Connect March/April 2023

POWER OF COMMUNITY

Hello Spring!

I love this time of year when baby birds are born, the grass starts to turn green again, the flowers are blooming, and we have a little more daylight in the evenings. It just seems that everyone has a little more “spring” in their step.

The Lufkin/ Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is in full swing. Over 200 delegates from Lufkin and Nacogdoches have just returned from three full days in Austin for Chamber Days at the Capital. We had an opportunity to have numerous visits with legislators and organizations who make decisions for our area. It is an honor to support regionalism and partner with our neighbors to show that East Texans are working together to make our slice of heaven a better place to live, work and raise families. In this issue of Connect, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the new workforce coming to Lufkin, how Workforce Solutions continues to make a huge impact in our community, and much more. Ronald Reagan once said, “By working together, pooling our resources, and building on our strengths, we can accomplish great things.” We know that we are truly more powerful when we empower each other. We would love to help you and your business get plugged into the many networking opportunities available. Call us and let us know how we can best serve you.

Tara Watson-Watkins President / CEO

Ribbon Cuttings Chamber Celebrations

Annabrooksbridal.com

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Anna Brooks Bridal Ribbon Cutting 202 Moody St. | Lufkin 936-225-2455

The Big Picture Events Ribbon Cutting 108 N. First St. | Lufkin 936-212-5206

Cavender’s Boot City Ribbon Cutting

Century 21 Cota Realty - April Folsom Ribbon Cutting 1306 N. Medford Dr. | Lufkin 936-645-8567

Mama Bears Cleaning Crew, LLC Ribbon Cutting 3213 S. Medford Dr. Suite 305 | Lufkin 936-238-6088

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Mindful Nutrition Counseling Ribbon Cutting 2400 N. Stallings Dr. | Nacogdoches 936-205-1721

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Orange Blossom & Fig Apothecary Ribbon Cutting

118 S. First St. Suite B | Lufkin 936-899-5782

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Pineywoods Community Academy Ribbon Cutting 602 S. Raguet St. | Lufkin 936-634-5515

pcacharter.net

Welcome to the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. As the Chairman of the board, I hope you find the resources and opportunities to make this year successful. The past 3 years have been a true test of our community’s strength and the Chamber has been the guiding light through it all. Find us around town at an event or on social media, the Chamber does not stop. Please join us at a First Friday, Power Networking Breakfast, or a Cheers with the Chamber.

This year’s theme is “The Power of COMMUNITY.” What a great theme to bring us through the pandemic and get Lufkin/ Angelina County together. Community is defined “as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. A feeling of fellowship with others, because of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” The Chamber strives to bring all investors together to make Lufkin/Angelina County a wonderful place to work, live, and play. Current and future investors have a lot to be excited about and growing our community will help make this possible. When we all come together our voice is mighty!

I have had the pleasure to serve for numerous years as a member of the board of directors, the past three years on the executive board as the treasurer, and I am honored to serve as this year’s Chairman of the Board. I know this year we will help define COMMUNITY the Chamber way. I am excited to be part of defining COMMUNITY in Angelina County and cannot wait to see what great things are in

Coretta Scott King can be quoted as saying, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate

By Tara Watson-Watkins

President/CEO

When Melinda and I sat down months ago I asked her what word she wanted to focus on. She threw out the word community---- that’s all it took. My mind started going in 90 directions and for those of you who work with me or have ever been with me when I have an idea for a new event—you know to just let me go. It’s like having a hamster wheel in my head that won’t stop spinning! I have to just start writing down notes and ideas because it’s like I take a shot of adrenaline and can’t make my thoughts stop from going crazy—it’s fun and I love it!

Community—It was Aristotle who first defined the word “community” as a group established by men having shared values. But to me it’s more than that—to me, it’s about life.

Community is the heart and soul of YOUR Chamber. The Lufkin/ Angelina County Chamber of Commerce may be in our 103rd year as an organization but we are STILL the organization that people trust.

Businesses are inherently optimistic. You are risk-takers. What we hear so often is that the state of your own business is strong but the state of the economy is fragile. America is a great country capable of doing big things and so are Lufkin and Angelina County.

