“We
As community bankers, we acknowledge our responsibility to invest in the communities we serve with our time, talents, and financial resources so that Texas remains a vibrant place for families and businesses to grow and prosper. Our call to serve has never been greater.
Look around your home, your car, the doctor’s office or the supermarket, and you’ll find products made with Eastman materials. We’re working to build a better world — today and for future generations. We’re helping solve one of the world’s greatest challenges by taking hardto-recycle plastics, breaking them down to their basic building blocks and creating new plastic materials — right here in Longview. We can do this again and again, diverting plastic waste from landfills and the environment.
Our solutions aren’t the only way we’re making a positive difference. Whether we are preparing students for future STEM careers, conserving and protecting ecosystems or volunteering our time and resources, our investments reflect the rich heritage of Eastman team members around the world. We are building and strengthening partnerships and challenging ourselves to be a good neighbor, enhancing and serving the communities where we live and work.
We are proud to call Longview home for 75 years and counting!
eastman.com
Pursue your life goals with joy and confidence.
Jeremiah 29:11
That’s why we’ve brought together a team of individuals with diverse capabilities who oversee your financial well-being by focusing on the intricate details necessary to help you plan for whatever comes next. Working with 2911 means we join your team and relentlessly work to give you hope and confidence not only in all your tomorrows, but the future of your family for generations to come.
• Quick, convenient access to 24-hour emergency care.
• Quick, convenient access to 24-hour emergency care.
• 24/7 imaging services, including digital X-ray and CT.
• 24/7 imaging services, including digital X-ray and CT.
• 24/7 lab services.
Longview Regional Emergency Center, a department of Longview Regional Medical Center, provides ER patients with:
Longview Regional Emergency Center, a department of Longview Regional Medical Center, provides ER patients with:
• 24/7 lab services.
• Access to Longview Regional Medical Center’s full spectrum of care.
• Quick, convenient access to 24-hour emergency care.
• Quick, convenient access to 24-hour emergency care.
• Access to Longview Regional Medical Center’s full spectrum of care. 120 E. Loop
• 24/7 imaging services, including digital X-ray and CT.
• 24/7 imaging services, including digital X-ray and CT.
• 24/7 lab services.
• 24/7 lab services.
• Access to Longview Regional Medical Center’s full spectrum of care.
• Access to Longview Regional Medical Center’s full spectrum of care.
Scan the QR code for more information .
Scan the QR code for more information .
Scan the QR code for more information .
If you are experiencing a medical
Accepting the same insurance plans as the hospital, including
MANAGED & DESIGNED BY
104 W. Methvin • Longview, Texas 75601
903.753.2098 • www.forbesbutler.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Holly Forbes, Jim Tilley, Sofia Cilk, Katie Case, Olivia Mendoza
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Shelly Butler
WEBSITE MANAGER
Jerrad Parsons
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Whitney Pickett
FEATURES WRITER
Christina Cavazos
FEATURES EDITOR
Kay Ray
PHOTOGRAPHER
Michael Cavazos
Longview Regional Emergency Center 120 E. Loop 281
Longview Regional Emergency Center
PRINTED BY
Longview, TX 75605
120 E. Loop 281
Longview, TX 75605
611 S. Mobberly • P.O. Box 7010 Longview, Texas 75607 903.758.1773 • www.hudsonprint.com
PRESIDENT
Longview Regional Emergency Center
Longview Regional Emergency Center
Steve Cartwright
E. Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605
120 E. Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605
MARKETING & SALES
Tim Shaughnessy
PRODUCTION STAFF
Jackie Barton, Jimmy Barton, Jeri Boyd, Jaime Castillo, Anita Chapman, Kathy Falconer, Daniel Hamilton, Kendall Herrin, Melodi King, Wendy Pairsh, Eve Pinson, Shannon Tatum
© Uniquely Longview Magazine, 2025
Since taking office in May, it has been my sincere honor to serve as Mayor of our City! Longview is where my family has chosen to live and grow, and I am committed to building a brighter future for us all.
I’m so excited with the development we’ve seen in our community in recent years. Through collaborative efforts, we’ve enhanced our city’s infrastructure, improved public spaces, and ensured that public safety remains the core of our priorities. The revitalization of our downtown, the expansion and improvement of our parks and trails, and the promotion of arts and culture have shown what is possible when we come together as a community.
When I stepped into this role, my focus was simple: to foster community and relationships, encourage progress, and cultivate a Longview that future generations can be proud of. Every partnership formed, challenge faced, and success shared is a step toward that future. The value of community lies not just in the physical improvements we see but in the spirit of kinship we feel. We are all part of the Longview family.
I am confident Longview will continue to thrive because of the people that live and work here. Together, we will build on the foundation we’ve laid, creating an even more vibrant, welcoming, and resilient city for all who call it home.
Kristen Ishihara Mayor, City of Longview
As the sun set over Lake Lomond, Dereck Yagle stood on the newly constructed fishing dock and kayak launch, looking out over the 26-acre lake. Though work is still under way, the vision is there, and Yagle sees it clearly.
He sees an active lake where people can fish and launch kayaks. There will be a trail around the lake that will, eventually –hopefully – connect to the city’s everexpanding trail system. From his retail space at Flugers adjacent to the lake, cyclists will be able to hop on that trail system to explore the miles and miles of continuous trails in Longview. They will perhaps make stops along the way to check out some of the city’s parks, each with its own unique recreational amenities. When cyclists and lake-goers return to Flugers, they will hang out and relax at a food truck park with a bar and a stage for live music.
“It will be the perfect location for us to get cyclists on the trails and for people to get
active around the lake,” Yagle said. “It’ll be a place where you can bring your friends, your family, your kids, your dogs and just relax.”
Yagle, who opened Flugers in April 2021, gets excited about the possibilities. He grew up in White Oak, 8 miles from Flugers’ location on West Marshall Avenue. The space around Lake Lomond that he and others are working to develop is something he wishes had existed when he was a teenager.
“I get excited about everybody who’s going to be able to access this point,” he said. “It’s beautiful out there.”
Lake Lomond is poised to become another recreational amenity in Longview. From a beautiful trail system and many parks with
unique offerings to activities like pickleball, disc golf, sports leagues, cycling, running, and more, recreational opportunities abound in Longview.
The benefits of parks and recreational activities abound. They can contribute to a community’s identity and can generate revenue through activities like sports tournaments. But the largest and most predominant impact is found in the health benefits. Parks and recreation areas help people of all ages maintain a healthy lifestyle, and they promote social interaction.
“Parks and recreation are vitally important not just for physical health but also for mental health,” said John Albertson, director of parks and recreation for the City of Longview.
“During the pandemic, we were all kind of locked away in our houses for a while there, and getting out, I think, became even more important. Particularly with our trail system, we saw that we had a really great asset during that period of time. We’ve really seen people start to utilize it more and focus on the mental health aspect of getting out and experiencing nature while also being able to work on their physical health.”
The City of Longview features 34 parks, three recreation centers, five splash pads, a swimming pool, more than 50 sports fields, a skatepark, a dog park, disc golf courses, pickleball courts, and about 18 miles of trail. Public-private partnerships are to credit for several of the city’s amenities, including some of the disc golf courses and pickleball courts, and Albertson said the parks department is continually looking toward the future to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
“We have some really exciting projects coming up that I think our community is really going to enjoy,” he said. “We’re really trying to expand a lot of things at this point. There are a lot of things that are in the works. In our department, I know a lot of the staff are really excited about projects that they’re working on because these are things we’ve talked about for a while, but it takes time to build. Now, we’re at a point where we’re about to start seeing a lot of those things coming together. It’s really exciting.”
The City of Longview features 34 parks, many of which have seen recent updates as part of the 2018 bond election in which taxpayers approved spending $24.7 million on improvements to the parks and trails system.
In 2025, Albertson said more bond updates will be on the way at McWhorter Park, Spring Hill Park, and Rollins Park. These updates will complete the parks portion of the 2018 bond election, he noted.
At McWhorter Park, the city plans to convert the existing softball fields into soccer fields. At Rollins Parks, the playground will be replaced, and the basketball courts will get a facelift. Meanwhile, at Spring Hill Park, a trail will be added around the playground, and the splash pad will be expanded.
“Those are all really good projects,” Albertson said. “It’ll feel really good to complete the bond projects.”
When considering the city’s parks, Albertson noted that Lear Park and Teague Park are two crowning jewels in the city. The trail system, which connects many of the city’s parks, is also a key component.
Lear Park is a regional sports complex that spreads across 182 acres. The park features softball, baseball and soccer fields, a walking trail, a fishing pier, the Jack Mann Splash Pad and KidsView Playground. The Jack Mann Splash Pad is one of the most popular parks facilities in Longview.
“It’s a really great facility that we offer not just for our citizens, but we also have people who travel from all over to come to Jack Mann,” Albertson said. “In May, especially, we start to see buses from ISDs from all over bringing children to Jack Mann, and that’s one thing that, of course, pushes those numbers higher. It’s the same way at KidsView, which is also at Lear Park. It’s also extremely popular. I think KidsView is kind of a tucked away hidden gem. A lot of people will go to Lear quite a bit, but they don’t realize that KidsView is over there, kind of tucked away over under the trees. We’re excited about it and its future. We’re excited about Lear, in general, and all the potential that we have to continue to improve and continue to grow there.”
In October 2024, KidsView closed to receive a much-anticipated improvement. It’s tentatively slated to reopen in the spring of 2025. In addition to making repairs to the playground, there will be an expanded toddler play area and new swing sets, and a new feature called a Temple Trolley will be installed.
“We’re looking forward to a revitalized KidsView that will continue to serve generations to come,” Albertson said.
Across town, Teague Park is a community park built on 30 acres that features an amphitheater, a pond, a picnic area and pavilion, play area, a hike and bike trail, and more. In 2025, a project called “Bringing Back Teague Park” will kick off to make significant improvements to the beloved park. Bringing Back Teague Park is a $2.6 million project that is supported by a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, $1 million in support from the Longview Economic Development Corporation, and $330,000 from former Mayor Andy’s Mack Go-Giver Galas. The project began during Mack’s tenure as mayor when he sought to create a new entryway from Marshall Avenue into Teague Park to improve the visibility of the park.
