Kelly Hall
President/CEO
903.237.4004
khall@longviewtx.com
David Jochum
Chief Operating Officer
903.237.4023
djochum@longviewtx.com
Shawna Stewart Investor Support
903.237.4000
sstewart@longviewtx.com
Catherine Camp
Membership & Retention Coordinator
903.237.4009
ccamp@longviewtx.com
Morgan Wilcox
Business Development & Marketing Manager
903.237.4013
mwilcox@longviewtx.com
Lori Ivey
Chair
State Farm Insurance (Lori Ivey)
Andy Hill Chair-Elect
Mobberly Baptist Church
Brian Daugbjerg Chair of Finance
Longview Scrap & Metal Company
Jessica LaRue Past-Chairman
Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC
We’re celebrating 110 years of our biggest event of the year! The region’s premier business gathering! It’s a high-energy celebration that brings our community together, showcases local success, and shines a spotlight on the great work happening across our business community.
Each year, an inspiring theme, a high-profile keynote speaker, and the induction of inspiring business leaders to the Chamber Board or Directors. This highly memorable evening recognizes the Chairman's Award recipient as well as the Large Business of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.
Mark Robinson Vice Chairman AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company
Jennifer Ware Vice Chairman VeraBank
Directors
Casey Beddingfield
RLM General Contractors
Michael Clements Jr. PDQ America, LLC
Andrew Coggins Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations
Adrienne Deason
Henry & Peters, P.C. Don Deem
Longview Cable Television Company Inc Wehco Video Inc
Nishil Patel Heritage Wine & Spirits
Wesley Knight
Longview Regional Medical Center
Dana Rutland
Right at Home
Clay Thompson Texas Bank & Trust
Steve Mason
LeTourneau University
Shannon Moore Longview City Council
Bill Stoudt
County of Gregg
Julia Tubb CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
REMEMBER TO LOOK FOR THE “BUG”
Dear Chamber Members,
At the start of this year, we set out on a journey to reflect deeply on who we are, what we stand for, and how we can serve you—our business community—with even greater purpose and impact.
We launched this effort in January by bringing nationally recognized author and speaker Jeff Henderson to our Annual Meeting and Banquet Jeff’s message, Know What You’re FOR, challenged us to consider a powerful question: What do you want to be known for? His insights sparked meaningful dialogue, and many of you participated in our interactive Mentimeter survey that evening—thank you for your honest input.
Building on that momentum, we began a strategic process to re-examine our role as a Chamber. We turned to the ACCE Horizon Report, which gave us a comprehensive framework to explore emerging trends, organizational relevance, and leadership opportunities.
In April, we convened our full board for the first in a series of planning sessions. In May, we dove deeper into our strategic matrix and explored what it means to be a bold, future-focused Chamber. Then, in June, we hosted our Chambers for the Future board retreat, culminating in alignment and clarity around our purpose, voice, and impact.
Driven by strategy, powered by community, built for what’s next.
• We are FOR local businesses, free enterprise, and the future of our community.
• We want to be known as relentless advocates, connectors, and problem solvers.
• Our role is to advance business, communicate value, and catalyze leadership.
We believe a healthy business community supports a healthy community. Our Chamber is committed to leading boldly, solving problems with and for you, and being a trusted partner as we shape Longview’s future together.
Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and investment. Your feedback, engagement, and vision are what drive us forward.
With gratitude and purpose.
We believe a healthy business community supports a healthy community.
CCE,
IOM, MSL President/CEO
• Chamber Members: $40 per person
• Non-Members: $60 per person
• Table of 8: $600
• Seats are limited
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
INFINITY EVENT CENTER
300 Tuttle Circle | Longview
This year’s luncheon will focus on a powerful and practical topic: connecting local businesses with career-ready students through Career & Technical Education (CTE), Dual Credit programs, and internship/apprenticeship partnerships. You’ll hear directly from leaders in education and industry who are already making it work.
Whether you're a small business or a major employer, this is your chance to:
; Discover how to engage with students early
; Learn how to build your future workforce now
; Connect with local education and workforce development leaders
Investing in literacy today means a stronger Longview tomorrow.
What if the future of our workforce hinged on something as simple as third grade reading?
In the Longview 38% of our 3rd graders aren’t reading at grade level. While that number is still concerning, it represents a significant step in the right direction: an 8% improvement since the launch of LongviewREADS!
For students experiencing economic disadvantage, that gap remains wider, but the progress we’re seeing is proof that intentional, business-led investment in early literacy is making a measurable difference.
