Longview Progress Report - May/June 2016

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LONGVIEW

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May/June 2016 Vol. 10 No. 3

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

How to Keep Perspective Alive

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oach John Wooden said, “Individuals win trophies, but the team wins the championships.” Communities are no different. As individuals or individual organizations, clubs, associations etc., we can each be successful in our own right. The difficult question is Kelly Hall President/CEO – are we moving the needle in the right direction as a collective body?

The Chamber believes in building a community that creates an economic environment that allows businesses to grow and prosper. When business succeeds job growth can occur. Job creation and retention are critical to driving communities forward. Longview is currently facing some challenges with 14 months of declining sales taxes and jobs being lost due to the oil and gas slump. As the voice of business the Chamber must remain diligent and address these challenges head on.

The Chamber must continue to plan for and negotiate the future. We must be diligent and intentional in providing encouragement while we identify and tell the success stories that continue to take place but aren’t always visible. Coach Wooden understood how teams work. He knew how to: • Work in the areas of an individual’s strength, • Continually explore opportunities, • Discern root causes for issues, • Analyze and build on past successes, and • Listen to your gut!

Your Chamber needs your help in building the Longview we want for 2025 and beyond. How does this look for you and/ or your company? Only you can answer that question. I would challenge you and your colleagues to consider the following: • What gifts, talents, resources do we have that could be utilized to make Longview the best place to live, work and play?

• How are we helping build both unity and diversity?

• Don’t forget: no team member, no business, no organization is less important than another.

• How are we aiding in creating harmony in our community and region while providing mutual care?

• How can we STOP competing with each other and begin understanding how to complete each other?

The Chamber leadership believes that to be wise leaders and create intentional strategic plans the tough questions must be asked, explored, and openly discussed. That is one of the many reasons the Chamber leads InterCity Trips. These trips provide the opportunity to apply Coach Wooden’s team building principles. As community and business leaders do www.LongviewChamber.com

What’s Inside President’s Message......................................3 Google Street View Inside - A New Chamber Benefit for Members......................................4 Small Business Awards Reciepients.................5 Cover Story: Roads=Growth=Revenue=Jobs...6 Power Your Potential: A Womans Leadership Series..........................8 Leadership Longview Adds to Safety City.........9 YEA! Another Successful Conclusion................9 Business Solutions Conference......................10 Advocacy Insight.........................................11 Ribbon Cuttings ..........................................12 Operation Thank You....................................12 New Members & Anniversaries......................13 Welcome New Team Members......................13 Leadership Longview Call for Applications......14 Business After Hours...................................14 LMRC’s New Greet & Meet Event..................14 Calendar.....................................................15

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601 903-237-4000 / www.LongviewChamber.com www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber @LongviewChamber

their research and development, it also provides the venue to ask the tough questions and determine if the plans we have in place fit the needs of our culture and time and whether they will be a catalyst to prepare us to lead Longview for the future.

Will you help us Keep the Perspective Alive and in Front of the People?

For more information about the 2016 InterCity Trip contact Kelly Hall at khall@longviewtx.com.

Destination: Evansville, Indiana Date: September 7 & 8, 2016

May-June 2016 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

2016 Officers Wade Johnson

Chairman of the Board Johnson & Pace Incorporated

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Showing Off Before Your Customers Are There

n April, the Chamber introduced a new partnership with Google Street View Inside.

What Is It? Most everyone is familiar with and uses Google Maps “Street View” function where you can get familiar with a place by seeing it from street level 360 degree images. Now your Chamber brings that 360 degree camera technology to your business to create a virtual walk around the inside and outside of your business establishment which get published live into Google Maps, displayed on our new

Virtual Business & Area Guide, and you can embed a copy of your establishment’s Google Virtual Tour right on your own website and Facebook page!

A Visual Glance People looking for your types of product / service make their decisions first by what a place looks like. So when you choose to be included in this program, people using Google Maps to navigate the region for your products / service will find and be able to take a “Street View” style virtual tour to get a look at the outside and inside of your business establishment.

