Longview Progress Report May-June 2012

May/June 2012Vol. 6 No. 3

LEADING BUSINESSES. LEADING COMMUNITIES. ™LONGVIEW

REPORTprogress

Shop&DineLongview!

Cover Story Pg. 6

INSIDE

•New&Improved!TXDOTSignage,pg.13

•RetailDevelopmentattendsRECon,pg.11

•AlleyFestfindsacoolerdate,pg.7

•TrueValueinChamber’sCores,pg.4

We’re committed to making Longview healthier in more ways than one.

With advanced technology and compassionate physicians and staff, Longview Regional Medical Center is dedicated to delivering an

exceptional healthcare experience to every patient. But the care we offer extends beyond our doors – and out into the entire community.

Whether it’s through the people we employ, the local businesses we use, or the charities we support, we’re committed to making

Longview a better place to live and work – and that’s the best benefit of all.

B e t t e r h e a l t h c a r e s t a r t s h e r e .

LongviewRegional.com

New Services:

• 23 Private-Bed Heart & Vascular Unit• Opened Quick Care Clinic in Longview• Opened Family Care Clinic in Liberty City• Electrophysiology Lab

Providing Quality Care:

• ER Visits – 28,599• Admissions – 5,947• Outpatient Visits – 71,474• Births – 954• Surgeries – 13,472

Community Benefit Report 2011

Physicians Recruited:

• Helen Daniel, M.D., Internal Medicine• Arun Nadiga, M.D., Pediatrics• Jeremy Schirmer, M.D., Anesthesiology• John Wolcott, M.D., Family Practice• Anne Whitney-Obousy, M.D., Pediatrics

Financial Benefits*:

• Capital Investments – $9,623,858• Property & Sales Tax – $1,943,360• Charity & Uncompensated Care – $28,047,175• Community Donations – $147,035• Dollars Spent Locally – $12,307,784• Payroll (735 Employees) – $38,266,661 *Dollar amounts are approximate.

Total Dollars Invested in the Community: $90,335,873

61721_LONGV_CB_9x12c.indd 1 4/9/12 4:22 PM

3May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.longviewtx.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

WHAT TYPE OF LEADER

DO YOU WANT TO

BE?

Moving communities forward requires

leaders to emerge from all business sectors and all employment levels. Have you considered what your leadership role within the community is or will be? Have you ever asked your friends or colleagues how they view you as a leader? Another interesting question is what type of legacy do I want to leave behind?

I’d like to know your thoughts in these areas. Why? Chambers of Commerce are known for producing events and providing networking opportunities. Yes, these are important roles for a Chamber but our main thrust is strengthening the local economy. How is this accomplished and accomplished effectively? It is through leadership development, visioning, strategic planning and execution. Understanding how you view yourself as a leader to help advance our community is an important part of how our Chamber continues to move Longview in the direction YOU want.

Your Chamber needs individuals who have the conviction and courage to make Longview the best place to live, work, and play as possible. We must work collectively towards a shared vision. Understanding your leadership strengths will help us plug you in to a leadership role that best suits you. We are looking for volunteers who are:• results oriented,• enjoy working as a team,• enjoy research and development, and• are committed to moving Longview forward!

Specific areas we need help with include:

• Community Development • Main Street • Entrepreneurial Center• Membership Recruitment & Retention• Hospitality Training• ParBusters Golf Tournament• Outdoor Expo

To learn more about each of these areas please visit our website, download and print our Strategic Business Plan at: http://longviewchamber.com/businessplan or you can contact any of our team members (see staff listing pg.5. With your support and leadership we can make Longview the best place to live, work, and play.

FromthePresident.........................3

CaringfortheCore..........................4

Leadership2013............................5

COVERSTORYShop.Dine.Longview.....................6

AlleyFestHasaNewDate.............................7

RibbonCuttingandMilestones.........8

AnniversariesandNewMembers......9

NationalWeeksinMayCapitalizingongreatervisibility......10

RetailDevelopmentGoestoRECon.............................11

RealEastTexasHospitality............12

TRCfor2013...............................12

NewandImprovedTxDOTSignsAnInterview................................13

AmbassadorsoftheMonth............14

ChamberEventsCalendar.............15

Cover Photo: Ashley Dover and Philip Perea. Photo by Bryan Boyd.

