Posts Tagged ‘Chamber of Commerce

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13
Jan
12

Blue Jean Baby Featured in Longview’s Business Chronicle

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 4 Comments
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Promoting our members is one of the core competencies of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.   Recently, we kicked off a new strategy called Longview’s Business Chronicles to help promote Shop & Dine in Longview.

This week we are featuring Blue Jean Baby, Longview’s newest children’s boutique, offering a variety of boys and girls clothing lines as well as custom embroidery.  Blue Jean Baby also makes hospital door wreaths, bows, tutu sets, burp cloths and much more.  As an added customer benefit they offer FREE hospital delivery on gifts as well as baby registry services. 

Sierra Ray, owner, of Blue Jean Baby understands that customer service is key to any successful business model.  Businesses that are willing to go the extra mile are noticed and talked about! Customer loyalty is built on consistency and genuine appreciation. At Blue Jean Baby we are committed to providing that service.  Also, finding our niche’ in the market place has helped set us apart from others.  For Blue Jean Baby that niche is free hospital deliveries.

When the Chamber staff visited with Sierra about what advice she would give to someone starting a new business, it was to have an accountant help you walk through the process.  Do your research, except the unexpected and be protective of your business plan. Sierra believes joining the Chamber will open new doors through the networking opportunities.  Being involved in the community is also important to me, she explained.  As a member of the Longview Chamber I can accomplish both goals; meeting new people and become engaged.

Blue Jean Baby is conveniently located at 1017 N. 4th Street, in Longview, Texas just one block north of the Mud Hut.  Hours: Monday-Friday 9a-5p & Saturday 10a-2p.

 

07
Jan
12

Longview’s Business Chronicles Features Sweet Treats and Gifts

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 2 Comments
Categories: Business Development, Chamber of Commerce, Networking Events and Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Promoting our members is one of the core competencies of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.   Recently, we kicked off a new strategy called Longview’s Business Chronicles to help promote Shop & Dine in Longview.

This week’s business feature is on Sweet Treats and Gifts.  They offer a variety of sweet goods.  As the only candy store in our community, they are the only store that offers 24 flavors of Jelly Belly’s, 18 flavors of saltwater taffy, a Pucker Powder Machine with 12 flavors, novelty candies, Zots, 6 flavors of Pop Rocks, 11 flavors of caramel/chocolate apples that be dipped into just about any candy, and a line of gourmet chocolates.

Owners Belinda Freeman and Teresa Boyce credit the Small Business Development Center, research and finding a preceptor for their success.  “The SBDC can guide you in the right direction.  They have a wealth of knowledge and know where to guide you in the community.” Teresa stated.

Belinda and Teresa said that they joined the Chamber because the Chamber’s vision reiterates their own values, “To be recognized as an effective resource, provide relevant, innovative and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview.”  They cannot wait to jump into the knowledge and experience the Chamber has to offer because they see that one day they can give those experiences back to others.

If you are looking for shop that offers an array of sweets and exceptional treats, stop by Sweet Treats and Gifts.  They are located in the French Quarter shopping center beside Starbucks.

Sweet Treats and Gifts is open Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm and Friday – Saturday: 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Sweet Treats

409 W Loop 281, Suite 102

Longview, TX  75605

Sweettreatsgifts.com

03
Jan
12

Morgan Abbigail Featured in Longview’s Business Chronicles

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Business Development, Chamber of Commerce, Networking Events and Promoting Longview
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Promoting our members is one of the core competencies of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.   Recently, we are kicked off a new strategy called Longview’s Business Chronicles to help promote Shop & Dine in Longview.

This week’s business feature is on Morgan Abbigail owned by Morgan Tomberlain.  We asked Morgan what she believes is unique about her business.   What sets Morgan Abbilgail apart from other stores, is the customer service, education and experience in the fashion industry. Morgan attended textile science classes and also worked under a designer in New York.  Everything Morgan has learned she applies to her business. She focuses on the wants and needs of each customer as an individual. Every person has a unique body shape, size and taste in clothing. Her goal is to coordinated outfits for her customers that allows them feel great about themselves. Morgan dresses ladies of all ages from teenagers to octogenarians and everyone in between. The best part of it is, they leave Morgan Abbilgail’s feeling fabulous and confident.

