Longview Progress Report July-August 2014

July / August 2014Vol. 8 No. 4

LEADING LONGVIEW People. Places. Prosperity.LONGVIEW

REPORTprogress

The Matter of Water

3July - August 2014 | Longview Progress Report www.LongviewChamber.com

Leading LongviewPeople. Place. Prosperity.

What’s InsidePresident’s Message ...................................................3

Point of First Touch .....................................................4

Team Longview Drums Up Business at RECon ...............5

It’s A Matter of Water COVER STORY ........................6-7

On-Target: Cady Martin ...............................................8

Why Leadership Longview? ..........................................9

Ribbon Cuttings ...................................................10-11

Anniversaries & New Members ...................................12

Chamber Executives Pursue Professional Development .13

Sports Tourism Makes Dollars and Sense ....................14

All Hands On Deck - TRC 2014 ................................15

Do The Impossible in 2014-2015 with YEA!® ..............15

New Personnel Join Chamber’s Team .........................16

Phase II Way-Finding Completed ................................17

By the Numbers .......................................................18

Calendar ..................................................................19

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

410 North Center Street / Longview, Texas 75601903-237-4000 / www.LongviewChamber.com

The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com

www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber

@LongviewChamber

Kelly Hall President/CEO

Sustainable Innovation

Innovation and entrepreneurism continue to remain the focus of many

across our country as well as at our Chamber. Recently, at an executive board meeting Brett Lindig, SYSCO, remarked we spend a lot of time looking at what could be and contrasting where we are. He is right! That may seem like a waste of time.

Thankfully, our board and staff recognize that strategy is about choices and retaining a culture that encourages productivity, effectiveness, and efficiencies.

Is it not true that innovation begins with understanding what the customers want and then delivering in a way they want? Soon we will e-mail a survey to our member businesses’ main contacts. They will be asked a series of questions about what is important to their businesses, and they will evaluate our products and services. Then this information plus our net promoter score will be reviewed at our annual strategic planning session in the fall. We conduct this survey biannually and contrast the results against our prior surveys as well as Chambers who utilize the same survey instrument. Why is this important? It tells our leadership what is important to our member business and where we need to improve. This critical feedback drives the discussions which have resulted in the development of our public policies at the local, state and national level; the formation of the Longview Business Political Action Committee; the establishment of our E-Learning Center; the Young Entrepreneurial Academy; our Inter City Visits.

Our board and staff are committed to remaining Curious, building Connections, developing Collaborations, and having the Courage to move forward. These 4C’s are examples of how our organization moves forward by remaining teachable. In John Maxwell’s book Sometimes you Win Sometimes you LEARN he defines teachability as “possessing the intentional attitude and behavior to keep learning and growing throughout life.” He goes on to state, “People with a teachable spirit approach each day as an opportunity for another leaning experience.” This fall our board along with community and business leaders will go on their third Inter City Visit to Greenville, SC, October 5th – 8th. By exploring communities that have been recognized as The Most Liveable City, The Best Place to Do Business, or another prestigious national recognition, allows us the opportunity to contrast and compare Longview with the positive attributes for which they are being recognized.

It is imperative we continue to grow our capacity and maintain a teachable spirit to address those critical factors that must be addressed to enhance our community’s quality of life

and improve our business climate. Successful business and community leaders understand and appreciate that to create value we must be able to understand what is meaningful to those on the outside, remain open, seek opportunities and find solutions to move forward. Erwin G. Hall observed, “An open mind is the beginning of self-discovery and growth. We can’t learn anything new until we can admit that we don’t already know everything.” Innovation and sustaining an entrepreneurial spirit are important traits in building business as well as moving communities forward.

Will you help us understand what the customer wants, focus on what their needs are and commit to find solutions? Are you willing to test ideas with customers, share best ideas and seek the third way to achieve success? Coach John Wooden understood this way of life. He spent hours in preparation and believed when opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare. Your Chamber is seeking individuals who want to make a difference and move Longview/Gregg County forward. Will you choose to Make A Difference?

4 www.LongviewChamber.comLongview Progress Report | July - August 2014


2014 Officers

Brad TidwellCitizens National Bank

Ken CunninghamGood Shepherd Health Systems

Roy EonTexas Bank and Trust

Dr. Dale LunsfordLeTourneau University

Brett LindigSYSCO Food Services, LLC

Wade JohnsonJohnson & Pace, Inc.