The Business View Blog www.BusinessInLongview.com

www.facebook.com/LongviewChamber

@LongviewChamber

4 Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012 www.longviewtx.com

Strengthening our Local Economy

Caring for the Core

Communities across Texas and our country may

be different but one core component we have in common is the need for a

vibrant business community. If you attend our

Chamber of Commerce events regularly or read the printed communication pieces published, you are likely aware of our commitment to five Core Competencies.

• Strengthen the Local Economy

• Promote the Community• Provide Networking

Opportunities• Represent Interests of

Business with Government• Build Community

Leadership & Development Programs

In a recent survey con-ducted by Charlton Research, business leaders were asked what they want most from their chamber. The answer given by 92% of respondents is for their chamber to assist in creating a strong local econo-my. Strengthening our local economy requires cultivat-ing the atmosphere, policies, programs and culture where members can grow their busi-nesses. It is all about selling our community as the place that can help grow and attract new jobs.

Helping to strengthen the local economy is a cham-bers over-arching umbrella

that defines all other core areas and it is the filter that is used to analyze, review, add, modify or eliminate pro-grams, services or offerings. The Longview Chamber tests

events, programs and all activ-ities against whether those activities help create a strong local economy. The Chamber also works with the Longview Economic Development Cor-poration to strategically align programs and policies that help retain, grow and attract jobs for Longview.

Uncertainty in the econ-omy is becoming the new norm and change is happening at an accelerated pace. By work-ing to create an atmosphere that embraces entrepreneurial

success, the Chamber is pro-moting and attracting new life cycles of business to our com-munity. Creating a strong economy means providing the right climate through innova-tion and creativity and in com-municating an environment that grows and nurtures jobs.

Les Mendicello President

WE’RE GROWING BIGGER TO SERVE YOU BETTER!

Sometimes, the only way left to grow is up. We’re adding a new second story to our building at Gilmer Road. It’s scheduled for completion this spring.

Come see what it’s like to deal with a locally owned and operated independent bank.

3700 Gilmer Road202 Hollybrook Drive

903-759-0751www.springhillbank.com

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

2012 OfficersDr. Dale LunsfordLeTourneau University

P. Anne HugmanHugman Architecture &

Constructions, Inc.

Richard AndrewsRichard Andrews Consulting

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

Darwin WinfieldAtmos Energy

Jeremy DuMondU.S. Steel Tubular Products

John RayLively Cadillac GMC

Shelby SnellOleum Operating Company

Dave SpurrierWells Fargo Advisors, LLC

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

Strengtheningourlocaleconomyrequirescultivat-ingtheatmosphere,policies,programsandculturewherememberscangrowtheirbusinesses.

Developing Community Leaders


Strengthening our Local EconomyStaff

Kelly HallPresident

[email protected]

Paul AndersonSenior Vice President

[email protected]

Elaine ReynoldsVP Downtown Development

[email protected]

Leska ParkerChief Operating Officer

[email protected]

Mary WhittonCommunity Development Director

[email protected]

Diana NorthcuttRetail Development Coordinator

[email protected]

Missy SaundersPromotions and Events Manager

[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 Beautiful

[email protected]

CELEBRATINGLEADERSHIPSINCE1981LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW

Leadership Longview, a long standing core program of the

Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 year.

Leadership Longview, founded in 1981, develops

community-minded business and civic leadership. Leader-ship Longview has graduated over 650 professionals since graduating its first class in 1982.

It is a year-long interac-tive program, lim-ited to 25 partici-pants each year, that provides leadership development train-ing, a behind-the-scenes understand-ing of the issues that impact our region’s economic prosper-ity, quality of life, education, health and public safety

issues that culminates in the completion of a community service project.