Diana Northcutt asked Morgan Tomberlain why Morgan Abbigail joined the Chamber? Morgan explained, “Growing up in a family of Longview small business owners, I know the importance of promoting our community and encouraging our citizens to shop local. I feel the Longview Chamber of Commerce helps with both of these tasks. In addition, the Chamber is a valuable source that puts me in touch with other local business owners and they also provide educational seminars with timely subject content. “

Morgan Abbigail specializes in women’s and men’s clothing and provides a stylish retreat for the fashionable shopper. From the store’s cozy yet chic atmosphere to the superior customer service, Morgan Abbigail brings a whole new shopping experience to Longview.

Morgan Abbigail is open Monday through Friday 10:00 to 5:30 and Saturdays 11:00 to 4:30.

Morgan Abbigail

1505 Judson Road

Longview, TX 75601

 

www.morganabbigail.com

26
Dec
11

Longview Business Chronicles Features Cheeburger Cheeburger

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Business Development, Chamber of Commerce, Promoting Longview and Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Promoting our members is one of the core competencies of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.   Recently, we are kicked off a new strategy called Longview’s Business Chronicles to help promote Shop & Dine in Longview. 

This week’s business feature is on Cheeburger Cheeburger with owners Cammy Altmen and Jada Beaver owners.  Cheeburger Cheeburger opened in 2011.  One of their first objectives was to join the Chamber so they could be part of the community. 

We want to be a GREAT corporate citizen by giving back to the community.  One of the ways we plan to do that is by helping non-profits fundraise. We will donate 15% of our sales to your cause.  We are hoping more non-profits will contact us at 903-663-8600 to get more information.

 Altem and Beaver’s explained they had wanting to open a family type restaurant for Longview for some time.  They explored franchise’s that met their personal vision of what they wanted to see in Longview.  When they discovered CCB the corporate values is what ultimately drove the decision. Again one of the key factors for choosing CCB was because they encourage franchises to be part of the community.   

 Diana Northcutt asked Altmen and Beaver’s what advice they have for entrepreneurs looking to start a business.  Good solid planning is important.  Become informed about the franchise choices.  Write a business plan.  Take advantage of the services with Small Business Development’s Center. They also stated, do not give up and do your business locally.

 What Makes Cheeburger Cheeburger Different?  Each one sets us apart and optimizes each of our core products. Which are, and always will be, burgers, fries, rings, and shakes, the casual “comfort” food America loves.  We are unwavering in our insistence on the highest quality ingredients and raw products. Our beef is always fresh, never frozen, direct from the processor, not a middle man. It’s lean all-natural Angus beef with nothing added. Nothing artificial. No chemicals. We buy, use and serve brand names. Even down to the smallest individual serving packs for Take-out.

Quality is one cornerstone of our success. No one ever leaves one of our restaurants hungry. Everything is bigger than expected. Our pounder is actually a huge 20 ounces before cooking. Take a look at the weight before cooking on each of our burgers (it’s right on our menu). And you’ll find that our “Big is Better” motto holds true for our portions of fries, rings, shakes, salads…everything we serve. Our serving sizes and quality add up to value that is unmatched. We cook everything to order. It takes a few extra minutes, but we would rather have a customer wait for great food than have great food waiting around for a customer. There is no central commissary or kitchen. Virtually everything we offer is made from scratch, daily, right in each of our restaurants. Our famous fries are cut from huge Idaho potatoes, cured, adhering to an exacting process, and at the right time, cooked in cholesterol-free peanut oil. Our rings are cut from colossal onions, dipped in our special batter and also cooked in tasty, cholesterol-free peanut oil.

At Cheeburger Cheeburger, a customer can invent his or her own taste. Their very own “Signature” Cheeburger. They can select from Jalapeno peppers, chopped garlic, guacamole, roasted red peppers…and, of course, typical toppings too, like tomato, and onion plus at least six quality cheeses. And they can get these free toppings on grilled chicken, grilled cheese, or on their salads.

If you have not been to Cheeburger Cheeburger you and your family need to stop in and give it a try.  You can find them in the strip center by Lowe’s on Fourth St.

