Longview Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2020 Edition

L O N G V I E W

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 EDITION REDEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION

ADVOCACY

COLLABORATION

HEALTH

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

VISION STATEMENT

R.E.A.C.H. Redevelopment.

Education.

Advocacy.

Collaboration.

Health.

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.

OUR CORE IDEOLOGY AND VALUE. CORE IDEOLOGY We believe that together we can have a stronger voice and influence positive outcomes.

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

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

CORE VALUES ▸ We do the right thing. ▸ We treat everyone with care, respect, and thoughtfulness. ▸ We strive for excellence. ▸ We are forward thinking and proactive.

CORE FUNCTIONS ▸ Strengthen the local economy. ▸ Promote the community ▸ Provide networking opportunities ▸ Represent the interests of business with government ▸ Build community-wide leadership and development programs

2020 Successes LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1,822

ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 2 0

PPP Loans were awarded to 271 businesses in Longview for a total of $188,476,107, and the average loan amount of $103,444.

E D I T I O N

Page 13

Redevelopment

21

Education

40 45

Students in adult continuing education at the ETXAMA

Mentors

Page 6

Page 6

Advocacy

22

Graduates

Collaboration

28

Webinars

[ youtube View the Webinar Playlist ]

Page 7

75

Ribbon Cuttings

Page 10

Health

20

Participants involved in Unite Longview

Page 11

New Members

Redevelopment. Education. Advocacy. Collaboration. Health.

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL REPORT

Leading Longview: R.E.A.C.H. 2020 ushered in the fifth year under the Chamber’s five-year strategic plan, R.E.A.C.H. The board, volunteers and staff remained focused on this continued and successful blueprint for the Longview trade area to support existing businesses while continuing to promote an environment that creates jobs and improves the quality of life in Longview. But this year presented us with a new challenge: How can we best reach our investors and move the Longview trade area forward during a global pandemic? The year 2020 emerged at the year to lead forward in supporting our business community utilizing creativity and courage. That body of work is here in our 2020 Annual Report.

Redevelopment - The Chamber’s Foundation Board continued to advance the priorities of our business community while working with key stakeholders. One focus area was continuing aiding the transformation of underutilized areas of our community while remaining in alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Foundation continued building relationships amongst area schools and higher education to advance the East Texas Advanced Manufacturers Academy, with an expansion of curriculum to include adult education coursework for skilled certifications. In addition, surveys and feasibility studies were conducted on the potential for an amphitheater.

Education - the initiatives championed by the Chamber continue to strengthen workforce development needs. We continued supporting Career Ready Plus with Ware East Texas Montessori, as well as expanded some programs into other arenas. The partnership with Bridging the Talent Gap identified skills gaps in the current workforce and will provide centralized resources to build those skills and strengthen our workforce pipeline. The P.I.E. Conference highlighted Bridging the Talent Gap, an employer and employee initiative set forth by The Graduate! Network, who coordinates a network of community-based consortia of providers and institutions serving adult learners.

Advocacy - Representing the Voice of Business became even more critical as restrictions were imposed with the pandemic. In the midst of this, the public policy committee resumed to vet the 13 areas of policies for Austin and later Washington, D.C. legislative trips. Coffee Conversations were held with AEP SWEPCO on clean energy and East Texas, Comprehensive Immigration Reform with Chelsie Kramer of the New American Economy, Energy and East Texas with TXOGA President, Todd Staples, and Cyber and Information Privacy issues with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Collaboration - The Chamber worked alongside the city and took the lead in disseminating factual information and tools to employers for the 2020 Census. Over 25 webinars on government relief packages and tax credit opportunities were utilized in collaboration with SBDC, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, elected officials, private firms, and member experts, to ensure factual information was available to area businesses. As a result of the PPP loan webinars, 1,822 PPP loans were awarded to 271 businesses in Longview for a total of $188,476,107, and the average loan amount of $103,444 (data provided by the SBDC of North Texas). And in the midst of this, the Chamber created a recruiting tool for employers, LongviewNOW!, consisting of a new web site, digital magazine, and introductory video.

Health - Building a culture of health is no easy task! The Chamber continues to serve as the catalytic leader kicking off HealthyVIEW initiatives with Dr. Reyes at the Annual Meeting, better positioning us to take previous survey results and begin making decisions toward a culture of health for Longview and East Texas. The HealthyVIEW Summit with Dr. Rebecca Heiss speaker, author, and entrepreneur – delivered how to become your best biological self by breaking through the BS (blind spots) of business. Sponsored over 25 programs in addition to the webinars, and 28 ribbon cuttings that promote our local businesses and provide needed support to compete in our 21st century global marketplace, many of those programs switched to virtual.