Dawnelle Priddy-SigmonHugman Architecture & Construction

Class of 2011-2012“Leadership Longview is instrumental in developing beneficial knowledge about multiple facets in the community including: economic, social, historical, judicial and political entities. More importantly it opens your eyes to the personal commitment that many businesses and citizens have in making Longview the best it can be; in turn moving the hearts of those in the class to be equally as involved in the future of our community.”

Leadership Longview Class of 2012 at the Gregg County Historical Museum

Applications are available at www.longviewchamber.com/leadershiplongview or by contacting Mary Whitton, Community Development Director at 903.237.4003 or [email protected].

Application deadline is Friday, July 20th.


CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATESYOU’RE NOT JUST IN IT FOR A PAYCHECK OR SEASONAL, TEMPORARY HELP. YOU WANT TO WORK FOR A COMPANY WHERE YOU’RE REWARDED FOR YOUR TALENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS AND CAN GROW AND CREATE A CAREER PATH. BUT ALSO, WHERE YOU CAN UTILIZE YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS AND BACKGROUND TO TRULY HELP CUSTOMERS EACH AND EVERY DAY. WE COULDN’T AGREE MORE.

> FULL- AND PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE> EXCELLENT BENEFITS> NO TELEMARKETING, INBOUND CALLS ONLY> PAID VACATION AND TRAINING> OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

WE ARE CONVERGYS, THE WORLD LEADER IN RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT. WE’RE SPECIALISTS IN MAKING OUR CLIENTS’ INTERACTIONS SMARTER AND MORE PROFITABLE. BASICALLY, WE MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY THEY’VE TALKED TO US. IF THAT’S AN IDEA YOU CAN RELATE TO, WE THINK ITS TIME WE TALKED.

CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT JOBS OR APPLY ONLINE AT: WWW.CONVERGYS.COM/CAREERS AND SELECT LONGVIEW,TX. Walk-Ins Welcome, Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 3:00PM 2545 Judson Road,Longview.

WE CAN RELATE.You want your work to evolve into a career.

LIKE US. FOLLOW US. WATCH US.

You want your work to evolve into a career.

WE CAN RELATE.


Representing the Interest of Business with Government

Shop. Dine. Longview.

If you follow the Chamber’s blog “The Business View” you have read the regular submissions that promote local businesses. The effort began last December called

“Christmas Chronicles” and continued after the holidays as a weekly article.1 Chamber members are featured in each of the installments which are written by Diana Northcutt, Retail Development Coordinator for the Chamber. This effort by the Chamber is part of a larger “Shop and Dine Longview” campaign which is getting under way in the month of May.

Shop Local campaigns have been run in almost every kind of town or city no matter what the size. This year Chicago launched a “Local First Chicago” – an Eat, Drink & Buy Local campaign. And while every city that promotes shopping local, they continue to promote their shopping opportunities to their wider region pulling in buyers from other towns and cities.

When examined closely, Shop and Dine Longview is intended to support the small and independently owned businesses. Shopping habits are just that and this effort hopes to help people think of options for their shop and dine trips.

The question might be raised whether a shop local campaigns really work? The answer is yes. Yes it DOES!

The decision to launch and support a local first effort makes a difference when compared to towns and cities that without a push for shopping locally. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) reported in their blog “Independent Business” on a recent survey2.

“For the fourth year in a row, a national survey of independent businesses has found that those in communities with an active “buy local” campaign have experienced markedly stronger revenue growth compared to those located in areas without such a campaign. The survey, which was conducted over an 8-day period in January, gathered data from 2,768 independent businesses, including retailers, service providers, restaurants and others. It found that those in places with a “buy local” initiative reported revenue growth of 5.6% on average in 2010, compared to 2.1% for those elsewhere. Among independent retailers, which accounted for nearly half the respondents...those in “buy local” communities (saw) a 5.2% increase in holiday sales, while those elsewhere reported an average gain of 0.8%. ”

Shop - Continued on Page 10

Promoting the Community

� 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

From KLTV Creative Services, Philip Perea setsand records a local barista as she prepares a coffee.