Cheeburger Cheeburger
3407 N Fourth St Ste 101
Longview, TX 75605      (903) 663-8600

http://www.cheeburger.com

19
Dec
11

Christmas Business Chronicles Features Cheddar’s Casual Cafe

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 2 Comments
Categories: Business Development, The Business View and Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Promoting our members is one of the core competencies of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.  This year we are kicking off a new strategy called Christmas Chronicles to help promote Shop Longview and support our local retail base.

This week’s business feature is on Cheddars Casual Café, manager Chelsee Dorgan.   Cheddar’s began as a simple idea. Our founders, Aubrey Good and Doug Rogers envisioned an inviting neighborhood restaurant offering handmade, high quality food at a reasonable price. They wanted their guests to feel valued and respected. And they were determined to never compromise these fundamentals.

Their dream became a reality in 1979 when the first Cheddar’s opened its doors in Arlington, Texas, starting a tradition of quality that guides us every day. We’re especially proud of our menu, including homemade favorites that are still prepared the same way, in-house and from scratch. We are also proud of our great team. They are attentive and dedicated to taking care of our guests each and every day.

At Cheddar’s, our goal is to live up to that original, simple idea: be a great restaurant that serves quality food fresh from the kitchen in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere at a fair price.

Diana Northcutt asked Chelsee why Cheddar’s joined the Chamber? Cheddar’s understands first-hand the benefits of joining local Chambers.  From networking opportunites, charitable/philathropic partnerships and the mutual support and guidance from other members we’ve found that membership is invaluable.  We are proud to be a part of the Longview Chamber and look forward to contributing toward the growth of the local economy today and for years to come.  In addition, we’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Chamber and local neighbors who have been so gracious and warm upon my return to East Texas! -Chelsee Dorgan

The bottom line is the Longview location had lost site of the Cheddar’s corporate philosophy and values.  Our priority is the high quality of our food and service.  We need the help of the Chamber to help us with messaging.   Since joining we’ve already seen a difference.  Our management team has been attending functions like the Chairman’s Holiday Reception, we’ve had our ribbon cutting, and we’ve reached out to many of the Chamber’s leadership.

Cheddar’s is commitment to Longview and giving back to the community.  The community can count on us to be a good corporate citizen.

Cheddars opened six years ago today, 12/19/2005.  If you have been to Cheddars recently, we hope you will check them out.  Cheddars is located on North Eastman Rd (N 259).

Cheddars Casual Café

3074 N Eastman Rd
Longview, TX 75605

www.cheddars.com

08
Nov
11

Fewer than expected claiming small business health credit

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 4 Comments
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

By Bernie Becker – 11/07/11 11:49 AM ET

Fewer taxpayers have taken advantage of a tax credit for small businesses included in the healthcare overhaul than expected, a new audit has found, even though the IRS implemented the new tax break fairly seamlessly.

The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration found that, by May, roughly 228,000 taxpayers had claimed the small-business credit to the tune of more than $278 million.

The IRS had previously tried to reach out to some 4.4 million taxpayers that it thought could have been eligible for the credit, and the Congressional Budget Office had estimated that up to $2 billion could be claimed for 2010.

In all, CBO has said the credit will cost roughly $37 billion over a decade.

Even with the lower-than-expected claims, the study also found that the small-business health credit had been implemented with few problems so far. And the IRS, in a statement responding to the report, said that more recent statistics found the credit had been more widely claimed than the figures cited in the inspector general’s report, and that some employers may not have had the opportunity to use the tax break in 2010 because it had been implemented in the middle of that year. 

But Russell George, the inspector general, also said there were concerns that the IRS would not get the $24 million it says it needs for the credit in fiscal 2012.

Generally speaking, businesses with fewer than 25 employees that pay at least half of insurance costs for their employees can claim the credit.  The businesses must also pay their employees an average wage of less than $50,000 a year.

With the credit’s reach not meeting expectations, the IRS has said it plans to further study why more taxpayers are not using the break.

The inspector general’s report said the agency had already found that some small businesses were taking a wait-and-see approach with the credit and others thought it was either not worth the time or were unsure about how to claim the credit.