It bears repeating, 2020 was a tough year, but the focus continues on moving forward to engage and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area. The REACH strategic plan continues as our roadmap to the future. Working together, we can move Longview aggressively forward and realize a more vibrant community for the generations that follow us. You ignite our passion to create programs and opportunities that move our business community forward. The wisdom we gained this past year will make us even better and has opened up to even more possibilities to collectively move Longview forward now and in the years to come! The following pages outline in further detail what we achieved in year five!

Dana Parr, 2020 Chairman of the Board

Kelly Hall, President/CEO

Annual Report | 2020 2020 Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board

Immediate Past Chairman

Chuck King

Kevin Hood

Advanta Insurance Partners

Chick-fil-A

Texas Bank and Trust

Dana Parr

Chairman Elect

Vice Chairman

Chairman of Finance

Jessica LaRue

Ron Hutchison

Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merritt, P.C

Conterra Networks

Sam Neale

Bo Rogers

Vice Chairman

Brian Daugbjerg

Jim Gaton

Jim Green

Napps Technology Corporation

Rogers Law Firm

Longview Scrap & Metal Company

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations

Vice Chairman

David Hayes

Dr. Roger Johnson

Wade Johnson

Rodney Overman

Nishil Patel

Mark Robinson

Hayes RV Center

GRJ Investments

Johnson & Pace Incorporated

Henry & Peters, P.C.

Heritage Wine & Spirits

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Appointed Directors

Todd Hancock

Kristen Ishihara

Judge Bill Stoudt

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Longview City Council, District 4

County of Gregg

Chamber Staff Kelly R. Hall

Dave Jochum

Stephanie Raudales

President/CEO

Director of Business and Development

Special Projects and Event Coordinator

Suzanne Brown

Bianca Adams

Ana Suriano

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications

Information Services Coordinator

Marketing and Membership Consultant

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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2020 Accomplishments | Success Abounds REDEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION

Amphitheater

Amphitheater – due diligence continued with various surveys and actions toward the opportunity of bringing this project to fruition. The Foundation Board engaged APEX, a consulting firm, to finalize a marketing strategy to solicit sponsorships, meeting with over 20 companies in early February. Feedback from our largest members has been positive.

The Foundation Board contracted Victory Management to create a case study within the current environment, revise and/or create a proforma budget, and assumptions for assets, design, build and operations, identify and evaluate alternative funding sources, options, and structures, evaluate and offer strategic input to third party entities as directed by the Board. They compiled information necessary to prepare a project document appropriate to be presented to the city, county, large foundations and others. A development company is working with members of the Foundation Board to further develop plans. Funds have been secured to option additional properties adjacent to the Bettenhouse property.

Intercity Trip 2020

Every Child Has Access Resource Guide (ECHA) The 2020-2021 issue was published in both English and Spanish, and only in electronic format. This provided a more streamlined delivery and conservation of resources, and minimization of risk. Debuted at Partners In Education conference, Aug 10.

PIE Conference Virtual Partners in Education Conference highlighted Bridging the Talent Gap, an employer and employee initiative set forth by The Graduate! Network, who coordinates a network of community-based consortia of providers and institutions serving adult learners. Graduate! provides coaching on engaging with adult learners and delivers proven, necessary supports addressing navigational, bureaucratic, and financial barriers to entering and succeeding in college. Findings from the area employee survey were presented and discussed in this arena.

The Intercity Trip 2020 to Tulsa, Oklahoma was moved to March 29-31, 2021.

The focus on Bridging the Talent Gap entailed a discussion on the talent gap and how The Graduate!

Network proposes a solution to that issue. Shalonda

ETXAMA

Adams (Pine Tree ISD) served as our local voice to help

A team is assessing the opportunity to build an adult ed program at the Academy. Partners include UT Tyler/ Longview, East Texas Workforce Solutions, and Kilgore College-Longview. In the fall, 21 students were enrolled in the Academy.

call attendees to action within their own organizations.

Local education and workforce partners, Kilgore College and Workforce Solutions East Texas, were featured as resources for our local businesses and organizations.

To obtain your free digital copy of the 2020-2021 Every Child Has Access Resource Guide, please click the link below or text ECHA to 903-237-4000.

