Longview Progress Report Sep-Oct 2013

progress LONGVIEW

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES.™

REPORT

Inside:

September/ October 2013 Vol. 7 No. 5

Political Action Committee Announced - pg. 3 | Understanding Member’s Priorities - pg.4 Cover Story: Begin as a Student, Finish as a CEO - pg. 6 | On Target - pg. 8 | Retail Development - pg. 15

FIGHT. HelpInG you beaT breasT cancer wITH THe reGIon’s FIrsT and only 3d mammoGram.

The Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center now offers an astounding new weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Our new 3D Mammography allows physicians to examine breast tissue in greater detail—resulting in improved accuracy and a better chance at early detection. Contact the Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center at 903-232-8596 to make your appointment today.

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Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

From the President Political Action Committee Advisory Board Announced

N

early 100 years ago the Longview Chamber was birthed on the premise that the organization would foster an environment to live the American Dream. Today, it seems we are challenged with the notion Free Enterprise is the villain, when in reality it is the engine that drives our nation’s economy. The Longview Chamber challenges the theory 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.

Representing Business and Protecting the Free Enterprise System Remains Chamber’s Priority!

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 Your Chamber Understanding Member’s Priorities................................4 TRC! Unmask the Possibilities ....................................5 Cover Story - Begin as a Student, Finish as a CEO...........................................................6 Leadership Longview Class of 2013-2014.....................7 On Target with Jeremy DuMond....................................8 Ribbon Cuttings.........................................................10 Anniversaries and New Members.................................11 Network Continues Leadership Development ...............12 Customer Service Training................................. 12 & 13 Inter City Visit to Fort Collins, Co................................13 New Team Member Chelle Brown................................14 Retail Development/Redevelopment ............................15 6 MUST DOs Before Social Media...............................16 Blues & BBQ.............................................................17 Outstanding Leaders..................................................18 Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

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

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! Today, the Board is proud to present the Longview Business Political Action Committee Advisory Board.

Chairman Brad Tidwell explains, “The funding for the PAC will come from individual and corporate donations. As your local business representative we know you are in business to succeed!

The LBPAC is another way the Longview Chamber demonstrates we believe in helping our community remainvibrant in order to foster a healthy business climate!”

The Longview Chamber of Commerce is committed to

www.LongviewChamber.com

Left to Right: Mike Northcutt - Southside Bank; Jeremy DuMond, Chairman - U S Steel Tubular Products Inc Texas Operations Division; Keith Honey - AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company; Brad Tidwell - Citizens National Bank; David McWhorter, Treasurer Gans & Smith Insurance Agency Inc.; Tom Stamper - Good Shepherd Health System Inc.; Darren Groce - R. Lacy Services, LTD; David Hayes - Hayes RV Center

September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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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

Understanding Member’s Priorities

A

s a valuable member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce it is our hope that you recognize the effort your chamber puts forth to serve as the voice of business in Longview, Texas. It is an important role and the Chamber team knows that no other organization works harder and more directly to help businesses grow and prosper in our city.

Jill Bayless

Longview Regional Medical Center

Tim Vaughn

TVaughn Builders LLC

Brett Lindig

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Kelly Hall

Longview Chamber of Commerce

2013 Directors James Barron Barron’s

Kara Bolster STEMCO

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company

Ken Cunningham

Good Shepherd Medical Center

David Hayes

Hayes RV Center

John Ray

Lively Cadillac GMC

Keith Honey

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Darwin Winfield Atmos Energy

2013 Appointed Directors Lester Lucy BancorpSouth

Mayor Jay Dean City of Longview

Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County

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It is important that the Longview Chamber prioritize its resources and implement the vision and goals shaped by its members.

initiatives to provide our members and the community in general a means to voice their opinions, suggestions and ideas on high priority issues. LongviewTexasListens.com promises to serve not only the Longview Chamber’s planning process but also those with Gregg County and the City of Longview.

Our Chamber members — retailers, manufacturers, service providers, entrepreneurs and more — are good corporate citizens and share a vital interest in the future of Longview.

