Posts Tagged ‘longview chamber of commerce

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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

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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.

19
Aug
11

Chamber Products that can Benefit Your Bottom Line!

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 5 Comments
Categories: Advocacy, Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On February 1, 2009 the Longview Chamber in conjunction with Jackson-Lloyd Insurance Management launched “Sensible Solution”.   “Sensible Solution” was designed to protect the business interests of the membership by providing real occupational health insurance protection in an affordable way to any size business.  “Sensible Solution” has become one of two GREAT benefits offered to members. 

The second insurance plan launched on July 1, 2010, “ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan”.  Chamber members with 1-99 employees now has access to several differentUnitedHealthcare health plan options – at prices that fit most budgets.  In addition, businesses that enroll withUnitedHealthcare through this partnership will receive a 7 percent discount on select medical plans and have an option for saving 5 percent on their bundled dental and vision plans.  Plus, businesses and employees who enroll in the ChamberChoice Health Savings Plan will also have access toUnitedHealthcare’s nationwide health care provider network of more than 600,000 physicians and care professionals, and 5,000 hospitals.

With both insurance plans, businesses have the ability to choose their desired level of coverage.  The goal of The Longview Chamber is to provide members with insurance choices that helps their bottom line with lower premium payments as well as a vehicle for controlling claims costs.  Most especially, the members have asked for and will now receive a product that will reduce their operating costs while protecting the Longview economic base.   

“Sensible Solutions” and “ChamberChoice” are products which provide members with a superior options to protect and retain employees.  Plus, these tools keeps our healthcare treatment at home while providing quality care and convenience and keeping our dollars local!

For more information about these programs you can visit http://www.longviewchamber.com or contact Kelly Hall at  the Chamber, 903-237-4004 or president@longviewtx.com.

 

 

 

21
Jul
11

Longview launches TryItLocal!

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Business Development and Chamber of Commerce
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Shop & Dine Longview Texas

As part of its ongoing commitment to the local business community, Longview Chamber of Commerce is launching Try It Local, an online discount program that highlights local retailers, restaurants and more. Try It Local will feature one new deal each week, with discounts up to 90 percent (and always at least 40 percent). For example, subscribers may find a deal for $20 of food and drink at a new local restaurant for just $10. It’s free for local residents to sign up and free for local businesses to offer a deal.

 “We’re excited about Try It Local. It gives the community even more reason to explore new businesses and experiences in Longview, it supports the local economy and area companies. Everybody wins,” said Kelly Hall, Chamber President. “We think the Try It Local program has tremendous potential for businesses in this community.”

Local businesses are able to participate in the Try It Local discount program at no cost and retain 70 percent of total sales on the day of their deal instead of 50 percent (and in some cases even less) with the national brands. The local business’s only responsibilities are to determine the deal and meet the increased demand for its product or service.

Longview’s first deal is set for August 1. A new deal will be released every Monday thereafter featuring some of your favorite local businesses.  

The growing popularity of online deal programs has coincided with the economic downturn as consumers look for new ways to stretch their dollar. Try It Local will not only provide discounts consumers seek, but also work in partnership with the Longview Chamber of Commerce to ensure a portion of the proceeds are reinvested in the local business community.

Here’s how Try It Local works:  

  • A local business offers a product or service at a minimum of 40 percent off. Deals could include discounts at local retailers, bars, salons, dry cleaners, attractions and special events.
  • The deal is released by email, on Facebook, Twitter and at TryItLocal.com.
  • Buyers click to purchase the offer, print the voucher and redeem it.

 The Try It Local program has helped consumers across the country save over $570,000 on goods and services while bringing thousands of customers to the doorsteps of participating local businesses. On behalf of the business community and area residents, Longview is the latest Chamber to embrace Try It Local.

 “We’re excited to partner with the leadership at the Chamber to bring Try It Local to Longview. This is just the latest example of the Chamber’s efforts to help the local business community not just grow, but truly prosper,” said Try It Local President, Todd Earwood.