I believe that the Power of Community is stronger than ever. Together, we have the collective wisdom to push our limits. We don’t have to do things alone—we can rely on each other while motivating ourselves to be stronger. Plus, when we work together, we not only motivate each other but hold each other accountable.

You challenge assumptions and you drive change. When you’re a Chamber Investor, you’re investing in both your business and the East Texas region. Chamber Investors help drive solutions to advance our community. Membership provides numerous benefits and keeps business leaders on top of important, everchanging issues and trends within our region.

Businesses are not competing to win today but rather to build a better tomorrow.

Several years ago, we plotted a new vision by adopting the 3 C’s and vowed to become:

• a CONNECTOR of leaders and influencers,

• a CATALYST for business growth

• and a CHAMPION for a stronger community.

We want you to drink the Chamber Kool-Aid!!!

We have some incredible things coming to you and your employees this year. Currently, we are working on bringing Toast Masters to you and your employees.

If you have not joined our weekly podcast- CONNECTConnecting Business to Community, you are missing out. My

,

of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

co-host, Blake Pollino with BP Media Group, and I have had the opportunity to sit down with many of you in the community, and from around Angelina County, to hear the back stories on your businesses and talk about your dreams for the future. Over the past 14 months, we have had a total of 48,853 downloads with the top episode of 2021 being Dr. Jeff Glass.

Our leadership programs continue to thrive as Leadership Lufkin completes its 39th year and Leadership Tomorrow its 30th year.

We kicked off Leading Edge last year and are in our second year of helping emerging leaders in our community be certified in board governance training with our partnership with the Non-profit leadership center at Angelina College. These leaders are paired with incredible mentors and have the ability to board shadow numerous non-profit boards for 6 months.

We are doing our best to train new leaders that will be able to one day fill the shoes of so many of our mentors.

We have a vision, not only for our team at the Chamber but we have a vision for YOU.

The Chamber wants to be an integral part of helping make

your business successful.

We want to give you and your employees tangible tools to take back and implement in your business to help make it stronger.

Your Lufkin/ Angelina County Chamber strives daily to develop a culture of leadership because we believe that culture is the soul of an organization.

We also believe that trust isn’t something that is given, it is earned.

It’s something that takes hard work, and it is earned in the smallest moments. It’s built by building personal and professional relationships.

Our vision is to be a connector, catalyst, and champion. Those are more than words to us—they are actions.

Our team gets to dream daily on how to make our community a better place to live, work, and be successful.

Coming together is the beginning, keeping it together is the progress, and working together is the success.

Come dream at the table with us.

Angelina Award Recipient Jane Ainsworth

Golden Anvil Award Recipient Judge Bob Inselmann

ATHENA Leadership Award® Program

Supporting, Honoring and Developing Women Leaders

Winner announced at the April Women’s Networking Luncheon

TUESDAY, April 18, 2023

Crown Colony Country Club

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

PLEASE SEND COMPLETED

NOMINATION FORM TO:

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

1615 S. Chestnut | Lufkin, TX 75901 FAX 936.634.8726

EMAIL ACrocker@LufkinTexas.org

The ATHENA Leadership Award® is a nationally recognized award which is presented to a woman who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

The ATHENA Leadership Award® represents eight distinct attributes that are reflective of women’s contributions to leadership: Authentic Self, Relationships, Giving Back, Collaboration, Courageous Acts, Learning, Fierce Advocacy, Celebration and Joy.

ATHENA Leadership Award® Recipients fit this criteria:

• Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.

• Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

• Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.

Nomination Deadline | Friday, March 17, 2023

• Submit a deserving person’s name.

• Submit a written description of how this person meets the listed criteria.

• Letters of recommendation are not required but encouraged.

• An anonymous committee selects the recipient.

ATHENA Leadership Award®

PAST RECIPIENTS

Nominee’s name Company

Address Phone Email

Sally Muhlbach, AuD, PLLC 2018

Brenda Elliott 2020 Heather Kartye 2021 Phyllis Grandgeorge 2022

L E A V E T H E R O A D t a k e t h e t r a i l s !

