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STR ATEGIC PL AN 2018 R.E.A.C.H. EDITION REDEVELOPMENT
E D U C AT I O N
ADVOCACY
C O L L A B O R AT I O N
H E A LT H
R.E.A.C.H. Redevelopment. Education. Advocacy. Collaboration. Health.
R E A C H R E D E V E L O P M E N T
E D U C A T I O N
A D V O C A C Y
C O L L A B O R A T I O N
H E A L T H
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PLAN • 2017 - 2021
Leading Longview: R.E.A.C.H. Last year the Longview Chamber analyzed Longview’s economic environment, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, resulting in the Strategic Initiatives for Leading Longview, R.E.A.C.H. That focus brought forth major initiatives in Redevelopment, Education, Advocacy, Collaboration and Health for the Longview trade area to support existing businesses while continuing to promote an environment that creates jobs and improves the quality of life in Longview. We continue our second year with the evolution of Leading Longview, R.E.A.C.H.: the Chamber’s contribution to ensure that next wave of economic progress.
R The Chamber formed a 501(c)(3) Foundation working with other stakeholders in Longview and the City’s
OUR MISSION STATEMENT To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area.
VISION STATEMENT To be recognized as an effective resource, providing relevant, innovative, and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview and Gregg County.
OUR CORE IDEOLOGY AND VALUES
CORE IDEOLOGY We believe that together we can have a stronger voice and influence positive outcomes. We believe Longview is a great place to live and work.
Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.
We believe that together we can develop leaders to shape Longview’s future.
E Education initiatives were started to strengthen workforce development including tools to help students plan for their
CORE VALUES
future, a Partners In Education Conference and special Teaching the Future workshop, the Texas Internship Challenge, and developing a Career Ready Plus campus certification program in partnership with Ware Elementary School.
A Unprecedented involvement for our advocacy as the East Texas Coalition met in Austin with 175 attendees and the first East Texas Legislative Tour bringing area state legislators to the Longview area.
C Initiated by the Chamber, leadership from the City, LEDCO and Chamber have collaborated to: move forward with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a long-term road map for future development; supported City and LEDCO efforts to renovate the Petroleum Building in downtown Longview; seek a location for a planned Career and Technology Center that will prepare high school students the vocational training they need to secure good jobs after high school; and work with area school districts and secondary educational programs to better prepare our workforce.
H Sponsored over 45 programs and events and over 45 ribbon cuttings that promote our local businesses and provide needed to compete in our 21st century global marketplace. We recognize that our local economy will need to rely on attracting new employers and enticing existing businesses to fuel growth. Businesses of all sizes will need to be bold and entrepreneurial to seize growth opportunities. The Longview Chamber is committed to being a driving force, reaching out to other partners in our region to develop an environment that cultivates business growth and increased economic opportunities. Richard Manley, 2018 Chairman of the Board
Strengthen the local economy by researching and providing available resources to grow our local businesses. Promote the community by marketing Longview as a destination for new businesses, tourists, active older adults, and potential employees. Provide networking opportunities by organizing and hosting a myriad of seminars, events, etc. for our Chamber members. Represent the interests of business with government by building relationships with governmental agencies and effectively voicing the needs of area businesses. Build community-wide leadership by encouraging and developing a shared vision for the future of Longview and collectively influencing stakeholders to make it happen.
Kelly Hall, President/CEO LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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2018 Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman of the Board
Richard Manley R Manley Enterprises
Vice Chairman
Ron Hutchison Network IP
Appointed Directors
Cheryl Jaskiewicz
Jason Adams
Pinnacle Senior Living
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
Chamber Staff Kelly R. Hall President/CEO
Suzanne Brown Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications
Misty Amaya Immediate Past Chairman
Wade Johnson
Johnson & Pace, Inc.
Vice Chairman
Dr. Roger Johnson Texas Office Leasing
Sam Neale
Natalie Lynch
AAON Coil Products, Inc.
