Longview Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan 2018 Edition

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STR ATEGIC PL AN 2018 R.E.A.C.H. EDITION REDEVELOPMENT

E D U C AT I O N

ADVOCACY

C O L L A B O R AT I O N

H E A LT H

R.E.A.C.H. Redevelopment. Education. Advocacy. Collaboration. Health.

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

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

H E A L T H

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PLAN • 2017 - 2021

Leading Longview: R.E.A.C.H. Last year the Longview Chamber analyzed Longview’s economic environment, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, resulting in the Strategic Initiatives for Leading Longview, R.E.A.C.H. That focus brought forth major initiatives in Redevelopment, Education, Advocacy, Collaboration and Health for the Longview trade area to support existing businesses while continuing to promote an environment that creates jobs and improves the quality of life in Longview. We continue our second year with the evolution of Leading Longview, R.E.A.C.H.: the Chamber’s contribution to ensure that next wave of economic progress.

R The Chamber formed a 501(c)(3) Foundation working with other stakeholders in Longview and the City’s

OUR MISSION STATEMENT To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area.

VISION STATEMENT To be recognized as an effective resource, providing relevant, innovative, and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview and Gregg County.

OUR CORE IDEOLOGY AND VALUES

CORE IDEOLOGY We believe that together we can have a stronger voice and influence positive outcomes.

We believe Longview is a great place to live and work.

Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.

We believe that together we can develop leaders to shape Longview’s future.

E Education initiatives were started to strengthen workforce development including tools to help students plan for their

CORE VALUES

future, a Partners In Education Conference and special Teaching the Future workshop, the Texas Internship Challenge, and developing a Career Ready Plus campus certification program in partnership with Ware Elementary School.

A Unprecedented involvement for our advocacy as the East Texas Coalition met in Austin with 175 attendees and the first East Texas Legislative Tour bringing area state legislators to the Longview area.

C Initiated by the Chamber, leadership from the City, LEDCO and Chamber have collaborated to: move forward with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a long-term road map for future development; supported City and LEDCO efforts to renovate the Petroleum Building in downtown Longview; seek a location for a planned Career and Technology Center that will prepare high school students the vocational training they need to secure good jobs after high school; and work with area school districts and secondary educational programs to better prepare our workforce.

H Sponsored over 45 programs and events and over 45 ribbon cuttings that promote our local businesses and provide needed to compete in our 21st century global marketplace.

We recognize that our local economy will need to rely on attracting new employers and enticing existing businesses to fuel growth. Businesses of all sizes will need to be bold and entrepreneurial to seize growth opportunities. The Longview Chamber is committed to being a driving force, reaching out to other partners in our region to develop an environment that cultivates business growth and increased economic opportunities.

Richard Manley, 2018 Chairman of the Board

Strengthen the local economy by researching and providing available resources to grow our local businesses.

Promote the community by marketing Longview as a destination for new businesses, tourists, active older adults, and potential employees.

Provide networking opportunities by organizing and hosting a myriad of seminars, events, etc. for our Chamber members.

Represent the interests of business with government by building relationships with governmental agencies and effectively voicing the needs of area businesses.

Build community-wide leadership by encouraging and developing a shared vision for the future of Longview and collectively influencing stakeholders to make it happen.

Kelly Hall, President/CEO LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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2018 Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman of the Board

Richard Manley R Manley Enterprises

Vice Chairman

Ron Hutchison Network IP

Appointed Directors

Cheryl Jaskiewicz

Jason Adams

Pinnacle Senior Living

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Chamber Staff Kelly R. Hall President/CEO

Suzanne Brown Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications

Misty Amaya Immediate Past Chairman

Wade Johnson

Johnson & Pace, Inc.

Vice Chairman

Dr. Roger Johnson Texas Office Leasing

Sam Neale

Natalie Lynch

AAON Coil Products, Inc.

Longview Economic Development Corporation, Board Member

Special Projects & Workforce Manager

Dave Jochum Business & Development Director

Leska Parker Director of Development Chairman Elect

Chuck King Chick-fil-A

Vice Chairman

Casey Robertson Longview Regional Medical Center

Rodney Overman Henry & Peters, P.C.