 Longview residents and business owners can visit TryItLocal.com/Longview for more information or simply send an email to Longview@TryItLocal.com to subscribe for local deal notifications. Or, to speak to Amy Tatum at Longview Chamber call (903) 237-4000.

 

13
Jul
11

Seven Reasons EVERY Business and Non-profit Organization Should Be A Member of Their Local Chamber of Commerce In A Challenging Economy

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

 Article By: Tony Rubleski

 In a world loaded with marketing options and information overload I’m often asked by new and existing business owners for a simple, inexpensive way to increase their local visibility and marketing efforts to produce more opportunities and sales. Without a doubt, I always ask a stunningly simple question, Are you a member of your local chamber of commerce? I get one of three answers:

1. Yes
2. No, but tell me more
3. We used to be a member

Now I know every person has opinions but I’d like you to take a moment to read this brief article to discover seven reasons why I strongly feel that every business and non-profit organization should be a member of their local chamber regardless of the size of their organization, marketing budget, years in business, or even if they’ve heard or possibly had a negative chamber experience in the past. In light of the current challenges in the economy, this article is even more relevant than when I first wrote it two-years ago.

1. Visibility. Yes, you’ve heard it said time and time again, that out of sight means out of mind. This is not a smart strategy for any business, especially when times are good. A market can change quickly. As Jim Collins says, good is the enemy of great. This is a great statement, but I’d like to add to it as it relates to marketing. While good is the enemy of great, complacency and short term thinking is the enemy of sustained marketing breakthroughs.

Let’s look at a real world example of chamber complacency in action. Having worked with hundreds of chambers throughout North America, I’m simply baffled that within many communities how few real estate agents and automotive sales reps are either non-existent or barely active within their local chamber. In these two highly competitive and crowded markets you’d think these folks would do anything to stand out from the competition and fully leverage the chamber to get an edge. Nope. It’s as if they have no idea the local chamber exists and how it can benefit their business.

2. Access. Unless you’re crazy or like consistent rejection, no one enjoys making cold calls all day long. It’s a painful, tedious process that often wastes far too much time and mentally drains even the most upbeat and friendly person after a while. When you join a chamber and actively get involved you’ll discover that meeting prospects who may have an interest or who can refer you to key contacts you’re trying to reach, is a huge benefit of membership. From being on committees, serving as an ambassador, or attending specific events where prospects are likely to be, you’ll find yourself in situations where you can identify and meet decision makers face-to-face versus making cold calls.

3. Ongoing training and education. Unless you have the luxury of a training budget or can afford to bring in local, regional or nationally known experts on different topics, I firmly believe that there’s no other organization in America that delivers timely programs at such an affordable price as the local or regional chamber of commerce. By spreading costs among fellow members through registration fees and sponsorships, members can stay updated, informed and educated at a bargain price.

4. Networking. From seminars, leads groups, luncheons to business expos and various business and community committees, there’s absolutely no excuse for not being able to meet new contacts, referrals and people who can help you with ideas and additional ways to grow your business.

The old adage, out of sight, out of mind, is so true when it relates to networking. The chamber gives your several different venues to meet new people. My entire career I’ve utilized the power of networking in my home chamber’s ranging from serving as co-chair of the ambassador league to sponsoring and speaking at different events. The positive outcomes on the bottom line and great people I’ve met have been great. In addition, doing business with fellow member who offer wonderful products, services, and ideas has also been a big plus.

5. Low cost advertising opportunities. As far as visibility at the local level, a chamber offers a wide range of affordable advertising options and sponsorship packages for just about every business or non-profit, regardless of how big or small their budget may be. I’ve bought and sold traditional media and I can tell you it’s not cheap. For the price of a few ads within a major media outlet, you can often sponsor an entire program with the chamber, give a short commercial about your company, meet new prospects and follow up with the list of attendees who may have a need for your offering. This is a wonderful way to hold your marketing dollars accountable and see them working hard right before your eyes.

A common area to get low cost or free advertising is submitting updates or news briefs for possible inclusion within the chamber “Member News’ section of the newsletter or eletter. Amazingly, a lot of members do not take advantage of this wonderful free marketing opportunity provided with their membership. The chamber is always on the lookout for member related news. I make it a goal to get over a small news update or announcement at least every two to three months to my local chambers because I know many times it will get printed and read by key people in the business community.