From KLTV Creative Services, Philip Perea records video for television commercial in a Longview restaurant.


Representing the Interest of Business with GovernmentAlleyFestMovestoMay

AlleyFest - A Real East Texas Celebration of the Arts takes place

on the streets of Downtown Longview’s historic Main Street district during the weekend of May 11-13, 2012. Get ready for a weekend of live music, art demonstrations, kids’ activities, and of course exhibits filled with all types of art work from paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, to metal work.

Don’t miss Alley Run on Saturday morning. The 5k and 10k courses have been certified by Road Running Technical Council USA Track & Field.

For 34 years Alley Art and then, AlleyFest has taken place on the first weekend in June. But not this year! June 3 – 5, 2011 broke all types of heat records! The bottom line is that it is hard to be custom-er friendly when tempera-tures reached over 100 degrees during an AlleyFest day and afternoon. No one is ready for that type of heat. In order to produce a more enjoyable outdoor event along with less hot climate, AlleyFest organiz-ers decided to move the event to the second weekend in May. An added plus is avoid-

ing conflicts with high school graduations, and with Canton First Monday Trade Days.

Make it special for Mom! The decision to move AlleyFest to the second weekend of May gives our patrons at AlleyFest the chance to celebrate Mother’s Day outdoors in anticipated cooler temperatures. AlleyFest artists and crafters will have plenty of merchandise that a Mom would love.

Throughout the whole festival, you can keep up with the AlleyFest schedule and features with our Mobile Guide. It is the same address as the website only on you smart phone.

alleyfest.org

AlleyFest TrainingVolunteers are a vital part of the success

of AlleyFest! It takes hundreds of volunteers throughout the weekend to produce this event. Volunteer training takes place on Tuesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 9. All event volunteers must attend one of these trainings. The trainings take place at the Longview Chamber of Commerce office beginning at 6:30 pm each night. The trainings will last about an hour.


An excellent opportunity to get Mom a piece of fine art.


Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings Anniversaries and New Members


Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings Anniversaries and New Members

AnniversariesMay

1 YEARBehaviorial Hospital

of Longview Café Cups and Cones

Card & Party Factory/Wally’s Party FactoryGreat American Coil

Longview Blind & ShutterMountain Supply & Service

Premier Legacy Real Estate, LLC

Sparq Creative, LLC

5 YEARSJohnson & Pace

IncorporatedMaude Cobb Convention

& Activity Center

10 YEARSAP Equipment & Rentals Inc

LeTourneau Technologies Inc

15 YEARSFour S Oil

Company LTDLamar Advertising

20 YEARSJim Fisher Builder

25 YEARSHolders A/C & Heating

Rooker Downing & Booth InsuranceVision Source –

Jeffrey Jones ODWest Drum Corporation

35 YEARSSpring Hill State Bank

40 YEARSWilliam

E Bussey DDSLakeview Funeral Home

& Memorial GardensLongview Cable

Television Co. Inc.Rescar, Inc.

