longview progress report may-june 2012
DESCRIPTION
Longview Progress Report is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Longview Chamber of CommerceTRANSCRIPT
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
5May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.longviewtx.com
Strengthening our Local EconomyStaff
Kelly HallPresident
Paul AndersonSenior Vice President
Elaine ReynoldsVP Downtown Development
Leska ParkerChief Operating Officer
Mary WhittonCommunity Development Director
Diana NorthcuttRetail Development Coordinator
Missy SaundersPromotions and Events Manager
Margie HarrisTourism Services Manager
903-753-3281 [email protected]
Lisa NullMembership Services Clerk
Katie ReynoldsSpecial Events Assistant
903-237-3281 [email protected]
Carrie FisherDirector of First Impressions
Kim DroegeExecutive Director
Keep Longview Beautiful
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.
Developing Community Leaders
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.
6 Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012 www.longviewtx.com
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.
7May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.longviewtx.com
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.
Promoting the Community
An excellent opportunity to get Mom a piece of fine art.
8 Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012 www.longviewtx.com
Milestones and Ribbon Cuttings Anniversaries and New Members
9May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.longviewtx.com
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
10 Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012 www.longviewtx.com
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
Diana NorthcuttRetail Development Coordinator
Longview Chamber of Commerce410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601
The Business View Blogbusinessinlongview.com
Strengthening our Local Economy
“We are reminded once again that small businesses create about two out of every three jobs in the U.S. each year.”
11May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.longviewtx.com
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
Diana NorthcuttRetail Development Coordinator
Longview Chamber of Commerce410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601
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
Strengthening our Local Economy
12 Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012 www.longviewtx.com
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.
13May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.longviewtx.com
It’s only natural!
Printworks!
East Texas’ Best Since 1959903-758-1773 • 800-530-4888 • www.hudsonprint.com
Representing the Interest of Business with Government
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
Promoting the Community
SIGNING UPLONGVIEW
14 Longview Progress Report | May - June 2012 www.longviewtx.com
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.”
Representing the Interest of Business with Government
Developing Community Leaders
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?
15May - June 2012 | Longview Progress Reportwww.longviewtx.com
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.
Maude Cobb Activity Center
Candidates Forum 6:00p.m.
Maude Cobb Activity Center
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
Representing the Interest of Business with Government
410 N. Center StreetLongview, TX 75601
903-237-4000www.longviewtx.com
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 82LONGVIEW, TX
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CELEBRATING
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