Posts Tagged ‘Longview Chamber

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
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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 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.

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
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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

19
Dec
11

Christmas Business Chronicles Features Cheddar’s Casual Cafe

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: Business Development, The Business View and Uncategorized
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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

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.

20
Sep
11

5 seats left for customer service training workshop

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

Customer Service Training …Are You Delivering the WOW Factor?

Benefits:

In this workshop you will learn 20 concrete ways for your employees to make emotional connections with your customers. From the memorable “Be Gumby” technique to the “Man in the desert” analogy to ideas from Disney, Starbucks, Zappos and Apple, your employees will walk away from this module with realistic ideas for improving the customer experience and the inspiration to truly commit to WOWing your customers at every touch point.

Course Outline:

The powers of connection…make emotional connections with your customers through empathy, acknowledgement, and being fully present in the moment.

Needs are met!…Proactively work to meet your customers’ expressed and unexpressed needs…Myra introduces two powerful analogies that will ensure your employees retain this strategy and that they have the inspiration to truly meet unexpressed customer needs.

You’re empowered for a reason…why doing what is right by the customer is doing right by the company.

How to make customers feel smart and good…even when they ask “silly” questions.

Exactly how to make every caller feel taken care of…6 ideas from the Apple Genius Bar.

Stop battling with customers over small stuff…why sometime you just need to “Give’em the pickle” and move on in order to retain the customer.

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 Members (includes lunch and handouts)

                                    $50.00 Non Members

                                    MC/VISA/AM EX/Discover accepted

Cancellations:              Reservations require payment unless cancelled by September 22, 2011

 FOR EXPEDITED REGISTRATION  register online (www.longviewchamber.com) 

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
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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.

 

 

 

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.

09
Jun
11

Longview chamber given a five-star accreditation – KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |

By Longview Chamber of Commerce 1 Comment
Categories: Advocacy, Chamber of Commerce and Uncategorized
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The United States Chamber of Commerce today awarded the Longview Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

 

 

 

“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber Executive Director of Political Affairs and Federation Relations.  “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”

 

 

 

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

 

 

 

See KLTV’s Interview on the importance of being an accredited Chamber.  

 

http://www.kltv.com/story/14870228/longview-chamber-given-a-five-star-accreditation

 

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.

 

 

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

 

 

 

Vision Statement: To be recognized as an effective resource, providing relevant, innovative, and impactful programming that ensures a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life for Longview and Gregg County.

Mission Statement: To enhance economic growth of the Longview trade area by focusing on education, promotion, and development of the business community, and those areas of the community affecting business.

 

CORE VALUES

 

Strengthening our Local Economy
Promoting the Community
Providing Networking Opportunities
Representing the Interest of Business with Government
Developing Community Leaders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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