Longview Progress Report May-June 2013

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES.™

REPORT

May / June 2013 Vol. 7 No. 3

Fight.

Helping you beat breast cancer with the region’s first and only 3D mammogram.

Diagnostic Clinic of Longview now offers an astounding new weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Our new 3D mammography will allow physicians to examine breast tissue in greater detail – resulting in improved accuracy and a better chance at early detection. Contact Diagnostic Clinic of Longview’s Center for Breast Care at 903-232-8596 to make your appointment today.

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

From the President How Your Chamber Promotes a Pro-Business Agenda

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t is believed the first Chamber was formed in the U.S. in 1773 by the Charleston Chamber.

That same year the Boston business leaders formed their Chamber to protest against the tax that had been imposed by the British on tea. Between 1860-1912 attempts were made to organize businessmen nationally. A National Board of Trade was established in the 1860s.

Contents From the President..........................3 What’s In Your Toolbox for Business Success?...........................4 Chamber Resolutions Boost Businesses ............................5 Celebrating Excellence In Small Business............................6 AlleyFest - Block Party of the Year.....7

On April 22, 1912, President Taft addressed a delegation of businessmen. He told delegates, “We want your assistance in carrying on the government in reference to those matters that affect the business and the business welfare of the country, and we do not wish to limit your discretion in the matter. We wish that your advice should be as free and unrestrained as possible, but we need your assistance and we ask for it.”

Ribbon Cuttings...............................8

That was the catalyst for the formation of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and within months our National Chamber became a reality. By the end of 1912 two new publications became available to members, The Legislative Bulletin and the General Bulletin. The former, issued weekly while Congress was in session, traced “the course of legislation affecting the financial, commercial, civic, and industrial interests of the country at large,” including “all changes in status.” The General Bulletin covered a range of business subjects of interest to members.

Collaboration = Success for Small Businesses...........................11

Today, over 4,000 Chambers of Commerce exist. Over time Chambers found that advocating on behalf of business is a daunting task and can create conflict. Some Chambers became nothing more than a feel good social club. In the past twenty years Chambers across the country have been redefining the role they play and how they act on behalf of the business community.

Chamber began asking their members the tough questions about their expectations. This dialogue has made clear that business owners, operators, and executives overwhelminly shared that the most important role a Chamber can play is to advocate on their behalf with local, state, and national elected officials.

Today’s business leaders are looking for the same type of representation their predecessors sought 100 years ago. “The Chamber is of value to the individual businessman because it gives organized and nationwide expression to the idea that business is service, and nothing is good for business that isn’t good for the ultimate consumer.”

Your Chamber of Commerce Over the past several years the leadership has refocused the priorities back to one of its ironclad commitment to the

Anniversaries and New Members.......9 Lunch & Learn about Leadership Longview.....................10

Leadership Class Completes Hwy 80 Mission Special Project......12 Untangling the Power for Social Media in Business ...............13 Longview Tourism It’s all about Small Business...........14 Chamber Events Calendar..............15

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601 903-237-4000 / www.LongviewChamber.com The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber @LongviewChamber

Continued to Promote on Page 10 www.LongviewChamber.com

May - June 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Strengthening our Local Economy What is in Your Business Tool Kit?

2013 Officers Brad Tidwell

Citizens National Bank

Dr. Dale Lunsford

LeTourneau University

Jeremy DuMond

U.S. Steel Tubular Products

David McWhorter

Gans & Smith Insurance Company

Jill Bayless

Longview Regional Medical Center

Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Builders LLC

Brett Lindig

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Kelly Hall

Longview Chamber of Commerce

2013 Directors James Barron Barron’s

Kara Bolster STEMCO

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company

Ken Cunningham

Good Shepherd Medical Center

David Hayes

Hayes RV Center

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Keith Honey

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Darwin Winfield Atmos Energy

2013 Appointed Directors Lester Lucy BancorpSouth

Mayor Jay Dean City of Longview

Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County

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Ways to Grow your Business: Be Visible!

erhaps now more than ever before, small businesses face a challenge of visibility.

Have you ever heard someone say, “If you BUILD it they will COME”? It is not true and it is dangerous to your businesses to act as if it is. Your business must be visible to attract the customers you want and need.

your business doesn’t appear on a search with a smartphone, because to them it doesn’t exist.

Another old adage was “to be visible, you had to list your business in the yellow pages.”

