R.E.A.C.H. - September/October 2019 Issue

L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y. E D U C A T I O N A D V O C A C Y C O L L A B O R A T I O N

R E A C H R E D E V E L O P M E N T

A PUBL I C ATI O N O F T HE LO N GV IE W CH A MBE R O F C O MME RC E

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EMPLOYMENT | POPULATION | MEDIAN HOME PRICE | MEDIAN INCOME

MIRACLE

Longview Texas

R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2019

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w w w. Lo n g v i e w Re g i o n a l . c o m 903-758-1818 2901 N. Fourth Street, Longview, TX 75605

Longview Chamber of Commerce Staff Kelly Hall President/CEO 903.237.4004 khall@longviewtx.com

Stephanie Raudales Special Project & Event Coordinator 903.237.4013 sraudales@longviewtx.com

Suzanne Brown Senior Vice President 903.237.4003 sbrown@longviewtx.com

David Jochum Business & Leadership Development Director 903.237.4023 djochum@longviewtx.com

Misty Amaya Education & Workforce Manager 903.237.4041 mamaya@longviewtx.com Bianca Adams Information Services Coordinator 903.237.4000 chamber@longviewtx.com

Ana Arroyo Special Projects & Business Development 903-237-4000 aarroyo@longviewtx.com

What’s Inside?

It’s Time to Turn Up the Volume!........................................... 4 Advocacy............................................................................ 6 Total Resource Campaign..................................................... 7 Education........................................................................... 8 Leadership Longview............................................................ 9 Chamber of the Year.......................................................... 10 Upskilling Our Workforce.................................................... 11 New Members / Ribbon Cuttings......................................... 12 Inserts.............................................................................. 13 [ CLICK STORY to go directly to page ]

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2019 YEAR OF CHAMBER EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2.............................................................Labor Day – Office Closed 24.................................................................BAH: Southside Bank 30......................................................................... Capitol Connect!

OCTOBER 4................................................ Chamber Classic Golf Tournament 14-18................................................ Chamber of Commerce Week 22.................................................... BAH: Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry 23......................................Coffee Conversation: HUB Zone Federal Contracting Workshop NOVEMBER 6................................................State of the City

2019 Officers Chuck King Chairman of the Board Chick-fil-A

Richard Manley Past Chairman of the Board R. Manley Enterprises Dana Parr Chairman Elect Advanta Insurance Partners

Vice Chairs

Kevin Hood Chairman of Finance Texas Bank and Trust Jessica LaRue Vice Chairman Harbour Smith Harris & Merritt PC Ron Hutchison Vice Chairman Conterra Networks Casey Robertson Vice Chairman Longview Regional Medical Center

12................................................ Chamber 101 15..........BBH: Arabella of Longview Senior Living 19..................................... BAH: Prosperity Bank

Wade Johnson Vice Chairman Johnson & Pace Incorporated

28-29.....................Thanksgiving – Office Closed

Directors

DECEMBER

Jim Green Eastman Chemical Company Texas Operations

11...................................... Holiday Open House 24-25............. Christmas Holiday – Office Closed

David Hayes Hayes RV Center

BAH: Business After Hours / 4:45–6:30 p.m.

BBH: Business Before Hours / 7:45–9 a.m.

BA: Business Advocacy LL: Leadership Longview ED: Education

CLICK HERE to watch video

Most current Chamber Calendar of Events. All dates are subject to change.

[ CLICK HERE ]

Cheryl Jaskiewicz Pinnacle Senior Care Dr. Roger Johnson Texas Office Leasing Sam Neale Napps Technology Corporation

State of the City

Rodney Overman Henry & Peters, P.C.

Wednesday - November 6, 2019 11:30 - 1:00 pm Holiday Inn Infinity Event Center

Mark Robinson AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Appointed Directors

Todd Hancock CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Presenting Sponsor

Councilwoman Kristen Ishihara City of Longview Natalie Lynch Longview Economic Development Corporation

Gold Sponsor AAON Coil Products Inc Silver Sponsors Henry & Peters PC Austin Bank Barksdale Federal Credit Union CenterPoint Energy

[ REGISTER HERE ]

featuring DR. ANDY MACK City of Longview Mayor

Judge Bill Stoudt County of Gregg Meredith Todd R. Lacy Services, LTD

R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2019

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It’s Time to Turn Up the Volume!

Truths are revealing. Truths can be painful. Truths can be freeing!

