Longview Progress Report March-April 2013

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES.™

REPORT

Inside...

• The Real Value in Joining a Chamber - 4 • Business Expo ConnectNetwork- Develop - 6 • Retail Outlook for 2013 11 • Let the Ideas Begin! - 14

March / April 2013 Vol. 7 No. 2

FIRST. The RegIon’S FIRST and only 3d mammogRam

IS comIng To longvIew RegIonal.

Longview Regional Medical Center, in collaboration with Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, will soon offer 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. To learn more about this incredible technology and our commitment to your health, visit LongviewRegional.com/mammo.

2

Longview Progress Report | March - April 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

From the President

T

he Longview Chamber was formed nearly 100 ago years on the premise that the organization would foster an environment to live the American Dream.

Today, it seems we are challenged with the notion that Free Enterprise is the villain, when in reality it is the engine that drives our nation’s economy. The Longview Chamber challenges the theory which states that profits are bad and embraces the truth that by growing our business community we will create jobs. Therefore, the creation of jobs is priority #1 for the Longview Chamber.

Creating jobs means taking risks and rewarding success!

Over the past several years the Chamber has promoted itself as the VOICE OF BUSINESS. Why? If your Chamber doesn’t get involved in policy and politics who will and what message will they carry that protects your rights as business owners/leaders?

Our public policy approach is to ensure that your profits are not confiscated by over taxation and regulations. The Chamber will speak up on your behalf and push for common sense business principles and fight for tax policies that are sensible and reasonable.

For the past few years the board of directors has discussed the pros and cons of forming a PAC through the Chamber. In November the board unanimously voted to move forward with the formation of the Longview Business Political Action Committee. The LBPAC will be focused on opposing policy issues that could be harmful to business or support those that will aid in business success.

Contents From the President..........................3 The Real Value in Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce.....................4 Downtown Live! .............................5 COVER STORY Business Expo Connect - Network - Develop............6 Leadership Longview Selects Project.7 Ribbon Cuttings...............................8 Anniversaries and New Members.......9 Promotion Team Makes an Idea a Reality...........................10 Retail Outlook for 2013..................11 2013 Salute to Healthcare Awards........................12 Travel Shows Put LCVB Staff on the Road............................................13 Let the Ideas Begin!.......................14 Chamber Events Calendar..............15

The Longview Chamber is committed to protecting what you and your employees have worked hard for. Our VOICE for the business community will provide solutions that allow the free enterprise system to WORK! Kelly R Hall, CCE, IOM President/CEO

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

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

Cover Photos by Marc Bailey Photography www.LongviewChamber.com

March - April 2013 | Longview Progress Report

3

Strengthening our Local Economy 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

David Hayes

Hayes RV Center

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Shelby Snell

Oleum Operating Company

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

4

A

The Real Value in Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce

dvocates of chambers of commerce have long believed that when a company is active in its local chamber, it is doing the right thing not only for the community but for its own success as well.

While there is plenty of evidence to show the impact of chambers of commerce on their communities, it is much harder to find data that quantify the impact of belonging to a chamber. This project, commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives as a replication of its 2007 study of the same name, is designed to do just that: determine the real value to companies in terms of consumer outcomes of joining and being active in their local chamber of commerce. Do consumers really support businesses because they are chamber members?

Just as in 2007, data for the study come from a web-based survey of 2,000 adults nationwide.

What makes the study unlike a typical survey is that almost every question on it is part of one of several imbedded experiments. This means that respondents were randomly assigned to different groups at several points during the survey. Each group reads something slightly different—like a description of a company that changes only a little for each group— but then everyone is asked the same questions thereafter, regardless of which company description they just read.

Therefore, when there are

Longview Progress Report | March - April 2013

statistically significant differences in how different groups answered the same questions, we know exactly why it happened.

local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 10% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

This approach yields powerful results because it bypasses the subjectivity of most opinion polls. A sampling of some of these results proves this to be the case.

