2012 Strategic Business Development Plan for the Longview Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Business Development Plan Welcome Guiding Concepts Executive Summary Organizational Guidelines and Objectives Strategic Business Development Plan Chamber of Commerce Officers, Directors and Staff

L E A D I N G B U S I N E S S E S . L E A D I N G C O M M U N I T I E S .™

Longview Chamber of Commerce

Welcome

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

As the Mayor of Longview, I welcome you to our community. Longview has experienced remarkable momentum over the last 4-5 years in spite of a struggling national economy. A new Longview is taking shape all over town. We have new schools, new churches, new walking trails, new medical facilities, new subdivisions, and new streets. We’ve also seen continued revitalization in areas such as downtown and our train depot.

2012 executive B oa r d o f D i r e c to r s Chairman Dr. Dale Lunsford LeTourneau University Pa s t C h a i r m a n Anne Hugman Hugman Architecture & Construction, Inc. C h a i r m a n – El e c t Richard Andrews Richard Andrews Consulting Chairman of Finance David McWhorter Gans & Smith Insurance Company Vice Chairman Dianne Swank Suzanne Cook & Company Vice Chairman Brad Tidwell Citizens National Bank Vice Chairman Tim Vaughn TVaughn Builders LLC P RESIDENT Kelly Hall Longview Chamber of Commerce

2 0 1 2 B oa r d o f Directors Jill Berney Longview Regional Medical Center Pat Britton Eastman Chemical Company Cathy Cace Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steak House Jon Cox STEMCO Jeremy DuMond U.S. Steel Tubular Products John Ray Lively Cadillac GMC Shelby Snell Oleum Operating Company Dave Spurrier Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

2 0 1 2 A P P OINTED DIRE C TORS Suzanne Cook Suzanne Cook & Company Jay Dean City of Longview Keith Honey Voting Member – Longview Economic Development Corporation Brett Lindig SYSCO Food Services of East Texas, LLC Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County

This momentum is the result of a collaborative effort by many people and their passion to make Longview a better community. We have worked together to make Longview a hub for many in the East Texas Region. This collaboration has been a partnership of both public and private entities. I am proud to say that the greater Longview area recently received the #1 ranking of cities in the state for job growth from June 2010 through June 2011. Our unemployment rate has been more than a full point better than the state average and nearly two points better than the national average.

To maintain momentum we must continue to find ways to improve the quality of life for our residents, and I believe this community is doing that. Every day since being elected mayor in 2005, I have witnessed remarkable people throughout Longview accomplishing remarkable achievements. I am truly humbled to be given the opportunity to serve Longview.

Jay Dean

Mayor, City of Longview

One of America’s finest Christian universities, LeTourneau University brought me to Longview several years ago. This year, I’m honored to give back to the community as Chairman of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. We have a great story to tell.

Only the most professional chambers in the United States receive a 5-Star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber and Longview was honored with that recognition last year. The Longview Chamber of Commerce was also named as one of only two finalists in their budget category for Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

The Chamber staff is acknowledged again and again for their creativity and productivity.

Led by President/CEO Kelly Hall and our Board of Directors, our Chamber staff is dedicated to representing the interests of the business community and our 1,200 members.

Just one example of their leadership is the Total Resource Campaign initiative which will enhance the Chamber’s ability to serve and connect our local businesses in new ways.

Longview has a strong economy and one of the healthiest business climates in the nation.

It is a city that works together – beginning with the productive cooperation of local governments. In a multitude of ways, the Chamber works in partnership with the City of Longview and the Longview Economic Development Corporation to build our community.

A nationally-recognized Chamber of Commerce, a vibrant business climate and a city with positive civic leadership are all uniquely Longview. I invite you to come find opportunity here.

Dale A. Lunsford, Ph.D.

Chairman, Longview Chamber of Commerce

G U I D I NG C O N CE P T S

Leading Businesses. Leading Communities.™ Mission Statement To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area.

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

Core Competencies Strengthen the Local Economy Promote the Community Provide Networking Opportunities Represent the Interests of Business with Government Build Community Leadership & Development Programs

Our Organization The Longview Chamber of Commerce The Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street

Executive Summary The Longview Chamber is the largest and most influential business organization in Gregg County and is recognized as one of the leading Chambers of Commerce in the state of Texas and the United States. The Chamber’s Board of Directors recognizes the importance of continuing this pathway of excellence, and in 2007 committed to developing the Longview Chamber’s Strategic Plan.

