8 minute read
The Heart of Our Chamber
by Author
by Kelly Hall
The Longview Chamber of Commerce is a network of over 1,000 members, representing more than 50,000 hardworking East Texans.
The Longview Chamber is dedicated to the prosperity and success of our vibrant community. Our Chamber is not just a collection of businesses; it’s a collective force committed to shaping the future, not just for today but for generations to come. We believe in the power of free enterprise capitalism--the kind that fosters economic growth, innovation, and prosperity for all.
Jessica LaRue, our past chairman, speaks from the heart when she says that being part of the Longview Chamber is an investment in the future, especially for our children. We share her vision of a thriving economic environment that empowers our youth to chase their dreams and build a prosperous life right here in Longview.
“At the heart of our Chamber is a network of over 1,000 members, representing more than 50,000 hardworking East Texans. Together, we are a powerful voice, advocating for probusiness policies and influencing decisions at local, state, and national levels. We’re not here to create laws, but we certainly have the clout to shape policies that foster a thriving business climate.”
“Our investors have access to exclusive tools and marketing opportunities that can give their business a competitive advantage. Engagement isn’t just about handing out business cards; it’s about building meaningful relationships in a community that values connections and collaboration.”
“When businesses invest with the Chamber, they become part of a family that cares deeply about the success of their business and our entire business community. Therefore, we o er numerous opportunities to engage, build relationships, and learn more, through our Business After Hours, Business Solutions Summit, signature luncheons with relevant content, talent development programs and much more. These programs are all designed to help businesses grow and thrive in our dynamic business environment.”
“Our commitment goes beyond business as we also focus on the quality of life in Longview, promoting development, downtown potential, and tourism. We celebrate the achievements of our local businesses at our Annual Meeting/Banquet and Business Solutions Summit. We are here to champion your cause and make our community an even better place to do business.”
“So whether you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a professional considering relocating to Longview, know that the Longview Chamber of Commerce is here to support you. Together, we can create a prosperous future for you, your family, and the generations to come. Join us in leading for the next generation, and let’s make Longview the thriving hub of opportunity it is meant to be.”
Chamber Member Programs & Opportunities
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
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is a pressing concern, with frequent cyberattacks targeting businesses. Phishing emails and malware attacks continue to compromise sensitive data. The question is: Is your organization adequately protected? We are excited to announce the return of our Cyber Summit on October 17th at the Infinity Event Center. Our Technology Council has crafted a compelling program to train your entire team. We o er flexible registration options, including morning and afternoon sessions, day passes, and the chance to lunch with the Secret Service and FBI. Join us to fortify your organization against cyber threats and secure prosperity for the next generation.
East Texas Coalition
The Chamber’s bi-annual event in collaboration with other area Chambers of Commerce to meet with Texas elected o cials in Austin to discuss pressing needs in East Texas.
40 Under 40
In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, the challenge of talent retention and development is more pressing than ever. Like many forwardthinking organizations, you likely invest considerable e ort in nurturing your team’s potential. Recognizing this, we’re excited to introduce the 2024 - 40 Under 40 Executive Series – a program specifically designed for your most promising employees under 40. The essence of professional growth is a commitment to long-term development. Our series o ers a comprehensive blend of personal and professional enrichment, mentorship opportunities, and a platform for sharing industry best practices, all aimed at fostering success. This initiative not only equips your younger team members, from entry-level to management, with a mindset geared towards continuous learning but also positions them as role models for their colleagues. Engaging in our series is more than an investment in individual growth; it’s a step towards cultivating a culture of excellence within your organization.
State of the City
The annual luncheon is held for community leaders and business professionals as Longview’s Mayor celebrates the city’s accomplishments and its future.
State of the County
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.
State of the Economy
A luncheon focused on where we are as a city, county, and nation in regards to our economy.
State of the Workforce
Acquiring and retaining talent is a huge issue today and this luncheon will seek to address not only the challenges, but also o er 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.
InterCity Visits
Imagine a Longview where every resident, every business, every family thrives. Join us, alongside key influencers, as we embark on a transformative journey to Lexington, KY, to turn
this vision into a reality. In this endeavor, we’re not just sightseeing; we’re learning and growing. We’ll explore Lexington’s unique approach to community building, understand their successes, and draw inspiration to reshape Longview for future generations. Our trip to Lexington is more than a visit; it’s the cornerstone of Longview’s future—a future where our town blossoms into a community that embodies health, prosperity, and happiness. We aim to focus on nurturing a healthy community, knowing that growth naturally follows. Join us in this pivotal mission to create a Longview that attracts families and businesses—a community where future generations can not only live but thrive. Let’s build Longview together!”
Business After Hours
Make sure you are part of one of the Chamber’s most eagerly awaited and bustling eventsBusiness After Hours! This isn’t just an event; it’s a chance for exceptional networking. Business After Hours stands out as a premier platform for local enterprises to display their outstanding services and cutting-edge facilities. It’s more than a showcase; it’s your opportunity to di erentiate your business and make a memorable impact on our distinguished Chamber members. We urge you to bring your team along and dive into the Business After Hours experience. This event isn’t just an evening out; it’s a springboard for growth, o ering you essential networks and insights to propel your business. So, mark your calendar and make sure you’re there at the upcoming Business After Hours. Let’s harness the power of networking together and open the doors to a world of endless business possibilities.
Washington D.C. Fly-In
Embark on a transformative journey with fellow business advocates from Gregg and Smith Counties at our upcoming Washington D.C. Fly-In this early December! This event, tailored for Chamber members, is a unique chance to directly engage with your congressional representatives and have a meaningful dialogue on the issues that matter most to your business. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or new to the political sphere and eager to learn, the D.C. Fly-In is the perfect platform for voicing your legislative and business concerns. The event o ers an invaluable opportunity to meet face-to-face with o cials and their sta within the halls of Congress. To ensure productive discussions, the Chamber team will compile a comprehensive list of pressing business issues, based on member feedback, along with relevant background information. Participants are encouraged to contribute to and familiarize themselves with this material in preparation for insightful exchanges with their representatives. Seize this opportunity to be part of a collective voice that shapes the future of business in our community. Join us in Washington D.C. and make your mark on the legislative landscape!
Membership in the Chamber gives you an edge with access to exclusive tools and marketing opportunities that put your business front and center, save you money and provide the information you need to stay a step ahead.