A strong and vibrant city that provides a good quality of life for its people and businesses is a priority for all.

As we look forward into the future of Longview, the Chamber has a role to play in asking the challenging questions of the day and advocating for a vision that will benefit our members and in turn the whole city. Working together, we are stronger and able to express solutions that will help build the success of every business and its employees in Longview.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce works to accurately and energetically represent the views and priorities of its members. The bread and butter issues of operating a business in Longview determine the foundation of the Chamber’s advocacy message.

The Longview Chamber conducts a full membership survey on a regular schedule to track TO POWER UP the trends and changes in our YOUR HEALTH member’s priorities.

With respect to being a member-driven organization, it is important that the Longview Chamber prioritize its resources and implement the vision and goals shaped by its members. While the initial purpose of surveys and task forces is to hear directly from Chamber members, the payoff goal is to use that information to fortify the voice of the Chamber.

This goal is even more prominent in light of the many legislative changes that are made at the local, state and national level that affect our member businesses.

The Longview Chamber has worked to implement

Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

PLAN

MORE CHOICES FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES

CONSISTENT COSTS

For more information on the Chamber Choice Health Plan, call 903-237-4000 today.

All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. ©2013 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

UHCTX644807-000 www.LongviewChamber.com

Promoting the Community

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Unmask the Possibilities

Staff Kelly Hall

here is no hiding the success the Total Resource Campaign has had in year’s past. This year is no different as we Unmask the Possibilities. The leadership is ready, the teams are set, and the volunteers are off to make this year’s campaign the best to date!

The Total Resource Campaign (TRC) is a nine-week effort to raise all of the dollars needed to fund the programs and services provided by the Chamber.

This year’s campaign chairman is Jeremy DuMond with U S Steel Tubular Products Inc Texas Operations Division. “By concentrating all fundraising efforts into a defined time period, organizations are able to effectively choose from a menu of sponsorships that best fit their marketing plan over the next year. “They also know that the Chamber will not come back to them requesting more sponsorship dollars until the next year’s campaign,” remarks DuMond. Sponsorship sales kicked off August 28 and will continue through October 30.

President 903-237-4004 president@longviewtx.com

Paul Anderson

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

Elaine Reynolds

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

Leska Parker

Director of Development 903-918-1546 bmanager@longviewtx.com

Chelle Brown

Director of Entrepreneurialism and Advocacy 903-237-4010 advocacy@longviewtx.com

A less noticeable advantage of the TRC has been the business connections made by serving as a volunteer in the campaign. “As a recent college graduate returning to Longview, I was asked to serve in the Chamber’s first TRC. I had the opportunity to work with business leaders who also served in the campaign, and I will continue those relationships throughout my professional career,” states Elizabeth Baumgardner, Marketing Coordinator for Longview Regional Medical Center. “The Chamber opened up doors for me that I never thought was possible.”

Sponsorship sales kicked off August 26 and will continue through October 30. If your company has not been contacted regarding these opportunities, please contact the Chamber today.

After October 30, no more sponsorships will be sold until 2014. Are you interested in serving as a volunteer in the campaign?

There may still be an opportunity for you!

Contact Leska Parker at 903-918-1546 or bmanager@longviewtx.com today.

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

Melissa Saunders

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

Lisa Null

Membership Services Coordinator 903-237-4013 membership@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

Carrie Fisher

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

Audrey Winders

Intern 903-753-3281 x242 chamber@longviewtx.com

September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Developing Community Leadership Begin as a Student, Finish as a CEO

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oung Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, is an innovative program that guides students through the process of starting their own real business. This year-long class transforms students into real, confident entrepreneurs. The Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the start of YEA! The YEA! program is for middle and high school students attending Longview ISD, Pine Tree ISD, Spring Hill ISD, Longview private schools, and Longview homeschooled students.

YEA!’s mission is to develop and deliver exciting, experience-based entrepreneurship programs to young people to enable them to transform their ideas into real enterprises that create economic and social value for a better world, develop character for tomorrow’s leaders, and enable educational institutions to provide successful entrepreneurship and social innovation training programs for youth between the ages of 11 and 18 years.

