2015 Uniquely Longview

UNIQ UELY LONGVIEW 2 015 e d it ion

magazine

the

WORKFORCE edition From the education of

healthcare professionals to the artistry of skilled craftsmen, we explore who is truly building, creating, assembling, and manufacturing the very things that sustain a strong East Texas.

I N

C O O P E R A T I O N

W I T H

T H E

L O N G V I E W

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Innovating Today. Influencing Tomorrow.

At Eastman, we're a global community of team members bringing innovation to life in products people use every day.

What we have in common is a passion for serving our customers through innovation, safety, integrity, responsibility, and teamwork. But our differences are the special ingredients that inspire our success.

Team members don't just start jobs at Eastman. They start careers, friendships, and futures. The men and women of Eastman are making a difference through innovation and collaboration, creating opportunities today for a better tomorrow.

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Dr. Michael Scott has proudly served families in Longview and East Texas with quality orthodontic treatment since 1984. Scott Orthodontics has built a reputation as a warm and caring practice that caters to families.

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If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Visit us online at LongviewRegional.com to view our average E.R. wait time.

*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Longview Chamber of Commerce

Welcome.

410 N. Center St. Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 Fax 903-237-4049 www.longviewchamber.com

It is hard for me to believe that this is my last opportunity to offer a welcome letter for the Uniquely Longview magazine. It has been my pleasure to serve Longview as mayor since 2005 and council member since 1998. Looking back over those years, I am proud of all the progress that has been made in the Longview community.

If you’re looking for the source of that progress, much of it can be credited to the dedicated work of the many businesses and organizations represented in this publication.

2015 EXECUTIVE B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S CHAIRMAN Ken Cunningham Good Shepherd Health Systems CHAIRMAN-ELECT Wade Johnson Johnson & Pace, Inc. CHAIRMAN OF FINANCE Roy Eon Texas Bank and Trust PA S T C H A I R M A N Brad Tidwell Citizens National Bank

2 0 1 5 B OA R D OF DIRECTORS

As you look through the pages of this Uniquely Longview publication, I think you will quickly understand what makes Longview such a great place to live, work, and be part of a community. We are fortunate to have men and women from throughout Longview that are truly interested in moving our town forward.

I am thankful for all those individual efforts that help strengthen our economy, provide jobs and services, and meet the needs of our community members.

As I finish my final term as Mayor, I am confident in the future of Longview.

Much work has been done. Much more work is yet to come. As is demonstrated by the individuals and organizations represented in this publication, Longview has the resources and the will to embrace the challenges ahead.

It’s been my pleasure to serve as your mayor. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

Jay Dean Mayor, City of Longview

Brett Lindig SYSCO Food Services, LLC

There is no more exciting time in the future of Longview than the present. We are blessed to live in a city in which the citizens work cooperatively alongside our public officials, businesses, and various interest groups to make this a wonderful place to live, work and raise our families. With the recent roll-out of the proposed Comprehensive Plan for the City of Longview, as well as the strategic planning on the part of LEDCO and the Longview Chamber of Commerce, we are poised to take important steps toward moving Longview forward to even greater accomplishments.

Keith Honey AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company Kelly Hall Longview Chamber of Commerce James Barron Barron’s Jill Bayless Longview Regional Medical Center Kara Bolster STEMCO Pat Britton Eastman Chemical Company David Hayes Hayes RV Center Dana Parr Copeland Insurance Group John Ray Lively Cadillac GMC Tim Vaughn TVaughn Builders, LLC

2015 APPOINTED DIRECTORS Joe Bob Joyce Longview Economic Development Corporation

The Chamber recently organized an intercity trip to Greenville, South Carolina to see how other communities of similar size are executing their long-range planning. This trip was well-attended by local public officials, business leaders, and representatives from LEDCO and the Longview Chamber of Commerce. It was exciting to see what vision, long-term planning, and collaboration can accomplish!

What was my “take away” from the trip? We need to be visionary in our thinking.

However, it is not about overnight transformation, but rather it is about deliberate, incremental, and sustained progress toward common goals through public and private partnerships. We have already accomplished much, but each of you plays an integral role in setting the vision for the future and doing the hard work that it takes to reach these goals.

It has been eleven years since my wife and I made the decision to move from Fort Worth. I had spent the previous six years regularly “visiting” Longview on business and fell in love with the city. What a wonderful decision that has been for my family.

Longview is blessed with natural beauty, as well as excellent schools, healthcare, and a growing economy. We are fortunate to have city and county leaders who promote a culture of support for the local business community and do what it takes to attract new business and talent to the area. However, it is the people of Longview that make it special. It is the pride we take in our community and our spirit of collaboration and cooperation that make us “Uniquely Longview.”

Ken Cunningham Chairman, Longview Chamber of Commerce

Judge Becky Simpson Councilman Richard Manley U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

7

contents

PUBLISHER

Uniquely Longview is published annually by Hudson Graphics, Inc. and distributed by the Longview Chamber of Commerce, 410 N. Center St. • Longview, TX 75601 Copyright © 2015 by Hudson Graphics, Inc. 611 S. Mobberly • PO Box 7010 Longview, TX 75607 • 903-758-1773 www.hudsonprint.com

16 COOL JOBS IN LONGVIEW 30 EAST TEXAS EDUCATORS ARE WORKING IT

46 A HEALTHY BOTTOM LINE IN ONE OF THE BEST SMALL CITIES IN AMERICA

PRESIDENT Steve Cartwright

62 BIG GIFTS MAKE COMMUNITY

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Robert Mitchell

LIFE BETTER

PRODUCTION MANAGER Bryan Boyd

104 THE FASTEST GROWING OCCUPATION HAS LOCAL ROOTS

EDITOR Jeri Boyd PRODUCTION STAFF Jaime Castillo Tara Caulk Anita Chapman Jill Clevenger Kathy Falconer Starr Furnish Jacob Gerlach Paul Gerlach John Harton Mary Hernandez J. D. Knight Kaylen Medlin Rebecca Offield Wendy Pairsh Eve Pinson Celia Taylor

Welcome 7 Advertisers 11

Arts & Events 74

City Map 90

Longview United 92

Education Guide 94

Strategic Business Plan 116

on the cover

MARKETING/SALES Tim Shaughnessy

Gilberto Valle, fabricator for

FEATURE WRITERS Kimberly Fish Rachel Stallard

StoneWorks, crafts raw granite into a polished countertop

GRAPHIC DESIGN

for a custom kitchen.

104 W. Methvin Longview, TX 75601 • 903-753-2098 www.forbesbutler.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Butler GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Holly Forbes Jim Tilley Abbey Tyson ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Shelly Butler

16

PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Anderson Bryan Boyd Tammy Cromer-Campbell Sam Smead Jim Tilley (additional photo credits listed with images)

Photo by Bryan Boyd

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

9

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etween the echoes Photos by Bryan Boyd

of revving buzz saws, the clatter of assembly line wheels, printing presses stamping, cutting saws sliding across wet granite, and the cool hiss of a humidifier at work to dry cookies, I’ve had an incredible journey through the front doors of some of the most interesting places to work in Longview, and I’ve been to just a fraction of the businesses lining the streets we pass every day. With the attention being given to our area workforce, and the reinvigoration of that workforce through the efforts of local high schools and colleges to offer technical training opportunities and certificates, I decided to peek behind the offices and find out who really is building, creating, assembling, and manufacturing the very things that are dynamic to our local economy.

The look was quite an education.

Not to spoil the ending, but the

fine boss, and we get to take something

overwhelming discovery was more

like a dead spruce tree and make it into

human than mechanical, more about

a house.” He points to the shell of a

relationships than rewards, and definitely

1,700 square foot log home where three

more about home than glory. The

of his sons are working alongside him.

skilled labor workforce I met while

“When you have a good place to work,

interrupting their cookie decorating, their

people take care of you right, and you

log home construction, their chemical analysis, and their hairpin turns on front-end loaders, revealed that the

make something that is done well, then it’s a good day.”

number one quality of Longview’s

Sam Satterwhite shakes his head when

workforce is the very quality of

I repeat the praise his crew has heaped

the employees themselves. As my

on him. He turns it back on them,

grandmother would say, these folks

saying that they’re the hardest working

are “good people.” Many learned their

people he knows, and also highly

crafts on the job, some have elaborate

skilled, reliable, and generous beyond

certificates and degrees that distinguish

belief. They were volunteering to finish

their specialties, some started out doing

a project for someone struck down by

one thing and transferred to something

illness, and the symphonic quality to the

else along the way, but the dynamic

order in which the crews dovetail their

between crews and crew chief says it all.

construction process testifies to the

“I wouldn’t work anywhere else,” says Tom Stence, foreman and master technician at Satterwhite Log Homes, employed since 1978.

“It’s about that man over there,” he says,

years of dancing around each other.

pointing to Sam Satterwhite, owner of

Satterwhite describes the types of crews

Satterwhite Log Homes. “He’s a damn

he has based in the East Texas area and

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

17

the range and the conditions they travel

the crew members I talked with (from

will increase. As Sam Satterwhite talks

to accommodate customer needs. It’s

the one who estimates the materials a

about the future of Longview and East

daunting, and almost never under ideal

customer will need to complete a house

Texas, he says the jobs will be there, and

conditions. When your business involves

plan, to the ones manning the skill saw

he hopes the kids will step up to do the

removing dead trees from forests,

to corner cut the logs, to the ones driving

hard work even when it’s not “cool.”

processing those trees to become

the logs and materials long distances to

logs for home construction, and then

build a shell in remote locations) all have

installing the logs into homes designed

a high degree of job satisfaction, but also

for various geographies, the potential

a dedication to maintaining their level

for error is significant. Satterwhite nods

of skill and aptitude for years to come.

with experience, and once again turns

They are professional, and the quality of

the attention to the crew of installers

the work produced – from the youngest

and subcontractors that follow the shell

team member to the oldest – reflects

installation of a log home. “That’s why

success all the way up the line to the

it’s critical I find folks committed to the

owner. Proficient training, like the kind

process, professional at all times, and

needed to cut logs and build from plans,

willing to go the extra mile. We deal

is taught in area high schools. With the

with a lot of situations, but it’s all about

advent of even more training in schools,

providing outstanding service for the

courtesy of Texas Legislative House

customer and staying safe.” Several of

Bill 5, the onset of more skilled training

18

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

In the war between cupcakes and cookies, Longview customers prefer iced cookies... hands down. At least that’s been the experience of Debbie Fontaine, owner of Edible Art. Debbie’s story is not only one of training area culinary students to be expert bakers, but a personal story of renovation as modeled by the very building in which she works... the old It’ll Do Tavern bar on South Street that she bought and repurposed into a custom cake bakery. From the hardscrabble beginnings of baking in her home, to setting up shop in the refurbished bar, to a soon-to-be-finished

“

— Debbie Fontaine, Owner of Edible Art

I started out as a 17-year-old air brushing cakes in a Brookshire’s bakery in Louisiana. From there they recruited me to their headquarters in Tyler to train other cake artists, and then I went all the way through management training to run grocery stores for Brookshire’s. It’s because of the scholarship opportunity I was given from Brookshire’s to go to UT Tyler that I earned a business and marketing degree, which led me to where I am today.”

property expansion that makes room

a testimony to her fine motor skills.

a rice crispie treat,” she says with a

for a glamorous bakery boutique

“Some things can’t be taught,” Elonia

wink. The goal for all the detailed cake,

(opening in 2015), Debbie’s success

says with a wry smile. It’s obvious that

cookie, and cupcake work is that it

with cakes, cookies, and cupcakes is as

the woman who used to sew dresses in

should be “too pretty to eat,” but should

much about her innate talent as an artist

a factory has found a much tastier use

definitely be eaten. Debbie enjoys

as it is her strong business sense gained

of her ability to bend and fold materials,

her role helping a new generation of

after years of working for Brookshire’s

creating edible art instead of things one

culinary arts students find their footing

grocery stores.

might wear. And just so you know, even

in the emerging trade programs being

with this incredible skill she expends

hosted by Kilgore College and local

Along the way she’s earned certificates

anywhere from 3-7 hours to create the

high schools. She particularly likes that

from various decorative culinary arts

delicate embellishments that decorate

students enrolled in the 2-year certificate

authorities. She encourages her staff to

the cakes ordered by customers as far

program get on-the-job training

stay current with their design techniques

away as Ft. Worth. A display of wedding,

alongside class instruction, thereby fully

also. One of her cake artists, a specialist

birthday, bar mitzvah, and retirement

equipping them to step into a kitchen

in sugar forms, recently was awarded

cakes showcase the many levels of

role at the many area restaurants,

a certificate from Nicholas Lodge.

intricacy that can be developed into a

cafeterias, or care facilities where food

Watching the lady handwork the sugar

consumable party element. “Everything

is prepared and served. Edible Art often

as if it were Playdoh, transforming a

is edible,” Debbie says, holding an artsy

offers part-time work to moms and high

length of white fondant into a delicately

purse and matching sling back shoes.

school students who need temporary

hued bridal cake topper, her talent is

“The base for this particular purse is

work too.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

19

Debbie is a natural mentor, and those

legacy. “I just come in because these

Now he’s the owner of one of the fastest

that work alongside her find that her

are the best iced cookies in town,” said

growing businesses in Longview, not

artistic instinct and business sense are

Elizabeth Waggoner, a customer buying

only specializing in selling, cutting and

great role models for the future. One of

a handful of wrapped cookies to share

installing custom granite, stone and tile,

her full-time bakers started off as

with friends. “These bakers can take my

but also in providing access to flooring,

part-time summer help, and now has

cake ideas and turn them into delicious

lighting, hardware, and pool design from

had training to create recipes, develop

perfection.” A sentiment shared by

his showroom on north Judson Road.

new techniques, and help roll out

many, as Edible Art is one of the few

“I never dreamed the business would

the new mobile display unit they’re

manufacturers in Longview with a 2-4

grow this big,” he said one hot summer

beginning to use for remote locations

week waiting list for custom orders.

afternoon as we toured his 10,000

to meet customers’ unique designs,

Jason Stone, owner of StoneWorks,

master craftsmen was cutting granite to

and leaving a positive footprint in the

learned his craft by being a summer hire

fit an outdoor kitchen installation. Water

community are all part of the Edible Art

for a tile installer during his college days.

was sluicing over the granite and floor,

and events. Evolving, baking, striving

square foot warehouse where a family of

”

“Folks told me I was crazy to build this far out from the center of Longview,” he said as he motioned to the new pallets of granite being moved by customized front-end loaders. “But I think this inventory tells its own story. And, I have some of the best in the business working for me, so you can’t beat a quality product being installed by the best.

