Longview Progress Report

November/December 2011 Vol. 5 Issue 6

Don’t Miss…

Leadership Longview visits Enoch Stomp, p. 10

Also in this issue…

SECURING COMMON SENSE REGULATIONS

3

CVB LAUNCHES ONLINE STORE 4 EMBRACE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT 5

EAST TEXAS OUTDOOR EXPO BRINGS THOUSANDS TO TOWN 6 FINAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON TO PRESENT ECONOMICS

7

LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW HOSTS FALL EVENT

10

THE BUZZ ON RETAIL DEVELOPMENT

11

CHAMBER OFFERS CONNECT TO SUCCESS EVENTS

12

FEATURED AMBASSADORS

14

Departments RIBBON-CUTTINGS

8

ANNIVERSARIES

9

NEW MEMBERS

9

CALENDAR

T

Longview CVB Partners with TripAdvisor

RESTORING THE BALANCE AND

DISCOVER DOWNTOWN

Chamber of Commerce J Convention and Visitors Bureau J Downtown Development

15

Longview Progress Report is published by:

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

ripAdvisor is one of the most used travel information websites in the world. This is what TripAdvisor says about their traffic and site: “With more than 40 million unique monthly viewers and more than 50 million reviews and opinions on site, TripAdvisor has officially become the single largest travel website in the world.”

Longview has just become partners with TripAdvisor. The once generic “Visiting Longview, Texas” page on TripAdvisor is now sponsored by the Longview Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau. This sponsorship provides six key advantages and opportunities to advise travelers on the rewards of visiting Longview.

• Photos and Videos submitted by the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau will always be in the first 12 spaces of the headline photo frame. Visitors browsing these photos will see 10 photos and can view two videos about Longview.

• Longview CVB website, email and download of Longview’s Visitors Guide are in the prime location – upper right corner.

• Two banner advertisements will promote the events and our Real East Texas Experience.

- Currently the East Texas Outdoor EXPO is being promoted in the banner on the right side, - and an animated vertical banner shows the beauty of Longview and our region on the left side.

• Five events will be displayed with thumbnail photos.

The events will roll off once the event is over and new events will appear.

• Value and Promotion Links will appear under the map. These five links can be changed whenever needed.

Any of the six features on the TripAdvisor page for “Visiting Longview, Texas” can be changed by the staff of the Longview CVB. Take a trip to TripAdvisor and see the new presentation of Longview, Texas.

2 November/December

www.longviewtx.com

From the President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Restoring the Balance and Securing Common Sense Regulations

H

Richard Andrews

the Chamber is to help our elected eightened concerns of a double dip officials understand the unintended recession was the topic at a recent US consequences before it becomes a Chamber of Commerce conference mandate. We also want you to share with attended by Advocacy co-chair and board us the impact of current regulations and member Tim Vaughn and Chamber how it impedes your ability to sustain President Kelly Hall. Strong messages were and grow your business. Using your delivered by presenters challenging local examples allows us to help our elected chambers to educate and engage business officials leaders to understand both communicate with sides of an issue. elected officials that Help us arm our it is time to “Wake elected officials to Up Washington.” help us bring As many of us reformation and know, a risk when balance back to attending advocacy the regulatory conferences is the process. Examples ongoing rhetoric, help us explain but not this year. the hard COST of Speakers such as compliance these Andy Card Jr., Tim Vaughn – Business Advocacy Co-chair visits regulations place former White with Andrew H. Card Jr., Acting Dean of The Bush House Chief of School of Government and Public Service and on businesses, plus, it will enable Staff, set the tone Former White House Chief of Staff us to look forward by leading one of at the regulations in the pipeline to see the discussions with “we actually like how they could impact jobs, investments, rules, but we need a significant debate and growth. It is YOU the business about what common sense regulations community who still have peripheral means to business and our economy.” The vision to understand the consequences of discussion continued with a robust regulatory agency’s actions on job dialogue on why and how Chambers of retention and expansion.

Commerce and our members can help As the Voice of Business we have an politicians and bureaucrats gain a better obligation to help our elected officials understanding of how the rules they pass make, revise and/or remove regulations and/or considering to pass stifles which creates a strong economic climate. creativity, innovation and entrepreneurism.

We also have an obligation to encourage Card looked at the audience and asked elected to have the political courage to “where is the leadership?” He was not stop job killing regulations and let the referring to elected officials. He was asking economy grow. It is the Chamber Chamber professionals and key leaders, responsibility to promote a common “Will we enable floundering political sense approach that enhances our ignorance or will we demonstrate change?” economic environment that allows business to invest and hire.