This groundbreaking program enables students to start and launch a real business or social movement over the course of the academic year. Throughout the class, students develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their plans to a panel of investors, and actually launch their own legal, fully formed companies and social movements.

Complete with dynamic guest speakers from the business community and exciting behind-the-scenes trips to local companies, the fun projects-based YEA! approach empowers students to take charge of their futures in a profound way.

Carlton Mitchell elaborates, “We are often telling our boys and girls that they are our future and we expect them to work hard in order that they be well prepared for a productive adult life. While this might be a good message to send, it is not as meaningful as giving them real opportunities to see what that life might be like. YEA!, and those who participate in the program, help to prepare our future entrepreneurs for their roles in the business world.”

If you know a student that would thrive in YEA! applications can be found at www.longviewchamber.com/YEA. Please contact Chelle Brown, Director of Entrepreneurship and Advocacy at advocacy@ longviewtx.com or 903-237-4010 for more information.

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

“One of the most interesting components of the program is the actual behind the scenes knowledge the students are given from local business leaders, who were at one time, standing in their shoes,” explains Kelly Hall, President of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. “The experience is something they will be able to apply to whatever field they choose to enter, giving them the necessary skills to become future leaders of industry.”

Local business leaders are excited about YEA! Carlton Mitchell, Director of Student Support Services at LeTourneau University, Stephen McHaney, Publisher of the Longview News-Journal and Ryan Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Guaranty Bond Bank have signed on to be a part of YEA! as the facilitators of the programs.

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

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Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Developing Community Leadership Proudly Presenting

LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW CLASS of 2013-2014 PROGRAM DAYS

Opening Retreat - Fri. & Sat., Sep. 13-14*

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Class of 2013-2014

he Leadership Longview Class of 2013-2014 year is proudly presented here: Martell Armstrong, City of Longview

Chris Beard, Eastman Chemical Company Dwayne Bennett, Community Healthcore Allyson Bock, BancorpSouth Suzanne Brown, U S Steel Tubular Products Amy Canton, The Arc of Gregg County Jon Cromer, Texas Bank and Trust Roy Finch, Longview Regional Medical Center Quory Flowers, Maly & Associates Ashley Haub, Eastman Chemical Company Allen Hold, Good Shepherd Medical Center

Community and Economic Development - Thur., Oct. 10 Tour Day - Thur., Nov. 14 Health and Social Services - Thur., Dec. 12 Criminal Justice/Public Safety - Thur., Jan. 9 Education - Thur., Feb. 13 Quality of Life - Thur., Mar. 13 Community Project Day - Thur., Apr. 10* Project Debriefing Session - TBD Graduation - TBD *Mandatory Attendance

Sean Jamerson, Westlake Chemical John Jaskiewicz, Good Shepherd Medical Center Kate Langston, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Scott Lewis, Longview Transit Management, Inc. Brian Livingston, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Jackie Moseley, Citizens National Bank Tequita Mumphrey, Longview Transit Management, Inc. Tammy Oberthier, Good Shepherd Medical Center Amanda Pitre, Pine Tree ISD Kayla Richardson, Healthcare Express Laura Rodgers, Spring Hill State Bank

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.

Mark Shrewsbury, The Made-Rite Company Shun Taylor, Baxter Clean Care Taylor Whyte, First Bank & Trust East Texas Daniel Wiebracht, Tom James Company Leadership Longview began in 1981 and graduated the first class in 1982. Over 700 community leaders have completed the program. The vision of Leadership Longview is to serve as the catalyst for progressive and effective leadership in the Longview community.

The new class will kick off their year on September 13 with an overnight and team building retreat. For additional information about the Leadership Longview program, contact Mary Whitton at the Longview Chamber of Commerce at 903.237.4000 or programs@longviewtx.com. www.LongviewChamber.com

Solutions include: • Office Services • Professional Search • Industrial

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

Longview, TX 75605

www.expresspros.com September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Developing Community Leadership

ON TARGET

On Target is a new feature which will focus on the good work and contributions of our volunteers.