On Sunday, July 7, 2019, the New York Times online business edition featured an article on Longview. The headline was hard to read, “The Texas Miracle Missed Most of Texas”, and the article was not much better. The article was featured on the business edition cover on Monday, July 8, 2019. Since the article was released the coverage has generated conversations from all across our community, state, and nation. Reader opinions varied greatly.

Background to the article: Jim Tankersey, writer, reached out to me in March 2019. He was researching rural communities to gain understanding why some areas maintained and/ or even grew in jobs during the downturn after 2008. Much has been reported on the Texas Miracle so he was given the opportunity to explore rural Texas. In rural America abundance and scarcity has hit many areas hard. Fortunately, there are communities like Longview who were able to retain jobs and even grow employment over the past 10 years.

When Jim reached out he was searching for main street discussions with small business owners/operators. The day Jim visited Longview happened to be the Chamber’s HealthyVIEW Summit. This program provided him the opportunity to visit with our Chairman, Chuck King and Mayor Andy Mack.

He was introduced to several of our members including Josh Black, U.S. Title; Vicki Jones, Women’s Health Boutique; Brian Parker, GymBox; and others. Jim was very interested in Longview’s downtown story. He had driven around town and noticed the intentional work of redevelopment. He was interested in understanding the back story and what was attracting new businesses like Silver Grizzly Espresso and the Oil Horse Brewing Company.

Post article: Yes, I was disappointed that his closing comments didn’t delve into more about what the data doesn’t say. Because of the relationship we had begun to build I emailed him Sunday night, July 8th. The following was Jim’s response on July 9th, “Thank you so much for your kind note. I truly loved meeting you and spending a day in Longview. I’m sorry if that affection did not properly come across in the article. My hope is that in spotlighting the statistics I did, I can drive attention to deep, systemic issues in the economy, in hopes that policymakers will take them seriously. I was impressed by how seriously Longview’s leaders are already taking the questions of talent attraction, and I am rooting for you all in your efforts. I hope to visit you all again sometime in the near future. Thank you again for your kindness.” Jim Tankersey.

How can Longview respond?

We have been given an excellent opportunity to seek the truth and turn up the volume in telling Longview’s story. I believe we (the community) have

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a responsibility to correct misinformation. We also have a responsibility to face our shortcomings and be willing to reshape and rebuild our community so we can become stronger, healthier, and grow. This leads me to, “What is the truth?” In March 2017, Time magazine displayed a timely cover that asks the question, “Is Truth Dead?”. Author Os Guinness stated, “the truth is in trouble,” in his book Time for Truth: Living Free in a World of Lies, Hype, and Spin. He goes on and asks readers what is truth?

Is truth…

• objective or absolute sense?

• independent of the mind of the knower?

• the way you see things?

• the way you create it for yourself?

• the way things actually are?

“

Truth is not some nebulous idea, a flexible concept, or a theoretical assumption, it is a solid, clearly defined, unalterable entity.

It is the ultimate reality. - David Jeremiah

”

As readers have consumed the content of the article they are looking for truths. We have been handed a fantastic opportunity to encourage our community to learn the facts and study our local predicament. This opportunity allows us to teach where to go to find data based information and clarify misinformation.

A great example is https://texaslmi.com/ EconomicProfiles/MSAProfiles. This website provides data for labor markets in Texas. The information is collected from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The TWC collects their information from businesses in operation in the state of Texas. One could learn the following about our Metropolitan Statistical Area (Gregg, Upshur and Rusk):

L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.

What do the data and facts say about Longview?

What is the truth?

Did the Texas Miracle miss Longview - No!

Longview MSA Employment by Industry The good news is Longview –

Civilian Labor Force Unemployment

May 2019 May 2008 Change 96,301 96,400 -99 3.8% 3.8% 0

• maintained employment base, • did not experience a population net loss, • median price of homes selling has increased by nearly $40,000 • median income has increased by nearly $10,000.

Longview MSA Industry Composition Trade, Transportation, Utilities 19.2% 19% .2% Education, Health Services 16.6% 15% 1.6% Manufacturing 10% 14% -4% Mining & Construction 14.2% 13% 1.2% Government 12.6% 12% .6% Professional Business Services 9% 9% 0 Leisure & Hospitality 9.7% 8% 1.7% Financial 4.5% 4% .5% Other Services 3.1% 4% -.9% Information 1.1% 2% -.9% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– An excellent resource to watch trends is with the Texas A & M Real Estate Center at www.recenter.tamu.edu/data/housing-activity/#!/activity/MSA/Longview.