IT’S TIME FOR ACTION: (If you would like to submit an example of We need your help (our members) to how an existing or proposed regulation understand the consequences of impacts your business please email regulations in practice rather than theory president@longviewtx.com or contact Kelly at so we can better inform our elected 903.237.4004) officials with these examples. The role of www.longviewtx.com

LEDCO Past Chairman

Edward Banos Good Shepherd Health System

Shane Best

Texas Bank & Trust

Cathy Cace

Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steak House

Jon Cox

STEMCO

Keith Honey

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Anne Hugman

Hugman Architecture & Construction

Jim Kendrick

Longview Regional Medical Center

Dr. Dale Lunsford

LeTourneau University

David McWhorter

Gans & Smith Insurance Agency Inc.

Darrell Rachels

Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations

John Ray

Lively Cadillac-GMC Car Co.

Dave Spurrier

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Dianne Swank

Suzanne Cook & Company

Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Properties, LLC

APPOINTED DIRECTORS Jay Dean

City of Longview

Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County

Shelby Snell

Oleum Operating Co., LLC

The Longview Progress Report 3

Strengthening a Strong Economy

STAFF

Kelly Hall President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com Paul Anderson Sr. Vice President 903-753-3281 lcvb@longviewtx.com

Elaine Reynolds VP Downtown Development 903-237-4040 downtown@longviewtx.com Leska Parker Chief Operating Officer 903-237-4010 bmanager@longviewtx.com Mary Whitton

Community Development Director

903-237-4003 programs@longviewtx.com Mitzi Barnes Convention Sales & Services Coordinator Executive Director East Texas Outdoor EXPO 903-237-4021 projects@longviewtx.com

Diana Northcutt Community Development Coordinator 903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com Lisa Null Membership Services Clerk 903-237-4013 membership@longviewtx.com

CVB Launches Online Store The Longview Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced the launching of its “Longview Stuff” on-line store. The store has t-shirts and caps; tumblers and wine glasses; folios and clips; playing cards and post cards, just to name a few of the items available.

The easiest way to become familiar with what is available is to go to the on-line store and SHOP! Each item has the Longview logo on it. These items are excellent gifts for friends, members of the family, or business associates. The store Internet address is http://Shop.VisitLongviewTexas.com. Do not use the traditional 3W when entering the address. If you live in Longview, you might want to save postage by picking up your purchased items at the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Otherwise the LCVB staff will be happy to ship it to you for the cost of postage.

Save the Date AlleyFest - May 11-13, 2012

The Chairman’s Club

Platinum

Gold Silver

Kim Droege Executive Director Keep Longview Beautiful 903-212-4552 klb@longviewtx.com

Margie Harris Tourism Services Manager 903-753-3281 info@longviewtx.com

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

4 November/December

www.longviewtx.com

Promoting the Community

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Embrace the Holiday Spirit … Discover Downtown

ather up friends and family and head to Downtown Longview for the Christmas Parade, Thursday, Dec. 1. The official lighting of the Gregg County Courthouse is at 6:15 pm and the parade starts at 6:30 pm.

Thanks to the dedication of Longview AMBUCS for doing such a great job getting the line up complete and working to get everyone lined up on parade night!

Christmas at the Courthouse plans have been in full swing since the snow melted on the Gregg County Courthouse lawn last December! Our 2011 holiday season is quickly coming together with plans for a thrilling parade, two snow hills, entertaining children’s activities, movies on the courthouse lawn, Mrs. Claus, and Santa of course. Holiday Downtown Market and ArtWalk will also occur on December 2.

Come on downtown and enjoy Christmas at the Courthouse on Friday and Saturdays, Dec. 2 and 3 and Dec. 9 and 10. Times of this free family fun event will be 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Don’t miss the holiday fun!

www.longviewtx.com

Thursday, Dec. 1 6:15 p.m. - Light up the Gregg County Courthouse 6:30 p.m. - Parade begins Friday, Dec. 2 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - ArtWalk Longview and Holiday Downtown Market Friday and Saturday Dec.2 and 3 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Family and Children’s activities Friday and Saturday Dec. 9 and 10 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Family and Children’s activities

The Longview Progress Report 5

Promoting the Community

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East Texas Outdoor EXPO Brings Thousands to Longview

t’s an East Texas Outdoor tradition that continues to support Longview’s economy. The 30th Annual East Texas Outdoor EXPO will get underway January 27-29, 2012. More than 40 vendors will display 150 boats, 100 RV/travel trailers, and ATVs and motorcycles during the weekend at Maude Cobb Activity Center and Exhibit Hall.