The Plan is intended to build upon prior success and take advantage of future opportunities for the next three to five years.

The theme for the 2012 Business Plan is “building an environment where businesses can grow and prosper.” In other words, we must strengthen the local economy. This theme is founded on the belief that to be prepared for the next wave of economic recovery, it is imperative for the Longview Chamber to identify indicators and driving forces that capitalize on our area’s innovation, intellect and influence. That is why in the fall of 2011 the Board of Directors, a committee of 19 individuals representing a diverse cross-section of the 1,200 plus Chamber membership, revisited the Strategic Plan to further complement the process. Additionally, a combination of interviews, surveys, and focus groups was completed by Market St. Strategies in February 2010 in an effort to provide an organizational analysis for the Longview Chamber and Longview Economic Development Corporation. The input gathered has been used to tailor the strategic plan moving forward. The current plan builds on the considerable success the Chamber has experienced over the past decade and, at the same time, emphasizes directions and priorities that will enhance its competitive position, make the Longview Chamber more distinctive and demonstrate the Chamber’s commitment to promoting the community in a variety of ways.

As a precursor to the plan, a business and organizational survey of the entire Chamber membership was conducted in 2005, 2007 and 2010. The response rate to this survey was well over 30%. In all three surveys five key areas were identified as priorities: promoting the community, strengthening the local economy, providing networking opportunities, representing business with government and developing community leaders. Chuck Ewart with the Ewart Group was contracted with to facilitate the 2011 and 2012 planning retreat with the Board of Directors. This year’s two day retreat included input from the mayor of Longview, the county judge and the executive director of the Longview Economic Development Corporation to ensure a collaborative comprehensive approach to moving the organization forward.

In summary, there will be many positive changes at the Longview Chamber over the next three to five years. These changes will build on the Chamber’s past accomplishments and continue to preserve its core competencies and traditions.

— The Longview Chamber Board of Directors

2012 Organizational Guidelines “THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE... IS TO CREATE IT.” – Peter Drucker

Organizational Core Competency To hone organizational effectiveness and prioritization, all endeavors must match the organization’s unique strengths. In order for the Longview Chamber to consider a leadership position in and/or to actively engage in an activity, it must meet the criteria of being a core competency as defined by: • Have a regional scope or impact • Make a significant contribution to how our members perceive the activities value • Be difficult for others to imitate

Action Criteria To ensure that the Longview Chamber does not stray from its core mission and is able to achieve its annual business objectives, it is important that all activities are continually evaluated and measured against the following: • Does it fulfill our mission of fostering economic prosperity in the Longview trade area?

• Does it align with our core values?

• Does it offer direct value to our members in accordance with their interests?

• Does it offer an opportunity for attracting new members and retaining existing members?

• Does it allow us to generate or enhance our regional influence and credibility?

• Does it make a measureable net financial contribution to the organization?

Business Profile 2011 2011 proved to be a very exciting year for the Longview Chamber! In June the U. S. Chamber

of Commerce recognized Longview as a 5 Star Accredited Chamber ranking Longview in the top 1% of Chambers of Commerce. The American Chamber of Commerce named the Longview Chamber as a finalist for Chamber of the Year in August 2011. With nearly, 1,200 Longview area business supporting the Longview Chamber, Longview is now one of the largest mid-market Chambers in Texas. Our membership range includes sole proprietors, small and medium-sized businesses, as well as large corporations.

77% of our members are businesses with 25 employees or less; 14% are small businesses made up of 26-99 employees; and 9% are large businesses with 100 or more employees. The Longview Chamber has a significant record of accomplishment throughout the area including business and job growth, pro-business policy development collaborative problem solving, civic engagement, public-private partnerships and delivering superior member value.

2012 Organizational Objectives The results of these specific objectives may be difficult to measure. However, specific consideration of these objectives is built into each division’s specific tactics.

The achievement of these objectives is fundamental to ensuring that the Longview Chamber remains one of the most influential business organizations in the region.

• Strategically execute business and job development activities that improve our area’s economy.

• Actively advocate on behalf of the area’s businesses on important public policy issues.

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

• Deliver superior member value to grow our membership.

• Proactively communicate member value through the area’s business community.