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

”

— Jason Stone, Owner of StoneWorks

but the mess was part of the magic.

normal expectations. Much like

right.” Jason spends a lot of time

“Longview has been a great place to

craftsmen of old, they take pride in

studying what’s current in the home

explore new ideas, try out new trends

doing a job right and doing it thoroughly.

construction industry and seeing what’s

in custom homes, and has allowed

He let me run my hand underneath

new at trade shows. He’s happiest

me to develop a unique role in the

a piece of granite that had been set

when he can bring those ideas back to

marketplace as a one-stop shop during

aside for a customer’s new kitchen. The

Longview and see them welcomed by

construction.” He says he didn’t intend

underneath side was as polished as the

the customer base that drives in from a

to get into the pool business, but he

top surface – and no one, unless they

hundred-mile radius; and, he said, the

was sub-contractor providing pool tiles

looked, would ever know. “That’s the

best feeling comes from knowing he

to pool companies, and then saw the

kind of people they are – artists,” he said

can rely on his crews to do right for the

potential to get into the business and

with pride. Jason isn’t sure that kind of

customers. StoneWorks offers a change

add on custom outdoor kitchens in the

skill can be taught in school – it’s more of a personal character trait and one that

in the way people live, and based on

process. That has proven to be a wise decision. He thrives on creative effort, as evidenced by the showroom that has expanded multiple times on the corner of Judson Road and Pliler Precise.

he knows is unique in our get ‘er done quick marketplace. But having that level of craftsmanship is paramount when

the parking lot the day I was there, customers appreciate the attention given to those kind of details.

ordering an expensive Italian stone. “If a

Customer demand has been one of the

customer has chosen something unique

driving forces behind the success of

Jason stated that the master craftsmen

for their home, it’s only as good as the

cabinet manufacturer CCI Group. What

who work in the warehouse cutting stone

people who cut and install. I look for the

started 32 years ago as a custom cabinet

and granite do so to a degree beyond

best, because it’s important to do a job

shop has grown into a national company

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

21

— Barry Sterling, CEO of CCI Group

producing custom-fitted cabinets for

hospitals in the nation) CCI Group has

a family, to being a good place to enjoy

commercial endeavors, most notably

become proficient in reading the plans

an easy weekend, living and working

hospitals and schools. CCI Group has

and imagining how a nurse, labtech, or

in Longview were big draws for the

two humongous warehouses on Estes

doctor will need to navigate that space.

craftsmen, technicians, and engineers

Parkway, with plans to expand. Over

The process that goes into a building a

who chose to stay with CCI Group. In a

the last few years they’ve brought

custom cabinet is much more extensive

manufacturing world where accuracy

in impressive German-engineered

than many would believe – and much is

and precision are key to a successful

crafting technology that allows their

done by a technician with a computer

production, having a happy workforce is

cabinetmakers to streamline efficiency

before the design ever gets down to the

almost as important as the job training.

and create a startling turnaround time

craftsman on the plant floor. I thought

Sterling also mentioned that in recruiting

in production. But the bulk of the work

it was interesting that so many of the

local employees, CCI recently hired an

starts upstairs with the engineers and

employees of CCI Group are homegrown.

engineer trained at LeTourneau University.

estimators who take client blueprints

From engineers to project managers to

Making sure that they’re all trained to stay

and figure out every conceivable drawer,

linemen, most are from the east Texas

on the forefront of technological changes

counter, cabinet, cupboard, and closet

area. I asked one of the men why, with

and industry demands is at the core of

that a customer will need fitted into

all the job opportunities in the Metroplex,

CCI Group’s success, and doing business

a space so that the customer can be

did he choose to work in Longview? In a

in Longview has been great, too. Proximity

the most efficient in whatever case

word, he said it was “home.” Nothing

to the airport and Interstate 20, plus

that applies. Having done work for

trumps family. Several employees

working with the Chamber of Commerce

both Good Shepherd Medical Center

mentioned living in Longview as a plus to

and LEDCO, has opened doors that have

and Longview Regional (among many

staying here. From a good place to raise

allowed CCI to expand.

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

Barry Sterling, CEO of CCI Group, and I toured the plant, meeting some of the experts who are responsible for cutting the materials, drilling the holes into the assembly areas, and then putting the doors, drawers, and cabinets together – complete with countertops and hardware. What looks like a model of manufacturing genius is actually an expanded assembly line process with an amazing turnaround time. Training, Barry said, is key. He said the technicians that work with the German equipment have to be certified to do so, and once they are, they then train others on the line to help.

Education, specifically two-year

Eastman while I was still pursuing a

associate’s degrees from area colleges

degree,” said Mersadeez Abendroth,

that specialize in technical training,

one of the newest to don an Eastman

opens doors to challenging and high

Chemical Company uniform. Asking her

paying jobs. That path is evident by the

about the steps she took from graduating

skilled labor opportunities at one of our

high school to graduating Kilgore College

area’s largest single employer, the vast

with a process operators degree and,

expanse of above-ground piping network

no less, with the distinction of a high

nestled among piney woods and lakes at

paying job in the wings, she smiled with

the end of Kodak Boulevard known as

modesty and said, “I guess I worked

Eastman Chemical Company. Most high

really hard and proved to the supervisors

school students have no idea what pay

that I wanted to succeed. I wasn’t afraid

grade is available to them if they follow

to do the job and be on a shift.”

the path from graduation to technical school, but at Eastman the starting pay can be $22-26 an hour. That’s impressive for any age.

Several of the operators I spoke with at Eastman commented on the benefits of shift work. It’s intense, but there are reliable schedules with breaks of

“I graduated from Kilgore College and

several days off at a time. Ron Abel,

had a job waiting for me, thanks to

who’s been with Eastman for two years

having looked into an internship at

says, “Being able to have a predictable

CCI Group offers a line of wall mounted computer stations. Their team guides customers through the production process from concept to installation.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

23

Carl Snoddy, a 26-year veteran of Eastman’s plant, is one of the mentors/team leaders who supervise the fresh employees. “I see in the young people today a willingness to learn,” he said, leaning back in one of the many chairs in a room that looked like control central for a space launch. “They appreciate the safety culture we’ve created here and enjoy the learning process. You can get a lot done with someone who’s willing to admit they need to be taught.”

Photo by Rick Stolle

24

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

schedule, good pay, and going home at night beats chasing the jobs in the oil field.” Three-seven days off at a stretch also leaves plenty of time for fishing and hunting. Many of the operators are from the Longview area, graduating from familiar high schools and technical schools. But not all walked onto the job like Mersadeez. Some came in after military service, like Kreston Willeford.

“Eastman has been great in allowing me to fill my commitment through reserve duty and not lose my job because of it.”

A hardworker who’s not afraid of getting dirty, Kreston helps maintain the waste treatment facility at the chemical plant, a fascinating process for those following trends in protecting the environment, with much of the effort managed by computers, sensors, alarms, and good old-fashioned elbow grease. His military experience is an asset in understanding team work, resilience, and big-picture operations, but he credits the hands-on apprentice training he went through as the secret to a successful transition into the job. Having experienced technicians and supervisors every step of the way ensures that errors are minimized. Kreston points out features of the treatment process and its ultimate destination, the Sabine River, taking pride that they’ve exceeded all standards in making sure a clean product is returned to our rivers and lakes. Not having come to Eastman from the degree path that so many local students have chosen, he was appreciative of the training he got through on-the-job learning.

Carl Snoddy, a 26-year veteran of Eastman’s plant, is one of the mentors/team leaders who supervise the fresh employees. He’s had several come through his department over the years and has an appreciation for those with a strong work ethic. I asked him about this generation entering the work force, expecting a jaded response from someone who’s seen several evolutions of recruits and training experiences.

“I see in the young people today a willingness to learn,” he said, leaning back in one of the many chairs in a

room that looked like control central for a space launch. “They appreciate the safety culture we’ve created here and enjoy the learning process. You can get a lot done with someone who’s willing to admit they need to be taught.”

Education, safety, and a fast track to job satisfaction are key elements I took away from my day with the operators at Eastman. Many had benefited from the head start they got in high school and an associates degree, but nothing beats the human element of a mentor-to-student relationship that both fosters a transfer of knowledge about the craft, and also creates a bond that sees a team through alarms and tests. David Logan and Kyle Farris, a mentor and apprentice at the energy plant, easily finish each other’s jokes as the rapport they have built is evident in a friendly work environment.

I asked Mike Tucker, Eastman’s Learning Services Specialist, about job retention among the operators. He chuckled, saying they have one of the longest serving workforces in the area, with many of their operators reaching retirement age after decades of Eastman loyalty to their credit. It’s a hallmark in this job market to find an employer with the longevity of their employees, but Tucker says it’s a reflection of the quality of people and their extensive apprentice training. “We’re leaps ahead when we recruit an employee who has the degree in hand, because they already have a foundational knowledge of the job’s terminology and process, so we’re grateful to have area schools that teach to that training. But, it’s what we can accomplish after we get them here that translates to our company success and creates an outstanding product.”

Eastman’s safety ratings are as impressive as their employee training programs, and a credit to our community that they are invested in our high school and college students.

The most interesting takeaway I acquired during every one of these interviews is that the employees – once they’ve perfected their skills – rarely want to

leave. Not only do they take pride in their work, enjoy the camaraderie of their work environment, and really like Longview, but they’re also incredibly loyal.

In talking with Janet Owens, production director at the Longview News-Journal, we both thought it fantastic that employees can enjoy that sort of job longevity – in a culture that seems to thrive on change. There may not be as many new tradesmen and technicians lining up to learn the art of printing presses as there used to be, but as I learned by watching a long assembly line feeding streams of pristine newsprint at breathtaking speed into a monolith of a printing press, there’s a whole lot more to newspaper production than just cracking open the morning paper.

Those with ink stains ingrained deep into their fingertips also produce papers for neighboring communities, shopping circulars, small press runs and, of course, the Longview News-Journal, one of the oldest papers in the state.

From the vats of colored inks, the warehouse stacked ceiling high with rolls of virgin newsprint, the aluminum printing plates that get recycled after every use, to the clackety machines that bend, fold, assemble, and press printed pieces together, the production area is a happening place. And that’s just during the daylight hours. The main production time is during the hours most Longview residents are sleeping, and things don’t really slow down until after 4:00 a.m. when the carriers have come by to collect their papers for distribution.

When you think about all the products we use in a single day, and how many of them were produced not by machine, but by skilled and expert technicians in one of our local plants or shops, you develop a new appreciation for value. In an era when our educators are returning to the idea that many students graduating today will be better served by learning a trades skill than by being whisked off to college, you better understand why having these manufacturing environments in Longview is good for our future.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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Photos by Bryan Boyd U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

[WORKING IT

[

EAST TEXAS EDUCATORS ARE

by Rachel Stallard

ast Texas students are actively steering their future before some of them can

MIXING IT UP IN HIGH SCHOOL

even drive a car. With the 83rd Texas Legislature’s passage of House Bill 5 in

At LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL, instructor

the 2013 regular session, school districts,

John Denson is helping students process

colleges and businesses are working

meat from the drop-off trailer to the kitchen table.

together as fueling stations on the road to success — and Longview has a prime spot on the map.

A state-of-the-art meat lab valued at

The bill, authored by State Representative Wayne Smith, is aimed at

to age and cut meat. It also will help

“helping our students and teachers reach their full potential by offering

$2.23 million will help students learn prepare them for work as a butcher or food service manager, or to enter college

greater curriculum options so students can pursue subjects that interest

and manage a company such as Cargill

and motivate them,” according to Smith.

or Hormel, said Denson. The lab is

White Oak ISD Superintendent Mike Gilbert sees individualized

facility in Stephenville, Texas.

education sparking learning on a personal level. “Degrees will meet

modeled after Tarleton State University’s

“We requested their blueprints to

state standards for rigor and credit hours, but the students and their

design our floor plan,” Denson said. But

parents will have a greater role in developing what that high school

when he visited Tarleton later to take

experience will look like,” he said.

Kathy Gaw, Career and Technical Education (CTE) director at

measurements, he asked what they would do differently if they could. They suggested making adjustments to the animal unloading area. “Now we have

Hallsville ISD, agrees that parents and guardians will most likely

a drive-thru where you close the gate

be more involved in the career-making process as students choose

behind you and unload. This makes it

their disciplines at the high school level. Teaching 14 of the 16 career

easier and less stressful getting animals off the trailer,” Denson said.

clusters as set by the Department of Education, Gaw deemed Hallsville’s program, “a great way to combine traditional core courses with CTE courses to reflect a coherent approach to education.”

The facility will have a kill floor to ensure there is no cross-contamination with the meat. It will also be state-inspected so they can sell their own processed meat to the public. However, Denson is most

[ Dr. Julie Fowler, Executive Dean, Kilgore College-Longview ]

excited about the practical experience

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

31

Job opportunities abound for students trained in food safety procedures such as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Plan (HACCP).

This system was devised

by NASA to keep astronauts’ food free from contamination.

his award-winning meat judging team

their other classes so they could go to

continuing education programs, such

can harvest.

meat judging competitions.”

as deer processing, he would like to help other high school teams prepare

“I spend a lot of time teaching the 40

“It takes an entire blackboard to work

for competitions as well. “This is going

retail cuts,” Denson said, adding that

out a complex yield grade problem.

to be the biggest facility we know of east

students have to accurately name

They’re learning it, going to contest

of I-45,” he said. “Right now, we have

species, wholesale cut, and retail cut

and hitting it right on. They may be

to travel to A&M for contests. Hopefully

to make points at contest. “We have

coming up here in the summer to

we can sponsor our area contests locally,

to identify the different parts of the

retake math, but this makes sense

making it easier for smaller schools to

animal, both from a quantitative and

when they’re using it.” Denson said

come.” He’s also researching options

qualitative cut of meat.”

he also gets phone calls from students

for joint meets with White Oak ISD’s Ag

who notice cuts of meat are mismarked

Mechanics department.

Preparing for these competitions

in the supermarket. “They’ll call me

helps students learn anatomy, math,

up to point out the difference in a

Denson added that the education

and vocabulary as they determine the

Porterhouse versus a T-bone. I ask

acquired here is priceless in working

specifics of what they’re viewing.

them, ‘Do I have to tell you to buy it?’

with major meat companies as well. “A

This is stuff they can go out and use

lot of kids don’t realize they can go to

right now.”

college and learn how to cut meat. But

“The neat thing is I had some students on my team last year who were at risk of

it’s not just cutting, you’re learning so

not graduating,” Denson said. “But

Denson hopes LISD’s facility becomes a

much more,” he said. “The people who

when they got in here, their grades

gathering point for both the community

know ‘how’ work for the people who

came up. They had to start passing

and area ag students. In addition to

know ‘why.’”

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

students through the process of holding down a kitchen.

She calls her tests “practical tests of life” and relies on her students to serve up their secrets at several catering jobs throughout the year, including making dinner for the press box during home football games and hosting themed luncheons for teachers. “When you walk into that classroom I am not your teacher; I am your restaurant manager,” Broyles said, adding that her first-day-of-class packet includes a job application, uniform stipulations, and a policy and procedure manual.

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) lists 11 categories Broyles is required to teach her students. Half of one of those topics focuses on cooking. “The rest of the time, the students are learning business principles, leadership skills, teamwork, and the math and science of cooking,” she said. “I want them to see it’s more than just coming in here and making pancakes. You’re learning skills that will INE TREE ISD’s Commercial Kitchen is run by a

give you the confidence to go out and apply for these jobs.”

professional, and Ann Broyles expects her students to keep up. With experience in the restaurant business and a degree in hotel and restaurant management, the former teacher was a valued addition to PT’s expanding culinary program.

With an emphasis on training, Broyles teaches all of her students food handling regulations first, followed by training on ServSafe Manager Certification through the Texas Restaurant Association.

“The first thing I had to pull from was

make cookies all year. There is so much

my Facilities Layout and Design class I

business to this job that most people

“In Longview, every shift has to

had more than 20 years ago,” she said.

don’t see,” she said. “This is career

have someone working who has this

It was what helped design the kitchen

and technical education. This isn’t your

certification,” Broyles said. “It’s vital

and restaurant her students manage and

mom’s home ec.”

to restaurant managers that their employees are following the health code

operate today.

From the basics of cooking and cleaning

because they can get major demerits,

The hardest part of running a kitchen

to the art of maintaining a menu, staff,

or shut down. So this training makes

class is convincing outsiders “we don’t

and supply closet, Broyles takes

them very attractive to employers.”

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

33

The class restaurant, the Buccaneer Bistro,

enough “Bistro Bucks” to qualify to go

has a permit from the City of Longview.

on field trips to some of the premiere

Therefore, its kitchen is also open to regular,

hospitality schools in the state.

unannounced health inspections. Broyles

I tell them early on,

works hard to remind students of the right

The experience works, no matter which

way to proceed, but she also knows there is

counter you’re working behind.

this is the type of class where we’re going to

no substitute for doing their own work.