E

ditors of the Longview Progress Report recently asked one of the Chamber’s most active volunteers to speak a bit about his role in East Texas. Longview Chamber of Commerce chair-elect, Jeremy DuMond, Director of Energy and Environment for U S Steel Tubular Products.

Longview Progress Report: What is your current position with your company U S Steel Tubular Products?

Jeremy DuMond: In my current role, I serve as Director of Energy and Environment for U. S. Steel Tubular Products. My responsibilities include all aspects of environmental compliance, regulatory affairs, and real estate holdings for our tubular assets in Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, with additional responsibilities at our plant in Alabama.

LPR: How long have you worked in this position?

DuMond: I have been involved in environmental compliance for U S Steel since 2006. My work experience

has been in the steel industry since graduating from Indiana University.

LPR: What is your company’s role and contribution to the communities of Longview and the surrounding area?

DuMond: : Our contribution is significant and our role has a direct impact. U. S. Steel Tubular Products (USSTP) is a wholly owned subsidiary of U S Steel Corporation. USSTP is the largest domestic producer of tubular goods for the oil and gas exploration and production market. With a vertically integrated structure, we are the only tubular goods manufacturer that can state that our products are made in the USA. We are truly a domestic manufacturer.

“I believe our governmental outreach programs, such as the Austin and Washington D.C. Fly-In, and our active governmental affairs and business advocacy efforts have been most effective at reaching their objectives.”

Considering, our Tubular Operations in Lone Star, Texas and Wheeling Machine Products in Hughes Springs, Texas, our company provides over 1,000 job opportunities to East Texans.

Annual salaries and accounts payable exceed $200,000,000 which is injected primarily into the local economy.

LPR: Please tell us why you find serving as a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce a worthwhile endeavor?

DuMond: U S Steel has a long tradition of serving through community involvement. The Longview Chamber of Commerce has created an opportunity for us to serve in Texas.

LPR: What benefits have you realized from your involvement with the Chamber?

DuMond: I personally have a strong commitment to service. I have been with too many people who would rather complain and do nothing than get involved in solutions. I have made a personal choice to get involved and help solve problems and provide solutions to strengthen our local economy and reach out to the community at large.

LPR: Please describe one aspect of the Chamber’s strategic plan that you see being effective?

DuMond: I believe our governmental outreach programs, such as the Austin and Washington D.C. Fly-In, and our active governmental affairs and business advocacy efforts have been most effective at reaching their objectives. Through these activities, we have created forums for discussion and implementation of a CNG program in Longview, the pending creation of a Longview Business PAC, and strengthen our relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials.

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Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

progress. longview regional’s expansion will help

make the community even healthier.

New surgical and ICU suites. A dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. An expanded Women’s Wing. A newly redesigned and more convenient parking lot.

The conversion of all semi-private rooms into completely private rooms. These are just some of the improvements you’ll soon discover at Longview Regional Medical Center. Because, as East Texas continues to grow, so does our commitment to your health and well-being. For a physician referral, call 903-242-3400.

LongviewRegional.com

Robert Wheeler, M.D., FACOG

Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Member of the Medical Staff at Longview Regional Medical Center.

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Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings

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Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Anniversaries and New Members September

10

years

October

Holiday Inn Express North Longview Sam Smead Photocreative Scott Hamilton Custom Homes

10 15

years

years

15

years

25 30

years

Delta Space Inc Henry & Peters PC Women’s Health Boutique

Dishman Goodman Ussery Bourcier and Gadt

years

East Texas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Spencer Orthodontics

25 50

years

years

Personally Fit

Alpine Target Golf Center Colonial Village Retirement Community First Presbyterian Church Homewood Suites Hotel by Hilton Ron Stringer & Associates