• Advance and promote the competitive advantages of the Longview trade area.

• Elevate our leadership role in civic discussions, community engagement, volunteerism and philanthropy.

2012 Operational Objectives These objectives are measureable goals, which must be achieved in order to ensure the Longview Chamber’s operational success.

• Achieve a break-even net income budget.

• Maintain a minimum financial reserve of $250,000.

• Attract $40,000 in new membership dollars.

• Achieve 90% membership renewal, totaling $340,000 in membership revenue.

• Generate $100,000 in non-dues revenue through the Total Resource Campaign and events such as the East Texas Outdoor EXPO, PARBUSTERS Golf Tournament, seminars, publication sales, and contributions.

• Develop and cultivate the next generation of community and civic leaders.

Longview Chamber staff members accept the Chamber Finalist of the Year award from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

LONGVIEW BREAKING RECORDS IN JOB CREATION DURING ROLLER COATER ECONOMIC TIMES

2012

Strategic Business Development Plan

2012 Key Initiatives • Explore the formation of an Innovation Center to aid in strengthening the local economy.

• Coordinate and participate in an Inter-City Visit to aid in promoting the community.

• Develop a Business Accreditation Model.

• Determine the need for a PAC and the hiring of a lobbyist to support representing business interests to governmental agencies.

Strengthening the Local Economy Job creation continues to rank as the #1 priority for our Chamber membership. The Longview Chamber’s priority is to help create a vibrant business community. Strengthening our local economy boils down to cultivating the atmosphere, policies, programs and culture where members can grow their businesses. The Longview Chamber understands our role is to sell the community as the place that can help grow and attract jobs.

Strategic Objectives • Retain, expand and attract business.

• Resource for economic information.

• Communicate value and benefit of business.

• Expand opportunities for small, minority and women-owned enterprises.

• Attract visitors/tourists.

Business Development Committee Purpose To initiate, promote, market and sustain area business development opportunities that will strengthen our local economy and enhance the trade areas business climate.

Action Items • Assist existing business by providing connections to resources that will help businesses thrive in a challenging economic environment.

• Provide continuing education opportunities for entrepreneurial development and small business training that contribute to increasing and sustaining competitiveness.

• Continue to coordinate and maintain an efficient “one stop” business resource center for small business services and information through “TOOLS FOR BUSINESS” on the Chamber’s website (www.longviewchamber.com).

• Coordinate and produce the annual Business EXPO and recognize the Small Business Person of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year winners.

• Explore the creation of an Innovation Center which fosters innovation by providing entrepreneurs with the resources to turn their ideas into sustainable companies.

• Develop and produce a brochure on “How to Start a Business” to be left at key places such as Planning & Zoning, banks and the County Courthouse.

• Explore the potential of creating an Accredited Certification Program for businesses.

Retail/Commercial Recruitment & Expansion Purpose To take the lead in promoting Longview as a destination community to prospective new retail and commercial businesses.

Action Items • Produce media campaign focusing on the importance of shopping local.

• Pursue access to East Texas MLS. • Establish and maintain regular meetings and communications with property managers, realtors and developers.

• Maintain a list of available properties for sale and lease.

• Maintain usage of Retail Outlook Guide and Claritis to provide leakage opportunities and demographic information.

• Design, develop and maintain new web page to support research and development by adding useful instruments for potential developers or investors to increase awareness of the City of Longview.

• Provide updated aerial maps which include vacant land, retail buildings and planned developments that are currently available upon request.

• Develop and implement surveys to create broader awareness and increase participation of retail development.

• Maintain advertisement for the ICSC show in the Texas Real Estate Business magazine, Texas Real Estate Business e-newsletter, and Dealmakers Magazine.

• Continue social media contact through Twitter, Facebook and RSS feeds via Chamber website to enhance public awareness.

• Provide continuing education opportunities for retail/commercial development.

• Develop and maintain database contacts with information.

Downtown Redevelopment Purpose Embrace the Main Street philosophy and utilize the four point approach toward preservation and rejuvenation of the downtown area while creating and implementing a comprehensive 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.

Action ITEMs

Organization Committee

• Raise money for projects and administration from donations and sponsorships.

• Recruit volunteers, supervise and reward good work.

• Promote the program and downtown interests to the public.

• Visit business people – to solicit their support and update them on the program plans.