One can follow median house prices.

Month/Year Home Median Price May 2008 $128,708 May 2019 $165,000 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Another common resource is the U.S. Census* www.census.gov/quickfacts/ fact/table/longviewcitytexas/PST045218 Year Population 2000 73,609 2010 80,455 2013 Estimate 82,287 (estimate given in 2012) 2018 Estimate 86,485 (estimate given in 2012) 2018 Estimate 81,647 (estimate from 2018)

The data shows flat growth in our MSA. The past 10 years have been like a mild roller coaster. We went from a robust economy (2005-2012) to rocky times between (2013-2017). Now we are experiencing a rebound period.

“

While Longview is not growing nearly as fast Austin, Dallas, Houston, and/or San Antonio we have not lost any ground! The Texas Miracle allowed communities like Longview to build off the success of other areas.

”

(to be continued…)

Kelly Hall President/CEO

Year Median Income 2008-2012 $34,305 2013-2017 $45,692 *It is important to note that the U.S. Census is completed every 10 years.

Back to What’s Inside?

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Advocacy Industry | Economic Development | Job Creation | Community Quality CAPITOL CONNECT! On September 30 a regional approach providing a legislative update from the 86th session with our five state elected officials: Senator Hughes, Representative Clardy, Representative Dean, Representative Hefner and Representative Paddie. Nine area chambers - Gladewater, Henderson, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Lindale, Longview, Nacogdoches County, Shelby County, and Tyler - come together to provide this important regional discussion. Sign up online: KilgoreChamber.com/Events Calendar, RSVP to lmorgan@kilgorechamber.com, or call 903-984-5022. [ CLICK HERE ] to access the flyer for more information [ CLICK HERE ] to read the entire article on Advocacy blog ......................................................................................................

UPCOMING COFFEE CONVERSATION HUBZone Federal Contracting Program Workshop, October 23, 2019 Nancy N. Alvarez, Supervisor, 8(a) Business Development Program, from the Dallas/Fort Worth District Office, will present about the HUBZone and how your company can take part in this. (pic) The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. This workshop will help explain what HUBZone designations are, how they are determined, where they are located and how to find them, as well as cover HUBZone eligibility requirements. The federal government has a goal of awarding at least 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to HUBZone certified companies. [ CLICK HERE ] to read www.sba.gov article [ CLICK HERE ] to view HUB map [ CLICK HERE ] to read the entire article on Advocacy blog

ALIGN YOUR ORGANIZATION’S INTERESTS PARTNERING WITH THESE ADVOCACY SUMMITS IN 2020!

Diversifying Our Economy – 2020 Energy Summit Innovation Center / A summit on one of the critical Entrepreneurial Center economies impacting the Longview The charge is to explore the formation trade area. Appreciating the past of an Innovation Center to aid in energy economy, understanding the strengthening the local economy. changes of its current status and its Findings drawn from past InterCity impact on our economy, and looking visits, resources in the region, into the future of energy. Possibility and emerging possibilities for our of incorporating an Energy Science area. These include software and Fair or demonstration for area app development, robotics, and schools. digital ledger technology. Join area experts, educators, and visionaries For more information contact to learn about these technologies Suzanne Brown at and how it can transform Longview sbrown@longviewtx.com or business. Hear from experts from 903-237-4003. the U.S. Chamber, the state, and cyber security experts about how the financial realm is addressing its usage and system integrity. ......................................................................................................

REDEVELOPMENT Advocacy in its pure form occurs when the Chamber brings businesses and agencies together to discuss facts and offer solutions regarding a business issue, providing movement forward.

Being the voice of reason in an environment of misinformation is what we do.

On August 1, 2019, that happened. The Chamber convened developers and City officials to discuss proposed redevelopment of the Waffle Shoppe property, an eye sore to the community that has been vacant since 2016.

Two of the Chamber’s advocacy initiatives are to:

1. Reduce eye clutter

2. Encourage redevelopment of Highway 80.

Presenting Sponsor:

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Gold Sponsors:

The proposed redevelopment project aligns with those issues. Mark Robinson, Manager of External Affairs for AEP SWEPCO and Chair of the Public Policy Committee and member of the Board of Directors, expertly facilitated the discussion in a standing room only packed meeting room.