Today, it is still good to be in multiple places but yellow pages alone isn’t good enough. You have to be seen on internet capable devices like smartphone and tablets, GPS tracking systems, and on the web.

If you want to grow, you must be visible.

Your Longview Chamber of Commerce provides resources on our website that can help small businesses meet that challenge. Tools For Business Success is a service which offers ideas and education on how to increase exposure of your product, location and brand. You will find a link to these resources on the home page under “Quick Links” and on the Business Assistance page. (www.longviewchamber.com/ Business-Assistance) Have you thought recently about how easy it is to find your business? What does your signage say about your business? Do a drive around town to get some clues. Some businesses have signs that are old, blocked by trees, too small, aren’t visible from the street, or not readable. Others have signs that are fresh and welcoming. You can find out what makes good signage in our Tools for Business Success piece by selecting the “Everything Local” link and then in the right column select “Want to be Seen? – Have an Effective Sign”. This online booklet uses examples and research to show you what makes an effective sign and the benefits of good signage. Did you know: • One additional on-premise sign typically results in an increase in annual sales revenue of about 5%.

• One additional on-premise sign can increase your annual number of transactions • One 144 square foot pole sign can add to your revenue per transaction.

What do you see when you search for your type of business on a smartphone? How does your website look on a mobile screen?

Are you listed in the most popular directories/ apps? Can people quickly find out where you are, what you do, and whether people are happy with your services? If you don’t have a smartphone, you need to get this information from someone who does.

If much of this is overwhelming to you, our Tools for Business has many resources to help out. In the “Everything Local” section, there is information on getting your business listed in Google Places, and making sure you are correctly located on GPS systems.

Not online? Some businesses aren’t online yet. If you aren’t, you can get a free website for a year in the “Get your Business Online Texas” program.

Signage not only brings people in, it helps them spend more.

Review this valuable on-line resource, and then ask, how can you apply this to your business?

You can also “drive” around with your smartphone. Can you be seen by someone using a mobile communication device? You will miss too many people in our community, if

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Representing the Interests of Business Chamber Resolutions Boost Businesses

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our Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of its member businesses with our government. The Business Advocacy Committee and the Board of Directors determine the political positions statements.

The official Policy Statement prepared in time for the February East Texas Coalition’s trip to Austin included twenty-five positions in ten categories. The Policy Statement is available on the Chamber’s website.

Recent resolutions passed by the Chamber’s Board focused on reducing the cost of operations for Longview businesses.

In March a resolution supporting Medicaid expansion for Texas was affirmed.

Medicaid expansion is supported by our community’s hospitals and health care providers including Good Shepherd Medical Center, Longview Regional Medical Center, Behavioral Hospital of Longview, and Wellness Pointe.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce

supports and encourages the State of Texas to expand Medicaid statewide to adults, to take advantage of Federal matching funds which would provide a significant boost to the economy, and provide local taxpayer relief, while increasing access to the right care in the right place for millions of uninsured Texans; and This resolution requests the Gregg County Commissioners Court and The City of Longview officials to work on behalf of our investment community to craft a Texas tax credit plan to improve Medicaid has helped delivery and provide Texas be for statewide Medicaid a major expansion by the State of natural Texas.

gas A second resolution passed at the April 18 producing Board of Directors meeting state. supports the investment tax credit for producers of high-cost natural gas.

The increase of Texas share of production since 1989, when the credit was put in place, rocketed from 5.5% to 56%.

This growth has resulted in a significant boost in creation of jobs for East Texan residents.

The high-cost gas investment tax credit reaps one of the best returns on investment of any state economic incentive. High-cost gas production helps to boost local property tax receipts each year which in turn provides critical funding for schools, hospitals and first responders.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce urges the Texas Legislature not to raise taxes on natural gas and to continue its historic support for the natural gas industry that provides jobs for Texans and critical funding for our schools, hospitals and first responders.

www.LongviewChamber.com

Staff Kelly Hall

President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com

Paul Anderson

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

Elaine Reynolds

VP of Special Event Operations 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com

Leska Parker

Chief Operating Officer 903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewtx.com

Mary Whitton

Community Development Director 903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com

Diana Northcutt

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

Missy Saunders

Business Development & Special Events Director 903-237-4023 promotions@longviewtx.com

Kayla Cantey

Convention Meetings and Main Street Manager 903-753-3281 x215 meetings@longviewtx.com

Margie Harris

Tourism Services Manager 903-237-4021 info@longviewtx.com

Lisa Null

Membership Services Coordinator 903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com

Amanda Myers

Special Events Assistant 903-753-3281 x216 assistant@longviewtx.com

Carrie Fisher

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

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Providing Effective Networking Opportunities

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Celebrating Excellence in Small Business

he Longview Chamber of Commerce recognized four small businesses and one individual, and the 2013 Leadership Longview class graduated at the annual Small Business Awards Luncheon on April 30 at Maude Cobb Convention Center.