You can stock up on the latest innovations in camping gear, invest in a relaxing spa, and find out how to finance some of those big ticket items you’ve been dreaming of.

The EXPO is fun for the entire family. There will be clowns and the Royal White Tigers. For the little anglers, they won’t want to miss the KIDFISH tank. The KIDFISH foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating young anglers about the environment, conservation of our natural resources, and simply helping to make memories for families to enjoy a lifetime.

With an estimated attendance at nearly 10,000 people, it comes as no surprise this EXPO is the largest boat and travel EXPO east of I-35. That’s quite a change from where

6 November/December

it started back in 1982. At that time, exhibits were mostly from the dealers’ right here in our own back yard. Today vendors from all over the state travel to the heart of the Texas Lake Country every year. They know East Texans will always enjoy and support this EXPO, after all, it’s tradition.

Doors open Friday at noon-8 p.m. Saturday you can catch the action from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday the fun continues from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. An adult pass is just $6.

Children ages 6 – 12 are $2, and kids 5 and under are FREE. Admission is good in both the Activity Center and the Exhibit Hall. A shuttle bus is provided by Tri City Charter take attendees to both buildings. Visit www.easttexasoutdoorexpo.com for more information or call Mitzi Barnes at 903-237-4021.

www.longviewtx.com

Strengthening the Local Economy

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survey and demographic studies, economic research and

from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at

regional and local economies.

Final Membership Luncheon Presents Lessons in Economics he final Membership luncheon of 2011 will feature Dr. Ray Perryman, President and CEO of The Perryman

Group. Presented by

information, and feasibility studies and business plans, as well as speeches, presentations, conferences, and

assistance with capital acquisitions and transactions. Dr.

Southside Bank, this year’s

Perryman will analyze all aspects of our national, state,

luncheon will be December 8

In addition to Dr. Perryman’s presentation, the event

Pinecrest Country Club.

For more than 15 years, The

will showcase members of our Perspectives Panel: Kelly

challenges of thousands of

Chuck Ewings, Assistant City Manager, and Susan

Hall, President/CEO. Longview Chamber of Commerce;

Perryman Group has met the

Mazarakes-Gill, Executive Director, Longview Economic

clients through a systematic

Development Corporation. These community professionals

approach and a level of

performance that assures a consistent standard of excellence.

will address the roles their organizations play in the area of local economic development and the impact on our

Dr. Ray Perryman

TPG's practice areas include economic modeling and

community.

Individual tickets are $25 for members and $40 for

forecasting, litigation and regulatory support, business

nonmembers. Company table sponsorships are $300 for

and impact assessment. The firm also provides market

office today at 903.237.4000 or register online at

valuation, economic development and strategic planning, and industry analysis, statistical modeling and analysis,

members and $400 for nonmembers. Call the chamber www.longviewchamber.com.

PERSPECTIVES PANEL Presented By:

Chuck Ewings

www.longviewtx.com

Kelly Hall

Susan Mazarakes-Gill

The Longview Progress Report 7

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

Audubon Behavioral Health Audubon Behavioral Health is located at 613 Clinic Drive. Call 318-797-6785.

Builders Carpet & Design Builders Carpet and Design Center is located at 3052 N. Eastman Road, Ste. 104. Call 972-540-6600.

Pat’s Diner Pat’s Diner is located at 2900 Tuttle Blvd.

Call 903-663-1154.

8 November/December

Big Dave’s Bar-B-Q Big Dave’s BAR-B-Q is located at 2407 Judson Road. Call 903-663-3227.

Fleur Décor Fleur Décor’ is located at 121 E. Tyler St. Call 903-232-2295.

DAVID SIMPSON State Representative David Simpson is located at 1705 Judson Road, Ste D2.

Call 903-553-9226.

www.longviewtx.com

Big ‘O’ Burger Big O Burger is located at 2718 Gilmer Road. Call 903-297-3338.

Graystone Haunted Manor Graystone Haunted Manor is located at 13481 FM 968 W. Call 903-918-3889.

Texas Spine & Joint Texas Spine and Joint Hospital is located at 725 N. Fourth St. Call 903-525-7002.

