september/october longview progress report
DESCRIPTION
Bi-Monthly newsletterTRANSCRIPT
Taking Care of BusinessLETTER 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
Don’t Miss…
Also in this issue…
17th Annual PAR BUSTERS set for Sept. 12, p. 10
Longview Progress Report is published by:
410 N. Center Street / Longview, TX 75601903-237-4000 / www.longviewtx.com
September/October 2011 Vol. 5 Issue 5
Chamber of Commerce J Convention and Visitors Bureau J Downtown Development
Taking Care of Business is exactly whatthe Longview Chamber of Commerce is
here to do! The next couple of months aregoing to beexciting as Dr.Dale Lunsfordwith LeTourneauUniversity leadsthe Chamber’sinaugural TotalResourceCampaign. Thiseight-weekrevenuegenerating effortkicks off on September 13, 2011 to reach agoal of $250,000 by November 9, 2011. TheTotal Resource Campaign will create 25teams of volunteers under theleadership of five Vice Chairs:Darwin Winfield with AtmosEnergy, Rogers Pope, Jr. withTexas Bank and Trust, DavidMcWhorter with Gans &Smith Insurance Agency, Dr.James Wilcox with LongviewIndependent School Districtand a representative withGood Shepherd HealthSystems.
These Vice Chairs recruitvolunteers to marketsponsorships to Chamberevents and publications,while also seeking newmembers for the Chamber.The all-volunteer Campaign consists ofmore than 600 sponsorships availableduring the Campaign. Volunteers assistcompanies with choosing options best
suited to meet the organization’smarketing needs.
“The TRC offers excellent exposure forcompanies both at the Chamber’s events
and within oursignaturepublications,” saidAnne Hugman,Chairman of theBoard. Teams arecurrently forming forthe campaign.
“The Campaign is agreat way forvolunteers to meet ourarea’s top communityleaders and businessowners while workingdirectly with many ofthe Chamber’s mostdedicated leadership,”
suggested Dr.Lunsford, “so call Leska Parker, theChamber’s Chief Operating Officer at 903-237-4010 to take advantage of this greatopportunity to get involved.”
David McWhorter
Dr. Dale Lunsford
Dr. James Wilcox Darwin Winfield
Rogers Pope, Jr.
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Products That Benefit Your Bottom Line
BOARD OFDIRECTORS
Richard AndrewsLEDCO Past Chairman
Edward BanosGood Shepherd Health System
Shane BestTexas Bank & Trust
Cathy CaceJohnny Cace’s
Seafood & Steak House
Jon CoxSTEMCO
Keith HoneyAEP Southwestern Electric
Power Company
Anne HugmanHugman Architecture &
Construction
Jim KendrickLongview Regional
Medical Center
Dr. Dale LunsfordLeTourneau University
David McWhorterGans & Smith Insurance
Agency Inc.
Darrell RachelsEastman Chemical Company,
Texas Operations
John RayLively Cadillac-GMC Car Co.
Dave SpurrierWells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Dianne SwankSuzanne Cook & Company
Tim VaughnTVaughn Properties, LLC
APPOINTEDDIRECTORS
Jay DeanCity of Longview
Judge Bill StoudtGregg County
Shelby SnellOleum Operating Co., LLC
www.longviewtx.com
From the President
The Longview Progress Report 3
On February 1, 2009 the LongviewChamber in
conjunction withJackson-LloydInsuranceManagementlaunched “SensibleSolution”. “SensibleSolution” wasdesigned to protectthe business interestsof the membership byproviding real occupational healthinsurance protection in anaffordable way to any sizebusiness. “Sensible Solution”has become one of two GREATbenefits offered to members.
The second insurance planlaunched on July 1, 2010,“ChamberChoice Health SavingsPlan”. Chamber members with1-99 employees nowhas access to severaldifferentUnitedHealthcare health plan options – atprices that fit most budgets. In addition,businesses that enroll withUnitedHealthcare through this partnershipwill receive a 7 percent discount on selectmedical plans and have an option forsaving 5 percent on their bundled dentaland vision plans. Plus, businesses andemployees who enroll in the
ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan willalso have access to UnitedHealthcare’snationwide health care provider networkof more than 600,000 physicians and careprofessionals, and 5,000 hospitals.