“There’s really something here for everyone.

succeed together or

At the Java Jolts coffee bar in the Bistro,

Some will go to college and this will be a

we’re going to fail

students have experimented with how

great career. Some will go to a junior college

many pumps of syrup are necessary to

or institute and some will go straight into

together, but we’re

make the perfect espresso, cappuccino,

the industry. There’s not a lot of programs

latte and hot chocolate. They know how

where you can say that,” Broyles said.

to determine price and profit for the

“I have AP students and I have special

baked goods they sell, and they have

education students. I have all academic

to work a full shift if they want to earn

levels and all economic levels.”

all working together.

– Ann Broyles

H

ALLSVILLE has found paving the way for careers earlier helps students begin their work

adventure sooner. CTE instruction begins with seventh grade students enrolled in the course “Exploring Careers.” By eighth grade, they have developed a four-year plan and selected an area of endorsement to follow in high school. In ninth grade, their path is set. Students work with guidance counselors to develop a coherent sequence of classes that will help them transition, according to Kathy Gaw, CTE director at Hallsville ISD.

34

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

“CTE teachers work closely with local businesses and industries to provide job shadowing and internship opportunities; and students can earn wages while receiving high school credit through programs such as auto tech and career preparation courses,” said Gaw. A CTE Advisory Council comprised of business and industry representatives, parents, students, post-secondary reps, and district personnel provide guidance for program enhancement and development.

“CTE curriculum combines classroom instruction with various hands-on opportunities for real world experience,” she said. “Furthermore, students have the opportunity to participate in student organizations and competitions at district, regional, and state levels.”

One of HISD’s strong points is teacher training. According to Gaw, the district has not had to add additional personnel to address their House Bill 5 concerns, “but we do provide CTE teachers with various opportunities to attend professional development, which allows our teachers to stay abreast of the knowledge and skills that our students will need in order to be successful in their chosen career field.”

At WHITE OAK ISD, new courses have been introduced in both Ag Gaw has seen enrollment in the CTE

Science and Technology. One standout program is the work being

classes increase in the last year, to

created in Scott Morton’s Mac Lab. Students run the gamut of Adobe

the point they recently added process

software from Photoshop to Dreamweaver as they design their own web

technology and veterinarian medical assistant to their growing list of popular

sites, and use Illustrator to create web graphics.

programs, which also includes business

“They get every aspect of graphic

“I want them to get something they can

and technology, hospitality and tourism –

design,” Morton said. His goal is for

use to show they’re employable right

culinary, health science technology and

students to come out of his class with

now. We’re still working on making that

information technology.

an Adobe entry-level certification.

officially happen.”

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

35

Morton is working toward receiving

for their own short films, as well as web

master certification in all of the classes

spots for the district’s site.

he teaches, and builds his class work

Students make their

around the industry standard’s manuals

“These are such fun classes. The

as his textbooks. “They are so intense,

students get to be very creative,” Morton

and we go through them all,” he said.

said. “House Bill 5 has changed the

projects relevant to their profession by filming choir

career and technology fields so much.

concerts, band concerts,

Before, students on the advanced track

and sporting events,

didn’t get a lot of electives, so most of

then posting them to

course, Audio/Video students delve into

them had to wait until their senior year

the district’s website.

Garage Band and Final Cut Pro in order

to take my classes. This bill should help

to make sound effects and music

with that.”

SPRING HILL ISD is stepping

According to Rick Flanagan, interim

up to the plate with additional

superintendent, these changes have

It’s a good way to promote their fellow students’ programs and help out the teachers, Morton said. By the end of the

programs in culinary arts, health

proceed toward a vocational endorsement.

all been made using teachers who are

“The medical field is a large employer in

already in the system, and without going

East Texas with hospitals as well as health

technology and occupations, and

outside the district for dual credit offerings

services,” Flanagan added. “I expect to

welding certifications.

at this time. He said every student at

see a growth in classes offered both in

Spring Hill High School will take some type

the traditional setting of high schools as

of career and technology course, but it’s

well as a cooperative effort for dual credit

still too early to estimate how many will

through the community colleges.”

36

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

Area high schoolers are tucking credit hours under their belt with KILGORE COLLEGE-LONGVIEW classes aimed at preparing graduates for the workforce. This past fall, KC-L opened afternoon classrooms to their younger counterparts in industrial maintenance technology, diesel technology and office professional. The four-semester track includes classes that apply to workforce certificates of completion and associate of applied science degrees.

Dr. Julie Fowler, Executive Dean of

have meaningful and long-tenured

opportunities and pay quality they can

KC-L, cited that nearly one-half of

partnerships with countless area

achieve by looking at the two-year degree

the workforce in East Texas is on the

businesses. These businesses advise

programs offered at places like Texas

verge of retirement, which would leave

us on our curriculum, provide us with

State Technical College, Kilgore College

huge employment gaps across the

equipment and supplies, take in our

and Tyler Junior College, and then

workforce. “There are jobs in every

students for internships, and eventually

applying for jobs as process operators,

sector of business and industry. It’s a

hire our graduates. Without the

maintenance mechanics, and welding,”

great time to be a job seeker,”

said Mike Tucker, Learning Services

she said. She has partnered with

Technologist at Eastman.

local companies to devise the best programs for the area’s demanding workforce. In addition to KC-L’s dual-credit programs, (which also includes a highly successful

We want everyone to have the opportunity to see what advantages are available when a strong work ethic,

“We see potential in investing in high school dual credit programs, like the Kilgore College credited process technology course offered at

cosmetology program, as well as

plus a two-year associate’s degree, plus

Longview High School and taught by

the multiple facets of a culinary

a job opportunity come together.

a former Eastman employee. We’ve

arts curriculum), the college offers workforce education/applied degree

provided hands-on learning materials – Mike Tucker

not only to Kilgore College, but we’re

programs in air conditioning and

using materials from our ‘boneyard’ to

refrigeration technology, emergency

create a hands-on learning program

medical technology, and vocational

at Hallsville High, in the hope that we

nursing (LVN).

“Community colleges exist to service

partnerships between Kilgore College

can showcase the skills needed to pursue

and these businesses, we could do

high-paying jobs in the technical fields.”

nothing to train the workforce.”

their communities. There is no

Tucker added that Eastman has been

more critical area for the promotion

Industry echoes Dr. Fowler’s sentiments,

involved with 18 area schools — from

of economic development than

especially at one of Longview’s larger

the standpoint of talking to their students

a well-trained workforce,” Fowler

employers. “Eastman Chemical was

about job fields, to offering scholarships

said. “Kilgore College depends upon

one of the first to develop a curriculum

to qualified students, to granting short-

business and industry to let us know

and program to approach high school

term internships to students in associate

what the workforce needs are. We

students with information about the job

degree fields.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

37

It really helps that our mission mindset is to give back to our community. What LeTourneau is able to contribute is that we don’t manufacture drones. We want students who have a brain, a heart, and a sense of compassion.

– Dr. Larry Frazier

earning at

“Our students graduate not only with

students, this STEM Academy is not

LeTOURNEAU

a diploma, but also a resume,” Frazier

just an opportunity to get ahead, but a

UNIVERSITY

said. From a visual media class designing

safeguard from falling behind during

is modeled

publicity material for a homeless shelter,

their first year at a university.” Several

by doing, and

to chapel practicum students leading

high school students used the advanced

this practical

worship services three times a week, to

courses in place of their normal workload,

education is

engineering and biology students testing

thanks to dual-credit.

finding its foothold in “every workplace

the effectiveness of wheelchairs for usage

in every nation.” The Christ-centered,

in developing countries, the campus is

“We hadn’t been involved with dual-credit

interdenominational institute offers

a culture of creative caring. “It’s what

courses before, but now it’s going through

undergraduate and graduate degrees

makes us different, but it’s always been

the roof,” Frazier said. In the past, LETU

in aviation, arts and sciences, business,

our niche,” Frazier said.

education and engineering. Students represent nearly all 50 states, more than 30 foreign countries, and 53 different denominational groups. And they almost all leave LeTourneau ready to work.

The university known for looking outward is, however, starting to look inward, especially in its hometown. In response to a recent influx of high school dual credit hours, LETU has decided to help

looked to community colleges to take this load, but now it is a major part of their program as they work to build inroads throughout the community.

“In light of House Bill 5, to do what the schools want to accomplish, they need partners. And we’re realizing we need

“We have a good track record of placing

its own with three freshman-readiness

students in industry,” said Dr. Larry

courses known as STEM Academy.

Frazier, dean of the School of Arts

Emphasizing science, technology,

“In order to sustain a really robust

and Sciences. “Whether it’s Google,

engineering and math (STEM),

system, we need industry to give us

Microsoft, Apple or John Deere, we are

professors offer seven-week courses

feedback, such as ‘What do you need

a hands-on place of learning. That’s the

in English composition, pre-calculus

as an employer?’ Then we need higher

hallmark of a LeTourneau education.”

and Introduction to chemistry. “These

education to provide the advanced level of

Every major at LETU has an internship

courses were designed for students who

training that goes beyond what a lot of high

opportunity built in, as well as having a

are ready to get a head start on their core

schools can provide. And finally we need

global service learning project available.

classes,” Frazier said. “For some

the high schools to furnish the students.”

38

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

partners as well,” Frazier added.

VISTA COLLEGE’S Career Services Center

experience because it allowed them to

helps students stretch their education

obtain the hands-on training and skills

opportunities further through individual

needed in their new field,” she said,

attention. According to Victoria Snabon-

citing fast-paced classes that allow

Heath, a Vista College representative,

graduates to enter the workforce quickly,

Career Services works with each

and small class sizes allowing for more

graduate to create a professional

personalized instruction. “Graduates

resumé, cover letter, and reference list.

are proud of their achievement, earning a diploma or degree in a growing field,

“Skilled Career Services advisers

and the difference it makes in the lives of

conduct mock interviews to fine-tune

their family and children.”

interview skills. They also provide advice

Our goal is to let females know that there is more out there for “us” to do rather than the typical clerical or lower pay scale occupations.

– Danyelle Jackson

and support regarding job search

TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE is

strategies and follow-up techniques,

leveling the field for skilled laborers

including salary negotiation,” she said.

with its Women in Technology

Advisers provide leads to employers

Connection Group. According to

currently hiring in the graduate’s area

adviser Danyelle Jackson, the group

and industry and hold career fairs and

was formed as part of the 2015 Closing

employer spotlight events on campus.

the Gaps and STEM Initiative.

Snabon-Heath noted that in the past the

“Women have historically been under-

allied health program has been one of

represented in the fields of science,

the most popular in this area, due to the

technology, engineering, and

large medical community in East Texas.

mathematics, and the executives of the

“However, in recent months we’ve

Texas State Technical College System

had a growing interest in our trade

have been exploring the various reasons

programs like HVAC and cosmetology,”

for the existence of this gender gap as

she said. “We are exploring additional

well as seeking ways to increase diversity

trade program offerings in the near

within STEM fields,” she said.

future.”

VISTA works with local businesses to

The main purpose of the TSTC Women

not feel comfortable expressing to

in Technology group is to act as a

their instructors or other staff. These

needs, she added. Using surveys and

support group for members and their

meetings may also feature female guest

one-on-one interactions, Vista develops

families while the women are in college.

speakers who are working in male-

a potential list of programs that

“Many of the females in the group are

dominated fields.

potentially appeals to both local

enrolled in these STEM fields and this

employers and its students.

group serves as the foundation for the

The group currently has members

mentoring program for female students

in numerous programs including

Snabon-Heath said students have

at TSTC Marshall,” Jackson said.

combination welding, diesel equipment

been pleased with Longview’s offerings.

“The organization provides wholesome

technology, and process operations

“Graduates say they enjoyed their Vista

activities and personal development

technology.

match program offerings to community

opportunities to enrich members’ lives as they learn to be more self-sufficient.”

The women meet once a month throughout the semester to discuss issues they may have that they do

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

39

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

W , E T I E V X G AS N O L

M

ost experts

we weathered the national economic

how Longview functions as a city – from

classify a small

downtown, our community is growing

welcoming new folks to the area, to

city as having

and vital as noted in placement at

how easy it is to find housing, jobs for

a population

number six on Forbes 2014 List of

spouses, and schools for children, to

between

Fastest Growing Small Cities in America.

best of all, how Longview appeals to

100,000 and 250,000 people, which

Having a qualified local workforce that

those looking for a city to call home. The

doesn’t always feel so small to the

can meet the demands of businesses

Longview Chamber of Commerce prides

folks trying to get around so many

is one of our best assets. With so much

itself on harvesting these sorts of details

neighbors. The beauty of Longview,

attention given the synchrony of a solid

as it continues its approach to providing

with a metropolitan statistical area

educational foundation translating to a

information and resources all businesses

spanning across northeast Texas, is

positive job environment, almost nothing

need as they recruit a new, modern

that this criteria means our neighbors

illustrates this as well as the Internal

work force to choose Longview as home.

are spread among urban, suburban,

Medicine Residency Program at Good

The Longview Chamber of Commerce,

and rural spaces – good news for those

Shepherd Medical Center. About to

in one of its many services offered to

who like a little land with their sunsets.

graduate its first class of a three-year

prospective businesses and employees,

Because Longview is considered an

training program, this GSMC endeavor

makes available the various demographic

“energy” city, a reflection of our strong

produces many particulars – not only

reports that reveal the pluses for doing

oil and natural gas-related businesses

about providing new internists to Texas’

business and living well in the one of

and manufacturing, not only have

underserved community, but also about

the fastest growing cities in East Texas.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

47

W

ith new retail,

the Longview Chamber assures

positive growth. “Longview is fortunate

restaurants, and

residents that all the questions they

to be in a position to experience the

hotels under

have about livability and business

positive impact of steady growth

construction,

success in our city can be addressed

versus the challenges a region feels

developers

either by phone call, email, or a

when rapid growth occurs,” said Kelly

have access to updated information and

visit to the Chamber offices. From a

Hall, president of Longview Chamber

market statistics that help businesses

friendly welcome at the front desk to

of Commerce. “The current pace of

here get off to a good start. New

the data available for download, the

development in our community has

construction in north Longview has also

resources of a growing and successful

enhanced our citizens’ quality of life

brought on the advent of new roads and

city are plentiful at the Chamber.

and allows city officials time to plan

improved infrastructure in a bustling part of the city. Learn how to navigate the improvements and get involved with information provided by the Chamber, LEDCO and the City of Longview; brochures and contact information available in the lobby of the Chamber and LEDCO offices at 410 North Center Street.

When asked about how and why Longview is growing, many of the factors that lead to the city’s success can be pulled from local headlines. Above average sales numbers, new increase in building permits, groundbreaking of

and properly manage public services while strengthening our local economy.”

These positive economic indicators only strengthen our ability to market ourselves as a destination community for retirees, visitors, and job seekers.

popular franchise restaurants, upscale

Cindy Harrison, program coordinator

apartment homes and skilled nursing

for GSMC’s Residency Program, smiled

Because so many have relocated to

facilities going up in multiple locations,

during a summer conversation and

Longview this past year, in addition to

all point to the one fact that makes

said, “This residency program has been

the growth of the residency program,

Longview more and more appealing –

great for the community because once

“The current pace of development in our community has enhanced our citizens’ quality of life…”

photo by Bryan Boyd

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

the residents get here, whether they’re single or married, or bringing kids, a lot of them hesitate to make that plunge to buy a house, but they appreciate the variety they have available in the rental community. There have been so many new apartment complexes built.

The longer residents stay, and five of the doctors finishing their internal residencies this year do plan to remain in Longview, the more they tend to buy houses and look for long term options for their children’s schooling. We’ve been able to help the spouses of our residents find employment in the area through the different industries around here,” Cindy added. “We think this is great for the community, our economy and, of course, our hospital care.”