With over 400 attendees, this year the chamber recognized the following businesses for outstanding achievements: Small Business of the Year

Baxter Clean Care Entrepreneur of the Year

Jim King Photography Minority Business of the Year

East Texas Review

Family-Owned Business of the Year

A-1 Party & Tent Rental Tourism Partner of the Year

Eli Logan

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eadership Longview class of 2012-2013 was presented and recognized for their completion of the program. This year’s graduates are:

Laura Lea Blanks, The Crisman School; Troy Brown, Thacker Davis Architects; Libby Bryson, Longview Regional Medical Center; Kayla Cantey, Longview Chamber of Commerce; Danny Copeland, CFG Investments; Heath Hamberlin, Bank Texas; Jennifer Hearron, Neiman Marcus Distribution Center; Scott Haygood, BancorpSouth; Terri Lynn Hodge, Texana Bank; LaDawn Ingram; Dr. Pamela Johnson, LeTourneau University; Keeta King, City of Longview; Lane King, Simpson Capital LLC; Rick Matte, The Made-Rite Company; Chapin Miller, Citizens National Bank; Russ Montgomery, Community Healthcore; Rachel Norwood, Good Shepherd Medical Center; Janette Rowan, Spring Hill State Bank; Eriik Rowland, Eastman Chemical Company; April Sanchez, Network IP; Saleem Shabazz, Unity & Diversity Committee; Michael Shirley, City of Longview; Roxanne Stevenson, Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg & Harrison Counties; Andy Venables, Eastman Chemical Company and Kasha Williams, Divine Care Home Nursing Services.

Platinum Sponsor for Leadership Longview

Longview Economic Development Corporation Graduation Sponsor

GCI, Inc.

Express Employment Professionals has a solution for your hiring needs.

Whether you want temporary help now, or you’re looking for the perfect fit for a long-term position, Express has skilled workers ready when your business needs them.

Call or go online today to see how Express can help.

Solutions include: • Office Services • Professional Search • Industrial

(903) 663-3559 101 W. Hawkins Pkwy.

Longview, TX 75605

www.expresspros.com

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Promoting the Community It’s The Block Party of the Year!

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hirty-five years ago (1978) the first Alley Art show was held in Bank Alley between Center and Fredonia Streets.

Thirty-nine artists signed up and set out their work. It became known as “An East Texas Celebration of the Arts”.

This year, AlleyFest celebrates the 35th anniversary of the first Alley Art show and the AlleyFest committee organizers bringing back the original vision, a celebration of art of many kinds.

Gate Hours and Admission

Friday, May 10th 6:30 pm-Midnight $10 Saturday, May 11th 10:00 am-5:00 pm $5

5:00 pm-Midnight $10 Sunday, May 12th 11:00 am - 3:00 pm $5 *Children 12 and under .....................ALWAYS FREE

“I’m really excited about the direction that AlleyFest is going this year with the goal of infusing local artists and live demonstrations.” says Shawn Hara, Chairman of Main Street Promotions Committee.

AlleyFest 2013 will be May 10th-12th. Come hear Texas musicians rock the Bud Light Music Stage and experience Music Fest in a new way with the “35 Club”. The 35 Club will be an exclusive gated area with shade, tables, chairs, complementary snacks and its own beer and wine bar. Stroll in during the day and watch artists doing live demonstrations, hear street musicians and shop local arts and crafts.

Alley Art presenting sponsor

Citizens National Bank Kids Fest presenting sponsor

AAON Coil Products Inc. Music Fest presenting sponsor

R&K Distributors

Alley Run presenting sponsor

Fenton Honda of Longview For more information visit us at AlleyFest.org or on your smart phone at www.AlleyFestLive.com

Enjoy the art of 3 Day Street Festival students from Pine Longview, Texas May 10-12, 2013 Tree High School and Alley Art Alley Run Kids Fest St. Mary’s as they have transformed two ticket booths with www.VisitLongviewTexas.com their creativity. Be a part of the art scene by entering the Art Challenge in the Fine Arts Alley on Saturday. Digitally submit your photos of this year’s festival for a chance to win the photo contest.