Click Here

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2020 PIE Conference

Watch the Conference

Annual Report | 2020 Superintendents Forum A small group meeting focused on the building trades industry was held with the Executive Director of the Texas Builders Association outlining concerns about the existing and growing employment gaps in this sector. [ Watch the Virtual Update ]

Bridging the Talent Gap, sponsored by the Graduate Network. In this partnership, an employee survey was completed late 2019, utilizing 5 selected companies and 8 strong champions for the initiative. Phase II of this initiative was the employer survey that was closed in October.

Career Ready Plus Certified Campus

Career Ready Plus Campus Agency Meeting – The mid-year agency meeting had seven organizations represented as well as representatives from LISD’s magnet school programs, Mr. Scott Fisher, and Mr. Fransisco Rojas, the new Parent Engagement Coordinator. Most of the STAAR practice test scores have improved, but there was real concern for 4th grade Writing.

An End-of-Year Letter (academic year) was sent to classroom mentors thanking them for their volunteerism and urging them to reach out to their teachers and students to offer encouragement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spanish, which opens many more possibilities for parents to participate. Pine Tree moved to virtual sessions with a count of 5 attending online. House of Hope continued with the program graduating 27 parents. 14 parents from the Ware program and 3 from the Pine Tree program graduated via a parade at Ware ETMA. A Faculty /Staff Appreciation events were held to celebrate school year end and again for a Holiday Appreciation event with Ware ETMA. Ware Reading Club – A select group of 3rd grade students participated in a Ware Reading Club every other Saturday at Boys and Girls Club. This partnership was established to help this group of students improve in reading. This continued with the Holiday Reading Camp during the Christmas holiday break.

ADVOCACY Coffee Conversations Support Texas – TXOGA presented an update on the Texas economy and the major contribution of oil and natural gas, and the important role of East Texas in that mix.

Raising Highly Capable Kids – The program expanded to Pine Tree and to House of Hope. The Spring class with 23 parent participants was postponed and then most of these programs transitioned to virtual in both English and

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in Longview Public policy chair, Mark Robinsons of AEP SWEPCO, represented the Chamber in a roundtable discussion, consisting of business and community leaders, sharing insights on our community and economy. The Fed also provided an economic update of the area.

Raising Highly Capable Kids - Graduation

East Ware Montessori - Create Change

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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More Clean Energy Ahead! At the January 16 AEP SWEPCO meeting, Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), outlined its plans to add 810 megawatts of wind energy by 2022 to bring more clean, affordable energy to its customers, part of a tri-state proposal of the company’s strategy of significantly increasing its use of environmentally friendly energy sources, such as wind & solar.

We move forward to disseminate training materials for communications and awareness to our members and provide additional assistance with communications plans and strategies.

Chelsie Kramer with the New American Economy, was the guest for two meetings presenting a report and review of the research on their Comprehensive Immigration Reform proposal. The second meeting was a roundtable with in-depth conversations for those wishing to engage or learn about advocacy opportunities in more detail. The Longview Chamber signed on to a letter to Congress in support of protecting DREAMers: Ahead of SCOTUS Arguments.

Inequality of Opportunity Initiative

Cyber / IT / GDPR – Panel discussion on current issues and associated policy. Panelists consist of US Chamber IT policy professionals as well as local FBI, secret service and cyber law enforcement. The focus was upon addressing, educating and refreshing on LCC public policies as they are reviewed.

Census 2020 The Chamber had the charge from the city’s 2020 Census task force of communicating and disseminating information and encouragement regarding the 2020 Census to the business community as we move forward toward that count! The advocacy article in the Jan/Feb 2020 R.E.A.C.H. magazine received accolades from the task force group. Social media campaign, email campaign, REACH magazine articles and resources for employers. Texas will increase federal representation count by three positions!

