Archive for the 'The Business View' Category

09
May
12

Super 1 Foods featured in Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on Super 1 Foods. If you haven’t stopped by a Super 1 Foods, you’ve missed the updates they have made. All Longview Super 1 Foods stores have a new look with updated paint, décor, signage and flooring-which have improved the shopping atmosphere for customers. The Longview Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Ambassadors facilitated the ribbon cutting ceremonies at each of the Super 1 Foods locations in Longview, TX on May 4, 2012.

The Changes customers notice are new carousel check stands with store cashiers sacking groceries. The “Wall of Values” continues to offer incredible savings as people enter the door with the hottest prices and bet values. The brand’s “Discount Pharmacy” maintains a free antibiotic and discount generic drug program at the South High and East Marshall Stores. Customers can receive a $20 Super 1 Foods coupon when they bring in a new or transferred prescription (from a non-Brookshire or non-Super 1 Foods pharmacy). Throughout May the stores will have truckload sales with three-day deals on many products, and there will be a Facebook offers in which customers can win prizes at super1foods.com.

Ambassadors host ribbon cuttings, help with special events, Business After Hours, assist in retention calls. Being a Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassador allows you to meet people and get exposure in the community. In order to maintain membership in the Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, it is the responsibility of each individual to meet all requirements necessary in order to retain status.
In order to become an active member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors an individual must:
1. Be employed by or represent a Chamber member in good standing.
2. Complete an application for Ambassador Membership.

If you’re interested in becoming an ambassador please contact us at (903)237-4000.

24
Apr
12

Jake’s Feed featured in Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on Jake’s Feed. They are a local, family business owned by Alan and Karen Glowczwski of Hallsville, Texas. After years of planning, waiting, and building their dream was realized on McCann road just north of Loop 281 in Longview, Texas. Since 2004, they have been growing in this community and are eager to serve you better. It is their goal to supply you with quality products, service, and knowledge to help you care for your animals, garden, lawn, and farm.

Recently, Cassie Varnado attended a Facebook Crash Course at the Chamber. Chamber members were able to learn how to navigate and use the new timeline feature. Jake’s Feed now has fans of the week and posts promotions online. Classes like these and many other opportunities are offered at the chamber. The Chamber also has a series of monthly after hours networking events that are high-energy, and are a professional approach to grow your business and market your products and services, one handshake at a time. These events are prime opportunities for members to meet face-to-face with existing and potential clients to build positive business relationships that impact their bottom line. Our next Business After Hours will be at the Business Expo Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Maude Cobb Convention Center.

“If it eats we can feed it and if it grows we can help it.” So, whether you are looking for help, information, supplies, or simply some good conversation, stop in and see Jake’s Feed. They are located on:

3612 McCann Rd.
Longview, TX 75605
(903) 663-3139
www.jakeslongview.com

Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Closed Sundays

10
Apr
12

Merle Norman Featured in Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on Merle Norman. Judy Kennemer’s dream at age 20, was to own her own Merle Norman. Newly married, she knew the dream could not be fulfilled. In 1993, her daughter worked for Merle Norman and called her mom and told her that the Longview franchise was for sale. She immediately went to her banker and was turned down because she had inadequate income as a single mother of three. She didn’t give up on her dream, and approached the owner to see if she would do owner financing. The owner saw the passion the passion that Judy had for the business and financed it for her.

Judy credits hard work and determination for her success.  She knows her customers by name and knows that customer service is what keeps her customers coming back.  Merle Norman offers free services such as:  foundation makeovers, hydration facials, and the Merle Norman philosophy you can try a product before you buy it.  Merle Norman also provides facial services at their Tall Pines location.  From their Merle Norman signature facial to a pumpkin peel that can help diminish fine lines.

Judy recently attended a Facebook session at the Chamber.  She wanted to learn the latest marketing trends to attract younger clients on social media.  She was able to squeeze in this training into her busy schedule because it was offered at the chamber and lunch was provided.  The Chamber understands how hectic  small business owners days can be and offers convenient continuing education courses. Classes that are coming up are business development classes on Social Customer Service, and Twitter for your business.  To get a complete listing of classes offered at the Chamber, please check our calendar of events.

Merle Norman has two locations in Longview.

MERLE NORMAN COSMETIC STUDIOS

Longview Mall
PH (903) 753-0041
3500 Mccann Rd
Unit L-7A
Longview, TX 75605-4416

Pine Tree Center
PH (903)759-1551
1809 W. Loop 281
Ste. 134
Longview, TX 75604

27
Mar
12

Brothers’ Sandwiches Featured in Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View and Uncategorized
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on Brothers’ Sandwiches. David Lichty’s passion for food started when he was 16 and started working in the food industry. Twenty one years later, attending culinary school and apprenticeships with several east coast chefs, he opened Brothers’ Sandwiches downtown Longview in August 2011. David wanted to create a restaurant where the food is affordable while using the freshest ingredients. He believes in a “no preservative, plan menu” concept. He has a passion for food and tries to use the least amount of ingredients in his dishes.