6. Advocacy. A foolish belief among large companies, especially national retail outlets, is that they’re too big or not local enough to care about getting involved or joining their local chamber of commerce. A few things they should think about: Are their employees and customers local? Are taxes and school systems important to finding and retaining a high quality work force? These are key areas that the chamber researches, lobbies and routinely discusses with local and regional government units, politicians and the media to keep people up to date on central issues of importance pertaining to their membership and the community.

What happens to your local employees and customers does have an impact on your business even if you’re a national chain. In addition, missing out on networking, sponsorship and other business building news and benefits, I think it looks incredibly tacky if four or five local businesses are active in the chamber and a national firm in the same market area won’t even join. In my mind this sends an incongruent message to the market when the national company claims to be ‘a good corporate citizen’ but they won’t join and get involved with their local chamber of commerce.

7. Money saving discounts. If you fully leverage the cost saving discounts ranging from health insurance, office supplies, to discounted phone service to other items your business currently uses or will need, it’s not uncommon for a small business to easily find enough savings in the first 30-60 days upon joining with endorsed providers or member to member discounts to recoup most, if not all of their membership dues. Being a small business owner, I can attest to the fact that being a member of the chamber and shopping around for discounts and services available makes joining achievable for any company regardless of how limited their marketing budget may be.

Well, there you have it! Seven great reasons to join or get more involved and fully leverage the benefits that your home town or regional chamber of commerce can provide your business or organization.

©2011 by Tony Rubleski. Tony is a #1 Bestselling author with Amazon.com and currently the president of Mind Capture Group. For additional information including blogs, articles, free resources and his newly released book visit: www.MindCaptureGroup.com.

 

 

 

17
Jun
11

Economic Indicators remain strong for Longview TX

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

Cautious optimism remains in place for the Longview economy as unemployment numbers continue to be below state and national averages coupled with another strong monthly sales tax report from the State Comptroller’s office.   Yesterday, the Texas Labor Market Information services released their latest report for the Longview MSA.  Unemployment is at 6.7% compared to the State ’s 7.9% and US’s 8.7%.  Mining, Logging and Construction experienced a 9.4% growth rate compared to the same time last year.  Manufacturing reflected a 3.8% increase with Professional and Business Services at 3.7%.

The Longview Chamber builds hundreds of relocation packet for member companies to aid in their recruitment process stated Kelly Hall, President/CEO.   Over the past 60  days we have seen the volume of relocation packets  increase immensely compared to the same time last year.  HR teams from several sectors have requested high volumes of relo packets for their recruitment efforts.

Additional good news comes from WIRED Magazine.  Adam Davidson did an article recently on “The Emerging Epicenters of High Tech Industry”.   He created a map utilizing the Cluster Mapping Project at  Harvard Business School. The  provides the top 20 job-creating areas for the following fields: Plastics, Chemicals, Automotive, Aerospace vehicles, Information technology, Biopharma, Metal manufacturing, Communication technology, Medical technology, Analytical instruments, and Electrical equipment.  Eastman Chemical of Longview Texas is spotlighted at http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/05/ff_jobsclustermap/.  Davidson reports Eastman dominates the chemical industry in Longview, an area spread over 3 counties in East Texas.  The company produces more than 40 products but ethyl acetate NF – solvent also used in pharmaceutical production and cosmetics – is as Longview specialty (even comes in kosher variety).

Longview Texas economic recovery continues to outpace the state and country.  If you would like to share more good news about your companies growth patterns in Longview  please contact Kelly Hall at president@longviewtx.com.

08
Jun
11

HHS Issues Final Rule to Control Premium Increases

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

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final regulation aimed at controlling large health insurance premium increases. The rule, which was issued on May 19, 2011, provides that:

  • Rate increases of 10 percent or more by insurers in the small group and individual markets must be reviewed by state or federal officials.
  • Insurance companies will be required to justify significant rate increases and provide information to consumers about the reasons for the increases.
  • Grandfathered plans and excepted benefits (such as separate dental-only and vision-only plans) do not have to meet these requirements.