What You Have After spend-ready people have seen a place they like the looks of, now they want to know what you have. So you captured their attention with the Google virtual tour and now they head to your website to learn what you have and why they should choose you.

What Your Customers Say Like it or not, people read customer reviews and it does impact many spending decisions toward your business. Our partner Google Maps photographer is also a certified “Google Local Guide.” So along with getting the Google Virtual Tour of your establishment you’ll also get a write-up in Google Local about your business!

Less waiting for emergency care (and a lot more care, if you need it).

Take Advantage of This Valuable Offering

In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, we work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less.

LongviewRegional.com *Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

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To get on that itinerary you must fill out and submit the online form at http://longview. seeinsidebusinesses.com. They will follow up with you right away to review all the details including costs and you can decide from that conversation if this is for you or not.

Roy Eon

Chairman of Finance Texas Bank and Trust

Pat Britton

Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations

Keith Honey

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Ron Hutchison Network IP

Roger Johnson

Texas Office Leasing

Dana Parr

Copeland Insurance Group

Brad Tidwell

Citizens National Bank

2016 Directors James Barron

Barron’s / J & J Barron Enterprises LLC

David Hayes

Hayes RV Center

Brett Lindig

SYSCO Food Services, LLC

Sam Neale

AAON Coil Products Inc

Rodney Overman Henry & Peters, P.C.

Meredith Todd

R. Lacy Services, LTD

2016 Appointed Directors Natalie Lynch

Austin Bank Texas NA

Ronnie McKinney

Gregg County Commissioner Precinct 1

Becky Simpson

Judge Gregg County Court at Law 1

Dr. Ron Sones

LeTourneau University

Cheryl Jaskiewicz Kelly Hall

President/CEO Longview Chamber of Commerce

www.LongviewChamber.com

Longview Progress Report | May-June 2016

90992_LONGV_ERpldg_3_875x5_5c.indd 1

Ken Cunningham

Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Good Shepherd Health System, Inc.

4/1/16 9:18 AM

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Staff Kelly Hall

President 903-237-4004 khall@longviewtx.com

Paul Anderson

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

Leska Parker

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

Suzanne Brown

Public Policy & Communications Director 903-237-4003 sbrown@longviewtx.com

Lisa Monsivais

Business/Office Manager 903-237-4013 lmonsivais@longviewtx.com

David Jochum

Director of Business & Membership Development 903-237-4023 djochum@longviewtx.com

Shalee Faircloth

Membership Services Coordinator 903-237-4000 sfaircloth@longviewtx.com

Amy Canton

Leadership Longview Coordinator 903-261-7125 acanton@longviewtx.com

Courtney Gill

Young Entrepreneurs Academy Coordinator 903-452-7521 cgill@longviewtx.com

Danielle Kenebrew

Intern 903-237-4000 ext 209 assistant@longviewtx.com

www.LongviewChamber.com

Small Businesses Receive Honor

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he annual Small Business Awards Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at the Maude Cobb Convention Center.

The program begins at 11:30 am with lunch catered by Traditions. The keynote speaker for the event is Eric M. Ellis, President & CEO of Integrity Development Corp. Mr. Ellis will be speaking on, “Building a Culture of Respect Developing a workplace culture where fully engaged employees feel truly valued and respected.”

We will also honor the following recipients of the 2016 Small Business Awards.

Family Owned Business of the Year Skinner’s Grocery & Market, has been a Longview establishment for nearly 50 years, is owned by Dee Norris and her son Brant Brantley. Since the purchase of Skinner’s in 2001, the family’s goal has been not only to maintain the “Skinner’s Tradition”, but to also continue improving the store’s quality while providing unrivaled employee courtesy and customer service.

East Texas in 1929 and currently has approximately 95 employees located in offices in Longview and Tyler.

Legacy Award Centennial Legacy Awards are awarded by the Chamber during its centennial year to honor businesses that have contributed extensively to the Longview Community. For over 100 years the Welch Funeral Home has served the families of Longview and Gregg County through providing a high standard of service.

