September/October 2011 Vol. 5 Issue 5
Don’t Miss…
17th Annual PAR BUSTERS set for Sept. 12, p. 10
Chamber of Commerce J Convention and Visitors Bureau J Downtown Development
Also in this issue… LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 3 CHAMBER UNVEILS 2012 CITY MAP AND RESOURCE GUIDE
4
HOSPITALITY TRAINING TARGETS LONGVIEW ATTRACTIONS
5
MUSIC ON THE PLAZA RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN FRIDAYS
6
GET EXCITED ABOUT PAR BUSTERS CHANGES
10
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS TO BE GIVEN BY MAYOR DEAN 10 LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW ANNOUNCES NEW CLASS
12
AMBASSADORS OF THE MONTHS; MEET OUR NEW EMPLOYEE
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
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Taking Care of Business
aking Care of Business is exactly what the Longview Chamber of Commerce is here to do! The next couple of months are going to be exciting as Dr. Dale Lunsford with LeTourneau University leads the Chamber’s inaugural Total Resource Campaign. This eight-week revenue Dr. Dale Lunsford generating effort suited to meet the organization’s kicks off on September 13, 2011 to reach a marketing needs. goal of $250,000 by November 9, 2011. The “The TRC offers excellent exposure for Total Resource Campaign will create 25 companies both at the Chamber’s events teams of volunteers under the and within our leadership of five Vice Chairs: signature Darwin Winfield with Atmos publications,” said Energy, Rogers Pope, Jr. with Anne Hugman, Texas Bank and Trust, David Chairman of the McWhorter with Gans & Board. Teams are Smith Insurance Agency, Dr. currently forming for James Wilcox with Longview the campaign. David McWhorter Rogers Pope, Jr. Independent School District “The Campaign is a and a representative with great way for Good Shepherd Health volunteers to meet our Systems. area’s top community These Vice Chairs recruit leaders and business volunteers to market owners while working sponsorships to Chamber directly with many of events and publications, the Chamber’s most while also seeking new dedicated leadership,” Dr. James Wilcox Darwin Winfield members for the Chamber. suggested Dr. The all-volunteer Campaign consists of Lunsford, “so call Leska Parker, the more than 600 sponsorships available Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer at 903during the Campaign. Volunteers assist 237-4010 to take advantage of this great companies with choosing options best opportunity to get involved.”
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www.longviewtx.com
From the President
O
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Products That Benefit Your Bottom Line
n February 1, 2009 the Longview Chamber in conjunction with Jackson-Lloyd Insurance Management launched “Sensible Solution”. “Sensible Solution” was designed to protect Kelly Hall Chamber President the business interests of the membership by providing real occupational health insurance protection in an affordable way to any size business. “Sensible Solution” has become one of two GREAT benefits offered to members. The second insurance plan launched on July 1, 2010, “ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan”. Chamber members with 1-99 employees now has access to several different UnitedHealthcare health plan options – at prices that fit most budgets. In addition, businesses that enroll with UnitedHealthcare through this partnership will receive a 7 percent discount on select medical plans and have an option for saving 5 percent on their bundled dental and vision plans. Plus, businesses and employees who enroll in the
YOUR BUSINESS
ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan will also have access to UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide health care provider network of more than 600,000 physicians and care professionals, and 5,000 hospitals. With both insurance plans, businesses have the ability to choose their desired level of coverage. The goal of The Longview Chamber is to provide members with insurance choices that helps their bottom line with lower premium payments as well as a vehicle for controlling claims costs. Most especially, the members have asked for and will now receive a product that will reduce their operating costs while protecting the Longview economic base. “Sensible Solutions” and “ChamberChoice” are products which provide members with superior options to protect and retain employees. Plus, these tools keeps our healthcare treatment at home while providing quality care and convenience and keeping our dollars local! For more information about these programs you can visit www.longviewchamber.com or contact Kelly Hall at the Chamber, 903-237-4004 or president@longviewtx.com.