Longview Economic Development Corporation, Board Member
Special Projects & Workforce Manager
Dave Jochum Business & Development Director
Leska Parker Director of Development Chairman Elect
Chuck King Chick-fil-A
Vice Chairman
Casey Robertson Longview Regional Medical Center
Rodney Overman Henry & Peters, P.C.
Ronnie L. McKinney Gregg County Commissioner, Precinct 1
William McWhorter Public Affairs & Relationship Specialist
Stephanie Raudales Information Services Coordinator Chair of Finance
Dana Parr
Copeland Insurance Group
Vice Chairman
Kevin Hood Texas Bank and Trust
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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ed Moore
Jessica LaRue
Craig Schmidt
Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merritt, P.C.
Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations
Longview City Council, District 1
David Hayes
Meredith Todd
Mark Robinson
Hayes RV Center
R. Lacy Services, LTD
AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
Brooklen Butler Intern
R E A C H STRATEGIC INITIATIVES REDEVELOPMENT Work with other stakeholders in Longview and the City’s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.
EDUCATION Seek new and innovative ideas that improve access to basic and advanced educational opportunities with the cradle to career collective impact to help our citizens reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly educated workforce.
ADVOCACY Advocate for legislation that promotes business and industry, economic development, job creation and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government.
COLL ABOR ATION Seek to play an increasing role in bringing stakeholders to the table and continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies, government and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations.
HE ALTH
(Organizational Health – Administration / Finance / Operations)
Deliver exceptional service to members, equipping them with the tools to be successful.
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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OUR STRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES
#12
COST OF DOING BUSINESS Forbes Magazine (2016)
#6
MOST BOOMING CITY IN AREA GROWTH Forbes Magazine (2014)
TOP 50 BEST-
50
PERFORMING SMALL CITIES Milken Institute (2015)
TOP PLACES IN
40
TEXAS TO START A BUSINESS NerdWallet (2015)
#67
BEST CITIES FOR FAMILIES IN TEXAS WalletHub (2016)
#157
BEST SMALL PLACES FOR BUSINESS AND CAREERS IN THE COUNTRY US News & World Report (2016)
The Longview area has several strengths to capitalize upon and opportunities to pursue over the next few years. Leveraging our strengths and preparing for these opportunities will create business growth and prosperity for all who call Longview “home.”
▸▸ Leverage existing high-tech companies to create an incubator or offer technical skills training through partnerships and expertise from the local college and university.
Strengths
▸▸ Growth in the area will expand the tax base which
▸▸ Listed by Forbes Magazine as 12th in the country for cost of doing business in their Best Small Places for Business and Careers ranking (2016) and the 6th most booming city in area growth since 2000 (2014); Milken Institute ranks Longview in the top 50 BestPerforming Small Cities (2015); NerdWallet ranks Longview in the top 40 communities in Texas to start a business (2015). 67th in WalletHub’s report on 2016’s Best Cities for Families in Texas, US News & World Report ranks LeTourneau University #27 in Regional Universities West and #157 Best Small Places for Business and Careers in the Country (2016). ▸▸ Diversified economy with comparable share of employment in education, health services, government, manufacturing, and retail. ▸▸ Wage increases have been accelerating over the last few years.
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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
could create more government services for Longview area residents. ▸▸ Collaborations on redevelopment/revitalization initiatives to revamp the downtown district will bring new businesses to Longview and increased activity by residents.
OVERVIEW After analyzing Longview’s economic environment, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, we are proud to present our Strategic Plan for Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. Longview needs to ensure the next wave of economic progress. We recognize that our local economy will need to rely on attracting new employers and enticing existing businesses to fuel growth. Businesses of all size will need to be bold and entrepreneurial to seize growth
▸▸ The area’s economic base is diversified with manufacturing, professional services, oil & gas, construction, healthcare, education, and retail.
opportunities. The Longview Chamber is committed to
▸▸ Cost of living is on average 4% lower compared to the rest of the country.
cultivates business growth and increased economic
▸▸ Proximity to Dallas and Shreveport.
Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H.
Opportunities
Organizations looking at a variety economic factors noted the many favorable conditions that exist in Longview for businesses and families.
resurgence, which creates an up-tick in new housing development and growth in the area.
being a driving force and reaching out to other partners in our region and state to develop an environment that opportunities.