T a k e a w a l k t h i s S p r i n g i n h i s t o r i c d o w n t o w n L u f k i n a n d e x p l o r e t r e n d y b o u t i q u e s , o n e o f a k i n d a n t i q u e f i n d s , a n d a r t g a l l e r i e s f i l l e d w i t h l o c a l t r e a s u r e s

Tourismis vital for the success of our local economy. The benefits of tourism include a boost to the revenue of our economy, the creation of jobs, the development of infrastructure, and the planting of a sense of cultural exchange between visitors and residents. Tourism as an economic development strategy can result in significant economic returns, while also providing amenities that improve both travel experiences and the quality of life for residents. Traveler spending contributes significant tax revenue to both state and local governments. Taxes generated by travel support public sector jobs like firefighters, police officers, or teachers. Traveler spending impacts many sectors of the economy. In 2021 Lufkin saw a Total Direct Travel Spending of 118.5 million which stimulated our economy, increased tourism-related jobs by 14.3 %, and increased tax revenues by 42.9 %. Tourism is a sector that is all about people - and as such is an incredible driver of job creation from big cities to small local communities. The 1.1K jobs created in Lufkin by tourism in 2021 are significant. These jobs are not only a part of the tourism sector but may also include agriculture, communication, health, and education. Though sometimes unseen by the communities it serves, travel helps create a sense of place and is inextricably linked to economic development. As a job creator, tax revenue generator, and destination storyteller, travel has ripple effects that touch the lives of millions of Texans.

2023 will bring new and exciting #TexasToDos for every type of traveler. Below are 3 travel trends for 2023 and how Lufkin | Angelina County checks the box for each.

Staying Stateside

Though international travel may look affordable, the reality is many travelers will stay stateside. An Expedia survey found that 59% of respondents expect to plan travel within the U.S. and 58% of those travelers will travel by car. Close to 50 percent of Travelzoo’s respondents said they plan to take two to three leisure trips within the U.S. in 2023. Inflation is hitting everyone’s bottom line but so far, that’s not enough to deter anyone from skipping their travel plans. The U.S. Travel Foundation is forecasting an increase in travel spending in 2023 compared to 2022. While the country is vast, traveler mindsets are not. The most-searched destinations all had warm climates in common. Southern Living Magazine declared 2023 the Year of the Small Town. Southerners are happy to trade in the huge crowds and popular attractions of bigger cities for the quiet charm and slower pace of small towns. So how does the City of Lufkin benefit from these statistics? Lufkin | Angelina County offers a bit of everything: an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor family fun in the beautiful Angelina and Davy Crockett National Forests, galleries, and visual art spaces bringing energy, color, and a unique identity to the ever-changing cultural mix of Downtown. With great venues, great shows, and a great performing arts theater, visitors and residents alike are sure to stay entertained.

Family Vacations are a Priority

Family and small group travel and tourism is one of the largest sub-sectors within the travel industry. This is especially true as more people realize the importance of spending quality time and experiencing new things with family and friends. This could be

in the form of a nuclear family or a multi-generational trip. For families with teenagers and more mature children, the family adventure is getting a whole lot bolder, where travel is again seen as an important rite of passage. For these adventurous families, it’s about pioneering a destination and uncovering parts of a locale that others haven’t seen. Lufkin | Angelina County is proud to offer bicycle routes for riders of all experience levels who wish to stay fit while enjoying the East Texas countryside. We also offer two Backpacking Trips through Angelina County that traverse over 20 miles of wilderness. The Trail Between The Lakes extends over 28 miles between Toledo Bend Reservoir and Lake Sam Rayburn. Whether riding horses, exploring the city, paddling the rivers, or cruising across the lake, Lufkin | Angelina County offers vacations that your family will remember for all the right reasons.

