to the business you are patterning your marketing with.
8. Be open 24 Hours A Day!!!!
Latest retail trends indicate that by 2011 customers will be shopping online first. Are you there? It doesn’t matter what type of business you have, you need a website that provides customers the opportunity to buy what you are selling. Is your 24/7/365 Marketplace Open for Business? For more information about business development programming visit www.longviewchamber.com today! 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 LP
Dr. Julie Fowler
Kilgore College Longview
Keith Honey
AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
Anne Hugman
Hugman Architecture & Construction
Wes Jones
Spring Hill ISD
Jim Kendrick
Longview Regional Medical Center
David McWhorter
Gans & Smith Insurance Agency Inc.
Dr. Dale Lunsford
LeTourneau University
Randy Oertel
LeTourneau Technologies, Inc.
Darrell Rachels
Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations
Dave Spurrier
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
APPOINTED DIRECTORS
Maxey Cerliano
Gregg County Sheriff
Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County
The Longview Progress Report 3
Strengthening a Strong Economy
STAFF Kelly Hall President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com Paul Anderson Sr. Vice President 903-753-3281 lcvb@longviewtx.com
Elaine Reynolds VP Downtown Development 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com Leska Parker Business Manager 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 Community Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 community@longviewtx.com
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Longview Partnership Goes Mobile
eed to get your customers through your doors? The Longview Partnership is continually seeking opportunities to showcase Longview as a destination community! Why not in the palm of your hand? Beginning this fall the various divisions of the Partnership will promote Longview with a Social Messaging Service (SMS).
“We are excited to be one of the first communities in East Texas implementing a mobile marketing campaign to promote Longview’s festivals, events, businesses, etc.,” said Chairman Jim Kendrick. We pride ourselves on providing solution based opportunities to advance the community as a destination to live, work, and play.
Users will be able to bookmark the page on their home screen and will create a customized button for relaunching their Longview Mobile directory in the palm of their hand! Be watching for the release of our new Mobile Marketing Service!
The Chairman’s Club
Platinum Silver
Elena Guilbeau Convention Sales Manager 903-753-3281 meetings@longviewtx.com Margie Harris Tourism Services Manager 903-753-3281 info@longviewtx.com Carrie Fisher Receptionist 903-237-4000 info1@longviewtx.com
4 September/ October
By implementing our new mobile marketing campaign we will be able to: • promote Longview Chamber member’s with our resource directory, • promote our signature festivals and events such as AlleyFest and the Balloon Race, and • provide a mobile directory to offer a resource for exploring Longview while you’re on the GO!
www.longviewtx.com
Representing the Interests of Business with Government
Gregg Co. Days in Austin continued from p. 1 daily basis. That evening the delegation will be able to network with the individuals in key political positions in Austin. Our second day will be spent at the Capitol speaking one-on-one with our elected officials. Don’t wait to register at www.longviewchamber.com. Registration is already underway with early registration prices expiring Jan. 15, 2011. We need your help to strengthen our VOICE while in Austin.
Longviewites visit the State Capitol in 2009.
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 5
Promoting the Community
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Time to Clean Up Longview
ather your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers for the Fall Citywide Cleanup. It’s truly citywide so you can clean up anywhere in Longview. Need suggestions? We’ll have a map with certain ‘trouble spots’ already designated.
This event is coordinated by Keep Longview Beautiful and the City of Longview. We’ll have all of the supplies you need. The city will again provide tire recycling during the cleanup. It will run from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 2. Meet at the city library to pick up supplies. Don’t forget our Reporting Party after. We’ll have music, lunch, and volunteer thank you gifts. You can register for this cleanup by calling 903.237.4029 or
Volunteers from 2010 Spring Citywide Cleanup.
community@longviewtx.com. Thanks to Woodmen of the World for providing lunch for our volunteers. Who Keeps Longview Beautiful? We ALL do! Visit www.keeplongviewbeautiful.com.
Downtown Longview Main Street — Something for Everyone!
