Longview Progress Report September-October 2012

September / October 2012Vol. 6 No. 5

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES. ™LONGVIEW

REPORTprogress

Gary Smith Longview City Councilman District 2 Chamber’s Candidates Academy. An alumnus shares his success story.

Inside:Creating a Pro-Business Climate - p. 4 * Downtown Live! Returns - p. 5 * State of the City an Open Letter from Mayor Jay Dean - p. 7 * Retail Forecast for 2012 Holiday Season - p. 11 * Whatever Happened to Customer Service? - p. 10 * 7th Annual Elected Officials Reception - p. 14

2 Longview Progress Report | September-October 2012 www.LongviewChamber.com

Longview Regional Medical Center has broken ground on the largest expansion in the hospital’s history. We’re nearly doubling the size of our hospital, and will be the only facility in Longview to offer all-private acute care rooms. In addition, we’re almost tripling the size of our mother/baby unit, adding a neonatal intensive care unit, an oncology unit and more. Visit LongviewRegional.com/NewHospital to find out more about this historic step forward for our hospital and community.

WoW! Announcing A multi-million dollAr investment in the future of heAlthcAre.

62689_LONG_WOW_9x12c.indd 1 7/26/12 3:46 PM

3September-October 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.LongviewChamber.com

From the President Contents

Longview Progress Report is published bi-monthly by:

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

From the President .........................3

Working to Create a Pro-Business Climate ..........................................4

Downtown Live! Returns .................5

COVER STORY Prepping for Public Office ...............6

Leadership Longview’s 31st Class ....7

State of the City .............................7

Ribbon Cuttings ..............................8

Anniversaries and New Members ......9

Whatever Happened to Customer Service? .......................................10

How To Supervise, Lead a Team and Handle Difficult People ..................10

Retail Forecast for Holiday Season ..11

From Volunteers to Leaders ...........12

Elected Officials Reception ............14

Ambassadors of the Month June & July 2012 .........................14

Chamber Events Calendar .............15

The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com

www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber

@LongviewChamber

The Future is Ours to Create

The Chamber Board is preparing to sponsor their first Inter-City

Visit in order to study what other communities have found works well for them and on occasion what does not. This trip provides our community

leaders an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities our community is facing. The visit also provides an opportunity for interaction among city leaders and facilitates an exchange of best practices and lessons learned.

Why an Inter-City Visit? The visit is designed to get new ideas. It will provide an opportunity to introduce our delegation to innovative programs and impactful projects that may be adapted and implemented in our community. Candid speakers will alert our delegation to the challenges and pitfalls with which they are currently struggling.

The Board chose Chattanooga, TN as a destination where the citizens are dealing with similar issues facing Longview. Participants will be able to focus on best practices and experience true peer-to-peer learning. The networking and relationship building through shared experiences will help our leadership move forward on building a common foundation of understanding. Delegates will become a more cohesive team working to solve problems on behalf of our community.

“When our Inter City Visit is complete, we should all have a broader knowledge of not only the strengths of Longview but also its weaknesses, thus giving us a better understanding of our community,” explained Dr. Dale Lunsford, Chairman of the Board. We are very pleased that over 20 community leaders are participating in this intense 48 hour discovery process. These participants are committing their time to help create Longview’s future by listening and learning.

Longview provides us with a lot of reasons to be justifiably proud. The quality of life, low crime rate, great health care system, strong public and private school systems, a vibrant and connected business community and commitment to a “get things done” attitude are just a few of our advantages. Longview has accomplished much, but there is always more to learn.

Our first Inter City Visit to Chattanooga, TN will allow us to explore an exciting array of topics. We will look at Chattanooga’s redevelopment success stories, its entrepreneurial initiatives, INCubator and its sustainability approaches. These planned topics will help us appreciate more fully Longview’s advantages and to point out things that we can do better. Stay tuned for the recap article in the November-December Progress Report.


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2012 OfficersDr. Dale LunsfordLeTourneau University

P. Anne HugmanHugman Architecture &

Constructions, Inc.