Keith HoneyAEP Southwestern Electric

Power Company

Kelly HallLongview Chamber of Commerce

2014 Directors

James Barron Barron’s

Jill BaylessLongview Regional Medical Center

Kara BolsterSTEMCO

Pat BrittonEastman Chemical Company

David HayesHayes RV Center

John RayLively Cadillac GMC

Tim VaughnTVaughn Builders LLC

Darwin WinfieldAtmos Energy

2014 Appointed Directors

Joe Bob JoyceLongview Economic

Development Corporation

Dana ParrCopeland Insurance Group

Judge Becky Simpson

Councilman Richard Manley

The Point of First Touch

Have a question about businesses in Longview? Who do you call? Need information on Longview attractions

or the region around? Where do you go? Have the calling to start your own business? What resources are available to help and where do you find them?

There are many reasons people come through the doors. Many people are not aware how much the Chamber is the front door to the community for a good number of people. In addition to this first point of contact service provided by a professional staff, the Chamber offers many other programs to help businesses start, grow, expand and improve their own processes.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce is a service and action organization for business as well as a community development organization. It is a business center and a visitor center. It provides a venue through which businesses can take effective action for the progress of Longview. If you have a business in Longview, you can best be safeguarded by working with others through the Chamber to protect and advance all businesses. The Chamber’s Board of Directors and full-time staff act as a proactive voice for the membership.

The Longview Chamber also provides a number of services to its members including business referrals, networking opportunities, co-op advertising, educational seminars,

advocacy with government on behalf of members, and a web site. In addition, there are many community development activities the Chamber is actively involved in including economic retail development, downtown revitalization, tourism support and promotion, a community calendar, and we act as a clearinghouse of community information.

With a tool kit this vast it’s understandable why so many seek and find the help or information they need through our door. One local business found the information and assistance to follow the best path when they started their construction and architectural firm in the garage of their home. Now a robust business the owners continue to support the Chamber with their time and membership investments.

More than a few times each year, calls come into the Chamber’s main number asking for help finding a good tow company and mechanic to help them get back on the road. Referrals of this kind are made to businesses that are Chamber members.

The Visitor Center at the Chamber attracts a regular flow of traffic from local citizens and visiting guests. One couple visited before making Longview their choice for a move from Minnesota. They continue to come monthly to pick up the printed calendar of events and any new community magazines printed by member companies and distributed through the visitor

center.The Chamber’s front

desk receives regular requests by phone from one elderly gentleman who loves promoting Longview. A resident of a nearby town, this gentleman asks for information and relocation packets to be sent to people he meets and friends he knows because he believes Longview is the best place to shop and do business.

During times of high occupancy in our local hotels, the Chamber receives calls asking for help finding a room for someone who was unable or did not have time to make a reservation. The front desk

Continued on Page 16A smile and a greeting is what is offered by Carrie Fisher whether

contact is on the phone or in person.



Staff

Kelly HallPresident

[email protected]

Paul AndersonSenior Vice President

Director of Communications903-237-4041

[email protected]

Leska ParkerDirector of Development

[email protected]

Elaine ReynoldsVice President

of Special Event Operations 903-237-4040

[email protected]

Suzanne BrownAdvocacy &

Communications Director903-237-4003

[email protected]

Melissa SaundersBusiness Development &

Membership Director903-237-4023

[email protected]

Diana VelazquezRetail Development Coordinator

[email protected]

Lisa MonsivaisMembership Services Coordinator

[email protected]

Kayla CanteyConvention Meetings and

Main Street Manager903-753-3281 x215

[email protected]

Margie HarrisTourism Services Manager

[email protected]

Courtney GillYoung Entrepreneurs Academy Coordinator

[email protected]

Amy CantonLeadership Longview Coordinator

903-753-3281 [email protected]

Carrie FisherDirector of First Impressions

[email protected]

RECon - ICSC’s Global Convention

Keith Honey, Michael Shirley, Diana Velazquez, David WillardLongview Representatives at ICSC”s RECon

Team Longview Drums Up Business

A team of four representatives from Longview Chamber of Commerce and the City of Longview traveled to

Las Vegas to attend the annual Global Retail Real Estate Convention. Attend-ing the convention were Keith Honey, Member of the Chamber’s Board of Direc-tors and Manager of Govern-mental Affairs for AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company; David Willard, City Manager; Michael Shir-ley, Interim Development Center Director; and Diana Velazquez, Retail Develop-ment Coordinator for the Chamber. The convention ran May 18 - 21.

“I thought our time in Las Vegas was productive. We were able to sit down with developers face to face to discuss the business climate in Longview. Although it is difficult to measure actual results, I believe if we don’t put forth the effort to have a presence, we will be further behind the curve in our competition for the retail dollars,” said David Willard, City Manager

ICSC’s RECon event is like nothing else in the industry. RECon is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal making and educa-tional opportunities for retail real estate profession-als from around the world. With over 32,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors it provides an unparalleled opportunity to do a year’s worth of business in just three days. The mood of the convention was overwhelmingly positive.