The city’s trail system also is among the biggest assets in the Parks and Recreation Department, Albertson said. They rank among the most used amenities and are also one
of the most requested for additions, he said. Currently, the City of Longview has about 18 miles of trails. Of those, about 10 miles are continuous trail that connect from Cargill Long to Guthrie to Paul Boorman. Albertson, who moved to Longview in 2023 to serve as the Parks and Recreation Director, said the trail system was a big draw for him personally.
“Our trails can be used by anyone,” he said. “Anyone in our community is capable of using the trails, and we always look forward to the future expansion and growth of that system. We’re always looking for avenues so we can improve the trails. There’s a lot of things that we can do to bring our system further and get it all connected. That was obviously what happened with Guthrie connecting Cargill Long over to Paul Boorman, and we’re continuing to just look how we can further expand and further connect our system.”
In 2025, Longview also is poised to make progress on a new swimming pool. In 2024, the Longview City Council voted to build a new swimming pool at Stamper Park. The city entered a contract with a design firm and began to seek public input on what amenities the community would like to see in the new facility. In November 2024, a preliminary proposal presented to the City Council showed plans for a slide, a children’s play structure, sunshades, and zero-depth entry. The city is continuing with the design phase and expects to bring more details before the City Council in 2025.
“We’re going to work as fast as we can on this project while also creating a good quality pool for our residents,” Albertson said. “We know the community really wants to see aquatics, and so we want to try and push to be able to get this done as soon as possible.”
The City of Longview also features a pool at Ingram Park. Ingram Pool is open during the summers and features low-cost day rates as well as season passes.
The city is working on rebuilding its Aquatics Division as well as sports tourism, Albertson noted.
“We’re going to strengthen how we do our maintenance and how we operate our facilities,”
he said. “We’re really excited about the future of where we’re going. We’ll be able to have better offerings when it comes to aquatics.”
The city is also looking to strengthen its sports tourism, Albertson said, and marketing Longview to host additional tournaments that will bring in tourism. In 2022-2023, Longview played host to 65 tournaments, according to data provided by the city.
Outside of tournaments, the city also offers leagues for residents. The city features an adult softball league, church league softball, and youth and adult basketball leagues. The Parks and Recreation Department is also looking to expand those opportunities in the future, he said.
Public-private partnerships have helped add many amenities to Longview. A shining example of those amenities is the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center. Located on 26 acres, the Arboretum is on City of Longview land, but its amenities are provided through the fundraising efforts of a nonprofit Board of Directors. The nonprofit also organizes many events at the Arboretum. The city and the nonprofit work closely together for maintenance of the Arboretum.
Disc golf courses and pickleball courts are also examples of public-private partnerships that have enriched the recreational amenities in Longview.
“It’s wonderful coming to a city where the general public and organizations want to work with your department. It is not that way for every city,” Albertson said.
“It’s really great to be in a city where so many people care about our park system and want to be involved in ways to improve it.”
For more than 20 years, the Longview Disc Golf Association has worked to make the city a destination for the popular sport. Longview has four disc golf courses. There are 18-hole courses located at Hinsley Park, Guthrie Park, and Lear Park. Ingram Park has a nine-hole
course. The course at Lear Park is the newest with baskets that were installed in 2023.
“All of the courses are very different, and they all have different skill requirements,” said Hayden Henry, who serves as tournament director for the Longview Disc Golf Association and works as a media specialist of the national Professional Disc Golf Association.
The courses at Ingram and Guthrie parks, he noted, are beginner friendly. Guthrie is more open with fewer trees than a park like Hinsley, which contains many trees for participants to navigate around. Hinsley is an intermediate park where players can learn how to navigate those obstacles. Meanwhile, the newest course at Lear Park is considered a “championship level course,” he said. Lear is a longer course, overall, and its located mostly in the woods. There’s more elevation, more creeks with water, more trees, and it simply takes more skill to navigate.
In addition to anyone being able to come out to play the sport, the Longview Disc Golf Association also hosts tournaments that are sanctioned by the Public Disc Golf Association. Henry said the Longview Disc Golf Association hosts weekly meetups, typically on Sundays, for people to come out and play. They rotate through the different courses. There are also occasional pop-up events, and the club also hosts a few tournaments each year.
The popularity of disc golf has grown substantially over time and particularly experienced a boom during the pandemic.
“People wanted to get out and do something, and disc golf is a really great sport for social distancing,” Henry said. “It was something you could go out and do with your family; you could do it by yourself or with a small group. It just really exploded then.”
The disc golf association works closely with the City of Longview to help support and maintain the disc golf courses. Similarly, the Longview Pickleball Club also works closely with the city to help support the pickleball courts.
The City of Longview first added pickleball courts in 2020 at Guthrie Park. Those courts are the home for the Longview Pickleball Club, which also hosts two tournaments each year. As popularity in the sport grew, more courts were added. Today, Guthrie features six pickleball courts as well as wind screens. The additions were a partnership between the club and the city.
Pickleball is a social sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on courts that are 44 feet by 22 feet, or roughly half the size of a regular tennis court. The sport has exploded in popularity in recent years.
“Disc golf was the fastest growing sport in America until pickleball came along,” said Henry, who also serves as vice president of the Longview Pickleball Club.
Pickleball and disc golf share some key traits that attract players to both sports. First, they’re both relatively low cost to get into, Henry said. They’re both beginner friendly but offer “incredible health benefits – especially for pickleball,” Henry said.
“People think, ‘it’s just like a smaller tennis court but you’re not running as much.’ But believe me, you’re running a lot. You’re sweating; you’re getting your heart rate up. It definitely has a lot of health benefits,” he said.
Both sports also have a lot of social benefits, and each is considered to be a lifetime sport.
Because of the popularity of pickleball locally, the City of Longview added additional parking at Guthrie Park and added striping to the tennis courts at Akin Park so that they can be used for pickleball as well.
As the city has focused on enhancements to the trail system, that effort has led to increased numbers of runners and cyclists taking to the trails.
The Longview Loopers and the Longview Running Club are two groups that focus on running, primarily on pavement. The Loopers have weekly runs throughout the community. Racquet and Jog, a sporting goods store with a focus on serving the running community, also started a weekly Thursday night run in 2024.
A new type of running event also came to the community in 2024. Briston Rains, founder, owner, and CEO of Texas Outlaw Running Company, started up a trail run series in Longview. Whereas traditional road running is done on paved surfaces, trail runs feature uneven terrain that must be navigated.
The Longview Trail Runs series consists of four runs held in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. The 3-mile course takes participants through the Longview Arboretum & Nature Center and then connects to the Grace Creek Mountain Bike Trail and finishes back at the Arboretum. While the course starts as an open, paved trail, it quickly narrows into a small dirt, single track trail. At each event, those who complete the run receive a medal. At the end of the series, the four medals can be put together to make larger, complete medal. The 2025 trail run series is slated for January 11, April 19, July 26, and October 18.
The Grace Creek Mountain Bike Trail is a 3.8 mile trail open to the public with parking and access from the trailhead at the Arboretum parking lot. Volunteers with Longview Texas Mountain Bike and East Texas Trail Advocates are helping to build and maintain the trail, which is located on land owned by the City of Longview.
In addition to Grace Creek, there are a few other local mountain bike trails in the area, including one at Williams Lake at Mobberly Baptist Church. The Mobberly Trail features 6.3 miles of trail that are good for biking, hiking, or trail running. Yagle said that the
trail is beginner friendly but also has some challenging areas for advanced riders. While the trail is on private property owned by the church, it is open to the public. Other mountain bike trails are located in nearby White Oak and Kilgore.
At Flugers, Yagle hosts a series called Shred the Pines. The series feature rides on four mountain bike trails in the area: Mobberly Mountain Bike Trail, Big Head Creek Mountain Bike Trail in Kilgore, White Oak Multi-Use Trail, and a privately owned trail known as “29 Pines.” Money raised from the four-race sprint series goes back to the trails, Yagle said.
“It’s a local series, and it’s a way to promote the local trails,” Yagle said.
For Yagle, Flugers emerged after the 2020 pandemic when a lot of people wanted to get outdoors. Yagle has always enjoyed outdoor activities, such as Jeeping, camping, kayaking, and mountain biking. He felt Longview needed a sporting goods store where people could buy quality products and then put them to use. He often drove by the space on West Marshall Avenue where Flugers is now located. One day he asked to see it.
“When I walked the property, that’s what really spoke to me. I thought, this could really be something,” he recalled.
Today, Flugers occupies about 10,000 square feet of space on the property. The retail shop carries all kinds of recreational products, including bicycles, e-bikes, kayaks, rooftop tents, inflatable paddleboards, clothing items, and more. E-bikes (electric bikes) are among the store’s top sellers as they have helped more people get back on bicycles and allow them to go further, he noted.
When people purchase a bike, he encourages them to check out the city’s trail system. The Boorman Trail features an entrance near Flugers, just across Marshall Avenue. Those visiting from other communities often return to Flugers after a ride and comment that they wish they had the miles of continuous trail in their cities that Longview offers.
Located in downtown Longview, Woolley G’s Bike and Fitness also focuses on serving the cycling community. For 50 years, Woolley G’s has served the community through its shop that offers mountain bikes, road bikes, children’s bikes, BMX bikes, along with apparel, helmets, tires and more. Woolley G’s is a one-stop shop that also offers a service department for bikes.
“You name it, we’ve got it and if we don’t have it, we can get it,” said David Hernandez, who manages and co-owners Woolley G’s with David Townsend and Gary Ford.
With the city’s robust trail system, Hernandez said Woolley G’s sells a lot of hybrid bikes and mountain bikes, but he noted that e-bikes are on the rise.
“Cycling has been popular for a long time,” Hernandez said. “For a lot of people, cycling kind of takes them back to their childhood days of growing up with bikes. We, of course, saw it really take off back in 2020 with the pandemic when people were wanting to do things outside. But since then, it’s really held a place in everybody’s routine as far as staying active. There are lots of groups, and cycling is just something fun to do outside.”
Woolley G’s encourages the social aspect of cycling through its weekly rides on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from the bike shop. The Monday night ride is beginner friendly and geared toward anyone. Tuesday night is a fast-paced ride that Hernandez said will “really get your heart thumping.” On Thursdays, Woolley G’s hosts a mountain bike ride at the Mobberly Trail. Often times, there is also a weekend group ride as well.