June

1YEARBluejean Baby

Job CorpsLocals Love Us

5YEARSFirst Bank and

Trust East TexasStephen F Austin State University

Tyler Street Bistro

15 YEARSAdvantage

Building ServicesShore Freeman Mills

PC – Brian Bunt

20 YEARSLeach Property

Management

25 YEARSCareer Personnel

35YEARSSatterwhite Log Homes

45 YEARSBarron’s

Friedman Industries Inc

NewMembersAlliance Auto Auction

Tim Adams6000 E Loop 281

Longview, TX 75602(903) 212-2955

Brother’s Sandwiches, LLCDavid Lichty

5127 Surratt RoadLongview, TX 75604

(903) 212-7687

Elite Gym & FitnessKevin McNabb

120 Johnston StreetLongview, TX 75601

(903) 753-2020

Fenton HondaHarry Fisher

519 W Cotton StreetLongview, TX 75606

(903) 757-2739

Johnny’s Pizza HouseJennifer Franklin

3052 N Eastman Road Ste 100Longview, TX 75605

(903) 663-2575

Media ChoiceChris Reed

3701 Bee Cave Road Ste 1Austin, TX 78746(512) 693-9905

Mi CasitaEric Dean

324 N Spur 63Longview, TX 75601

(903) 758-8226

Mobile Destination Inc/Verizon WirelessShawn Moore

2121 Gilmer RoadLongview, TX 75604

(9030 297-3070

Palm Beach TanBlake Costello

405 W Loop 281, Ste K, Longview Texas, 75605-,

United States (903) 248-5393

Pure Nail BarJulie Dang

3052 N Eastman RoadLongview, TX 75605

(903) 663-1166

Purple Passion Boutique and Salon

Wendy Russell204 Renaissance DriveHallsville, TX 75650

(903) 660-2643

Select StaffRenee Fannin

211 E Tyler Street, Suite 600-0Longview, TX 75601

(903) 505-0639

Stanley Nichols MarketingRobert Nichols

(903) 371-0534

Super One FoodsKerry Wallace

1800 S High StreetLongview, TX 75602

(903) 753-2773

TricanGreata Laperouse

4826 W Loop 281Longview, TX 75603

(903) 759-6400

Vines and FriendsJason Yenzer

1318 Fairhaven StreetLongview, TX 75605

(903) 295-1195


Providing Networking Opportunities

FOCUS on National Weeks

A thorough search of Google failed to turn up that one definitive list that covers all the National Weeks observed in our country. It is likely that if one

could be found, it would show a designation for almost all the weeks of the calendar year with some weeks double and triple booked.

In May we find two significant weeks of particular interest to your Chamber of Commerce. The first is the National Travel and Tourism Week May 5-13, 2012. With over 30 Hotel/Motels and very numerous restaurants, tourism has a significant economic impact on our economy – a point that many are unaware of. The State of Texas 2010 Travel Research Report shows that direct spending for travel in the Longview MSA was 274.8 million dollars. This is down by 27 million from 2008, a high mark just before the national economy began to impact travel plans for many. Measuring only Gregg County, the Longview area generates the large majority of those dollars. The report charts 213.7 million dollars spent in Gregg County. [See: http://www.travel.state.tx.us under Travel Research.]

Although many of Longview’s hotels carry national brands, each of them are owned and operated locally by small business owners. They also feed business to other small businesses in Longview when their guests go shopping and

dining. National Tourism Week has close relations with the other significant week in May, National Small Business Week which has been designated by the President of the United States in a proclamation to be May 21-25, 2012. It is an effort of the Small Business Administration, which assists small independent business through education, networking and shared resources; and it prepares the way for entrepreneurs to get started in business, and then survive and succeed.

There is undeniable competition faced by small businesses from large corporate “big box” stores. But we are reminded once again that small businesses create about two out of every three jobs in the U.S. each year and about half of working Americans either own or work for a small business.

Small business can succeed and National Small Business Week is a time when small business owners across the country can come together and learn from one another. More information is available at http://1.usa.gov/GOSMALL

SHOP Continued from Page 6

New elements of the “Shop and Dine Longview” campaign include original jingle and music to be used in broadcast and on-line media and a 30 second Television Commercial produced through KLTV’s local offices. It was through a program offered by KLTV that the Chamber was able to have original lyrics and music written and recorded to support the campaign.

It’s worth noting that “Shop and Dine Longview” is much more than simply a shop local first effort. The campaign is aimed at the Longview MSA and even beyond. “Local” can mean something different depending upon ones perspective. What this campaign amounts to is something called the “local multiplier effect.” That is, spend your money at your independent businesses and begin the cycle of businesses spending their money at local shops, and so on. The money stays in the local area instead of being sent to a corporate headquarters for redistribution. 1 The Business View : 07 Dec 2011, “Christmas Chronicles Promotes Longveiw Chamber Members!” http://businessinlongview.com/2011/12/07/christmas-chronicles-promotes-longview-chamber-members/ 2 Independent Business: 26 Jan 2011, “Survey Finds “Buy Local” Message Benefitting Independent Businesses”. http://www.ilsr.org/retail/news/survey-finds-buy-local-message-benefitting-independent-businesses/Shop & Dine

Photos by Bryan Boyd

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


Longview Chamber of Commerce410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601

[email protected]

The Business View Blogbusinessinlongview.com


“We are reminded once again that small businesses create about two out of every three jobs in the U.S. each year.”