Retailers have incorporated the latest wave of technology into their merchandising strategies. Clicks & bricks is giving way to

integrated omnipresence strategies for both retailers and mall owners. There is no doubt mobile technology, social media and globalization are changing the way we all shop.



It’s A Matter of Water

Water – it is a complex issue and a pressing one facing not only East Texas but the State of Texas. As the state continues to experience rapid growth and

declining water supplies, implementation of a water plan is crucial to ensure public health, safety and welfare and economic development in the state. Our representatives are working to make certain our region is properly and effectively represented. State Senator Keven Eltife was appointed to the panel that oversees a $2 billion fund voters created last year for water infrastructure projects.

The following excerpts are from the Water for Texas 2012 State Water Plan which is available on line http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/state_water_plan/2012/2012_SWP.pdf

WHY DO WE PLAN?This plan is designed to meet the state’s needs for water

during times of drought. Although droughts have always plagued Texas, the one that occurred in the 1950s was particularly devastating. It was, in fact, the worst in our state’s recorded history and is still considered Texas’ “drought of record.” The purpose of this plan is to ensure that our state’s cities, rural communities, farms, ranches, businesses, and industries will have enough water to meet their needs during a repeat of this great drought. As recognized by the Texas Legislature upon passage of omnibus water planning legislation in 1997, water—more than any other natural resource—challenges the state’s future. Scarcity and competition for water, environmental concerns, and the cost of new water supplies have made sound water planning and management

increasingly important. With the state’s population expected to grow by 82 percent in the next 50 years, the availability of water supplies during times of drought is essential for not only the Texans of today but for those of tomorrow as well.

HOW DO WE PLAN?Water planning in Texas starts at the regional level with 16

regional water planning groups, 1 for each of the 16 designated planning areas in the state. Each planning group consists of about 20 members that represent at least 11 interests, as required by Texas statute, including Agriculture, Industry, Public, Environment, Municipalities, Business, Water Districts, River Authorities, Water Utilities, Counties, and Power Generation.

HOW MANY TEXANS WILL THERE BE?The population in Texas is expected to increase significantly

between the years 2010 and 2060, growing from 25.4 million to 46.3 million people. Growth rates vary considerably across the state, with some planning areas more than doubling over the planning horizon and others growing only slightly or not at all (Figure ES.1). Thirty counties and 225 cities are projected to at least double their population by 2060, but another 52 counties and 158 cities are expected to lose population or remain the same. The rest are expected to grow slightly.

HOW MUCH WATER WILL WE REQUIRE?Although the population is projected to increase 82 percent

over 50 years, water demand in Texas is projected to increase by only 22 percent, from about 18 million acre-feet per year in 2010 to a demand of about 22 million acre-feet per year in 2060 (Figure ES.2). Demand for municipal water (including rural county-

other) is expected to increase from 4.9 million acre-feet in 2010 to 8.4 million acre-feet in 2060.

However, demand for agricultural irrigation water is expected to decrease, from 10

million acre-feet per year in 2010 to about 8.4 million acre-feet per

year in 2060.



HOW MUCH WATER DO WE HAVE NOW?Existing water supplies—categorized as surface water,

groundwater, and reuse water—are projected to decrease about 10 percent, from about 17.0 million acre-feet in 2010 to about 15.3 million acre-feet in 2060. For planning purposes, existing supplies are those water supplies that are physically and legally available, defined as the amount of water that can be produced with current permits, current contracts, and existing infrastructure during drought.

DO WE HAVE ENOUGH WATER FOR THE FUTURE?We do not have enough existing water supplies today to

meet the demand for water during times of drought. In the event of severe drought conditions, the state would face an immediate need for additional water supplies of 3.6 million acre-feet per year with 86 percent of that need in irrigation and about 9 percent associated directly with municipal water users. Total needs are projected to increase by 130 percent between 2010 and 2060 to 8.3 million acre - feet per year (Figure ES.3). In 2060, irrigation represents 45 percent of the total needs and municipal users account for 41 percent of needs.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET MORE WATER?When projected demands for water exceed the projected

supplies available during drought conditions, the planning groups recommended water management strategies—specific plans to increase water supply or maximize existing supply. These strategies included 562 unique water supply projects designed to meet needs for additional water supplies for Texas during drought (this figure is lower than presented in previous plans because it does not separately count each entity participating in a given project).