Founded in 1914 by W. M. Welch as Welch Hardware and Undertaking. His son, O. Thomas Welch, built a new facility and opened the Welch Funeral Home on S. Green Street in 1939 after a fire burned their hardware store.

Marcus Welch joined the business in 1975 as the fourth generation of the Welch family. He is Co-owner with Susan Welch. The Welch Funeral Home has been a member in good standing with the Longview Chamber of Commerce for nearly 92 years.

Entrepreneur of the Year Founded in 1994, Encore Multimedia has been a member of the Chamber for nearly 20 years. Described as customer focused and results driven, Encore Multimedia is a full-service, integrated marketing firm. Specialties include strategic marketing, public relations, digital marketing, video, radio, web, and print.

Leadership Longview & YEA! Graduations We will celebrate the graduation of the Leadership Longview class of 2016 and the YEA! graduation of Pine Tree students who have participated in and completed the Young Entrepreneurs Academy!

Small Business of the Year Henry & Peters, P.C. is a certified public accounting firm that established its presence in the Longview community in 1997 and joined the Longview Chamber of Commerce in early 1998. Since then the Firm has been an active contributing member in good standing.

Henry & Peters was founded in

TACLA023812C

Fixed Right Day or Night Free Estimates • Sales / Installation • Residential & Commercial Service

104 Crockett • 903-753-9624 Office • www.alcoair.com May-June 2016 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

ROADS = GROWTH = REVENUE = JOBS T ransportation is key to growing a strong local, regional, state and national economy! That is why your Chamber of Commerce supported the city’s bond election for streets in 2007 and 2011. It is why the Chamber supported the state’s 2014 Prop 1 constitutional changes to increase funding for transportation by allowing revenues to be transferred to the state highway fund to be used only for developing public non-toll roadways. It is also the reason the Chamber supported the 2015 Prop 7 constitutional changes to increase funding by dedicating certain sales and use tax revenue and the motor vehicle sales, use and rental tax revenue to the state highway fund to provide funding for non-toll roads and the reduction of certain transportation-related debt.

Having good roads is critical to supporting growth, creating revenue, and being able to attract and retain jobs.

Building and maintaining an infrastructure system is fundamental to Texas’ quality of life and economic vitality.

There is no easy solution to creating revenue streams at the local, state, and national level to ease congestion or to maintain and modernize our surface transportation infrastructure.

One may ask, what is your Chamber’s role in the transportation discussion? The Chamber’s role is to remain vigilant and understand the funding challenges that surround this topic. Our role is to influence policy at the federal, state, and local level. The Chamber’s role is to educate and inform voters of legislation that can help or harm their ability to do business.

The next important question to ask is how does the chamber function to accomplish the objectives outlined above?

1. Local level – the Chamber has a transportation committee that meets on a regular basis. The committee has identified goals and objectives as well as developed a surface transportation document that outlines the projects they are monitoring. Critical players are at the table including the Atlanta and Tyler TxDOT Districts, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Chairman, City of Longview Transportation experts, Gregg County, and of course leaders from the business community. The Chamber’s transportation committee was selected because they have access, resources, and influence with agencies that can help move Longview forward.

2. State level – the Chamber staff serves on the Texas Association of Business’s transportation committee as well as the Executive board. Leveraging these relationships is critical in helping shape policy. Currently, staff in partnership with the transportation committee is reviewing 10 areas that State legislators will be considering in 2017. Our input will be used in helping shape TAB’s public policies. The 10 areas

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Longview Progress Report | May-June 2016

include: Funding issues, Toll Roads, Eminent domain, Local and regional transportation funding tools, TxDOT administration and project planning, Truck weight limits, Vehicle safety inspections Texas Emission Reduction Plan, Transportation Network Companies (ridesharing), and Air Traffic Control.

3. Federal level – the Chamber staff serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Infrastructure committee as well as the U. S. Chamber’s Committee of 100 for Chambers of Commerce. Again, leveraging these national relationships to influence policy and create awareness about East Texas’s infrastructure is extremely important. These relationships put Longview at the table when discussing The Highway Trust Fund needs and understanding how the national funding shortfall impacts our region and Longview.