David McWhorterGans & Smith Insurance Company

Dianne SwankSuzanne Cook & Company

Brad TidwellCitizens National Bank

Tim VaughnTVaughn Builders LLC

Kelly HallLongview Chamber of Commerce

2012 DirectorsJill Berney

Longview Regional Medical Center

Pat BrittonEastman Chemical Company

Cathy CaceJohnny Cace’s Seafood

and Steak House

Jeremy DuMondU.S. Steel Tubular Products

John RayLively Cadillac GMC

Shelby SnellOleum Operating Company

Dave SpurrierWells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Darwin WinfieldAtmos Energy

2012 Appointed DirectorsSuzanne Cook

Suzanne Cook & Company

Keith HoneyVoting Member - LEDCO

Brett LindigSYSCO Food Services, LLC

Mayor Jay DeanCity of Longview

Judge Bill StoudtGregg County

Working to Create a Pro-Business Climate

The way the world does business is changing – each new dawn brings

with it new challenges. What doesn’t change is the need to represent the interests of business with government. Connecting leaders and influencing decisions is a natural role for Cham-bers of Commerce. We are the only entity in our community that repre-sents busineses of all sizes, industries, and stages. This gives our Chamber a unique market niche to be the leading voice on public policy. The Chamber is able to harness the collective power of the membership and join them together as one voice to influ-ence outcomes in government.

Supporting and promot-ing a pro-business climate should be a major component in representing business inter-ests with government. It is the reason many mature compa-nies and major employers participate in the Chamber. It is not about money, but about connections, building relation-ships, communication and trust to ensure elected offi-cials and decision-makers are educated about the impacts of their actions on business and the economy.

Businesses need to help government find solutions to economic challenges: busi-nesses have cut back, changed their business models, created new partnerships and learned how to do more with less, and as a result they have become more effective and competi-tive. By sharing our wisdom and experiences with govern-ment, we can partner in help-

ing them limit the burden on business communities.

Due to the diversity of our membership: from large companies to small, from mature to start-ups, our Chamber includes an

incredibly broad membership. While there can by many competing interests among this diverse collection, we have the opportunity to channel those common interests among our members into a unified, effect-ive voice. This voice becomes even more effective when it is used to encourage our

members and their employees to get involved in the process and help shape the decisions being made by their local, state and federal government.

The bottom line is our members want to be profit-

able and stay competitive. Who better to be on your side than your Chamber? Our organization has strategic political insight, timely knowledge of busi-

ness issues, knows all the play-ers, and can be a positive force to promote business interests with government. A Cham-ber’s collective clout helps keep business taxes and regu-lations in line. When Cham-bers focus on politics and policy, members can take care of running their companies!

A Chamber’s collective clout helps keep business taxes

and regulations in line.

Representing the Interest of Business with Government


Staff

Kelly HallPresident

[email protected]

Paul AndersonSenior Vice President

Communications Director903-237-4041

[email protected]

Elaine ReynoldsVP of Special Event Operations

[email protected]

Leska ParkerChief Operating Officer

[email protected]

Mary WhittonCommunity Development Director

[email protected]

Diana NorthcuttRetail Development Coordinator

[email protected]

Missy SaundersBusiness Development & Special Events Director

[email protected]

Kayla CanteyConvention Meetings and

Main Street Manager 903-753-3281

[email protected]

Margie HarrisTourism Services Manager

903-753-3281 [email protected]

Lisa NullMembership Services Clerk

[email protected]

Katie ReynoldsSpecial Events Assistant

903-237-3281 [email protected]

Carrie FisherDirector of First Impressions

[email protected]

Kim DroegeExecutive Director

Keep Longview Beautiful903-212-4552

[email protected]

It’s only natural!

PRINTWORKS!

East Texas’ Best Since 1959903-758-1773 • 800-530-4888 • www.hudsonprint.com

Downtown Live! Returns

Planning for the Fall season of downtown activities and events

is well underway. Presented by the One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Program and its core of volunteers, Downtown LIVE! at 5 and Downtown Market return for your enjoyment in Heritage Plaza October 5th.

Each Friday in October, 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th there will be great musical entertainment, refreshments and a variety of market vendors in Heritage Plaza.

Music entertainment is confirmed for all but one Friday. The bands committing to play are:

• Westbound 21, • The Darby Warren Project • Lulu and the Vipers

Anyone in a band wishing to fill the final slot to entertain hundreds of guests at this event, contact Elaine Reynolds at 903 237-4040.

Vendors interested in participating in Downtown Market may request an application to participate by email [email protected] Or call the Longview Chamber of Commerce, 903 237-4040. There is no fee to participate. However, due to the limited spaces, you must have an application on file in the Chamber office.