Reading proficiency by the end of 3rd grade is one of the strongest predictors of future academic and career success. Students who aren’t reading on grade level by this milestone are four times more likely to drop out of high school, a statistic with profound implications for our talent pipeline, our economic growth, and our community stability.
“Literacy is economic development. That’s why the Chamber is committed to rallying employers around LongviewREADS!”
- Kelly Hall, President/CEO, Longview Chamber of Commerce
That’s why the Longview Chamber is championing LongviewREADS!, a bold initiative connecting businesses, educators, and employees to support early literacy in our elementary schools. This is not just a campaign, it’s a movement.
Because the path from Pre-K to paycheck starts early.
3rd grade reading scores are an early indicator of whether a child will graduate, enter the workforce, and contribute meaningfully to our economy. When we invest in helping students succeed early, we reduce future costs in remediation, training, and lost productivity.
This is a workforce development strategy. And your company has a role to play.
You don’t need to be a teacher to make a difference. With LongviewREADS!, your team can:
7 Adopt a classroom (we recommend one classroom for every 10 employees)
7 Volunteer to read aloud once a month
7 Sponsor books, supplies, or classroom materials
7 Host a book drive or math game drive
7 Publicly recognize employees who volunteer
Whether you’re reading a story, delivering supplies, or simply showing up, your presence sends a message that our students’ matter.
Participation comes with community recognition, employee engagement, and brand visibility. Businesses that support LongviewREADS! receive:
7 “We Support LongviewREADS!” Certificates
7 Digital Badges for email signatures and social media
7 Classroom Signage with your company’s name or logo
7 Recognition by receiving the Red Apple Award at the State of Workforce Luncheon on September 24, 2025
These aren’t just tokens, they’re symbols of your leadership and investment in Longview’s future.
Because we cannot afford to wait. Texas data shows that only 15% of economically disadvantaged 3rd graders who fall behind ever catch up. The earlier we intervene, the greater the impact.
Let’s stop thinking of this as “someone else’s responsibility.” This is a call to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and employers across Longview to stand in the gap.
Visit www.LongviewREADS.com to sign up, download the Employer Toolkit, and choose how you’d like to engage. Or email Morgan Wilcox mwilcox@longviewtx.com. to learn more.
Let’s build a community where every child can read, and every future can thrive. Together, we can turn the page.
“We see LongviewREADS! as an investment in our future workforce. Supporting a child’s literacy today creates a stronger employee tomorrow.”
- Ron Hutchison, CEO, The Network Family
Dates: January 26 – February 5, 2026 | Price: $3,999 (includes airfare from DFW)
The Longview Chamber of Commerce invites you to join an exclusive 11day sourcing trip to Vietnam—an international adventure designed to help business owners, entrepreneurs, and procurement professionals discover high-quality, cost-effective suppliers and forge valuable new partnerships.
Vietnam has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic and reliable manufacturing destinations, with competitive labor costs, a skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure. From textiles and furniture to electronics and consumer goods, Vietnamese manufacturers are helping U.S. companies diversify their supply chains beyond traditional hubs like China.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
• Factory Tours & Supplier Meetings: Engage with pre-vetted manufacturers across textiles, bamboo weaving, porcelain ceramics, and food processing.
• AmCham Business Briefings: Participate in networking sessions and panel discussions with the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi to better understand Vietnam’s regulatory and trade environment.
• Hands-On Cultural Experiences: Learn traditional silk weaving in Thai Binh and participate in a bamboo fan workshop in Hue.
• Sightseeing in Iconic Cities: Explore the cultural richness of Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City, plus a full-day cruise in breathtaking Halong Bay.
This trip goes beyond sightseeing. It’s designed for business-minded travelers seeking tangible connections and supply chain opportunities. The itinerary includes tailored factory visits, market briefings, and networking with sourcing experts and local partners—making it a smart investment for companies looking to reduce costs and increase global competitiveness.
• Roundtrip international airfare from DFW
• 8 nights’ accommodation at superior hotels
• Domestic flights within Vietnam
• Daily breakfast, five local lunches, and a welcome dinner
• Business meetings, cultural excursions, guided tours, and networking events
OPTIONAL ADD-ON: Half-day private tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City (USD 60)
Spaces are limited. Reserve early to secure your place on this remarkable journey. For details or to book, contact Kelly Hall at khall@longviewtx.com or visit Indus Travel: Longview Chamber Vietnam Trip
This is your opportunity to expand your horizons - literally and professionally.
The Longview Chamber of Commerce is proud to provide a platform for City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara to speak directly to our business community. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the city’s progress, priorities, and vision for the future.