Also located in downtown Longview, Ollie’s Skate Shop serves the skateboarding community through its shop, which features skateboards, longboards, shoes, apparel, and accessories. While always popular, skateboarding gained a boost in Longview after Dodson Action Sports Complex opened in 2020.
Located at Ingram Park, Dodson Action Sports Complex is a skatepark designed for skateboards, scooters, inline skates, and BMX freestyle bikes. Motorized vehicles are not allowed. The park, which was built on former
tennis courts at Ingram Park, came about as a result of another public-private partnership with the City of Longview. The community raised $40,000 toward the skatepark, and the City of Longview matched it with another $40,000 to build the park. In the years that have followed, Dodson Action Sports Complex has attracted major events, including a BMX event in which former Olympians participated.
Nestled just a couple of miles from downtown Longview, Lake Lomond is tucked away from the city but is also in the heart of it.
Lake Lomond was constructed in 1910 on what was farmland at the time, down the road from downtown Longview. It featured a bathhouse, pavilion, boat docks and other amenities. It was named by its founders after Loch Lomond, a freshwater lake in Scotland they admired upon visiting. The dam built at Harris Creek, which was used to create the lake, later became part of a road constructed in the 1940s by Gregg County.
In 2021, a nonprofit organization called Friends of Lake Lomond began working on efforts to transform the lake into an outdoor oasis that everyone can enjoy. Hudson Johnson serves as president of the board for the nonprofit, and Bessie Johnson serves as executive director of the nonprofit organization.
The group’s plans call for transforming the land into what will be known as Echols Park, a developed park that will be open to the public. When completed, Echols Park will consist of about 92 acres of natural old growth forest, wetlands, and creek systems with the 26-acre Lake Lomond and approximately 1.5 miles of a connecting loop trail that will wind around the lake and wetlands areas. Future planned amenities at Echols Park include a boardwalk, a small outdoor amphitheater, a boat launch for non-motorized boats, and fishing docks as well as commercial and retail development along the peripheries of the park. The trail will, hopefully, eventually connect with the City of Longview’s Boorman Trail.
As progress continues on Phase I improvements, residents and visitors could see an opportunity to begin experiencing the park and the lake in 2025. With the completion in 2024 of the kayak launch and fishing dock, Flugers plans to help manage entrance and access to the lake when it opens to the public. There is still some work to be completed before that happens, but it’s likely that in 2025 people will get to begin experiencing Lake Lomond.
“We’ll be the first access point, so you’ll be able to come here, park here, rent kayaks or bring your own kayak, fish off the dock,” Yagle said. “We’re excited to be part of it.”
More retail development is planned on the side of Lake Lomond in the future. Plans
call for a potential brewery. From that future development, there will be other access points to the lake with the trail winding around the lake and connecting all sides.
As Echols Park continues to develop around Lake Lomond, Yagle also has big dreams for Flugers. In 2025, Flugers will open a second location in Bossier City, and Yagle is excited to keep expanding the brand. Longview will continue to be the flagship location.
Behind the Longview retail shop is where the food truck park will be located eventually. It’ll feature space for four food trucks, though Yagle said one will probably be an in-house truck that offers such items as gourmet sodas. Nearby, there will also be a bar and a space for live music. He’s looking at adding some small recreational amenities around that area. Between the park, the lake, the trail that will hopefully tie into the city’s trail system, his shop, and the food truck park, Yagle sees a prime venue for people to spend an afternoon or an evening with their family and friends.
“I sit out here sometimes with customers and talk about what this could be,” he said. “It’s not just my staff and I who are excited about it – the community is excited. It’s going to be awesome. It’s going to be a really cool attraction for everyone who lives here and everyone who visits here.”
We believe in giving genuine advice to our customers’ honest questions. What questions do you have for us?
Will 2025 interest rates impact my finances?
Great question. From a big purchase to buying a home, interest rates can play a role. We’ll work with you to find a loan to fit your needs.
How does VeraBank make the home-buying process easy?
With our easy-to-complete applications! Plus, expert mortgage bankers who’ll guide you through every step.
Does VeraBank have the personal banking tools I need?
You bet! From lifestyle-tailored checking accounts to savings accounts and digital tools built to help you reach your goals, we have something to fit most every financial need.
How can VeraBank make running my business easier?
By providing the best resources! We offer convenient solutions for making and receiving payments and managing your money. Plus, we keep your business safe with tools like Positive Pay giving you peace of mind.
At VeraBank, we genuinely have your best interests in mind. Honest questions. Genuine advice.
by Kelly Hall
In the heart of LongvIew, texas, the pulse of economic growth beats strongest through the dedicated efforts of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
This dynamic organization is more than just a network of businesses; it is a catalyst for change, a convener of diverse voices, and a champion for the community's future.
By fostering collaboration and advocating for local businesses, the Chamber plays an essential role in shaping the economic landscape and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
At its core, the Chamber is about relationships. It serves as a vital connector, bringing together business owners, community leaders, and government officials to engage in meaningful dialogue. These gatherings spark innovation, helping to identify solutions to the challenges faced by local enterprises. Whether through forums, workshops, or casual meetups, the Chamber facilitates the exchange of ideas that can lead to actionable strategies for growth.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the Chamber's role as a catalyst for economic development projects. From launching workforce training initiatives to hosting entrepreneurship workshops, the Chamber actively initiates programs that invigorate the local economy. By equipping residents with the skills they need and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, the Chamber ensures that Longview remains a place of opportunity.
"Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Chamber’s mission," emphasizes Mark Robinson, AEP/ SWEPCO External Affairs Manager. "With a keen understanding of the local business landscape, the Chamber lobbies for policies that favor economic growth. By representing the collective voice of its members, it influences decisions that shape our region's economic future, benefiting local businesses and contributing to a thriving community that supports all residents."
One of the most significant advantages of being part of the Longview Chamber is the networking opportunities it provides. Regular events bring business leaders together, fostering collaboration and strengthening community ties. These occasions allow members to share ideas, forge partnerships, and explore new opportunities. In a world where connections are vital, the Chamber serves as a bridge, creating an environment where businesses can thrive.
The support doesn’t stop at networking. The Chamber is also a hub of resources, offering vital information on funding opportunities and providing training and development programs tailored to the needs of local businesses. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, the Chamber equips you with the tools needed to succeed in an ever-changing market.
"As the Longview Chamber works to attract new businesses to the area, we prioritize
the needs of those already established," states President/CEO Kelly Hall. "We provide technical assistance and retention programs, serving as the go-to resource center. By ensuring that existing businesses are supported and empowered to grow and innovate, we foster a balanced and vibrant economic ecosystem that benefits everyone in the community."
Collaboration extends beyond the Chamber’s walls, as it partners with local governments and organizations to tackle pressing community issues. By engaging members in various projects that enhance local infrastructure and services, the Chamber strengthens community bonds and promotes collective action. The result is a more cohesive, engaged community that thrives on shared goals.
The effectiveness of the Chamber’s initiatives is evident in tangible outcomes. Economic indicators such as job creation and business growth serve as benchmarks for success. Member surveys and success stories highlight the positive impact of the Chamber's support, showcasing how local businesses flourish with the right resources and advocacy.
“
Yet, the Chamber faces challenges. Competition from online businesses and rapid technological changes pose hurdles that must be navigated carefully. Additionally, the diverse needs of the community require a responsive and adaptable approach. Embracing these challenges is essential for the Chamber to continue its mission of economic development.
Looking ahead, the Chamber is poised to focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and enhanced digital engagement with members. These trends reflect the evolving landscape of commerce and underscore the importance of staying attuned to the needs of the community.
The Longview Chamber of Commerce is more than just an organization; it is a commitment to the future of Longview. It embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. As board chair Steve Gordon, CEO of Longview Regional Medical Center, emphasizes, "Being part of the Longview Chamber is an investment in the future of our community. As a hospital,
we recognize the importance of a thriving economic environment. It not only enhances healthcare access but also empowers our youth to pursue their dreams and build a prosperous life right here in Longview. Together, we can create a healthier, more vibrant community for all."
With a network of over 1,000 members representing more than 50,000 hardworking East Texans, the Chamber stands as a powerful voice advocating for pro-business policies. Its members gain access to exclusive tools and marketing opportunities, fostering meaningful relationships that are vital for success.
Engagement with the Chamber goes beyond mere transactions; it’s about building a community that values connections and collaboration. From Business After Hours to signature luncheons and talent development programs, the Chamber offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive.
Ultimately, the Longview Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to not just the success of businesses but the overall quality of life in Longview. By promoting development, tourism, and local initiatives, the Chamber champions the causes that make Longview a better place to live and work.
"As we look to the future, we invite everyone— whether you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, or someone considering a move to Longview—to engage with the Chamber. Together, we can forge a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come. Join us in leading the charge for a thriving hub of opportunity, because when we invest in our community, we invest in each other," states Lori Ivey, incoming board chair and owner of one of our State Farm Insurance Agencies. For more information, visit Longviewchamber.com.
AnnuAl BAnquet & AwArds
Longview Chamber’s premiere business event. It brings together top business and community leaders to celebrate the vibrancy of our trade area. The Large Business and Manufacturer of the Year are recognized, as well as other organizational awards.
smAll Business AwArds
Recognizes remarkable small businesses in the Longview trade area who demonstrate success through sales and profit, potential for long-term success, and their commitment to the community.
riBBon Cuttings
New member businesses enjoy the opportunity for a Chamber ribbon cutting during their first year of membership!
Business solutions summit
Brings the business community together in one location on one day for collaboration opportunities. This summit also features power networking sessions, Small Business Awards, the Leadership Longview graduation.
spring & FAll golF tournAments
Our annual golf tournament that marks a celebration of years of community support, honor, spirit, competition, friendships, and charity. The field of 100 golfers is made up of some of the most influential members of the local business community, as well as dignitaries from the surrounding area.
CyBer summit
Cybersecurity is a growing concern in today’s digital landscape. Is your organization protected? Join us for the next Cyber Summit. Featuring sessions crafted by our Technology Council, flexible registration options, and a chance to lunch with the Secret Service and FBI, this event is your opportunity to strengthen your defenses against cyber threats and secure your future.
eAst texAs CoAlition
The Chamber’s bi-annual event in collaboration with other area Chambers of Commerce to meet with Texas elected officials in Austin to discuss pressing needs in East Texas.