Unique Experiences are on the Rise

Travel has always been about new and exciting experiences. Whether it involves different destinations, cultures, or activities, there is no shortage of opportunities to develop truly inspirational trips that create unforgettable memories. 2023 is seeing more travelers going to great lengths and making significant investments to curate once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Visitors want to try the food, hear the language, meet the people, and see the faces behind the experience they’re having. Lufkin’s amazing museums and hands-on learning centers such as the Texas Forestry Museum offers numerous interactive exhibits from pre-school through senior adult, about the heritage of forestry and sound forestry practices in Texas. Acclaimed as one of the finest small city zoos in the nation, Ellen Trout Zoo provides homes to nearly 800 wild and exotic creatures from around the world. When you walk up to Stringer’s Lufkin Bar BQ, you know you’re about to experience something special. There are layers upon layers of hidden gems on the walls, on the tables, and even on the ceiling beams. Relics from times past – some from over 70 years ago when the Stringer Family first opened. There are an infinite number of trips to Lufkin | Angelina County, but the only one that matters is yours.

The positive impact of travel touches every community in Texas. In an increasingly competitive space, Visit Lufkin is working hard to showcase Lufkin’s distinctive offerings, manage our image, and create brand affinity. With the support of policymakers and local officials, ongoing investment in tourism promotion, and destination marketing organizations, like Visit Lufkin, we are able to deliver essential economic benefits in the form of tax revenues and improved communities. Investing in travel promotion is a long-term investment in economic development. A strong destination brand is essential to stand out in a crowded, competitive, and diverse marketplace. Arts, history, and culture come together to form the perfect concoction of spirit-enriching substance for your Lufkin, Texas experience. Whether it is the food and wine trail, wild and free outdoors trail, or the art and history trail, Lufkin goes the distance by sharing its long list of diverse attractions for every preference. Invite your friends and family to town and show them why they will #LoveLufkin!

The 2022 travel spending numbers from the Governor’s office should be available in mid-March and we will share those once they are posted to the Travel Texas website.

#LivefromLufkin

Springtime is Jam-packed with Entertainment in Lufkin

Lufkin, TX: March and April - two months, Temple Theater and Pines Theater - two theaters and a total of 18 shows Not only is the number of shows impressive, the quality and range of the performances are equally impressive.

At Temple Theater: March 6, Fiddler on the Roof - The award-winning Broadway musical

March 23, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder -Kentucky Bluegrass at its finest

April 15, Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll – Star studded cast plays tribute to 5 decades of legends

At Pines Theater: March 11, Gene Watson - one of country music’s best ballad singers

April 21, Etta May & the Southern Fried Chicks -Winner of the prestigious American Comedy Awards “Comic Of The Year,” and so much more.

2023 SIGHTS & SOUNDS SERIES. In collaboration with the Museum of East Texas, Angelina Arts Alliance created a family-friendly series intended to highlight the beauty and importance of the visual and performing arts together. March 26th at 2 pm Robin Spielberg performs at the museum. All performances are free to the public on Sunday afternoons and light refreshments will be served.

2023 DISCOVERY SERIES offers three outstanding performances for the young and the young at heart, starting Friday March 3, at 6:30 pm with DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS. Come see the amazing CIRQUE

KALABANTE’S AFRIQUE EN CIRQUE on Sunday May 21, at 2 pm. On Sunday June 11, at 2 pm, the curtain goes up on MADAGASCAR – the MUSICAL. All Discovery Series performances are 60-90 minutes long and will take place at the Temple Theater. General admission tickets are just $6 for youth (ages 17 and under) and $11 for adults. You will find show descriptions at www.AngelinaArts.org.

The 2023 Pines Classic Film Series continues with: The Karate Kid, March 10, and Dirty Dancing, April 14. Both films start at 7 pm. The series brings a notable film once a month through December. Tickets are just $5 each, so bring a date or bring the whole family!

&

Angelina Arts Alliance box office / administrative operations is at 108 S. First Street, Lufkin TX. Tickets are on sale now for every show, online, in-person, and by phone. For the latest information, and full show descriptions, and to buy tickets please visit wwwangelinaarts. org. Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to present diverse, quality performing arts, along with educational and family performances which collectively enrich, engage, and educate the community. To receive e-mail updates or brochures by mail please contact:

Angelina Arts Box Office, Monday – Friday 11 am -5 pm, 936-633-5454

Enjoy Fiddler on the Roof, a classic Broadway Musical March 6 at the Temple Theater

Laugh out Loud with Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks at the Pines Theater April 21 Discovery Series brings Dragons

Mythical Beasts to the Temple Theater March 3, with $6 tickets for those 17 years old and younger

Greetings from the Expo!

