Posts Tagged ‘Economic Development

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 Leave a 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
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

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

23
Jan
12

Knowledge Nook Toys the Toy Place Featured in this week’s Business Chronicle

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

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 Knowledge Nook Toys the Toy Place — a premier teaching supply store, PLUS toy store! Knowledge Nook the Toy Place opened for business in 1975. Attributes for their success range from providing great customer service, free gift wrapping, follow up phone calls after a purchase, and offering personable care.  “We take great pride in providing a friendly loving atmosphere for each and every customer.  I believe that is why we’ve not only stayed in business but have grown our business to provide a wider variety of in-stock products,” explained store manager,   Nick Rogers.

What makes the Knowledge Nook the Toy Place unique is their ability to target two different markets, the toy and educational industry.  They offer new teaching alternatives for today’s educators as well as provide innovative gifts for parents. 

Diana Northcutt asked Nick, Knowledge Nook the Toy Place, what do you like about doing business in Longview?  Nick explained, “We opened in 1975, our first goal was to create a close knit family feel with our customers.  Establishing these types of relationships allow us the opportunity to provide products/services that meets the needs of all generations; grandparents, children and grandchildren.”

Diana also visited with Nick about Chamber benefits and what he has enjoyed taking advantage of.  Recently, I had the chance to attend a customer service webinar on “Delivering WOW” with Myra Golden at the Chamber.  I enjoyed meeting other business professionals while being able to take advantage of a great AFFORDABLE training.  I’m glad the Chamber offers business education programming to help me be a better store manager…that’s customer service.

Knowledge Nook Toys can be found at:

114A Johnston St

Longview, TX 75601

Ph:  (903) 753-8741

Check them out on Facebook:

facebook.com/KnowledgeNook

19
Jan
12

Geocaching is catching on in Longview Texas….have you played yet?

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Promoting Longview and Visit Longview
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The Longview Chamber of Commerce annual community magazine, Uniquely Longview has a new trick up its sleeve this year. In addition to all of the good information on community events, services and features of interest, this year’s focus has been on the popular activity, Geocache hunting or “Geocaching.” Tying the fun of hunting for hidden caches, some as small or smaller than a pill box, into the many treasures Longview has for visitors and residents, an official hunt has been planned that invites all comers far and near. Who will win the grand prize, a fabulous “Staycation.” Staycation is a term coined to described the activity of taking a break and doing vacation activities without leaving your home town or at least not going very far. Staycationers often leave their home and stay for a weekend in a local hotel, eat in restaurants and take in some of the many attractions that too often are overlooked in a regular daily routine. One Grand Prize for being first to solve all the designated hidden caches is a Stacation, with hotel stay at Longview’s Homewood Suites by Hilton plus tickets to local events and dinner for two at Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery. After the Grand Prize is claimed there remain 100 attractive and Official Commemorative Coins from the hunt. The collecting of coins is a very popular activity among the avid geocachers. The contest will continue until all coins have been claimed. To help get the work out, a QR code has been placed in Uniquely Longview and on a flyer that will help smart phone users connect to the website that also has the rules and information about the Uniquely Longview Geocache Hunt. The Longview Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau is managing the hunt and they hope to spread the work out far and wide to pull visitors into Longview.

18
Jan
12

ABC Auto Parts Recognized as Large Business of the Year

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Business Development, Chamber of Commerce, Networking Events and Promoting Longview
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The Longview Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business of the Year Award was created to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions that make an impact not only on the business community but the community at large. Large businesses are the backbone of the economy. They create jobs, cement communities, and build strong cultures.  Tonight’s recipient, ABC Auto Parts,  has been in business since 1968 creating over 400 jobs. 

 ABC Auto Parts is the leading supplier of auto parts to automotive repair centers in the Shreveport/East Texas area. Family-owned since 1968, their number one priority is and always has been customer satisfaction. With their commitment to customer service and an unbeatable product selection, ABC is a complete resource for a wide range of customers; including do it yourselfers, new car dealers, automotive repair shops, tire stores, and oil change centers. ABC is a trusted name and the local leader in auto parts and service.

The company was started in 1968 when Loyd Pyle opened ABC Auto Parts #1. One year later he opened his second retail store. That year he also opened a warehouse distributorship and began selling other parts stores and new car dealers.

By 1985 the company had grown the wholesale business significantly, built a new 63,000 square foot distribution center and was operating four retail stores. Company President Larry Pyle and Vice President David Gordy began to expand the company store base, opening about one store per year from 1985 to 2000.

Today the company is still expanding through the addition of new stores. The goal remains to be the number one parts store in each new market it enters. The company now consists of the warehouse distribution business, twenty six retail stores, two automotive glass shops, and a truck accessory store.

ABC remains a family owned company. Today the company is owned and managed by founder Loyd Pyle’s two children, Larry Pyle and Karen Cloud, and several third generation family members. ABC remains committed to high quality products, superior customer service and strong employee relations; the business principles established by Loyd Pyle in the early days of the company.

www.abcauto.com

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.

 

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

22
Sep
11

Maximizing LinkedIn for Your Biz! Register Today…

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

07
Sep
11

Hall Appointed to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: Advocacy and Chamber of Commerce
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Chamber President Kelly Hall was recently appointed to the U.S Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 by John Ruan III, Chairman of the Board.  The Chamber 100 is made up of the country’s leading chamber of commerce chief staff executives. Their primary function is as the advisory body for the U.S. Chamber dealing with matters related to state and local chambers of commerce.

“These experienced leaders provide advice to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce board of directors, enhance Chamber lobbying and coalition work, recommend programming, and strengthen outreach to the business and chamber community, said Ruan.  “Having CEO’s like Kelly provides us with the expert help and advice needed to assist the U.S. Chamber to better understand the needs of chambers of commerce and can offer recommendations on programs and services to meet those needs.” Members of the committee attend two meetings each year. These events deliver leadership development through high-impact seminars with business experts and leading authors, discussion on pressing policy issues, and CEO-to-CEO breakout sessions.

Being appointed to the Committee of 100 is a great privilege explained Hall.  Being part of such a dynamic group will benefit our members and community.  Longview will now have a stronger voice in identifying emerging issues that will impact our chambers members at a national level. 

Hall also serves on the Transportation Infrastructure and Logistics Committee for the U.S. Chamber.  This committee is comprised of executives representing transportation providers and users, and is the primary policy-originating body for the U.S. Chamber in the area of transportation infrastructure. The committee’s jurisdiction includes policy, regulatory and financing issues related to aviation, surface transportation, and ports, and inland waterways. In addition to setting the policy agenda, the committee serves as an important forum for networking and education for our members.  Hall addressed the committee as part of a rail panel on the importance of higher speed rail in 2010.

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