Talent retention is vital in today’s corporate landscape. The 2025 - 40 Under 40 Executive Series supports your top employees under 40 with growth, mentorship, and best practice sharing. This program fosters continuous learning and positions participants as role models, cultivating a culture of excellence in your organization.
The annual luncheon is held for community leaders and business professionals as Longview’s Mayor celebrates the city’s accomplishments and its future.
Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt is joined by the four city managers in Gregg County to discuss topics important to the future of our area.
A luncheon focused on where we are as a city, county, and nation in regards to our economy.
Acquiring and retaining talent is a huge issue today and this luncheon will seek to address not only the challenges, but also offer possible solutions.
Code!longview
Code!Longview is an event where middle and high schools from across the Longview area will come together to build apps, games, and much more with the power of code.
leAdership longview
Leadership Longview is a 9-month program that provides participants the opportunity to better understand our community by meeting with and learning from today’s community leaders.
Imagine a thriving Longview where every resident, business, and family prospers. Join us on a transformative journey to Lynchburg, VA, to learn from their community-building successes and draw inspiration for Longview’s future. This trip is more than a visit—it’s a step toward creating a healthier, more prosperous community that attracts families and businesses. Together, we can shape Longview into a place where future generations thrive. Let’s build Longview together!
Join the Chamber’s highly anticipated event, Business After Hours! This premier networking opportunity allows local businesses to showcase their services and facilities while connecting with distinguished Chamber members. Bring your team, make valuable connections, and gain insights to propel your business forward. Don’t miss this chance to network, grow, and explore new opportunities. Mark your calendar and be part of the Business After Hours experience!
Join fellow business advocates from Gregg and Smith Counties this December for the Washington D.C. Fly-In! This exclusive Chamber event offers a chance to engage directly with congressional representatives, voice your concerns, and influence the issues that matter most to your business. Whether you're experienced or new to advocacy, this is a valuable opportunity to meet officials, share insights, and help shape the future of our community. The Chamber will provide a list of key business issues based on member feedback to guide discussions. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact—join us in Washington D.C.!
public about the bond election. She and then District 1 Councilman Ed Moore gave talks throughout town to share information about the bond election.
Another item Ishihara recalled being proud to be part of was the effort to solve issues related to the firefighter pension fund.
In 2022, taxpayers approved $45.6 million bond election to stabilize the Longview Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund.
The fund is a pension that provides benefits to retired firefighters and other Fire Department employees. At the time, the pension’s unfunded liability was a debt already owed by the City of Longview to provide benefits to pension members. The bond election helped reduce the unfunded liability.
Ishihara served on the pension board throughout her nine years on the City Council.
“I built really good relationships with all of them and I’m happy with the progress we made,” she said. “It’s never solved. You always have to keep an eye on it. But for the most part, we’ve reached a resolution on how it will be sustainable.”
Ishihara enjoyed her nine years of service on the City Council, so when Mayor Andy Mack reached term limit, it was an easy decision for Ishihara to seek that position. In Longview, City Council members and the mayor may each serve three, three-year terms for a total of nine years in office.
“I just wanted to keep serving my community in the same sort of capacity,” Ishihara said.
As mayor, Ishihara said her top priority is to increase community engagement in the city.
“What I hope to accomplish is greater engagement and investment in the community and people treating each other as neighbors and loving on each other as community,” she said. “I try to be as available as possible and as open to people as I possibly can be.”
Ishihara, who served on the Longview City Council from 2014 through 2023, plans to focus on increasing engagement and greater investment in the community as she starts her first term as the city’s new mayor. Ishihara’s goals include increasing community engagement and improving the quality of life in town through initiatives such as litter cleanup, continuing to enhance the parks and trails system, and seeing continued revitalization in downtown Longview.
with Hill and the City of Longview Parks and Recreation Department to create the two dog parks along the Paul G. Boorman Trail. The large and small dog parks were each built with funding raised by the nonprofit organization but utilized city land.
Through the dog park project, Ishihara met other people concerned about animal welfare. She then volunteered to serve on a task force created by former Mayor Jay Dean to explore the possibility of a new
“The more that everybody is nice to each other and works together, the more we accomplish,” she said.
Ishihara is a native of Midland, Michigan. She graduated from Western Michigan University then moved to Texas to attend law school at Baylor University. Her family had moved to the Houston area when her father transferred jobs and Ishihara wanted to be in the same state as her parents.
She moved to Longview after graduating from law school. As an elder law and estate planning attorney, Ishihara has worked at a few different firms throughout the years. In 2022, she and fellow attorney Christopher Parker started their own practice, Ishihara and Parker, where they continue to specialize in estate planning and elder law.
Shortly after moving to Longview, Ishihara participated in Leadership Longview, a Longview Chamber of Commerce program aimed at leadership development and community involvement. Laura Hill, who now serves as the director of grant and human services for the city, gave a presentation one day during which Ishihara asked about bringing a dog park to Longview. Ishihara learned the City of Longview appreciates publicprivate partnerships.
With that in mind, Ishihara worked with Jennifer Ware and Kelly Heitkamp to form a nonprofit organization to raise the funds to support a dog park. They worked
animal shelter. At the time, the euthanasia rate was high at the former shelter, which also was small in terms of its size. The task force eventually recommended building a new shelter, and the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center opened in 2016. The original nonprofit organization that helped support the dog park morphed into what is now the nonprofit known as Longview PAWS (which stands for Pets Are Worth Saving). Longview PAWS works to support the operations of the new animal shelter.
Her work with the dog park and her service on the animal shelter task force led Ishihara to become interested in serving on the Longview City Council. When former District 4 Councilman Wayne Frost reached his nine-year term limit on the City Council,
Ishihara stepped forward to help lead. She ran unopposed in 2014.
When Ishihara stepped into the District 4 council seat, she quickly got involved. She stepped up to be part of the Comprehensive Plan development process. The Comprehensive Plan, which the City Council approved in 2015, is a long-term planning tool for city staff, City Council members, and citizens that helps direct the growth and development of Longview for 10 to 20 years.
The Comprehensive Plan largely helped shape items that taxpayers approved in the 2018 City of Longview bond election. Ishihara chaired the Comprehensive Plan Committee at the time of the bond election. That $104.2 million bond election included building the new police department, renovating and updating several fire stations, enhancements to several streets including Mobberly Avenue, Fairmont Street, and Reel Road, as well as updates to many of the city’s parks.
“The bond election is probably the biggest and most lasting impact that I was able to have on the community during my time on council,” Ishihara recalled, noting the many improvements that have taken place citywide since the bond election passed.
Ishihara helped with the Political Action Committee that was formed to educate the
Ishihara encourages residents to be more engaged with city staff and City Council members as well as more involved in the many events and opportunities that take place in town.
For her part, Ishihara is taking every chance she can to make small gestures to encourage people to continue to be engaged. For example, after the 2024 National Night Out, she sent a thank you note to each host of a neighborhood watch party. After City Council meetings, she’s sent thank you notes to citizens who came to speak during public comment.
The city is also using social media as a tool to educate and inform. After City Council meetings, Ishihara has filmed short update videos for social media to help keep constituents informed about what took place during the council meeting.
Moore were elected to the District 1 and District 2 seats, respectively. Ishihara said she looks forward to building the team and to all the things they will accomplish together.
Other goals Ishihara has for Longview are more connected to quality-of-life items, including efforts to beautify the city and continued progress at parks and trails.
“I think beautification includes litter pickup, code enforcement and other things that would just help make everybody proud of living in Longview,” she said.
In terms of litter cleanup, Ishihara said
“We’re trying to be creative about ways to engage with people or thank them for being involved,”she said.
Internally, the council is also doing some team building. Due to the city’s term limits, the City Council had two new members in 2024 when Derrick Conley and Shannon
vests to increase their visibility in the community when they are picking up litter.
Ishihara said should the city consider adding full-time staff positions for litter cleanup in the future, it would allow them to be more proactive.
“I think if we are going to make things beautiful, we’re going to have more things to maintain. We’re going to need more staff out there picking up litter and maintaining things like medians, grass, roadways, clean bus stops - all those things that make you proud when you drive by,” she said.
“To do that, we will have to be a little more proactive.”
When she was new on the City Council, Ishihara recalled, she attended a monthly “problem properties” meeting where a
city’s Code Compliance department and pairs volunteers with homeowners who have received property code violations but are unable to correct them due to either physical disability and/or financial hardship. Volunteers can assist with things like mowing, junk removal, repairing or removing damaged fences, and other items.
“Part of that is not just responding to complaints. We should be proactively looking and helping people who need it and making sure that we’re not neglecting certain areas,” she said.
With regard to parks and trails, Ishihara said she’d like to see the city continue to add to the trail system. She’d particularly like to see Lake Lomond, where Echols Park is in the works, and Teague Park each connected to the trail system in the future.
Lake Lomond and Teague Park each are high on her priority list as well. At Lake Lomond, a group called Friends of Lake Lomond is working on renovations to eventually open what will be known as Echols Park at the lake.
Meanwhile, Teague Park is set for a transformation. The U.S. Department of the Interior announced in the fall of 2024 that
Longview would receive a $1.318 million grant for Teague Park for a new entryway. The project is also supported by local funds and will cost a total of about $2.6 million. The project began during Mack’s tenure as mayor when he sought to create a new entryway from Marshall Avenue into Teague Park to improve the visibility of the park.
As those projects come to fruition, Ishihara said she hopes both parks can be connected to the trail system in the future. She also noted safety concerns she’s heard from constituents related to the trails and said the city may need to consider “some lighting and additional patrols along the trails.”
“On the Comprehensive Plan a long time ago, it had an indoor rec center so that’s always kind of been on my bucket list,” she said. “I’d love to see an indoor rec center that would be for families and individuals for exercise, but that could also serve as a senior center. We need a new senior center, and we don’t really have good facilities available for it now. So, good senior programming and a better senior center is on my list, too. There’s a real need for that.”
Ishihara also noted that she’s been proud of the development in downtown Longview in the past few years.
“It’s truly been incredible to see all of the things that Arts!Longview is doing through murals, through engagement downtown and the businesses that have come and the people that have responded from Longview to show how much they appreciate that investment,” she said.