• Develop a cohesive board to ensure the long-term success of Main Street.

• Increase the participation of downtown occupants in the Main Street program.

• Establish funding plans for the short-term needs and a long-term organizational fund development strategy to enable long-range planning.

• Develop long-term strategy and plan to inform and educate on downtown parking.

• Develop plan to expand Main Street District including proposal of best time and area to add to present district.

• Establish a volunteer program to support the work of the committees.

Promotion Committee

• Understand the changing market – both potential shoppers and your “competition.”

• Identify downtown assets – including people, building, heritage and marketplace.

• Hold meetings – to analyze data, develop strategies, brainstorm ideas and plan events.

• Visit business people – get their ideas, solicit their support and update them on plans.

• Organize projects – schedule participants, vendors, contractors and services.

• Create NEW image campaigns, retail promotions and special events.

• Develop strategies to lure people back to the downtown area.

• Develop strategy for the promotion of the Main Street District.

• Create and host retail events in the Main Street District.

• Create and produce special events in the Main Street District.

Design Committee

• Become an “expert” on the district’s character.

• Help owners make improvements to façades, signs and window displays.

• Promote the program and downtown interests to the public.

• Meet once a month to discuss downtown design issues, brainstorm ideas and incentives.

• Visit business people to talk about their buildings and discuss design assistance.

• Administer design review and approval process to ensure financial incentive.

• Make design recommendations.

• Develop and publish a guide to all buildings in Longview’s Main Street District.

• Develop a District Design Guideline Handbook.

• Based on Design Guidelines, identify process, select and implement District Improvement Initiative.

• Implement first stage of Wayfinding Project directing traffic to downtown.

Economic Restructuring Committee

• Learn about the District’s current economic condition and identify opportunities for market growth.

• Strengthen existing businesses and recruit new ones.

• Find new economic uses for traditional Main Street buildings.

• Monitor the economic performance of the District.

• Hold monthly meetings to analyze data, measure progress and brainstorm ideas.

• Visit business people to get their ideas, find out how their business is doing and update them on plans.

• Coordinate groups to help conduct surveys or meet with potential business prospects.

• Meet with financiers to develop incentive programs and identify sources of capital.

• Work with realtors, developers and property owners to plan real estate improvement projects.

• Develop a District profile.

• Identify new market opportunities for the commercial district.

• Develop Local Lower Interest Loan Pool/ Program for investment in Longview Main Street District.

Convention & Visitors Bureau Purpose Strengthen the economy and enrich the quality of life in Longview through the promotion of the city as a premiere destination for conventions, meetings, tournaments, and leisure activities.

Action Items • Solicitation of publishers, film and television producers, editors, writers, media personalities, travel agents, tour producers, executives of associations and other convention and group meeting prospects for the purpose of inducing them to advertise, publicize and encourage group movements to Longview, and providing transportation for such people for familiarization trips so they may analyze the City’s visitor and convention assets.

• Direct, telephone and mail contacts with employees or officers of groups which may desire to bring a convention/meeting to Longview.

• Development and distribution of convention bid folders.

• Provision of support services to conventions/meetings in Longview.

• Direct contacts at conventions elsewhere in the United States to attract conventions/meeting to Longview.

• Provision for the payment of expenses for major conventions, such as shuttle bus service and gifts/souvenirs.

• Operation of a visitor information center, including at least one satellite location, which shall make referral to City attractions, and shall endeavor to provide facilities through which reservations can be expedited at hotels and other facilities.

• Development of ways to measure the percentage and number of people who visit attractions after stopping at visitor information centers.

• Compiling and analyzing data information on tourism and convention business in Longview and comparable information on other locales.

• Aggressively include in the fulfillment of foregoing obligations, promotion and marketing of City-owned and sponsored facilities including, but not limited to, the East Texas Regional Airport, Maude Cobb Convention Activity Center, Gregg County Museum and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts through such methods as including materials promoting such attractions in mail outs and other efforts to assure that visitors to the Longview area receive information about such attractions.

• Continue to strongly and actively staff and support renewed sports tourism initiative to promote Longview as a sports tourism destination.

Outdoor EXPO Purpose Longview’s heritage is rooted in our outdoors with venues for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational sports. Longview’s Outdoor EXPO is the largest venue east of I-35. The EXPO creates a marketplace for buyers and sellers of the boating and camping industry. The event also provides an outstanding way to market a positive image of the hunter, the angler and the outdoorsperson by demonstrating how these groups contribute both environmentally and economically to a healthy East Texas.