Single-family duplexes, cottage-style living for seniors, and apartment communities have sprung up to meet the demand for rental property with options spanning the income scale.

Apartment construction has been one of the most visible improvements in the city. In meetings between the City of Longview and a committee geared toward long-range planning, it became apparent that one of the city’s weak links was in the availability of rental units to match the increasing demand.

Developers were quick to accommodate that need, and by 2015 the Longview apartment market will show a significant increase in units available – and all spanning the income scale too. From single-family duplexes, to cottagestyle living for seniors, to three-story apartment communities, many of the construction permits issued in Longview this past year were designed to meet the need plus add a community aesthetic to the appearance – complete with beautiful landscaping and playscapes.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

49

T

his year has seen

Keith Bonds, assistant city manager,

20, businesses and residents are drawn

many changes to the

said in a recent preview of ongoing

to the area because it’s just plain easy to

Longview landscape,

city projects that improved roadwork

get around here. Good Shepherd Medical

but one thing remains

has been a consuming process for

Center, one of two major hospitals in the

the same. People love

city departments, but that “… with

city, has enjoyed a central city location

the ease of living in Longview. From the

the opening of the Hollybrook Drive

on US Highway 80 for many years,

north and south, east and west corridors

extension, enduring the hardships has

but due to expanding community and

that help move transportation across

paid off.” Longview has always had an

development to the north, now offers a

the city, to the new roads being planned

advantage over other area cities in its

satellite center on Hawkins Parkway that

to expand northern traffic (the George

transportation dynamic. With major

boasts an emergency room, laboratory

Richey Expansion), getting around

highway arteries crossing the city as well

services, radiology and orthopedic care.

Longview has never been easier.

as nine miles of frontage on Interstate

Longview Regional Medical Center,

photo by Bryan Boyd

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

on north Fourth Street, has also seen

and Corner Bakery Cafe, dining options

of hike and bike trails, dog parks,

extensive growth in new construction

are on the upswing too. Still known for

and on the wish list for the future, an

including additional beds, improved

popular restaurants like Johnny Cace’s

arboretum that will connect even more

surgical areas, and a new NEO-Natal

(celebrating their 65th anniversary this

of these strolling venues for citizens

Intensive Care area; and in 2015 will

year), the advent of new restaurants

who prefer walking to driving. For those

open a new medical plaza for physicians.

signals national interest in the city.

moving here with children, the supply

All these efforts are geared to one apparent goal – to make living better and easier for the citizens of Longview and the surrounding area.

So, what are the factors that make living in Longview appealing to newcomers?

Many cite the ease of getting around. Not too big, not too small… it’s just right. In

With new restaurants boasting popular

addition to an outstanding infrastructure

franchise names like Raising Cane’s,

of physical roads, Longview possesses

Chipotle, Jimmy John’s, Golden Corral,

the added benefits of an infrastructure

of neighborhood and city parks, plus the many outdoor activities linked to our superior Lear Park Athletic Complex, are guarantees that families can have safe, inexpensive fun and be outdoors to enjoy the temperate East Texas weather.

West Loop 281 Overpass Project: Work is underway on an overpass to replace the railroad crossing on the southern portion of Loop 281. Not only will this project improve safety at the adjacent intersections, but will also provide improved traffic movement on a busy thoroughfare in south Longview.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

51

O

thers comment on the variety of entertainment options that exist in and around Longview. With traditional favorites like the symphony, bands, ballet, art exhibits, and opera that showcase events

in the city, the revolving door of family-friendly acts that come to the LeTourneau University Belcher Center, and the many fairs, rodeos, and concerts that pass through the city, there are events for every taste. In 2014 the T-Bone Walker Blues Festival made Longview its home at Maude Cobb Activity Center, and for a weekend in September our city was the hotspot of the blues music world.

For many of the doctors enrolled in the Internal Medicine

Longview Demographic Information Population City of Longview

2013 81,240

2018 82,154

Gregg County

123,225

124,876

Longview MSA

217,963

222,019

686,814

708,599

Labor Market Commute Area Age Structure

2013 Pop.

%

19 & Under

188,996

28%

20 - 34

131,391

19%

35 - 54

173,903

25%

55 - 74

144,843

21%

75 - Older

47,680

7%

TOTAL

686,814

100%

Median Age Educational Attainment

38

N/A

2013

2018

Residency Program, one factor for their collective peace of

Age 25+ Population

451,618

471,219

mind was area schools, numerous extra-curricular activities

Associates Degree

33,098

35,080

for their children, and the ultimate fun for a Texas community,

Bachelor's Degree

58,097

61,311

exposure to that well-rounded experience called Friday Night

Graduate Degree

25,535

Football. With seven independent school districts within or

Households

by Income*

27,164

Census 2000

Census 2010

Estimates 2013

Projections 2018

bordering our city, the options for football glory are endless.

Avg. Household

$45,153

$61,039

$60,577

$69,380

Longview also boasts private schools that offer outstanding

Median Household

$33,809

$43,844

$43,006

$50,137

curriculum options plus the added benefit of smaller scale

Per Capita

$17,112

$23,419

$23,289

$26,893

sports, making room for everyone to have a place on the field.

Shopping ease is another nice feature to Longview living, and

*Labor Market Commute Area

Major Employers in Longview

one that several newcomers comment on as one of the nicest

Company

Category

Staff

surprises. Everything you need is within close reach, and can

Good Shepherd Medical Center Trinity Rail, LLC Eastman Chemical Longview Independent School District Wal-Mart Longview Regional Medical Center City of Longview Joy Global Pine Tree Independent School District Diagnostic Clinic of Longview Gregg County Crosby Group/Lebus Manufacturing Co. LeTourneau University Neiman Marcus National Service Center STEMCO, LLC AAON Coil Products, Inc. Capacity of Texas Sysco Distribution of East Texas S4 Communications (iPaceseters/TCIM) Convergys Westlake Chemical Genpak, LLC Joyce Crane Holt CAT Norris Cylinder Southwest Steel Casting Company American HomePatient

Medical Services Railway Cars Chemicals Public Schools Retail Medical Services Government Heavy Equipment Public Schools Medical Services Government Forged Load Binders University Distribution Truck Equipment Heat Transfer Coils Machinery Manufacturing Distribution Telecommunications Telecommunications Chemicals Plastics & Rubber Products Mfg. Heavy Equipment Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Steel Castings Medical Services

3,100 1,898 1,552 1,212 1,149 951 837 821 655 616 543 460 391 330 329 322 250 222 200 190 190 180 180 179 170 163 137

usually be included in a work commute with little wasted time.

Longview offers a wide variety of the big box chain stores, as well as personalized, independent boutiques that cover every need from school uniforms to cocktail parties. Dining options are even more plentiful, with many popular restaurant franchises and local restaurants that have a longstanding rapport with the community. For those who need help getting dinner on the table after a long day at work, Longview has a surprising number of personal chefs who also provide prepared foods ready to go, or on sale at the local downtown historic farmer’s market on Saturday mornings.

Spiritual life is rich in Longview and many churches not only provide the traditional Sunday programs, but also have a wide variety of outreach programs, help groups, childcare opportunities, and sports for children.

Choosing Longview as home is one of those life decisions that turns out to be easier than others. With a healthy business community, dynamic city culture, and simplicity of adapting to folks who will become neighbors, living is easy in Longview, and that’s healthy for everyone’s bottom line.

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Infrastructure Residents, commuters and visitors have several means to access the area. One Interstate freeway and two U.S. highways run through the City of Longview, and in addition, four Texas state highways also converge in Longview. Two Texas state highway spurs serve to connect highways in Longview and are one of the components that make travel in the city so convenient.

Interstate 20 is an east/west freeway that connects Longview to Dallas, approx.

125 miles (201 km) to the west and to Shreveport, Louisiana, approx. 60 miles (97 km) to the east.

U.S. Highway 80 runs through the central district of Longview. U.S. Hwy 80 was once a coast to coast highway from Tybee Beach near Savannah, Georgia and ran continuously across the southern part of the United States to San Diego, California. Today its western terminus is Dallas, Texas, making the length only 1,032 miles (1,661 km).

U.S. Highway 259 is a 250-mile (400 km) north/south spur route connecting U.S. 59 from Nacogdoches, Texas and U.S. 59 near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border just south of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Before Interstate 20, US 259 went through the center of Longview on a route that now is designated Texas State Highway 31 and Spur 502.

Texas Highway 149 is a 33.9-mile

Texas Highway 31 runs 143.3 miles (230.6 km) east/west between Longview and Waco, Texas.

igates much of Longview from its east

Spur 502 connects north/south traffic between U.S. Hwy 80 in central Longview and U.S. Hwy 259 north of Longview.

(54.6 km) north/south highway connecting Longview with Carthage.

Texas Highway 300 is a short 18.62-mile (29.97 km) highway connecting Longview to U.S. 271 in Gilmer, Texas.

Texas Highway 281 is a 19.3-mile

Spur 63 runs north/south through Longview connecting Texas Highway 31 at its Longview terminus with Spur 502 north of Texas Loop 281.

(31.1 km) loop highway that circumnavconnection at I-20 east of the Gregg/ Harrison county line to I-20 in Longview.

It runs northward, westward, southward

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and eastward around the city.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

by Rachel Stallard

T

he season of giving is celebrated year-round in Longview. Whether citizens are splashing through the park, supporting a children’s museum, or settling college students, donors at all levels make local attractions work for us. These are just a few examples of the generosity of East Texans and how they make life better for everyone who calls Longview home.

Photos by Bryan Boyd

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

63

JACK M. MANN SPLASH PAD Lear Park

A s president of the Made-Rite Company in Longview from 1971 until his death in 2010, Jack Mann didn’t just add fizz to soft drinks; he also added flavor to life in his adopted hometown.

“He believed in Longview and East Texas and he wanted to help the area grow,” said his son, Jack Mann, Jr. “He really believed the kids were our future and supported not only the schools, but also the baseball and football teams. Most of the scoreboards around here were donated by him through Made-Rite.”

In addition to signs and sodas, Mann also left a legacy in higher education.

With the help of his brother-in-law, state senator Bill Ratliff, Mann Sr. was instrumental in locating the University of Texas System to a Longview campus.

And to keep students flowing freely, he endowed a scholarship.

Mann attended New Mexico Military Institute for two years after graduating from Marshall High School. He also held a masters degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

But his love was somewhere between the two, when he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the early 1950s. “He never talked about Harvard, or NMMI, but he was always proud to be a Longhorn,” his son said.

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

A nod to his beloved mascot can be seen in the park that bears his name.

A popular spot for summertime recreation, the Splash Pad features three distinct play areas: Old West (complete with armadillos and bovine); Pirates (for the neighboring school district’s mascot) and Dr Pepper/Sports LISA YARBROUGH President, 2014 Board of Directors Longview World of Wonders

– a tribute to Mann’s enthusiasm.

The splash pad did not exist before Mann died, but a former employee, Les Rickett, was chairman of the city’s parks and recreation advisory board and wanted to honor his longtime friend and boss with the city’s latest proposed project.

LONGVIEW WORLD OF WONDERS Hands-On Discovery

They had to raise half of the proposed $500,000 to complete the park, but with the help of community members, as well as Mann’s family members, the dream became a reality in June 2012.

F

ive years ago, a group of volunteers

“The biggest thing we’ve been doing over

officially formed a “museum without

the past five years is our programs,” she

walls” concept to take community

said. “We’ve had repeat customers who

learning activities to the children. Today,

have come back and who always want to

a former furniture store stands empty in

know what’s happening. So when we finally

was involved in so many charitable and

downtown Longview, ready to usher in

got to the step of securing a building,

community activities that I don’t know

the educational experience. According

we’ve seen everyone getting really excited

how he did it all. But if he thought he

to Janice Petree, president-elect of

about having a children’s museum here,

could help and it was a good cause, he

LongviewWOW, it’s an opportunity that’s

as opposed to having to drive almost an

did what he could.”

been building from day one.

hour to Tyler or Shreveport.”

“Dad always believed in giving back. He believed if you were blessed, you should pass some of it on,” Mann, Jr. said. “He

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

65

While those two towns’ children’s museums have served as inspiration, Petree said LongviewWOW will be its own world of wonders. “We will be somewhere in between those two, but with a unique look. We’re not trying to copy other exhibits or their focus.” Instead, the main exhibit will feature energy sources specific to East Texas. “From coal to oil and wind to sun, when the kids come, they’re going to get educated on things that relate to our area,” she said.

Petree said. “Up to that point, we had hosted smaller programs, but that was the event where we realized, ‘If they’re that interested in this one-day event, think about what we could do if we had something open every day?’ That event gave us the seed money to move toward securing a building, and it also helped us see that we can do this – the community will support us.”

Donations have poured in from every level of the community, Petree said.

“Everything will be hands-on. You will not have to sit and read.

We want them to have some interaction, because it seems to impact them more that way. Kids love to touch, and if they don’t get to do that, it’s kind of boring for them.”

Energy City will not only show young students how everything works together to run a house, it will also highlight what it takes to run a community. “The kids will be responsible for producing energy to keep the lights going, for example.

But they can also look at the careers that go along with that, to see what they can do in their future,” Petree said.

Power of the people is the real spark that has fanned this movement. In September 2012, the board decided to go big and host, “Out of This World: A Children’s Science Expo” featuring the Traveling Space Museum. “We were hoping for maybe 200-300 people, and we ended up with about 1,400,”

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From non-profit foundations, to interested individuals, to volunteers who ensure that the six to eight programs conducted per year have supplies such as hot chocolate mix and plastic tablecloths, the children’s museum already has a community vibe.

“It’s my hope that this will become a destination stop for people coming to Longview, as well as a place for grandparents, parents, schools and day-cares to bring the children,” Petree said. “We’re using a building that’s already there to bring a business to Longview that we need. It doesn’t matter at what level people contribute to our programs; we want them to know when they come to see us that they were a part of making this happen.”

“I

n order for a city to grow, you

have to have a university, and we have a wonderful university in LeTourneau,” said Sidney Allen, Longview City Council member and former business owner.

The Christian university has a stellar reputation worldwide, “but it’s not really known locally,” Allen added.

He admits he wasn’t aware of everything the school did until he accompanied a group of students and President Dr. Dale Lunsford on a trip to Israel. Allen was so impressed with the class that he went on a fact-finding mission of his own when he returned home.

The students’ labs and mission projects were even bigger and brighter in person.

ANNA LEE & SIDNEY ALLEN FAMILY STUDENT CENTER LeTourneau University

“LeTourneau is unique in that you get an

the more Longview will be known, and vice

commuter lounge, to well-lit meeting areas

applied education,” he said, noting students

versa,” Allen said. “LeTourneau University

and inclusive campus services, the Family

are building 3D printers in the classroom.

is a growth stimulus for the city, the county

Center, which opened in March 2014, is

“The students are doing things that will

and the whole East Texas area.”

already the heartbeat of the college.

His own love of Longview is what

“We wanted to recognize this as a family

prompted Allen and his wife, Anna Lee,

contribution, since that’s what it is,” he

to help fund the new 65,000-square-foot,

said. “It takes a family to be successful

two-story student center located in the

and God has blessed us. You get to the

apply to this day and time. When they finish their degree, they’re ready to go to work, and not just sit in an office where they think about things. They actually apply what they’ve learned.”

high traffic center of the campus. “They

point where you need to share, and

This practical experience is the ticket that

did not have a gathering place. There was

the question becomes, how do you

takes students to all corners of the world

not a social center or an after-hours place

want to share the good fortune you’ve

upon graduation. Allen’s hope is that the

where they could hang out,” Allen said.

participated in?

students take a love of Longview along

“This gives the students an opportunity to

when they leave.

come together and share their interests

“It’s a relationship that feeds on each other; the more the University is known,

and desires in a common area.”