Coffee Conversations Texas Oil and Natural Gas Industry Perspective

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

See the Conversation

The Longview Chamber partnered with the U.S. Chamber to launch a national initiative on Inequality of opportunity. Inspired by its mission to lead people and lead prosperity, the Chamber partnered in a national townhall meeting. “The Longview Chamber, a nationally recognized 5-Star Chamber, is proud to help the U.S. Chamber of Commerce fully leverage state and national relationships by continuing this dialogue across industry sectors,” stated President and CEO, Kelly Hall, of the Longview Chamber. “It is up to us as individuals to lead conversations to gain clarity and understanding on how to break unhealthy cycles of inequality.” [ Read More ]

NATIONAL SUMMIT

ON EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY Washington, D.C. Fly-In The new dates will be announced in 2021. [ Watch the Virtual Briefing ]

State of the City Address 2020

Watch the Address

Annual Report | 2020 Your Vote Counts! Voter Information Factual information and data for voter registration, policy issue research, registration, poling locations were provided via publications to the membership and through social media in order that American Citizens exercise their right and take part in the social contract that is the United States procedure and process of selecting elected officials.

Candidate Forum A virtual candidate forum took place for City Council District 3, comprised of the three candidates, in order that the voting base would know the candidates and their views on issues impacting their lives.

Presented by Mark Robinson of AEP SWEPCO, and two public policy committee members: Bill Pope of NCIC Communications and William McWhorter of Gans & Smith Insurance Agency. The public policies have been finalized, and a list of issues was created for Coffee Conversations in 2021.

Elected Officials Reception Our First Hybrid Event! Our first in-person event since early March! Providing the virtual opportunity allowed our Presenting sponsor, Eastman Chemical, Texas Operations, to speak at the event. About 50 people, members, and elected officials, attended and respected COVID protocols. This reception offered participants the opportunity to attend via webinar or in person at Pinecrest Country Club. Pre-recorded and live presentations were broadcast on the webinar platform and were streamed at Pinecrest as well as broadcasting the program from Pinecrest.

Capitol Connect The second annual regional effort, Capitol Connect, held on September 29, virtually. Our regional representatives and state senator gave an update on policy issues moving forward into the legislative session in 2021.

Public Policy Committee

TXOGA Energy Summit, North Texas and East Texas

LLC Public Policy Committee has vetted the public policies and submitted for review. Robinson & Brown reviewed and filtered the recommendations for final submission for Executive and full board approval. The Public Policy Committee completed its review and vetting of our Chamber’s policies which were presented at the October board meeting.

The Chamber sponsored TXOGA’s virtual event, September 15, 2020. President Todd Staples provided an update and lively discussion on the importance of the oil and natural gas industry in the North Texas and East Texas areas is to the success of your community, your state, and the nation. He was joined by Comptroller Hegar and Representative Burgess. Texas Energy Day, February 24, 2021, announced as a virtual event. [ Watch the Summit ]

Candidate Forum

Elected Officials Reception

Watch the Forum

Watch the Invitation

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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East Texas Coalition in Austin Three joint meetings for the 2021 planning were held to establish roles and responsibilities with the new chambers involved. Longview, Tyler, Kilgore and Lindale are the regional chambers hosting, and we have the Gladewater Chamber of Commerce participating. Dates are February 22-23, 2021. LLC Public Policy Committee has vetted the public policies and they were approved by the board.

The class of 2021 had its opening retreat locally and without an overnight stay to help lessen concerns of COVID 19 spreading. The retreat was held at the Arboretum and included a trip to Bear Creek Smokehouse. Other aspects of the retreat – team building, led by Aaron McFatridge, leadership training from John Grubbs and training in personality types with Dave Jochum – remained key parts of the retreat.

COLLABORATION

The 2021 class project is an outdoor pavilion for Heartisan’s Marketplace.

Leadership Longview

The 2019 class graduated with a completed project for the Women’s Center, building a shelter for pets. Studies have shown that a woman will not leave an abusive relationship because they cannot take their family pet with them out of harm’s way, or their abusive partner is threatening the pet. Providing a pet shelter eliminates that issue for the woman’s decision to leave the abusive relationship.

LL Alumni The number of paid alumni for the year has increased to 74. That is shy of our goal of 80, but higher than last year’s number of 60. The newly formed committee continues to look for ways to add value to the members.

The alumni group continues to make progress as we seek to bring value to the over 1400 people who have graduated the program through the years.

This group was instrumental in getting the 2020 LL class into a graduation ceremony.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, permitting and rain, the project was delayed but the class persevered and completed the project. Graduation took place at the Chamber office.

Ribbon cutting for their project was June 4, and graduation was June 11. 27 graduated from this program.

Leadership Longview received 28 applications for the 2021 class. Masks, social distancing measures were incorporated into the class events. In the final selection, 23 people were selected for the program.