We are part of the discussion on what avenues are or should be considered to provide a permanent fix. Stronger public and private investments will have to be made to bring certainty to businesses, states, and anyone who relies on our nation’s roads, bridges, and highways.

What is the bottom line? The Longview Chamber must become very savvy and strategic when representing what is best for our business community and our economy. We must have a seat at the table at the local, state, and national level to protect our greatest assets — our infrastructure system. Your Chamber believes job creation and enhancing our business environment is of the upmost importance!

We will continue to seek long-term solutions, seize opportunities, and represent the interest of business.

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

STROKE BY THE NUMBERS STROKE IS THE Every

40 SECONDS

someone has a stroke

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4

#

#

cause of

cause of

DEATH DEATH in Women

in Men

Number of STROKE DEATHS IN ONE YEAR Women

77,109

Men

52,367

(from 2010, the most recent year the statistics are available)

SAVING LIVES–

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT. One out of six people will suffer a stroke during his or her lifetime, and when a stroke hits, life comes down to seconds. To save those precious moments, only Good Shepherd Medical Center links your emergency response team together in real time, using Pulsara.

Developed by Leading Edge Medical Associates in partnership with Good Shepherd Health System, Pulsara is stopping stroke in its tracks and saving lives across the country.

DEPEND ON THE STROKE SPECIALISTS AT GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICAL CENTER.

www.LongviewChamber.com

GSMC.org

May-June 2016 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Power Your Potential Women’s Leadership Series

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uilding community-wide leadership is part of the Chamber’s effort to developing a strong future for Longview’s development. The Chamber is proud to host a four part leadership series that focuses on allowing women to put power behind their potential. This is an opportunity to invest in yourself and your staff so you may gain skills that will create more stability, strength, connections, and confidence in your life.

Each session will take place in the Chamber’s CNB Board Room starting at 11:15 am and ending at 1:30 pm. Material and Lunch will be provided. Session dates are: June 2 – True Connections with Kim Brody; June 24 – Influence & Empowerment with Brian Brandt July 8 – Power Presenting with Kim Brody July 29 – Emotional Intelligence with Kim Brody Save $55 by registering for all four sessions for only $125.

Individual class registration is $45 per class. Registration is available on-line at: www.longviewchamber.com/eventdirectory.

True Connections • Gaining trust and improving others’ perception of you.

• Utilizing existing network connections to connect with others.

• Communicating effectively with others.

• Identifying ways to become unforgettable.

Kim Brody serves as Director of Professional Development Core Insights.

She is an experienced facilitator, developer, and educator who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language from Central Missouri University. Kim started her own consulting company working on a contract basis with companies such as Sprint, Georgia Pacific/International Paper, and Core Insights Brian Brandt is C.E.O. of Core Insights, a Texas-based company providing premier training, a speakers’ bureau, coaching and strategic planning for businesses, non-profits, schools, ministries and individuals. With nearly three decades of leadership experience, he has devoted his life to developing stronger leaders and organizations. He has been interviewed by countless radio, television and print media outlets on a wide range of topics. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Global Leadership as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

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

Influence & Empowerment • Identify their blind spots.

• Understand what impacts communication and how to overcome these challenges.

• Discuss the importance of employee engagement.

• Learn six principles of maximizing influence.

• Define and understand a culture of empowerment.

Power Presenting • See how to prepare in such a way that sets you up for success.

• Discover the art of practice.

• Learn and employ the nuances of delivering a compelling message.

Emotional Intelligence • Define emotional intelligence and understand its importance to the workplace.

• Identify, decode, and manage emotions in the workplace.

• Assess current emotional intelligence.

• Create an action plan for moving forward with knowledge of emotional intelligence.

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

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Longview Progress Report | May-June 2016

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

2016 Leadership Class Project Adds to Safety City

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he Leadership Longview Class of 2015-2016 chose as their class project to build a lounge at the entrance of Longview’s Safety City.