The study also found that the IRS needed a more in-depth form for claiming the credit, as the current version did not contain all the necessary data.

With that in mind, the inspector general recommended, among other things, that the IRS seek more authority to deal with math errors, which it said would help weed out some of the incorrect credit claims.

“The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is an important credit for both small business employers and their employees,” George said in a statement. “TIGTA’s recommendations, once adopted, should improve the IRS’s ability to verify claims for this credit.”
 
The IRS agreed with the report’s recommendations.

This post was updated at 2:39 p.m.
http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/192115-report-fewer-than-expected-claiming-small-business-health-credit?wpisrc=nl_wonk

07
Nov
11

Senate Moves Forward on Removing 3% Tax Withholding

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 4 Comments
Categories: Advocacy, Chamber of Commerce and Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2011
Contact:        Rob Sawicki, (202) 224-5175

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, made the following comments after the Senate voted to begin debate on H.R.674, the 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act.  On October 27, 2011, the House of Representatives voted 405-16 to repeal the tax withholding requirement.

“I was pleased to see that the IRS began halting the implementation of this burdensome requirement six months ago,” Senator Landrieu said.  “Tonight, I am even happier that the Senate is taking steps to do away with it completely.  With tonight’s vote, the Senate is closing in on righting the wrongs of this provision in the 2005 Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act.  Our small businesses need to be compensated fully for their work in a timely manner.  In today’s economy, we do not need to constrict any revenue from those struggling to keep their doors open or prevent plans of expansion and hiring new workers.” 

The law mandates that federal, state and local governments, with expenditures of more than $100 million, withhold 3 percent of payments for products and services worth more than $10,000, including non-confidential or classified contracts, grants to for-profit companies and farm and Medicare payments.  The requirement was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2011, but was delayed a year in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. On May 5, 2011, the IRS issued regulations that further delayed the implementation of the withholding provision until January 1, 2013.  On September 12, 2011, President Obama proposed the American Jobs Act of 2011, which included a section that would delay implementation of the withholding provision until after December 31, 2013.

25
Oct
11

US Chamber releases Small Business Outlook Survey

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Advocacy, Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

In May of 2011, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released the results of its inaugural quarterly Small Business Outlook Survey. The quarterly surveys are designed to track the small business community’s outlook on their business, the local economy, and the national economy over time. Small business owners are polled nation-wide, and respondents include U.S. Chamber members and non-members.  


Quarter 3
Small Business Outlook Survey – October 2011  
Key Findings
The small business outlook on the U.S. economy continues to decline.
Among executives from small businesses, during the last three months there has been little improvement, and some decline, in overall attitudes about the economy. Nine out of ten small business owners now believe the U.S. economy is on the wrong track.

Compared to findings from Q2, fewer small businesses plan to hire additional employees–
only 17% of small businesses expect to add employees over the next year. After general
economic uncertainty, the greatest obstacles to hiring more employees are uncertainty about
what Washington will do next, lack of sales and the requirements of the new health care law.



Uncertainty continues to be the biggest challenge for small businesses.
The majority of small businesses (52%) still perceives their top issue and biggest challenge as the general economic climate; however, challenges presented by recent legislation and over-regulation continue to elicit concern from small businesses. 

Despite its passage a year and a half ago, the challenges presented by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act continue to grow, with 41% of respondents citing the bill as a top concern in October (an increase from 39% in July). 

What do small business leaders want Washington to do? More than three-out-of-four say they would rather have Washington stay out of the way than provide a helping hand. 86% say they would rather have more certainty from Washington than more assistance (7%) to deal with the economy.


President Obama’s Jobs Plan Falls Flat.
Small business owners see little to be excited about in the President Obama’s jobs plan. More than three-in-four small business owners have an unfavorable opinion of his plan and two-thirds have a strongly unfavorable view of the proposal. 

Owners of small business rate the individual elements of the Chamber’s open letter as highly effective. Specifically, small businesses think that the individual elements—to produce more American energy, speed up the permitting process, and provide tax incentives that create jobs and the proposal that would expand trade—would all be effective ways to create jobs. 80% of respondents saw increased American energy production as effective for job creation.