From a state-of-the-art game room and

“I’ve found there’s more enjoyment in giving than in receiving. And I hope we started something the rest of the community can build on.”

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

67

Horaney ’s , Inc. Celebrates 75th Year In 1940 Harry and Lorene Horaney opened a feed store in Downtown Longview at 207 N. Court. Horaney’s quickly became a community gathering place.

The business grew, evolving out of its rural heritage, and carrying new merchandise to keep pace with the changing society. The store began to attract homeowners as well as farmers, and Horaney’s Feed Store flourished.

Albert, Harry’s son, married Betty Barkett of Marshall in 1958, and together they worked with Harry until Harry’s death in 1977. Albert relocated the store to a larger and more modern building at 301 W. Methvin. Today it remains the same friendly store it was in 1940.

In 1996 Albert Horaney died, and as a tribute to his memory, the City of Longview changed the name of Court Street to Horaney Street. Betty, like Albert and his father Harry, has enjoyed helping many people over the years, never wanting recognition.

Today Betty Horaney continues the business with her son Ron, representing the third Horaney generation to run the store.

Customers still come downtown to browse, shop, have a cup of coffee and visit, and find a large supply of birdfeeders, birdhouses, fountains, plants, chemicals, organic products, sprayers, garden seeds, farm supplies, horse supplies, tools, cattle feeders, wire, and an endless array of other items.

Giving back to the community for all the goodness shown the family, Betty is active in many worthwhile projects in town.

It is Betty Horaney’s hope that the Horaney business will continue through her son, and one day pass to her five grandchildren, keeping the family tradition alive in Longview. “God has blessed me,” she says, “not only with my family, but with my customers and the many friends I have made throughout the years through this wonderful business.”

Horaneys.com LONGVIEW Betty & Ron Horaney

301 W. Methvin St.

903-753-3661

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903-472-4861

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

WE LIVE WHERE WE WORK.

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EVENTS

By Kimberly Fish

This is an overview of some of the dynamic arts and entertainment venues within the Longview community. To find specific details related to a calendar of community events or details related to performance dates, please visit www.longviewtexas.com or www.artslongview.com.

BRINGING THE BLUE LeTourneau University Performing Arts Series Residents of Longview and the East Texas area have one of the best seats in the house for enjoying national arts events at a very local address. LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center, an acoustical gem on the campus of LeTourneau University, offers world-class entertainment venues every season, and some in between. This season’s line up offers shows from Broadway musicals to Celtic singers, and so much more. With options to buy season tickets or special event seats, guests to the 2014-15 Performing Arts Center Series have already enjoyed Newsboys, Keb’Mo’, Steven Curtis Chapman and Brandon Heath, National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China, the musical Anything Goes, and Elf: The Musical. Still to come this winter and spring are Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Elvis Lives, Masters of Celtic Fiddle, Steve Lippia as Sinatra, Dinosaur Zoo Live, and Joe Ely – with the big special season event in March, the exciting and internationally renowned Blue Man Group. For more information or ticket purchases visit www.BelcherCenter.com or call 903.233.3080.

Visit the campus in between the season series to see one of the nation’s top 50 universities for one of its size, and learn first hand how industry and education go hand-in-hand with our city’s heritage as well as its future.

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GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE

Photo by Jim King

Seeing hot air balloons drift across the skyline creates a sense of escape, even for those whose feet are firmly planted on the ground. There’s something adventurous, sentimental, and even a bit romantic about the magic of floating on the air currents, going where the wind takes you. The Great Texas Balloon Race, founded by local dentist Dr. Bill Bussey in 1978, has grown from a local gathering of friends to an international competition known

The US Nationals Balloon Race will be held in Longview, days priors to

as the longest running hot air balloon event in Texas. This world-class competition features

the Great Texas Balloon, through

sport and special shaped balloons and covers a three-day weekend every summer, from

summer of 2015. This challenge

dawn to dusk. Dr. Bussey created the now famous “balloon glow,” and the grounded balloon light-up (a controlled firing of the gas burners that make the balloons rise) has been

brings in the “best of the best”

copied all over the world. When the hot air balloons aren’t competing in races or key grabs,

competing for top prizes and rights

there are a variety of activities to entertain audiences on the ground. Aircraft flights, plane

to attend the International Balloon

demonstrations, skydivers and great musical entertainment anchor the weekend. There’s

Race. Spectators are welcomed and

always a special “kids land,” craft vendors, and fabulous food. Based at the East Texas Regional airport, details for the event are located at www.greattexasballonrace.com.

many events overlap with the GTBR.

AlleyFest Longview’s famous arts and entertainment festival was born in 1978 as a celebration of art in East Texas and dubbed “AlleyFest.”

Event organizers know that it’s a really great street fair in downtown Longview – one that includes two of the fun elements that locals love: KidsFest and AlleyRun. Drawing on a wealth of regional music talent, the event last three days and features a variety of activities for every age group. With an abundance of local music, local arts, local food, and lots of local good spirit, there’s no doubt that 2015’s AlleyFest will be another local hit.

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Outdoor Markets PRCA Rodeo

Invigorating the downtown area during the spring and fall are music events known as Downtown Live! Picking the best weather-sensitive

The Greggton Rotary Longview PRCA Rodeo is one of the hottest

dates in the season, organizers offer local music in conjunction

tickets in town. Fans say it’s one of the most popular bull-riding,

with an outdoor market. The Downtown Market features a variety

calf-roping, bareback-riding, saddle-bronc-riding, stick-horse-

of material from arts, crafts, wines, and food items to fresh

racing, clown-dodging rodeos ever to stir up dust at the Longview

flowers. This market is hosted in downtown’s Bank Alley. Also

Fairgrounds. The Rotarians say it’s just good, family fun. The

much anticipated in the downtown area is the unique and family

Longview (Greggton) Rotary hosts this annual spring-time event

friendly outdoor movie venue, Movies on the Plaza. This free event

to the delight of rodeo fans of all ages, and, as their primary

invites everyone to Heritage Plaza to watch a big-screen projected

fundraiser, allows the Rotary to give $30,000-$50,000 back to

movie, enjoy the ambience, purchase refreshments and savor

the community in support of local non-profit organizations.

the opportunity of enjoying a new twist on the idea of going to the movies. The Historic Downtown Farmer’s Market is a traditional farmers’ market and is specifically designed to host locally grown and organic products. The HDM plants white tents in the parking lot at High and Cotton streets on a seasonal schedule. The Original Farmer’s Market sets up in the extensive exhibit pavilions at the fairgrounds and brings in a variety of produce and specialty items, most of which are grown in local backyards. With multiple locally grown food purveyors, shoppers find great culinary treasures in a variety of locations.

Christmas at the Courthouse

Multi-Cultural Festival

The Gregg County Courthouse becomes an electrical theatre

Every autumn, the crossroads

featuring expansive holiday light displays during the Christmas

of several international cultures

season with two weekends dedicated to downtown family and

converge in Longview. Initiated to

holiday fun. Concurrently, the Longview AMBUCS Christmas

bring together various segments

Parade, a Main Street Event, leads a long and impressive fleet

of the community’s population,

of floats, antique cars, marching bands, and independent

this one-day event showcases

displays along the brick streets of Methvin and Whaley. This

performance groups, great food

family-friendly event is a cherished local tradition and happens

and music to reveal the similarities

the first Thursday in December.

that blend our world.

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Longview Ballet Theatre Longview Ballet Theatre is dedicated to enhancing our community by combining beauty, skill and vision to create innovative and inspiring

ArtsView Children’s Theatre ArtsView Children’s Theatre, established in 2004, is committed to a progressive theatre arts education and outreach program for area children. It provides children’s programs as a way to educate tomorrow’s audiences about the joys of the performing and visual arts. It also nurtures the development of the performing arts in our community through education, and it creates, produces, and performs works that engage the entire family. Productions, summer camps, workshops, after school classes, and seminars are offered throughout the year.

East Texas Symphonic Band

performances for local audiences.

For more than 36 years, Pat George Mitchell, founder and artistic director, has developed the talent of local dancers, several of whom have auditioned and been accepted into renowned programs across the nation. LBT’s annual performances have been a marriage between company members and world class professional dancers performing such classics as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and George Balanchine’s Serenade.

The East Texas Symphonic Band (ETSB), founded in 1988, is

Longview Museum of Fine Arts

a volunteer wind symphony made up of area musicians under

The Longview Museum of Fine Arts is a contemporary art

the direction of conductor Dr. James Snowden. Its music spans

museum originally formed by the Junior League, with a 300-piece

the entire gamut of symphonic wind literature with a high

permanent collection, two side galleries housing temporary or

emphasis on outstanding local musicians as soloists, both vocal

traveling exhibits which change six times a year, and members’

and instrumental. The season typically consists of three formal

receptions and artist lectures the Saturday evening before the

concerts at LeTourneau University’s Belcher Performing Arts

new exhibits open to the public. Docent tours are available upon

Center and an informal summer outdoor “Pops in the Park”

request. A creative learning center next door, ArtWorks, offers

concert at Teague Park Amphitheatre.

classes and hands-on projects for children and adults.

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Longview Symphony The fully professional Longview Symphony continues a more than 40 year tradition of providing classical orchestral music to Longview patrons. Pre-concert educational lectures are held prior to each event and guest artists and soloists perform each year. The symphony’s guild, Ovation!, raises funds for the symphony through Bach’s Lunches, a lunchtime organ recital in various downtown churches, an Artistry and Architecture tour in April, and their Mardi Gras Celebration in February. The symphony also holds annual children’s concerts for area fourth graders. Master classes with guest artists and orchestra soloists are held for qualifying high school and college students.

TBONE WALKER BLUES FEST Take a down-home atmosphere, mix in living legend

World of Wonders WOW is Longview’s creative, imaginative, and exploratory

blues artists, add music fans from across the globe, sprinkle with a car and cycle show, add a dash of total

discovery center for children. Begun as a “museum without

East Texas spin, and you have the recipe for one of

walls” and using travelling exhibits, the center is renovating

the best music venues in the state. Originally begun in

the Texas Furniture location downtown and will open a hands-on discovery center designed to reveal Longview’s career and

Linden, Texas, this blues fest relocated to Longview and

technology elements through interactive play. To stay in touch

sets a full slate of summer music and entertainment at

with the progress, visit www.longviewwow.org for more details.

the Maude Cobb Activity Center.

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Juneteenth Celebration and Dance A parade, a dance and a rodeo are among the many fun activities planned each June for this historic occasion, but the most anticipated aspect of the Emancipation Celebration is the annual Freedom 5K Fun Run, hosted by the Broughton Recreation Center.

Dalton Days 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 at the Longview Arena, 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.

Neal McCoy’s East Texas Angel Network Benefit Concert 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, but ultimately to the children close to his heart.

Texas Shakespeare Festival

Boat and RV Show Every winter, outdoor enthusiasts descend on Maude Cobb

Located just a stone’s throw from the city limits is one of the

Convention and Activity Center for the highly anticipated East

nation’s premiere summer Shakespeare festivals. Hosted by

Texas Outdoor Expo. With 60,000 square feet at their disposal,

Kilgore College, this renowned summer tradition brings a variety

exhibitors show off the latest and greatest in the field of

of high caliber productions and gifted actors to a local platform.

watercrafts, recreational vehicles, fishing and camping

From The Queen’s Tea to meet and greets with the actors, this is

accessories. Always a popular draw, there’s an indoor trout

a fun and affordable departure from ordinary entertainment.

tank for kids to practice fishing.

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Theatre Longview Gushing with great music, the East Texas Music and Theatre

LANDMARKS OF LONGVIEW TOUR During September of each year, several homes and/or businesses of architectural significance are open to the public for a two-day tour benefiting the Gregg County Historical Museum. Always interesting, with a glimpse

Company brings unique musical entertainment to Longview via several performances a year. With diverse musical genres from Broadway to symphony, regional artists perform concerts covering opera/operaetta, musical theatre, gospel and oratario.

Art Walk Longview Several times a year, downtown Longview galleries and businesses stay open late, and in many cases exhibit art on the sidewalk, for

into the stories of many of the places distinctive to our

an after-hours venue designed to showcase local art and artisans.

local culture, the tour provides an opportunity for an

Art Walk provides an urban environment where many retail

easy day spent in homes that have, or will have, an impact our community’s history.

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.

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Freeze Your Fanny Bike Tour This annual February bicycle tour and run takes place no matter how cold the weather. Participants willingly “freeze their fannies”

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Like many in the state, Longview celebrates great history

for the opportunity for bragging rights when they’ve completed the Tour-de-East-Texas.

with a great fiesta. This one, held every May at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, shakes the party with an East Texas marimba. In addition to the great food and music, there’s also a car show and a beauty pageant.

Annual Kennel Club Competition

Zonta Antiques Show and Sale Every spring, the Zonta service organization brings in 65 antique

Dog breeds from 38 different states, Mexico, and Canada

vendors for a three-day shopping extravaganza. Spread over

compete in the two-day, two-show Longview Kennel Club License

the 60,000 square feet of Maude Cobb Convention and Activity

All Breed Dog Show at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity

Center, the 40-year-old event also hosts a tearoom and its

Center. This exciting, well-mannered, AKC-sanctioned event is

famous Pie Bar. Proceeds improve the economic, educational

great entertainment for children and adults.

and health status of women at global and local levels.

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rts& A EVENTS

Photo by Sam Smead

GREGG COUNTY FAIR The Longview Jaycees prepare a weeklong, old-fashioned country 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 the variety of good, clean fun.

Though it’s impossible to list every event, several community organizations create interesting and beneficial fundraisers throughout the year, and each one is an opportunity to support a worthy cause, mingle with neighbors, and have some good ol’ East Texas fun. Please consult the Longview Community Calendar website for a complete calendar and links to event organizers.

I www.LongviewTexasEvents.com I I www.artslongview.com I

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U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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903-230-0606 • 1-800-HOSPICE (1-800-467-7423) www.hospiceofeasttexas.org 86

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Helping You Protect What Matters Most Since 1962!

LONGVIEW OFFICE HQ SAN ANTONIO OFFICE FT. WORTH OFFICE TYLER OFFICE DALLAS OFFICE LONGVIEW OFFICE EAST 1203 A West Loop 281 2500 Judson Rd., Suite E 1851A Troup Hwy 10300 North Central 503 B Mercedes St. The Harlandale Building Sales: 800-236-9585 Office: 903-297-1991 Office: 214-363-4442 Expressway, Suite 400 Benbrook, Tx 76126 5703S.FloresSt.,Suite101 Fax: 903-295-4302 Fax: 903-525-9414 Office: 214-363-4442 Office: 817-439-9344 Office: 210-927-1411 Fax: 903-297-9707

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Longview

city map

To receive a more detailed map, contact the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau at 903.753.3281 or by email at info@longviewtx.com

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GOLF COURSES

5121 N. McCann Rd. • 903-663-4653 j2 ALPINE GOLF CLUB FM 2208 & Smelley Rd. • 903-753-4515 j3 ALPINE TARGET 9-HOLE – LIGHTED 2695 Alpine Rd. • 903-753-1415 j4 THE CHALLENGE AT OAK FOREST 2044 Oak Forest Country Club Dr. • 903-297-3932 j5 PINECREST COUNTRY CLUB j1 WOOD HOLLOW GOLF CLUB

214 Club Dr. • 903-758-5566

HOSPITALS

h1 GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICAL CENTER 700 E. Marshall Ave. • 903-315-2000

h2 LONGVIEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 2901 N. Fourth St. • 903-758-1818

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HIGH SCHOOL n1 L201ONGVIEW E. Tomlinson (Loop 281) OREST PARK MAGNET SCHOOL n2 F1644 N. Eastman Rd. OSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL n3 F 1504 MLK Blvd.

JUDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL n4 5745 Judson Rd. HIGH SCHOOL n5 P 1005INEW.TREE Fairmont St. PINE TREE JR. HIGH SCHOOL n6 2100 NW Loop 281 MIDDLE SCHOOL n7 P 600INEPineTREE Tree Pkwy.

SPRING HILL SCHOOLS n8 3101 Spring Hill Rd. HALLSVILLE SCHOOLS n9 210 S. Green St. - Hallsville

HIGHER EDUCATION

LONGVIEW UNIVERSITY CENTER n1 U3201T TYLERN. Eastman Rd. – Hwy. 259 N. COLLEGE LONGVIEW n2 K300ILGORE S. High St. n3 L ETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY and S. E. BELCHER, JR. CHAPEL AND PERFORMANCE CENTER 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

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PARKS

AKIN PARK 414 Delwood Dr. SB BROUGHTON PARK SA

801 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

CARGILL LONG PARK E. Marshall Ave. & N. Fourth St. SD GUTHRIE/ROTARY SC

PARK Glencrest & Johnston St.

HINSLEY PARK 3101 N. US Hwy. 259 SF INGRAM PARK 10th St. at Pine St. SG J ULIEANNA PARK 906 Reel Rd. SH L OIS JACKSON PARK SE

Bill Owens Pkwy. at Jenny St.

MCWHORTER PARK Toler Rd. at NW Loop 281 SJ R OLLINS PARK SI

STAMPER PARK Fair St. at Boyd St. SL TEAGUE PARK American Legion Blvd.

SM TIMPSON PARK 500 Timpson St. SN WILLOW PARK 301 E. Birdsong St. SO LONGVIEW SK

SWIM CENTER 1001 W. Fairmont St.

LEAR SPORTS COMPLEX & K IDSVIEW

SP

A UNIQUE FAMILY PLAYGROUND

H.G. Mosley Pkwy. & FM 1845

PAUL BOORMAN TRAIL Hwy. 80 to Fairmont St. SR SPRING HILL PARK SQ

& NEAL MCCOY PLAYGROUND Fenton Rd. off George Richey Rd.

705 Ethyl St.

RECREATION CENTERS

PAULA MARTIN JONES 1 BROUGHTON REC 3 H H CENTER REC CENTER

801 MLK Blvd.

GREEN ST. REC 2 H CENTER

1230 B S. High St.

(SENIOR ADULT)

814 S. Green St.

POINTS OF INTEREST

MTRAK lA ATRAIN DEPOT

Pacific & S. Mobberly Ave.

REYHOUND lB GBUS DEPOT

Pacific & S. Mobberly Ave.

l EAST TEXAS C

REGIONAL AIRPORT TX Hwy. 322

l LONGVIEW CHAMBER D

OF COMMERCE and LONGVIEW CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 410 N. Center St.

LONGVIEW MALL l Loop 281 at McCann Rd. THE VILLAGE l SHOPPING CENTER Judson Rd. & Hollybrook Dr.

J.R. CURTIS GARDEN l • FOR THE BLIND

• MAUDE COBB

ACTIVITY CENTER

• FAIRGROUNDS & RODEO ARENA 100 Grand Blvd.

LONGVIEW TOWNE CENTER

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N East Texas Regional Airport 6 Miles South of I-20

Downtown

1 One Hundred Acres Historical l of Heritage - 1870 Markers are located at l 2 Kelly Plow Company each number.

3 Timber - The First Industry Follow the l markers on l 4 King Cotton the downtown 5 First Baptist Church map and learn l how Longview’s l When Mule Power 6 destiny was

shaped by these events.

Moved People

7 Then Came the Railroad l 8 The Discovery Wells l 9 From Subsistence to l Cash Crops

10 Banking - The Final Ingredient l 11 First United Methodist Church l

One Hundred Acres of Heritage

Downtown Points of Interest A Gregg County l Historical Museum

B Longview Museum of Fine Arts l C Heritage Plaza l D Gregg County Courthouse l E City of Longview Offices l and Public Library

F Longview Chamber l

of Commerce and Visitor Information

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Longview United

Crisis and Volunteer Opportunities

Within the city limits are numerous, proactive organizations designed to help those in need. Please consult this partial list for volunteer opportunities and extend your heart and helping hands across the greater Longview area.

American Cancer Society (903) 234-0200

The American Cancer Society provides assistance by loaning medical equipment, securing medical transportation as needed, and assisting during medical treatments.

American Heart Association (903) 452-7524

The mission of the AHA is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and to help prevent, treat and defeat Heart disease and stroke – America’s #1 and #3 killers.

American Red Cross (903) 753-2091 www.redcrosslongview.org

The East Texas Piney Woods Chapter of the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of local disasters and helps residents prevent and prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Arc of Gregg County (903) 753-0723 www.arcofgreggco.org

The Arc of Gregg County is committed to expanding opportunities for people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities.

Because I Care (903) 759-3349 www.bictexas.org

A volunteer recruitment group which supports the BE THE MATCH Registry for marrow donors.

Boy Scouts of America (903) 597-7201

The Boy Scouts of America – East Texas Area Council instills values in youth and enables them to make ethical choices throughout their lives.

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Boys and Girls Club of Gregg County (903) 234-9130 www.bcggregg.com

The Boys and Girls Club of Gregg County offers youth in Longview a positive alternative to the streets.

Buckner Children and Family Services (903) 757-9383 www.bucknerchildren.org

A Christian ministry devoted to protecting children, promoting independence, and building strong families.

Community Connections (903) 297-2215

A parenting resource center.

Community Healthcore (903) 758-2471 www.communityhealthcore.com

Community Healthcare serves thousands of children and adults each year for problems associated with mental health, retardation and substance abuse issues through special programs devoted to helping people lead lives of dignity and independence.

Deaf Action Center (903) 553-9655 www.dactexas.org

The Deaf Action Center is dedicated to removing the barriers that exist for deaf or hard of hearing through a series of comprehensive services.

D.O.R.S. Youth Transition Center (903) 803-0100 www.dorsytc.org

In partnership with Longview Independent School District’s LEAD Academy, D.O.R.S. Youth Transition Center can maximize its services to at-risk and homeless youth. It is the only youth transition center in Longview.

East Texas Angel Network (903) 297-9000 www.eastexasangelnetwork.com

The East Texas Angel Network provides financial assistance to families of children with life-threatening or serious illness; child must be approved before age 18.

East Texas Child Advocates (903) 753-8093

East Texas Child Advocates (ETCA) advocates for child victims of abuse and promotes child abuse prevention through special programs serving Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Rusk and Upshur counties.

East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (903) 753-7633 www.etcada.com

The East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Abuse is a United Way agency that has served the Longview community for over 40 years.

East Texas Council of Governments (903) 984-8641 www.etcog.org East Texas Council of Governments provides services authorized by the Older Americans Act, including senior nutrition, home-delivered meals, transportation, benefit counseling, legal assistance, ombudsmen, caregiver support, emergency response system, and other services.

East Texas Food Bank (903) 597-3663 www.etexfoodbank.org

East Texas Food Bank provides food and grocery products to member agencies that serve the needy.

East Texas Literacy Council (903) 757-9302 www.eastexasliteracycouncil.org

The East Texas Literacy Council, affiliated with ProLiteracy America, works to increase reading, writing and communication skills of Gregg County adults.

East Texas Treatment Center (903) 984-5571 www.ettctx.org

The East Texas Treatment Center is a Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with the purpose of restoring our patients to their highest possible level of independence within the limits of their disability by providing quality therapy services.

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Friends of Partners in Prevention (903) 237-1019

Partners in Prevention is a community organization designed to intercede in the prevention of addictive substance abuse through education and mentoring campaigns.

Girl Scouts of Tejas Council (903) 526-2007 www.girlscouts.org

Girl Scouts is dedicated to building character in girls and skills for success.

Gregg County Self Advocates (903) 753-0723 www.arcofgreggco.org

Texas Advocacy provides training to its members on self-advocacy, selfdetermination, self-directed planning and activities. The Gregg County Self Advocates membership is made up of individuals dealing with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities.

Goodwill Industries (903) 593-8438 www.texasgoodwills.org

Goodwill’s philosophy is to serve anyone who needs assistance.

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission (903) 759-9875 www.hiway80mission.org

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission has offered relief to disadvantaged men through shelter, meals, and training since 1955.

Hope Haven (903) 234-2583

Hope Haven reacts to the emergency needs of women and children with shelter, hot meals and ministry.

Humane Society of Northeast Texas (903) 297-2170 www.hsntx.org

The Humane Society is dedicated to providing a safe haven for animals, inspiring awareness and compassion, and promoting the human-animal bond.

Junior Achievement of East Texas (903) 297-2202 www.longview.ja.org

Junior Achievment educates and inspires young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives.

Longview Child Development Center (903) 758-3861

The Longview Child Development Center provides quality, affordable childcare to income eligible families.

Longview Community Ministries (903) 753-3561 www.longviewcommunityministries.org Longview Community Ministries enables local congregations and community groups to assist persons in need through six major programs.

Longview Habitat for Humanity (903) 236-0900 www.longviewhabitat.org

Longview Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical Christian organization that builds decent, affordable house for those eligible.

Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network (903) 234-8343

Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network provides temporary housing, comprehensive case management and on-going supportive services for families in crisis.

Longview Wellness Pointe (903) 758-2610 www.wellnesspointe.com

Longview Wellness Pointe offers health care to income eligible participants, specializing in prenatal care, HIV resources and general care.

Newgate Mission (903) 757-6146 www.newgatemission.org

Newgate Mission offers relief and recovery to individuals in disadvantaged circumstances.

Parenting Resource Center of East Texas (903) 753-7800

Parenting Resource Center of East Texas is a primary prevention organization which provides parenting class and advocacy intervention for children.

Real Jobs for Youth (903) 757-7544 www.realjobsforyouthinc.org

Promoting inclusive employment opportunities for youth with disabilities, ages 14-29.

Salvation Army (903) 753-4511 www.salvationarmyusa.org

The Salvation Army, on a first-come, first-served basis provides food, clothing, lodging, medication, and emergency travel assistance to persons in need.

See Saw Children’s Place (903) 759-1726 www.seesawchildren.org

See Saw Children’s Place offers safe and affordable childcare for low-income families, including an after-school program.

Texas Department of Human Services (903) 753-0083 www.hhsc.state.tx.us

The Texas Department of Human Services provides Medicaid for deprived children ages 0-18 years, pregnant women and caretakers of deprived children, food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), job posting for all jobs in the East Texas area, employment, counseling, clothes, education referrals, and burial assistance for indigents.

United Way of Gregg County (903) 758-0191 www.longviewunitedway.org

The United Way of Gregg Country is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community by raising funds and allocating resources for outreach organizations, fostering volunteerism and leadership, and encouraging collaborative efforts to create real and lasting change for the people of Longview.

Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center (903) 797-2414 www.windridgetexas.org

Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of children and adults who face mental, emotional, or physical disabilities, or debilitating life situations.

Women’s Center of East Texas/Hope’s Closet (903) 295-7846 www.wc-et.org

The Women’s Center of East Texas provides non-residential assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

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education guide PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Located in the northwest area of Longview, Spring Hill

Gladewater ISD

on four campuses. Spring Hill High School was ranked

(903) 845-6991 • www.gladewaterisd.com

Gladewater ISD administrators, teachers, and staff

members, in partnership with students, parents, and

community members, are dedicated to helping each student prepare for life-long learning and effective citizenship.

ISD serves a student body of approximately 2,000 students #121 in state out of 1,842 schools and #1,510 out of 22,000 nationally. The dedicated faculty creates an atmosphere in which students are taught academic skills and given opportunities to grow, excel and compete in the world.

GISD has an enrollment of 2,020 students in grades PK-12.

White Oak ISD

as Academically Acceptable. Gladewater High School has

White Oak ISD is the only Recognized School District

available in East Texas. GISD requires highly qualified

consistently scored above the state and national average

individual needs of all students.

received Recognized ratings from the Texas Education

Longview ISD

Elementary campuses have been rated Exemplary.

GISD and all campuses have been identified by the TEA

(903) 291-2200 • www.woisd.net

one of the most extensive college dual-enrollment programs

in Gregg and Smith counties. White Oak students have

teachers and administrators dedicated to meeting the

scores on college entrance exams. All campuses have

(903) 758-1728 • www.lisd.org

Longview Independent School District is the largest and

most comprehensive school district in the greater Longview area with over 8,400 students housed on 16 different

Agency. White Oak Middle School and White Oak

Preparing students for success academically, personally,

and socially is the goal of White Oak ISD – “A Heritage of Pride, Tradition and Educational Excellence.”

campuses. The district maintains an outstanding athletic

program for all grades, a fine arts program, and elementary, middle and high school choir, band and orchestra. LISD,

through its diversity and talent, provides programs to meet the needs and interests of all students to help them reach their potential.

Pine Tree ISD

(903) 295-5000 • www.ptisd.org

Pine Tree Independent School District proudly educates

students in Longview, Texas with the mission to continue a tradition of excellence by providing a high-quality

and challenging educational environment, maximizing opportunities for the success of all students, equipping them to become responsible, involved, and productive

citizens. The district, established in 1847, currently consists of six campuses with approximately 4,600 students. Pine

Tree ISD offers a variety of specialty courses and activities

within a comprehensive, rigorous and balanced curriculum.

Spring Hill ISD

(903) 759-4404 • www.springhill.esc7.net

Spring Hill Independent School District, established in

1887, provides education opportunities to promote a safe, challenging learning environment to foster academic excellence, citizenship, and success for all students.

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

project-based approach. Crisman offers a certified staff

Christian Heritage School

through LISD. Coordination with private contractors is also

counselor, shared services for OT, PT, and speech services

(903) 663-4151 • www.chslongview.com

an option for medically necessary services. Please visit the

Christian Heritage School was founded upon a tradition

school, tour the facilities, ask questions, and experience for

of Christian beliefs. Its mission is to provide excellence in

college preparatory education, working together with the home, to develop within all students the ability to reason

Biblically, while equipping them to fulfill their God-given calling in life. Christian Heritage School has a philosophy

yourself what occurs in the lives of our students on a daily

basis. The Crisman School is a non-profit, 501©3 accredited

by AdvancEd SACS CASI, the largest accrediting body in the world.

of learning grounded in Christian classical education.

East Texas Christian School

difference classical education can make.

East Texas Christian School offers K-4 through 12th grade

(903) 757-7891 • www.etcs.cc

We serve students in grades K-12. Come discover the

on its 24-acre campus and provides a course study

The Crisman School

consistent with the Christian faith. ETCS is a member of

(903) 758-9741 • www.crismanschool.org

the Association of Christian School International (ACSI)

For more than 40 years The Crisman School has worked

and accredited by the International Christian Accrediting

to empower students to recognize their strengths, build

upon those strengths, and to become self-advocates in the pursuit of reaching their full potential. With limited class

size and certified teachers, Crisman make success a reality

daily for students with Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s,

Association (ICAA), recognized by the TEA. The school is

affiliated with TAPPS and CSAC for athletic, fine arts, and

academic competitions. Over 40% of the qualified teaching staff hold masters degrees.

sensory processing delays, and other related disorders.

Longview Christian School

Class Out of the Classroom, Builder’s Club, Core Essential

Founded in 1982, the educators at Longview Christian

Participation in Brain Gym, Student Council, Chess Club, Character Building, and a strong cultural arts program

round out academics that are taught with multi-sensory

(903) 297-3501 • www.lcseagles.com

School strive to assist Christian families with the training of their children by pursuing excellence in faith and

CHOOSING A COLLEGE IS IMPORTANT, and we believe

BECAUSE

WHERE YOU GO

MATTERS

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that where you go is just as crucial as whether you go. Where you spend your college years will shape how you spend every year after that. It won’t just affect the school name on your diploma – it will play a deening role in what you believe, how you think, and who you become. ETBU offers an experience unlike any other – one of faith, community, learning, and leading.