• When a consumer thinks more favorably of a company because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy and cares about its customers.

• Being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy. It communicates to consumers that a company uses good business practices, is reputable, cares about its customers, and is involved in its community.

• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its

• When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 68% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

Continued on Page 12 - Value

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

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

Promoting the Community Downtown Live! Presents Knock-Out Line-Up April 5, 2013 Lulu and the Vipers

Staff Kelly Hall

including indie rock, classic rock, folk, pop, and classic

President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com

Lulu and the Vipers is a five piece band with a heavy influence of 30’s blues musicians like Memphis Minnie,

Paul Anderson

Senior Vice President Communications Director 903-237-4041 lcvb@longviewtx.com Westbound 21

Shane Phillips

April 26, 2013 Double – Back

April 19, 2013 Westbound 21

Double – Back is a country and classic rock band based in the East Texas area.

Founded in the summer of 2012, Double-Back delivers a variety cover congs by The Eagles, Linda Rondstat, Merle

country. Their music can be listened to at soundcloud.com/ shane-phillips-music.

Lulu and the Vipers

and honky tonk legends, such as Hank Williams. Like Lulu and the Vipers on Facebook.

April 12, 2013 Shane Phillips The Shane Phillips Band features a trio of young East Texas musicians. Their music spans a multitude of genres

Elaine Reynolds

Westbound 21 is a Texas Country band from Nacogdoches. Westbound 21 plays a combination of Texas Country and Southern Rock; “Cowboy Rock”. Like Westbound 21 on Facebook and on the Interenet at www.westbound21.com.

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

Amenities

• High-speed wireless Internet Access • Choice Privileges Frequent Travel Program • All suites feature queen or king-size beds and sofa sleeper • Microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board • Your Morning® Breakfast and more • Smoke-free hotel • Fully-equipped business center • Fitness room

Comfort Suites by Choice Hotels® Longview 3307 N 4th Street Longview, TX 75605 903.633.4991

ChoiceHotels.com 800.4.CHOICE

www.LongviewChamber.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

Double-Back

Your Suite Success

Leska Parker

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

Haggard, the Ventures and other classics. Double-Back can be found on Facebook under the name Double-Back Band and on Reverbnation at www.reverbnation.com/ doubleback Downtown LIVE! is a FREE event held at Heritage Plaza, on the corner of Green and Methvin Streets in downtown Longview. It features some of the best East Texas musicians.

Refreshments are available for purchase including beer and wine.

Each Friday there is a Market with vendors offering a variety of items from speciality products to handcrafted to fine art.

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

Vendors are invited to contact the Main Street Office by phone (903-237-4040) or by email.

Downtown@LongviewTX.com March - April 2013 | Longview Progress Report

5

Providing Effective Networking Opportunities

D

CONNECT – NETWORK - DEVELOP

on’t miss Longview’s ONLY comprehensive Business to Business event during the year. From computer networking to catering, over 70 vendors will be exhibiting their products and services at this year’s Business Expo. This year’s event will open at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 30 at Maude Cobb Convention Center.

Business Expo is presented by Longview Economic Development Corporation and sponsored in part by ComputerLand Network Technologies and Copeland Group.

new businesses this comprehensively and for that we thank the Chamber and the staff members who work hard to make it possible.”

Ashley Summers Kelly Services “I have been managing Kelly Services in Longview for the past eight years and have always participated in the Business Expo. However, I have seen this event dramatically change over Business Expo floor plan provides optimum visibility and traffic flow. Every the last several years. With the addition booth is easy to find and get to. of training classes, and a new designed floor plan to encourage visibility, I see this event as a true Business to Business networking and sales opportunity. The event is planned to bring in specifically business traffic — the invite list is to our business community at large. If you, as a vendor, take the opportunity that is given to you at the Business Expo to network with the participants, you will walk away One-on-one contact and business training classes are favorite benefits of with good sales leads. I have never ended Business Expo the day without 3-5 strong sales leads. I would highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity.” include sessions in Human

If you haven’t attended Business Expo in a few years, it’s time to come back! Last year’s addition of business development sessions in conjunction with the Expo brought in qualified buyers from across East Texas. This year’s classes will Resources, Technology, Marketing and Leadership. Most of these classes will also provide HRCI general credit hours. One hundred percent of completed surveys last year showed that the information presented in the classes was helpful. One attendee commented, “Great event; was able to get some business done during the expo in addition to attending the class.”