Outside of civic life, Ishihara enjoys running, reading, and spending time with family She and her husband, Richard, reside in Longview where they are raising their two children, Lucas and Brianna. She’s still active with Longview PAWS as well as with the Greater Longview Estate Planning Council, a professional group that meets for education and networking.
In the future, she’d like to launch a nonprofit foundation for Longview. During a Longview Chamber of Commerce intercity visit, she learned about how community foundations operate in other cities. She used Waco as an example saying that in Waco, they have a large foundation to which
people donate and they use the fund to give grants each year.
“Sometimes those grants can be a catalyst for new things, or they just use it in a way that’s really awesome,” she said. “If we’re all putting into the same pot then it can benefit Longview in some way. There’s another component where it serves kind of as a bank with donor advised funds or scholarship funds.”
A couple of years ago, Ishihara, Ware and Kelly Hall organized a nonprofit organization called the Longview Community Foundation, but she noted she hopes to see it get off the ground soon.
As far as her chapter as mayor, Ishihara said she primarily wants residents to know that “they’re heard and valued.” She encourages
people to reach out to city staff, to their City Council representative or to reach out to her as mayor.
“I really think the more engaged and active we can be, the better our community will be,” Ishihara said. “It’s really about generating the neighborhood sense of community and pride.”
By Christina Cavazos
“CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System has a rich history in the East Texas community, providing compassionate and dignified care for all those we are blessed to serve.”
COLEMAN SWIERC Public Relations Specialist CHRISTUS
A look at Longview’s two, high-quality hospitals.
For decades, Longview’s two leading hospitals have been dedicated to providing the latest cutting-edge technology and services to meet the health care needs of hundreds of thousands of individuals in the East Texas Region.
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System and Longview Regional Medical Center each employ hundreds of nurses and physicians who are committed to providing compassionate care for patients.
Both hospital systems also offer high quality services, including new procedures, that allow patients to receive care in East Texas rather than having to travel to a larger metro area for services.
With roots that date back to 1935, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd has transformed from a 47-bed facility into a hospital system that has cared for hundreds of thousands of East Texans throughout the last 90 years.
Founded as Gregg County Memorial Hospital in 1935, the original facility consisted of 47 beds designed to provide for the health care needs of Longview and surrounding communities following the East Texas oil boom during the Great Depression.
“Since then, the hospital has cared for countless families in the area and provided comprehensive health care for patients in the East Texas region,” Swierc said.
The facility became Good Shepherd in 1960, and in 2007, Good Shepherd and Marshall Memorial Hospital joined together to create the Good Shepherd Health System. In February 2017, they joined CHRISTUS Health System, renaming it to CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System.
Today, the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System consists of a 425-bed hospital in Longview, a 149-bed hospital in Marshall, the NorthPark hospital in north Longview, an emergency center in Kilgore, and about 40 clinics throughout the East Texas region. An emergency center in Henderson also broke ground in 2024 and is slated to open in 2025. The health system specializes in cardiovascular, orthopedics, sports medicine, trauma, bariatrics, gastroenterology, women’s and children’s services, neurological, primary care, stroke care and surgical services. It employs more than 3,000 individuals, of which more than 1,000 are nurses, physicians and health care providers.
Swierc noted that CHRISTUS Good Shepherd
Medical Center in Longview features a Level III Trauma and Emergency Center as well as a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The Level III NICU designation is the second highest level in the state.
The CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Center in Longview is home to cutting-edge cardiovascular technology and earned the American College of Cardiology’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award last year for the high-level of cardiac care it provides patients. The hospital also has been recognized by the American Heart and American Stroke Association for excellence in stroke and diabetes care, he said.
In 2024, the CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute completed its 100th TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a damaged aortic valve in the heart. The nature of the procedure allows for faster procedures with reduced risk and quicker recovery times for patients, Swierc noted.
“The first minimally invasive mitral valve replacement procedure was also done this year,” he said. “The mitral valve is located between the left heart chambers, specifically the left atrium and left ventricle. Historically, this procedure was an invasive open-heart surgery, which required longer hospital stays and recovery times. Dr. Lisardo Garcia, cardiothoracic surgeon with CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute, performed the procedure and shared that it is a viable alternative to total valve replacement.”
Soon, the hospital plans to open a newly renovated catheterization lab featuring the newest cardiovascular technology and new operating rooms.
The CHRISTUS Good Shepherd NorthPark campus is home to the CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. In 2025, it will celebrate its one-year anniversary. It features six state-of-the-art surgical suites, expanded clinic space, outpatient procedure rooms and patient rooms for overnight stays.
In 2024, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd, in partnership with the City of Kilgore and Kilgore College, opened the Roy H. Laird Regional Medical Health Sciences Education Center. It includes a new teaching and state-of-the-art lab space through Kilgore College’s health science programs, a new primary care clinic and an outpatient physical therapy location.
In 2025, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd will open a new emergency center in Henderson, Swierc added. This facility will feature aroundthe-clock emergency services with 17 total beds, 13 exam rooms, four triage rooms, state-of-the-art full-service imaging and provide on-site laboratory services.
Swierc noted the benefit of CHRISTUS Good Shepherd offering a connected health system throughout East Texas, means that CHRISTUS can offer care to patients wherever they go.
“We utilize a holistic approach to care as we seek to compassionately care for the whole person and for every person who needs our help, regardless of ability to pay,” he said.
In 2024, CHRISTUS awarded more than $35 million charity care and $3.4 million for
“Every milestone reached and every achievement celebrated is a reflection of our dedication to fulfilling our mission of improving the health and well-being of our community.”
STEVE GORDON CEO Longview Regional Medical Center
community outreach programs, he said. This past year, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System had more than 120,000 emergency department visits and delivered nearly 1,300 babies. CHRISTUS Good Shepherd also
provided nearly 1,800 free sports physicals to area student-athletes in 2024. “We offer cutting-edge technology not found elsewhere in the community or surrounding areas,” he said. “Our clinicians are the top
In 1980, a new hospital opened to help meet the health care needs of East Texas. When it opened its doors in June 1980 to begin seeing patients, Longview Regional Medical Center had 100 beds in a 100,000-square-foot facility. At the time, there were three operating room suites, five emergency room bays, and one trauma room. The hospital employed about 275 people total, including about 25 physicians and nurses.
Throughout the past 45 years, Longview Regional Medical Center has grown into one of the leading health care facilities in Longview. The hospital now has 224 beds, 185 active physicians, and employs more than 1,300 people.
Longview Regional Medical Center offers a broad range of services, including critical care, cardiology, women’s health, maternity care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, digestive health, neurology, occupational health, pediatric, orthopedic, rehabilitation, respiratory care, vein care, and surgical services. The hospital is nationally recognized for chest pain and stroke care.
In the last year, LRMC assisted with more than 229,000 patient encounters and provided care during more than 38,000 emergency department visits. In 2023, Longview Regional Medical Center provided more than $22 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable.
“Our hospital’s growth, measured not just in numbers but in the lives we’ve touched, is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to all who walk through our doors,” said Steve Gordon, chief executive officer of Longview Regional Medical Center.
In 2024, Longview Regional Medical Center continued to advance its services in the community by celebrating the first anniversary of its new, freestanding emergency center and by offering groundbreaking new procedures to the East Texas community.
Longview Regional Medical Center opened a freestanding ER in 2023 at 120 E. Loop 281. The facility was home to Excel ER, and Longview Regional purchased it after Excel closed. Longview Regional worked with RLM General Contractors to renovate the facility. It celebrated its one-year anniversary in 2024.
The Longview Regional Emergency Center features 24-hour emergency care every day, including 24/7 lab services and imaging services such as X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans. The facility also has a trauma room, observation room, and a negative pressure room designed to prevent the spread of contamination between rooms for patients experiencing such health issues as tuberculosis and COVID.
The Longview Regional Emergency Center can treat potentially life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, head injuries, fractures, abdominal pain, respiratory issues and more.
Stephanie Crossland, who serves as the manager of the Longview Regional Emergency Center, said the patient volume since opening has exceeded her expectations.
“I honestly believe the driving factor for that is the level of compassionate care,” said Crossland.
Crossland worked at Longview Regional Medical Center for 10 years prior to being named manager of the emergency center.
talent who are competitively recruited to provide high-quality care to our patients. They join us as they are eager to be a part of our mission.” christushealth.org
She started at LRMC as a nurse and was later promoted supervisor of the emergency room at the main campus before moving to the freestanding ER.
“We’re offering our hearts to people in their biggest time of need,” she said of her team of about 30 people at the freestanding emergency center. “Our community wants to be cared for; they want compassionate care and they deserve it.”
In addition to its freestanding care, the Longview Regional Emergency Center is aligned with the main hospital, which can offer continuous care to patients.
Last year, Dr. Samir Germanwala was recognized as the first interventional cardiologist in the nation to place a dual chamber leadless pacemaker. This procedure is a treatment for individuals with abnormal or slow heart rhythms requiring pacing.
Leadless pacemakers allow for the direct implantation of leadless devices into the heart through a needle puncture in the groin, avoiding the necessity of an incision and for cardiac leads. Ultimately, this approach offers a less restrictive and swifter recovery period post-implantation.
“This system allows a minimally-invasive solution to address the needs of individuals requiring dual-chamber pacing (targeting both the right atrium and right ventricle) for optimal cardiac function,” Germanwala said.
“This procedure significantly reduces the risk of lead- and pocket-related complications, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. We are happy to offer the latest FDA approved technology to improve patient lives right here in Longview.” longviewregional.com
Longview is now home to a robotics welding training center that’s only the second of its kind in the nation.
Meanwhile, a new regionally approved Career Technology Education program allows high school students to seamlessly transition into an Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology program aimed at addressing workforce gaps.
The Yaskawa Robotics Training Center at LeTourneau University and the Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology program at Kilgore College are both aimed at strengthening the skills of the region’s workforce.
Both programs were made possible thanks to support from Longview Economic Development Corporation, which is committed to investing in the workforce development needs of the region to ensure Longview has a skilled and talented workforce to remain competitive when recruiting and retaining industries.
A skilled workforce is vital to the success and competitiveness of local economies, and as such workforce development plays a key role in cultivating more talented and productive employees. Tim Smith, director of business retention and workforce development, said LEDCO champions workforce development initiatives as they give businesses the tools to invest in their workforce.
