Longview Progress Report May-June 2012

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES.™

REPORT

May/June 2012 Vol. 6 No. 3

Shop & Dine Longview!

Cover Story Pg. 6

INSIDE • New & Improved! TXDOT Signage, pg. 13 • Retail Development attends RECon, pg. 11 • AlleyFest finds a cooler date, pg. 7 • True Value in Chamber’s Cores, pg. 4

We’re committed to making Longview healthier in more ways than one.

With advanced technology and compassionate physicians and staff, Longview Regional Medical Center is dedicated to delivering an exceptional healthcare experience to every patient. But the care we offer extends beyond our doors – and out into the entire community.

Whether it’s through the people we employ, the local businesses we use, or the charities we support, we’re committed to making Longview a better place to live and work – and that’s the best benefit of all.

Community Benefit Report 2011 Providing Quality Care: • ER Visits – 28,599 • Admissions – 5,947 • Outpatient Visits – 71,474 • Births – 954 • Surgeries – 13,472

New Services: • 23 Private-Bed Heart & Vascular Unit • Opened Quick Care Clinic in Longview • Opened Family Care Clinic in Liberty City • Electrophysiology Lab

Physicians Recruited: • Helen Daniel, M.D., Internal Medicine • Arun Nadiga, M.D., Pediatrics • Jeremy Schirmer, M.D., Anesthesiology • John Wolcott, M.D., Family Practice • Anne Whitney-Obousy, M.D., Pediatrics

Financial Benefits*: • Capital Investments – $9,623,858 • Property & Sales Tax – $1,943,360 • Charity & Uncompensated Care – $28,047,175 • Community Donations – $147,035 • Dollars Spent Locally – $12,307,784 • Payroll (735 Employees) – $38,266,661 *Dollar amounts are approximate.

Total Dollars Invested in the Community: $90,335,873

Better healthcare starts here.

LongviewRegional.com

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4/9/12 4:22 PM

From the President WHAT TYPE OF LEADER DO YOU WANT TO BE?

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oving communities forward requires leaders to emerge from all business sectors and all employment levels. Have you considered what your leadership role within the community is or will be?

Have you ever asked your friends or colleagues how they view you as a leader? Another interesting question is what type of legacy do I want to leave behind?

I’d like to know your thoughts in these areas. Why? Chambers of Commerce are known for producing events and providing networking opportunities. Yes, these are important roles for a Chamber but our main thrust is strengthening the local economy. How is this accomplished and accomplished effectively? It is through leadership development, visioning, strategic planning and execution. Understanding how you view yourself as a leader to help advance our community is an important part of how our Chamber continues to move Longview in the direction YOU want.

Your Chamber needs individuals who have the conviction and courage to make Longview the best place to live, work, and play as possible. We must work collectively towards a shared vision. Understanding your leadership strengths will help us plug you in to a leadership role that best suits you. We are looking for volunteers who are: • results oriented, • enjoy working as a team, • enjoy research and development, and • are committed to moving Longview forward!

Contents From the President..........................3 Caring for the Core...........................4 Leadership 2013.............................5 COVER STORY Shop. Dine. Longview. ....................6 AlleyFest Has a New Date..............................7 Ribbon Cutting and Milestones..........8 Anniversaries and New Members.......9 National Weeks in May Capitalizing on greater visibility.......10 Retail Development Goes to RECon..............................11 Real East Texas Hospitality.............12 TRC for 2013................................12 New and Improved TxDOT Signs An Interview.................................13 Ambassadors of the Month.............14 Chamber Events Calendar..............15

Specific areas we need help with include: • • • • • • •

Community Development Main Street Entrepreneurial Center Membership Recruitment & Retention Hospitality Training ParBusters Golf Tournament Outdoor Expo To learn more about each of these areas please visit our website, download and print our Strategic Business Plan at: http://longviewchamber.com/businessplan or you can contact any of our team members (see staff listing pg.5. With your support and leadership we can make Longview the best place to live, work, and play.

www.longviewtx.com

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601 903-237-4000 / www.LongviewTX.com The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber @LongviewChamber

Cover Photo: Ashley Dover and Philip Perea. Photo by Bryan Boyd.