In head-to-head tests, executives from small businesses strongly prefer the components of the U.S. Chamber’s plan over President Obama’s, with 85% expressing support for the Chamber’s six point plan and 15% for the American Jobs Act.

05
Oct
11

Longview Chamber Leaders to Attend U S Chamber Regional Advocacy Training

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Advocacy and Chamber of Commerce
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Regional Governmental Affairs Conference

Chamber Leaders Attend Training

The US Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 2011 Regional Conference in Chicago beginning today, October 5 through the 7th.  President, Kelly Hall and Board Member, Tim Vaughn will be representing the Longview Chamber.  The US Chamber has put together an action packed agenda while securing top notch speakers such as Andy Card, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, who will discuss the need to reduce regulations that are crushing job growth.  

This year’s conference also features a half-day track dedicated to communications and messaging. Vaughn and Hall will be taking courses on traditional policy/grassroots and communications/messaging where they will focus on communications resources to broaden awareness about the issues impacting the economy, business, and job creation. The communications track will also provide hands-on training on how to more powerfully and effectively deliver your chamber’s message. This type of training is invaluable explained Hall.  This is a terrific opportunity for us to expand our skills and improve our effectiveness through local outreach.

Often time’s business leaders and elected officials ask why is the Chamber involved in advocacy … my response is as follows said Hall;  the way the world does business is changing – what doesn’t change is the need to represent the interests of business with government. Advocacy was one of the first things the Founding Fathers of our nation sought to protect. The first amendment to the Constitution makes very clear that petitioning the gov­ernment is an important right that should not be taken away. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Businesses must play to make sure they are in the game and influencing the outcome. With the Longview Chamber’s broad base of members and the resources that we are equipped with, the Longview Chamber is the perfect con­duit to serve and represent the Voice of Busi­ness to key decision makers.  

Connecting leaders and influencing decisions is a natural role for Chambers of Commerce. We are the only entity in our community that repre­sents business of all sizes, industries, and stages. This gives Chambers a unique market niche to be the leading voice on public policy. Chambers are able to harness the collective power or their membership and join them together as one voice to influence outcomes in govern­ment. There probably is no more important function for Cham­bers than to be the voice for business in their community.

The bottom-line is our members want to be profitable and stay competitive. Who better to be on their side than the Chamber? Our organization has the strategic political insight, timely knowl­edge of business issues, knows all the players, and can we be a posi­tive force to promote business interests with government. Our Chamber’s collective clout helps keep business taxes and regula­tions in line. When YOUR Chamber focuses on politics and policy, mem­bers can take care of running their companies!

Longview’s Elected Officials:

U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman Louie Gohmert 

Texas State Senator Kevin Eltife and State Representative David Simpson

###

22
Sep
11

Maximizing LinkedIn for Your Biz! Register Today…

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Benefits:

In this is live training session for beginner and intermediate users, you will learn what the LinkedIn social network is and how it can benefit you and your business.

Summary:

LinkedIn is the largest and fastest growing social network for business people. There are currently over  101 million users and it is growing every day.  It is a great platform to: find new employees, find a job, build your professional reputation and find business partners.

Join us to see a live demonstration of:

  1. Creating an account on LinkedIn
  2. Finding business connections
  3. Join groups
  4. Participating in Question and Answer forums

How do I make LinkedIn work for me?

  1. Give and Ask for Recommendations
  2. Join or Create Groups
  3. Participate in Question and Answer forums
  4. Applications – add interaction to your profile
  5. Add your profile to Facebook

Instructor:

Chamber member Rod Arnold is the Programs Director and Social Media Manager for Complete Business Systems, and he’s also the ‘go to’ social media expert in East Texas. Rod boasts a connection to well over 15 million people on LinkedIn, has been featured in Ricoh’s “Convergence” magazine, and is the author of “The Social Biz Buzz.” Search for any one of several different positions on LinkedIn and you will find him at the top of the pack. Let him show you how to leverage the power of social media to grow your business connections on LinkedIn as well.

 

How to Register:        Online (www.longviewchamber.com ) or via phone (903.237.4000)

Cost:                                   $15.00 per person – MC/VISA/AM EX/Discover accepted

Cancellations:            Reservations require payment unless cancelled by September 27, 2011.

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