Mark your calendars now and plan to be seen in Downtown Longview at Heritage Plaza in October.

This event is produced by the One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Promotion Team.

Promoting the Community

The Darby Warren Project



Continued to page 13

Prepping for Public OfficeIt seems no matter how much professional expertise one can

develop in a given field of business, running for public office is a big decision; especially, when determining “am I the

right person to run for this position?” The Candidates Academy is a training program initiated by the Longview Chamber of Commerce in 2007 to aid individuals in the preparation of running for public office. The curriculum is designed to equip future candidates with the skills to run and win. The syllabus focuses on the nuts and bolts of running for political office such as communications, fundraising, and campaigning - skills a prospective candidate can use in both their work and community up to the day they decide to run!

Business leaders often find themselves wanting to help our community be on the cutting edge. They want to be a part of striving to improve our processes so that Longview and Gregg County continues to be a great place to live and do business. The questions become: How do I run for office? Where do I go to learn more about running for office? These courses in the Candidates Academy provide ideas, advice and checklists that help individuals run for political office. The training is designed to prepare a candidate to run for office with the local government office in their community - city council, board of supervisors, school board or special district. The Academy focused on defining what makes a person the best candidate for the job; what to expect when running for office; issues facing public schools and campaign ethics. Topics included what defines a viable candidate and the importance of Leadership. Campaign finance laws and reporting, fundraising, how to file for elected office were covered as well as essential skills in managing a campaign with topics spanning from selecting your campaign team to working with the media.

In the recent municipal elections in the City of Longview, an alumnus of the 2007 Candidates Academy put into practice what he learned. Councilman Gary Smith represents District 2 on the Longview City Council. Councilman Smith decided to run for the council seat after Daryl Williams completed his final term representing District 2. Longview City Council limits representatives to three terms.

In an interview with Councilman Gary Smith, the Longview Progress Report asked him to talk about his experience of running for office for the first time and how he benefited from attending the Candidates Academy.

Longview Progress Report: What are the reasons that you decided to run for public office?

Cncl. Gary Smith: I’ve known for some time that I wanted to hold public office, that is why I attended the Candidates Acad-emy the Chamber had in 2007. I want to give back to the commu-nity. I’ve always found satisfaction in volunteer work and have been a volunteer computer teacher and worked with Partners in Prevention even before I retired form my career with Stemco.

LPR: You mentioned the Candidates Academy which has been presented by the Chamber in 2007 and 2009. What were the key points that made that program attractive to you?

Cncl. Smith: I became interested when I heard about the Academy. I looked over the syllabus and was impressed by the significance of the speakers which held local political office at the time. Some of them are still in office, others have moved on, but it was learning from those who knew the ropes with a local perspective that was important to me. I believe in the value of preparing myself for what I hope to do.

LPR: You also mentioned Partners in Prevention and computer teacher as opportunities you had to volunteer. Have you had any other opportunities before you took this step of running for City Council?

Cncl. Smith: I first considered running for the District 2 seat in 2009 but when Daryl Williams decided to run for a third term,

I didn’t want to challenge him. Instead, I got involved volun-teering more directly with our city government issues. I was the Chairman of the Longview Transit System, I served on the Mayor’s 21st Century Task Force, and as Chairman of the TIRZ Commission. Volunteer-ing in those areas helped me to better understand the impor-tance of good government.

LPR: When you decided to run, what were the steps that you

found in the Academy that were especially helpful for you to take on the campaign?

Cncl. Smith: Oh, many for sure but the Academy had prepared me to think the process through the right way. I developed a strategic plan, put a team together, and that helped me build my campaign. “Let’s Make a Difference Together Today for Tomorrow.” The course was a guide that I found very helpful. We had learned how much it would cost for different offices so that helped me to prepare financially. There are four rules for raising money which I took to heart because it is my supporters that are directly responsible for my success.

Councilman Gary Smith District 2 takes the oath of office.