Precision Pest Services

Longview Glass Company Inc

NEW MEMBERS Advance Auto Parts

Hopkins & Hopkins LLC

Steve Jones Ameriprise

Rona Cottrell 212 E Marshall Avenue Longview, TX 75601 (903) 234-8266

Travis Hopkins 213 Renaissance Drive Hallsville, TX 75650 (903) 215-8404

Stephen H Jones 911 NW Loop 281 Suite 205 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 297-9800

Best Western Regency Inn & Suites

Independence Fuel Systems

Teri Norwood Real Estate Team, LLC

Cigna-Health Spring

Luby’s Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC

Texas Credit Corporation

Clifford Power Systems

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Dave Bigham 707 North Access Rd Longview, TX 75602 (903) 212-3333

Suzanne Brown 7364 Manassas Lane Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 245-3456

Matt Russell 515 N Fredonia Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-0242 Glenn Davis 2802 Tuttle Blvd Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-4333

Tom Slater 1913 E US Hwy 80 White Oak, TX 75693 (903) 291-8305

Tiffany Bratcher 12655 N Central Expressway #230 Dallas, TX 75243 (903) 574-1045

G.E.T. Moving & Storage

Scotties – Longview

Cody Yoder P O Box 9279 Longview, TX 75607 (903) 399-6923

www.LongviewChamber.com

Teri Norwood 906 Judson Road Longview, TX 75601 (903) 212-8326

Amber Elmore 2010 Gilmer Road Ste 102 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 297-8111

Krupal Patel 401 W Hawkins Pkwy Longview, TX 75605 (903) 663-6503 September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Developing Community Leadership

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Leadership Longview Alumni Network Continues Leadership Development

he Leadership Longview Alumni Network, formed in 2007, continues to provide professional training opportunities for LL alumni by uniting people of vision and skills with the needs and service opportunities of the community.

The LL Alumni Network hosts three annual events for alumni. In 2012, the Alumni Network conducted its first Fall Institute featuring John Grubbs with GCI, Inc. The Winter Institute, held in February of 2013, provided a venue featuring

Dr. Wayne Jacobs with LeTourneau University presenting a forum on brain activity. This event was combined with the regular class session of Leadership Longview.

The Leadership Longview Alumni Network is a group of ingenious aspiring leaders in the Longview community who want to make a difference through the investment of their time, talents and resources. Graduates of the Leadership Longview program are invited and encouraged to join. Membership in the Alumni Network provides opportunities to participate in the program and projects.

Are you interested in becoming a member? Annual dues are $75 per person or $125 for couples who have graduated from the program. Contact Mary Whitton at the Longview Chamber of Commerce at 903.237.4003 or programs@longviewtx.com. to learn more about how you can join and get involved!

Mary Whitton, Tammy Gibbons, and Chris Terry enjoy opportunities to maintain contact and network at alumni event

Save the Date Coming in November Fall Leadership Institute Customer Service Training Customer Service: How to Talk to Customers: Empathy, Tone and Making Personal Emotional Connections With Myra Golden

Alumni Members visit and tour facilities at LeTourneau University’s Abbott Aviation Center

All too often, employees come across to customers as indifferent, cold, uncaring, rushed or rude. This attitude problem is what drives customers to tweet and blog about a poor customer experience. With the right training, monitoring and coaching, employees can learn how to soften tones, truly convey empathy, make customers feel taken care of and even make memorable personal emotional connections with customers.

11:30 AM Wednesday, September 25, 2013 CNB Board Room Member Cost: $25.00 Non-Member Cost: $50.00 Reservations call 903-237-4000 Presenting Sponsor:

Alumni Members observe a demonstration at LeTourneau University’s Abbott Aviation Center

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Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Strengthening the Local Economy The Board chose Fort Collins for its 2013 Inter City Visit.

Fort Collins is a destination where the citizens have, and are dealing with similar issues.

Participants will be able to focus on best practices and experience true peer-to-peer learning. The networking and relationship building through shared experiences will help our leadership move forward on building a common foundation of understanding. Delegates will become a more cohesive team working to solve problems on behalf of our community.

D

uring the Inter City Visit scheduled for September 29 through October 2, 2013, a delegation of community leaders from Longview will visit Fort Collins, Colorado.