By Burt Hairgrove

Springis almost here! 2023 is moving fast! We are coming off of a great winter run of events. Every weekend but one in January and February was booked. Traditionally, winter brings a bit of a slowdown in the action for us out here. However, as groups realize what a great deal Lufkin Texas is we have gotten busy!

Last month, we were proud to host the 38th Annual Bull Bash. This is a Lufkin tradition and contestants traveled from across the country to compete at the Expo.

Youth rodeo, as a category, is growing by leaps and bounds. We continue to see more families and young cowboys and cowgirls get involved in the western lifestyle. We are home to 5 different youth rodeo organizations and are proud to be the headquarters for the sport in our region.

With our seating capacity, the number of stalls, and RV hookups, we compare favorably with some of the best facilities in the country.

Another strong point in our favor is the support we receive from the community at large. From the city to county level, I continue to be humbled by the response from our officials when called upon. This Expo Center is a juggernaut to operate with a lot of moving parts. However, without people, it is no better than a huge haybarn or airplane hangar. We, the Expo are happy to do our best to keep this facility ready for action and promote it in a way that keeps it attractive to new groups that bring visitors to Lufkin. Here are a few events we have coming up:

March 4: UBank presents Scotty McCreery benefiting the East Texas Food Bank

March 10-13: Pineywoods Youth Rodeo Association – www. pineywoodsrodeo.com MarcMarch 21-25 Angelina County Fair – www.angelinacountyfair.com

April 8-9: Region V of the Texas High School Rodeo Association – www.thsra5.comApril 20-23 Angelina Benefit Rodeo – www. angelinabenefitrodeo.comApril 29-May 1: Next Generation/ VegasTuffest Qualifier Youth Calf Roping and Barrel Race –www.johnsonsportline.com

Make plans to come out and attend. As always, See you at the Expo! Burt

Focused on the Future

By Amanda Powell

The Lufkin Economic Development Corporation recently announced the approval of several new economic incentive grants given to corporations that are growing Angelina County. Expanding the tax base, creating good jobs, and developing global exposure are benefits of bringing in new corporations.

"LEDC wants to create long-term generational jobs," said Lufkin EDC Director Bob Samford, and he works to grow economic development in Angelina County saying, "The decisions we make now will benefit future generations." Celebrating his 4th year in the position Samford is optimistic about the pace for economic growth in East Texas.

Texas Star Industrial Manufacturing, Gattefosse, and Jefferson Energy all chose Lufkin for expansion where they will have capital investments of over $250 million and bring in over 200 full-time jobs, with an additional 200 plus construction jobs.

Since 2018 LEDC has helped bring in companies that have create approximately 500 jobs and brought in over $400 million in potential capital investment. "We want to position Lufkin as a leader in economic development in East Texas," Samford said. Most companies are looking for an available workforce and our area can draw from a 12-county region, making Lufkin and Angelina County prime locations for corporations.

LEDC collaborates with the Workforce Center of Deep East Texas, County Judge Keith Wright, Lufkin City Mayor Mark Hicks, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Tara WatsonWatkins, and Angelina College to achieve goals of making Lufkin and Angelina County an ecosystem of employment.

Working to assist in creating long-term generational jobs is one reason Samford created the Texas Association of Foreign Trade Zone where Bob serves as President. The mission of the TAFTZ is "to educate businesses and communities in Texas on the value of the Foreign Trade Zones program through Grantee membership while working with zone users, operators, and administrators to grow activity and create the best Foreign Trade Zone environment in the Country."

There are 33 foreign-trade zones in Texas and Samford's goal is working to bring them all together. Currently, on the TAFTZ executive committee, there are individuals from the Port of Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Port of El Paso, and the Port of Houston.