Action Items • Host a marketplace to attract residents and visitors.

• Increase visibility through targeted media sources.

Promoting the Community The Longview Chamber takes the lead in promoting the community by helping to recruit new businesses to locate here, participating in efforts to improve our quality of life and by advocating our community as a great place for people to work, do business, and raise a family.

Strategic Objectives • Promote Longview as the place to Live, Work and Play.

• Design, develop and implement consistent, year-round marketing and advertising initiatives to expand public awareness of The Chamber.

Promotion Committee Purpose To carry on a continuing and sustainable program of advertising and promotional activities designed to make known the advantages of Longview for recreation and business. The committee shall determine priorities and develop and maintain a marketing plan that will best accomplish the goals, and shall be responsible for the implementation of approved projects.

Wall of Fame Display at Chamber of Commerce Offices

Action Items • Develop and distribute literature, maps, folders and other advertising and promotional material to solicit visitors and conventioneers, and to better inform visitors and conventioneers of local attractions when they arrive.

• Create and distribute movies, film clips, photographs, color separations and transparencies to be used for publicity.

• Develop and distribute promotion advertising in convention trade publications.

• Develop and maintain mobile sites for the Chamber, CVB, and Main Street.

• Develop and maintain websites for Chamber, CVB, and Main Street.

• Maintain ChamberApp with current list of members.

• Produce weekly E-News for Chamber members.

• Produce quarterly E-News for Main Street.

• Produce six (6) Chamber newsletters.

• Develop member-testimonial marketing products.

• Enhance Social Media Strategy.

• Continue to utilize a member-feedback system to monitor needs, results and interests of members, including customer surveys, member testimonial forms, utilization of Chamber Ambassadors and Board of Directors.

• Ensure the Wayfinding initiative is implemented.

• Launch Longview’s official Geocaching program.

Building Community Leadership & Development Programs Developing and identifying community stakeholders to leverage and maximize resources.

This provides opportunities to form strategic alliances that the Chamber may either lead, participate, or spin-off. The Longview Chamber is always scanning the horizon to seek opportunities to fill community gaps that help advance the Chamber’s mission.

Strategic Objectives • Identify and develop community leaders.

• Identify issues that negatively impact quality of life to develop programs/partnerships to tackle these issues.

Leadership Longview Purpose Foster positive relationships between various community constituencies through leadership development, communications and collaboration to enhance the overall quality of life.

Action Items • Maintain coordination and management of annual Leadership Longview program.

Leadership Longview Class of 2011

• Publish a Leadership Longview graduation booklet profiling participants.

• Leadership Longview Alumni Network.

Community Development Purpose To raise the level of awareness within our community about the value of appearance to our quality of life and to provide leadership for effecting change where change is needed.

Action Items • Coordinate and participate with the American Chamber of Commerce in an “Inter City” Visit.

• Launch Shining Stars Under 40 Luncheon.

• Continue to provide staff support for Keep Longview Beautiful.

• To function as a clearinghouse for appearance-related activities in our community.

• Continue to educate and engage businesses and citizens to take responsibility for improving our community environment.

• To act as a catalyst with individuals, businesses, government, and organizations for improving the appearance of our community.

• To provide a forum for community discussions on appearance-related issues in our community.

• Speak as an advocacy group for improved appearance in our community.

• Work with TXDOT to ensure the implementation of the appropriate welcoming signage, architecture, and landscaping previously planned.

Providing Networking Opportunities to Build Business Relationships Networking is one of the oldest ways to make connections. Networking is all about providing valuable member connections and access to other business leaders. It is an effective, low cost way to build business relationships, generate leads, and learn valuable information. The Longview Chamber provides high-quality, value-added opportunities for members to interact and foster profitable business relationships.

Strategic Objectives • Aid member businesses to be more competitive and profitable.

• Achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Utilize new technologies and tools to enhance member connections.

• Leverage membership group to help businesses lower overhead.

• Continue to position the Chamber as the “Go To” organization for business resources.

Membership Development Purpose To increase Chamber membership and to improve retention and participation of existing members through a full range of valued services.