903.753.3281 |

| 410 N. Center Street • Longview, Texas 75601

Car Show

Saturday, May 11, 2013 10 a.m - 4 p.m.

You are invited to Downtown Longview for the 2013 AlleyFest Car Show! Come be a part of the premier East Texas celebration of Music and Arts! 

Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 10 am - 4 pm



Open to all types of show cars. Must pre-register.



Entrance: Southern intersection of Fredonia/Tyler.

From Cotton Street, turn north onto Fredonia. See map on back.

Come see downtown transformed into the best block party  No registration fee to participate in car show. in East Texas - a place to spend with your family and friends, to  Participants receive 2 free AlleyFest passes at check-in. shop for fine art and hearawarded greatfor music.  Trophy “Best in Show” at 2 p.m.  Please check-in at 9:00 a.m. www.LongviewChamber.com 903.237.4000 | AlleyFest.org | 410 N. Center St., Longview, Texas, 75601

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Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Anniversaries and New Members MAY

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YEARS

15

30

YEARS

LaQuinta Inns & Suites The Challenge at Oak Forest Southern Hills Golf Club Wood Networks

YEARS

RBC Wealth Management

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YEARS

25

YEARS

Eden Place Apartments

Atmos Energy East Txas Orthopedic Clinic Goodwill Industries of East Texas Jackson Lloyd Insurance Management Skip Morton & Associates Real Estate Brokerage Super One Foods

JRM Enterprises Complete Business Systems Inc Green Ad Agency Sabine Mining Company Willow Lake Apartment Homes

JUNE

5

YEARS

25

YEARS

50

Wal Mart Supercenter

Russell & Sons Construction Company Inc

YEARS

Edelman’s Furniture

Welcome New Members Budget Motel

Nayana Patel 2020 E Marshall Avenue Longview, TX 75601 (903) 331-0505

Core Insights

Brian Brandt P O Box 8843 Tyler, TX 75711 (888) 452-0905

DFW Movers & Erectors, Inc.

Vernon Wilkins 3201 N Sylvania Avenue #115 Fort Worth, TX 76111 (817) 222-3200

East Texas Food Bank Dennis Cullinane 3201 Robertson Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 597-3663

Ederra Medspa & Wellness

Cherie Exner 2904 N Fourth Street Ste 104 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 234-2044 www.LongviewChamber.com

Ms Kimberly Fish

2 Daisy Ct Longview, TX 75604

Grace Crossing United Methodist Church John Whitehurst MD P O Box 9100 Longview, TX 75608 (903) 663-0053

HR on the Run LLC

Courtney Gill 1313 Nottingham White Oak, TX 75693 (903) 720-8112

JFM Management, LLC

Julie Franklin 3416 Rupe Huffman Road Longview, TX 75605 (903) 987-9759

Legacy Ag Credit, ACA

Kristy Marjason 2002 Judson Road, Ste 204 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 307-9173

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Leslie Watson 215 Winchester Dr. Suite 100 Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 534-6000

Painting with a Twist

Kimberly Wells 100 Tall Pines Avenue Ste 5 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 534-6000

Premier Construction

James W Grant 3698 East Marshall Ave Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-7287

RKO Bakeries LLC

Scott Roycroft 3090 N Eastman Rd Ste 102 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-9991

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Developing Community Leadership Lunch & Learn Experience Leadership Longview at Lunch and Learn May 30, 2013 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N. Center

Learn more about Leadership Longview....the program, the benefits, the impact and how YOU can participate!

No charge to attend but reservations are required!

Reservation deadline: May 28 Contact Mary Whitton, Community Development Director at 903.237.4003 for reservations!

Promote Continued from Page 3 principles of free enterprise. A system built on individual initiative and personal responsibility that creates opportunities, more hope, and more wealth than any other. Leading to the formation and implementation of an active advocacy program built on member input. The board annually adopts public policy statements (can be downloaded from Advocacy page on www. longviewchamber.com) which empowers staff and advocacy volunteers to act on the organizations behalf.