See For Yourself

LEARN MORE ONLINE AT www.etbu.edu

education. LCS offers a traditional K-12 educational

independent, co-educational day school serving students

from a Biblical worldview. The LCS Early Learning Center

individual interests are encouraged and rewarded,

development and learning in a Christian environment.

Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools and the

program with athletics, fine arts, and drama, all taught

is designed for children 6 weeks – Pre-K and focuses on Our campus is located in the heart of Longview at 1236

Pegues Place and contains separate buildings with large

classrooms for upper and lower grades, a gym/workout facility, a band hall, a library, and a cafeteria.

two years through grade 12. At Trinity each child’s

laying the foundation for a lifetime of achievement. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools maintains accreditation. A 100% college attendance rate is reached each year, proving that these high standards provide students with success in college placement and the transition to college life.

St. Mary’s Catholic School

(903) 753-1657 • www.stmaryslgv.org

St. Mary’s Catholic School has provided students with

quality education rooted in Christ since 1948. St. Mary’s offers a strong academic curriculum supplemented by

special enrichment programs and believes that formation of the human person is best rooted in the biblical

understanding of humanity. St. Mary’s provides an

environment that fosters enthusiasm for lifelong learning in which each student can develop his full potential and practice respect for those of other faith traditions and cultures. The student/teacher ratio is 12:1.

HIGHER EDUCATION East Texas Baptist University (800) 804-ETBU • www.etbu.edu Embracing Faith, Engaging Minds, and Empowering Leaders – this describes the student experience at East Texas Baptist University. The 100-year-old Christian university offers a challenging curriculum in more than 40 areas of study. Students who want to pursue a more intensive learning environment can participate in the University Scholars program. Travel-study opportunities

Trinity School of Texas

allow students to see the world while working toward

For over 50 years, Trinity School of Texas has been an

business, counseling, teacher education, and religion.

their education goals. Graduate programs are offered in

(903) 753-0612 • www.trinityschooloftexas.com

W

e’re more than just your local community college.

Whether you want to complete your general studies, earn an Associate’s Degree or earn credits for transfer, Kilgore College is the perfect place for you. We offer degrees, certificates and transfer programs to meet your individual needs. Grants, loans and scholarships are also available to most students. Achieve the highest level of success and make your dreams come true with the help of Kilgore College. Don’t wait any longer.

Scan the code below to get started!

For more information

(903) 983-8209 www.kilgore.edu U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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Jarvis Christian College

LeTourneau University

(903) 769-5700 • www.jarvis.edu

(903) 233-3000 • www.letu.edu

Jarvis Christian College, founded in 1912 in Wood County, maintains a proud tradition of progressive leadership and accomplishments. A fully accredited, four-year, private

liberal arts college for men and women, Jarvis provides great educational opportunities within the context of

the Judeo-Christian tradition. Jarvis awards Bachelor of

Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor

of Science degrees with a variety of majors and academic concentrations, and also offers dual degree programs.

Kilgore College

(903) 753-2642 • www.kilgore.edu

Kilgore College-Longview offers college courses designed for transfer to a university; the innovative QUEST

program, a fast-track way for adults to earn an associate degree in two years while attending night school; and Workforce Education programs designed to prepare

students for immediate careers. The college also provides

training programs including Adult Basic Education; GED preparation; ESL classes (free of charge); Continuing

undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students from all 50 states and more than 25 nations.

An interdenominational, Christ-centered university, LETU offers academic majors in aviation, business, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, health care administration, health science-nursing, human services, kinesiology, the liberal arts, psychology, the sciences and theology. Ingenuity has long been a hallmark of LeTourneau University education as students develop innovative ways to solve problems that make an impact on a global scale. Education is personal at LETU, where students and professors conduct research together, and students often present at professional conferences.

At LETU, learning involves doing, so LETU students work on hands-on projects in a wide variety of academic disciplines. Global-service learning opportunities, through both missions and research, take students around the

Education classes to update job skills; and the Small

world. Graduates are equipped to integrate their faith

small business owners.

their life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact.

Business Development Center to counsel, train, and inform

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LeTourneau University provides more than 90

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and work in every workplace in every nation as they see

Texas State Technical College – Marshall

UT Tyler Longview University Center

(903) 935-1010; (888) 382-8782

(903) 663-8100 • www.uttyler.edu

www.marshall.tstc.edu

The University of Texas at Tyler Longview University

Texas State Technical College Marshall: Uniquely

Center offers degree-completion programs and various

qualified – delivering relevant, up-to-date training in

short courses in its two-story, 25,000 square foot facility

state-of-the-art labs, on-site classrooms, on line, or in high

that houses 10 classrooms, two student study/conference

school classes throughout East Texas for careers currently

rooms, computer laboratory, nursing laboratory, library,

in demand in the region. Those seeking two-year associate

and student commons. Students receive instruction onsite

of applied science degrees, certificate programs to upgrade

and through distance education technology. The university

their skills, or on-the job training will find what they are

offers scholarship opportunities, including Presidential and

looking for. Services include financial aid, scholarships,

Alumni Scholarships to outstanding community/junior

and student housing.

college transfer students.

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705 E. MARSHALL AVE. • STE. 3000 • LONGVIEW, TX 903.315.2700 • ZEIDWHC.COM

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2430 S. High Street Suite C1

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Nursing is the fastest growing occupation in the country and training programs in Longview are ramping up to help students punch their ticket to a world of professional opportunities.

The Fastest Growing HAS

OCCUPATION

L CAL

ROOTS

by Rachel Stallard // Photos by Bryan Boyd

“Nursing is an occupation unlike any other. There’s something for anyone. If you don’t like blood or if you don’t like to talk to people, there’s still something you can do,” said Martha Dudley, Assistant Professor of Nursing at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall.

Nurses now make up the majority of the health care industry (with an additional 581,500 nursing jobs to fill by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), and a first-rate education is crucial. Fortunately, East Texans from ages 16 to 66 are embracing this occupation that enables them to help others.

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EMULATION

The first step to becoming a good nurse is to learn from good nurses.

The University of Texas at Tyler,

Training steps up by Level 3 when

Longview University Campus (LUC) has

classes move to the mock delivery

a program which consistently sees more

room to help with Noelle and her

than 95 percent of its students become

two babies. The mother mannequin

licensed. Michelle Livingston, Clinical

and her accompanying monitors are

Skills Lab Manager and Pre-Nursing

training tools for handling contractions,

Advisor, credits the teachers for this

childbirth, and critical care.

continued success.

“We have a low faculty-to-student ratio, so we know the students’ strengths and weaknesses,” Livingston said. LUC currently has 150 students enrolled in four levels of classes. Assessment is also immediate in the state-of-the-art labs that closely mimic hospital rooms.

Complete with curtains, call buttons, collapsible beds and cabinetry, the

The simulations are a great thing because they seem so realistic.

The more simulations you do, the more prepared you’ll be for whatever happens.

nursing student should feel as at home Michelle Livingston, MSN, RN

in a hospital room as in a lab class.

“We practice for the first half of the semester in here before we see patients,” Livingston said. Honing in on the basics, such as giving shots to thin-skinned hot dogs and inserting catheters and g-tubes into mannequins, the students are able to build confidence in their abilities in

Along the way, nursing faculty are constantly monitoring the student’s assessment of the patient, noting how well they pick up on the practical assignments that build critical thinking skills, competency and confidence.

a safe environment. “If we practice the

“It really helps for them to walk into a

little things here, then when we get to the

patient’s room, and be able to say, ‘I’ve

hospital our focus will be on caring for the

done this before.’ It helps them calm

patient,” Livingston said.

down,” Livingston said.

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Clinical Instructor, College of Nursing The University of Texas at Tyler Longview University Center

EMPATHY

Relating to the patient is as important a skill as medical training itself.

Nursing students immediately put

discuss how certain cultures handle

themselves in the patient’s place with

death and what spiritual concerns might

the sponge bath demonstration. While

be raised. “The first thing we do is a

students wear shorts and t-shirts, they

self-reflection and examine our own

still experience a feeling of vulnerability

feelings,” she said. “I have had students

that Livingston believes is essential

who have patients die and it’s more than

to teaching dignity. “We have older

they expected, so we try to get them

people, such as WWII veterans, who find

exposed to some of that.”

themselves in this situation of needing help. We want to be respectful and professional, and this way the students know how that feels.”

After each hospital clinical, they sit down as a class and discuss the day.

“We talk about the things that were really tough. Whenever we’re in a room

Another way students get involved in the

and something makes the students

life of a patient is through “Windshield

uncomfortable, I tell them they don’t

Assessments” at local grocery stores. By

have to stay, but they usually manage.

walking the aisles of the places where

You have to not be afraid, otherwise

their patients shop they can see what

you’ll not be able to think when it

healthy food options are available locally

really happens to you. There are those

and how much they cost, thus viewing

decisions that need to be made and we

life from a patient’s perspective.

can gradually expose them to those with

At ETBU, Martha Dudley spends the first

our clinical visits.”

semester with her students “preparing for the bad days.” As a class, they

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Kimberly Quiett, D.N.S. Dean of the School of Nursing LeTourneau University

EMPOWERMENT

Nurse training is available at a range of education levels and Longview has a firm grasp on all of them.

Hallsville ISD lists Health Science

“The state legislature has called for

Technology as one of their more popular

higher education to start streamlining

classes, according to Kathy Gaw, Career

the process to a degree, to make it more

and Technical Education director. Dr.

efficient,” Dr. Patterson said. “Partnering

Van Patterson, LUC’s director, said both

with the junior college and high schools

Hallsville and Pine Tree ISD have shown

is a win-win for all of us.”

interest in a new program they started

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in the fall of 2013 to facilitate a nursing

At KC, students choose to pursue one

degree between high schools, Kilgore

of two tracks: an associate degree

College (KC) and UT-Tyler. Students can

in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of

begin taking dual-credit classes their

science in nursing (BSN). KC’s nursing

junior and senior years, then enter KC as

coursework is crucial in preparing

a sophomore and jump into entry-level

graduates to take the Texas State Board

nursing courses.

examination for licensure as a Registered

We are situated in an area where students can have a lot of different experiences. We have two great hospitals and lots of doctors’ clinics; a few miles away we have rural areas where we can learn about home health care and hospice. So it’s great that students get the benefit of both worlds.

Nurse. Graduates of the ADN program are

opened the doors on its BSN program

trained members of the health care team

this past fall.

in acute, chronic, and ambulatory settings.

“The nursing shortage spreads all over

Those who transfer to a BSN program

the United Sates and we are a national

know they have received a complete

and international draw,” said, Dr. Kimberly

education to prepare them for the

Quiett, dean of the school of nursing. “It’s

next step. Some of the advantages of

important that this appeal to attend here

attending LUC are a marked savings in

continues with our nursing population so

time and money.

we can put nurses back in the workforce where they are most needed.”

“By using the resources we have in place, you can finish 90 to 95 percent of your

LeTourneau’s mission is mission work, and

degree right here in Longview. And you

in its first year as a program, Dr. Quiett

don’t lose a lot of study time traveling back

has already partnered with Buckner

and forth to Tyler,” Dr. Patterson said.

International Ministries to take students to Guatemala for global service learning. But

For those choosing a more traditional

she’s most excited about the opportunities

college route, LeTourneau University

that exist in her own backyard.

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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EMPLOYMENT

Deciding where one wants to land after extensive training can be challenging.

Lydia Dejong Good Shepherd Medical Center started

She has educators throughout the

an externship program that nursing

system who work with students, and

students “can treat like a six-month-

together they encourage the externs to

long job interview,” said Lydia Dejong,

explore all their possibilities. “We want

divisional director for Critical Care,

them to take rounds to all the areas.”

RN, MSN, MBA/HCM, NE-BC, CCCC Divisional Director – Critical Care Good Shepherd Medical Center

Center for Innovative Learning, Medical Simulation Center of East Texas. By floating to different areas of the hospital for 12 hours each week, students get first-hand experience, build better relationships with the staff, and bypass

We send students to places they never thought they would like, but once they try it and see what it’s all about, they find that’s where they want to work and who they want to work with.

much of the orientation process to which new nurses would be subjected.

“Every time the students are here, they’re

Dejong said the best part of overseeing

interviewing the unit they’re working in,

this process is watching the students

and the nurses are interviewing them to

become nurses. “It’s so exciting to

see if they’re a good fit,” Dejong said.

be able to watch them grow. Their

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Evaluations from students help us clarify teaching strategies as well as customer service models.

Students are taught the ‘best’ way to do a skill, so the staff works to meet expectations.

This ultimately benefits the patient, who has the same high expectations.

confidence really rises, and they

you are working toward being the best

know they have a support system in

practitioner possible.”

their co-workers.”

She also noted how the 83rd Texas

“We try to make the hospital conducive to

Legislature is encouraging nurses

teaching and be supportive, because we

to obtain more advanced degrees.

know it’s nerve-wracking on the students

“These advanced practice nurses may

to not know everything,” Dejong said.

have hospital privileges, but most work

“But what I really hope they learn is what

in clinics outside the hospital. However,

it takes to be a good nurse – to have skills but also compassion.”

LRMC allows staff nurses to participate in the tuition reimbursement program

Good nurses are also constantly learning,

in order to gain that level of education

whether that’s on the job or with extra

to benefit the community as a whole.

training. The Institute of Medicine

The idea is to raise the bar for the

recommends at least 80 percent of

nursing profession.”

nurses in the workforce hold their BSN degree. At Longview Regional Medical Center, administrators are taking that a step further by reimbursing nurses who further their education, according to

LRMC also supports nursing students locally by sponsoring clinical rotations for area colleges, as well as having several of their own nurses serve as

Janeen Smith, Education Coordinator.

adjunct faculty.

“LRMC supports additional certification

“The interaction

because it creates ‘experts’ in that area

between staff and

of practice. Gaining a certification is

nursing students

over-and-beyond expectations, so the

allows the students to gain experience

nurse may be rewarded with a merit

in ‘real life’ situations, while allowing the

increase when these are awarded,”

nurses to hone their skills so as to better

Smith said. “Nothing surpasses knowing

teach,” she said.

Janeen Smith, MSN, RN-BC Education Coordinator Longview Regional Medical Center

U N I Q U E LY L O N G V I E W 2 0 1 5

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Focus On Life [We’ll take care of the financials]

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Henry L. Salmon

Lindsay Mraz

Vice President - Financial Advisor

Senior Client Associate

1302 Judson Rd • Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-5343 • www.HenrySalmonRBC.com © 2013 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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[

LongviewChamber of Commerce

STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2015 ~ 2016

2 0 1 4 E AS T T E XAS C OAL I T I ON • AUS T I N, T E XAS

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]

LEADING LONGVIEW. People. Place. Prosperity.

Our initiative is to achieve a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous local economy and improved quality of life in Longview.

“LEADING LONGVIEW. People. Place. Prosperity. is the Chamber’s 2014 - 2016 strategic plan – to support existing businesses while creating jobs and the high quality opportunities Longview has to offer. By leveraging our many strengths, we believe we can improve the local economy and further enhance quality of life for Longview residents. Leading Longview gives our business leaders the framework for achieving these vital goals.” — Brad Tidwell, CEO, Citizens National Bank.

We are proud to call Longview our home. A great community in which we live, work, and play. With its small town feel and proximity to larger metropolitan areas, Longview truly encompasses the best of both worlds.

We have made great strides in recent years to improve the business climate and promote the community to attract visitors, new residents and new employers. Our community is blessed with a group of dedicated leaders committed to improving Longview’s future.

There is still much to be done, however. We find ourselves today in an increasingly challenging global economy where competition is intensifying for talent and other resources. Communities around the country are working strategically to reinvent themselves.