Strengthening our Local EconomyLeadership Longview Selects Its 31st Class

“Never doubt that a small group of dedicated individuals can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Leadership Longview, a program of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce members of the 31st class:

Laura Lea Blanks, The Crisman School; Troy Brown, Thacker Davis Architects; Libby Bryson, Longview Regional Medical Center; Kayla Cantey, Longview Chamber of Commerce; Danny Copeland, CFG Investments; Heath Hamberlin, Texas Bank and Trust; Jennifer Hearron, Neiman Marcus Distribution Center; Scott Haygood, BancorpSouth, Terri Lynn Hodge, Texana Bank; LaDawn Ingram, Dr. Pamela Johnson, LeTourneau University; Keeta King, City of Longview;

Lane King, Simpson Capital LLC; Rick Matte, The Made-Rite Company; Chapin Miller, Citizens National Bank; Russ Montgomery, Community Healthcore; Rachel Norwood, Good Shepherd Medical Center; Janette Rowan, Spring Hill State Bank; Eriik Rowland, Eastman Chemical Company; April

Sanchez, Network IP; Saleem Shabazz – Unity & Diversity Committee; Michael Shirley, City of Longview; Roxanne Stevenson, Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg & Harrison Counties; Andy Venables, Eastman Chemical Company; and Kasha Williams, Divine Care Home Nursing Services.

The 2012-2013 class will kick off its year with an overnight retreat on September 14 and 15 at the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine. At this retreat, class members will have the opportunity to participate in team building exercises, personality profiles and the high and low elements of the outdoor ROPES course.

Chris Terry, Westlake Chemical Company, is Chairman of the Leadership Longview program and Vice-Chairman of Curriculum is Tammy Gibbons with Spring Hill State Bank.

State of the City Presented by Longview Economic

Development Corporation

Mayor Jay Dean will present his 8th State of the City address to celebrate Longview’s

accomplishments and its future. More than 200 business and community leaders will attend this annual event at Pinecrest Country Club Friday, September 21st from 11:30am-1:00pm.

Dear Business and Community Leaders,I invite you to attend the 2012 State of the City Business Luncheon, hosted by the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Each year, this is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the Longview community. It is also a time to discuss the future opportunities and challenges that we face. I am thankful to say that following the May 2012 election, this will be my eighth State of the City Address. After so many years of speeches though, I am looking forward to doing things a little differently this year by taking time to answer your questions. As mayor, I have always enjoyed hosting Town Meetings because it is an opportunity to have conversations about things that matter to Longview residents. So, I hope you will join us for a special question and answer State of the City. Due to limited time during the event, please submit questions in advance to the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Please submit questions to [email protected] or in person at 410 N. Center Street.I hope you will join me as we celebrate Longview’s accomplishments and discuss the City’s future together. Sincerely,

Mayor Dean

The State Of The City Business Luncheon is presented by Longview Economic Development Corporation. Cost is $25 for chamber members or $50 for the general public.

Drop questions by the Chamber’s office in advance or to Missy Saunders at [email protected].

Les Mendicello President

35 YEARS and We Are Still Going Strong!

We’re celebrating! September marks our 35th birthday and we’ve just completed remodeling and expanding our main location. Our sincere thanks go out to our customers and great group of employees for their patience and support during the process. Also, thanks to Architect Joe Boucher, RLM Construction Company, and the many sub-contractors who had a part in our project.

Come celebrate with us at our open house in October.

3700 Gilmer Road202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751www.springhillbank.com

Architect’s Rendering South Facade at 3700 Gilmer Road after Remodeling


Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings

1st Choice

Personnel

2635 Bill Owens P

kwy 903.297.0883

All American Safety 2755 State Hwy 322 903.643.7304Junior League Bargain Box

11109 North 4th Street 903.753.3060

Exhale Massage 2633 Bill Owens Parkway 903.291.1530

Early View

101 W

est Hawkins Parkway 903.663.6800

Homes for Heroes

3400 W. Marshall Ave. 903.331.0892

UT Tyler at Longview

3201 N Eastman Road 903.663.8105

Zip Cash

3080 North Eastman Road 903.291.1172


Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings Anniversaries and New Members

September

1 yearAmerican Home PatientCheeburger Cheeburger

Dizzy Design, LLCJ. LeGrande NorthcuttJim King Photography

Redneck Rockstar Boutique & Salon

Send Out CardsSouthern Survey Company

Tommy Thomas & AssociastesTravis Mortgage

5 yearsJose Sanchez Law Firm

The Wieland-Davco Corp.