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
Suzanne Cook & Company
Tim Vaughn
TVaughn Properties, LLC
HAS GONE MOBILE!
APPOINTED DIRECTORS
LONGVIEW SEES YOU- 24/7
City of Longview
UPGRADE TODAY!
Jay Dean
Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County
Shelby Snell
Oleum Operating Co., LLC www.longviewtx.com
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 Chief Operating Officer 903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewtx.com Mary Whitton Community Development Director 903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com
Mitzi Barnes Convention Sales & Services Coordinator Executive Director - East Texas Outdoor Expo 903-237-4021 projects@longviewtx.com
Amy Tatum Membership and Public Affairs Director 903-237-4041 community@longviewtx.com
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Longview Chamber Produces 2012 Map and Resource Guide
he Longview Chamber of
the overall population.
Commerce’s 2012 Map
• New movers spend more
and Resource Guide will be
money during the initial three
the chamber office. This
surroundings than non-
available after Labor Day at
months in their new
publication is the only official
movers spend in five years.
map endorsed and distributed
• New movers spend an
by the Longview Chamber of
average of $8,5000 on a variety
statistics published by
first months of a new move.
Commerce. According to
of goods and services in the
Speedeondata.com:
For additional information
• 1 out of 5 people in the
contact the Longview
United States relocate per
Chamber of Commerce at
year. That is over 40 million
903.237.4000 or
consumers and nearly 15% of
info1@longviewtx.com.
The Chairman’s Club
Platinum Silver
Diana Northcutt Community Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com Lisa Null Membership Services Clerk 903-237-4013 membership@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 September/October
www.longviewtx.com
Strengthening a Strong Economy
H
Hospitality Training Focuses on Longview’s Attractions
ave you ever had anyone walk up to you and ask you “What is there to do in Longview?” If you hesitated even for a second, then you will benefit from our Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training. This training will raise your awareness of all the wonderful and exciting activities and attractions there are in Longview. Our Hospitality Training includes a tour of our local attractions on a luxury motor coach. It begins at 8:30 a.m. at Maude Cobb Activity Center on Friday, Oct. 21, and concludes at 2:00 p.m. with a graduation ceremony. Experience first hand the art of winemaking at Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery and get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the S. E. Belcher, Jr. Performance Center. Other East Texas attractions to be visited are the Gregg County Historical Museum, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, the East Texas Oil Museum, KidsView, Lear Park, Nugget Hill, Boorman Trail and the Amtrak Station. You’ll be treated to lunch and live entertainment at Heritage Plaza during Brown Bag Lunch and the Downtown Market.
Some of the comments from our previous participants are: “I enjoyed it being free, being toured on a nice bus, with a great driver, and the opportunity to tour places I wasn’t aware of.” “The food was great, the entertainment on Heritage Plaza was superb, and I just enjoyed everybody.” “You did an amazing job.” “I will definitely send my staff to the future training.” 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 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, but seating is limited. You can register online at www.LongviewChamber.com. 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.
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 5
Promoting the Community
Make Your Way to Downtown Longview Main Street
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Music on the Plaza, Downtown Market Scheduled for Fall Fridays entertaining Friday in the Plaza
he Fall Music on the Plaza and
showcasing quality entertainment.
Downtown Market starts Friday,
Bring your lunch or enjoy a brown bag
Sept. 30, and runs each Friday through
lunch for $6 from Texas Best
Nov. 4, 2011. This free event is held at
Smokehouse. This price includes a
Heritage Plaza, at the corner of Green
barbeque sandwich, chips and a drink.
and Methvin Streets in downtown Longview.
“We will have select vendors offering
local products, fresh fruits, gifts and
other items that will give our guests in downtown a chance to make local
Longview’s Main Street presents The
Music on the Plaza series and the
Crowds come out to hear live music and Downtown Market in hopes of enjoy lunch in the Plaza on a recent promoting the community by attracting Friday afternoon.
purchases from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,” said Kim Droege, Main Street Chair.