With both insurance plans, businesseshave the ability to choose their desiredlevel of coverage. The goal of TheLongview Chamber is to providemembers with insurance choices thathelps their bottom line with lowerpremium payments as well as a vehiclefor controlling claims costs. Most
especially, the members haveasked for and will now receivea product that will reduce theiroperating costs while protectingthe Longview economic base.
“Sensible Solutions” and“ChamberChoice” are productswhich provide members withsuperior options to protect and
retain employees.Plus, these toolskeeps our
healthcare treatment at home whileproviding quality care and convenienceand keeping our dollars local!
For more information about theseprograms you can visitwww.longviewchamber.com or contactKelly Hall at the Chamber, 903-237-4004or [email protected].
Kelly HallChamber President
YOUR BUSINESS HAS GONE MOBILE!
LONGVIEW SEES YOU- 24/7
UPGRADE TODAY!
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STAFFKelly HallPresident
Paul AndersonSr. Vice President
Elaine ReynoldsVP Downtown Development
Leska ParkerChief Operating Officer
Mary WhittonCommunity Development
Director903-237-4003
Mitzi BarnesConvention Sales & Services
Coordinator Executive Director - East Texas
Outdoor Expo903-237-4021
Amy TatumMembership and Public Affairs
Director903-237-4041
Diana NorthcuttCommunity Development
Coordinator903-237-4029
Lisa NullMembership Services Clerk
Margie HarrisTourism Services Manager
Carrie FisherDirector of First Impressions
www.longviewtx.com
Strengthening a Strong Economy
4 September/October
The Chairman’s ClubPlatinum
Silver
The Longview Chamber ofCommerce’s 2012 Map
and Resource Guide will beavailable after Labor Day atthe chamber office. Thispublication is the only officialmap endorsed and distributedby the Longview Chamber ofCommerce. According tostatistics published bySpeedeondata.com:
• 1 out of 5 people in theUnited States relocate peryear. That is over 40 millionconsumers and nearly 15% of
the overall population.• New movers spend moremoney during the initial threemonths in their newsurroundings than non-movers spend in five years.• New movers spend anaverage of $8,5000 on a varietyof goods and services in thefirst months of a new move.For additional informationcontact the LongviewChamber of Commerce at903.237.4000 [email protected].
Longview Chamber Produces 2012 Map and Resource Guide
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Strengthening a Strong Economy
www.longviewtx.com The Longview Progress Report 5
Hospitality Training Focuses on Longview’s Attractions
Have you ever had anyone walk up to you and askyou “What is there to do in Longview?” If you
hesitated even for a second, then you will benefit from ourReal East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training. Thistraining will raise your awareness of all the wonderful andexciting activities and attractions there are in Longview.
Our Hospitality Training includes a tour of our localattractions on a luxury motor coach. It begins at 8:30 a.m.at Maude Cobb Activity Center on Friday, Oct. 21, andconcludes at 2:00 p.m. with a graduation ceremony.Experience first hand the art of winemaking at Enoch’sStomp Vineyard and Winery and get a sneak peek behindthe scenes of the S. E. Belcher, Jr. Performance Center.Other East Texas attractions to be visited are the GreggCounty Historical Museum, Longview Museum of FineArts, the East Texas Oil Museum, KidsView, Lear Park,Nugget Hill, Boorman Trail and the Amtrak Station. You’llbe treated to lunch and live entertainment at HeritagePlaza during Brown Bag Lunch and the DowntownMarket.
Some of the comments from our previous participantsare:
“I enjoyed it being free, being toured on a nice bus, with agreat driver, and the opportunity to tour places I wasn’t awareof.”
“The food was great, the entertainment on Heritage Plaza wassuperb, 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 thereare to do in our city while learning some important tips toinsure that our visitors have a wonderful time here andrecommend our city to others. The Real East TexasFriendly Hospitality Training is offered to all participantsfor FREE, but seating is limited. You can register online atwww.LongviewChamber.com.