The class of 25 professionals spent several Saturdays erecting the building from the slab to the roof and learned many new skills in the process. This building will provide visiting teachers a place to relax while still keeping an eye on their students. The building will also function as a place for presentations when weather doesn’t cooperate.

The class held a ribbon cutting for the new building in conjunction with Safety City’s 25th Anniversary celebration.

Judge Bill Stout and Councilwoman Kristen Ishihara read proclamations from Gregg County and City of Longview respectivly naming April 13th, 2016 Safety City Day.

611 S. Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 903.758.1773 • 800.530.4888 www.hudsonprint.com www.LongviewChamber.com

The class of 2016 together presented Safety City with a building they can be proud of that will be used to teach safety to our children for years to come.

YEA! Another Successful Conclusion

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n Wednesday, March 30th, the 3rd Annual Longview Chamber of Commerce Investor Panel was held. Ten aspiring entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch their business ideas, their plans, and their passions. The six business ideas represented included Inotech R &D, Tiny Tokyo Boutique, Compassionate Hearts Alliance, NaJoKen Jewelry, Friendship Cakes, and Nyyrikki Custom Knives.

During the evening, Daniel “Dax” Lopez, founder of the Nyyrikki Custom Knives was awarded $4,000 to invest into his business and awarded as the local Young Entrepreneur winner. Dax will advance to the winner’s circle of the Saunders Scholars National Semi-Finals Competition May 5th-7th, 2016 in Rochester, New York. Dax will compete with the “best-of-the-best” from around the country in hopes of being voted as one of America’s Next Top Young Entrepreneur National Saunder Scholars Finalist. This Semi-Finals competition would not have been possible had it not been for our local Event Sponsors/ Investors. Thank you again to Joyce Steel Erection, Johnson & Pace Inc., Guaranty Bank & Trust, Ogilvie Family Companies, Gill Electric LLC, Sherman and Sherman and Briscoe Orthodontics, R Manley Enterprises, Russell & Sons, and East Texas Baptist University School of Business.

The YEA! Year end on Tuesday, May 3rd as the students graduate the program during the Small Business Awards Luncheon. The students will be recognized for their journey and success of the Young Entrepreneur Academy program.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Peter Drucker May-June 2016 | Longview Progress Report

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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One Day, One Location, One Goal – To Build Business

he 2016 Business Solutions Conference will provide the most meaningful education, connection-building and business growth in the East Texas Area this year. Over 600 business leaders and novices will convene at Maude Cobb Convention Center on Tuesday, May 3 beginning at 7:30 am to take part in this event. The day begins with a business breakfast featuring national trainer and consultant, Eric Ellis.

He will provide keys to fully utilize today’s diverse workforce.

Eric will also provide the Keynote Luncheon Address and an afternoon seminar on building a culture of respect. Other seminars include an Entrepreneurship Question & Answer Panel featuring successful Longview entrepreneurs; Exporting and Brand Protection with the US Departments of Commerce and Patent and Trademark Offices; and Professional Development, Technology and Business Strategies seminars

featuring local and national speakers and trainers. The expo floor will be bustling with over 60 companies ready to highlight the latest products and services available to grow business.

This is a conference business professionals cannot afford to miss.

Invited guests and exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect the evening of Monday, May 2 at Maude Cobb 4:30-6:30 pm for a VIP Reception. If you are a business owner or decision maker in your corporation, please contact Leska Parker at lparker@longviewtx.com or 903-918-1546 to be included in this event.

The 2016 Business Solutions Conference is presented by Advocate Digital Media. Gold sponsors include Copeland Insurance Group, Cynergy Technology and Traditions Restaurant and Catering. Online registration for this conference is available at www.longviewchamber.com.

CATERING • The Largest Trained & Qualified Catering Staff in East Texas • Fresh, made from scratch menus prepared & executed especially for your event

What makes traditions catering so extraordinary?