May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Strengthening our Local Economy 2012 Officers Dr. Dale Lunsford

LeTourneau University

P. Anne Hugman

Hugman Architecture & Constructions, Inc.

Richard Andrews

Richard Andrews Consulting

C

ommunities across Texas and our country may be different but one core component we have in common is the need for a

David McWhorter Dianne Swank

Suzanne Cook & Company

Brad Tidwell Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Builders LLC

Kelly Hall

Longview Chamber of Commerce

2012 Directors Jill Berney

Longview Regional Medical Center

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company

Cathy Cace

Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steak House

Darwin Winfield Atmos Energy

Jeremy DuMond

U.S. Steel Tubular Products

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Shelby Snell

Oleum Operating Company

Dave Spurrier

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

2012 Appointed Directors Suzanne Cook

Suzanne Cook & Company

Keith Honey

Voting Member - LEDCO

Brett Lindig

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Mayor Jay Dean City of Longview

Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County

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that defines all other core areas and it is the filter that is used to analyze, review, add, modify or eliminate programs, services or offerings.

The Longview Chamber tests

Uncertainty in the economy is becoming the new norm and change is happening at an accelerated pace. By working to create an atmosphere that embraces entrepreneurial

Strengthening our local economy requires cultivating the atmosphere, policies, programs and culture where members can grow their businesses.

Gans & Smith Insurance Company

Citizens National Bank

Caring for the Core

vibrant business community.

If you attend our Chamber of Commerce events regularly or read the printed communication pieces published, you are likely aware of our commitment to five Core Competencies.

• Strengthen the Local Economy • Promote the Community • Provide Networking Opportunities • Represent Interests of Business with Government • Build Community Leadership & Development Programs In a recent survey conducted by Charlton Research, business leaders were asked what they want most from their chamber. The answer given by 92% of respondents is for their chamber to assist in creating a strong local economy. Strengthening our local economy requires cultivating the atmosphere, policies, programs and culture where members can grow their businesses. It is all about selling our community as the place that can help grow and attract new jobs.

Helping to strengthen the local economy is a chambers over-arching umbrella

Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012

events, programs and all activities against whether those activities help create a strong local economy. The Chamber also works with the Longview Economic Development Corporation to strategically align programs and policies that help retain, grow and attract jobs for Longview.

WE’RE GROWING

success, the Chamber is promoting and attracting new life cycles of business to our community. Creating a strong economy means providing the right climate through innovation and creativity and in communicating an environment that grows and nurtures jobs.

BIGGER TO SERVE YOU BETTER! Les Mendicello President

Architect’s Rendering South Facade at 3700 Gilmer Road after Remodeling

Sometimes, the only way left to grow is up.

We’re adding a new second story to our building at Gilmer Road. It’s scheduled for completion this spring.

Come see what it’s like to deal with a locally owned and operated independent bank.

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

www.longviewtx.com

Developing Community Leaders CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP SINCE 1981

Staff

LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW

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eadership Longview, a long standing core program of the Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 year.

community-minded business and civic leadership. Leadership Longview has graduated over 650 professionals since graduating its first class in 1982.

Leadership Longview, founded in 1981, develops

It is a year-long interactive program, limited to 25 participants each year, that provides leadership development training, a behind-thescenes understanding of the issues that impact our region’s economic prosperity, quality of life, education, health and public safety

Leadership Longview Class of 2012 at the Gregg County Historical Museum

You want your work to evolve into a career.

Kelly Hall

issues that culminates in the completion of a community service project.

Elaine Reynolds

VP Downtown Development 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com

Leska Parker

Chief Operating Officer 903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewtx.com

Mary Whitton

Dawnelle Priddy-Sigmon

Hugman Architecture & Construction Class of 2011-2012

“Leadership Longview is instrumental in developing beneficial knowledge about multiple facets in the community including: economic, social, historical, judicial and political entities. More importantly it opens your eyes to the personal commitment that many businesses and citizens have in making Longview the best it can be; in turn moving the hearts of those in the class to be equally as involved in the future of our community.”