The strategic plan for the Chamber was developed through the efforts of the Board of Directors as they
▸▸ Attract and retain skilled workers and degreed individuals in the area to meet the workforce needs of businesses.
embarked upon a new 5-year strategic plan. Over the
▸▸ Job growth in construction, while relatively flat the last couple of years, should be primed for a
that they believe must be addressed in defining the
past several years of planning, board members and staff have asked themselves two “critical questions” roles and responsibilities of the Chamber.
“Our Big Questions”
WHERE WE’RE GOING
Why does the Chamber exist?
Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. is a five-year
What is the Chamber’s role in shaping Longview’s future?
Evansville, IN
initiative to promote our assets, strengthen our existing businesses and business opportunities, and
Other questions worth considering also included, “How
significantly improve the economic future for all who
can the Chamber’s leadership initiatives assist in achieving
call the Longview area home.
the community’s goals?” and “What is the Chamber’s role in attracting, supporting, and retaining young families in
Advocacy
Longview (professional and skills-trade)?”
Represent the interests of the business community
Implementing this plan will require a long-term commitment, as building a strong entrepreneurial community will take time and patience. Success will not
at the local, state, and federal levels by advocating for issues of importance to economic and business development.
be easy to gauge or achieve. The plan is designed to
Business Attraction and Retention
provide a clear strategic direction for the organization.
Continue to target to fill retail and commercial gaps.
It is not meant to be static. Instead, it is made to be
Work with existing businesses to ensure they continue
flexible, responding to lessons learned and emerging issues. Each year, the Chamber staff will develop a business plan with tactics to advance the strategies. There are also a number of strategic concerns that we, as a resource for community prosperity, must address to ensure accomplishment of our stated mission. These strategic concerns include: ▸▸ Developing Quality of Place (zero-in on actionable things).
to thrive in the Longview area and provide employment opportunities for the county’s citizens.
Improve Perceptions Collaborate with other organizations to attract and retain a skilled workforce by leveraging Longview’s assets.
Enhance Value For Small Business and Entrepreneurs Promote innovative practices, new business
▸▸ Promoting leaders that represent the community.
formation, and opportunities for business growth.
▸▸ Expanding leadership programs (nurture up-andcoming young leaders).
Member Services
▸▸ Strengthening public/private partnerships. ▸▸ Diversifying membership – importance of diverse points of view.
InterCity Visits are designed to generate and experience new ideas. They provide an opportunity to introduce local leaders to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community.
Provide membership benefits and services that give our members an operational and financial competitive advantage.
▸▸ Determining the Chamber’s primary roles (nonduplicative, key areas).
Skilled Workforce
▸▸ Effectively executing ongoing advocacy.
globally competitive, educated, and skilled labor force
▸▸ Sharing best practices between members.
and that provide quality employment opportunities.
Lead, coordinate, and support activities that produce a
The Weekly R.E.A.C.H. Report logo was updated for 2018. The report is emailed out to keep members up-to-date on upcoming events and opportunities.
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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PRIORITY 1:
PRIORITY 2:
PRIORITY 3:
OVERALL GOAL:
OVERALL GOAL:
OVERALL GOAL:
Launch a campaign that will aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.
Continue to focus on executing a cradle to career collective impact that supports helping individuals reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly educated workforce.
Advocate for legislation that has a positive impact on business and industry, economic development, job creation and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government.
“The Longview Chamber of Commerce understands
“The Chamber believes we must prepare for the
“Advocating the business perspective on key issues
that a community is only as strong as its ability to
demands of tomorrow’s skilled and competitive
is a basic and vital function of the Longview Chamber
support the well-being of its residents. We believe the
workforce environment. Businesses have an important
of Commerce. The voice of business is much louder
most critical part of our mission is to help facilitate
role in leading and advocating for Career Readiness; a
when amplified through the combined voices of over
and support the growth of our local and regional
business-led approach for implementing cradle to career
1,100 members and 45,000 employees. With the new
economy. With economic growth comes more jobs, a
education systems. Our leadership is committed to being
LBPAC in place, we are moving to an even higher and
growing and diverse tax base, commercial and retail
proactive to ensure our academic standards are raised
more focused and concentrated level of advocacy on
development and an improving education system and
so students are successful in making progress toward
behalf of our members.”
quality of life for our residents.”
important transitions to either college or careers.”