David uses social media to promote his business. Each day on Brothers’ Sandwiches’ Face Book page, David posts his special of the day. He also uses it to promote other events that are happening downtown. David also believes in shopping local.  He purchases his produce and other supplies for his restaurants from local vendors.  Brothers’ Sandwiches recently joined the Chamber to become more involved in the community, get continuing education, and to have opportunities to network with other local business owners. The Chamber offers low-cost classes on social media, customer service and other issues that small business owners are facing.  Check out our events calendar to see what classes are coming up. 

Brothers’ Sandwiches is located downtown Longview on:
108 E. Tyler Street
Longview, TX 75601
PH: 903.212.7687

Brotherssandwicheshop.com

Hours:

Monday –Friday
10:30 am -2:00 pm

21
Mar
12

Allstate to Open 10 Agencies in East Texas

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View and Uncategorized
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Allstate to Open 10 Agencies in East Texas This Year

Offering $1,000 Award for Referring Successful New Agency Owner Candidates

TYLER, TX, February 24, 2012—Allstate Insurance Company plans to open 10 agencies in the East Texas area this year. The company’s goal is to open 100 agencies statewide in 2012.

Allstate is looking for sales-driven, customer-service oriented professionals with management experience to own and operate the agencies. These new agency owners could generate additional jobs in their communities around East Texas as they will need to hire licensed sales staff to help them run their small businesses.

$1,000 Referral Award

Allstate is now offering a $1,000 award to people who refer a candidate who is successfully appointed as an agency owner in Texas this year.
“We’re looking for your coworkers and acquaintances that have an entrepreneurial spirit, are solution oriented and have a drive to succeed,” said Tom Caunitz, Allstate’s Texas Strategic Deployment Leader said.
Interested candidates need a minimum of $50,000 of liquid capital to invest in their agency. This money does not go to Allstate; it’s to help ensure the agency can successfully fund the normal day to day costs associated with opening and running a business.
“The advantage of investing in Allstate is agency owners are able to leverage one of Texas’ most recognized brands without ever having to pay a franchise or licensing fee,” Caunitz said. “The capital invested in the business will go directly toward the success of that agency.”

How to Apply

Interested candidates can learn more about becoming an Allstate agency owner by logging on to allstate.com or by calling 1-877-711-1006.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. As part of Allstate’s commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

28
Feb
12

Color Me Happy

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View and Uncategorized
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on Color Me Happy. Color Me Happy is the creation of Shawna Blissett. She is a Special Education teacher by day and an artist by night. She wanted to create a place where people of all ages could come and paint and enjoy the company of others or as Shawna calls it, “Art Entertainment”. “There are places to eat, see a movie, but there is not a place where you can sit down, create something, and enjoy a conversation.” Shawna said. Shawna saw a need in the community and she fulfilled that need. Finding a niche is essential in creating a successful business.

You have to make your business your priority. Expanding your reach in the community assures the success of your business will be good. Not only is Color Me Happy a place to host birthday/holiday parties, but corporate team building sessions. Companies of different industries have sought an alternative to the usual team work building exercises. Groups of local business owners, doctors and healthcare employees attend functions at Color Me Happy. She now offers, Girl’s Night Out, Group Events, Church Groups, and Fundraisers.
Shawna also relies on word-of-mouth marketing and social media. After each event, Shawna posts pictures of the events on FaceBook and tag people that attended the event. In turn, Color Me Happy will get FREE exposure from the friends of people that are tagged. Shawna credits the Chamber on providing low cost business education programming and networking opportunities in getting the word out of her business.
If you are looking for a way to explore your artistic side but not sure where to start? Color Me Happy is an exciting, creative class for both the artistic and not so artistic. Come out and join Longview’s newest entertainment spot for an evening of painting, sipping and enjoying the company of friends.

Color Me Happy is located:
530 East Loop 281, Suite 101
Longview, TX 75605
Phone 903.238.9070

Hours:

Mon – Sat: 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sun: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
www.color-me-happy.com

21
Feb
12

Casa Flora featured on Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on Casa Flora Flower Shop. Casa Flora is a full service florist that is family owned and operated since 1984. Their floral designers and customer service representatives have over 115 years combined experience in the floral industry. Casa Flora is a member of Teleflora wire service and has been recognized as one of the “Top 500” sending florists in the country. They are also members of Allied Florists Association of Longview. Casa Flora was voted “Best Florist of East Texas” in the Longview New-Journal’s Reader’s Choice Awards in 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008.