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he Fall Brown Bag lunch concert series starts Friday, Oct. 1 and runs each Friday through Nov. 5. This free event is held at Heritage Plaza, at the corner of Green and Methvin Streets in downtown Longview.
In the second season, the addition of Downtown Market to Brown Bag lunch concert series will be located in the bank drive thru lanes south of Heritage Plaza. The Downtown Market grew from 7 vendors to 26 in the six-week course during the spring. The idea is to add to the current event helping make Downtown – The Place To Be. Select vendors offering local products, fresh fruits, flowers and gifts will give our guests in downtown a chance to make purchases from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Brown Bag concert series will feature entertainment on the plaza from noon until 1 p.m. Relax and listen, bring a friend and a lawn chair while enjoying an entertaining Friday lunch in the plaza showcasing quality entertainment. Bring your lunch or enjoy a brown bag lunch for $6 from Texas Best Smokehouse. This price includes a barbeque sandwich, chips and a drink. The Brown Bag lunch concert series and the Downtown Market promotes the community by attracting people to downtown while inviting those who work downtown to remain for lunch programs.
Save the Date for Santa! Gregg County Courthouse Lighting: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 Longview Christmas Parade to follow at 6:30 p.m. Christmas at the Courthouse Activities: 6 to 8:30 p.m. - Dec. 3 & 4 and 10 & 11 6 September/ October
www.longviewtx.com
Strengthening a Strong Economy
Surf & Turf Auction to Kick Off PAR BUSTERS
L
ongview Partnership would like to proudly present a new event! We are having a lobster and steak dinner
on Sunday, October 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Challenge at Oak Forest. This event is the kick-off for the 16th
Annual PAR BUSTERS Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, October 18.
The committee is looking for auction items, donations,
door prizes and sponsorships. If you would like more information please
contact Mitzi Barnes, 903-237-4021 or projects@longviewtx.com.
A postcard has been mailed out to the membership announcing the Surf & Turf. If you would like to make a reservation, please contact the Longview Partnership office or go to our website at
www.longviewchamber.com.
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 7
Promoting the Community
How to WOW our Visitors
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T
hey work on our behalf every day. Now it’s our chance to say ‘thank you’. The Longview Partnership’s Business Advocacy Committee is hosting a Reception in honor of our region’s local, county and state elected officials from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28, at The Summit Club.
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.
IS
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TEN REASONS WHY PRINT IS GREEN
Let’s enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet our political leaders who represent us on the public policy issues that affect us daily. All 2010 Business Advocacy events are sponsored by AEP SWEPCO, Allied Waste, Atmos Energy, and Spring Hill State Bank.
Considers Product Sources Recycles Waste
Makes Smart Choices Uses Green Design
Cares About Climate & Forests Takes Smart Environmental Action Uses Renewable Power Sources Promotes Sense of Community Compares Favorably to Other Media Types Preserves Natural Resources
903-758-1773 800-530-4888 www.hudsonprint.com info@hudsonprint.com
Judge David Brabham and Congressman Louie Gohmert talk during the 2008 Elected Officials Reception.
8 September/ October
www.longviewtx.com
and it’s worth it!
Elected Officials Reception
Visitors to East Texas need to experience the Real East Texas friendliness we are well known for. Our customer service and hospitality workers must be equipped with the most current information about our city and regional attractions, and 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.
It’s easy being green,
This hospitality training program is for all customer service professionals and front line staff who come in contact with visitors to our area. We will help you understand how your attitude impacts your company’s success and promotes tourism which is vital to our local economy. The Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training is offered to all participants FREE OF CHARGE. Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training will cover the following: • Customer Service • Community Pride
• City Parks & Sports Tourism • Downtown Attractions • Longview Events • How to Direct Visitors to Points of Interest • East Texas Attractions • Internet Resources
hudson printing is proud to be green
nce again The Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau is happy to offer Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training in conjunction with the Longview Hospitality and Tourism Association and East Texas Tourism. We will offer 2 sessions, 8:30 – 11 a.m. and 2 – 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, in the Maude Cobb Activity Center.