Ronnie L. McKinney Gregg County Commissioner, Precinct 1

William McWhorter Public Affairs & Relationship Specialist

Stephanie Raudales Information Services Coordinator Chair of Finance

Dana Parr

Copeland Insurance Group

Vice Chairman

Kevin Hood Texas Bank and Trust

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ed Moore

Jessica LaRue

Craig Schmidt

Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merritt, P.C.

Eastman Chemical Company, Texas Operations

Longview City Council, District 1

David Hayes

Meredith Todd

Mark Robinson

Hayes RV Center

R. Lacy Services, LTD

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company

Brooklen Butler Intern

R E A C H STRATEGIC INITIATIVES REDEVELOPMENT Work with other stakeholders in Longview and the City’s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.

EDUCATION Seek new and innovative ideas that improve access to basic and advanced educational opportunities with the cradle to career collective impact to help our citizens reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly educated workforce.

ADVOCACY Advocate for legislation that promotes business and industry, economic development, job creation and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

COLL ABOR ATION Seek to play an increasing role in bringing stakeholders to the table and continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies, government and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations.

HE ALTH

(Organizational Health – Administration / Finance / Operations)

Deliver exceptional service to members, equipping them with the tools to be successful.

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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OUR STRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES

#12

COST OF DOING BUSINESS Forbes Magazine (2016)

#6

MOST BOOMING CITY IN AREA GROWTH Forbes Magazine (2014)

TOP 50 BEST-

50

PERFORMING SMALL CITIES Milken Institute (2015)

TOP PLACES IN

40

TEXAS TO START A BUSINESS NerdWallet (2015)

#67

BEST CITIES FOR FAMILIES IN TEXAS WalletHub (2016)

#157

BEST SMALL PLACES FOR BUSINESS AND CAREERS IN THE COUNTRY US News & World Report (2016)

The Longview area has several strengths to capitalize upon and opportunities to pursue over the next few years. Leveraging our strengths and preparing for these opportunities will create business growth and prosperity for all who call Longview “home.”

▸▸ Leverage existing high-tech companies to create an incubator or offer technical skills training through partnerships and expertise from the local college and university.

Strengths

▸▸ Growth in the area will expand the tax base which

▸▸ Listed by Forbes Magazine as 12th in the country for cost of doing business in their Best Small Places for Business and Careers ranking (2016) and the 6th most booming city in area growth since 2000 (2014); Milken Institute ranks Longview in the top 50 BestPerforming Small Cities (2015); NerdWallet ranks Longview in the top 40 communities in Texas to start a business (2015). 67th in WalletHub’s report on 2016’s Best Cities for Families in Texas, US News & World Report ranks LeTourneau University #27 in Regional Universities West and #157 Best Small Places for Business and Careers in the Country (2016). ▸▸ Diversified economy with comparable share of employment in education, health services, government, manufacturing, and retail. ▸▸ Wage increases have been accelerating over the last few years.

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LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

could create more government services for Longview area residents. ▸▸ Collaborations on redevelopment/revitalization initiatives to revamp the downtown district will bring new businesses to Longview and increased activity by residents.

OVERVIEW After analyzing Longview’s economic environment, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, we are proud to present our Strategic Plan for Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. Longview needs to ensure the next wave of economic progress. We recognize that our local economy will need to rely on attracting new employers and enticing existing businesses to fuel growth. Businesses of all size will need to be bold and entrepreneurial to seize growth

▸▸ The area’s economic base is diversified with manufacturing, professional services, oil & gas, construction, healthcare, education, and retail.

opportunities. The Longview Chamber is committed to

▸▸ Cost of living is on average 4% lower compared to the rest of the country.

cultivates business growth and increased economic

▸▸ Proximity to Dallas and Shreveport.

Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H.

Opportunities

Organizations looking at a variety economic factors noted the many favorable conditions that exist in Longview for businesses and families.

resurgence, which creates an up-tick in new housing development and growth in the area.

being a driving force and reaching out to other partners in our region and state to develop an environment that opportunities.