WE ARE CONVERGYS, THE WORLD LEADER IN RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT. WE’RE SPECIALISTS IN MAKING OUR CLIENTS’ INTERACTIONS SMARTER AND MORE PROFITABLE. BASICALLY, WE MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY THEY’VE TALKED TO US. IF THAT’S AN IDEA YOU CAN RELATE TO, WE THINK ITS TIME WE TALKED. CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT JOBS OR APPLY ONLINE AT: WWW.CONVERGYS.COM/CAREERS AND SELECT LONGVIEW,TX. Walk-Ins Welcome, Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 3:00PM 2545 Judson Road,Longview.

Community Development Director 903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com

Diana Northcutt

Retail Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com

Missy Saunders

Promotions and Events Manager 903-237-4023 promotions@longviewtx.com

Margie Harris

Tourism Services Manager 903-753-3281 x216 info@longviewtx.com

Lisa Null

Membership Services Clerk 903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATES

>FULL- AND PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE >EXCELLENT BENEFITS >NO TELEMARKETING, INBOUND CALLS ONLY >PAID VACATION AND TRAINING >OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Paul Anderson

Senior Vice President 903-237-4041 lcvb@longviewtx.com

WE CAN RELATE.

YOU’RE NOT JUST IN IT FOR A PAYCHECK OR SEASONAL, TEMPORARY HELP. YOU WANT TO WORK FOR A COMPANY WHERE YOU’RE REWARDED FOR YOUR TALENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS AND CAN GROW AND CREATE A CAREER PATH. BUT ALSO, WHERE YOU CAN UTILIZE YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS AND BACKGROUND TO TRULY HELP CUSTOMERS EACH AND EVERY DAY. WE COULDN’T AGREE MORE.

President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com

Applications are available at www. longviewchamber.com/ leadershiplongview or by contacting Mary Whitton, Community Development Director at 903.237.4003 or programs@longviewtx. com.

Application deadline is Friday, July 20th.

Katie Reynolds

Special Events Assistant 903-237-3281 x215 assistant@longviewtx.com

Carrie Fisher

Director of First Impressions 903-237-4000 info1@longviewtx.com

Kim Droege

Executive Director Keep Longview Beautiful 903-212-4552 klb@longviewtx.com

LIKE US. FOLLOW US. WATCH US.

www.longviewtx.com

May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Representing the Interest of Business with Government

Shop. Dine. Longview.

I

f you follow the Chamber’s blog “The Business View” you have read the regular submissions that promote local businesses. The effort began last December called “Christmas Chronicles” and continued after the holidays as a weekly article.1 Chamber members are featured in each of the installments which are written by Diana Northcutt, Retail Development Coordinator for the Chamber. This effort by the Chamber is part of a larger “Shop and Dine Longview” campaign which is getting under way in the month of May. Shop Local campaigns have been run in almost every kind of town or city no matter what the size. This year Chicago launched a “Local First Chicago” – an Eat, Drink & Buy Local campaign. And while every city that promotes shopping local, they continue to promote their shopping opportunities to their wider region pulling in buyers from other towns and cities.

When examined closely, Shop and Dine Longview is intended to support the small and independently owned businesses. Shopping habits are just that and this effort hopes to help people think of options for their shop and dine trips.

The question might be raised whether a shop local campaigns really work? The answer is yes. Yes it DOES!

The Power of Three Your Business • The Chamber • UnitedHealthcare The Longview Chamber of Commerce’s ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan offers access to several different UnitedHealthcare health plan options, including standard PPO and consumer-driven health plans – at prices that fit most budgets. In addition, businesses that enroll with UnitedHealthcare through this partnership will receive up to a 7 percent discount on select medical plans and have an option for an administrative savings of up to 5 percent on their bundled dental and vision plans.

From KLTV Creative Services, Philip Perea records video for television commercial in a Longview restaurant.

The decision to launch and support a local first effort makes a difference when compared to towns and cities that without a push for shopping locally. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) reported in their blog “Independent Business” on a recent survey2.

“For the fourth year in a row, a national survey of independent businesses has found that those in communities with an active “buy local” campaign have experienced markedly stronger revenue growth compared to those located in areas without such a campaign. The survey, which was conducted over an 8-day period in January, gathered data from 2,768 independent businesses, including retailers, service providers, restaurants and others. It found that those in places with a “buy local” initiative reported revenue growth of 5.6% on average in 2010, compared to 2.1% for those elsewhere.