For more information or to sign up, please call theLongview Convention and Visitors Bureau at 903.753.3281or email us at [email protected].
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Make Your Way to Downtown Longview Main StreetMusic on the Plaza, Downtown Market Scheduled for Fall Fridays
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
6 September/October
The Fall Music on the Plaza andDowntown Market starts Friday,
Sept. 30, and runs each Friday throughNov. 4, 2011. This free event is held atHeritage Plaza, at the corner of Greenand Methvin Streets in downtownLongview.
“We will have select vendors offeringlocal products, fresh fruits, gifts andother items that will give our guests indowntown a chance to make localpurchases from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,” said Kim Droege,Main Street Chair.
The Music on the Plaza will feature entertainment on theplaza from noon until 1:00 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful fallweather and have lunch with a friend while enjoying an
entertaining Friday in the Plazashowcasing quality entertainment.Bring your lunch or enjoy a brown baglunch for $6 from Texas BestSmokehouse. This price includes abarbeque sandwich, chips and a drink.
Longview’s Main Street presents TheMusic on the Plaza series and theDowntown Market in hopes ofpromoting the community by attractingpeople to beautiful downtown.
Entertainers are needed to play each Friday from noonuntil 1:00 p.m. Contact Elaine Reynolds, 903-237-4040 formore information.
Don’t forget to join The Downtown Market Facebookpage!
Crowds come out to hear live music andenjoy lunch in the Plaza on a recentFriday afternoon.
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www.longviewtx.com8 September/October
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
Bluejean Baby Boutique is located at 1017N. 4th St. Call 903-234-2229.
Café, Cups & Cones is located at 3500McCann Road in the Food Court of theLongview Mall. Call 903-232-2286.
Reliable Management is located at 1118Judson Road. Call 903-759-9933.
BLUEJEAN BABY Café, Cups & Cones Reliable Management
Behavioral Hospital of Longview islocated at 22 Bermuda Lane. Call 903-291-3456.
Behavioral HospitalLili & Dolce Style District is located at2002 Judson Road, Ste. 102. Call 903-236-2922.
lili & dolceBalance Diet is located at 3080 N.Eastman Road, Ste. 108. Call 903-663-5900.
BalanceDiet
Wally’s Party Factory is located at 1011Wal St. Call 903-663-3090.
Wally’s Party FactoryHome Plus Floors is located at 3408 N.4th St. Call 903-759-8344.
HOME PLUS FLOORS
Southern Home Builders is located at4000 Technology Center. Call (903) 353-2824.
Southern Home Builders
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Promoting the Community
ASSIST Autism Foundation,Inc.Cindi Dewet212 Old Grande Blvd. Suite C 118Tyler, TX 75703(903) 509-4430
Audubon BehavioralHealthcare of LongviewBrooke Blaylock757 Professional Drive HShreveport, LA 71105(318) 797-6785
Balance DietLisa Nobles3080 N. Eastman Road Ste. 108Longview, TX 75605(903) 663-5900
Tom Brown1120 N. 3rd StreetLongview, TX 75601(903) 758-2081
Color Me HappyShawna Blissett285 Kayla laneLongview, TX 75602(903) 238-9070
Enterprise Rent-A-CarMarcus Hughes104 S. Spur 63Longview, TX 75601(903) 236-7788
Genghis Grill – TheMongolian Stir FryChiara Granado310 E Loop 281Longview, TX 75605(903) 686-0083
September ‘11 - 1 YEARThe 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 YEARSBaskins
Budget Optical
GCI Training
Kilgore College
Network Communications
Tri City Charter
September ‘11 - 20 YEARSBilly B. Westbrook DPM
Pack & Mail
Visage Esthetique
Whataburger of East Texas
Wood Hollow Golf Club
September ‘11 - 25 YEARSITW Angleboard
September ‘11 - 30 YEARSLock Doc
Pine Tree Independent School
District
GNC – Towne CrossingJon Jett3080 N. Eastman Road Ste. 113Longview, TX 75605(903) 663-1410
Lili & Dolce Style District Claudia LeonP.O. Box 8777Tyler, TX 75711(903) 236-2922
Locals Love UsTed McDermottP.O. Box 887Sioux Falls, SD 57101(605) 376-9073
McPropertiesCheri McConnellP.O. Box 5959Longview, TX 75608(903) 720-0687
Scott & White Senior CareHealth PlanKathy Cooley522 N. BroadwayTyler, TX 75602(903) 593-5233
Suzanne Cook & CompanyDianne Swank1127 Judson Road Suite 146Longview, TX 75601(903) 759-1010