Action Items • Enhance and expand Ambassadors program with emphasis on personal membership contacts, networking and effective member communications.

• Hold scheduled networking and membership activities that provide a quality, enjoyable environment for fellowship, membership communications, and expanded participation, including regular membership orientations.

• Promote involvement of employees in all Chamber-member firms and organizations.

• Enhance online member referral program.

• Investigate new opportunities that provide access to group buying power.

• Continue to champion the Chamber’s Sensible Solutions & Chamber Choice Health Care initiatives.

• Focus on enhancing the Hospitality Training Sessions.

• Maintain an accurate membership data base which provides online referrals for members.

Par Busters Golf Tournament Purpose To provide networking events that business professionals who participate will leave with sales leads, business referrals and prospective clients.

Action Items • Conduct the 18th Annual PARBUSTERS Golf Tournament.

• Continue to assist in raising scholarships.

• Assist in raising funds for the Longview Chamber.

Representing the Interest of Business with Government The way the world does business is changing – what does not change is the need to represent the interest of business with

government. The Longview Chamber has the strategic political insight, remains knowledgeable about current business issues, knows the players, and can be a positive force to promote business interests with government.

When the Chamber focuses on politics and policy, our Chamber members can take care of running their companies!

Strategic Objectives • Drive public policy for the business community.

• Lead critical business issues and make a lasting impact.

• Actively communicate on issues and be the 24/7 source of information for business.

• Ensure elected officials and decision-makers are educated about the impacts of the actions on business and the economy.

• Position the Chamber as the progressive and effective force in the community.

• Give creative solutions that protect taxpayers, provide essential services and improve economic conditions.

• Implement initiatives that contribute to assessment and advocacy of long-range transportation and infrastructure needs to support expansion of the area’s economic base.

Business Advocacy Committee Purpose To identify and influence public policy that impacts business bottom line. To harness the collective power and join together to represent our members as the leading voice on public policy.

Action Items • Utilize LongviewVotes.com to keep members informed and to stimulate business involvement in identified public policy issues.

• Develop a legislative agenda with clearly defined priorities based on feedback and input from Chamber members.

• Maintain regular meetings and communications with elected officials at all levels of government to build productive relationships and sustain advocacy roles for business.

• Establish task force to review, assess and make recommendations that enhance and improve a ”business friendly” environment for commerce with and through local governmental leaders, agencies, and departments. and streamline permitting, planning and

The Longview Chamber of Commerce, the Longview Economic Development Corporation and the City of Longview partnered for the 2011 Economic Luncheon featuring Dr. Ray Perryman with The Perryman Group.

other appropriate governmental processes for economic development purposes.

• Maintain and enhance visibility and presence of The Longview Chamber in Austin and Washington through regular visits and use of networking with Chamber members, including the Gregg County Legislative Trip.

• Coordinate an elected officials reception or event.

• Strategically utilize and participate with other coalitions and regional groups, such as the Regional Mobility Authority, to influence public policy.

• Coordinate an annual meeting between the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Longview City Council and the Gregg County Commissioners to promote regional dialogue and educate local elected officials on the Chamber’s priorities.

• Develop marketing collateral to educate and create awareness among membership and prospective members on advocacy initiatives and successes.

• Explore the possibility of creating a Political Action Committee (PAC) to advance key local issues and tap into dollars to fund advocacy campaigns for our community.

• Explore the possibility of hiring a lobbyist for the 2013 legislative session.

Transportation Task Force Purpose To monitor, prioritize, advocate for and respond to issues concerning mobility projects in coordination with local and statewide groups. The task force’s focus is improvement and enhancement of all modes of transportation that will create a vibrant business environment in Gregg County.

Action Items • Evaluate, monitor, encourage and contribute to short-term and long-term transportation initiatives that support an expanding economic base.

• Maintain ongoing communication with TxDOT officials and City of Longview staff regarding current and planned projects.

• Cooperate with and support the East Texas Regional Airport to enhance local air service.

• Provide continued support for the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and ETCOG’s Rural Planning

Organization. Serve as an advocate for their projects that positively impact the Longview area.

• Continue to support the East Texas Corridor Council initiatives, particularly, how it impacts the Longview area and our pursuit of multi-modal capabilities.

ADMINISTRATIVE EVENTS Annual Meeting • Host event to recognize and honor volunteer leadership and announce the 2011 Chairman’s Award.