Project Ribbon Cutting Leadership Longview Class of 2020

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Watch the Event

The alumni group developed three levels of dues for the new alumni year: a free level, a $75 level, and a $150 with each level containing more benefits for the individual. The planning that the team has done for the new year is helping us get greater buy-in more quickly.

The Alumni hosted a judges panel in October at the County Courthouse with over 25 members in attendance.

In November they hosted a progressive tour of Heartisans Marketplace, the Stor-It building on McCann, and the new Parkside Apartments on McCann.

Leadership Longview Alumni Progressive Tour Visiting Heartisans Marketplace, the brand new Parks Place Apartment, and Simply Stor-it

Annual Report | 2020 Business After Hours & Wake Up Longview

East Texas Boat & RV Show

Probably one of the greatest pivots, learning experiences and changes took place with the traditional “business mixer,” Business After Hours and Wake Up Longview.

The gatherings for January and February took place as normal, but from March through the end of the year, a new platform had to be devised. Enter virtual events.

A lot of lessons were learned, and the events became increasingly better. Discovering the advantages of doing an online live broadcast and the ultimate audience reach that could be achieved, companies that were hosting bought in! The proof was in the numbers. Going from an in-person gathering of 75-150, the virtual live events were experiencing 350+, with a reach of 1500 and growing over time to 5K! The Chamber had found a new way for members to market their business at a time when sales were down, and the local businesses needed a boost.

These live broadcasts connected our member companies to their audience and to potential new customers. Tapping into the human side of a company, of its leaders and of its values, viewers were able to connect with them. It was remarkable. [ View the Playlist on YouTube ]

This year’s show was once again a smooth and successful endeavor.

Attendance numbers were slightly up from last year and we saw a small increase in gate receipts.

All vendor booth space was sold prior to the show and our vendors gave us very positive feedback, and budget expectations were met.

Business Solutions Summit Since the wrap up of the event and surrounding webinars, this was packaged (five webinars in all) into a bundle for $20.

The main event features keynote speaker, Beth Ziesenis, Your Nerdy Best Friend, who spoke on “A Day in the Life of a Small Business Professional,” with four breakout sessions for participants.

Wake Up Longview Courtyard by Marriott

Perfect Catering provided concessions and we partnered with Longview’s new Arboretum and Nature Center to give a $2 discount on their ticket price to anyone wearing a wristband from our show

HEALTH

HealthyVIEW Summit HealthyVIEW Summit featured keynote speaker Dr. Rebecca Heiss - speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Dr. Heiss spoke on how to become your best biological self by breaking through the BS (blind spots) of business.

Key highlights of her signature workshops include: ▸ Reconciling stone-aged brains to operate more efficiently in a modern world. ▸ Understanding biologically driven behaviors and helping them work for you, not against you.

Watch the Broadcast

Business Solutions Summit Five-part webinar featuring Beth Ziesenis

Watch the Keynote

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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▸ Building cooperation, and stimulating creativity and innovation by understanding the underlying mechanisms that regulate these processes at a neurological level. ▸ Optimizing the work environment to allow the greatest potential from all employees.

Council Meeting Council meetings we held to learn more about the John Maxwell proposal for Longview from Unite Longview. With nearly 30 in attendance learning more about the John Maxwell proposal for Longview from Unite Longview. Over 20 of the participants signed up to engage in table teams and help spread the word.

The council met in March to begin building resources for each of the pillars of health and discussing how to effectively disseminate the information to the business community.

Recent developments include discussions around the issue of “Farm to Table” efforts. This group has been discussing the obstacles and challenges of making local, farm fresh food available to everyone.

Farm to Table/Door Task Force

AS HEALTH! I see this as a wide platform from which to expand upon other topics (regenerative, local, etc).

Values: Adopt LCC Values for now. Perhaps this is an opportunity to engage our producer relationships (see #2)?

2. Know the Customer, Serve the Customer Initiate robust Surveys and strategic Conversations with local experts and insiders, with a specific focus on: producers, consumers, processors, retailers. ▸ Get to know those folks that already live and breathe these topics

A group of interested parties from across Gregg, Upshur and Harrison county have come together to work on the following: 1. Mission, Vision, and Values Whatever we land on, it needs to be nimble and agile, regularly vetted against goals and results.

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Vision: To get E-TX communities buzzing about FOOD

▸ Identify where we can effectively serve their needs 3. Host regular ‘Education Sessions’ for the Initiative Team Objective/focus would be to develop strategic plans positively impacting government legislation and industry regulations.