Attributes for their success are education and customer service. Two florists on staff have a bachelor’s degree in Floral Design, and they are continuously attending seminars and shows on the latest floral designs. Casa Flora also believes that a customer is for life, therefore customer service is key. Longtime employee Darlene Clark stated, “We are there in their sad times, and we are there in their happy times.” At the Chamber of Commerce you have access to customer service training that is offered at convenient times for yourself and your employees. Being involved in the community is also important to Casa Flora. As a member of the Longview Chamber they can accomplish this, by receiving up to date information of local events and become engaged with other business owners.
If you are looking for a unique florist please check out Casa Flora.

Casa Flora is located on:
314 Magnolia Lane
Longview, TX 75605
PH: 903-753-4492 or 800-245-4614

Office hours are:
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. – noon
Closed Sunday
www.casafloraflowers.com

14
Feb
12

Answers to IMPACT Your Business

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: The Business View and Uncategorized
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Do you need a new marketing strategy?  Do you need to add value to your business?

You should never have to cope with the challenges of running a business alone. We’re here to help you find solutions for the challenges you face in running your business. Every business needs resources to succeed. From financial education to lead generation, in today’s competitive business environment, every little edge can make the difference.

The Longview Chamber is researching tools to enhance business formation and expansion. These tools include an online “toolkit” with links to useful forms, sample business plans, business funding information, and free non-commercial sources of business how-to information.

The Chamber is here to become a supporter and to promote growth towards a healthy economic future for our community.  You can access the tool kit by clicking on Tools for Business.  You will find update information on the latest local, state, federal, and best-of-the-web resources to start and grow your business.  Includes rates for 850+ jobs; Business Start-Up Kit, Loan Payment Calculator, 85 business-related online classes, new hire email, Employer’s Kit AND more.

Other sources that are also available can be found at the Small Business Development Center at:  http://www.kilgore.edu/sbdc.asp.

06
Feb
12

BalancedDiet featured on Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on BalanceDiet, a premium wellness, diet and lifestyle company. The BalanceDiet experience is all about transformation. BalanceDiet is for everyone that is looking to make healthy lifestyle changes or maintain wellness.

Lisa Noble, owner of BalanceDiet, chose a franchise instead of developing her own wellness center because of the support a franchise can offer. “Not only does a franchise provide guidelines for your business, but they also help you with marketing aspects. If it wasn’t for the marketing support, I don’t think I would have been able to come up with these great campaigns,” Lisa said.

Diana Northcutt and Lisa Noble also discussed the benefits of attending the Longview Chamber of Commerce’s Business After. Lisa said “Attending Business After Hours has given me the opportunity to network with owners of other companies and provide them with an opportunity to offer employee discounts at BalanceDiet to their staff. Just recently at a Business After Hours, I was able to get ideas from other members for a Girls’ Night Out open house. ”

The Chamber’s series of monthly after hours networking events is a high-energy, professional approach to grow your business and market your products and services, one handshake at a time. These events are prime opportunities for members to meet face-to-face with existing and potential clients to build positive business relationships that impact their bottom line.

BalanceDiet is located in the Towne Crossing Shopping Center near Target in Longview.
3080 N. Eastman Road Suite 108,
Longview, TX 75605
Phone: 903.663.5900
Website: http://www.gobalancediet.com
Hours:
Mon – Thu: 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am-1:00 pm

31
Jan
12

Louis Morgan Gifts & Pharmacy Featured in Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: The Business View and Uncategorized
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Supporting and promoting business in the Longview trade area is a core competency of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber understands in order to have a healthy economic climate we must have a strong and diverse business base that creates jobs.

This week’s business feature is on Louis Morgan Gifts & Pharmacy. Mike Holbert started Louis Morgan Pharmacy in 1974. Since that time, he has turned the drug store into one of Longview’s premier pharmacies. Eight years ago, Mike’s wife, Kathi, took a small corner of the store and added a gift area. That “small corner” has now grown to be Longview’s finest gift shop, including a Bridal and Baby Registry. Diana visited with Kathi about owning your own business. “Owning your own business is a real commitment. It takes time, patience, and dedication to be successful,” stated Kathi.

Diana also visited with Kathi about how the Chamber promotes the local economy. “The Chamber is always promoting Longview businesses to help Longview grow. It also brings businesses from surrounding areas,” Kathi explains. The Longview Chamber of Commerce promotes the local economy by encouraging Longview Chamber of Commerce members and Longview residents to shop locally. All referrals given out by the Longview Chamber of Commerce are Chamber members. The Longview Chamber of Commerce website has detailed information about local businesses in the community.
At Louis Morgan Gifts & Pharmacy will find only the finest products, personal service and attention to detail. You can find Louis Morgan Gifts & Pharmacy at:

Louis Morgan Gifts & Pharmacy
110 Johnston
Longview, Texas 75601
PH: 903-758-6164 Toll Free: 877-604-0267

Store Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Closed Sunday

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