Located 57 miles north of Denver, Fort Collins has a population of 143,986. Fort Collins is a midsize college city, home to Colorado State University.

The Inter City Visit is designed to study and learn how other cities achieved the success they have enjoyed. It’s purpose is to help generate new ideas for Longview’s comprehensive planning.

Campus of Colorado State University

It will provide an opportunity to introduce our delegation to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community.

The delegation from Longview will meet with Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce President David May, and City Photo of Old Town Fort Collins Manager Darin Atteberry. The itinerary includes meetings and visits with economic development leaders as well as tours of selected sites in the city.

• Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation • Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce • Panel Conversation of How Downtown Works: Funding and Experiences • Tour of Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

How to Manage Problem Employees With Glenn Shepard Glenn Shepard returns with one of his most popular sessions, How to Manage Problem Employees.

Inspiring or motivating a team can be rewarding, but managing people isn’t always a cake walk. In fact, the ridiculous problems people can create can seem downright impossible to solve. This special program focuses on how to best address, resolve, and prevent a whole array of the most common — and most challenging aspects of dealing with people. You’ll learn how to handle absenteeism, apathetic employees who just don’t care, bullies, and employees who are chronically late. You’ll understand how to supervise friends and former peers, employees who always answer “I don’t know” or “that’s not my job”, and employees who blame everyone else. Covered in the program will be insubordination, know-it-alls, negative attitudes, narrow minded people, pathological liars, short tempers, and prima donnas.

You’ll also learn what causes rumors, office gossip and grapevines; how to manage office politics so that you don’t get sabotaged and so that none of your employees get eaten alive by the vultures who sometimes slip through. You’ll discover special techniques for dealing with employees or managers who won’t make commitments and decisions or constantly procrastinate.

Plus you’ll learn how to handle sensitive legal issues like sexual harassment, employee theft, alcohol and drug abuse, and how to legally fire people.

8:30 a.m. – 12 noon October 8, 2013 CNB Board Room Tuition: Chamber member $129 Non-chamber members $179 For Reservation Call 903-237-4000

www.LongviewChamber.com

September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Promoting the Community State of the City

New Team Member to Guide Key Initiatives

C

helle Brown joined the Chamber Team on June 14, 2013. A very welcome and needed addition, Brown is the Director of Entrepreneurship and Advocacy for the Chamber.

Mayor Jay Dean will speak on the state of the city in a public forum.

11:30am-1:00pm Friday, September 20th Pinecrest Country Club Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors: Austin Bank and Texana Bank Silver Sponsors: The Ward Agency, Atmos Energy, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

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Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

Prior to joining the Chamber’s team, Brown worked at the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana as the Director of Child Care Connections. The Children’s Coalition is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive.

Her hometown is Lafayette, Louisiana. Brown graduated from Louisiana State University and received her graduate degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Commenting on her recent move Brown said, “I moved to West Monroe out of graduate school and that is where I spent my career until I moved to Longview. Our family moved here in April after my husband took a job with Eastman Chemical Company.”

When asked what she considers very special experiences in her life, she replied. “I am an avid LSU fan. There is no better place to be on a Saturday night than in Tiger Stadium. I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes to serve to friends and family. I will be undertaking my first 5K, the Color Up 5K in November!”

www.LongviewChamber.com

Strengthening our Local Economy Are you interested in starting your own business?

Need new marketing ideas?

Check out our Tools For Business link on our home page! www.longviewchamber.com

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Development and Redevelopment

remiere Management was started 30 years ago by Scott Zhorne. Raised in East Texas, Zhorne has built his business in management and real estate through careful aquisition of defaulted properties.

I-20 Developments Zhorne has been an active supporter of the effort to develop Longview’s I-20 corridor.

Interviewed by the Longview News-Journal recently he stated that he believes in the South Longview I-20 beautification efforts which are under way and is betting his money that the initiatives will lead to new development as well as significant redevelopment. “I do believe Longview’s I-20 corridor is a major economic growth opportunity for Longview, and our projects will help elevate everything that is going on in the area,” Zhorne said.