The Junior League ofLongviewNatalie LynchP O Box 866Longview, TX 75606(903) 757-5740
Vessel TechnologySandy TippitP O Box 6570Longview, TX 75608(903) 643-9111
Anniversaries New MembersOctober ‘11 - 1 YEARAlbritton Law Firm – Eric
AlbrittonArabella ManorBusiness Strategy Partners
LLCCooner & Cooner PCEast Texas Acoustical Inc.Everett Financial Inc.Express CEU LLCGary Andrews InsuranceGerman Roasted NutsGrace & Glory Gift GalleryKen Martin AudiologyMaximum Intensity RetrieversNeurological Institute at Good
ShepherdNoon & Associates – Tiffany
ScottOffice DepotPaisanos of East TexasQuality InnSixty-Six Management Inc.Skeeter Products, Inc.Suburban Extended Stay HotelTexas Farm Bureau InsuranceVanity RX
October ‘11 - 5 YEARSClayton Place PropertiesEast Texas ShreddingEvergreen at LongviewH & W MarineMedia Quest
October ‘11 - 15 YEARSOn Hold Productions
October ‘11 - 25 YEARAlco-AirLedbetter Plumbing
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10 September/October www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
Mayor Jay Dean invites you to attend the 2011 State of the City Business Luncheon
hosted by the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
No doubt you have noticed the continued construction and business development in and aroundLongview, 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.
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:
Excit ing New Event Set For This Year’s PAR BUSTERS Tournament
Have you heard the news? We arehaving a golf ball drop!
Guaranteed prize to one lucky person is$1,000. To purchase YOUR winning ticketplease contact Mitzi Barnes at 903-237-4021 or [email protected].
What can you expect?Great food, great company, and loads offun!
How can you and your companyparticipate? Attendance is key, but you can also help
2011 State of the City
with auction items, donations, door prizesand sponsorships. All proceeds donatedto the Longview Chamber of Commercesupports our Leadership, Educational andCommunity programs throughout theyear. If you would like more informationplease contact Mitzi Barnes, 903-237-4021or [email protected].
How do I make a reservation?Contact the Longview Chamber ofCommerce offices or go to our website atwww.longviewchamber.com .
2011 State of the City
J
J
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The Longview Progress Report 11www.longviewtx.com
Representing the Interests of Business and Government
The Business Advocacy Committee and the LongviewChamber of Commerce invite you to the 2011 Elected
Officials Reception. This is your opportunity to speak faceto face with your local elected representatives.
Tuesday, Sept. 27 • 5:00-6:30 p.m. • The Summit ClubSponsored by:
Past Chairman David McWhorter, Longview Chamber President/CEOKelly Hall and Board Chairman Anne Hugman proudly display theLongview Chamber’s recognition as a Five-Star Chamber through theAmerican Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.
FIVE-STAR RANKING
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Developing Community Leaders
12 September/October
Chamber Announces 2011-12 Leadership Longview Class• 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 LongviewChamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 30th year withthe 2011-2012 class. To learn more about the LeadershipLongview program, contact Mary Whitton, CommunityDevelopment Director, at 903.237.4003 [email protected] or go towww.longviewchamber.com/leadership_longview.
The Longview Chamber of Commerce is proud toannounce 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
8 8
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www.longviewtx.com14 September/October
Developing Community Leaders
Longview Chamber Welcomes Diana Northcutt
The Longview Chamber of Commerce isproud to welcome Diana Northcutt as its
newest employee. Diana is the newCommunity Development Coordinator whoseduties will include identifying andmaintaining a database of available retailspaces and pad sites, conduct retail space/padsite tours, continue and expand the “I ShopLongview” campaign, and market andpromote Longview and build namerecognition by participating in state, regional and nationalorganizations. Diana will also be the executive director ofKeep Longview Beautiful.