As Longview’s business leaders, we believe now is the time to aggressively leverage our assets and capabilities and become further united in our pursuit of a more prosperous community.

With this in mind, we are excited to announce LEADING LONGVIEW. People. Place. Prosperity. to position our economy for business growth, attract and retain talent, and increase community opportunities. The goals, strategies, and objectives contained within this plan are achievable. Working together, we can move Longview aggressively forward.

Please join us in supporting this exciting and important Longview Chamber strategic plan. With your leadership and commitment, the Longview area will be stronger and more prosperous for generations to come.

Ken Cunningham, Chairman of the Board

Kelly Hall, President/CEO

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OUR STRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES The Longview area has several strengths to capitalize upon and opportunities to pursue over the next few years. Leveraging our strengths and preparing for these opportunities will create business growth and prosperity for all who call Longview “home.”

Strengths • Listed by Forbes Magazine as the 6th most booming city in area growth

since 2000 (2014); Milken Institute as one of the Top 10 Best-Performing Small Cities (2012); rated in 6th place among U.S. cities.

• Diversified economy with comparable share of employment in education, health services, government, manufacturing, and retail.

• Wage increases have been accelerating over the last few years.

• The area’s economic base is diversified with manufacturing, professional

services, oil & gas, construction, healthcare, education, and retail.

• Jobs in mining and supporting industries have expanded in Longview.

• Proximity to Dallas and Shreveport.

Opportunities • Attract and retain skilled workers and degreed individuals in the area to meet the workforce needs of businesses.

• Job growth in construction, while

Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Ken Cunningham

Kelly Hall

Dana Parr

Chairman of the Board

President/CEO

Board Member

Good Shepherd Health System

Longview Chamber of Commerce

Copeland Insurance Group

Wade Johnson

Jim Barron

John Ray

Chairman-Elect of the Board

Board Member

Board Member

J & J Barron Enterprises, LLC

Lively Cadillac GMC

Johnson & Pace, Inc.

Roy Eon

Jill Bayless

Tim Vaughn

Chairman of Finance

Board Member

Board Member

Councilman Richard Manley

TVaughn Builders, LLC

R. Manley Enterprises

Texas Bank and Trust

Brad Tidwell

Kara Bolster

Past Chairman of the Board

Board Member STEMCO

Citizens National Bank

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Appointed Directors

Brett Lindig

Pat Britton

Board Member

Board Member

SYSCO Food Services of East Texas, LLC

Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations

Keith Honey

David Hayes

Board Member

Board Member

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Hayes RV Center

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Joe Bob Joyce Longview Economic Development Corporation

Judge Becky Simpson

relatively flat the last couple of years, should be primed for a resurgence, which creates an up-tick in new housing development and growth in the area.

• Leverage existing high-tech companies to create an incubator or offer technical skills training through partnerships and expertise from the local colleges and university.

• Growth in the area will expand the tax base which could create more government services for Longview area residents.

• Collaborations on redevelopment and revitalization initiatives to revamp the downtown district will bring new businesses to Longview and increased activity by residents.

OVERVIEW After analyzing Longview’s economic environment, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, we are proud to present our Strategic Plan for LEADING LONGVIEW. People.

Place. Prosperity.

Longview needs to ensure the next wave of economic progress. We recognize that our local economy will need to rely on attracting new employers and enticing existing businesses to fuel growth.

Businesses of all sizes will need to be bold and entrepreneurial to seize growth opportunities. The Longview Chamber is committed to being a driving force and reaching out to other partners in our region and state to develop an environment that cultivates business growth and increased economic opportunities.

LEADING LONGVIEW. People. Place. Prosperity.

The strategic plan for the Chamber was developed through the efforts of the Board of Directors as they embarked upon a new 3-year strategic plan. During the initial planning discussions, board members identified two “Big Questions”

that they believe must be addressed in defining the roles and responsibilities of the Chamber.

Our “Big Questions:”

OUR MISSION STATEMENT To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area.

1. Why does the Chamber exist?

VISION STATEMENT

2. What is the Chamber’s role in shaping Longview’s future?

To be recognized as an effective resource, providing relevant, innovative, and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview and Gregg County.

Other questions worth considering also included “How can the Chamber’s leadership initiatives assist in achieving the community’s goals?” and “What is the Chamber’s role in attracting, supporting, and retaining young

OUR CORE IDEOLOGY AND VALUES

families in Longview?”

CORE IDEOLOGY

Implementing this plan will require a

We believe that together we can have a stronger voice and influence positive outcomes.

long-term commitment, as building a strong entrepreneurial community will take time and patience. Success will not be easy to gauge or achieve. The plan is designed to provide a clear strategic direction for the organization. It is not meant to be static. Instead, it is made to be flexible, responding to lessons learned and emerging issues. Each year the Chamber staff will develop a business plan with tactics to advance the strategies.

There are also a number of strategic concerns that we, as a resource for community prosperity, must address to ensure accomplishment of our stated mission. These strategic concerns include: • Developing quality of place • Promoting leaders that represent the community • Expanding leadership programs • Strengthening public/private partnerships • Diversifying membership – importance of diverse points of view • Determining the Chamber’s primary roles • Effectively executing ongoing advocacy • Sharing best practices between members

We believe Longview is a great place to live and work.

We believe that together we can develop leaders to shape Longview’s future.

CORE VALUES Strengthen the local economy by researching and providing available resources to grow our local businesses.

Promote the community by marketing Longview as a destination for new businesses, tourists, active older adults, and potential employees.

Provide networking opportunities by organizing and hosting a myriad of seminars, events, etc. for our Chamber members.

Represent the interests of business with government by building relationships with governmental agencies and effectively voicing the needs of area businesses.

Build community-wide leadership by encouraging and developing a shared vision for the future of Longview and collectively influencing stakeholders to make it happen.

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WHERE WE’RE GOING LEADING LONGVIEW. People. Place.

Prosperity. is a three-year initiative to promote our assets, strengthen our existing businesses and business opportunities, and significantly improve the economic future for all who call the Longview Area home.

HOW WE’RE GOING TO GET THERE

ADVOCACY

• Community Development

Represent the interests of the business community at the local, state, and federal levels by advocating for issues of importance to economic and business development.

BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND RETENTION Continue to target to fill retail and commercial gaps. Work with existing businesses to ensure they continue to thrive in the Longview Area and provide employment opportunities for the county’s citizens.

IMPROVE PERCEPTIONS Collaborate with other organizations to attract and retain a skilled workforce by leveraging Longview’s assets.

ENHANCE VALUE FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURS Promote innovative practices, new business formation, and opportunities for business growth.

MEMBER SERVICES Provide membership benefits and services that give our members an operational and financial competitive advantage.

SKILLED WORKFORCE Lead, coordinate, and support activities that produce a globally competitive, educated, and skilled labor force and that provide quality employment opportunities.

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OUR PRIORITY AREAS • Advocacy/Legislative Affairs

• Economic Development • Organizational Sustainability • Tourism Development

PRIORITY 1: ADVOCACY “Advocating the business perspective on key issues is a basic and vital function of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.

The voice of business is much louder when amplified through the combined voice of over 1,100 members and 45,000 employees. With the new LBPAC in place, we are moving to an even higher and more focused and concentrated level of advocacy on behalf of our members.”

Keith Honey External Affairs Manager AEP-Southwestern Electric Company OVERALL GOAL: Promote and protect the interests of our Longview area businesses.

STRATEGY 1: Advocate support for the City of Longview’s Comprehensive Plan.

OBJECTIVES: • Create a plan to help educate the membership on the importance of implementing and supporting funding initiatives.

• Foster support and facilitate two-way conversations among stakeholders.

• Create a task force for legacy development and to identify corporate

and individual benefactors to sponsor initiatives throughout the City.

STRATEGY 2: Influence public policy on specific local issues through the LBPAC. OBJECTIVES: • Create an understanding of the purpose of the LBPAC. • Define key issues to be advocated by the LBPAC. • Create and execute on the deliverables of the LBPAC. • Create a sustainable funding mechanism for the LBPAC. STRATEGY 3: Influence public policy at all levels of government.

OBJECTIVES: • Stay abreast of rules, regulations and ordinances that impact business.

• Collect input from members on issues that impacts them.

• Educate, and inform members to create and act on well considered public policy.

• Foster partnerships with other entities (Government, LEDCO, SBDC, etc.) to protect interests of business.

• Serve as the voice of business with local, state and federal policymakers.

• Develop and implement a legislative scorecard.

• Continue to support the City with code enforcement businesses to upgrade and maintain an attractive environment in the downtown area.

PRIORITY 2: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT “Longview is a community of hospitable people located in the most beautiful region of Texas, the nation’s center of economic opportunity. What a solid foundation on which to build a unique

quality of life! The business community through the Chamber can lead the way in crafting a vision for the future of Longview.”

Dr. Dale Lunsford President LeTourneau University

OVERALL GOAL: Develop leaders that help to enhance the quality of life in our community.

STRATEGY 1: Continue to provide exceptional Leadership Training.

OBJECTIVES: • Form a 501 (c) 3 foundation to generate additional revenue opportunities for training opportunities for programs like Leadership Longview and YEA!.

• Change Leadership Longview into a year-long introductory program that allows graduates to be inducted into a more prestigious working group of leaders.

• Develop advanced opportunities for the Leadership Longview Alumni Program.

• Leverage the Winter Summit to

support the City of Longview’s Comprehensive Plan and to develop Leadership Longview graduates as ambassadors of support.

• Continue to promote and enhance Leadership Longview and YEA! programs.

• Explore other opportunities to enhance leadership engagement.

STRATEGY 2: Lead the revitalization, development and promotion of downtown Longview.

OBJECTIVES: • Execute on the Urban Main Street Contract which focuses on the four points: promotion, economic restructuring, design, and organization.

• Support the development and implementation of the City’s master plan to transition downtown Longview into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban village offering products, services, arts and entertainment that better reflects our community’s rich and diverse heritage.

STRATEGY 3: Continue to practice economic inclusion by encouraging participation from Longview’s diverse business community.

OBJECTIVES: • Continue to benchmark best practices from other communities.

• Plan for the Chamber’s 100th birthday celebration in 2016.

• Continue to organize and promote participation in annual InterCity Visits.

PRIORITY 3: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “The Longview Chamber of Commerce understands that a community is only as strong as its ability to support the well-being of its residents. We believe the most critical part of our mission is to help facilitate and support the growth of our local and regional economy. With economic growth comes more jobs, a growing and diverse tax base, commercial and retail development and an improving education system and quality of life for our residents.”

Brad Tidwell CEO Citizens National Bank

OVERALL GOAL: Create a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous local economy.

STRATEGY 1: Remain a key partner for entrepreneurial activity.

OBJECTIVES: • Continue to provide signature events to celebrate Longview entrepreneurs.

• Continue to provide education and support for existing enterprises.

• Enhance Chamber University to meet the emerging needs of entrepreneurs.

2014 InterCity Visit to Greenville, South Carolina

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• Continue to provide professional

of urban infrastructure and public

• Foster relationships with other tourism

development courses in a class setting

services. Longview, situated in beautiful

groups/agencies.

and through the E Learning Center.

East Texas, has a lot to offer and the

• Create a marketing plan to promote

• Continue to collaborate with LEDCO,

Chamber’s focus on tourism development

the Longview area and attract visitors.

LETU, and SBDC.

is an important ongoing initiative.”

• Develop and distribute marketing

• Promote entrepreneurship as a career option by providing middle and high schools with speakers from the

Roy Eon

materials.

Texas Bank & Trust

Longview.

• Attend travel shows to promote

• Manage the community calendar.

business community through YEA!.

• Fulfill visitors’ requests about Longview STRATEGY 2:

attractions and activities.

Support continued development in

OVERALL GOAL: Establish the

• Bring in SMERF group meetings.

Longview.

Longview area as the desired

• Service conventions.

OBJECTIVES:

destination for visitors.

STRATEGY 2:

• Increase the Longview/Gregg County

STRATEGY 1:

Demonstrate the value of marketing

tax base.

Market Longview as a destination.

initiatives.

OBJECTIVES:

OBJECTIVES:

• Execute on the Convention and Visitors

• Conduct economic impact

Bureau contract.

studies/reports.

• Continue to participate in state and

• Collect feedback from tourism groups,

regional CVB meetings.

agencies, and SMERF coordinators.

• Enhance and expand “Save Local Now.” • Continue to foster relationships with realtors, property owners, and economic development partners.

STRATEGY 3: Market Longview as a destination to live, work and play.

OBJECTIVES: • Continue to identify cutting-edge opportunities to support workforce development initiatives.

• Continue to engage the workforce in two-way conversations on key community issues.

• Continue to provide in-house and online workforce development training.

• Partner when opportunities arise with other organizations to provide training to existing companies.

• Continue with Business Retention outreach calls to member companies.

PRIORITY 4: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT “Tourism brings vitality and dynamism to cities and is a key economic driver to many. Numerous cities have shown it can play an important role in terms of employment, income and maintenance

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Southern Traveler Magazine Ad

PRIORITY 5: ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY “The Longview Chamber of Commerce has made organizational sustainability a top priority in its Strategic Plan. We are working in the present, using evaluation and innovation, to be certain that the Chamber’s future is strong, allowing us to be the solution leader for Longview area businesses for years to come.”

Dana Parr Copeland Insurance Group

OVERALL GOAL: Position the organization and the staff for long-term success.

STRATEGY 1: Strive for Operational Excellence.

OBJECTIVES: • Provide cutting-edge technology to achieve increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.

• Protect and improve the Chamber facilities to create a safe and efficient work environment and provide a warm and welcoming environment for visitors.

• Attract and retain executive level Chamber professionals and support team members.

• Continue to invest in professional development opportunities to enhance staff skills.

• Begin preparation for the renewal of the Chamber’s 5 Star Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

STRATEGY 2: Remain the lead in convening key stakeholders to drive Longview’s future.

• Elevate our Board’s leadership role in representing members through civic discussions and community engagement.

• Grow the organization’s effectiveness, influence and sustainability through collaboration and partnerships.

STRATEGY 3: Remain the number one choice as THE SOLUTION LEADER for access and resources for Longview area businesses.

OBJECTIVES: • Determine best practices in Chamber membership investment levels and benefits.

• Continue to engage a new generation of business leaders.

• Continue to strengthen relationships with key stakeholder organizations.

SUMMARY To be successful, we need leadership as well as involvement from a broad base of community leaders. The Longview Chamber of Commerce will provide the staffing and overall management of this plan, but the execution of these priority goals and the opportunity to succeed rests with leaders who will be the ambassadors of Longview.

Longview Chamber of Commerce Staff Kelly R. Hall, CCE IOM President/CEO

Paul Anderson, CDME Senior Vice President & Director of Communications

Suzanne Brown Advocacy & Communications Director

Kayla Cantey Convention Meetings Manager

Amy Canton Leadership Longview Coordinator

Carrie Fisher Director of First Impressions

Courtney Gill YEA! Coordinator

Margie Harris Tourism Services Manager

Lisa Monsivais Members Services Coordinator

Leska Parker, CMP Director of Development

Elaine Reynolds Vice President of Event Operations

Melissa Saunders Business Development and Special Events Director

Decedric Williams Program & Project Assistant

This plan is distinguished by its aggressiveness, transparency and commitment to evaluating its progress by established benchmarks. This plan will be achieved through strong leadership, dedication, and broad collaboration. We will know which goals we are achieving and which need more attention, but we need your leadership to make it happen.

LEADING LONGVIEW. People. Place. Prosperity.

Join our efforts to Lead Longview.

OBJECTIVES: • Maintain the Board’s role and effectiveness in developing a strong vision for the Chamber’s long-term sustainability.

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