Providing Networking Opportunities

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


Longview Chamber of Commerce410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601

[email protected]

The Business View Blogbusinessinlongview.com

Showing Off the Right Stuff

Cities and towns across America compete for retail store openings each year. Municipalities also look

for organizations and events to promote their cities. Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. It’s more than 55,000 members in over 90 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials. As the global industry trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world.

Longview has been a member of ICSC for over 15 years. This year, Diana Northcutt, Retail Development Coordinator with the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Keith Honey, External Affairs Manager with AEP, and Michael Shirley, City Planner with the City of Longview will be attending the International Council of Shopping Centers largest real estate convention RECon, May 19-24, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

New strategies are taking place this year in order to attract new businesses to Longview: A graphic placement in the Cities of the World Showcase (located in the Grand Lobby entrance of the convention center), a new state of the art trade show exhibit to showcase available properties and display aerial maps of Longview, and a full page presentation in the show directory that will be in the hands of more than 30,000 attendees.

RECon is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal making and educational opportunities for retail real estate professionals from around the world. With over 30,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors it is the largest industry convention.

Not only will retail growth add jobs and improve the quality of life in the Longview community, but sales tax revenue from retail sales also drives the economic engine of just about every community in the country.

Attracting retail isn’t as easy as it seems, we must stay on top of market trends, technological tools, development rules and regulations, and still find time to effectively market themselves to the right people.

Longview Has Room foR

Growth

Longview continues to pursue retail and commercial development to meet the demand of our growing community.

• CentrallylocatedtwohourseastofDallas andonehourwestofShreveport

• Hasanaveragehouseholdincomeof$56,496

• RetailTradeareaof13counties

• RetailSpaceandsitesformixed-use developmentsavailable

• 700AcresavailableatNorthBusinessPark

• BusinessFriendlyfocusedLeadership

• Developerresourceassistance

• 2012RetailTradeanalysisavailable



Representing the Interest of Business with GovernmentPromoting the CommunityGet Onboard for a Tour

of Longview

Real East Texas Friendly Hospitality Training took place on Friday, March 9 with over 30 people taking advantage of a special tour of Longview’s attractions

on a deluxe motor coach. Attendees toured some local parks and walking trails as well as the Belcher Center, three museums and Enoch’s Stomp’s Vineyards and Winery where French chef Ann Kelt prepared and served an excellent lunch.

If you would like to learn more about Longview and what it has to offer, register for one of the next Hospitality Trainings Thursday, May 24 or Friday, October 12 offered by the Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau. You can register online at www.longviewchamber.com.

The training is free of charge with lunch provided. It begins at 8:30 am at Maude Cobb Activity Center and concludes with a graduation ceremony at 2:30. If you or your employees would like to become an advocate of Longview, then this training is for you! Presenting sponsor is Longview Economic Development Corporation.

TRCGearingUpfor2013 The Chamber’s gearing up for its 2nd Annual Total

Resource Campaign! The TRC is an eight-week program that allows volunteers to sell sponsorships for the chamber. If you’re interested in volunteering for this exciting program, contact Leska Parker at 903-237-4000. Read what some who participated last year say about their experience.

“I was very pleased with the way that the Chamber handled the Total Resource Campaign last year. As a member of the Chamber, it helped to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities that I didn’t know were readily available. By sponsoring these events, our bank name is being promoted heavily. I am extremely happy with the events and items that First Bank & Trust East Texas sponsored.”

Dan DroegeMarket President

First Bank & Trust East Texas

“My experience with the TRC campaign was very rewarding in many ways. TRC allowed me to put my networking and sales skills to the test it also allowed me to build new relationships within our community! I have gained a whole new respect for what the Chamber does and has to offer its members.”