In a respectful discussion, the developers, planners, and city officials reviewed the redevelopment along with business leaders, and those who brought the historical perspective of sign ordinances to the table. Attendees learned the facts of where redevelopment stands, and city officials heard the voice of the business community. [ CLICK HERE ] to read the entire article on Advocacy blog [ CLICK HERE ] to read current city sign ordinance [ CLICK HERE ] to access all City ordinances

L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.

2019 Total Resource Campaign Kick Off September 11th Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this exciting and rewarding event.

TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN Contact a member of the leadership team or staff for more details! ...............................

www.longviewchamber.com/membership/sponsorships/ ...............................

The Campaign will run until November 5.

The Total Resource Campaign (TRC) is a volunteer driven effort to create marketing and strategic partnerships with members. During this time, over 80 volunteers reach out to many of the 1,100 plus Longview Chamber members to help them determine how to effectively use marketing dollars to support the programs of the chamber that support their business interests.

Aligning marketing strategies by sponsoring Chamber events and programs can give businesses the publicity and brand recognition needed in a positive and receptive environment. The dollars secured during the TRC are used to support the strategic plan of the Longview Chamber of Commerce through its advocacy and programming efforts, R.E.A.C.H. This year’s TRC will be co-chaired by Chuck King, with Chick-fil-A, and Dana Parr, with Advanta Insurance Partners. Joining Chuck and Dana as Vice Chairmen are Nick Bowen with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Jennifer Harper with Texas Bank and Trust, Danette Heffner with VeraBank, and John Nustad with Southside Bank.

Members have already begun contacting staff and volunteers about their interest to participate this year. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this exciting and rewarding event. Contact a member of the leadership team or staff for more details!

Applying for jobs and hiring employees can be difficult and time consuming. But, with Express Employment Professionals, finding the right job or filling the right position is easy.

Call, come in, or go online today to see what Express can do for you.

(903) 663-3559 101 West Hawkins Parkway, Suite 4 Longview, TX 75605 ExpressProsLongview.com

Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Meet new business contacts

• Advance career goals through business development

• Learn marketing and sales skills

• Utilize a new avenue to approach their existing client base

• Promote a greater community vision through Chamber initiatives

Contact staff liaison Stephanie Raudales by September 10th and she would be happy to assist in introducing you and placing you with a team.

She can be reached by emailing sraudales@longviewtx.com or calling 903-237-4013.

Back to What’s Inside?

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Education Bridging the Talent Gap The Graduate Netwo

rk’s Bridging the Tale

nt Gap Initiative

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To solve our regional talent gap issues, we must find ways to educate and upskill local adults. To this end, the Longview Chamber of Commerce has been selected to participate in The Graduate! Network’s “Bridging the Talent Gap,” an employer and employee engagement initiative supported with funding from the Trellis Foundation.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce joins 5 other Texas communities who are also participating --- Austin, Corpus Christi, Ft. Worth, Irving, and San Antonio.

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Now that Longview has been chosen to participate, we will seek to accomplish the following:

Employer Commun

ity Report

• Have employers share the challenges they face in finding employees with the right skills • Determine the needed education for current and future positions in our region.

• Identify workers who are ready for upskilling and degree completion opportunities • Connect those workers with local education and training providers.

The Graduate! Network’s goal, with its community partners, is to: • Create a sense of urgency, excitement and action around developing a pipeline of newly up-skilled adults, • To understand employers’ concerns and goals, • To showcase future career pathways where adults can be competitive prospects.

This project is made pos

sible with support from Submitted March 2019 Dan Ash PhD Hadass Sheffer Bridgett Strickler

REGIONAL CHA MBER

Zach Zimmerman

The Trellis Foundation supports the innovation and growth of ideas and strategies that positively influence postsecondary attainment and affordability. For more information about The Trellis Foundation, please visit www.trellisfoundation.org. .................................................................................................

For more information about The Graduate! Network, please visit www.Graduate-Network.org.

BridgingTheTalentGap, please visit www.BridgingTheTalentGap.org.