The Music on the Plaza will feature entertainment on the
plaza from noon until 1:00 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful fall
weather and have lunch with a friend while enjoying an
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people to beautiful downtown.
Entertainers are needed to play each Friday from noon
until 1:00 p.m. Contact Elaine Reynolds, 903-237-4040 for more information.
Don’t forget to join The Downtown Market Facebook
page!
www.longviewtx.com
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 7
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
BLUEJEAN BABY
Café, Cups & Cones
Bluejean Baby Boutique is located at 1017 N. 4th St. Call 903-234-2229.
Café, Cups & Cones is located at 3500 McCann Road in the Food Court of the Longview Mall. Call 903-232-2286.
Behavioral Hospital Behavioral Hospital of Longview is located at 22 Bermuda Lane. Call 903291-3456.
Wally’s Party Factory Wally’s Party Factory is located at 1011 Wal St. Call 903-663-3090.
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lili & dolce Lili & Dolce Style District is located at 2002 Judson Road, Ste. 102. Call 903236-2922.
HOME PLUS FLOORS Home Plus Floors is located at 3408 N. 4th St. Call 903-759-8344.
www.longviewtx.com
Reliable Management Reliable Management is located at 1118 Judson Road. Call 903-759-9933.
BalanceDiet Balance Diet is located at 3080 N. Eastman Road, Ste. 108. Call 903-6635900.
Southern Home Builders Southern Home Builders is located at 4000 Technology Center. Call (903) 3532824.
Promoting the Community
Anniversaries September ‘11 - 1 YEAR The Brown Duck Convergys
East Texas Marketing Solutions Jennifer’s Executive Telephone Systems
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC – The James Group
Oleum Operating Co. LC
The Pediatric Rehab Center Toledo Gas Gathering LLC
Unishippers Global Logistics Village Cleaners
September ‘11 - 5 YEARS
New Members
October ‘11 - 1 YEAR
Albritton Law Firm – Eric Albritton
Arabella Manor
Business Strategy Partners LLC
Cooner & Cooner PC
East Texas Acoustical Inc. Everett Financial Inc. Express CEU LLC
Gary Andrews Insurance German Roasted Nuts
Grace & Glory Gift Gallery Ken Martin Audiology
Maximum Intensity Retrievers Neurological Institute at Good Shepherd
Baskins
Noon & Associates – Tiffany
GCI Training
Office Depot
Budget Optical Kilgore College
Network Communications Tri City Charter
September ‘11 - 20 YEARS Billy B. Westbrook DPM Pack & Mail
Visage Esthetique
Whataburger of East Texas Wood Hollow Golf Club
September ‘11 - 25 YEARS ITW Angleboard
September ‘11 - 30 YEARS Lock Doc
Pine Tree Independent School District
Scott
Paisanos of East Texas Quality Inn
Sixty-Six Management Inc. Skeeter Products, Inc.