Continued to Page 7 - EXPO

Over 60 companies have already committed to Business Expo 2013. Is your company one of them? There are still a few booths available if your company is interested in exhibiting.

Visit www.LongviewBusinessExpo.com to view the floor plan, download the registration form and view the complete schedule for the day, which concludes with the April Business After Hours networking event.

Longview Progress Report asked longtime participating business owners why they participate year after year.

Robert Brown Inhouse Associates

“For almost 15 years we’ve Robert Brown with Inhouse Associates takes every opportunity to promote his business. done business in East Texas and

for more than 10 years we’ve participated in Business Expo. It’s an event like none other in our area especially for companies like mine that work directly with other businesses rather than the general public. The leadership and staff have continuously improved and each year it keeps getting better. We enjoy having the opportunity to meet other businesses in a casual atmosphere and believe the Expo to be an excellent value for the comparatively low cost (when looking at most advertising media). There’s no other way to reach as many

6

Longview Progress Report | March - April 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Developing Community Leaders Leadership Class of 2013 - Invests in Local Non-Profit Agency

T

Leadership Longview partners with Hiway 80 Rescue Mission

he 2012-2013 Leadership Longview class has selected the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission as the recipient of this year’s community class project. Each year the class selects a local nonprofit agency that would benefit from the work and commitment given by the class for a specific project. Rachel Norwood with Good Shepherd Medical Center and Russ Montgomery with Community Healthcore were selected as co-project leaders.

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission was established in 1955 for the purpose of providing food, shelter, and gospel services to homeless men in the East Texas area. Hiway 80 Rescue Mission has been serving the East Texas area for over 50 years. In the 1990’s, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission began to see an alarming increase in the number of homeless single women and women with children. As a result, Women and Family Shelter was established in 1998 to accommodate the increasing population of homeless women and single mothers with children.

The class project includes the remodel of a current playroom at the mission. The playroom accommodates clients from infants to 17 years of age. The project will include creating two

playrooms for the clients. A focus group was appointed to meet with the kids to determine their wants in regards to the brand/ theme of each room. The group will also provide age appropriate toys for the playrooms as well as educational supplies.

Work began in late February. A community-wide open house will be held in April at the mission to celebrate the project’s completion.

Leadership Longview class members and advisors tour Hiway 80 Rescue Mission during their preplanning meeting.

The community service project of the program began in 1998. Since that time, over 15 local nonprofits have benefited from this community partnership with Leadership Longview.

Continued from Page 6 - EXPO

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

www.expresspros.com www.LongviewChamber.com

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

Longview, TX 75605

Business Expo offers business representatives an opportunity to engage customers and potential future clients.

Keith Bailey ComputerLand Network Technologies

“ComputerLand Network Technologies would like to thank the Longview Chamber of Commerce for their hard work in the production of the 17th Annual Business Expo.

As a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 1982, we feel that the Business Expo is very important to us and the rest of the business Willie Faulkner of Computerland Network community in the East Texas area. Technologies in Longview enjoys demonstratinging and answering questions.

It is the perfect venue to expose existing and potential new clients to our products and services. We certainly appreciate the way the Chamber is constantly striving to find ways to assist and communicate with small business in the East Texas area.”