Among independent retailers, which accounted for nearly half the respondents...those in “buy local” communities (saw) a 5.2% increase in holiday sales, while those elsewhere reported an average gain of 0.8%. ” Shop - Continued on Page 10

Businesses and employees who enroll in the ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan will also have access to UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide health care provider network of more than 650,000 physicians and care professionals, and 5,100 hospitals.

GET ANSWERS. REQUEST A QUOTE . GROW HEALTHY. CALL US TODAY.

ChamberChoice Health Care

© 2012 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

UHCTX543659-002

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012

From KLTV Creative Services, Philip Perea sets and records a local barista as she prepares a coffee. www.longviewtx.com

Promoting the Community AlleyFest Moves to May

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lleyFest - A Real East Texas Celebration of the Arts takes place on the streets of Downtown Longview’s historic Main Street district during the weekend of May 11-13, 2012.

Get ready for a weekend of live music, art demonstrations, kids’ activities, and of course exhibits filled with all types of art work from paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, to metal work.

Don’t miss Alley Run on Saturday morning. The 5k and 10k courses have been certified by Road Running Technical Council USA Track & Field.

For 34 years Alley Art and then, AlleyFest has taken place on the first weekend in June. But not this year! June 3 – 5, 2011 broke all types of heat records! The bottom line is that it is hard to be customer friendly when temperatures reached over 100 degrees during an AlleyFest day and afternoon. No one is ready for that type of heat. In order to produce a more enjoyable outdoor event along with less hot climate, AlleyFest organizers decided to move the event to the second weekend in May. An added plus is avoid-

www.longviewtx.com

ing conflicts with high school graduations, and with Canton First Monday Trade Days.

An excellent opportunity to get Mom a piece of fine art.

Make it special for Mom! The decision to move AlleyFest to the second weekend of May gives our patrons at AlleyFest the chance to celebrate Mother’s Day outdoors in anticipated cooler temperatures.

AlleyFest artists and crafters will have plenty of merchandise that a Mom would love.

AlleyFest Training Volunteers are a vital part of the success of AlleyFest! It takes hundreds of volunteers throughout the weekend to produce this event.

Volunteer training takes place on Tuesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 9. All event volunteers must attend one of these trainings. The trainings take place at the Longview Chamber of Commerce office beginning at 6:30 pm each night. The trainings will last about an hour.

Throughout the whole festival, you can keep up with the AlleyFest schedule and features with our Mobile Guide. It is the same address as the website only on you smart phone.

alleyfest.org

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Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012

www.longviewtx.com

Anniversaries and New Members May

1

YEAR

Behaviorial Hospital of Longview Café Cups and Cones Card & Party Factory/ Wally’s Party Factory Great American Coil Longview Blind & Shutter Mountain Supply & Service Premier Legacy Real Estate, LLC Sparq Creative, LLC

5

YEARS

Johnson & Pace Incorporated Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Center

10

Anniversaries 15 40 YEARS

YEARS

Four S Oil Company LTD Lamar Advertising

20 25

William E Bussey DDS Lakeview Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens Longview Cable Television Co. Inc. Rescar, Inc.

YEARS

Jim Fisher Builder

YEARS

Holders A/C & Heating Rooker Downing & Booth Insurance Vision Source – Jeffrey Jones OD West Drum Corporation

35

YEARS Spring Hill State Bank

YEARS

AP Equipment & Rentals Inc LeTourneau Technologies Inc

June

1

YEAR

5

YEARS

Advantage Building Services Shore Freeman Mills PC – Brian Bunt

20 25 35 45

YEARS

Leach Property Management

YEARS

Bluejean Baby Job Corps Locals Love Us

YEARS

15

Career Personnel

YEARS Satterwhite Log Homes

YEARS

First Bank and Trust East Texas Stephen F Austin State University Tyler Street Bistro

Barron’s Friedman Industries Inc

New Members Alliance Auto Auction

Johnny’s Pizza House

Tim Adams 6000 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75602 (903) 212-2955

Jennifer Franklin 3052 N Eastman Road Ste 100 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-2575

Brother’s Sandwiches, LLC

Media Choice

David Lichty 5127 Surratt Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 212-7687