For more information about

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES OCTOBER/SEPTEMBER 2019 5 Years

D.O.R.S. Community Services Youth Transition Center TechnipFMC Process Technology, Inc. Texas Office Leasing Walmart Supercenter #398 Choice Homecare Good Shepherd NorthPark Medical Plaza Wellington Grande Apartments Allstate Insurance - Jason Jones Solenis UniFirst Uniform Corporation

10 Years

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The Crisman School I.E. Willis Jr DPM PC Gregg Industrial Insulators Inc Kelly Tractor & Equipment Texas Alcohol & Drug Testing Service, Inc. Mosby Mechanical Co Inc Hyundai of Longview W W W. L O N G V I E W C H A M B E R . C O M

15 Years

CBS 19 KYTX Papa John’s Pizza #1169 Papa John’s Pizza #2530 BancorpSouth

25 Years

45 Years

ABC Auto Parts LTD Frank H Chaney Investments BioDerm Laboratories Inc Remtex Inc

50 Years

Glazer’s Wholesale Distributors Buckner Westminster Place

Hudson Printing & Graphic Design

30 Years

Longview News-Journal

East Texas Endodontics PA

35 Years

Carol Coolidge Real Estate

40 Years

Manpower Temporary Services M W Smith Equipment Inc

85 Years

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Maude Cobb Activity Center EADI NG E O P| LE. Friday L12pm - 8Ppm Saturday 10am - 7 pm | Sunday 10am - 5 pm |

January 18, 19, 20

2019

Maude Cobb Activity Center Friday 12pm - 8 pm | Saturday 10am - 7 pm | Sunday 10am - 5 pm |

L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.

The Class of 2019-2020, sponsored by Conterra Networks, starts with an opening retreat at Sky Ranch in September. This intense two days of connecting as a team and learning leadership skills is composed of area leaders who will hear from John Grubbs on the Keys of Leadership, and learn to understand their natural leadership style with Dave Jochum. The class will also tackle low and high ropes courses, a human maze, and more. Each month is comprised of professional and personal development opportunities beginning in October with Community and Economic Development Day, sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust and Eastman Chemical Company.

Participants will meet with leaders from the City and County to learn about how our local governments function and how they can get involved in the future growth of Longview. Leadership Longview is in its 38th year and has graduated over 1400 business and community leaders.

To learn more about the program, contact Dave Jochum at 903.237.4000 or djochum@longviewtx.com or go to www.LongviewChamber.com. .............................................................

Presenting Sponsor

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

SAVE THE DATE!

The East Texas Boat & RV Show

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday January 24-26, 2020 Maude Cobb Convention Center [ CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS ] PRESENTING SPONSOR

Interested in a booth at the show for your business?

Contact Dave Jochum at djochum@longviewtx.com

3700 Gilmer Road 202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751 www.springhillbank.com

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Chamber of the Year!

Organizational Strength | Community Impact | Business Development The Longview Chamber of Commerce has been named Chamber of the Year by ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

lyrics are, ‘If not us - then who? If no now - then when?’ It is time for us to do something!”

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Chambers of commerce interested in competing for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process.

Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention.

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ACCE is an Alexandria, Virginia-based membership association that represents over 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce around the world.

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Chamber of the Year, sponsored by MemberClicks, is the most prestigious and competitive award presented by ACCE and is the only globally-recognized industry award that honors top chambers of commerce.

Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life.

Kelly Hall, CEO and President, accepted the award July 15 at the 2019 ACCE Annual Convention in Long Beach, California.

Kelly Hall, CEO and President of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, sums up the Chamber’s reaction, “This is an exciting time for the Longview Chamber! In 2015 the board set forth a new direction with the strategic plan R.E.A.C.H. (Redevelopment, Education, Advocacy, Collaboration, and Health.). Our work is strategic, intentional and is being recognized nationwide. Our work reminds me of a song I love by Matthew West. His lyrics resonate and exhibit the passion I feel about taking responsibility for the future we are to build now, for the generations to follow. His

CLICK HERE to watch video

Qualifying for Chamber of the Year is a rigorous process. Chambers compete based on meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners are selected from among finalists based on an inperson interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals.

This year’s competition drew entries from chambers throughout the U.S and Canada. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into five categories based on: annual revenue, membership, area population, and several other factors.

Chairman of the Board, Chuck King, and Foundation Board member Peggy Vaughn were present to be part of the celebration.

Congratulations and gifts poured into the chamber, and the Board surprised the staff with a champagne and cake congratulatory board meeting the following week.

Sharpening the Skill Set! Our newer staff members are sharpening their skill sets this week at the highly acclaimed WACE Academy. A three-year course of study on excellence in all aspects of Chamber management essentials, as well as building relationships with other chamber professionals in this highly collaborative profession.