10 yearsR Manley Enterprises

15 yearsEast Texas Radiator

Federated InsuranceGeneral Dynamics SATcom

Technologies, IncIHOP

John Black & Associates

Maly & AssociatesMartin Resource Management

Saddlebrook Apartments

25 yearsBrian Dolive DDS

Karen A Jacks & Assoc. PC

30 years Bodacious BAR-B-Q

45 yearsPizza Hut of

East Texas Inc

55 yearsCrosby Group

Lebus Manufacturing

October

1 yearAdvanced Industries

Allegiance Home Health Services, LLC

Anytime Appliance Company, LLCB & J Security

Care First Medical Center Longview

Centerstone SuitesCustom Food Group

Gym UniversityInnovative Resources

Noble Electrical SecurityPlano Marine of East Texas

Premier Home CareRemedy Intelligent Staffing

Richard Andrews ConsultingRick Grisham State

Farm InsuranceRivers Recycling, LLC

Rubber Lining Specialists, LLCSchmidt Mortgage Company

Sittin’ PrettySmith Insurance

Texas State OpticalWoods Chiropractic, LLC

5 yearsIndependence

Bowl FoundationLifepoint Church

Service Master Services

10 yearsNichols Marine

20 yearsCentre of

Rehabilitation Excellence

25 yearsAllied Waste Services LLC

Highland Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

30 yearsHill & Calk PC

- James CalkHill & Calk PC – Jerry Hill

Lost Creek Development Company

R L Whitehead, Jr. PCSteve Baker DDS

Yowell Group Inc

35 yearsArklaTex ForkliftCarter Bloodcare

Cox-Rogers & Associates Inc – Robert Rogers

Cox-Rogers & Associates Inc – Harold Cox

Curtis Blakely & Company PC – Darrell Spence

Curtis Blakely & Company PC – Rose Blakely

Farmers Insurance Group

45 yearsLongview

Mechanical Contractors

New MembersBella Fleur

Katie Cooper3008 Gilmer Road, Suite 103

Longview, TX 75604(903) 653-4807

Cmax Manufacturing & Machine Inc

Amanda Green614 Jordan Valley RoadLongview, TX 75604

(903) 759-3037

Early ViewCharles Vanderbilt

101 W Hawkins Pkwy, Ste 2Longview, TX 75605

(903) 663-6800

East Texas Center for Independent Living

Karen Holt4713 Troup HwyTyler, TX 75703(903) 581-7542

Exhale Massage TherapyCindy Seifert

2633 Bill Owens ParkwayLongview, TX 75604

(903) 291-1530

Longview Print ShopTom Brown

1120 N 3rd Street(903) 758-2081

Panera BreadTrevor Casey

481 E Loop 281Longview, TX 75605

(903) 663-5200

Spherion StaffingLinda Stone

105 E Loop, Ste 5Longview, TX 75605

(903) 663-2470

Suddenlink MediaCary Nichols

1127 Judson Road Ste 144Longview, TX 75601-5153

(903) 234-8606

Tidwell Tire ServiceAngela Rushing

923 W Marshall AvenueLongview, TX 75604

(903) 758-6263

Tom James CompanyDaniel Wiebracht

1011 Beauty Shop RoadDiana, TX 75640(603) 222-0070

WorldPayLinda Weir

1816 RiverstoneLongview, TX 75605

(903) 746-0748

Zip CashJanice Shaw

3080 N Eastman Road Ste 101Longview, TX 75605

(903) 291-1172


> > > > > >

How to: Supervise People, Lead a

Team, and Handle Difficult People.

Glenn Shepard, a nationally recognized bestselling author, will be presenting “How to Supervise People, Lead a Team, and Handle Difficult People”

on October 17th, 2012. This fully accredited seminar is about setting boundaries to stop people from doing what they’re not supposed to do, motivating them to do what you want them to do, and becoming the caliber of leader that inspires them to give you more than you asked for. The seminar will present situations from weeding people out during the interview process to dealing with problem employees to how to legally fire employees. Glenn is recognized as a leader in fighting the declining American work ethic and increasing entitlement mentality. This half-day seminar qualifies for credit of CPE/CEU and SHRM/HRCI and will be held in The Citizens National Bank Board Room at the Longview Chamber of Commerce.

Glenn Shepard is a professional speaker and best selling author based in Nashville, TN. More no-cost resources are available at his website at www.GlennShepard.com Register online at www.longviewchamber.com or call 903-237-4000.

Bill Drury is on a mission to help businesses create lifetime loyal customers. On September 27th, 2012 he will present an action-packed 1/2 day workshop with proven

strategies and techniques to help everyone in the company win customers and reduce lost sales.