Having the foreign trade zone, bringing in new corporations, and creating an environment for future growth are important as LEDC works to create as many jobs as possible in the community and East Texas.

Skills Training Is Key Ingredient to Quality Workforce Development

By Mark Durand, Executive Director, Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas

There’s never been a more important time for training and development to maintain and enhance a quality workforce in Angelina County and our Deep East Texas region.

Employment in our region’s top industries, such as health care, manufacturing, construction, transportation, retail, and hospitality, are requiring advanced digital capabilities. For example, over 70 percent of U.S. jobs now require middle-to high-level digital skills (from using basic computing tools, such as Microsoft Outlook, to navigating specific technology applications).

It’s not just technical skills that are being sought by employers. Today’s work environment requires that employees have ‘soft’ skills, also called employability skills, at all levels of a business. The soft skills include the ability to work in groups, communicate efficiently in real-time, prioritize tasks, follow instructions, and show initiative. Other examples include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, flexibility, team work and reliability.

In Angelina County, as in the rest of the state and the U.S., the demand for quality talent is outpacing the supply, and jobs in Deep East Texas are projected to grow by 7,143 over the next the 5 years. This statistic doesn’t take into the account the new facilities under construction or in the pipeline of recruitment to Angelina County. This presents the opportunity for improving technical skills and employability skills among individuals, students, and current workforce.

Upskilling, reskilling, and talent development are the responsibility of employers, employees, our education systems, and communities. Exciting partnerships have been developed involving local employers, economic development, schools, colleges, the workforce development board, and other stakeholders to ensure the region is ready for the job and industry growth that is being anticipated to come.

Below is a listing of resources available for businesses and individuals:

• Customized training for businesses through the Skills Development Fund

• Training for businesses with fewer than 100 employees through the Skills for Small Business

• Free online learning on SkillUp Deep East Texas. Residents of Angelina County have free access to over 6,000 online learning courses to build skills and knowledge. SkillUp Deep East Texas is a cost-effective opportunity for people to develop certificate-based job skills and upgrade their existing skill levels without additional expenses for travel, childcare and program fees. Participants receive digital badges or certificates as they complete each training session. To get started, visit https://detwork.skillupamerica.org/ or contact a Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas center.

• Weekly workshops include resume writing, preparing for interviews, job search/using workintexas.com, and specialized help for ex-offenders seeking employment. https://detwork.org/calendar

• Apprenticeship opportunities for computer technology and carpentry occupations through a partnership with Legacy Institute for Financial Education.

• Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas – Angelina County, located at 210 N. John Redditt Drive, is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Specialists are available to help with: job readiness, resume assistance, job search, skills training, paid work experience, workshops, support services, child care assistance and more.

• Job Fairs – Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas offers job fairs and hiring every week. Check the calendar for upcoming opportunities: https://detwork.org/calendar

• Plan for the Mega Job Fest, set for April 26, 2023, held in partnership with the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. Updates about the event and registration will be posted here: https://detwork.org/calendar/event/147580/.

Employers in Angelina County

Angelina College

Brookshire Brothers

Georgia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin

Lufkin ISD

Lufkin State Supported Living Center

Pilgrim's Pride

St. Luke's Health - Memorial

Walmart

Woodland Heights Medical Center

250-499

Diboll ISD

Etech

Hudson ISD Huntington ISD

A Pineywoods Home Health Center

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Alexander Electric, Inc

Angelina County & Cities Health District

Axley & Rode, LLP

Belk Inc. #297 - Lufkin

Brazos Transit District

Buckner Children & Family Services

Burlington

Cascade Health Services LLC

Chick-fil-A West Lufkin

Chili's Grill & Bar

Cintas Uniform Service

Consolidated Communications

Contractor's Supplies Inc

Cotton Patch Café

Crown Colony Country Club

Double S Industrial Contractors Inc.

DP Solutions

East Texas Community Health Services

East Texas Food Bank

Family Crisis Center of East Texas

Ferrara's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

Goodwill Industries of Central East Texas

Goodwin-Lasiter Inc.