WHAT IF WE DO NOTHING?If drought of record conditions recur and water

management strategies identified in regional water plans are not implemented, the state could suffer significant economic losses. If a drought affected the entire state like it did in the 1950s, economic models show that Texas businesses and workers could have lost almost $12 billion in income in 2010. By 2060 lost income increases to roughly $116 billion. Foregone state and local business taxes associated with lost commerce could amount to $1.1 billion in 2010 and $9.8 billion in 2060. Lost jobs total

approximately 115,000 in 2010 and 1.1 million in 2060. By 2060, the state’s projected population growth could be reduced by about 1.4 million people, with 403,000

fewer students in Texas schools. If we do nothing, over 50 percent of the state’s population in

2060 would face a water

need of at least 45 percent of their demand during a repeat of drought of record conditions.

WHAT MORE CAN WE DO NOW TO PREPARE FOR TIMES OF DROUGHT?

The state and regional water plans must be implemented to meet the state’s need for water during a severe drought.

POTENTIAL FUTURE PLANNING ISSUESDuring every planning cycle, new issues emerge that

influence the development of regional water plans and the state water plan. The following issues, discussed in further detail in the 2012 State Water Plan, are potentially among some of the issues that will impact future rounds of planning:

• Changes in population projections based on the results of the 2010 U.S. Census (Chapter 3, Population and Water Demand Projections).

• Changes in water demand projections from population growth or varying water use activities, such as the increased use of water for hydraulic fracturing mining operations (Chapter 3, Population and Water Demand Projections) or expanded production of biofuels (Chapter 10, Challenges and Uncertainty).

• Impacts to water availability from new environmental flow standards or modeled available groundwater numbers based on the desired future conditions of aquifers (Chapter 5, Water Supplies).

• Limitations of groundwater permitting processes that provide for term-permits or that allow for reductions in a permit holder’s allocations, which could impact the feasibility of water management strategies (Chapter 5, Water Supplies).

• Lack of sufficient financial assistance to aid in implementation of recommended water management strategies (Chapter 9, Financing Needs).

• Other uncertain potential future challenges such as natural disasters or climate variability (Chapter 10, Challenges and Uncertainty).



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Fixed Right Day or Night

Cady Martin is On Target in this issue of the Longview Progress Report. On Target is a regular feature where dedicated volunteers are highlighted and given an

opportunity to express their passions for their work as a volunteer and their career. Martin recently assumed the role of Chairman of the Chambers Ambassadors Committee. Ambassadors are an active group of volunteers that help to welcome new members at ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand openings, Business After Hours, quarterly membership luncheons, and other public occasions of official Chamber business.

Martin is the Office Manager and Senior Recruiter for Kelly Services of Longview. She began as a recruiter eight years ago and was promoted and has held her present position for the past three years. Because Kelly Services of Longview has been a longtime supporter and sponsor of the Chamber,

Martin has logged many hours as a volunteer before becoming Chairman of Ambassadors.

Kelly Services corporate headquarters and the Longview branch staff stay actively involved in local community and charity events. “We believe as a fundamental character that at our core, we are a community, and we strive to make a difference in the same communities where we all live and work across the U.S. and around the world,” said Martin. “Every branch is free to identify the local organizations they will support, and how to sponsor their

preferred charities—most volunteer their time or donate money from related fund-raising activities.”

We asked Martin why she found serving as a volunteer for the Chamber a worthwhile endeavor. “I have a passion for my community and for paying it forward. I strongly believe the volunteer work I do at the Chamber of Commerce makes a difference in our community. I have the pleasure of meeting new people on a weekly basis and welcoming not only their company to Longview, but also their staff! I have been involved in volunteer roles at the Chamber for the past 7 years. I have worked in

Membership Drives, Business Expo, AlleyFest, Ambassadors, and many more!

Being involved with the Chamber and being in leadership roles has helped Martin strengthen her ability to speak in public, become a better networker, and gain a renewed sense of community awareness.

We asked Martin to describe one aspect of the Chamber that she saw as being the most effective in reaching its objective. “The Chamber provides many opportunities for leadership development. I have personally attended many of the conferences organized by the Chamber and found them to be very beneficial. Even though I have not participated in Leadership Longview, I do see and hear how this program is molding and training our leadership of tomorrow!”

ONTARGET

Cady MartinOffice Manager / Senior Recruiter

Kelly Services of Longview



Why Leadership Longview?

Leadership Longview is a visionary and collaborative program that helps to prepare Leaders for our businesses and our community. Through its inspiring workshops

with enthusiastic leaders from every industry sector, it spotlights the importance of each from culture and the arts through economic development. This program transforms and sculpts the personal growth of our community’s emerging leaders.

Our program is designed to enhance awareness of our community and its needs by examining how leadership works together to perpetuate and advance the Longview community and its citizens in six segments; historic, geographic, education, government, art and culture, and economic.

The program nurtures and engages the leadership skills of potential and current leaders by providing a stimulating atmosphere that fosters diverse viewpoints. From this setting come innovative answers to the critical questions facing our community. The program strives to connect leaders with issues; it is not an academic leadership training program. It is not political and does not recommend or advocate policy positions on public matters.