Mission: Promote and foster producer-consumer relationships of E-TX, utilizing strategic partnerships in community, industry, and government.

▸ The conversation with Judith McGeary was so helpful;

HealthyView Summit 2020 Featuring Dr. Rebecca Heiss

HealthyView Council Our HealthyVIEW Council is learning how to join arms with UNITE Leadership Longview.

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Watch the Summit

can we keep this going with other experts and leaders from related fields?

Annual Report | 2020 ▸ 6 REACH magazines launched. Increased traction; increased advertisers; increased new member inserts. ▸ Finalization of the two films, Transformation of a Chamber and for LongviewNOW! were completed and released for the annual meeting.

Scheduling, filming and completion of new recruitment toolkit of LongviewNOW! consisting of web site, e-magazine, and promotional video produced for January launch.

Bonus Dream Idea Start a podcast.

Develop a reliable Community Audience ▸ Objective: develop education and engagement opportunities ▸ Regular, engaging content to stay relevant in today’s attention-competitive environment

2020 CHAMBER SUCCESSES Communications

Watch the Film

▸ 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Strategic Business Plan submitted and final publish for January 2020.

▸ Uniquely Longview 2020 launched.

▸ 2019 Annual report launched.

▸ Uniquely Longview 2021 – the Chamber became a contributor to this publication, after the change in contract.

▸ 2020 Strategic plan launched. ▸ Prep work for media interviews. ▸ Uniquely Longview finalized and published January 2020, and disseminated at the banquet. ▸ 3 banquet press releases were written and disseminated to media group. ▸ New web site developed with M Roberts Media group, with soft launch January 10, 2020, and official launch at the annual meeting. ▸ A newly designed REACH e-newsletter by Starfish Ad Age.

New Longview Chamber Website Launched in January of 2020

▸ StrongView photoshoot campaign.

▸ New partnership with Starfish Ad Age resulted in new initiatives in targeted marketing strategies including programmatic marketing and some critical social posting. ▸ Immediate launch of web site resource pages for businesses to stay up to date on COVID information, PPP, EIDL, and responses with agencies and associations. [ View the Resource Page ] According to data from the North Texas SBDC, provide the data on the loans.

Visit the Site Read an Issue

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Annual Meeting

▸ A series of webinars addressing a variety of business issues related to COVID-19 has been hosted, recorded, and made available on the Chamber’s YouTube

The 2020 Annual Meeting kicked off to CELEBRATE LONGVIEW, marking a significant time for the Longview Chamber and community. A view looking where we have been, where we are, and where we are going as a Chamber and community. The community celebrated 150 years anniversary, the Chamber celebrated the 2019-2020 Chamber of the Year award, and the future of Longview and building a culture of health to better all those who work, live and play here.

Channel. [ View the YouTube Playlist ] ▸ Ad campaigns.

• COVID – We’re Open • Let’s keep businesses open, stand tall.

• Chamber of Commerce Week – October 19-23, 2020.

Dr. Albert Reyes,

President and CEO of Buckner International

Total Resource Campaign 57 volunteers participated to align the Chamber’s offerings in partnership with member organizations to amplify their core values and mission via these marketing opportunities. What is funded becomes the Chambers program of work for 2021. The goal for marketing was set at $500,000.00. The goal was hit, raising $530,000.00

The featured speaker, Albert Reyes, President and CEO of Buckner International, provided an insightful look into our community through the results from our environmental scan and delivered a program to increase awareness and understanding to promote a culture and lifestyle of healthy living.

Hearing from Dr. Reyes at the Annual Banquet was the highlight of our HealthyVIEW work in the month of January. We are now better positioned to take the survey results and begin to make decisions about our next steps towards a culture of health for Longview and East Texas.

EOS Restructure Beginning this year, the Chamber began an internal restructuring exercise to streamline the organization and increase efficiency. This is through EOS, which is a summation extract of current organizational management systems. More to come!

for 2021! [ View the Kickoff Video ]

Mark Bogle Total Resource Campaign Launched in January of 2020

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Inman White

Eastman Chemical Company

Community HealthCore

Industry of the Year

Large Business of the Year

Bob Metzler

Chairman’s Award

Annual Report | 2020

Your Chamber Staff is Working Hard for YOU! And team building, too!

Independence Day Celebration

Pumpkin Floral Arrangements

Painting with A Twist

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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410 North Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903.237.4000 Fax 903.237.4049 www.longviewchamber.com