Bill is noted for his humorous and enthusiastic presentations. He is someone who believes learning must be fun to be productive. His presentation will enhance your organization’s ability to compete in the rapidly changing business world of today.

This nationally acclaimed workshop will help your business go to the next level of service excellence. It will refresh, remind and renew a solid understanding of the basics of dazzling customers. For your convenience, there will be two identical workshops presented from 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m and 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m.

For more information or to register call 903.237.4000 or visit us online at www.longviewchamber.com.

“Bill has conducted over 300 workshops for the Zig Ziglar Corporation - we always got good reviews. He knows what he’s talking about. He has an excellent style of delivery. Your people and your company will be better off after hearing Bill Drury” -Zig Ziglar

Developing Community LeadersWhatever happened to Customer Service?

Bill Drury is a man with a passion to help businesses create lifetime loyal customers.


Are you interested in starting your own business?

Need new marketing

ideas?Check out our Tools For

Business link on our home page!

www.longviewchamber.com

facebook.com/longviewchamber

Follow us on:

Longview Chamber of Commerce Group

@LongviewChamber

Diana NorthcuttRetail Development Coordinator

Longview Chamber of Commerce410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601

[email protected]

The Business View Blogbusinessinlongview.com

Strengthening our Local EconomyDeveloping Community LeadersRetail Forecast for 2012 Holiday Season

The holidays may be months away, but smart retailers are strategizing today, according to Retail TouchPoints (RTP).

Over the past decade, holiday season sales have declined. It is believed that it is due to consumers beginning to shop earlier in the year. Each year, about 40% of shoppers begin their holiday shopping before Halloween. Retailers have figured out, that the sooner they put holiday merchandise on the shelves, the sooner consumers will start purchasing and they will spend more over a longer period of time.

The holiday season can account for 25% - 40% of annual sales for some retailers. Stores like Ellis Pottery and Hobby Lobby are in the process of displaying their holiday merchandise.

According to Derrick Ellis from Ellis Pottery, there are other reasons that smaller retailers put merchandise out earlier in the year; they purchase their holiday product in advance in order to satisfy consumer demand before other larger merchants buy out the season’s trend. Smaller retailers do not have the capacities to store holiday merchandise so they start stocking shelves as they are receiving it.

Consumers have also put the pressure on retailers to prepare for the mobile revolution. On Christmas Day 2011, for example, consumers increased mobile shopping by 173%

over the previous year, according to the study titled: Google Post Holiday 2011 Takeaways. Additionally, 12% of online visits to a retailer’s web site came from a mobile device during the 2011 holidays, a 5% year-over-year increase. Consumers look for retailers to put store specials and coupons on their websites in order to save money and see what is new.

Retailers and restaurants also support 41.6 million jobs in America. In September 2011, the National Retail Federation launched a twelve-month campaign to advance their

Jobs, Innovation, and Consumer Value Agenda on behalf of America’s retail indus-try. The campaign launched with specific priorities to support creation of new jobs, encourage continued innovations that will drive the growth of commerce in retailers of all sizes.

Monica Bermea, Director of Marketing & Business Develop-

ment of Longview Mall states that, retailers begin hiring additional employees by mid-October in time to train for Black Friday. In the retail industry, Black Friday is the official kickoff for the holiday season.

Source: http://nrf.com/holidays


� e Longview Chamber of Commerce’s ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan o� ers access to several di� erent UnitedHealthcare health plan options, including standard PPO and consumer-driven health plans – at prices that � t most budgets. In addition, businesses that enroll with UnitedHealthcare through this partnership will receive up to a 7 percent discount on select medical plans and have an option for an administrative savings of up to 5 percent on their bundled dental and vision plans.

Businesses and employees who enroll in the ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan will also have access to UnitedHealthcare’s nationwide health care provider network of more than 650,000 physicians and care professionals, and 5,100 hospitals.

GET ANSWERS. REQUEST A QUOTE. GROW HEALTHY. CALL US TODAY.

© 2012 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affi liates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affi liates.UHCTX543659-002

ChamberChoice Health Care

The Power of ThreeYour Business • The Chamber • UnitedHealthcare

Hop Onboard!

Please be our guest... to tour some of our finest local attractions on a luxury motor coach and learn more about Longview. You will be treated to a FREE lunch during the tour. Graduates will earn a Certificate of Completion and a Free Hospitality Training Resource Manual.