March - April 2013 | Longview Progress Report

7

Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings

& Garden n w a L o ngview L arshall Ave 4 407 W M

BOX GYM ek Dr, Ste 10 re 110 Trip le C

hine LLC c a M H B urrows R& ccess Rd. 2 694 S. A 8

Longview Progress Report | March - April 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Anniversaries and New Members MARCH

5

YEARS

APRIL

Excel Car Wash Image Gallery Woodland Hills Baptist Church

20 25 35 50

YEARS

5

YEARS

American Heart Association Coffee News of East Texas Full House Marketing Phillips Flooring Center Texas National Bank TVaughn Builders, LLC

Hayes Engineering

YEARS

Texas Association of Developing Colleges

YEARS

55

YEARS

Reeves Oil Company Inc

Merle Norman Cosmetics – Longview Mall

YEARS

Anvil International LP – Longview Plant

Welcome New Members Aaron’s Inc

PAACO Automotive Group LP

Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery

R & H Machine

Derick Rowe 1205 E Marshall Avenue Longview, TX 75602 (903) 236-3954

Veronica Figueroa 2101 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 (254) 339-0000

Jon Kral 871 Ferguson Road Harleton, TX 75651 (903) 240-1587

Rae Burrows P O Box 8606 Longview, TX 75607 (903) 753-1550

H & S Lawn & Landscape

Reeves Mortgage

Mel Glass 1302 W Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604-2925 (903) 297-6266

Seth Reeves 4121 Gilmer Road Ste 400 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 236-5000

I-20 Gold and Silver

WWB Venture

Valerie Topp P O Box 6374 Longview, TX 75608 (903) 553-9997

Joel Heflin 102 Wintergreen Longview, TX 75604 (903) 553-9011

Linear Applications LLC Steve Hill P O Box 530 Gladewater, TX 75647 (903) 926-8715

www.LongviewChamber.com

March - April 2013 | Longview Progress Report

9

Promoting the Community Promotion Team Makes an Idea a Reality

S

inger and songwriter Bob Dylan, who recorded “The Times player and 10 onlookers. As word got out around, the Discover They Are a-Changin’” in 1964, later said that the ballad was Downtown Committee expanded the experience by encouragto him a ‘song with a purpose’ reflecting societal changes ing people to bring their lunch. Originally called “Music on of the 1960s. The sentiment certainly rings true today, with the Plaza” the popular name for the event became “Brown Bag major societal, economic, technological and political changes in Lunch”. After a few years the Main Street Program decided to our local communities and across the globe. Admittedly, there’s reestablish its original name and move it to the evening. Little been much bad news. But there did they know that the time change have been bright spots as well, would be very beneficial to Downespecially when we drill down town Longview. As Elaine put it, to ‘our’ world—the Main Street “Music on the Plaza went from ten universe. people to several hundred within The setting for our story a few years”. Even more growth began in 2005 when Glenn when the event was rebranded McCutchen (publisher for the as “Downtown LIVE! at 5”.” The Heritage Plaza is used for many events public and private but the most popular is the twice-a-year Downtown LIVE! seasons in April and October.

Longview News Journal) called average attendance ranges from Downtown Market is also a part of Downtown LIVE! our then Main Street Assistant 100 to 280 during the Friday night Manager, Elaine Reynolds. He stated that he walked to the post shindig and the Promotion Committee has added vendors each office in Downtown Longview every day and was saddened to night, so people can shop and listen to music all in one setting. see that there was never anyone using Heritage Plaza. Elaine Many believe that the grassroots, preservation-based and timespoke with the Downtown Committee about Glenn’s concern tested Main Street model has given many communities their and they formed an event that would take place every Friday ‘edge.’ Main Street is now and has the capacity to always be an during lunch at Heritage Plaza. It started out small with a banjo economic driver, not only in Texas but across the country.