This signature event offers the Longview business community a unique opportunity to hear directly from Mayor Kristen Ishihara as she reflects on the progress of the past year and shares a forward-looking vision for our city. From community investments and infrastructure updates to business growth and quality of life initiatives, the State of the City Luncheon highlights the milestones shaping Longview’s future.
Make plans now to attend this important gathering of business and civic leaders. Additional details, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, will be released soon. Come connect. Be informed. Stay engaged.
If Longview is to remain competitive and continue growing, we must confront a challenge that sits at the intersection of workforce, economic development, and quality of life: attainable housing.
Across industries, employers are working hard to attract and retain talent — but entry-level and middle-income employees are finding it harder than ever to live where they work. Housing affordability is no longer just a personal issue. It’s a chamber issue, a business issue, and a growth issue.
This concern came through loud and clear during a recent 40 Under 40 Executive Series session with Councilman Sidney Allen and Mayor Kristen Ishihara. When asked about the greatest barriers to workforce development, business leaders pointed to the same root problem: the lack of housing that today’s workers can afford.
As
CPA, shared:
“Over the past four years, I have seen a significant increase in the cost of housing. I was fortunate to purchase my home in 2021 with an interest rate of 2.625%. Even with that fixed rate, my mortgage increased by nearly 45% due to the sharp rise in property taxes and insurance costs. That doesn’t even include the spike in utility bills and repair
expenses. I consider myself lucky—most of my peers who are trying to buy today are paying more than double what I did for similar homes. Many want to put down roots in Longview but instead are forced to rent because of the rapid and substantial price increases.”
Conrad’s story isn’t unique, it’s reflective of a broader trend affecting our city’s economic health. If essential workers, young professionals, and middle-class families can’t afford to live in Longview, it undermines efforts to build a strong, resilient workforce and community.
“I am grateful to the Chamber for leading the way in the conversation and collaboration about how to address the need for affordable housing in the Longview community. The lack of affordable housing is not a problem unique to Longview, but one that communities across the state and across the nation are learning how to solve. It is critical that find our own solution to address this very real need.”
We have a choice: respond proactively to these housing gaps, or risk losing talent — and opportunity — to communities that do.
"Housing plays a critical role in the future growth and sustainability of communities. Its impact extends across economic, social, and environmental dimensions while working to build population retention and attraction.”
DIETRICH JOHNSON City of Longview Community Services Director
As the voice of business, the Chamber has convened a Housing Solutions Task Force to confront this issue head-on—bringing together cross-sector leaders to advocate for strategic, sustainable solutions that support both economic growth and community well-being. This effort is designed to work in alignment with the City of Longview’s Housing Task Force and the consultant-led study, ensuring that business perspectives are integrated into broader community planning and policy development.
The Task Force’s kickoff meeting focused on defining our purpose, understanding the systemic barriers to housing development, and identifying gaps in available tools and data. Members explored:
• Investor hurdles related to zoning, redevelopment, and land availability
• How infill and greenfield opportunities could be better leveraged
• The need for education around tax lien and title clearance processes
• A shared interest in aligning messaging with builder and realtor associations
• An urgency to address rising insurance costs and policy limitations that affect both buyers and developers
While data collection is still in the early stages, the task force is committed to becoming better informed and equipped to shape the conversation going forward.
Longview’s housing challenges are not the result of a single issue — but rather a combination of limited land availability, infrastructure constraints, and a shortage of qualified buyers,” said Angela Daughtry, Executive Officer of the East Texas Builders Association. “While the City’s Development Services Department is doing an outstanding job supporting growth, the process of zoning approvals, permitting, and establishing new infrastructure is complex and time-consuming by nature. Additionally, builders face significant financial risk when demand isn’t matched with purchasing power. Local business leaders can play a vital role by advocating for lower property taxes and insurance, promoting long-term infrastructure planning, supporting workforce development through trade education and creating quality jobs that make homeownership possible.
The Housing Solutions Task Force was launched in response to a growing concern among local employers: the talent war is real—and housing is one of the most pressing challenges. In Longview, rising land and construction costs, insurance barriers, and limited infill development opportunities are preventing many working families, first-time buyers, and essential workers from finding homes they can afford.
This effort aligns closely with the City of Longview’s commissioned Housing Study. By engaging early in the process, the task force seeks to help define the gaps and build business-informed solutions that complement the City’s long-range planning efforts and shape future advocacy at the state level.
In the newly released Horizon 2035 Report from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), talent development at the speed of business is identified as one of the most urgent priorities facing chambers today. But talent cannot thrive where housing isn’t attainable.
Housing is no longer a parallel issue to workforce—it is workforce. It determines who accepts a job, who stays in the community, and whether working families can put down roots or are forced to look elsewhere.