WHERE OUR GRADUATES COME FROM

Ì Graduates of the Leadership Program represent a diverse cross section of organizations throughout Longview. Over 700 community-minded individuals, employed by large corporations, small non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, and everything in between, have participated in the program.

CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION

Ì Demonstrated commitment to, and interest in, serving Longview in a leadership role.

Ì Willingness to commit time and energy to completing the program.

Ì Resident of Longview or ability to demonstrate significant current community involvement in the region.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

Ì Prepares you for community leadership by heightening awareness of key issues affecting Longview providing an in-depth view of community issues.

Ì Enhances creative problem solving and team building skills — the skills necessary to assume leadership roles.

Ì Offers interaction with prominent leaders who influence daily living in our community.

Ì Establishes a professional network, which is utilized well beyond the program.

Ì Access to community involvement.

Completed applications and tuition assistance requests are due before 5:00 p.m. on July 18th. Application link is on the Chamber website at: http://longviewchamber.com/leadership/2014-2015-Application

Chris Terry, Tammy Gibbons, and Stephanie Wolford are providing a continuity of Leadership for Leadership Longview in the coming year.

10 www.LongviewChamber.com


Longview Progress Report | July - August 2014

Ribbon Cuttings

Amberwood Place Apartments411 W Hawkins Pkwy - 903.663.3119

Community Perfusion Services2208 Judson Rd - 903.241.5907

Longview Dream Center803 Gilmer Rd - 903.653.1740

Encore Multimedia320 E Methvin, 2nd Floor - 903.757.6111

Grace Creek Church1500 W Hawkins Pkwy - 903.663.0428

Fenton Honda of Longview600 E Loop 281 - 903.757.2739

11www.LongviewChamber.com


July - August 2014 | Longview Progress Report

Ribbon Cuttings

Fountainview Estates1408 Lago Trail - 903.291.0020

Hospice of East Texas911 NW Loop 281, Ste 47 - 903.230.0606

Salsaritas Fresh Cantina1009 Wal St, Ste 101 - 903.663.9500

Optimal Industries972-827-7884

Outdoor Escapes410 Molly Lane, Lindale TX - 903.387.0635

Whataburger602 W Main St, Hallsville - 903.236.8775



MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES

July

5 Years Gregg County Crime Stoppers

Hamill’s Flowers and GiftsDowden Building Materials Inc

Texas Federal Credit Union

10 Years Servpro of Longview

25 Years Better Business Bureau - Longview

30 Years U S Title Company Inc

Scott OrthodonticsLowrey & Millikin LLP - J Richard Millikin

Lowrey & Millikin LLP - D Kent LowreyGenpak LLC

Austin Bank Texas NA - Greggton Branch

35 Years Trinity Rail

August

5 Years East Texas Review

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC - Jim C Tachias / Financial AdvisorOverhead Door Company of Longview

10 years Tammy Cromer-Campbell Photo/Gallery & Productions

Kane Security CompanyAna-Lab Corp

Longview Fab & Machine IncBoomtown Industries LLC

Bug Police LLCCox Builders Inc

Longview Cycle and SkiTom Davis & Co Builders & Developers

Greenleaves of LongviewEast Texas Regional Development Company

Anchor Safety

15 Years Cubby Hole Texas

Consolidated Electrical Distributors Inc./ Interstate Electric Company

Buffco Production IncTexas Air Hydraulic Service & Supply Inc

Progressive Waste SolutionsJ B K Enterprises LTD

Stebbins Five Co IncSchindler Interior Designs

Larry Knutson DDSHolmes & Moore PLLC - Clifton Holmes

East Texas Lumber CompanyAmerican Eagle Airlines

East Texas Builders AssociationJoyce Steel Erection Inc

East Texas Regional Airport

20 Years East Texas Lawn Care Inc

Master Travel

30 Years Trinity School of Texas

Casa Flora Flower Shop

NEW MEMBERSAmberwood Place Apartments

Tanya Hickman411 W Hawkins Pkwy Longview, TX 75605

(903) 663-3119

CCI GroupTed Stevens900 Estes Dr

Longview, TX 75605(903) 753-2488

Whataburger 1062Debra Shorter

602 West Main St Hallsville, TX 75650

(903) 236-8775

Grace Creek ChurchMatt Benson

1500 W Hawkins Pkwy Longview, TX 75605

(903) 663-0428

Lone Star VendingJoshua Goll

1200 E Whaley St Longview, TX 75601

(903) 758-8639

Longview Dream CenterCameron Strange

PO Box 3426 Longview, TX 75606

(903) 653-1740

Online Management GroupJerrad Parsons5001 Judson Rd

Longview, TX 75605(903) 315-0832

Precision Pools, IncSheri Alston

6496 McCann Rd Longview, TX 75605

(903) 738-6931

Salsaritas Fresh CantinaSteven Baker

1009 Wal St Ste 101Longview, TX 75605

(903) 663-9500

The UPS StoreJay Misenheimer

510 E Loop 281 Ste BLongview, TX 75605

(903) 757-9000



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Chamber Executives Pursue Professional Development