10

Longview Progress Report | March - April 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Strengthening our Local Economy The Retail Outlook for 2013 Tax increases Declining unemployment rate

Real GDP Growth

Declining disposable income

Government gridlock

Low inflation Decline in household debt Improving home sales

Consumer confidence is growing. There is more disposable income available. Consumers are weary about spending large amounts and are ultimately looking for a good deal.

Fastest Growing Product Sales

Telephone Accessories Yogurt Cards/Gifts Vehicle Accessories Tablet Accessories

Fragrances - Women Cosmetics Grooming Aids Hair Care Wine Household Goods

Personalization

Low Cost Indulgences

Pet Food Doggy Day-Care Medication/Healthcare Clothing Pets

Value can be increased either by enhancing the total experience (quality, brands, customer service, or offer a variety of choices) without changing price while offering an unchanged experience.

Local retailers are pursuing expanded experiences by offering unique shopping experiences.

Morgan Abbigail will open early or stay open late for customers who have a “fashion” emergency.

Morgan will consult with her clients and create a new look or a whole new wardrobe.

Gallery of Lights’ customer representatives are there to provide you with one-on-one consultation and assist you in finding the perfect pieces for your home.

Gallery of Lights’ niche is offering one-of-a-kind inventory that no one will have, and will make original custom light fixtures for their clients.

Blue Jean Baby has FREE delivery to any local hospital for your purchases.

Blue Jean Baby offers custom baby clothes and custom embroidery to apparel and to anything else you need embroidered.

www.LongviewChamber.com

March - April 2013 | Longview Progress Report

11

Developing Community Leaders 2013 Salute to Healthcare Awards

H

ealthcare is one of the leading fields of employment in Longview employing over 20% of our community. (www.city-data.com/city/Longview-Texas.html). The Salute to Healthcare awards program invites people to nominate and vote for an individual, institution, professional, student, volunteer or program, which, through individual or collective actions, has made an extraordinary impact in the Gregg County healthcare community.

Salute to Healthcare Awards recognizes the contributions of a Healthcare Professional, an outstanding Volunteer and the Dr. Sam Mack Life Time Achievement.

The Chamber of Commerce board of directors named the Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of Dr. Sam Mack for his many accomplishments and contributions to the Gregg County healthcare community.

Dr. Sam Mack with his sons He was a long time physician and (date unknown) oral surgeon who practiced for over 33 years before retiring in 1986. He wasthe first and only double degree physician/dentist in Longview during his career. He was the first physician on the Board of Directors of Good Shepherd Medical Center. He was instrumental in establishing the first full time emergency room physician at Good Shepherd Medical Center.

• Professionals who have received the Dr. Sam Mack Lifetime Achievement Award are: Dr. Margaret Schottstaedt, Margaret’s House; Dr. Oscar Chastain & Dr. David Sadler, Longview Thoracic & Cardiovascular Associates; and Dr. John Kirk, Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Medical Center.

• Healthcare Professionals recognized are: Dr. Anita Scribner, Diagnostic Clinic of Longview Center for Clinical Research; Dr. Lynn Fitzgerald, Neurosurgical Associates of Longview; and Sue Haywood, PT, Kidz First Therapy.

• Volunteers honored are: Hilda Wallin, RN, Alzheimer’s Association; Glen Brown, Good Shepherd Medical Center Auxiliary; and Frank and Della McBride, Good Shepherd Medical Center;

Value - Continued from Page 4 • When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 36% more likely to think favorably of the company.

• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

• The positive impacts of chamber membership have remained the same and even increased over time.

Acknowledgments: A Research Study conducted by The Schepiro Group and Market Street. Commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives in cooperation with the Western Association of Chamber Executives. As the commissioning entity in 2007 and in 2012, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) established the need for this type of research.

J. Mac Holladay of the economic development firm Market Street Services was a guiding force and key contributor to the concepts of the original 2007 study, on which this 2012 study is based. Jim Blasingame of the Small Business Network also furnished valuable assistance for both studies. Insperity provided significant financial support for the research in both 2007 and 2012, as did the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) for the 2012 research.