Salute to Health Care • Sponsor the 3rd annual “Salute to Health Care” awards program to recognize outstanding local achievements in health care and highlight the economic impact of the health care industry in the Longview trade area.

Leadership Longview Graduation • Coordinate and host a graduation event that spotlights the success of the participants.

Shining Stars Under 40 • Identify, research, and publically recognize successful business persons under the age of 40 at a Chamber hosted celebration.

• Consider partnering with local news media for promotion of the event/people.

State of the City • Sponsor an annual address by our city’s mayor that offers an opportunity to celebrate the progress of our community.

Member Appreciation Event • Host Prime Time to demonstrate appreciation to Chamber members for their involvement and commitment to the Longview Chamber.

Educational Series • Coordinate and host four business development training opportunities.

• Technology Series that addresses building a Social Media Strategy.

• Women’s leadership development programs.

Business After Hours • Organize and facilitate eight networking opportunities for Chamber members and prospective members.

Texas Hospitality • Organize and facilitate three hospitality training sessions targeting front line employees.

Member2Member • Coordinate and host monthly new member orientations.

2012 LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICERS Dr. Dale Lunsford

David McWhorter

Tim Vaughn

LeTourneau University

Gans & Smith Insurance Company

TVaughn Builders LLC

Anne Hugman

Dianne Swank

Kelly Hall

Suzanne Cook & Company

Longview Chamber of Commerce

Chairman of the Board

Immediate Past Chairman of the Board

Chairman of Finance

Vice Chairman

Hugman Architecture & Construction, Inc.

Richard Andrews Chairman Elect of the Board

Vice Chairman

President

Brad Tidwell Vice Chairman

Citizens National Bank Richard Andrews Consulting

2012 LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DIRECTORS Jill Berney

Jon Cox Director

Shelby Snell

Director

Longview Regional Medical Center

STEMCO

Oleum Operating Company

Pat Britton

Jeremy DuMond

Dave Spurrier

Eastman Chemical Company

U.S. Steel Tubular Products

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Cathy Cace

John Ray

Johnny Cace’s Seafood and Steak House

Lively Cadillac GMC

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

2012 LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APPOINTED DIRECTORS Suzanne Cook

Keith Honey

Appointed Director

Appointed Director Voting Member – LEDCO

Suzanne Cook & Company

Judge Bill Stoudt Appointed Director Gregg County

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Mayor Jay Dean

Brett Lindig

City of Longview

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Appointed Director

Appointed Director

2012 LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF Kelly Hall President

903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com

Mitzi Barnes

Convention Sales and Services Coordinator Executive Director, East Texas Outdoor EXPO

Margie Harris

Tourism Services Coordinator 903-753-3281 Ext. 216 info@longviewtx.com

903-753-3281 Ext. 217 projects@longviewtx.com

Paul Anderson

Senior Vice President 903-237-4041 lcvb@longviewtx.com

Diana Northcutt

Community Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com

Leska Parker

Lisa Null

903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewt.com

903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com

Elaine Reynolds

Missy Saunders

Chief Operating Officer

Vice President, Downtown Development 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com

Membership Services Clerk

Promotions & Events Manager 903-237-4000 promotions@longviewtx.com

Mary Whitton

Kim Droege

903-237-4002 programs@longviewtx.com

903-212-4552 klb@longviewtx.com

Community Development Director

Executive Director, Keep Longview Beautiful

Carrie Fisher

Director of First Impressions 903-237-4000 info1@longviewtx.com

Katie Reynolds

Special Events Assistant 903-753-3281 Ext. 215 assistant@longviewtx.com

The Chamber Twitters and Other Social Networking

The Chamber of Commerce continues to embrace technology to remain relevant to Chamber members, community leaders, and volunteers.

In addition to regularly updating the website, the Chamber is also engaged in the social media networking sites Facebook, Word Press, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

Staying Connected

LinkedIn Join the Longview Chamber of Commerce Company Page and Group

Facebook Fan Pages www.facebook.com/longviewchamber www.facebook.com/downtownlongview www.facebook.com/visitlongviewtx

Twitter www.twitter.com/LongviewChamber www.twitter.com/longviewtexas

www.twitter.com/visitlongviewtx

YouTube www.youtube.com/LongviewChamber

WORD PRESS www.businessinlongview.com

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