Recent action and accomplishments include: • Redesign of www.longviewvotes.com – The Chamber’s advocacy platform.

• Three Resolutions adopted: • Support for legal sale of beer and wine for off-premisis consumption only.

• Support of Medicaid expansion • Support retaining the Individual Tax Credit for Producing high-cost natural gas.

• Two action alerts launched asking members to write letters to elected officials; over 551 letters have been sent in the past 100 days.

• Support four point tax cut plan for the State of Texas • Tax reform now.

• Coordinated and conducted the East Texas Coalition trip to Austin (Longview, Gladewater, Kilgore, and Tyler).

• Hosted a CNG workshop with the Texas Railroad Commission

While these activities are extremely important the board decided the Chamber needed to develop a stronger voice to represent business. In January 2013 Dr. Dale Lunsford, President LeTourneau University, announced the Chamber’s first political action committee; LBPAC. LBPAC will allow the board to be more strategic in how they can affect change on behalf of the business community. As custodians of the largest business organization in Gregg County it is imperative the Chamber continues to defend, protect, and advance free enterprise.

The Chamber is powered by outstanding volunteer leadership, an active and engaged membership, a professional staff, and a well-earned reputation for fairness and effectiveness.

The Longview Chamber is poised to meet not only the future from a position of power and influence but with a humble recognition of the importance of its fundamental mission.

Your board and staff are keenly aware of the hard work that is ahead of them. They are asking for your continued commitment to help ensure the success of business, our economy, and our system of free enterprise.

How Can You Make a Difference?

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2013

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Bring others like you to the table! Encourage other businesses to become part of the solution by joining the Chamber.

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Help by financially supporting the LBPAC.

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When asked to take action by writing a letter or making a phone call – ACT.

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Connect us with your sphere of influencers.

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Keep us informed as to what is keeping you up at night!

www.LongviewChamber.com

Strengthening our Local Economy

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Collaboration = Key to Success

hen multiple groups with different views, resources, and skills apply their intelligence and strength to solve a problem together, the results can be like the work of superheroes.

LONGVIEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) is one of Texas’ major economic development groups managing economic development for the City of Longview, Texas. If a local company is planning to expand or if a business from outside the region wants to locate in Longview, LEDCO’s professional staff is trained to help. Working in cooperation with site selection consultants, facility managers, developers, realtors, and property owners, LEDCO in Longview, Texas is the central information source for all development in the City of Longview, Gregg County and the surrounding region. They partner with over twenty groups in the region to provide high quality, critical information including available land and buildings. Since October 1999 LEDCO has provided incentives to 47 existing and 19 new companies.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a management counseling and training service funded by Kilgore College and the U.S. Small Business Administration. It provides potential and existing businesses in Gregg, Harrison, Rusk, Upshur, Panola, and Marion County with the practical assistance to survive, grow and prosper. The SBDC offers free one-on-one counseling in new business feasibility, business plan preparation, financial management, and general management strategies. This is available for small businesses engaged in retail, service, manufacturing and wholesale industries. They also offer free and low cost workshops utilizing qualified professionals recruited from the business world. Businesses are provided with information concerning government contracting, international www.LongviewChamber.com

trade, intellectual property protection and technology transfer through the Business Information Center.

CITY OF LONGVIEW DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE

The City of Longview’s Development Review Committee (DRC), comprised of representatives from Planning and Zoning, Engineering Services, Building Inspection and the Fire Marshall’s office, first began conducting meetings in 2004. City Planner Michael Shirley recognized the need for coordinated reviews of plans to eliminate confusion and expedite the process. These staff-only meetings evolved into meetings with developers and design professionals with intent to clarify expectations and address code questions at one time.

Today, a typical DRC meeting includes the same staff representation as well as members of the Chamber of Commerce and LEDCO staff, and occasionally SWEPCO or County representatives. The meetings are typically informal (unless an agenda is presented by the client or plans are presented by a design professional) to allow for open discussion about a proposed project.

Often a client requests a pre-development meeting to evaluate the suitability of a piece of property before making a purchase. Using the layering technology of GIS (geographic information system), staff can locate utilities (water/sewer/ hydrants), zoning and platting information, and even some approximate pipeline locations, to assist the client in determining the viability of their proposed project. Pre-development meetings have proven to save both time and money, because clients leave with a better understanding of what will be required to develop their property up front, and receive guidance from staff on the steps needed to move their project forward.