Looking for Something

FUN

To Do? Check This Out! LongviewTexasEvents.com Official Source for information on Public Events in Longview, Texas.

Submit your event on-line.

Presented by the Longview Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau 903-753-3281

Each individual was recognized because of their acts of service. They are dedicated, passionate and committed to their profession and community. They strive to improve the quality of healthcare in our community. Their work is an inspiration to others and important to our community to recognize their efforts.

Presented by:

12

Longview Progress Report | March - April 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Promoting the Community

T

Travel Shows Put LCVB Staff on the Road

he Longview Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau staff is on the road. It’s travel show season and the Longview CVB is once again joining the North East Texas Tourism Council (NETTC) to promote Longview and regional tourism. This cooperative approach began in 1996 when the North East Texas Tourism Council and its membership realized that a community can make a much bigger impact as a team than entering a show individually. The cooperative approach proved to be much more economical while enjoying a greater influence at the same time.

NETTC was formed in 1992 as in initiative by Longview, Kilgore, Tyler, Mt. Pleasant and Greenville. The purpose was to create a way that smaller communities could promote their attractions at a lower cost. Today cities in NETTC come from 30 counties in North and East Texas.

The first show of the 2013 season which Longview CVB participated in was the Home and Garden Show in Katy, Texas on January 26-27. Two years ago, Katy developed as an alternate outlet to reach consumers in the north Houston area. Those who attend from that region have a greater rate of conversion to travelling to northeast Texas.

The Fort Worth Home & Garden Market presents the most extensive array of interior and exterior products for your home and garden as well as vacation and travel destinations from around the globe. Fort Worth is considered by many who exhibit at the show to be one of the most popular of north Texas shows by International Exhibitions Inc., the owners of the show.

The Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau will attend the State Fair of Texas this year as it has for several years. The Texas Historical Commission Texas Heritage Trails Program sponsors this opportunity. With an attendance of over 2.5 million people annually from all over the nation, The State Fair is a perfect venue for promoting a Real East Texas experience in Longview.

The show featured over 300 hand-picked exhibitors including decorating, gardening, remodeling, food samples and more; the show is a cornucopia of products and services. Two buildings and two floors were filled with exhibitors.

At the show people stoped by and visited and asked questions about Longview and other areas in our region. A packet of information from each of the participating cities is provided to attendees. In the packet are the NETTC Annual Festival Guide and Map. The Fort Worth Vacation and Leisure Show, a part of the larger Home and Garden Market, followed February 8-10.

Longview CVB has participated with NETTC at this show for 15 years. The Fort Worth Market is a good match for our region of East Texas and consumers consistently demonstrate an interest and eagerness for information on Longview and the area. www.LongviewChamber.com

March - April 2013 | Longview Progress Report

13

Strengthening the Local Economy How does it Work?

It starts with… …A Project – A community or organization develops a project and seeks to determine the challenges.

This is done using LongviewTexasListens.com powered by MindMixer.

Next follows the development of… …Topics – Project developers establish topics and ask for ideas from the community. Ideas are submitted and discussed on LongviewTexasListens.com.

N

ow, here is a really good and new idea, LongviewTexasListens.com powered by MindMixer.

This initiative is presented and sponsored by the Longview Chamber of Commerce.

It is likely that the introduction of Longview Texas Listens generates some questions. The first question might be, “What is LongviewTexasListens.com?” The following question, most often, is “Why LongviewTexasListens.com?”

Good questions.

The simple answer to both is, “Good ideas are out there.”

Unfortunately, so many of the best ideas don’t make it to the surface or are drowned out by the volume of usual voices. It has been very difficult to hear from everyone in your community that wants to participate. That’s where LongviewTexasListens. com powered by MindMixer comes in. This platform allows us to gather ideas, review and respond to feedback, and find real solutions all in one place.

Difficult to hear from all who wish to participate? …Not anymore.