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 9
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
The newest concept in wellness to hit East Texas is 4 Minute Fitness, which promises results from literally four minutes of exercise daily. 4 Minute Fitness is located at 913 NW Loop 281, Ste 112. Call 903.387.0862.
Carl's Jr opened its doors with great fanfare! More than just burgers and fries, try their made-from-scratch biscuits for breakfast.
New Allstate agent Richard Longacre held an open house in his Pine Tree location to introduce himself and his services. Allstate-Richard Longacre is located at 512 Pine Tree Rd. Call 903.297.5500.
Doctor's Nutrition offers medical lab services and pharmaceutical grade products to help you achieve your maxmimum potential.
Carl's Jr is located at 411-A Loop 281. Call 903.236.2501.
Doctor's Nutrition is located at 408 E Loop 281, Ste C. Call 903.663.1008.
Family Focus Wellness Center recently held an open house to celebrate its newly renovated facilities.
Longview's newest urgent care clinic, HealthCARE Express, allows patients to register online and skip the waiting room.
Family Focus Wellness Center is located at 101-B Woodine Pl. Call 903.236.6222.
HealthCARE Express is located at 1509 W Loop 281. Call 903.740.0681.
10 September/ October
www.longviewtx.com
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
Chiropracter Jack Mitchell hosted an open house for his new office space at the intersection of Bill Owens Pkwy and Loop 281.
Tri-City Charter recently celebrated the opening of its brand new facility on Loop 281, just north of I-20.
Jack P Mitchell PC is located at 2641 Bill Owens Pkwy. Call 903.759.2533.
Tri-City Charter is located at 6065 SE Loop 281. Call 903.663.5514.
Specializing in fun for children and adults, Texas Special Children's Projects brings joy into the lives of special needs individuals.
Wiseman Ministries recently opened its Gifts of Grace Resale Store next to Posado's Cafe off Judson Rd.
Texas Special Children's Projects is located at 513 N. Fredonia St. Call 903.236.7300.
Wiseman Ministries is located at 210 S Green St. Call 903.553.0952.
Member2Member set for September 10 When you joined the Longview Chamber of Commerce you expected to get more business which is fabulous because that is just one of the many things that we are here to help you do! As a member, have you taken full advantage of the many exciting opportunities that your chamber offers? The next Member2Member workshop is set for Friday, September 10 from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. at the Partnership. This informative and interactive session will help you turn your chamber membership into your greatest marketing tool. Discover how to use your chamber membership to: Create an Endless Stream of Prospects, Leverage Partnerships within the Community, Build a Personal Brand Network More Effectively, Enhance Credibility, and Increase Visibility. To register for the next Member2Member, contact the Longview Partnership at 237-4000. You’ve got business goals.....your chamber is here to help you achieve them! www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 11
Promoting the Community
September 2010
Anniversaries
One Year Texas Car Mart Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Peralta Interiors Lights Plus Ameri-Tex Services, Inc. Luby’s Hyundai of Longview JBraden Salon and Spa Open Range Cowboy Church Superior Commercial Coolers, Inc. RSC Equipment Rental AFLAC - Gary Irvin International Name Plate Supplies Moe’s Southwest Grill Graystone Haunted Manor Ace Star Distributors/NABCO Management, LLC Community Connections Mosby Mechanical Company Technical Machine Sales Five Years Century Link Cornerstone Commercial Contractors State Farm Insurance – Rob Bassett
One Year Pottery Designs & More Alpha Imports Raymond Taylor DDS Texas Alcohol & Drug Testing Service, Inc. Design 903 Get Charmed John Wilson Agency Pixascope Kelly Tractor & Equipment Ryan’s Steakhouse Gregg Industrial Insulators, Inc. BNI – Longview Lunchables Send out Cards – Sonya Hill the GO spot Eastman Tire I.E. Willis, Jr. DPM PC Upper Cervical Health Centers of America Polka Tots The Crisman School Wireless on the Move Direct Visual Media Ten Years Longview Christian Fellowship Mark Bailey Photography Network Funding IP
Fifteen Years Sabine Pipe
Twenty Years Chick-fil-A Cotton Patch Café Mark E Dulweber PC
Twenty Years Gans & Smith Insurance Agency Midco Sling of East Texas Twenty-Five Years A #1 Trophies & Plaques LaFama Foods
Twenty-Five Years Spring Hill ISD Yellow Book USA
Thirty Years Kirby Chemical and Restaurant Supply
Thirty-Five Years Ward Agency
Thirty-Five Years Coors of Longview, Inc.