“The goal is not just to recruit new workers but to retrain and repurpose some of the people that they’ve currently got,” Smith said.
In 2024, LEDCO worked with LeTourneau University and Kilgore College on respective programs that strengthen the skills of those in the industrial sector.
At LeTourneau University, LEDCO provided $350,000 in funding in 2023 to help with development of a robotics training center. In 2024, the robotics training equipment arrived, and the program will officially launch in 2025.
Through a one-week course, the Yaskawa Robotics Training Center at LeTourneau University provides training programs focused on industrial-use robots. The robotic welding training facility in Longview is only the second of its kind in the nation; the other is located in Ohio.
When initially considering the training center, LeTourneau University saw a very clear need for robotics training among local industries, said Dr. Alan Clipperton, vice president for the Office of Global Initiatives and Industry Engagement and executive director of R.G. Research and Development. Further, the university recognized the need wasn’t for a four-year degree program but rather “a short-term credential that allows current employees to progress that company forward,” Clipperton said.
“There has been a shortage of qualified employees for a lot of our manufacturing here in Longview. So, there are a lot of companies that have already started to move toward robotics and automation, and those that haven’t moved in that direction already are probably going to be moving in that direction in the next few years,” Clipperton said. “So there’s definitely a distinct need in Longview as well as the East Texas region for more robust robotics training.”
Though automation is becoming more widespread, there remains a need for a person to operate the machines and maintain them, Smith noted. So, the training is crucial.
Komatsu, for example, currently uses robots that are proprietary to Japan, Smith said.
“What that means is if they need somebody to program them, somebody has to come from Japan to program them,” Smith said. “So they’re looking at the possibility of retrofitting their current work flow with the Yaskawa machines, which will allow them to take advantage of the training at LeTourneau. They’ll be able to do their own programming and maintenance without having to get someone from Japan to provide technical assistance. So it’s leaps and bounds ahead of where they are now and it helps them maintain production.”
At LeTourneau, the one-week Yaskawa robotics course will teach both the operations and the maintenance of the machines.
The Yaskawa Robotics Training Center at the university has two labs – a training lab and a welding lab. The training lab currently features five robots that would commonly be used for materials handling. These types of robots typically have grippers and can be used to move an item from one location to another, such as in a shipping facility.
At LeTourneau, the robots don’t have grippers because the university chose to focus on robotics welding, Clipperton explained. Instead of grippers, the robots have pointers that can simulate potential welds.
“They’re going to have that much more knowledge when they go out into the field.”
- Silas Phillips, LeTourneau University Student
“We elected to go with an arc welding training program. The arc welding is very specialized and is actually the greatest need,” he said.
After learning the basics in the training lab, course attendees then progress to the welding robots in the welding lab. That lab features a collaborative robot (referred to as a “cobot”) and a more industrial-style robot. The cobot can be physically moved to certain points instead of having to be programmed to move, Clipperton explained.
“It’s really good for us to be able to do demonstrations for groups and students, but for industry, like in the manufacturing industry, it's just not fast enough to do the work that we typically do,” he said.
But the industrial robot is. The industrial robot must be programmed, using a control box called a pendant, to move to make the required welds. Once it’s programmed, it can repeat that automation to allow for efficiency.
The week-long course starts by practicing in the training area and then progressing to the welding lab where participants will first learn basic movements with the cobot and then doing actual programming on the industrial robot. After the five-day course, they’re issued a Yaskawa certificate.
Once the five-day course launches in 2025, Clipperton expects to be booked six months in advance as LeTourneau draws training attendees from across the region, state and even the nation to Longview for the specialized training.
While the lab will primarily target those currently employed in existing industries for the week-long training program, Clipperton added that LeTourneau University students in certain programs also will have access to learn using the robots.
Silas Phillips, a university student from Vale, Oregon, said LeTourneau was one of only a handful of colleges in the nation to offer the welding engineering degree that he wanted to pursue. Robots like those used at the training center, he said, will help increase efficiency at major industries.
“One of the main areas that welding engineers go into is automation, like at Ford or any kind of automation company,” Phillips said. “Those companies may not specifically use Yaskawa, but the I/O (input/output) programming is very similar, so students can get similar programming, and they’re going to have that much more knowledge when they go out into the field.”
That sentiment, Clipperton said, is correct. While not all robotic welder manufacturers may use the exact type of pendant that Yaskawa does, students will still get a solid basis that can be applied on other types of robotic equipment.
“Manufacturers
- Bryan Johnston, Merritt Preferred Components of Kilgore
“The logic and the concepts are the same. It's just translating one language to the other,” he said. “I have previously talked with a group of HR managers about what we were doing, and they didn’t care whether it was Yaskawa or FANUC or ABB, they just cared about the logic of the program and how that works. Once you understand that, you can cross over.”
At Kilgore College, the Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Training program is aimed at closing workforce gaps. In 2024, LEDCO along with other economic development corporations helped fund a matching grant for the college to purchase new equipment to further the efforts of the program that started two years ago.
In March 2022, LEDCO organized a panel to discuss the shortage of skilled workers in advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance, Smith said. The gathering included industry leaders from Longview, the presidents of Kilgore College and Tyler Junior College, and representatives from Workforce Solutions East Texas. The panel’s findings highlighted a critical need for more focused training to address skill gaps in advanced manufacturing, Smith said.
“In recent years, it’s become a challenge for the manufacturing industry to find new employees with the necessary basic skills required to hire, further train, and succeed with today's next generation of employees. Manufacturers in our area needed additional educational resources and solutions to help mitigate this industry-wide problem,” said Bryan Johnston with Merritt Preferred Components of Kilgore. “Kilgore College,
Under Kays’ leadership, Kilgore College quickly responded by forming an Industry Council comprised of manufacturers from Longview and the region, including representatives from Eastman Chemical Co., AAON Coil, CAM Industrial Solutions, and Komatsu. The council worked to pinpoint the skills needed by employers and designed a tailored training course.
In October 2022, Kilgore College launched its first course in Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology as a continuing education offering. Meanwhile, the college pursued formal approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for a two-year degree. The college received approval in April 2023, establishing both a two-year degree and a one-year certification in the field. In 2024, the Texas Education Agency gave approval for a regional Career Technology Education pathway, enabling high school students to seamlessly transition into the degree program.
In 2024, Kilgore College’s efforts received a boost through the Texas Workforce Commission’s High Demand Jobs Training Grant program. Funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and local sales taxes, the grant is designed to address skill gaps in high-demand occupations. LEDCO partnered with economic development organizations in Kilgore, Marshall, White Oak, and Gladewater to collectively provide $71,706 to match the grant Kilgore College received for a total investment of about $140,000.
The grant allowed Kilgore College to purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment for its Automation Training Lab. The lab will train dual-
equipment will enable all those enrolled in the program to learn “the cutting-edge skills that are necessary in today’s workforce – skills that our service industries have been requesting to support their evolving workforce needs.”
“The cooperation of our economic development corporations, the partnership of our area industries, and the collaboration with our college have provided the purpose, the means, and the solution to meet our region’s needs,” Kays said.
David Reed with Eastman Chemical Co. commended Kilgore College for acting quickly to meet the needs of the industrial community with its Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology program. Eastman came to the area in 1950 and today, he said, there’s a greater demand for skills in the industrial workforce.
For Eastman, he said, the need is very big. In 2024, Eastman Chemical Co. announced a $1.3 billion expansion to its Longview facility to include a molecular recycling facility.
“We’ve got a very large expansion coming, and we have a big need, and we absolutely need this partnership,” Reed said.
Smith said Kilgore College is a model for collaboration between a community college and the industrial sector. The partnership, he said, helps ensure a brighter economic future for Longview and East Texas.
“The positive impact of Kilgore College on our community cannot be overstated,” Smith said. “This grant will enhance KC’s offerings and ensure our region remains competitive in the advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance sectors.”
By Christina Cavazos
“This mural is stunning, bold and vibrant, and it’s a perfect tribute to a person who so greatly enriched the fabric of our community with his passion and his creativity,” Cavazos said. “We hope this serves as a lasting tribute to Jason, and we also hope it inspires other artists for many years to come.”
ARTS!Longview Logo Guidelines:
The logo is intended to be used by approved entities within the designated Cultural District, see https://artslongview.org/explore for a map of area.
Limit to groups listed on our website? Use with or without the TCA logo?
Contact for more information on logo usage: director@artslongview.org 903.738.1865 www.artslongview.org
LETU.EDU
The LeTourneau University Automotive Society presents its annual Car Show with proceeds benefiting missions around the world.
ZONTAANTIQUESHOW.COM
A perennial favorite for antique hunters of all stripes, this event typically draws jewelry, carpet, and furniture vendors to the Maude Cobb Convention Center. One of the longest running antiques shows in East Texas, it also hosts a tearoom and its famous Pie Bar. Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Greater East Texas.
LONGVIEWTEXAS.GOV
The Longview Public Library hosts this free event celebrating diverse culture with music, performances, local authors, artists, and artisans.
GREGGHISTORICAL.ORG
A family-friendly event recapturing the drama and nail-biting frenzy of one of Longview’s
most iconic pages of history, the infamous bank heist by the Bill Dalton Gang. Recreated on a blocked-off portion of Fredonia Street, and coupled with a fair-styled afternoon of activities, Dalton Days brings the bang and pop excitement that professional actors create when putting Longview citizens in peril, and all straight from local history. Read more on page 62
HARVESTFESTIVALLIVESTOCKSHOW.COM
Each year at the Maude Cobb Convention Center, the Crawfish Boil brings thousands of people together for music and amazing food. The Crawfish Boil, a fundraiser for the Harvest Festival livestock show and sale in October, provides scholarships to area 4H and FFA students.
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
Define a perfect Spring Saturday: strolling through Downtown Longview, sampling wines from across East Texas and beyond, listening to live music, and shopping from unique local vendors.
LONGVIEWPRCARODEO.COM
The Greggton Rotary Longview PRCA Rodeo is one of the hottest tickets in town. Fans say it’s one of the most popular bull-riding, calf-roping, bareback-riding, saddle-broncriding, stick-horse-racing, clown-dodging rodeos ever to stir up dust at the Longview Rodeo Arena. The Rotarians say it’s just good, family fun. The Longview (Greggton) Rotary hosts this annual spring-time event to the delight of rodeo fans of all ages, and, as their primary fundraiser, allows the Rotary to give back $30,000 - $50,000 to the community in support of local non-profit organizations.