Whether it’s a formal wedding reception, corporate event, holiday gathering, or business meeting, Traditions offers an extensive menu with a variety of options for catering events of all sizes. In addition to hosting your event in one of our beautiful on-site private dining rooms, we also provide our catering services at a variety of off-site locations. From offices, convention centers, schools, churches and more, our Catering team is available to serve at the location of your choice. Traditions Catering takes care of all the details ensuring that your special event is perfect!

• Unlimited resources to achieve any unique request • Flexibility to meet budgets, dietary needs & timelines • TABC Bar Service availability • Professional Cake Cutting for quality, speed & accuracy

Deliveries available up to 2 hours from Tyler City Limits

Traditions has endless catering menu choices

6205 S. Broadway Ave. • Tyler, TX 75703 • 903.534.1111 www.traditionstyler.com • traditionstyler@gmail.com

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Longview Progress Report | May-June 2016

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Advocacy Insight

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You’re Chamber at Work On Behalf Of Business: Advocacy in 2016!

dvocacy continues to be a key focus in 2016. There is the usual important issue watch and partnership with Texas Association of Business (TAB), American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for keeping abreast of legislation proposed and developed in Washington, D. C., and Austin. With this year being an important election year, the Chamber is hosting candidate forums providing an opportunity for membership to hear candidates’ platform and opinion on key issues impacting the business community.

Call To Action!

The Chamber’s new Call To Action portal, is providing a fast-track to member engagement in contacting legislatures on key issues impacting the business community.

Overtime Regulations: The first call to action was in support of a bill being proposed that would prevent the new overtime regulation from taking effect. The new overtime regulation would raise the salary threshold under which employees would have to be paid overtime for hours worked beyond 40 per week from the current annual level of $23,660 to $50,440. Such a dramatic increase will force employers to decide whether to reclassify millions of employees to nonexempt status or increase their salaries to keep them exempt.

Protecting Small Business Retirement: A second call to action took place to support opposition to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) regulatory expansion over employee retirement accounts, such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), 401K, etc. The DOL is currently working to redefine the definition of a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Security Act (ERISA) by modifying what constitutes “investment advice.” The DOL’s proposal would have a big impact on small businesses and their employees, estimated at about 9 million households. This re-proposal is both more expansive and much more complicated than the DOL’s controversial 2010 proposal. It will have a disproportionate impact on low and moderate income Americans saving for retirement--especially employees of small businesses who save

www.LongviewChamber.com

using products such as IRAs.

2016 Elections In partnership with Texas Prosperity Project, and media sponsors the Longview News-Journal and Kilgore Cable, the City Council Candidate Forum was held for District 5 and 6 races on April 18, 2016. That partnership continues as we plan the Candidate Forum the Senate District 1 primary run-off on May 4, 2016. Call 903-237-4003 for location or check our website at www.longviewchamber.com/news/latest-news/.

Summit III – Cyber Security Last year the Chamber hosted its first Cybersecurity summit and the response was so positive that before the event began we knew we needed to create an even more robust event for our members. This fall the Chamber will host a ½-day workshop on Cyber Security. Expansion of this program will include a hands-on component. The agenda will include legislative updates, issues from the security departments, hands on demonstration, and a discussion on fraud prevention.

Affordable Care Act Update Misty Baker, Director of Health Insurance Information at Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, provided in-depth updates on ACA for insurance providers and employers at the HealthCare Summit. She then addressed the topic as the keynote luncheon speaker for Salute to HealthCare, identifying the pros and cons of the legislation and the healthcare platforms of the current presidential primary candidates.