Margie Harris, Tourism Services Manager for the Longview Convention &

Visitors Bureau recently completed her third year of a three-year intensive program of tourism marketing and management courses offered by the Travel & Tourism College. Harris will receive the Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) designation upon completion of the three-year program and a capstone project.

Travel & Tourism College, presented by the Texas Travel Industry Association, provides participants with an intensive week of marketing and tourism management courses each summer. Travel & Tourism College instructors are university professors and industry CEOs who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. The schedule is packed from start to finish with classes, discussion groups and networking events. The 2014 program took place at Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop from June 16-20.

Melissa Saunders, Business Development and Member-ship Director, attended her

second of the four year Institute for Organization Management in Athens, GA at the University of Georgia.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Institute was designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize associations, chambers of commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to practice nonprofit management. Its curriculum is taught by university professors, industry experts, and leading practitioners in the chamber and association industries and include courses such as How to Build Strong Chambers of the Future, Event Strategies, Effective Government Affairs and Programs along with many other fundamental courses. “Institute for Organization Management has reshaped my thinking on how I perform my job. The chamber world is changing and evolving. Education is the key to continuing to be a high performing, 5-star accredited Chamber.” –Melissa Saunders

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Sports Tourism Makes Dollars and Sense

The Longview Convention &Visitors Bureau and the City of Longview’s Parks and Recreation department contracted with Sarah T. Page Consulting, LLC to provide

an economic impact analysis on the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Winter Youth Basketball Festival held March 14-16, 2014 in Longview. The project was designed to determine the economic impact of the event on the local economy.

On March 14-16, 2014, 150 teams called Longview home during the TAAF Youth Basketball State Tournament. The teams competed in gyms throughout the Longview community. There were seven boys and girls divisions ranging in age from under eight to fourteen years of age. Each team played two pool games and then began a single elimination bracket to determine the winner in each division.

Methodology: A Survey Team consisting of 11 paid temps and the consultant collected e-mail addresses from tournament attendees in 13 of the 19 participating gyms. The Survey Team was in place at the beginning of the tournament on Friday evening through late Sunday morning.

The Survey Team was asked to collect e-mail addresses from as many spectators at their location as possible. Following the tournament, an e-mail survey was sent to all who provided a valid e-mail address via the web-based survey tool called SurveyMonkey. The coaches were issued an identical questionnaire with their registration packets and were asked to complete and return them during the check-in process.

Economic Impact Results There were an estimated 25,020 spectators, players, and coaches at the tournament

• The total economic impact for the event is $618,000. And by multiplying the estimated attendance (25,020) by the per person per day spending figure of $92.67, the high end of the impact range is established at $2,318,603.40.

• The economic impact to local restaurants and drinking places was $220,507, the impact to local lodging providers was $345,113, the impact on the transportation

sector was $25,034, and the retail impact was $27,345.

• An estimated 7.2 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs were created.

• The average party size was 13.9 people, and the average length of stay in Longview was 2.25 days.

• Average Per-Person Per-Day spending by Spending Category was $92.67 total on March 14-16, 2014,

Food & Beverage Impact

Lodging Impact

Retail Impact

Transportation

46%45%

6%3%

$ Impacts by Spending Category($618,000 Total

Spending Impact)

Food & Beverage Impact

Lodging Impact

Retail Impact

Transportation

36%

56%

4% 4%

Employment Impacts by Spending Category

(7.2 Total FTEs)



Do the Impossible in 2014-2015

Have you ever thought of the prefect invention or service, only to have it fall away in your memory? Most of us have and later down the road someone else turns that

thought into a reality.

Entrepreneurship begins with dreams and age is of no consequence when considering becoming an entrepreneur. The infamous Walt Disney stated “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Dreams, burning desire to achieve, persistence, and failure are the main traits needed. A certain age is not a qualification or condition to pursue your dreams! Quite honestly, that’s because anyone has the ability to start a business and become an entrepreneur.

That’s where the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!®) can make a difference. The mix of ideas and innovation in combination with youth and talent are on the path of our community’s economic growth.