Promoting the Community

New Members Allegiance Home Health Services, LLC Darrell Sheridan 112 E Line Street Ste 20 Tyler, TX 75702 (903) 593-1737 American Home Patient Sherri Fluellen 2920 Tuttle Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-3020

Best Western Regency Inn & Suites Erika Bauer 707 North Access Rd Longview, TX 75602 (903) 212-3333 Big O Burger Omar Rumsey II 2718 Gilmer Road Longview, TX 75604 (903) 297-3338

Builders Carpet and Design Center Monty Goodwyn 3100 Alma Road McKinney, TX 75070 (972) 540-6600 Care First Medical Center Longview Miguel Milan 101 W Hawkins Pkwy Ste 7 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 343-8355 Charles N. Richardson Enterprise, Inc. Rocky Richardson P.O. Box 1358 Kilgore, TX 75662 (903) 984-6231

David Simpson State Representative David Simpson 1705 Judson Road Ste D2 Longview, TX 75601 (903) 553-9226

Remedy Intelligent Staffing John Harper 2700 Gilmer Road, Ste 3 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 295-3702

Fleur Décor Emily Thomas 121 E. Tyler Street Longview, TX 75601 (903) 232-2295

Sittin’ Pretty Crystal Bowles 1825 Wellington Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-7629

Knowledge Nook The Toy Place Paul Allegrezza 114-A Johnston Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-8741

Stream Flo U.S.A. LLC Dorothy McGuire 701A Glencrest Lane Longview, TX 75601 (903) 234-1880

Longview Vault Brandon Adams 2350 W. Marshall Ave. Longview, TX 75604 (903) 669-1884

Texas Spine and Joint Clinic Dru Crenshaw 1814 Roseland Blvd.

Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 525-7002

J LeGrande Northcutt 408 N. Fredonia Ste. 101 Longview, TX 75601-6466 (903) 757-5021

Anniversaries November ‘11 - 1 YEAR

November ‘11 - 5 YEARS

December ‘11 - 5 YEARS

December ‘11 - 35 YEARS

Services

REMAX First Choirce

Inhouse Associates

Church

American General Finance

Austin Bank Texas NA – Pine Tree Branch

Citifinancial

RHW Metals Inc

Auto Pronto

November ‘11 - 10 YEARS

Jordan Health Services

Watkins Insurance Group

Cilantro’s

Pro-Lube Distributing Timeless Additions

Window World of NE TX

Summer Brook Apartments Yahama Sports Center

November ‘11 - 15 YEARS Wellness Pointe

Cartridge World

December ‘11 - 25 YEARS

Pegues-Hurst Motor Company Texas Bank and Trust – Pine

Oakland Heights Baptist

December ‘11 - 40 YEARS Talley Oil Company

Tree

December ‘11 - 30 YEARS Summit Club

Wal-Mart #399

www.longviewtx.com

The Longview Progress Report 9

Developing Community Leaders

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Leadership Longview Hosts Fall Event

he Leadership Longview Alumni Network hosted a

fall event on October 22 at Enoch’s Stomp. Fall was in

the air as attendees enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of

the winery. The event included dinner by Perfect Catering,

a silent auction which included original artwork by Spring Hill ISD art teacher, Bud Dunn, and the creative

caricatures of Cory Carlson. The silent auction was a huge success with the Class of 2003 being recognized with the

annual Spirit Stick by raising the most money during the silent auction.

Graduates of the Leadership Longview program who

are not alumni members may join for only $75.00 per year.

The 2012 upcoming programs include a Lunch and Learn in February, Leadercast in May and monthly luncheons

and networking opportunities. To learn more about how you can become a member, contact Mary Whitton at 903.237.4003 or programs@longviewtx.com.

Top right: Attendees at the October Leadership Longview Alumni Network event pose for a photo.

Right: Leadership Longview alumni and guests enjoy the evening at Enoch’s Stomp on October 22.

W

Chamber, City Partner for Wayfinding Signage

ayfinding encompasses all of the ways in which people orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place. By January 1, 2012 our residents and visitors in Longview will be able to enjoy our Phase

10 November/December

I Wayfinding signage. Working as a collaborative group, including the City of Longview Public Works, Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau, One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street and some dedicated volunteers; this long awaited project is going to be completed. www.longviewtx.com

Strengthening our Local Economy

The BUZZ on Retail Development WHAT IS COMMERCIAL/RETAIL DEVELOPMENT?

Commercial/Retail Development can be defined as a concerted effort of a organization to promote the economic health in a community.

When we promote commercial/retail development, we are enhancing the overall Diana Northcutt business climate to Community make Longview a Development more advantageous Coordinator site for business development.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce maintains a database with retail and pad sites and provides retail studies and

research for anyone who is interested in investing in Longview.

Retail growth is a foundational part of our local economy and it cannot be neglected. Communities that do not aggressively market their local retail potential are simply passed over.