REDEVELOPMENT
– Brad Tidwell Citizens National Bank
OBJECTIVE: ▸▸ The board will form a leadership team that will champion developing a plan which complements the work of the City and LEDCO to complete redevelopment initiatives.
EDUCATION
– Chuck King Chick-fil-A
OBJECTIVES:
▸▸ Lead the management of the newly formed Education Collective Impact.
▸▸ Promote and protect the interests of our Longview area businesses.
▸▸ Develop a regional action plan in partnership with key stakeholders.
▸▸ Develop partnership opportunities with ISDs and secondary education organizations that support the development of a skilled workforce for Longview. ▸▸ Leverage community resources, align strategies, and improve policies. LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
– Meredith Todd R. Lacy Services, LTD
OBJECTIVES:
▸▸ Convene stakeholders to sign a covenant that communicates shared vision and key principles that focuses on solutions to increase attainment levels and employment.
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ADVOCACY / LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
▸▸ Advocate support for the City of Longview’s Comprehensive Plan. ▸▸ Influence public policy on specific local and state issues through the LBPAC. ▸▸ Influence public policy at all levels of government.
PRIORITY 4:
PRIORITY 5:
OVERALL GOAL:
Organizational Health: Administration / Finance / Operations
COLLABORATION
Continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations.
HEALTH
OVERALL GOAL: Deliver outstanding service to members, equipping them with the tools to be successful.
“Longview is a desirable, regional destination. It provides
“The Longview Chamber of Commerce has made
a great business environment to conduct business. By
organizational sustainability a top priority in its
virtue of being one of the largest cities in the East Texas
Strategic Plan. We are working in the present, using
region, our economy thrives. But being one of the largest
evaluation and innovation, to be certain that the
isn’t good enough: Longview must be the best by offering
Chamber’s future is strong, allowing us to be the
a dynamic urban setting and quality of life that is viewed
solution leader for Longview area businesses for
as the finest East Texas has to offer. This will only occur
years to come.”
To be successful, we need leadership as well as involvement from a broad base of community leaders. The Longview Chamber of Commerce will provide the staffing and overall management of this plan, but the execution
when key stakeholders across the area work in concert
of these priority goals and the opportunity to
with one another to make the right things happen.” – Ron Hutchison Network IP
SUMMARY
succeed rests with leaders who serve as the – Dana Parr Copeland Insurance Group
ambassadors of Longview. This plan is distinguished by its aggressiveness, transparency and commitment to evaluating its progress by established benchmarks. The plan will be achieved through strong leadership,
OBJECTIVES: ▸▸ Create a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous local economy. ▸▸ Remain the lead in convening key stakeholders to drive Longview’s future. ▸▸ Continue to practice economic inclusion by encouraging participation from Longview’s diverse business community. ▸▸ Remain a key partner for entrepreneurial activity by utilizing the Business Solutions Conference to celebrate entrepreneurism. ▸▸ Continue to provide exceptional Leadership Training.
OBJECTIVES: ▸▸ Position the organization and the staff for long-term success. ▸▸ Provide cutting-edge technology to achieve increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.
dedication, and broad collaboration. We will know which goals we are achieving and which need more attention, but we need your leadership to make Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. happen. Join our efforts to Lead Longview.
▸▸ Protect and improve the Chamber facilities to create a safe and efficient work environment, and provide a warm and welcoming environment for visitors. ▸▸ Attract and retain executive-level Chamber professionals and support team members. ▸▸ Remain the number one choice as THE SOLUTION LEADER for access and resources for Longview area businesses.
LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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410 North Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903.237.4000 Fax 903.237.4049 www.longviewchamber.com