Elite Gym & Fitness

Chris Reed 3701 Bee Cave Road Ste 1 Austin, TX 78746 (512) 693-9905

Mi Casita

Kevin McNabb 120 Johnston Street Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-2020

Eric Dean 324 N Spur 63 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-8226

Fenton Honda

Mobile Destination Inc/ Verizon Wireless

Harry Fisher 519 W Cotton Street Longview, TX 75606 (903) 757-2739

www.longviewtx.com

Shawn Moore 2121 Gilmer Road Longview, TX 75604 (9030 297-3070

Palm Beach Tan

Blake Costello 405 W Loop 281, Ste K, Longview Texas, 75605-, United States (903) 248-5393

Pure Nail Bar

Julie Dang 3052 N Eastman Road Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-1166

Purple Passion Boutique and Salon

Wendy Russell 204 Renaissance Drive Hallsville, TX 75650 (903) 660-2643

Select Staff

Stanley Nichols Marketing Robert Nichols (903) 371-0534

Super One Foods

Kerry Wallace 1800 S High Street Longview, TX 75602 (903) 753-2773

Trican

Greata Laperouse 4826 W Loop 281 Longview, TX 75603 (903) 759-6400

Vines and Friends

Jason Yenzer 1318 Fairhaven Street Longview, TX 75605 (903) 295-1195

Renee Fannin 211 E Tyler Street, Suite 600-0 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 505-0639

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Providing Networking Opportunities FOCUS on National Weeks

A

thorough search of Google failed to turn up that one definitive list that covers all the National Weeks observed in our country. It is likely that if one could be found, it would show a designation for almost all the weeks of the calendar year with some weeks double and triple booked.

Although many of Longview’s hotels carry national brands, each of them are owned and operated locally by small business owners. They also feed business to other small businesses in Longview when their guests go shopping and dining.

National Tourism Week has close relations with the other significant week in May, National Small Business Week which has been designated by the President of the United States in a proclamation to be May 21-25, 2012. It is an effort of the Small Business Administration, which assists small independent business through education, networking and shared resources; and it prepares the way for entrepreneurs to get started in business, and then survive and succeed.

“We are reminded once again that small businesses create about two out of every three jobs in the U.S. each year.”

In May we find two significant weeks of particular interest to your Chamber of Commerce.

The first is the National Travel and Tourism Week May 5-13, 2012. With over 30 Hotel/Motels and very numerous restaurants, tourism has a significant economic impact on our economy – a point that many are unaware of. The State of Texas 2010 Travel Research Report shows that direct spending for travel in the Longview MSA was 274.8 million dollars. This is down by 27 million from 2008, a high mark just before the national economy began to impact travel plans for many.

Measuring only Gregg County, the Longview area generates the large majority of those dollars. The report charts 213.7 million dollars spent in Gregg County.

[See: http://www.travel.state.tx.us under Travel Research.]

in st ow

C

ww

There is undeniable competition faced by small businesses from large corporate “big box” stores. But we are reminded once again that small businesses create about two out of every three jobs in the U.S. each year and about half of working Americans either own or work for a small business.

Small business can succeed and National Small Business Week is a time when small business owners across the country can come together and learn from one another.

More information is available at http://1.usa.gov/GOSMALL SHOP Continued from Page 6

fac

New elements of the “Shop and Dine Longview” campaign include original jingle and music to be used in broadcast and on-line media and a 30 second Television Commercial produced through KLTV’s local offices. It was through a program offered

by KLTV that the Chamber was able to have original lyrics and music written and recorded to support the campaign.

It’s worth noting that “Shop and Dine Longview” is much more than simply a shop local first effort. The campaign is aimed at the Longview MSA and even beyond. “Local” can mean something different depending upon ones perspective. What this campaign amounts to is something called the “local multiplier effect.” That is, spend your money at your independent businesses and begin the cycle of businesses spending their money at local shops, and so on. The money stays in the local area instead of being sent to a corporate headquarters for redistribution.