Fifty-Five Years Horaney’s, Inc. Louis Morgan Drug #1
Forty-Five Years Machin & Machin & Associates, Inc. Fifty-Five Years Gillespie Coatings, Inc.
12 September/ October
October 2010
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
ArkLaTex DKI Russell Kneifl 1917 W. US Hwy. 80 White Oak, TX 75693 (903) 759-3389
Datcom Tom Baum 5621 S. Broadway Ave. Suite 411 Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 581-2753
East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Allie Abel 500 N Bois D’Arc Tyler, TX 75702 (903) 595-3444
Eben Concepts, Inc. Daniel Holle 101 W Louisiana Street McKinney, TX 75071 (972) 562-9261
New Members
Eyeglass World Benjamin Rogers 3098 N Eastman Road Longview, TX 75605 (903) 704-0301
Girling Home Health Brian Underwood 434 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 236-7591
Hibbs-Hallmark & Co. Brenda Massey 501 Shelley Drive Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 561-8484
Hopscotch for Children Evie Gee 105 E Tyler Street Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-2753
Innova Patent Licensing LLC Robert Uomini 911 NW Loop 281 Ste 211-14 Longview, TX 75604
Lively Olds-Cadillac Gordon Lively P O Box 3164 Longview, TX 75606-3164 (903) 757-6600 Longview Public Library Kara Spitz P O Box 1952 Longview, TX 75606-1952 (903) 237-1351 Super One Foods Jim Albritton 1217 E Marshall Avenue Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-7411 Suzanne Cook & Co. Lacey Stevenson 1127 Judson Road Suite 146 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 399-0903 The Ranch @ 1844 Julie Chandler 1801 FM 1844 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 295-0800
www.longviewtx.com
UnitedHealthcare of North Texas Josh Wilson 5800 Granite Pkwy, Ste. 700 Plano, TX 75024 (469) 633-8755 Verizon Wireless David Hockaday 3080 N Eastman Road Suite 104 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 753-6370
West Real Estate Inspection Jeff West 2156 Dunn Bottom Road Diana, TX 75650 (903) 777-4543 Wiseman Ministries Tim Wiseman 210 S Green Street Longview, TX 75601 (903) 553-0952
The Longview Progress Report 13
14 September/ October
www.longviewtx.com
September 6 8
Noon
13
3:30 p.m.
10 14
5:00 p.m.
Business After Hours Networking Event Hosted by Southern Hills Golf Club
28
5:30 p.m.
October 17 18 18 26 27
Leadership Longview Committee Meeting
Member2Member Orientation Session at LP
Noon
8
Labor Day Holiday – LP Office Closed
11:30 a.m.
22
30
CALENDAR
LP Executive Committee Meeting
One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting
Elected Officials Reception at The Summit LP Board Retreat
11:30 a.m.
Member2Member Orientation Session at LP
6:00 p.m.
Surf & Turf at The Challenge at Oak Forest
7:00 a.m.
PAR BUSTERS Golf Tournament
3:30 p.m.
LP Executive Board Meeting
5:30 p.m.
Business After Hours Networking Event
Noon
One Hundred Acres of Heritage
at The Challenge at Oak Forest
Hosted by Eastman Estates
Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 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