Washington D.C. Fly-In – May 9 – 13, 2016 The Chamber travels to Austin and Washington D.C. as an East Texas Region meeting face-to-face with our elected officials on the issues that matter most to your business. The East Texas Coalition is made up of Chambers of Commerce from Smith and Gregg Counties. In order to strengthen the regional voice, the chambers embarked on a joint effort seven years ago to combine their legislative trips to Austin and Washington, D.C. This program provides participants the opportunity to hear from a variety of federal agency leaders on key topics such as water, transportation, and air quality, with Continued to Page 14 - Advocacy Insight

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Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings Groundbreaking

Comfort Inn and Suites

August Wallace Eyecare Associates

707 N Access Rd, Longview, TX

3032 N Eastman Rd, Longview, TX

Crosspoint Communications 418 Lake Lamond Rd. Longview, TX

Edible Art 504 W South St. Longview, TX

G-Force 4800 Gilmer Rd, Longview, TX

T Longview Drugs 1751 W Loop 281, Longview, TX

Prosperity Bank 1281 W Loop 281, Longview, TX

Wells Fargo Advisors 2103 Judson Rd, Longview, TX

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Longview Progress Report | May-June 2016

he Chamber of Commerce is always honored to represent and assist our member businesses throughout the year. This year, in celebration of its centennial anniversary, the Chamber would like to take it to another level. The goal is to thank each and every Chamber member - in person!

This will be accomplished with people like you! Over 150 volunteers will be enlisted and trained over a three-day period to deliver thank you packages to Chamber members.

Have you been looking for a low to no-cost way to build your business and deepen relationships with other business leaders? Then you will want to volunteer for Operation Thank You on July 6th, 7th, or 8th. A great benefit for all volunteers will be the opportunity to place your company info in each of the packets being delivered.

Coffee and refreshments will be available for volunteers in the morning along with lunch at noon. The operation will culminate each day with a reception for all volunteers and Chamber members.

You can volunteer for a four-hour shift (morning or afternoon) on any one, two or even all three days by contacting Dave Jochum at djochum@longviewtx.com or by calling 903-237-4023.

www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

New Members

B & L Pest Control, LLC Bing Corpier 2512 Balsom St Longview, TX 75605 (903) 930-1219

Holly Hester PO Box 3812 Longview, TX 75606 (903) 757-6111

Excel ER

Mobbs Companies

Brand Mentors, LLC

Foundation Chiropractic Ashley Mayes 434 E Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 (903) 212-0622

Move Athletic

Erin Lee 716 Glencrest Ln #D Longview, TX 75601 (903) 230-6683

Bullock Investigations (Security Division)

Interstate All Battery Center

Texas Document Solutions, Inc.

Enterprise Computing Services, LLC

Majestic Inn

Waller Media, LLC

Josh Kennah 1910 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701 (972) 863-0509 Mike Bullock 300 N Green St Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-4500

Allen Martin 3720 N Frazier St Conroe, TX 77303 (903) 663-9644

Kendall Payne 347 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 219-3427

Parul Kumer 1409 E Marshall Ave Longview, TX 75601 (903) 753-8454

Anniversaries

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May & June

Years

10

Years

15 20 30 35

Years

Years

Years Years

50 60

Years

Years

www.LongviewChamber.com

Locals Love Us Longview Blind & Shutter Pine Grove Apartments Premier Legacy Real Estate, LLC Turn-Tex Machine & Tool, Inc Wally’s Party Factory Advance’d Temporaries Inc Churchill At Longview LP Fullman & Lawrence Insurance, LLC The Hospice of East Texas Longview Cash Now LLP Longview Computer Center Strathmore Products The Wedded Bliss Bagley Tractor & Equipment Lock Box Self Storage East Austin Bank Texas NA Blue Bell Creameries LP East Texas Auto Air & Glass Oak Forest Montessori School Robin Sage, Judge - 307th Family District Court Sherman Briscoe Wilkinson Orthodontics Ben Maines Air Conditioning Inc Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Valerie Gorman PO Box 1974 Kilgore, TX 75663 (903) 643-0876

Heather Ringler 4619 Troup Highway Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 509-9900

Chrispin Chifwepa 402 S. Ragsdale St Jacksonville, TX 75766 (903) 663-2477

Chamber Welcomes Two New Members to Their Team Shalee Elise Faircloth joined the Chamber Team as the Membership Services Coordinator January 1, 2016. She had worked with the Chamber for several months as a part-time intern while she completed her work on her Bachelor’s degree.