The Business View : 07 Dec 2011, “Christmas Chronicles Promotes Longveiw Chamber Members!” http://businessinlongview.com/2011/12/07/ christmas-chronicles-promotes-longview-chamber-members/

Long

R

Lon

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Independent Business: 26 Jan 2011, “Survey Finds “Buy Local” Message Benefitting Independent Businesses”. http://www.ilsr.org/retail/news/surveyfinds-buy-local-message-benefitting-independent-businesses/Shop & Dine

2

Photos by Bryan Boyd

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012

www.longviewtx.com

dev

Strengthening our Local Economy Are you interested in starting your own business?

Need new marketing ideas?

Check out our Tools For Business link on our home page! www.longviewchamber.com

Follow us on:

facebook.com/longviewchamber

@LongviewChamber

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Showing Off the Right Stuff

ities and towns across America compete for retail store openings each year. Municipalities also look for organizations and events to promote their cities. Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. It’s more than 55,000 members in over 90 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials. As the global industry trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world.

New strategies are taking place this year in order to attract new businesses to Longview: A graphic placement in the Cities of the World Showcase (located in the Grand Lobby entrance of the convention center), a new state of the art trade show exhibit to showcase available properties and display aerial maps of Longview, and a full page presentation in the show directory that will be in the hands of more than 30,000 attendees.

RECon is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal making and educational opportunities for retail real estate professionals from around the world. With over 30,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors it is the largest industry convention.

Not only will retail growth add jobs and improve the quality of life in the Longview community, but sales tax revenue from retail sales also drives the economic engine of just about every community in the country.

Attracting retail isn’t as easy as it seems, we must Longview Has Room foR stay on top of market trends, technological tools, development rules and regulations, and still find time to effectively market themselves to the right people.

Growth

Longview continues to pursue retail and commercial development to meet the demand of our growing community.

• Centrally located two hours east of Dallas and one hour west of Shreveport

Longview Chamber of Commerce Group

• Has an average household income of $56,496 • Retail Trade area of 13 counties • Retail Space and sites for mixed-use developments available

The Business View Blog businessinlongview.com

Diana Northcutt

Retail Development Coordinator

Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601

903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com

www.longviewtx.com

• 700 Acres available at North Business Park • Business Friendly focused Leadership • Developer resource assistance • 2012 Retail Trade analysis available

Longview has been a member of ICSC for over 15 years. This year, Diana Northcutt, Retail Development Coordinator with the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Keith Honey, External Affairs Manager with AEP, and Michael Shirley, City Planner with the City of Longview will be attending the International Council of Shopping Centers largest real estate convention RECon, May 19-24, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Promoting the Community Get Onboard for a Tour of Longview

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eal East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training took place on Friday, March 9 with over 30 people taking advantage of a special tour of Longview’s attractions on a deluxe motor coach. Attendees toured some local parks and walking trails as well as the Belcher Center, three museums and Enoch’s Stomp’s Vineyards and Winery where French chef Ann Kelt prepared and served an excellent lunch.

TRC Gearing Up for 2013 The Chamber’s gearing up for its 2nd Annual Total Resource Campaign! The TRC is an eight-week program that allows volunteers to sell sponsorships for the chamber. If you’re interested in volunteering for this exciting program, contact Leska Parker at 903-237-4000. Read what some who participated last year say about their experience.

“The Total Resource Campaign afforded me a very unique experience to meet with Longview’s finest community leaders and businesses. It was a privilege to provide these companies the opportunity to market their organizations and gave me satisfaction knowing I was helping their businesses as well as the local economy.”

Elizabeth Abrams Community Relations Coordinator Texas Bank and Trust

Margie Harris shows the Home Town Faces wall in the new Visitors Center

If you would like to learn more about Longview and what it has to offer, register for one of the next Hospitality Trainings Thursday, May 24 or Friday, October 12 offered by the Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau. You can register online at www. longviewchamber.com.

“I was very pleased with the way that the Chamber handled the Total Resource Campaign last year. As a member of the Chamber, it helped to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities that I didn’t know were readily available.

By sponsoring these events, our bank name is being promoted heavily. I am extremely happy with the events and items that First Bank & Trust East Texas sponsored.”

Dan Droege Market President First Bank & Trust East Texas

The March tour group visited Enoch’s Stomp during lunch.