Follow us on: Land cleared for new Cracker Barrel Restaurant

facebook.com/longviewchamber

@LongviewChamber

Longview Chamber of Commerce Group The Business View Blog businessinlongview.com

Diana Northcutt

Retail Development Coordinator

In 2012, Premiere Management acquired 4.3 acres along the eastbound access road on I-20. The idea behind the purchase was to select and attract a new project to the area - something that was very popular and in demand. According to Diana Northcutt, Retail Development Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce it’s a gold mine that can be tapped. “Travelers are driving cars through Longview every day on Interstate 20 and on U.S 259. That is a lot of potential revenue passing right through our city,” says Northcutt, “We could capture a share of those travel dollars if we can attract more of that interstate traffic to stop in Longview.”

The site currently under construction will be home to an 8,960 square foot Cracker Barrel with room to sit 177 guests.

Construction crews broke ground late July and anticipate a grand opening before Christmas.

Two additional pad sites are available and Zhorne is actively pursuing other concepts to come to Longview.

Loop 281 Redevelopment Premiere Management projects include investment in redevelopment. One of the hottest development spots in Longview is the area between 4th Street and Eastman Road along and north of Loop 281. On the corner of Loop 281 and 4th Street, construction workers have been fervently working on a facelift for the shopping center located at 500 E. Loop 281.

In addition to a new elevated façade, new landscaping and irrigation will be added to both Fourth Street and Loop 281 frontages.

The corner space will be home to Verizon Wireless and other retail.

Redevelopment project on the SE corner of Fourth Street and Loop 281.

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

903-237-4029 development@longviewtx.com www.LongviewChamber.com

September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Promoting the Community 6 Must-do Moves BEFORE Social Media A 101 guide for tourism dependent businesses.

W

ith everything changing so quickly these days, it’s easy to lose track of the basics: that means businesses that serve the traveling public need to focus attention on how their market makes a decision to visit.

The pace of change can be especially overwhelming for small businesses in the hospitality industry. Businesses that depend on the traveling public for success are discovering that their customers and guests are changing how they plan their trips. The method has moved to Internet and digital sources. Printed guides are on the decline while digital online resources are booming.

Many of you know that you need to do “something” in social media but you’re not sure where to start, and you’re looking for help to guide you through the noise.

What are some good first steps?

Where can you make the biggest impact online?

4. Do you have a website, and does it have good basic information such as where they are (maps, please!) what you sell, operating hours and contact information? Understand why it’s important to make your site mobile-friendly as soon as possible, if it isn’t already.

Many know that they need to do “something” in social media but you’re not sure where to start, and they’re looking for some help to guide them through the noise.

Do These Things First

5. Have you claimed your business on Google Places? Fill out the profile and set up to receive notifications of reviews.

It’s the single biggest move that will help you be found. You will be able to listen/ respond to reviews which is a basic social skill. You can claim your business listing on Bing and Yahoo as well, but first take care of the 1000 Pound Google Gorilla.

6. If you’re a restaurant, make sure you also claim your business on Yelp and be set up to respond to reviews.

If you are starting at zero (or close to it) in social and digital marketing, here’s what we’d recommend:

7. If you’re a hotel, make sure you’ve claimed your business on TripAdvisor and are able to respond to reviews.

1. Big picture and strategy come first. Sit down and define your ideal customer or guest and describe your market in a few sentences. Where are those customers right now on social media (Facebook? LinkedIn? Twitter? Instagram?) In general, what sort of information could you share on social media that might appeal to your particular market?

8. THEN you’d be ready to talk about and plan your launching on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, etc.

• Photos – of what?

• Information – about what?

• Video – of what?

• Customer service – how?

Make sure you stop and think at this level for 30 minutes before doing ANYTHING else.

2. Think about how visitors and customers find you today, and how that’s changed in recent years. Write down your conclusions.

• More from search?

• Do word-of-mouth referrals include online

mentions?

• More referrals and mentions from social media?