In addition to these meetings, the City has worked alongside the Chamber for years recruiting and attracting new retail and commercial development to Longview. City Planner Michael Shirley currently attends 2-3 national trade shows and conferences a year.

By networking, coordinating, cooperating, and collaborating, these organizations work together to make Longview a great place to live, work, and play.

May - June 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Developing Community Leadership Leadership Class of 2013 Steps Up Assists Local Charity Leadership Longview 2013 partners with Hiway 80 Rescue Mission to create a nurturing space for clients.

The Leadership Longview class of 2012-2013 selected the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission as the recipient of the program’s community service project for 2013.

Co-project managers were Russell Montgomery with Community Healthcore and Rachel Norwood with Good Shepherd Medical Center.

“The Leadership Longview Class of 2013 is honored to partner with Hiway 80 Rescue Mission to make a better place for the women and children in our community. Our project focuses on remodeling the children’s playrooms to provide a fun, nurturing and enjoyable space.”

Andy Venables, class member

Come see what a locally-owned independent bank can do for you ...

The project was a playroom remodel of an existing playroom at the mission. Two dorm rooms were selected to be used for age appropriate playrooms. A theme was created for each room by the children. The scope of the project included redesigning, branding stocking and furnishing the two playrooms with age appropriate educational supplies and media resources.

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

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Longview Progress Report | May - June 2013

An Open House and Ribbon Cutting was held April 23 to celebrate the project. Mayor Dean proclaimed April 23 as Leadership Longview Project Day in Longview.

Approximately 100 attended the event to celebrate the community partnership of Leadership Longview and Hiway 80 Rescue Mission to create a warm nurturing environment for mission children. www.LongviewChamber.com

Provide Community Development Programs Untangling the Power of Social Media for Small Business

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he time has come to untangle the confusion that social media presents. It is here to stay and the smart business person will learn how to use it to increase profits.

The two days of sessions May 8 & 9 will cover how to combine Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Instagram, Foodspotting, Flickr and Pinterest into your marketing strategy and drive business to your door.

• Using Facebook and Twitter to Promote Your Business 101.

• Using Facebook and Twitter to Promote your Business 201.

• Get Local: How Location-based Social Media Can Drive Business.

Seeing is Believing: Using Visual Content in Your Social Media Marketing.

• 20 Ideas for Marketing Your Business with Social Media (Bonus Session).

Register online (www.longviewchamber.com) or by phone 903.237-4000.

Sessions will be held morning and afternoon at the Longview Chamber of Commerce’s Citizens National Bank Room.

• Cost per class is $79/Member and $129/Non Member.

• Two classes are $125/Member • Three classes are $175/Member.

• Register for all classes at $250 and the bonus class is free.

www.LongviewChamber.com

Instructor: Sarah Page, Principal of Sarah T. Page Consulting, LLC, has worked in the tourism and economic development fields for over 22 years. Her skills include social media and tourism marketing, social media development, custom training and presentations on tourism and social media marketing topics, workshop production and implementation, and conducting festival/event economic impact analysis.

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Promoting the Community

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Tourism in Longview - It’s About Travel Promotion: A Virtuous Cycle Helping Small Businesses

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he evidence is clear: wise investments in effective travel and

tourism promotion feed a virtuous cycle of economic benefits.

Promotional campaigns among potential ost people recognize thestimulate value ofinterest having conventions visitors. New interest translates into more trips to America’s destinations. and conferences in Longview for our local hotels, but Additional visitors spur more travel spending at local attractions, hotels, restaurants, retail stores understand and other businesses.

Travel spending supportsall few people truly the impact of having new jobs and generates additional tax revenue which more than pays those visitors in our city. for the initial investment many times over.

Even as a weak economy stretches state budgets to the limit, a bipartisan consensus has emerged among many state and local leaders that investment in travel promotion is an essential strategy for

encouraging economic growth and one of the only sources of new revenues. As policymakers search for innovative solutions to their budget dilemma, travel promotion delivers proven results.

Travel Marketing and Promotion

Increased Visitor Trips

When the Ink Life Tattoo and Music Festival came to Longview many of their exhibitors needed art supplies. They shopped locally at Michaels and Hobby Lobby for those supplies. When the Oilfield Expo is in town, they use local heavy equipment operators to move some of the displays and machinery.