“As Chairman of the Longview Chamber of Commerce and a local insurance agency owner, I see daily how the housing crisis affects our workforce, families, and economic growth. Businesses are struggling to hire, and employees can't find affordable housing near their jobs. It's a challenge that touches every sector, and solving it will require collaboration, innovation, and urgency. That's why we're launching a Housing Solutions Task Force—to bring together local leaders and create actionable, data-driven strategies for sustainable growth.”
This challenge also intersects with a broader truth from Horizon 2035: housing is a foundational element of inclusive economic growth. Without attainable options for a range of income levels, we risk deepening equity gaps, discouraging entrepreneurship, and constraining social and economic mobility.
If we want to grow a future-ready workforce, we must also grow the places where that workforce can afford to live.
Now is the time for business leaders to get involved. Whether you're a developer, lender, nonprofit, or employer, your voice and expertise can help shape practical, attainable solutions. Members of the Chamber are encouraged to join the Housing Solutions Task Force or participate in focused working groups. As the effort matures, your insight will be critical in advocating for necessary policy changes at the local and state levels.
MICHAEL SHIRLEY, Director of Development Services for the City of Longview, affirms the importance of this collaboration:
“We welcome this business-driven partnership. The housing challenges in Longview are complex, but when stakeholders align their efforts, we can bring clarity to the process and momentum to the solutions. The City of Longview is proud to join the Chamber in this collaborative Housing Solutions Task Force as we work toward practical, forward-thinking strategies that support affordability, talent attraction and retention, and sustainable growth.”
Email Kelly Hall at khall@longviewtx.com or Natasha Harrell at natashaharrellrealtor@gmail.com to learn how you can participate.
Next Meeting: September 4, 2025 9:00 AM
who will provide an overview of the City’s Housing Task Force and the consultant-led study currently underway. Additionally, a local insurance expert will speak on the rising cost of residential insurance, coverage denial trends, and how these issues affect housing development.
As we move toward the end of 2025, the Housing Solutions Task Force aims to:
• Understand the specific gaps preventing attainable housing in Longview
• Identify policy changes needed at the state level
• Collaboratively develop a shared narrative and advocacy strategy that reflects business priorities and community needs
We are proud to announce we received two significant grant awards totaling $18,000 to support innovative workforce and education initiatives that will benefit the Longview region.
The Chamber was selected by Texas 2036 to participate in a competitive pilot program designed to improve how communities across the state use education and workforce data. As one of a select group of organizations chosen for the CLAS Framework pilot, the Chamber will apply this new model to a local workforce data challenge—evaluating current practices around data Collection, Linkages, Accessibility, and Security (CLAS).
Participants in the pilot will collaborate with experts and peer organizations, helping shape a better data ecosystem for Texas while identifying actionable insights to strengthen regional workforce efforts.
“This is a unique opportunity to elevate how we use data to align education and business needs,” said Kelly Hall, President/CEO of the Longview Chamber. “Our goal is to ensure local strategies are informed, inclusive, and built for long-term impact.”
The Chamber has also been awarded a $10,000 grant through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board partnership to support the rollout of a groundbreaking new high school course: AP Business Principles / Personal Finance. Launching nationwide in Fall 2026, this course equips students with real-world business knowledge, personal finance skills, and professional
competencies—preparing them for both college and career success.
• Work with local businesses to validate skills and create awareness
• Help schools explore implementation of the course
• Encourage equitable access to college credit and industry-recognized credentials for students
“This course is a game-changer,” Hall noted. “It provides students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s economy and helps our business community shape the future workforce.”
These two grants reflect the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to align education with workforce needs, strengthen data-informed decisionmaking, and build career-connected learning opportunities for East Texas students.
As the Chamber continues its mission to lead people and prosperity, these investments will drive stronger partnerships between business, education, and policy to support the next generation of talent.
For more information, contact the Kelly Hall at the Chamber: khall@longviewtx.com
The 89th Texas Legislative Session brought critical wins for East Texas — and once again, our Chamber was at the table, advocating for pro-business, pro-education, and workforcealigned policies that strengthen Longview and our region.
We’re proud to report that Senator Bryan Hughes and Representative Jay Dean delivered in a big way, voting in favor of the Chamber’s top priorities and advancing legislation that will directly benefit our employers, educators, and future workforce.
One of the most significant wins was HB 2, which secured $8.5 billion in new funding for school finance, teacher compensation, and high-impact programming. Both Hughes and Dean supported this historic investment.