Sherri FluellenHR Generalist

American HomePatient

“The Total Resource Campaign afforded me a very unique experience to meet with Longview’s finest community leaders and businesses. It was a privilege to provide these companies the opportunity to market their organizations and gave me satisfaction knowing I was helping their businesses as well as the local economy.”

Elizabeth Abrams Community Relations Coordinator

Texas Bank and Trust

Margie Harris shows the Home Town Faces wall in the new Visitors Center

The March tour group visited Enoch’s Stomp during lunch.


It’s only natural!

Printworks!

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


For many years, destination travelers eastbound on Interstate 20 from Dallas had difficulty

knowing just how far Longview was in miles or even that there was a city called Longview. This is no longer the circumstance as new signs have been installed and some signs changed out along I-20 helping drivers know the mileage to Longview. This improvement is the result of certain determined citizens in Longview who brought the case to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and petitioned for these changes. It required working in cooperation with several TxDOT districts and the Chamber is thankful to all who have put out the effort to improve the visibility of Longview and its location to those on this primary freeway which intersects the city limits of Longview.

Another significant change are new signs that are going up on I-20 and TX Hwy 149. They will more clearly identify exits for Longview, which exits to take for airport or train station, and point the direction to our downtown business district. TxDOT began construction of the new sign supports in the middle of April and should finish the project by the end of May.

David Spurrier, Wells Fargo Advisors and Brian Bunt, Freeman Mills PC worked together to carry this initiative forward and are credited with much of it getting accomplished. Longview Progress Report interviewed each to get their insight into the process.

Q. What was it that sparked the passion about improving the signage for Longview?

Dave Spurrier: My mother always impressed upon me that everyone should be proud of where they are from and where they live. I am proud of Longview and am proud of what it represents. It’s a great place to live, work and raise a family. I believe travelers along I-20 and elsewhere should know we are here…

Brian Bunt: Given that Longview is the second largest city in Northeast Texas (and largest MSA), it has historically been underserved in directional highway signage. Too many visitors were telling us the signage did not adequately point the way to, and through, Longview. Also, for a variety of reasons, much of the signage along I-20 needed to better identify the City, its highway intersections and air/rail facilities.

Q. What results did you want to see/experience by improving the signage?

Spurrier: Since 2001, when I joined the Chamber Board and as a member of the Transportation Committee I have been pushing TxDOT and others for improved signage for Longview. Whether it be the increased number of mileage markers for Longview along I-20, new entry way signage, the backlit street signs within

Longview, Wayfinding signage or the new “Longview” signs on I-20 near our City, I believe we deserved more and we are finally seeing results of a collective group effort to expand our presence in this regard.

Bunt: We wanted destination travelers to know how to get to Longview, Texas; downtown in particular. We also wanted pass-through traffic to have multiple opportunities to be told they were passing through “Longview”. Travelers are more inclined to stop and look around if they know they are in a larger city.

Continued on Page 14 - SIGNS


SIGNING UPLONGVIEW


Calendar of Chamber Events

AmbassadoroftheMonthFebruary2012

AngelaHanley

Employer: CBS 19

Position: Account Executive

Years of Service as Ambassador: 10 years

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

“Getting the opportunity to meet new local businesses, building new relationships and friendships”

How has being an Ambassador helped your business?

“It keeps us in front of the community, it is great for networking.”

AmbassadoroftheMonthMarch2012

TroyNeuman

Employer: Eastman Credit Union

Position: Branch Manager

Years of Service as Ambassador: Since December 2011What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador?

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

How has being an Ambassador helped your business?“Being an Ambassador has helped me to 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 finan-cial services.”



SIGNS: Continued from page 13

Q.Over the past seven - eight years we’ve seen new directional

signage (for Longview go up) in at least three different TxDOT districts, additional interstate signage markers, new entry way signage, WayFinding signage and now the new overhead signage. That is an impressive amount of work that’s been accomplished! What have you learned from this experience? Who were the players?