Reserve your space today by registering at www.longviewchamber.com or email [email protected]. For more information call (903) 753-3281.

Registration is FREE, but space is limited.

Sponsored by:Presented by:

Real East Texas FriendlyHospitality Training

Friday, October 128:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m.

From Volunteers …To Leaders

One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board is always looking for people to volunteer in the revitalization of downtown Longview. As a team

member or event volunteer, you will be given the opportunity to actively participate in a nationally recognized program that follows a carefully designed and tested approach to breathe life back into the core of our community. As an Advisory Board member, you will volunteer on one of the four core Teams of the Main Street Program: Organization, Promotion, Design, or Economic Restructuring. No matter what your interests or areas of expertise there is a place for you in Longview Main Street. If you have a few hours to spare occasionally (or on a regular basis), we’d love to have you join in the efforts to improve our community.

Save the Date!

LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW ALUMNI NETWORK

PRESENTS

FALL INSTITUTE 2012StandOut

by Marcus BuckinghamPresented by John Grubbs, GCI, Inc.

Thursday, October 23, 2012Longview Chamber of Commerce

Annual projects include AlleyFest, Movies on the Plaza, DowntownLIVE!, Longview Christmas Parade, and the quarterly Main Street Newsletter. For more information on how you can help cultivate our Main Street into a place visitors and locals love to visit, call Kayla Cantey at 903-753-3281 or by email [email protected].

Developing Community Leaders


Rule 1) Make a list of everyone you know regardless where they live and contact them personally or in a letter.

Rule 2) ASK. Few people contribute to a campaign without being asked. A friendly appropriate and polite request is how it is done.

Rule 3) Personal Solicitations are usually the best way to gather contribution; make a personal request.

Rule 4) Thank You’s. Always send a written thank you and do it soon, within two to four days. Handwritten notes are the best, but phone calls and personal letters are good too.

LPR: A final question, what are some of the things you would like to see accomplished while you represent District 2?

Cncl. Smith: I believe that after serving as Chairman of the Longview Transit System, I have come to realize how important mobility is to the people of District 2 and the whole City for that matter. I want to see if there is a way we can help those who cannot make City Council meetings because of mobility, have the opportunity to comment on what takes place at the meetings. I want people who cannot get around easily to be able to submit comments on the budget process, and I want to be transparent. I want to help maintain and improve transparency in the way the City conducts business like the budget process and other matters. I’m still a freshman in this job and I’m still in the learning process. I have been requesting taking tours of all the city departments so that I can be aware of all the ways we serve the citizens of this city. I hope to meet with all the department directors and carry my message to them “Together, Let’s Make a Difference.”

The Chamber plans to offer the Candidates Academy again in 2013. The training is a 4 week training designed to demystify the political process by teaching individuals the basic skills involved in running a campaign and being a candidate. Studies show that men are twice as likely to self-identify as political leaders and run early - before the age of 35. With the political pipeline 86% male and 81% white, we need to invite individuals from throughout our community into the process to gain fresh perspectives and diverse solutions. The training provides the nuts and bolts of running for political office by focusing on the core areas of Communications, Fundraising, and Campaigning.

Information about the 2013 dates for the next Candidates Academy will be made public and announced in this publication and other outlets. For more information contact Kelly Hall at 903-237-4000 or by email [email protected].

Public Office: Continued from Page 6

Emerging Leaders Awards An event recognizing excellence in leadership.

Save the Date for a new event that will honor the next generation of leaders in our community. Emerging Leaders Awards will highlight three professionals that demonstrate significant accomplishments in their career, contribute to their business and work to improve the quality of life by their involvement in the community. Young professionals are instrumental to the vision and the future for Longview.

The individuals that will be honored will have excel-lent leadership skills, represent their company in a profes-sional manner and be a role model to others. A committee of diverse leaders will review all nomination forms. The committee will rank the professionals then choose three that best represent the next generation of leaders.

The winners will be honored at a luncheon on Decem-ber 6th from 11:30a.m.-1:00p.m. at Pinecrest Country Club. Longview has a dynamic community of young professionls and we need your help in recognizing these individuals.

Nomination forms will be available in September online at www.longviewchamber.com or at the Chamber offices. For more information please call 903-237-4000.