The YEA!® is currently seeking middle and high school students that want to do something exciting and transforming. Students will have the opportunity to develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their plans to a panel of investors, and actually launch and run their own real, legal, fully formed companies and social movements. During this 9 month program there are dynamic guest speakers from the local business community and exciting behind-the-scenes trips to local companies. The YEA!® program empowers students to take charge of their futures in a profound way while making their dreams come true. Applications for the 2014-2015 year are being accepted and can be found on the website at: http://www.longviewchamber.com/YEA

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”-Walt Disney

All Hands on Deck for TRC

The Chamber is about to kick-off its 4th annual Total Resource Campaign (TRC). Over the last four years, more than 80 members have partnered with the

Chamber to make connections and share marketing opportunities with the membership at large. The TRC is not just about seeking sponsorships for chamber events throughout the year. It’s about providing opportunities for members to gain name recognition during events and programs that seek to further the Longview business environment and community-at-large. In addition to this important aspect, the TRC also provides business connections among the volunteers participating in the campaign as well as with those discussing growth opportunities with Longview business leaders.

This year’s TRC call sign is “All Hands On Deck” and will be chaired by Cliff Hale, with Citizens National Bank. Cliff has been involved with the TRC since its inception and is dedicated to the success of this year’s campaign by building a great leadership team. Joining Cliff as Vice Chairmen are Elizabeth Baumgardner with Longview Regional Medical Center, Roy Eon with Texas Bank and Trust, Dana Parr with Copeland Insurance Group and Craig Sisk with Sisk Buick. Over the next month, this leadership team will be recruiting team captains to create teams to fulfill the goals of the 2014 Total Resource Campaign. 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 for more details! If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet one of the Vice Chairs, please contact staff liaison Leska Parker and she will be happy to assist in introducing you and placing you with a team. She can be reached by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 903-918-1546.



can reach out to contacts at a local hotels and most time find a suitable room.

Recently a couple who own a farm in Gilmer came to the Chamber for help. Planning to sell the farm and move to a Longview retirement facility, they needed referrals and directions. With children living in Central Oklahoma and Central Texas, they wanted to retire somewhere equal distance in between. They happily left with a packet of information including maps marking the spots of the retirement centers they were interested in.

A more unusual circumstance occurred one time when a couple who met on the Internet decided to make Longview the spot where they would meet in person. Neither lived in Longview and knew little about it. Both contacted the Chamber to get visitors information and even more. After meeting for the first time in person at a locally owned restaurant referred by the Chamber, they visited the Chamber to meet Carrie Fisher our

Director of First Impressions. Carrie had spoken to both on the phone in the days leading up to their meeting. The couple are now married and bought a home in Longview because they chose it as the place to start their life together.

The personal and financial support of its members enables the Chamber to carry out its broad program of work to protect business, encourage continued growth, and improve the quality of life in Longview.

Continued from Point of First Touch

Longview Visitor Center includes “Home Town Faces” wall honoring accomplishments by those who once called Longview home.

Suzanne Brown joins the Chamber team as Advocacy and Communications Director.

With 20 years experience in the chemical and steel manufacturing industries, her roles included Research, Safety/Industrial Hygiene, Regulatory Compliance, Public Relations and Human Resources/SPHR. Brown graduated from theUniversity of Houston – Clear Lake with a MBA.

Most recently Brown worked for U. S. Steel Tubular Prod-ucts Human Resources and was co-chair of the U. S. Steel Global Women’s Network. Brown provided functional and recruiting outreach and quarterly compliance reporting support to 6 manu-facturing sites in Texas and Arkansas. Among her many other accomplishments at U.S. Steel she served on several corporate task forces to outsource functional operations. Brown is a Member of Leadership Longview, class of 2013-2014, and Zonta International.

As Advocacy and Communications Director, Brown will work to convey the mission and vision of the Longview Cham-ber by investigating, analyzing, and reporting on issues that have a significant impact on the Longview Chamber organiza-tion. She’ll be working closely with the Sr. VP of Communica-tions to enhance reliability and capture new avenues within the dynamic communications arena.

Brown says, “My husband and I moved to Longview, Texas, eight years ago and came upon this hidden gem in America. Support-ing and enhancing our businesses to create a strong economic environ-ment in which we provide good jobs where we can enjoy this area’s natural beauty is my personal vision. I am excited to join the Chamber and be part of the dynamic team that leads this vision.”

Amy Canton joins the Longview Chamber team as the Leadership Longview

Coordinator. Leadership Longview is a collaborative program that helps to prepare Leaders for our businesses and our community. Through its inspiring workshops with enthusiastic leaders from every industry sector, it spotlights the importance of each.

Prior to taking on this responsibility, Canton served as Development Director for the Arc of Gregg County. During her time at the Arc, she created and produced an annual Whodunit murder mystery dinner theater fund-raiser; Movies in the Park family night to raise disabilities awareness and redesigned the Downtown Coffee Shop interior. She also redesigned the Arc’s monthly newsletter, launched their Inside the Arc online newsletter and created an informative brochure about the Arc’s mission and services.