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Vanity RX
October ‘11 - 5 YEARS Clayton Place Properties East Texas Shredding
Evergreen at Longview H & W Marine Media Quest
October ‘11 - 15 YEARS On Hold Productions
October ‘11 - 25 YEAR Alco-Air
ASSIST Autism Foundation, Inc. Cindi Dewet 212 Old Grande Blvd. Suite C 118 Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 509-4430 Audubon Behavioral Healthcare of Longview Brooke Blaylock 757 Professional Drive H Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 797-6785
Balance Diet Lisa Nobles 3080 N. Eastman Road Ste. 108 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-5900 Tom Brown 1120 N. 3rd Street Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-2081 Color Me Happy Shawna Blissett 285 Kayla lane Longview, TX 75602 (903) 238-9070
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Marcus Hughes 104 S. Spur 63 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 236-7788 Genghis Grill – The Mongolian Stir Fry Chiara Granado 310 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 686-0083
Ledbetter Plumbing
www.longviewtx.com
GNC – Towne Crossing Jon Jett 3080 N. Eastman Road Ste. 113 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-1410 Lili & Dolce Style District Claudia Leon P.O. Box 8777 Tyler, TX 75711 (903) 236-2922 Locals Love Us Ted McDermott P.O. Box 887 Sioux Falls, SD 57101 (605) 376-9073 McProperties Cheri McConnell P.O. Box 5959 Longview, TX 75608 (903) 720-0687
Scott & White Senior Care Health Plan Kathy Cooley 522 N. Broadway Tyler, TX 75602 (903) 593-5233
Suzanne Cook & Company Dianne Swank 1127 Judson Road Suite 146 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 759-1010 The Junior League of Longview Natalie Lynch P O Box 866 Longview, TX 75606 (903) 757-5740 Vessel Technology Sandy Tippit P O Box 6570 Longview, TX 75608 (903) 643-9111
The Longview Progress Report 9
Promoting the Community
H
E xc i t i n g N e w E v e n t S e t Fo r T h i s Ye a r ’ s PAR BUSTERS Tournament with auction items, donations, door prizes and sponsorships. All proceeds donated to the Longview Chamber of Commerce supports our Leadership, Educational and Community programs throughout the year. If you would like more information please contact Mitzi Barnes, 903-237-4021 or projects@longviewtx.com.
ave you heard the news? We are having a golf ball drop! Guaranteed prize to one lucky person is $1,000. To purchase YOUR winning ticket please contact Mitzi Barnes at 903-2374021 or projects@longviewtx.com. What can you expect? Great food, great company, and loads of fun!
How do I make a reservation? Contact the Longview Chamber of Commerce offices or go to our website at www.longviewchamber.com .
How can you and your company participate? Attendance is key, but you can also help
2011 State of the City Mayor Jay Dean invites you to attend the 2011 State of the City Business Luncheon hosted by the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
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No doubt you have noticed the continued construction and business development in and around Longview, in spite of the national recession. How do we keep that momentum going? Mayor Jay Dean answers that question at the upcoming State of the City Luncheon.
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Join us as we celebrate Longview’s accomplishments and future. Wednesday, September 14, 2011 • 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. • Pinecrest Country Club Register online by September 9th at www.longviewchamber.com. Sponsored by:
10 September/October
www.longviewtx.com
Representing the Interests of Business and Government
F IVE -S TAR R ANKING
The Business Advocacy Committee and the Longview Chamber of Commerce invite you to the 2011 Elected Officials Reception. This is your opportunity to speak face to face with your local elected representatives. Tuesday, Sept. 27 • 5:00-6:30 p.m. • The Summit Club Sponsored by:
Past Chairman David McWhorter, Longview Chamber President/CEO Kelly Hall and Board Chairman Anne Hugman proudly display the Longview Chamber’s recognition as a Five-Star Chamber through the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 11
Developing Community Leaders
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Chamber Announces 2011-12 Leadership Longview Class he Longview Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce members of its upcoming class: • Keri Bradley, East Texas Baptist University • Chelsea Cace, Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steakhouse • Lori Danielson, The Junior League of Longview • 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, Junior League of Longview • Cami Hinson, BancorpSouth • Kyle Kinler, Eastman Chemical Company • Julie Krc, Longview Regional Medical Center • Carol Lee, Spring Hill State Bank • David Marler, Eastman Chemical Company
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• Kyla McCormack, Network IP • Terry Miller, City of Longview • Jerry Newman, Mid South Fabrication and Coating • Dawnelle Priddy-Sigmon, Hugman Architecture & Construction • Janet Scott, Neiman Marcus Distribution Center • 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 Leadership Longview, a program under the Longview Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 30th year with the 2011-2012 class. To learn more about the Leadership Longview program, contact Mary Whitton, Community Development Director, at 903.237.4003 or programs@longviewtx.com or go to www.longviewchamber.com/leadership_longview.