This The Ward Agency Legislative Brief provides a summary of the HHS final rule, which is effective Sept. 1, 2011. For a copy of the rule, see www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-12631_PI.pdf.

BACKGROUND

Under health care reform, HHS was required to establish a process for the annual review of “unreasonable increases in premiums for health insurance coverage.” The reform statute provides that the process must require health insurance issuers to submit justifications for unreasonable premium increases to HHS and the applicable state prior to the implementation of the increases.

The final rule implements section 2794 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), which was added by section 1003 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

It establishes the requirements for health insurance issuers offering health insurance coverage in the small group or individual markets to report information concerning unreasonable rate increases to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It also sets the process for determining whether the rate increases are unreasonable.

FINAL RULE

Applicability

The final rule regarding rate increases applies to insurers in the small group and individual markets. However, it does not apply to grandfathered health plan coverage or to excepted benefits. Excepted benefits include things like liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, limited scope dental or vision benefits, long-term care or nursing home benefits and hospital indemnity insurance.

Source: The Ward Agency

06
Jun
11

Man Talk June 14th! Topic: obtaining success in business?

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

The Longview Chamber is proud to announce they are working with “Longview Community Men” and hosting Man Talk on June 14th at 7:00pm.  The topic is: Obtaining Success in Business.  Discussion items will include:

  • Have you discovered what does it take to have a successful business?
  • Do you know what a business must do to gain support from the community it is attempting to serve? 
  • Do you understand what are successful practices a business must have to survive in the world today? 
  • Did you realize how important  networking is to grow your business?

On Tuesday, June 14th, the Longview Community Men will host its monthly MAN TALK.  The panel participating in Man Talk will reflect the community of Longview and will discuss why it is important to work together and what are ssome of the barriers and how the community should rise to the occassion for the sake of the children and the future of the city as a whole.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Longview Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber is located at 410 N. Center., Longview, Texas. A small meal will be served at 6:30 p.m.

We are challenging the men of Longview to show up and represent their home, family and community at this Man Talk. If you know of men that have a business or want to start a business,this would be a great session for them to attend.  Encourage the young men to attend as well because there is a need for young entrepreneurs in the area.  DO NOT miss this opportunity to network and bring your business cards as well!!!!!!!!!!!

For more information contact Branden Johnson at brandendjohnson@live.com.

03
Jun
11

5 Keys to Creating a Magnificent Customer Experience

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

Join us on June 10th  and learn how Zappos turned a shoe website into the world’s largest online shoe store in just 10 years, with $1 billion in gross revenue and a reputation for world-class customer service.

  • Key 1: Live and Deliver WOW
  • Key 2: Focus on the Customer Experience as the #1 Priority
  • Key 3: Make Emotional Connections with Customers
  • Key 4: Treat Employees Very Well
  • Key 5: Surprise and Delight      

 In addition to the 5 keys you will learn:

  1. How Zappos is able to WOW customers AND maximize operational efficiency with no call scripts and no call time targets
  2. Why Zappos decided to invest in surprise and delight and is getting a big ROI…and how you can too   
  3. How to use emotion to connect with your customers like the Zappos customer leadership team does with every customer
  4. Why Zappos pays new employees $2,000 to quit
  5. The Keys to empower contact center employees to deliver beyond wow service. 
  6. How Zappos management takes very good care of it’s contact center employees…ideas you might want to try
  7. All hands on deck! How Zappos handles peak call volumes  
  8. A step-by-step plan for making the customer experience the #1 priority

Speaker:

Myra Golden is a highly sought-after speaker and one of America’s most recognized experts on customer service. She has become internationally renowned for her energizing delivery of hard-hitting advice that leads to dramatic and immediate changes in attitudes and behavior.

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

Cost:  $25.00 per person (chamber members)

            $50.00 per person (non-members)

            MC/VISA/AM EX/Discover accepted

Cancellations:          Reservations require payment unless cancelled by June 7, 2011

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