Great job Dave Jochum, Bianca Adams, Stephanie Raudales, and Misty Winn Amaya! Dave and Misty have now completed year two, and Stephanie and Bianca have completed year one.

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October 4, 2019 12:30 p.m.

Pinecrest Country Club The annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament is happening soon, and you can be a volunteer! [ CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER ] The tournament will take place Friday, October 4, 2019 at Pinecrest Country Club. There will be a shotgun start of 12:30 PM. .............................................................

For more information contact David Jochum djochum@longviewtx.com Title Sponsor

Upskilling Our Workforce: Three assessments. One NCRC®. Exponential opportunity.

The Longview Economic Development Corporation has successfully implemented and overseen the ACT WorkKeys® Assessments that are designed to measure skills in the workplace. This measuring system has been used as a pre-screening of a candidate’s capabilitites since 2009, and is the method of choice for several notable area employers. The system is utilized in screening candidates for hire and for determining promotions in house. In 2013, LEDCO initiated steps to become a Certified WorkReady Community, achieved in 2014.

The three basic WorkKeys® assessments utilized are: 1. Applied Math, 2. Graphic Literacy and 3. Workplace Documents

WorkKeys® assessments measure “real world” skills that employers believe are critical to job success and assessment questions are based on situations in the everyday work world. By taking the three basic assessments and scoring at a minimum Level 3, participants earn a portable credential, National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

EMPLOYERS: Let the National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC) go

to work for you! Take the guesswork out of your high-stakes decisions like hiring and promoting. This comprehensive program has tools you need to build your workforce. WorkKeys® is a system that connects “real world” skills, training and testing for employers, making it easier to meet requirements of federal programs and legislation. These skill measurements are valuable for any occupation – skilled or professional – and at any level of education.

EMPLOYERS/EDUCATORS: Use this online curriculum to build the essential career-relevant skills needed for learning, personal development and effective job performance.

EMPLOYEES: For those who wish to “skill-up” or improve their skills

score, there is free training using ACT Curriculum, an online series of courses directly aligned with WorkKeys®. You can use ACT Curriculum anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. There are also three SkillUp Centers in Longview where you can access a computer and the internet, as well as other resources geared toward helping prepare you for getting a job, improving your skills, researching the types of jobs that match your skills and more!

For more information on how your company can utilize the WorkKeys® Assessment System free, contact –

Kelly Overby at 903.753.7878 or Kelly@LongviewUSA.com

For more information on ACT WorkKeys® Assessments [ CLICK HERE ] Back to What’s Inside?

Additional FAQs can be found here [ CLICK HERE ] R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2019

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NEW MEMBERS

CLICK ON business names to link to Chamber membership directory information or link directly to their business website.

Azalea Orthopedic 725 N 4th St Longview TX 75601 (903) 939-7500 http://www.azaleaortho.com

Interim HealthCare 713 N 4th St Ste 1 Longview TX 75601 (903) 230-8130 www.interimhealthcare.com PMDesignBuild 712 Glencrest Lane Suite “C†Longview TX 75601 (903) 387-3523 www.pmdesignbuild.com

Toby Adams Agency - Farmers Insurance 206 E US Hwy 80 Suite J White Oak TX 75693 (903) 212-2120 agents.farmers.com/tadams

Precision Lasercraft 108 Germantown Cir Hallsville TX 75650 (903) 371-0970 www.precisionlasercraft.com

Hampton Inn & Suites Longview North 3044 N Eastman Rd Longview TX 75605 (903) 663-8670 www.hamptonlongviewnorth.com

Roma’s Italian Kitchen 102 E Tyler St Longview TX 75601 (430) 625-7240 www.romaslongview.com

Home Plus Floors 3408 4Th St Longview TX 75605 (903) 759-8344 www.homeplusfloors.com

Sheepdog Haven 1910 E SE Loop 323 #186 Tyler TX 75701 (903) 405-1448 sheepdoghaven.org

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Eagle Capital Advisors 140 East Tyler Street Suite 240 Longview TX 75601 (903) 236-5300 www.raymondjames.com/eaglecapitaladvisors/

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CLICK ON each business photo to go to their Chamber membership directory information or the web address to go to their business website.