The strategic plan for the Chamber was developed through the efforts of the Board of Directors as they

▸▸ Attract and retain skilled workers and degreed individuals in the area to meet the workforce needs of businesses.

embarked upon a new 5-year strategic plan. Over the

▸▸ Job growth in construction, while relatively flat the last couple of years, should be primed for a

that they believe must be addressed in defining the

past several years of planning, board members and staff have asked themselves two “critical questions” roles and responsibilities of the Chamber.

“Our Big Questions”

WHERE WE’RE GOING

Why does the Chamber exist?

Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. is a five-year

What is the Chamber’s role in shaping Longview’s future?

Evansville, IN

initiative to promote our assets, strengthen our existing businesses and business opportunities, and

Other questions worth considering also included, “How

significantly improve the economic future for all who

can the Chamber’s leadership initiatives assist in achieving

call the Longview area home.

the community’s goals?” and “What is the Chamber’s role in attracting, supporting, and retaining young families in

Advocacy

Longview (professional and skills-trade)?”

Represent the interests of the business community

Implementing this plan will require a long-term commitment, as building a strong entrepreneurial community will take time and patience. Success will not

at the local, state, and federal levels by advocating for issues of importance to economic and business development.

be easy to gauge or achieve. The plan is designed to

Business Attraction and Retention

provide a clear strategic direction for the organization.

Continue to target to fill retail and commercial gaps.

It is not meant to be static. Instead, it is made to be

Work with existing businesses to ensure they continue

flexible, responding to lessons learned and emerging issues. Each year, the Chamber staff will develop a business plan with tactics to advance the strategies.

There are also a number of strategic concerns that we, as a resource for community prosperity, must address to ensure accomplishment of our stated mission. These strategic concerns include: ▸▸ Developing Quality of Place (zero-in on actionable things).

to thrive in the Longview area and provide employment opportunities for the county’s citizens.

Improve Perceptions Collaborate with other organizations to attract and retain a skilled workforce by leveraging Longview’s assets.

Enhance Value For Small Business and Entrepreneurs Promote innovative practices, new business

▸▸ Promoting leaders that represent the community.

formation, and opportunities for business growth.

▸▸ Expanding leadership programs (nurture up-andcoming young leaders).

Member Services

▸▸ Strengthening public/private partnerships. ▸▸ Diversifying membership – importance of diverse points of view.

InterCity Visits are designed to generate and experience new ideas. They provide an opportunity to introduce local leaders to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community.

Provide membership benefits and services that give our members an operational and financial competitive advantage.

▸▸ Determining the Chamber’s primary roles (nonduplicative, key areas).

Skilled Workforce

▸▸ Effectively executing ongoing advocacy.

globally competitive, educated, and skilled labor force

▸▸ Sharing best practices between members.

and that provide quality employment opportunities.

Lead, coordinate, and support activities that produce a

The Weekly R.E.A.C.H. Report logo was updated for 2018.

The report is emailed out to keep members up-to-date on upcoming events and opportunities.

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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PRIORITY 1:

PRIORITY 2:

PRIORITY 3:

OVERALL GOAL:

OVERALL GOAL:

OVERALL GOAL:

Launch a campaign that will aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.

Continue to focus on executing a cradle to career collective impact that supports helping individuals reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly educated workforce.

Advocate for legislation that has a positive impact on business and industry, economic development, job creation and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

“The Longview Chamber of Commerce understands

“The Chamber believes we must prepare for the

“Advocating the business perspective on key issues

that a community is only as strong as its ability to

demands of tomorrow’s skilled and competitive

is a basic and vital function of the Longview Chamber

support the well-being of its residents. We believe the

workforce environment. Businesses have an important

of Commerce. The voice of business is much louder

most critical part of our mission is to help facilitate

role in leading and advocating for Career Readiness; a

when amplified through the combined voices of over

and support the growth of our local and regional

business-led approach for implementing cradle to career

1,100 members and 45,000 employees. With the new

economy. With economic growth comes more jobs, a

education systems. Our leadership is committed to being

LBPAC in place, we are moving to an even higher and

growing and diverse tax base, commercial and retail

proactive to ensure our academic standards are raised

more focused and concentrated level of advocacy on

development and an improving education system and

so students are successful in making progress toward

behalf of our members.”

quality of life for our residents.”

important transitions to either college or careers.”