Diana is a native of Mount Pleasant, Texas and agraduate of Mount Pleasant High School. Diana earned an
associate’s degree in Arts with an emphasis inEconomics from Tyler Junior College and abachelor’s degree in Business Managementfrom the University of Texas at Tyler. She willcomplete her MBA in May 2012 from TexasA&M – Texarkana.
Diana’s background is in banking. She is aformer employee of Regions Bank in Tyler andCypress Bank in Pittsburg. She is married toJustin and they have two dogs: Sugar and
Lucky. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping andtraveling.
“I look forward to recruiting and maintaining businessesin the Longview area and being a part of the chamberfamily,” Northcutt said.
Chamber Names Ambassadors of the MonthName: Angela HanleyEmployer: CBS 19 - LondonBroadcastingPosition: Advertising SalesHow long have you beenan Ambassador? 9 yearsWhat do you enjoy mostabout being anAmbassador? Being part ofthe community, buildinglasting relationshipsthrough networking, andthe friendships I have withother Ambassadors.How has being anAmbassador helped yourbusiness? It introduces me
to new businesses in ourcommunity, gives merecognition within ourcommunity and offers greatopportunities forvolunteering.
Name: Temeka JeterEmployer: Good ShepherdMedical CenterPosition: EmployerRelations/OutreachSpecialistHow long have you beenan Ambassador? Since 2008What do you enjoy mostabout being anAmbassador? I enjoymeeting new people andlearning about theirbusinesses and buildinglasting relationships.How has being an
Ambassador helped yourbusiness? By allowing meto network with severalbusinesses to let themknow what Good ShepherdMedical Center has to offer.
Temeka Jeter Angela Hanley
Name: Cynthia BellEmployer: RK ProductionsAdvertising AgencyPosition: Marketing andAdvertising ConsultantHow long have you beenan Ambassador? 6 yearsWhat do you enjoy most
about being anAmbassador? I enjoylearning about the differentbusinesses and productsavailable in Longview. Ialso enjoy networking withother businessprofessionals.
How has being anAmbassador helped yourbusiness? Being anambassador is a wonderfulopportunity to reach out tothe community and helpnew and establishedbusinesses grow and prosper.
Cynthia Bell
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September5 Chamber Office Closed for Holiday7 10 a..m. & 3 p.m. TRC Training at Chamber Office8 8 a.m. &1 p.m. TRC Training at Chamber Office12 PAR BUSTERS Golf Tournament at The Challenge at Oak Forest13 11:30 a.m. Leadership Longview Committee Meeting
3:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting4:00 p.m. TRC Kick-off Event at Arabella Manor
14 11:30 a.m. State of the City Luncheon at Pinecrest Country Club15 Board Retreat 16 Board Retreat 21 Noon TRC Awards Meeting22 11:45 a.m. Member2Member at Chamber Office23 11:40 a.m. Business Development Programming: Delivering WOW27 5:00 p.m. Elected Officials Reception at The Summit Club28 Noon One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting
Noon TRC Awards Meeting30 10:00 a.m. Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market
October5 Noon TRC Awards Meeting7 10:00 a.m. Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market
8:00 p.m. Movies on the Plaza12 Noon TRC Awards Meeting
Noon Leadership Longview Committee Meeting14 10:00 a.m. Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market19 Noon TRC Awards Meeting21 8:30 a.m. Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training
10:00 a.m. Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market24 3:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Meeting25 4:45 p.m. Business After Hours sponsored by Wellness Pointe26 Noon One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting
Noon TRC Awards Meeting27 11:45 a.m. Member2Member at Chamber Office
4:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting28 10:00 a.m. Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market
11:40 a.m. Business Development Programming: Home Based ShoringServing Customers in Pajamas
CALENDAR
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410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601
903-237-4000www.longviewtx.com
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 82LONGVIEW, TX
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