TRAVEL PROMOTION’S VIRTUOUS CYCLE

New Jobs & Tax Revenues

Additional Visitor Spending

Tip Your Hat to Longview’s Front Line of Visitor Services

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U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

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H

T H E P OW E R O F T R AV E L P R O M OT I O N

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May 4-12, 2013

This is the first year that the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau will honor the Hospitality Employee of the Year with plans to continue each year in May. The recipient will be recognized Wednesday, May 8, at Maude Cobb Activity Center.

The luncheon is hosted by the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the members of the Longview Hospitality and Tourism Association.

Longview Progress Report | May - June 2013

So the next time you see a group visiting Longview, walk over and give them a big East Texas Friendly “Howdy” and let them know how much you appreciate them for bringing their business to Longview! It impacts us all.

Local Investment. Local Return.

he first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week. The tradition was first celebrated in 1984. Localized MAY 4-12, 2013 events are presented in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel. The front-line travel industry personnel in Longview (e.g., airport staff, hotel employees, restaurant, and retail workers) interact with visitors daily. This year in honor of this special week the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau is going to recognize someone who has given exemplary service in the hotel, restaurant or travel industry.

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Sure they fill up our hotels, and yes they do eat out while they are here, but the economic impact is much larger than that.

It has a major influence on our small businesses. For instance, these convention organizers rent tables, chairs, stages, tents and decorations from our rental service agents. They hire caterers to feed and serve their groups. Their families purchase gasoline for their trip and stop in our convenience stores for supplies and refreshments. They plan extra entertainment activities for their guests while here. They may even stop in retail stores for clothing to accommodate their needs while they are here or purchase a special gift for someone at home.

TRAVEL

MATTERS BECAUSE

TRAVEL

MEANS JOBS www.LongviewChamber.com

Calendar of Chamber Events May 2013

Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

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f

Movies on the Plaza

r Chamber Executive Board Meeting

Heritage Plaza 7:OO p.m.

Member2Member

7:30 a.m.

8-9

u

Technology Workshops

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Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

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11:30 a.m.

Leadership Lunch and Learn

11:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

President’s Coffee

s

7:30 a.m.

Business After Hours

q-e AlleyFest

Physician’s Surgery Center 4:45 p.m

Downtown Longview

June 2013

Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

7

h

President’s Coffee

7:3O a.m.

i

Business After Hours

Holiday Inn North Longview 4:45 p.m

k

Chamber Executive Board Meeting

7:30 a.m.

Member2Member

11:30 a.m. .

Chairman’s Club Platinum

Gold

www.LongviewChamber.com

Silver ABC Auto Parts AEP American HomePatient Atmos Energy BancorpSouth Capital One Bank Chase Bank Citizens National Bank City of Longview Community Bank Convergys

Diagnostic Clinic Eastman Chemical Company Good Shepherd Health System Halliburton HOLT CAT Joy Global Inc JW Energy Longview News-Journal Martin Resource Management Neiman Marcus National Service Center

Regions Bank Southside Bank Spring Hill State Bank SYSCO Food Services of East Texas, LLC Trican Trinity Rail T Vaughn Properties LLC US Steel Tubular Products, Inc. Texas Operations Division

May - June 2013 | Longview Progress Report

15

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 82 LONGVIEW, TX

410 N. Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 www.longviewtx.com

When Comparing Hospitals, There’s Really No Comparison.

Recently, CareChex®, an independent and nationally renowned medical quality rating service, published the 2013 rankings of over 5,000 hospitals in the United States. And the results showed that Good Shepherd Medical Center offers you a significantly higher level of care over any other Longview hospital. Not only that, Good Shepherd was honored to be ranked among the very best not only in Texas, but in the country. So you don’t have to leave the area to receive the highest quality medical treatment available in the United States.

Get the exceptional care you and your family deserve. Insist on Good Shepherd.

Because when you compare options, you’ll see the difference is a healthy one.

GOOD SHEPHERD LONGVIEW REGIONAL TEXAS

OVERALL MEDICAL CARE

2nd GSMC

GENERAL SURGERY

3rd GSMC

OVERALL HOSPITAL CARE

4th GSMC

NATIONAL

57th LRMC

27th GSMC

238th LRMC

LRMC

LRMC

24th GSMC

195th

3,312th LRMC

38th GSMC

660th

2,012th LRMC