The training is free of charge with lunch provided. It begins at 8:30 am at Maude Cobb Activity Center and concludes with a graduation ceremony at 2:30. If you or your employees would like to become an advocate of Longview, then this training is for you! Presenting sponsor is Longview Economic Development Corporation.

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012

“My experience with the TRC campaign was very rewarding in many ways. TRC allowed me to put my networking and sales skills to the test it also allowed me to build new relationships within our community! I have gained a whole new respect for what the Chamber does and has to offer its members.”

Sherri Fluellen HR Generalist American HomePatient

www.longviewtx.com

Representing the Interest of Business with Government

F

SIGNING UP LONGVIEW    

or many years, destination travelers eastbound on Interstate 20 from Dallas had difficulty knowing just how far Longview was in miles or even that there was a city called Longview. This is no longer the circumstance as new signs have been installed and some signs changed out along I-20 helping drivers know the mileage to Longview. This improvement is the result of certain determined citizens in Longview who brought the case to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and petitioned for these changes. It required working in cooperation with several TxDOT districts and the Chamber is thankful to all who have put out the effort to improve the visibility of Longview and its location to those on this primary freeway which intersects the city limits of Longview.

Another significant change are new signs that are going up on I-20 and TX Hwy 149. They will more clearly identify exits for Longview, which exits to take for airport or train station, and point the direction to our downtown business district. TxDOT began construction of the new sign supports in the middle of April and should finish the project by the end of May.

Longview, Wayfinding signage or the new “Longview” signs on I-20 near our City, I believe we deserved more and we are finally seeing results of a collective group effort to expand our presence in this regard.

Bunt: We wanted destination travelers to know how to get to

Longview, Texas; downtown in particular. We also wanted passthrough traffic to have multiple opportunities to be told they were passing through “Longview”. Travelers are more inclined to stop and look around if they know they are in a larger city.

Continued on Page 14 - SIGNS

David Spurrier, Wells Fargo Advisors and Brian Bunt, Freeman Mills PC worked together to carry this initiative forward and are credited with much of it getting accomplished.

Longview Progress Report interviewed each to get their insight into the process.

Q.

What was it that sparked the passion about improving the signage for Longview?

Dave Spurrier: My mother always impressed upon me that

everyone should be proud of where they are from and where they live. I am proud of Longview and am proud of what it represents. It’s a great place to live, work and raise a family. I believe travelers along I-20 and elsewhere should know we are here…

Brian Bunt: Given that Longview is the second largest city

in Northeast Texas (and largest MSA), it has historically been underserved in directional highway signage. Too many visitors were telling us the signage did not adequately point the way to, and through, Longview. Also, for a variety of reasons, much of the signage along I-20 needed to better identify the City, its highway intersections and air/rail facilities.

Q.

What results did you want to see/experience by improving the signage?

Spurrier: Since 2001, when I joined the Chamber Board and as a member of the Transportation Committee I have been pushing TxDOT and others for improved signage for Longview. Whether it be the increased number of mileage markers for Longview along I-20, new entry way signage, the backlit street signs within www.longviewtx.com

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May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Report

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Representing the Interest of Business with Government SIGNS: Continued from page 13

Q.

Over the past seven - eight years we’ve seen new directional signage (for Longview go up) in at least three different TxDOT districts, additional interstate signage markers, new entry way signage, WayFinding signage and now the new overhead signage. That is an impressive amount of work that’s been accomplished! What have you learned from this experience?

Who were the players?

Spurrier: I have learned that “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”. I have learned that you have to ask for support from certain entities to get that support. I have also learned that effective political influence is critical. Judge Bill Stoudt, the NETRMA, Randy Hopman and other TxDOT Officials, individuals who work for the City of Longview and certainly members

of the Chamber were all involved in these improvements.

Bunt: That we must be proactive to make such things happen. Who were the players? Many of these efforts began years ago with the Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, but other civic planning committees, City planning staff, Mayor and City Council, County Judge and Commissioners Court, Tyler and Atlanta TxDOT Districts, and others, assisted. For the I-20 project in particular, David Spurrier and TxDOT engineer Glenn Green were lead players.

Q.

What would you like to see next?