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www.longviewtx.com
www.longviewtx.com
The Longview Progress Report 13
Developing Community Leaders
Chamber Names Ambassadors of the Month Name: Temeka Jeter Employer: Good Shepherd Medical Center Position: Employer Relations/Outreach Specialist How long have you been an Ambassador? Since 2008 What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their businesses and building lasting relationships. How has being an Name: Cynthia Bell Employer: RK Productions Advertising Agency Position: Marketing and Advertising Consultant How long have you been an Ambassador? 6 years What do you enjoy most
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Temeka Jeter
Ambassador helped your business? By allowing me to network with several businesses to let them know what Good Shepherd Medical Center has to offer.
about being an Ambassador? I enjoy learning about the different businesses and products available in Longview. I also enjoy networking with other business professionals.
Name: Angela Hanley Employer: CBS 19 - London Broadcasting Position: Advertising Sales How long have you been an Ambassador? 9 years What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? Being part of the community, building lasting relationships through networking, and the friendships I have with other Ambassadors. How has being an Ambassador helped your business? It introduces me
How has being an Ambassador helped your business? Being an ambassador is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the community and help new and established businesses grow and prosper.
Angela Hanley
to new businesses in our community, gives me recognition within our community and offers great opportunities for volunteering.
Cynthia Bell
Longview Chamber Welcomes Diana Northcutt
he Longview Chamber of Commerce is associate’s degree in Arts with an emphasis in proud to welcome Diana Northcutt as its Economics from Tyler Junior College and a newest employee. Diana is the new bachelor’s degree in Business Management Community Development Coordinator whose from the University of Texas at Tyler. She will duties will include identifying and complete her MBA in May 2012 from Texas maintaining a database of available retail A&M – Texarkana. spaces and pad sites, conduct retail space/pad Diana’s background is in banking. She is a site tours, continue and expand the “I Shop former employee of Regions Bank in Tyler and Longview” campaign, and market and Cypress Bank in Pittsburg. She is married to promote Longview and build name Justin and they have two dogs: Sugar and recognition by participating in state, regional and national Lucky. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping and organizations. Diana will also be the executive director of traveling. Keep Longview Beautiful. “I look forward to recruiting and maintaining businesses Diana is a native of Mount Pleasant, Texas and a in the Longview area and being a part of the chamber graduate of Mount Pleasant High School. Diana earned an family,” Northcutt said. www.longviewtx.com 14 September/October
September 5 7 8 12 13 14 15 16 21 22 23 27 28 30
Chamber Office Closed for Holiday 10 a..m. & 3 p.m. TRC Training at Chamber Office 8 a.m. &1 p.m. TRC Training at Chamber Office PAR BUSTERS Golf Tournament at The Challenge at Oak Forest 11:30 a.m. Leadership Longview Committee Meeting 3:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting 4:00 p.m. TRC Kick-off Event at Arabella Manor 11:30 a.m. State of the City Luncheon at Pinecrest Country Club Board Retreat Board Retreat Noon TRC Awards Meeting 11:45 a.m. Member2Member at Chamber Office 11:40 a.m. Business Development Programming: Delivering WOW 5:00 p.m. Elected Officials Reception at The Summit Club Noon One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting Noon TRC Awards Meeting 10:00 a.m. Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market
October 5 7
12 14 19 21 24 25 26 27 28
CALENDAR
Noon 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Noon Noon 10:00 a.m. Noon 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. Noon Noon 11:45 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:40 a.m.
TRC Awards Meeting Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market Movies on the Plaza TRC Awards Meeting Leadership Longview Committee Meeting Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market TRC Awards Meeting Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Meeting Business After Hours sponsored by Wellness Pointe One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting TRC Awards Meeting Member2Member at Chamber Office Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market Business Development Programming: Home Based Shoring Serving Customers in Pajamas 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