LONGVIEWARBORETUM.ORG
Celebration of Hispanic music, food, vendors, and performances all located within the beautiful Longview Arboretum gardens.
Great Texas Balloon Race
GREATTEXASBALLOONRACE.COM
Gregg County is the Balloon Race Capital of Texas because this world-class event attracts the best competitive balloon pilots from across the United States and around the world.
During the third weekend in June, balloons will fill the skies over Longview on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and then concerts, a balloon glow, and entertainment will thrill crowds on Friday and Saturday night. This world-class competition features sport and special shaped balloons and covers a threeday weekend every summer.
LONGVIEWTEXAS.GOV
A parade, a dance, and a rodeo are among the many fun activities planned each June for this historic occasion.
THEATRELONGVIEW.COM
A hilarious weekend of comedy featuring improv teams from across the state as well as nationally known special guests.
An annual LGBTQ+ festival in June, the event features music, vendors, and activities.
Fireworks & Freedom Celebration
LONGVIEWTEXAS.GOV/FIREWORKS
Enjoy amusement rides, live music, food and beverages, vendors, and a variety of other entertainment. Festivities take place throughout the day with a gigantic fireworks show set to patriotic music beginning at dark.
LONGVIEWKENNELCLUB.ORG
Dog breeds from 38 states, Mexico, and Canada compete in the two-day Longview Kennel Club License All Breed Dog Show at the Maude Cobb Convention Center. This exciting and well-mannered, AKC-sanctioned event is great entertainment for children and adults.
TEXASSHAKESPEARE.COM
One of the nation’s premiere summer Shakespeare festivals is hosted by Kilgore College. This renowned summer tradition brings a variety of high caliber stage productions and actors to a local platform. From The Queen’s Tea to meet and greets with the actors, this is a fun and affordable departure from ordinary entertainment.
ENOCHSSTOMP.COM
Help harvest and stomp grapes, plus enjoy music, food, and contests during the annual Enoch’s Stomp Harvest Festival in late July and August.
GREGGCOUNTYFAIR.COM
The Longview Jaycees host a week-long, old-fashioned county fair with carnival rides, games, music, petting zoos, cotton candy, and corny dogs. Always in mid-September, the cooler temperatures bring out families and everyone enjoys a variety of good clean fun.
Prost! Hosted by the East Texas Brewer’s Guild, this Oktoberfest-style event provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy unique and varied beers made by home-brewing enthusiasts. Held in September, the event also features music and food trucks.
EASTTEXASANGELNETWORK.COM
Longview resident and country singing star, Neal McCoy, invites his celebrity friends to an annual September concert to raise funds for children with serious illness. Always an anticipated autumn event, Neal revs up the show with fun and good times and the result gives back to his fans, and ultimately to the children close to his heart.
The largest show of its kind in East Texas, the Texas Cooperative Extension Office junior livestock show and sale is the highlight of the year for area 4H and FFA members.
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
Every October Longview gets spooky with hair-raising activities at various venues like the Haunted Library, Graystone Haunted Manor, Doc Wilkes House of Horrors, and Thomas Falls Outdoor Adventures’ Zip-lining with the Zombies.
Take Over
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
From the top of the “Long View” hill, participants will roll pumpkins as far as possible for prize money. Plus, skateboarders will compete on an outdoor street course.
GREENSTREETMONSTERFEST.COM
The railroad underpass on Green Street is
transformed into a concert amphitheater for this eclectic outdoor music festival.
ETXALZ.ORG
Benefiting the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance, the festival showcases area wineries as well as music, food, and vendors.
LONGVIEWCOMMUNITYMINISTRIES.ORG
Unique community event designed for children and adults to see, touch, learn, and interact with fascinating vehicles like fire trucks, cranes, dump trucks, school buses, helicopters, and more.
Día De Los Muertos
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
A celebratory festival and parade remembering loved ones. The event at Heritage Plaza in Downtown Longview features folkorico dances, face painting, children’s arts and craft, Latino-owned businesses, vendors, and food.
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
Longview celebrates the lighting of the Christmas tree with a visit from Santa Claus, holiday music, and other festivities.
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
The Gregg County Courthouse is transformed into a beautiful light display, a huge Christmas tree brightens Heritage Plaza, and special holiday events fill downtown. The Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade proceeds through downtown on the first Thursday of December with an impressive fleet of floats, antique cars, marching bands, and the ever-popular hot air balloon torch glow.
Located just north of Longview, Carmela’s Magical Santa Land offers a free drive-thru Christmas wonderland each year from November through early January. This light show extravaganza is spread across a beautiful 30-acre property and has quickly become an East Texas holiday favorite.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
LONGVIEWTEXAS.GOV
Community celebration featuring a concert, parade, festival, and a nondemonational service.
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
Longview has a long history of inventors, builders, and makers. Explore factories to see how the world’s largest front-end loader is built and learn about other amazing stuff made in Longview. Free tours are provided on this special weekend at industries throughout Longview and give participants a chance to look behind the scenes at the technology that makes our city work.
This annual February bicycle tour is a fundraiser for Special Olympics and takes place no matter how cold the weather. Participants willingly “freeze their fannies” for bragging rights after they’ve completed the Tour-de-East-Texas. Also includes a 10K run which begins at Doris McQueen Primary School.
ARTWALKLONGVIEW.COM
Several times a year, downtown Longview galleries and businesses stay open late, and exhibit art on the sidewalk, for an afterhours event designed to showcase local art and artisans. ArtWalk provides an urban environment where many retail stores prop
open the front door and offer special purchases to complement the live music and restaurant hopping. It’s family and pet-friendly fun.
LONGVIEWARBORETUM.ORG
Live music fills the arboretum gardens on select Thursday nights in spring and fall. Bring a lawn chair, beverage, and enjoy!
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
Heritage Plaza, in downtown Longview, is filled with music, beverages, food trucks, and lots of people on Friday nights in April, May, September, and October. This free music series is a family friendly event featuring some of the best regional talent in various music genres.
VISITLONGVIEWTEXAS.COM
The first Saturday from April - November, you’ll find cool cars and trucks of all varieties gathered in Downtown Longview for a free cruise night. Admire the vehicles and then grab dinner or a beverage from one of your downtown favorites.
HISTORICLONGVIEWFARMERSMARKET.COM
The HLFM holds a permanent station in the parking lot at High and Cotton Streets on a seasonal schedule. Starting early on Saturday mornings, the 7:30-11:30 a.m. schedule has at times included live music, cooking
demonstrations, and crafts. Read more on page 68
LMFA.ORG
Longview Museum of Fine Arts brings vibrant music to downtown Longview with its dynamic live concert series. Showcasing an eclectic lineup of performers, including bands like the folk-rock band Fantastic Cat and the soulful Reed Foehl. Concerts are hosted in the museum’s intimate venues, offering an up-close experience for music lovers at both the Tyler Street LMFA location and the future LMFA location on Fredonia Street.
LONGVIEWSYMPHONY.ORG
As part of Longview Symphony’s outreach to the community, they offer free Bach’s Lunch Concerts in the fall and spring. These lunchtime concerts are held at various downtown Longview churches.
EASTTEXASPARADE.COM
Presented by the East Texas Home Builders Association in May and November each year, this event showcases several beautiful new area homes. Visitors can learn about the latest home trends and admire the distinct craftsmanship presented by local builders.
Stay up-to-date on the latest events and happenings in Longview
longviewpaws.org
Longview boasts a variety of locally owned restaurants, offering a variety of unique menus and welcoming atmospheres that reflect the heart of our East Texas community. By choosing to dine local, you’re not only savoring delicious meals but also supporting the hardworking individuals behind these establishments. Whether you dine on iconic Barbecue and Tex-Mex, or Asian, Italian, or classic American, every visit helps our local restaurants thrive, creating a stronger, more vibrant Longview for everyone to enjoy!
Bon Appétit!
ASIAN
Chiangmai Thai Kitchen
103 W. Loop 281 (903) 663-6622
Evergreen Food Factory 1402 W. Marshall Ave. (903) 470-0342
Fuji Japanese
3098 N. Eastman Rd (903) 663-9888
Goung Zhou (GZ's) 2992 Judson Rd (903) 247-8000
Kumori
105 Ruthlynn Dr. (903) 808-5769
Lil Thai House
212 N. Fredonia St. (903) 236-0155
Ramen Saikou 1426 McCann Rd (903) 2215-8002
BAKERIES
The Butcher Shop
102 Lehigh St. (903) 758-6066
La Cabane De Dessert
4315 Gilmer Rd. (903) 212-5253
Edible Art
504 W. South St. (903) 234-2114
Golden Flake Bakery
894 Pine Tree Rd. (903) 759-0086
Sweet Creations
807 N. High St (903)475-4616
BAR & GRILL
Judd’s Downtown
117 E. Tyler St. (903) 212-8388
Lone Star Ice House 1016 McCann Rd. (903) 753-5885
McCann Street Bar & Grill 1217 McCann Rd (430) 267-7300
Page Pub & Pizzeria 2647 Bill Owens Pkwy. (903) 297-8122
BARBECUE
Bodacious Bar-B-Q 2227 S. Mobberly Ave. (903) 753-8409
904 N. 6th St. (903) 753-2714
1300 NW. Loop 281 (903) 759-3914
COFFEE SHOPS
Coffee & T’s
716 Glencrest Lane (903) 237-9625
Coffee Mill
2001 Gilmer Rd. (903) 759-7373
Evergreen Coffee & Dessert
1111 Evergreen St. (903) 331-6059
Silver Grizzly Espresso
100 W. Tyler St. (903) 309-2766
Uncle Joe’s Coffee & Co.