LongviewTexasListens.com is a way to…

…Sharing – Everyone spreads the word online to help the project grow. …Action – Ideas are presented to community/project leaders who can provide feedback and consider the best ideas. Any challenges that come to light in the process can be addressed.

Who Is It For? LongviewTexasListens.com is for any project manager, of organization that desires to engage the community or its constituency.

For instance: Civic Engagement: LongviewTexasListens.com was initiated on the belief that civic engagement should and can be facilitated in a more effective manner. MindMixer has changed the culture of engagement in communities across the country, helping citizens become active contributors to communitydriven conversations and initiatives.

…Activate Contributors: MindMixer, the power behind Longview Texas Listens is the only engagement technology that provides functionality for a diverse set of conversations, problem-solving challenges, and action-driven collaboration.

Educational Engagement: Engagement is critical in the world of education. Whether the audience is parents, students, faculty, or area residents, engagement has positive impacts on parental involvement, student retention, faculty success, and community buy-in.

…Build Community: With MindMixer, building a community of contributors in Longview Texas Listens is achieved through a specific outreach plan. MindMixer understands the demands of community building and helped develop this plan for growing the online community.

Enterprise Engagement: Companies are always looking for new ways to engage employees and customers. This provides an opportunity for companies to create a culture of innovation and action, enabling their employees and customers to share great ideas.

…Sustain Engagement: The goal of maximized input and community contributions for sustained engagement is reached.

MindMixer’s tools and resources cement lasting partnerships on strategic projects and long-range planning.

14

…Ideas – Community members add ideas, upload photos, add comments and support or “second” ideas.

Longview Progress Report | March - April 2013

View this Video on line. http://bit.ly/Why-LongviewListens

www.LongviewChamber.com

Calendar of Chamber Events March 2013

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

8

h

President’s Coffee

Chamber Executive Board Meeting

7:30 a.m

k Pinecrest Country Club

7:30 a.m.

r

j

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

Business After Hours at The Clairmont

11:30 a.m.

Salute to Healthcare Luncheon

4:45 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

l Member2Member

11:30 a.m

Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

3:30 p.m.

April 2013

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

5

o

Downtown LIVE! in Heritage Plaza

5:OO p.m.

j

Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

Downtown LIVE! in Heritage Plaza

5:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

e President’s Coffee

z

p 7:30 a.m.

Downtown LIVE! in Heritage Plaza

5:00 p.m

Downtown LIVE! in Heritage Plaza

5:00 p.m.

y Chamber Executive Board Meeting

7:30 a.m.

Maude Cobb Activity Center

11:30 a.m.

h Member2Member

Small Business Luncheon Leadership Longview Graduation

Business Expo

Maude Cobb Activity Center

11:30 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Business After Hours @ Business Expo

Maude Cobb Activity Center

4:45 p.m.

There are still a few booths available.

Companies interested in being a part of Business Expo should visit: LongviewBusinessExpo.com View the floor plan.

Download the registration form.

View the schedule for the day.

www.LongviewChamber.com

March - April 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

THE MOST RESPECTED HEALTHCARE IN EAST TEXAS HAS A NEW NAME

GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICAL ASSOCIATES Now you can benefit from an entire team of medical experts focused on you – all working together to bring you the highest quality care available. Good Shepherd Medical Associates is a multi-specialty network of respected providers who combine their efforts to offer each patient comprehensive treatment. And we’re bringing this personalized care, not only to Longview, but to the surrounding communities for your convenience. Best of all, it’s all backed by Good Shepherd Health System, recognized for overall medical excellence as well as the area’s most experienced nursing and clinical teams. So, choose a physician from a network designed around you.

To learn more about Good Shepherd Medical Associates, please visit us online at www.GoodShepherdMedicalAssociates.org or to schedule an appointment with a Good Shepherd Medical Associates physician, call (903) 315-4762 or toll free (888) 976-4762.