REDEVELOPMENT

– Brad Tidwell Citizens National Bank

OBJECTIVE: ▸▸ The board will form a leadership team that will champion developing a plan which complements the work of the City and LEDCO to complete redevelopment initiatives.

EDUCATION

– Chuck King Chick-fil-A

OBJECTIVES:

▸▸ Lead the management of the newly formed Education Collective Impact.

▸▸ Promote and protect the interests of our Longview area businesses.

▸▸ Develop a regional action plan in partnership with key stakeholders.

▸▸ Develop partnership opportunities with ISDs and secondary education organizations that support the development of a skilled workforce for Longview. ▸▸ Leverage community resources, align strategies, and improve policies.

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

– Meredith Todd R. Lacy Services, LTD

OBJECTIVES:

▸▸ Convene stakeholders to sign a covenant that communicates shared vision and key principles that focuses on solutions to increase attainment levels and employment.

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ADVOCACY / LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

▸▸ Advocate support for the City of Longview’s Comprehensive Plan. ▸▸ Influence public policy on specific local and state issues through the LBPAC. ▸▸ Influence public policy at all levels of government.

PRIORITY 4:

PRIORITY 5:

OVERALL GOAL:

Organizational Health: Administration / Finance / Operations

COLLABORATION

Continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations.

HEALTH

OVERALL GOAL: Deliver outstanding service to members, equipping them with the tools to be successful.

“Longview is a desirable, regional destination. It provides

“The Longview Chamber of Commerce has made

a great business environment to conduct business. By

organizational sustainability a top priority in its

virtue of being one of the largest cities in the East Texas

Strategic Plan. We are working in the present, using

region, our economy thrives. But being one of the largest

evaluation and innovation, to be certain that the

isn’t good enough: Longview must be the best by offering

Chamber’s future is strong, allowing us to be the

a dynamic urban setting and quality of life that is viewed

solution leader for Longview area businesses for

as the finest East Texas has to offer. This will only occur

years to come.”

To be successful, we need leadership as well as involvement from a broad base of community leaders. The Longview Chamber of Commerce will provide the staffing and overall management of this plan, but the execution

when key stakeholders across the area work in concert

of these priority goals and the opportunity to

with one another to make the right things happen.”

– Ron Hutchison Network IP

SUMMARY

succeed rests with leaders who serve as the – Dana Parr Copeland Insurance Group

ambassadors of Longview.

This plan is distinguished by its aggressiveness, transparency and commitment to evaluating its progress by established benchmarks. The plan will be achieved through strong leadership,

OBJECTIVES: ▸▸ Create a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous local economy. ▸▸ Remain the lead in convening key stakeholders to drive Longview’s future. ▸▸ Continue to practice economic inclusion by encouraging participation from Longview’s diverse business community. ▸▸ Remain a key partner for entrepreneurial activity by utilizing the Business Solutions Conference to celebrate entrepreneurism. ▸▸ Continue to provide exceptional Leadership Training.

OBJECTIVES: ▸▸ Position the organization and the staff for long-term success. ▸▸ Provide cutting-edge technology to achieve increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.

dedication, and broad collaboration. We will know which goals we are achieving and which need more attention, but we need your leadership to make Leading Longview.

R.E.A.C.H. happen. Join our efforts to Lead Longview.

▸▸ Protect and improve the Chamber facilities to create a safe and efficient work environment, and provide a warm and welcoming environment for visitors. ▸▸ Attract and retain executive-level Chamber professionals and support team members. ▸▸ Remain the number one choice as THE SOLUTION LEADER for access and resources for Longview area businesses.

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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410 North Center Street Longview, TX 75601 903.237.4000 Fax 903.237.4049 www.longviewchamber.com