Canton’s responsibilities will include coordination of the overall program and working with the Leadership Longview and Leadership Alumni committees.

She is thrilled to join the Chamber’s team of highly trained professionals and working with Leadership Longview. “My family chose Longview eight years ago after visiting the Chamber and we have loved building a life here. My year in Leadership Longview far exceeded my expectations and now I get to help a new group of leaders fall in love with Longview!”

New Personnel Join the Chamber Team



Phase II Way-finding Completed

As more cities seek to encourage multi-modal transportation—walking, biking, public transit, etc.—the need for good signage to make those activities

easier becomes more and more apparent. At its simplest, way-finding is defined as spatial problem solving—knowing where you are, where you want to go, and the best route to get there.

Today, effective urban maps require layers of informa-tion relayed in a clear, consistent, and concise manner so that anyone can quickly determine how to get from point A to point B.

Longview Main Street launched its way-finding initiative in the summer of 2008 to provide a clear visual language and graphic standard that can be universally understood, encourage walking and transit usage by offering quality multi-modal information, and provide consistent information across a broad range of environments in the city. More than “just” signs, this innovative navigational system captures the essence of Longview’s character and history, while performing the critical function of helping people find their way. Through a series of thirty individually designed signs, the project tells a story about the distinct culture of our region, blending color and architectural patterns.

In addition to the signs, design components and artistic patterns are also featured on a family of signs, which include vehicular and pedestrian elements that make downtown attractions easier to locate whether visitors are traveling by foot, car or public transit. This year Longview Main Street installed a total of ten signs throughout Longview. They can be found at places like the East Texas Regional Airport, Loop 281 at U.S. Hwy. 80 and Judson Rd. at U.S. Hwy. 259. With financial help from the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau, Main Street has accomplished placing a good amount of signage recommended in the original report. The City of Longview will finish up the project this summer by adding landmarks to already existing signs from Phase I. Main Street Manager, Kayla Cantey, states “We are proud of the hard work that our Design Committee has put into this project. Longview residents and visitors will now be able to find their way to special landmarks within our City.”

Locations of Signage:• Leaving the East Texas Regional Airport

• Highway 322• Pacific Avenue

leaving Train Depot

• 5th Street South of Whaley• Intersection of Center and Whaley• Intersection of East Loop 281 and U.S. Highway 80• East U.S. Highway 80• North Judson Road

• Intersection of Judson Road and Hollybrook• North High Street



By TheNumbersJune 2013-May 2014



JULYEvents are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

4 OfficeClosedforIndependenceDay

9 Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 am

s Chamber Executive Board Meeting

7:30 am

d Business After Hours

4:45 pm Copeland Insurance Group

1203A W.Loop 281

f Main Street Advisory Board Meeting

12:00 pm

g Member2Member

11:30 am Board of Directors Meeting 3:30 pm

AUGUSTEvents are held at the Chamber offices unless otherwise noted.

6 Business Development Series

Communicating Across Generations

r Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 am

o Chamber Executive Board Meeting

7:30 am

p TRC Training

3:00 pm

a TRC Training

8:00am; 1:00 pm

s Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 pm

j Business After Hours

4:45 pm A-1 Party Tent & Rental

4005 Judson Road

Chairman’s ClubPlatinum

Gold

Silver

Eastman Chemical CompanyGood Shepherd Health SystemHalliburtonHOLT CATJoy Global IncJW EnergyLongview News-JournalMartin Resource ManagementNeiman Marcus National Service Center

Regions BankSouthside BankSpring Hill State BankSYSCO Food Services of East Texas, LLCTrinity RailT Vaughn Properties LLCUSSTP Lone Star Tubular Operations

ABC Auto PartsAEPAtmos EnergyBancorpSouthCapital One BankChase BankCitizens National BankCity of LongviewCommunity BankConvergysDiagnostic Clinic

Business BriefsYour business story could be here. Has your company recently received recognition for excellence? Has a top-level executive

retired or been hired? Has a significant milestone been reached that you want to share with the Chamber membership?

Business Brief is a feature produced by Longview Chamber of Commerce exclusively for Chamber members. The Business Brief posts and reports news tips, ideas, and accomplishments gathered from or submitted by its members about or related to their businesses. Business Briefs include shared e-mails, newsletters and any news release announcement Chamber members would like other members and the public to know.

Read more at: www.LongviewChamber.com/BusinessBriefs

410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601

903-237-4000www.longviewtx.com

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 82LONGVIEW, TX

Longview Progress Report July-August 2014

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Transcript of Longview Progress Report July-August 2014