7th Annual Elected Officials Reception

The 7th Annual Elected Official’s Reception will be held Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from 5:00p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Summit Club located at 210 E. Methvin Street.

The appreciation reception honors our region’s local, county and state elected officials. It will be an evening of network-ing. As business leaders, we support our elected officials whose various initia-tives benefit our local business com-munity. Their dedication to Longview and Gregg County makes it a better place to live and do business.

The reception serves to connect business leaders and elected officials in an informal setting and allows the opportu-nity to discuss a variety of important policy issues. Business leaders have the opportunity to build relationships and ensure elected officials are educated about the impacts of their choices in our community.

Join the Longview Chamber and our presenting sponsors as we honor our elected officials. Please RSVP no later than September 20th, by calling 903-237-4000 or visiting our website at www.longviewchamber.com.

Presented by: Eastman Chemical and Texas Bank & Trust

Other sponsors: U. S. Steel Tubular Products Inc Texas Operations Division

Martin Resource Management Corporation Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson

L to R Judge Tim Womack, 307th Family District Court Judge Alfonso Charles, District Judge for the 124th Court

Traci Wallis, Spring Hill ISD Board of Directors

Ambassador of the MonthJune 2012 July 2012

Troy Neuman

Employer: Eastman Credit UnionPosition: Branch Manager

How long have you been an Ambassador?

“Since December 2011”

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

“I have really enjoyed getting to know my fellow Ambassadors. We have a really good group of people from all types of businesses in the Longview area ready to welcome new Chamber members.”

How has being an Ambassador helped your business?

“Being an Ambassador has helped me put a face on Eastman Credit Union. It has allowed me to educate people who we are and what we have to offer the Longview area in terms of financial services”

Ambassador of the Month

July 2012

Chapin Miller

Employer: Citizens National Bank Position: Business Banking Officer

How long have you been an Ambassador?

“I have been an Ambassador since September 2010.”

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

“I enjoy learning about the different businesses in Longview and the products and services the businesses offer. ”

How has being an Ambassador helped your business?

“Being an Ambassador has allowed me to network with many different local professionals and get more connected within the Longview community.”


Calendar of Chamber EventsSeptember 2012 Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

October 2012 Events are at the Chamber Offices 410 N. Center Street unless otherwise noted.

3Chamber Office Closed for Labor Day

eLeadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 a.m.

rOne Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Executive Meeting

4:00 p.m.

iLongview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

3:30 p.m.

pMember2Member

7:30 a.m.

aLongview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

4:00 p.m.

sState of the City Membership Luncheon at Pinecrest Country Club

11:30 a.m.

hElected Officials Reception @ The Summit Club

4:30 p.m.

jOne Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Board

12:00 noon

kBusiness Development Series: “A Passion for Service”

8:30 a.m.Business Development Series: “A Passion for Service”

1:00 p.m.

lBusiness After Hours sponsored by Longview Regional Medical Center

4:45 p.m.Physician’s Surgery Center

1404 N 4th Street

5Downtown LIVE! – Downtown Longview

4:00 p.m

qLeadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30 a.m.

wOne Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Executive Meeting

4:00 p.m.

eDowntown LIVE – Downtown Longview

4:00 p.m.

iBusiness Development Series: “How to Supervise People, Lead a Team and Handle Difficult People”

oBusiness After Hours – Hampton Inn –North, 3044 N. Eastman Road

4:45 p.m.

pDowntown LIVE! – Downtown Longview

4:00 p.m.

dLongview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

3:30 p.m.

g Advocacy Luncheon @ The Challenge at Oak Forest

hMember2Member

7:30 a.m.Business Development Series: The Zappos Experience

11:30 a.m.Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

4:00 p.m.

jDowntown LIVE! – Downtown Longview

4:00 p.m.

410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601

903-237-4000www.longviewtx.com

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 82LONGVIEW, TX

GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICINE CLINIC

COMPREHENSIVE CARE PROVIDED BY A TEAM OF FAMILY PRACTICE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIANS

703 EAST MARSHALL AVE. Fifth Floor, Medical Plaza II, Suite 5007

Monday – Friday • 9 am to 5 pm

To schedule your appointment, please call:

(903) 315-5600

M EDICA RE , M EDICA ID A N D M OS T IN SUR A N CE PL A N S ACCEP T ED A S W EL L A S PRI VAT E PAY A N D CA SH .

Appointments and Walk-ins Welcome

Documents

Longview Progress Report September-October 2012