We also saw strong momentum in career readiness legislation. HB 20 creates a new Applied Sciences Pathway Program to connect students with job-aligned credentialing, while HB 120 expands P-TECH, rural workforce initiatives, and CTE facilities. Again, both legislators cast critical votes in support — with Senator Hughes co-sponsoring HB 120 in the Senate.
And let’s not forget SB 1786, a Chamber-supported bill that passed with bipartisan support to improve community college grant coordination, workforce data tracking, and Windham School District student eligibility. These wins mark real progress for building the workforce of tomorrow.
The Chamber championed two housing-related bills aimed at tackling the region’s housing shortage. SB 840, which enables residential development in commercial zones to support infill and revitalization, was signed into law and takes effect September 1. Both Hughes and Dean supported this measure.
Additionally, the House passed HB 24, which reforms the zoning petition process and ensures housing projects can't be blocked by a small minority. Though the Senate companion (SB 844) authored by Sen. Hughes didn’t advance, the
successful passage of HB 24 — co-sponsored by Rep. Dean— ensures the intent of the reform becomes law this fall.
The Chamber took a strong stand against several regulatory proposals that would have negatively impacted East Texas employers. Among them:
• HB 134, a tax redistribution bill that would have penalized local economic development efforts — defeated.
• HB 4124/SB 2026, which introduced new swipe fee regulations on small businesses — did not advance.
In both cases, the Chamber's opposition helped hold the line, protecting our members and promoting a more competitive business climate.
While many of our priorities advanced, some forward-looking proposals — like statewide ADU legalization (SB 673) and expanded educator certification pathways (SB 2253) — stalled in committee. We’ll continue working alongside our partners and legislative champions to bring those ideas forward in future sessions.
Senator Hughes and Representative Dean consistently voted in alignment with the Chamber’s strategic priorities. Their support made a meaningful difference to this session. As we look ahead to the August board meeting, we’re exploring ways to formally recognize their leadership and continued advocacy for our region.
BOTTOM LINE: The Longview Chamber is committed to driving results at the Capitol. Through strong relationships, data-driven advocacy, and a unified business voice, we’re helping shape a future where East Texas can thrive.
To view the full legislative scorecard, visit longviewchamber.com/advocacy
Perfect Catering 2028 Alpine Rd. Longview, TX 75601 perfectcateringonline.com
Regional Clinics of Longview Primary Care 2021 West Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604 regionalclinicsetx.com
Nacspace 2400 North Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX 75964 nacspace.com
Rehoboth Acres 4821 Private Road 352 Longview, TX 75605
rehobothacres.org
Oceans Healthcare 615 Clinic Dr. Longview, TX 75605 oceanslongview.com
TownePlace Suites - Longview 411 Porter Ln. Longview, TX 75605
TownePlace Suites - Longview
CLICK ON business names to link to Chamber directory information or link directly to their business website.
Danville Mobile Home Park (903) 615-3150
247A Private Rd 2435 Kilgore, TX, 75662 hometowncommunities.com
East Texas Dance Company (903) 753-2001
101 Ray Creek Dr Longview, TX, 75605 etxdanceco.com
EPIC Mortgage (903) 215-0451 1201 Jonquil Drive Longview, TX, 75601 anEPICmortgage.com
Ki Mexico ETX (318) 564-6651
102 Green St Longview, TX, 75601 Facebook.com
Lamond Grove ApartmentsBella Oaks LLC (903) 753-2522 29 Hudson Pointe, Monroe, NY, 10950 lamondgrove.com
LifeCare Health Services (903) 297-9300
911 W Loop 281, Longview, TX, 75604 lifecarehs.com
Michael Cavazos Photography (903) 746-7746 9 John Roberts Ct, Longview, TX, 75604 michael-cavazos.com/
Sushico Hibachi & Asian Cuisine (903) 824-2531
409 W Loop 281 Ste 105, Longview, TX, 75605 sushicotx.com
The Dreaming Peddler (903) 331-8978 1107 Evergreen St, Longview, TX, 75604 dreamingpeddler.com
Tina Sellers-Phelan (430) 267-0060 407 E. Methvin St. Suite 300 Longview, TX, 75601 firstkeystonewm.com
TownePlace Suites (903) 291-9040 411 Porter Ln Longview, TX, 75605 TownePlace Longview
Walmart Supercenter #3828 (903) 236-0947 4006 Estes Pkwy Longview, TX, 75603
Walmart Supercenter 3828
Walmart Supercenter #398 (903) 663-4446 515 E Loop 281 Longview, TX, 75605 Walmart Supercenter 398
Walmart Supercenter #399 (903) 297-1121 2440 Gilmer Rd Longview, TX, 75604 Walmart Supercenter 399