Marketing communities is one of the most competitive aspects of economic

development.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce looks forward to promoting Longview at the ICSC trade shows in San Antonio and Las Vegas.

If you have any suggestions as to what retailers you would like to see come to Longview, please contact me at 903-237-4029 or e-mail: development@longviewtx.com.

WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING …

CheeBurger CheeBurger “I joined the Chamber because it is a great opportunity to be part of the community.”

If you are looking for a great fund-raiser, contact CheeBurger CheeBurger. They will donate 15% of sales to your cause.

Call 903-663-8600 for more information.

What Businesses Do YOU Want to See in Longview?

Tell us today at: www.websurvey master.com/s/ Longview Chamber

Follow us on: Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

To feature a story in The Buzz, contact: Diana Northcutt Community Development Coordinator

Redneck Rockstar Boutique “The Chamber gives me the opportunity to get the scoop on all the events that are going on. It’s also a great way to network!”

Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N. Center St. Longview, TX 75601

If you are looking for something unique, try Redneck Rockstar Boutique.

Tel: 903-237-4029 development@ longviewtx.com

www.longviewtx.com

The Longview Progress Report 11

Providing Networking Opportunities

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Chamber Offers ‘Connect to Success’ Events

Are you a new member to the Chamber or have you been a member for a while but want to stay up-to-date on the programs, events, products and services that your chamber offers? The Longview Chamber of Commerce will be hosting several networking opportunities during the months of November and December.

Member2Member will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the chamber office.

Member2Member is the one meeting that you don’t want to miss. It is a great opportunity to market your business to meeting attendees as well as learn about your chamber and the opportunities we can offer your business.

There is no charge for new members. A small fee of $10 is the only charge for seasoned members. Reservations are required so contact the Chamber office at 903-237-4000 to register today!

The final two Business Development Workshops for 2011 are scheduled for November 16 and December 13. In

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12 November/December

November the chamber will be presenting the seminar, Customer Service Training – Are you Delivering the WOW Factor? In this workshop attendees will learn 20 concrete ways for employees to make emotional connections with their customers. Attendees will walk away from this workshop with realistic ideas for improving the customer experience and the inspiration to try to commit to WOWing your customers at every touch point.

The December Business Development workshop on December 13 is 7 Social Media Mistakes Your Company Must Avoid (as you monitor and engage consumers in social networking communications. This workshop is for every business who is engaged in social media. A must attend workshop!

Registration for both workshops is $25 for members and $50 for nonmembers which includes workshop materials and lunch. Online registration is available at www.longviewchamber.com or call the chamber office at 237.4003 today!

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www.longviewtx.com

www.longviewtx.com

The Longview Progress Report 13

Developing Community Leaders

Chamber Names Ambassadors of the Month Name: Jennifer Barnett Employer: Citizens National Bank Position: Financial Services Representative How long have you been an Ambassador? 3 months What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? I enjoy networking within our community and building both business and personal relationships.

How has being an Ambassador helped your business? It has provided

14 November/December

Jennifer Barnett

opportunities to get Citizens’ name out into the community as well as the products and services we have to offer as a community bank.

Name: Dianne Martin Employer: Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Services Position: Sales/Marketing How long have you been an Ambassador? 3 months What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? Getting to meet all the new members.

It is a great networking tool.

How has being an Ambassador helped your business? It seems to be an ideal way to meet all the

www.longviewtx.com

Dianne Martin

human resource and management professionals.

I have gained several businesses that are now doing testing with us.

November 4 9 14 16 17

CALENDAR

10:00 a.m.

Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market

4:30 p.m.

TRC Victory Party

Noon

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting

11:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

4:00 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

29

4:45 p.m.

Business After Hours sponsored by Hampton Inn and Suites North

1

6:00 p.m.

Longview Christmas Parade

8

11:30 a.m.

Economic Luncheon at Pinecrest Country Club

3:30 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

4:45 p.m.

Chairman’s Reception

24/25

December 2/3

Chamber Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

6– 8:30 p.m. Christmas at the Courthouse

9/10 6– 8:30 p.m. Christmas at the Courthouse 12 14 22

23/26 30

11:30 a.m.

11:30 am.

Noon

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting Member2Member at Chamber Office

Chamber Office Closed for Christmas Holiday

Chamber Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday

THANK YOU! Made-Rite Company, Coors of Longview and Glazer’s Distributing for producing our 2011 Business After Hours. WE APPRECIATE YOU! www.longviewtx.com

The Longview Progress Report 15

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

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