Ms. Faircloth brings valuable skills and produces much of the Chambers in-house graphic design work. She also is responsible for ACXIOM Database Services, Discover Longview Tours, Social Media, and the Weekly Progress Report. Originally from Jasper, Texas, Shalee is a December 2015 graduate of East Texas Baptist University with a B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing and Data Analysis.

Dave Jochum came on board April 1, 2016 as the Chamber’s Director of Business and Membership Development. Primary responsibilities include overseeing membership development and membership services. The Chamber looks forward to what Dave can do to as he helps the Chamber continue to serve its membership and enhance the quality of businesses in the Longview area.

Dave is a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Longview class and has served as volunteer with the Chamber program. Dave Jochum is a founding partner and certified coach, trainer, and speaker with The John Maxwell Team.

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, David and his wife Michelle live in Longview with their four children.

May-June 2016 | Longview Progress Report

13

Leading Longview People. Place. Prosperity.

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Call for Applications for Leadership Longview Class of 2016-2017

t’s almost time to select a new Leadership Longview class!

Applications for the Class of 2016-2017 will be available online May 1. Application deadline is July 1 at 5 pm.

Leadership Longview takes local professionals through nine months of personal development, leadership training and community awareness. Leadership Longview’s goals are: 1. To identify potential leaders in Longview and prepare them for positions of public and private decision-making.

2. To maintain and strengthen communication by creating opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with each other and community leaders.

3. To provide community education.

4. To increase awareness of problems, opportunities and issues affecting the Longview community.

Through participation in Leadership Longview, graduates become part of a new resource capable of directing important activities in the community.

For more information please contact Amy Canton at acanton@longviewtx.com or (903) 261-7125.

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Meet Our New Doctors and Providers

oin Longview Regional Medical Center and Diagnostic Clinic of Longview for a Meet and Greet event welcoming their new Physicians and mid-level providers.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, May 17, 2016 Hilton Garden Inn 905 East Hawkins Parkway, Longview, Texas

14

Longview Progress Report | May-June 2016

Advocacy Insights - Continued from Page 11 an allotted time for private meetings. Relationships are built with elected officials as well as face-to-face meetings via member fly-ins to Austin and Washington D.C. The Legislative Reception includes State Representatives and Senators as well as over 100 state agencies commissioners and key staff, providing an opportunity to showcase East Texas’s regional efforts and build relationships between these entities.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce works closely with job creators to advocate for pro-growth, pro-business regulations and policies to help ensure economic prosperity for our region.

www.LongviewChamber.com

CHAMBER CALENDAR JUNE

MAY

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

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Advocacy Summit – Cyber Security

Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd

True Connections with Kim Brody Women’s Leadership Series - Part 1

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

3 3

Business Solutions Conference 2016

Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd

3 3 4

Leadership Longview Graduation

Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd

YEA! Graduation

Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd

State Senate Candidate Forum

Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

w u o p p g

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Business Before Hours

Wellington Grande 3637 US Hwy 259 N

Small Business Awards Luncheon,

Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Boat & RV Show Committee Meeting

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Executive Board Meeting 7:30 -9:00 a.m.

7:45 – 9:00 a.m.

r y u f g

Executive Board Meeting

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Ambassador Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Influence & Empowerment with Brian Brandt Women’s Leadership Series - Part 2

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

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Business After Hours

Homewood Suites by Hilton 205 N. Spur 63

Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Ambassador Meeting

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

4:45 – 6:30 p.m.

z JULY

Chamber 101

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Business After Hours Events are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

Citizens National Bank 200 N. Fredonia Street 4:45 – 6:30 p.m.

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Chamber 101

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Operation Thank You! See Page 12

Power Presenting with Kim Brody Women’s Leadership Series - Part 3 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Chairman’s Club Platinum

Gold

Silver ABC Auto Parts AEP Atmos Energy Austin Bank BancorpSouth Chase 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 Trinity Rail T Vaughn Properties LLC USSTP Lone Star Tubular Operations

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

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

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