Spurrier: I would like for the City to move forward with one of the recommendations from the Vision 2020 Committee. I would like to see a formal master plan for the I-20 Corridor. I’d like to see us plan our

work and then work our plan to improve that corridor and enhance the economic development in that area. Additionally, I think there are several opportunities still available for entry way signs as we enter Longview. I’d like to see those identified, funded and constructed.

Bunt: There is more directional signage work to be done, particularly on south US 259 in the Nacogdoches and Henderson areas. Even though Longview is by far the largest city on US 259, one must drive to almost Kilgore before our city’s name appears on prominent directional signage.

I also hope to see Longview’s I-20 corridor properly developed. About 35,000 cars per day pass through this corridor. If we don’t provide those travelers with better places to eat and shop, their dollars will simply be lost to other cities along the route. Developers, are you listening?

Developing Community Leaders Ambassador of the Month

Ambassador of the Month

February 2012

March 2012

Angela Hanley

Troy Neuman

Employer: CBS 19

Employer: Eastman Credit Union

Position: Account Executive

Position: Branch Manager

Years of Service as Ambassador: 10 years What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

“Getting the opportunity to meet new local businesses, building new relationships and friendships” How has being an Ambassador helped your business?

“It keeps us in front of the community, it is great for networking.”

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012

Years of Service as Ambassador: Since December 2011 What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

“I have really enjoyed getting to know my fellow Ambassadors. We really have a good group of people from all types of businesses in the Longview area to welcome new Chamber members.”

How has being an Ambassador helped your business?

“Being an Ambassador has helped me to put a face on Eastman Credit Union. It has allowed me to educate people who we are and what we have to offer the Longview area in terms of financial services.” www.longviewtx.com

Calendar of Chamber Events MAY 2012

Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

1

q

Small Business Luncheon and Leadership Longview Graduation 11:30 a.m.

Maude Cobb Activity Center

Business Expo 1:00 p.m.

Maude Cobb Activity Center

Business After Hours 4:45 p.m.

Maude Cobb Activity Center

Candidates Forum 6:00 p.m.

9

s

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Team Meeting

Maude Cobb Activity Center

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m.

Leadership Longview Alumni Meeting

w.r

4:00 p.m.

AlleyFest - A Real East Texas Celebration of the Arts.

See AlleyFest.org for more information.

Downtown Longview

u Business Development Series: PowerPoint 2010: Distribute and Integrate Presentations 11:00 a.m.

Word 2010: Control Content and Layout for Your Documents

1:00 p.m.

Noon

Longview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting 3:30 p.m.

f

Business Development Series: How to Screen, Interview & Hire Customer Service Reps 11:40 a.m.

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board

Noon

g

Member2Member at Chamber Office 11:30 a.m.

h Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting 4:00 p.m.

JUNE 2012

Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

r

o

Business Development Series: OneNote 2010: Organize Content and Navigate Pages 11:00 a.m.

Business Development Series: Outlook 2010: Customize the Appearance of Your Email Messages and Share Outlook Content with Others 1:00 p.m.

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 a.m.

Leadership Longview Alumni Meeting

t

Noon

Longview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

a

3:30 p.m.

Business Development Series: How to Handle Difficult Employees and Bad Attitudes with Ease

l

11:40 a.m.

Business After Hours sponsored by Hampton Inn & Suites North 4:45 p.m.

Hampton Inn & Suites North 3044 N Eastman Road

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Team Meeting 4:00 p.m.

www.longviewtx.com

May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Report

15

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 82 LONGVIEW, TX

410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 www.longviewtx.com

CELEBRATING

1987/2012 In 1987, Good Shepherd Medical Center launched the area’s first cardiology program to offer interventional and surgical treatment for advanced cardiac disease. Since that time, Good Shepherd has set the standard in cardiology care by consistently exceeding quality metrics in every aspect of care. The Good Shepherd heart team has worked closely together over these 25 years to develop the caring and compassionate treatments to give the best outcomes for our patients. And they continue to do so.

With advanced treatments such as radial artery heart catheterizations, electrophysiology procedures, beating heart surgery, and minimally invasive valve repair just to name a few, Good Shepherd has been and continues to be committed to being on the leading edge of cardiac treatment and technology. Trust your heart to a team with experience. Trust Good Shepherd.

www.GSMC.org