• From which platforms?

3. Do you know why your customers or guests come to your place of business? If you can’t tell others what brings people through your doors right now, you need to work on being

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more knowledgeable about your customers. That’s who you will be trying to connect with on social media, so you’d better know those folks pretty well.

Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

Final note: If some website help is needed, and possibly some assistance setting up a blog on your website, you can find a listing on the Chamber’s on-line membership directory — that is a good place to start. http://bit.ly/memdirweb Then try networking groups and service clubs that have members that do that also.

One thing to to remember that is very important, stick with web designers first and foremost and look for those who are savvy with WordPress or other content management publishing software. Whoever you choose to use, be certain they are competent in the basics of web design and SEO (Search Engine Optimization.)

Looking pretty is nice, but beautiful work that doesn’t also support your SEO goals is not helpful. Brains have to come before beauty….

Need some help with the basics? Tourism Currents offers a complete course in developing social meadia campaigns for tourism related businesses. http://www.tourismcurrents.com/ individual-lessons#Intro Reprinted with permission from http://www.tourismcurrents.com/ www.LongviewChamber.com

Provide Networking Opportunities

Hospitality Training L O N G V I E W ,

T E X A S

REGISTER NOW

FOR THE FINAL 2013 SESSION!

OCTOBER 11, 2013 FUN & INFORMATIVE! This proven training program will arm your employees with essential working knowledge on customer service excellence and how to make a positive, lasting first impression. You will also tour some of our area’s finest attractions.

Register on-line: www.LongviewChamber.com or call the Longview CVB at: (903) 753-3281

GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS

Deluxe Corporation Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steak House

www.LongviewChamber.com

www.VisitLongviewTexas.com 903.753.3281

410 N. Center Street • Longview, Texas 75601

September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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Provide Community Development Programs

T

Outstanding Leaders to be Recognized at Second Annual Luncheon

he Longview Chamber of Commerce will once again recognize outstanding emerging leaders under the age of 40 at the 2013 Emerging Leaders Luncheon set for December 5 at Pinecrest Country Club.

Applications are being accepted for this year’s event.

Who Can Apply: Any individual under the age of 40 (by September 1, 2013) who has had an extraordinary impact through leadership service in the Longview community. The applicant’s

expertise beyond the scope of everyday employment.

Through commitment to their profession and community, the applicant serves as an inspiration to others in an effort to improve the quality of life in our community.

Applications are available online at www.longviewchamber. com or by contacting Mary Whitton at the Chamber at 903.237.4003 or acts of leadership service will represent a dedication of excellence in their area of

programs@longviewtx.com.

Facsimile of Emerging Leaders Application

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Longview Progress Report | September - October 2013

www.LongviewChamber.com

Calendar of Chamber Events SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

Longview Chamber of Commerce Office 2

Closed for Labor Day 6 President’s Coffee 9 PAR BUSTERS Golf Tournament e 20 Ways to Build Your Team u Chamber Executive Board Meeting Blues & BBQ i

Elected Officials Reception

7:30 a.m.

Wood Hollow Golf Club

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

4 President’s Coffee How to Manage Problem Employees 8

Glenn Shepherd

7:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

w Real East Texas Hospitality Training

Maude Cobb Activity Complex 8:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

7:30 a.m

4:45 p.m.

Longview Chamber of Commerce p

Board Retreat a State of the City Luncheon Customer Service h

How to Talk to Customersl Connections

Pinecrest Country Club 11:30 a.m.

t Chamber Executive Board Meeting i Taking the “con” out of Conflict Longview Chamber of Commerce i

Board Meeting

7:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

d Business After Hours

sponsored by Homewood Suites Hotel 4:45 p.m.

g Member2Member

11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

h YEA! Student Orientation j Member 2 Member Yea! Begins j Inter-City Visit: Trip to Fort Collins, Colorado ;

6:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

September 29-October 2

Chairman’s Club Platinum

Gold

www.LongviewChamber.com

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

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

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

September - October 2013 | Longview Progress Report

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

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

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