711 Estes Dr., Ste 100 (903) 261-4901
Yukon Coffee
3105 Nealy Way (903) 331-4049
AMERICAN
Bel’s Diner
2600 S. MLK Jr. Blvd. (903) 234-0443
Buster's Fried Chicken & Funnel Cakes
510 N. Spur 63 #100 (430) 625-7024
City Diner
1226 W. Marshall Ave. (903) 234-9926
Deb’s Downtown Café
103 W. Tyler St. (903) 234-2823
It’ll Do Deli 716 W. Marshall (903) 753-6000
Divine Catering
1310 S. Mobberly Ave. (903) 234-8881
Fat Boyzzz 607 N Access Rd. (903) 619-3301
Hot Dog Express
106 E. Marshall (903) 215-8062
Jucy’s Hamburgers
2701 N. Eastman Rd. (903) 758-9056
816 W. Marshall Ave. (903) 753-8993
3356 Gilmer Rd. (903) 212-8880
Jack’s Natural Foods 3110 Nealy Way (903) 758-9777
Lizzy’s Diner 1301 Judson Rd. (903) 663-1154
Moose Market 1403 Clearwood (903) 753-8300
Nanny Goats Café 1401 Judson Rd. (903) 653-4801
Roost
310 E Hawkins Pkwy Suite 102 (430) 625-7373
Solo Sandwich Co.
300 E. Tyler St (903) 686-9694
Scottie’s Bistro 1188 E. Hawkins Pkwy (430) 625-7310
The Butcher Shop 102 Lehigh St. (903) 758-6066
*This list features established, locally owned restaurants selected by the publisher
FROZEN TREATS
Andy’s Custard
610 E Hawkins Pkwy (417) 881-3500
Diddy’s Yogurt Shoppe
305 W. Loop 281, Ste. 107 (903) 646-0783
Shivers Natural Snow 166 FM 2751
Wild Honey Creamery 108 E. Tyler St. 903) 364-6639
ITALIAN
Milano’s Family Restaurant 1405 W. Loop 281 (903) 230-5330
Roma’s Italian Kitchen 102 E. Tyler St. (430) 625-7240
Tuscan Pig 401 S. High St. (903) 651-1833
MEXICAN
El Ray Mexican Grill 1015 E. Marshall Ave. (903) 625-7269
El Rincon 1709 S. Mobberly Ave. (903) 236-9042
El Sombrero 2005 Toler Rd. (903) 553-0050
Jalapeño Tree
508 N. Eastman Rd. (903) 757-4221
Jucy’s Taco 2609 Judson Rd. (903) 553-4948
4002 Estes Pkwy. (903) 212-6200
1470 W. Marshall Ave. (903) 234-9667
Little Mexico 2517 Judson Rd. (903) 758-2194
Lovely Eatery 1009 E. Marshall Ave. (903) 387-2973
Maria’s Hot Tamales 5651 US-259 (903) 291-7513
Mi Casita
324 N. Spur 63 (903) 758-8226
Papacita’s 305 W. Loop 281 (903) 663-1700
T. Blanco’s Mexican Café 1045 Gardiner Mitchell Pkwy. (903) 643-0100
Tele’s Mexican Restaurant 1700 Judson Rd. (903) 553-9833
NIGHTLIFE
Bourbon Alley
115 E. Tyler St.
Film Alley
3070 N. Eastman Rd. (903) 213-7444
Greenside Beverage Company
102 N. Green St (903) 235-5134
Leon’s Steakhouse Saloon 2112 S. Eastman Rd. (903) 753-9415
Lone Star Ice House 1016 McCann Rd (903) 753-5885
Oil Horse Brewing Co. 101 W. Tyler St. (903) 241-4686
Rainbow Members Club
203 N. High St
Twisted Axes 204 Center Street (508) 894-7833
903 Billards 210 E Methvin St (903) 883-6464
PIZZA
Pietro’s Pizzeria & Café 2418 Gilmer Rd. (903) 295-7900
Pizza King 1100 E. Marshall Ave. (903) 753-0912
Pizza King To Go 3302 Fourth St. (903) 230-1965
Roma’s Italian Kitchen 102 E. Tyler St. (430) 625-7240
SEAFOOD & CAJUN
Cace’s Kitchen 104 N Green St (903) 212-7720
Crawfish Cove 4934 Estes Prkwy (903) 736-0345
The Catch 3312 N. Fourth St (903) 663-3940
Duke’s Fish Shack 1037 Gardiner Mitchell Pkwy. (903) 643-0283
Fisherman’s Market 116 Johnston St (903) 753-6722
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp 1501 E. Marshall Ave. (903) 653-0074
STEAKS
Café Barron’s 405 W. Loop 281 (903) 663-2060
Judd’s Downtown 117 E. Tyler St. (903) 212-8388
Leon’s Steakhouse Saloon 2112 S. Eastman Rd. (903) 753-9415
Visitor Information Center
Visit Longview + Marketplace
Arts & Education
Artsview Children’s Theatre (Downtown)
Gregg County Historical Museum (Downtown)
Longview Museum of Fine Arts - Tyler St. (Downtown)
Longview Museum of Fine Arts - Fredonia St. (Downtown)
Longview Public Library (Downtown)
Longview World of Wonders (Downtown)
S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center
R.G. LeTourneau Museum at LeTourneau Univ.
Amusements
AMC Longview 10
Film Alley
Laser X
Longview Bingo Center
Twisted Axes Throwing
Oil Bowl Lanes
Putt Putt Golf and Games
Colleges & Universities
Kilgore College - Longview (Downtown)
LeTourneau University
UT Tyler Longview University Center
Golf
Alpine Golf Course
Alpine Target Golf Center
The Links Indoor Golf Simulator
Pinecrest Country Club
Crossing Creeks Country Club
Wood Hollow Golf Course
Government
Gregg County Courthouse (Downtown)
Longview City Hall (Downtown)
Longview Police Department (Downtown)
Hospitals
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd NorthPark Medical Plaza
Longview Regional Medical Center
Meeting Spaces & Community Centers
Arts!Longview Community Center (Downtown)
Broughton Recreation Center
Green Street Recreation Center
Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center
Infinity Holiday Inn Conference Center
Longview Community Center
Longview Convention Complex
Fairgrounds, Rodeo Arena, Exhibit Bldg.
J.R. Curtis, Jr. Garden for the Blind Panther Park Community Center
Stamper Park Resource Center
Middle & High Schools
Forest Park Middle School
Foster Middle School
Judson Middle School
Longview High School
Pine Tree Junior High & High School
St. Mary’s Catholic School
Spring Hill High School
Parks, Trails, & Sports Venues
Broughton Park & Recreation Center
Cargill Long Park & Trail
Grace Creek Mountain Bike Trail
The Green
Guthrie and Rotary Park
Heritage Plaza (Downtown)
Hinsley Park
Ingram Park
Lear Park Sports Complex
Jack Mann Splash Pad
Kidsview Playground
LeTourneau University
Longview Arboretum
Longview Depot Park (Downtown)
Magrill Plaza
McWhorter Park
Julieanna Park & Trail
Panther Park
Patterson Park
Paul G. Boorman Trail
Lois Jackson Park
Stragent Dog Parks
Paula Martin Jones Recreation Center
Pelaia Plaza and JT Smith Sculpture Garden
Spring Hill Park
Stamper Park
Mary C. Womack Football Field
Teague Park & Veterans Plaza
Timpson Park
Williams Lake at Mobberly Baptist Church
Shopping
Shopping Centers
Transportation
East Texas Regional Airport
Longview Transportation Center Station
Greyhound Bus Station
Historic Train Depot Station
Longview Transit
by Kristin Koonce Burroughs
You should see the looks I get when I arrive at my destination with arm floaties, kites, solar eclipse glasses, a cowboy hat, and swim goggles. On more than one occasion, I’ve had friends text me a photo of myself marching through a crowd of people at an event with my backpack, tripod, iPhone, and gimbal in tow. I look like Bigfoot in the wild. To me, it’s just another normal day in “UL Live” paradise! I suppose I never envisioned myself singing a line from Mary Poppins’ “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” on camera for the entire city of Longview to see, but here I am. My job usually calls me to stick out like a sore thumb in hopes of offering others a closer look at all of the people, small businesses, and events that make this town all that it is. It’s a high calling and something I don’t take lightly!
When I think back on all of the interviews I did this past year, there are definitely a few that stand out! I think about Longview’s free annual kite festival. I had never been before and didn’t really know what to expect. My eyes filled with tears as I walked across the soccer fields and looked up to see what seemed like a thousand kites in the sky. As bubbles hit me square in the face, I remember thinking to myself, “I’ve never seen so much joy jam-packed into one place.” My heart felt like it was going to explode.
Then there was the time I yelled, “YEEEEE HAAAAWW” at the Longview PRCA Rodeo! With a cowboy hat on my head and a red bandana tied loosely around my neck, I stood on a corral panel and put my faith in the one sweaty palm keeping me steady so I could video the calves, bulls, and horses as they made their grand entrance. I’ll do anything for a good angle! Let’s not forget about the pumpkin pie eating contest against Shawn Hara to promote the Great Pumpkin Roll taking place downtown. I’ll stuff my face with pumpkin pie for the good of our community any day! Oh yeah, and then there’s the Longview Splash Pad feature! How could I forget!? I just knew I’d be the only one playing in the water on that bright, sunshiny Friday morning! I definitely wasn’t. I was, however, the only one wearing swim goggles and arm floaties. “Oh! Don’t mind me!” has become my catchphrase.
Perhaps my all-favorite experience, however, was the inaugural Green Street Monster Fest. I had set my tripod up in the intersection (don’t worry, the roads were closed down…safety first!) so I could do my intro and outro. Without missing a beat, my friends and community members jumped in front of the camera, taking turns “stealing the spotlight” and I gladly let them. After all, that is what “UL Live” is all about—highlighting the people and aspects in our community that are unique to Longview. I’m just here to hold the microphone!
I am once again reminded why I love this city. It is rooted in community and I cannot believe I get to call it home. Longview consists of people of all ages and from all walks of life! It doesn’t matter what event you attend or what small business you walk into, it’s inevitable you’ll find a friend there. There’s a sense of togetherness and kinship that brings us all in close. Whether rolling pumpkins down the hill that gave our city its name, drinking beer at the home-grown music festival dubbed Green Street Monster Fest, or participating in summer classes at one of our many nonprofit organizations… there’s room for everyone! It truly is a wonderful place to live, work, and play…so, don’t forget to follow us for my next unique adventure!
At CHRISTUS Health, we’re here to meet the health care needs of East Texas. We serve our community with compassionate, faith-based care that continues to grow through the addition of new locations, expansion of services and state-of-the-art technology – building on a legacy of care you and your family can have faith in.