Spurrier: I have learned that “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”. I have learned that you have to ask for support from certain entities to get that support. I have also learned that effective political influence is critical. Judge Bill Stoudt, the NETRMA, Randy Hopman and other TxDOT Officials, individuals who work for the City of Longview and certainly members

of the Chamber were all involved in these improvements.

Bunt: That we must be proactive to make such things happen. Who were the players? Many of these efforts began years ago with the Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, but other civic planning committees, City planning staff, Mayor and City Council, County Judge and Commissioners Court, Tyler and Atlanta TxDOT Districts, and others, assisted. For the I-20 project in particular, David Spurrier and TxDOT engineer Glenn Green were lead players.

Q.What would you like to see next?

Spurrier: I would like for the City to move forward with one of the recommendations from the Vision 2020 Committee. I would like to see a formal master plan for the I-20 Corridor. I’d like to see us plan our

work and then work our plan to improve that corridor and enhance the economic development in that area. Additionally, I think there are several opportunities still available for entry way signs as we enter Longview. I’d like to see those identified, funded and constructed.

Bunt: There is more directional signage work to be done, particularly on south US 259 in the Nacogdoches and Henderson areas. Even though Longview is by far the largest city on US 259, one must drive to almost Kilgore before our city’s name appears on prominent directional signage. I also hope to see Longview’s I-20 corridor properly developed. About 35,000 cars per day pass through this corridor. If we don’t provide those travelers with better places to eat and shop, their dollars will simply be lost to other cities along the route. Developers, are you listening?


Calendar of Chamber EventsMAY2012EventsareattheChamberOffices410N.CenterStreetunlessotherwisenoted.1

Small Business Luncheon and Leadership Longview Graduation

11:30a.m.Maude Cobb Activity Center

Business Expo 1:00p.m.

Maude Cobb Activity Center

Business After Hours 4:45p.m.


Candidates Forum 6:00p.m.


9Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30a.m.

Leadership Longview Alumni Meeting Noon

qOne Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Team Meeting

4:00p.m.

w.rAlleyFest - A Real East Texas Celebration of the Arts. See AlleyFest.org for more information.

Downtown Longview

uBusiness Development Series: PowerPoint 2010: Distribute and Integrate Presentations

11:00a.m.Word 2010: Control Content and Layout for Your Documents

1:00p.m.

s Longview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

3:30p.m.

f Business Development Series: How to Screen, Interview & Hire Customer Service Reps

11:40a.m.One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board

Noon

gMember2Member at Chamber Office

11:30a.m.

h Longview Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

4:00p.m.

JUNE2012EventsareattheChamberOffices410N.CenterStreetunlessotherwisenoted.r

Business Development Series:OneNote 2010:Organize Content and Navigate Pages

11:00a.m.Business Development Series:Outlook 2010:Customize the Appearance of Your Email Messages and Share Outlook Content with Others

1:00p.m.Leadership Longview Committee Meeting

11:30a.m.Leadership Longview Alumni Meeting Noon

tOne Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Team Meeting

4:00p.m.

oLongview Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting

3:30p.m.

aBusiness Development Series:How to Handle Difficult Employees and Bad Attitudes with Ease

11:40a.m.

lBusiness After Hours sponsored by Hampton Inn & Suites North

4:45p.m.Hampton Inn & Suites North

3044 N Eastman Road


410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601

903-237-4000www.longviewtx.com

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 82LONGVIEW, TX

In 1987, Good Shepherd Medical Center launched the area’s first cardiology program to offer interventional and surgical treatment for advanced cardiac disease. Since that time, Good Shepherd has set the standard in cardiology care by consistently exceeding quality metrics in every aspect of care. The Good Shepherd heart team has worked closely together over these 25 years to develop the caring and compassionate treatments to give the best outcomes for our patients. And they continue to do so.

With advanced treatments such as radial artery heart catheterizations, electrophysiology procedures, beating heart surgery, and minimally invasive valve repair just to name a few, Good Shepherd has been and continues to be committed to being on the leading edge of cardiac treatment and technology. Trust your heart to a team with experience. Trust Good Shepherd.

1987/2012

CELEBRATING

www.GSMC.org