H-E-B Foods

Home Depot

Hospice in the Pines

Huntington Health Care & Rehab

Huntington ISD

James Hilliard & Sons Landscaping

JM Chevrolet Cadillac

Kingham Dalton Wilson, Ltd.

Larkspur Transitional Care

Lee Transervices Inc

Logan's Roadhouse

Love's Travel Stop #709

Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Co

Lufkin Daily News

Lufkin Ford

McDonald's

Oceans Behavioral Hospital

Olive Garden

Outback Steakhouse

PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Pelican Pointe LLC

Ralph & Kacoo's Regions Bank

SONIC Drive-In

Southside Bank

St. Giles Living Centers, Inc.

Strickland Plumbing & HVAC, Inc.

Texas Asphalt Company, LTD

Texas Metal Casting Company

Whataburger

William George Co. Inc.

Women's Shelter Of East Texas Inc-

Family Crisis Center Thrift Store

Zavalla ISD

The Chamber is honored to present CHAMBER INVESTORS who are Major

Command-And-Control Gives Way to Servant Leadership

Written By Amanda Powell

Leaders discovered that employee satisfaction hinges not on perks but on feeling heard and valued as a person. More and more, employees demand better working conditions so they can achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Empathy and understanding, paying more attention to opportunities for each employee to learn and grow, and adopting a "servant leadership" management style are replacing the "command and control" model.

What is Servant Leadership?

Don't confuse the kindness of servant leadership with softness. Originating in the 1970s, servant leadership focused on creating a workplace environment where employees grow and thrive. The philosophy behind it is that when employees are supported, welltrained, trusted, and empowered to do their jobs, they're more committed and engaged. In a servant leadership environment, employees take more ownership over their responsibilities and feel comfortable enough in their workplace to make mistakes, say "I need help," or come to their supervisors with actionable suggestions.

The business becomes more successful because the people in charge of operating it – the employees – have a higher degree of engagement and thus self-incentivize. Instead of a cold-war-style environment of disgruntled or resigned employees doing the bare minimum to satisfy their corporate overlords, a servant leadershipmanaged team nurtures the well-being of its employees, resulting in a more natural team dynamic and a higher level of employee satisfaction.

Putting Servant Leadership Principles into Practice

Servant leadership is a big trend across many industries, and managers are full of questions: Whom do we serve?

How do we help?

How can I make a difference?

Authentic leadership is a more transparent management style focused on sharing information, the thought process behind different decisions, and more openness to give-and-take for employee suggestions and concerns. Instead of managers hoarding information and simply doling out job assignments and expectations, authentic leadership involves sharing as much information about the company, reasons for change, and goals for the changes as possible.

Servant leadership takes this model one step further and includes empathy and empowerment. Leaders talk less, listen more, and value employees' insight, making them more responsible for creating their own path to success.

How Does Servant Leadership Add Value to an Organization?

Servant leadership focuses on seeing employees as the whole person, not just the job that they do. All people have the innate desire to be valued and cared about and a need to belong. When a leader can help meet those needs in the workplace and remove obstacles employees need to succeed, productivity increases, and employees feel more comfortable taking initiative.

Servant leaders lead to serve the needs of their employees, giving them the tools (equipment, training, and support) they need to do their jobs and anticipating their needs. This kind of support also creates camaraderie among your teams, and, through the example that servant leaders set, team members become more supportive of each other.

If you're struggling to retain your top talent, or if a recent employee opinion survey reveals that many workers feel unsupported by or disconnected from their managers, then perhaps a shift to servant leadership for your key managers and team leaders is necessary. Encourage your managers to lead with empathy, or even consider taking one of the many servant leadership courses available online. You may be surprised at taking a step back can enable your teams to take several leaps forward.

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by Cadence Bank

January First Friday Luncheon sponsored by Lufkin Coca–Cola “State of the County”

January Power Networking Breakfast Presented by SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches and Sponsored by Commercial Bank of Texas

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by Just Kiddin’ Around children's retail shop

February First Friday Luncheon Presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola "State of the City"

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by Southside Bank

Leadership Lufkin and Leadership Tomorrow

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by Parkwood in the Pines