DATCS 4000 US HWY 259 N Longview, TX 75605 (903) 234-1136 https://datcs.com/

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Everest Rehabilitation Hospital 701 East Loop 281 Longview, TX 75605 (430) 240-4600 www.everestrehab.com/longview.html

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Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates - Graham Group 208 N Green St 302 Longview TX 75601 (903) 738-3886 www.sperrycga.com Stebbins Aviation, Inc 231 Terminal Circle Longview TX 75603 (903) 643-2621 www.stebbinsaviationinc.com The Body Shop Infusion Therapy 414 E Loop 281 Ste 19 Longview TX 75605 (903) 252-2432 www.thebodyshopiv.com Tru by Hilton Longview 3037 N Eastman Rd Longview TX 75605 (903) 376-1082 www.tru3.hilton.com The Tuscan Pig Italian Kitchen 401 S High St Longview TX 75601 (903) 651-1833 tuscanpig.com

Thank you to Austin Bank for sponsoring the Chamber’s 2019 Ribbon Cuttings!

Simply Stor-It 1100 McCann Rd Longview, TX 75601 (903) 686-0649 www.simplystor-it.com

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L EADI NG P E O P L E . L E A D I N G P R O S P E R I T Y.

advertising, graphic design & branding solutions since 2001

Your Chamber has listened to feedback on communications and works hard to respect our members’ time and privacy. The Chamber will soon begin a texting service, KENECT, to communicate with members, on a permission only basis and tailored to your interests. It turns out that a lot of folks appreciate text communication: 89% of consumers would prefer to interact with businesses via Text Messaging rather than a phone call.

We’ll send you only the kind of Chamber and business information you are interested in, and only during business hours. Communications will be brief and customized to your needs and interests. And, our members can text us at any time for questions or information to our main text line rather than calling or emailing!

FORBES&BUTLER visual communications inc 903.753.2098

WHY TEXTING? • It is brief and to-the-point.

• It is read in real-time.

• It is viewed sooner than email because it shows up quickly.

• Responding is much easier with brief messaging!

W W W. F O R B E S B U T L E R . C O M

Are you a new member?

During your first year of new membership, you can place an insert in R.E.A.C.H. for free! For more information contact Suzanne Brown at sbrown@longviewtx.com.

CT

ECT

Be on the lookout for more information on our KENECT texting service!

R.E.A.C.H. Inserts

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Concise & Tailored Communications Tool Coming Soon

CLICK ON IMAGE

2019 Large Business and Manufacturer Awards - Nomination Form -

Kilgore College Devall Student Center Ballroom

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, September 30

1116 Broadway Blvd. in Kilgore, TX

Nominations accepted through September 27, 2019.

A TEXAS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE featuring

Awards will be presented at the Longview Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Networking & Luncheon

Award Criteria

It is recommended that nominated businesses meet the following criteria:    

11:45 a.m. to 1:00 pm State Legislative Update and Q&A

Rep. Travis Clardy DISTRICT 11

Rep. Jay Dean DISTRICT 7

RESERVATIONS DEADLINE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Rep. Cole Hefner DISTRICT 5

Additionally, the following must apply to nominees:

Reserved Corporate Table $300.00 (seating for 8)

Large Business of the Year – Longview area employee count exceeds 150 Manufacturer of the Year – Product must be made in the Longview Trade Area

Individual Reservation $25

Sen. Bryan Hughes DISTRICT 1

Reservations required. Sign up online: KilgoreChamber.com/Events Calendar RSVP to lmorgan@kilgorechamber.com or call 903-984-5022

Rep. Chris Paddie DISTRICT 9

hosted by Gladewater Chamber of Commerce Henderson Area Chamber of Commerce Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce

Nominee: Category:

Large Business

Manufacturer

Contact Person:

East Texas Coalition with

Kilgore Chamber of Commerce Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce Longview Chamber of Commerce

Physical location within the Longview trade area for a minimum of three years Membership in good standing with the Longview Chamber of Commerce Growth through innovation and financial sustainability Corporate citizenship exhibited through contributions to the Longview community

Phone Number:

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce

Email:

On an additional sheet, include details on how this business meets the above criteria.

Recipients will be honored with a one-and-a-half-minute video highlighting the company’s success at the 2020 Annual Banquet on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Upon selection, please be prepared to assign one company representative to coordinate filming and photography appointments with our production staff.

sponsored by:

Nomination Deadline: Friday, September 27, 2019 Submit information to: sraudales@longviewtx.com or fax 903-237-4049

Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 North Center Street 903-237-4013

Back to What’s Inside?

R.E.A.C.H. REPORT 2019

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