Posts Tagged ‘voice of business

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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.

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
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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
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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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
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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

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

16
May
11

Have you seen Waiting for Superman

By Longview Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment
Categories: Advocacy, Business Development, Chamber of Commerce and Leadership
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This week the Longview Chamber  is screening the groundbreaking film Waiting for “Superman,” on Wed., May 19th,  11:15am – 1:30pm.  The purpose is  to spark a desperately needed conversation on the state of public education in America.  If you would like to attend please be sure and RSVP your spot today at 903.237.4000!  The program is FREE and includes a lite lunch.

 Waiting for “Superman” tells the story of five children as they try to make their way out of the low-performing public schools to which they are assigned and into charter schools of their choosing. Along the way, viewers are exposed to the low expectations and dismal student achievement results that exist in too many schools—and what they mean for children, their families, and communities. The facts are alarming. Among developed countries, the United States ranks 21st out of 30 in science literacy and 25th out of 30 in mathematics literacy. The achievement gap between low-income and minority students and their peers is gaping.  

But the movie is at its most powerful when it goes beyond facts and figures to show the impact of a failing education system on real children, their families, and communities. Take, for example, Anthony, a fifth-grader living in Washington, D.C., who wants a different life than the one that caused his father to die from drug addiction. Anthony’s path to a brighter future—acceptance into a high-performing public charter school—will be determined by a lottery. The school to which he is applying has only 24 slots for 61 applicants. This is tragic—and maddening.

We send our children into the classroom with an expectation that they will learn and succeed in core academic subjects and ultimately be prepared to enter college or a career upon graduation. For students who are lucky enough to attend strong schools and receive instruction from effective teachers, this is the case. But far too many young Americans are not so fortunate. These students—not all of them low-income—are trapped in low–performing or mediocre schools, often with no way out. While school reform has been debated for years, there’s been too little serious action.

Because a superhero isn’t coming to save our schools, it’s up to every American to demand more from the educational establishment. A good K–12 education isn’t just for the privileged few; it’s the birthright of every American child.

This screening is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s National Chamber Foundation to use the film as a catalyst to discuss the crisis in the nation’s schools, the forces standing in the way of needed change, and the steps toward reform.  For more information about the film and campaign, visit www.uschamber.com/waitingforsuperman.

If you can not attend the May 19th screening please mark your calendar for  July 13, 7:30 am – 9:45 am or August 25, 4:00pm – 6:15pm.  RSVP’s are needed.

02
May
11

launch of virtual marketpace simplifies search for area service providers

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

WhoCanHelp.com provides Chamber members a virtual marketplace

The days of searching aimlessly for a plumber, repairman or other service provider only to wait in vain for a return phone call have been numbered, and now with the launch of WhoCanHelp.com to the Longview area, locals can say goodbye to thumbing through directories or scrolling through online lists for good.

Longview Chamber of Commerce officially announces today the launch of its partnership with WhoCanHelp.com. This new service that is now available will allow local companies and service providers to be linked to potential customers when establishing a free account on WhoCanHelp.com. 

“By partnering with the Longview Chamber of Commerce the WhoCanHelp.com online service marketplace has a resource of local service providers, so users can start posting and receiving offers from area businesses right away,” explains Carl Hicks, Jr., CEO of WhoCanHelp.com. “And businesses love getting immediate access to local consumers in need, free real-time sales leads and targeted online advertising opportunities. It’s definitely a win-win.” 

In the Longview trade area, the ZIP code-based service will give businesses a real-time connection with consumers who are looking for their products or services. For consumers, WhoCanHelp.com helps answer these universal questions:

When can they do it?

  1. What’s the cost?
  2. Are they reputable?

Whether looking for a landscaper, wedding photographer, accountant or carpenter, posting to WhoCanHelp.com is free and easy. The user simply lists the title and description of the service needed and identifies a category, subcategory, date needed by and ZIP code. Businesses learn instantaneously that someone is in need of their services via SMS text or e-mail and can immediately post an offer. The consumer then selects the service provider of his or her choice and has the opportunity to write a review following the completion of the work.

 Kelly R Hall , President/CEO of the Longview Chamber said “To better connect local business in our community this new tool has the power to not only generate leads within our own member businesses but it will also create new opportunities to get business in our local community utilizing the latest technology.   

WhoCanHelp.com combines the best features of other Web-based services — directory services, reviews, ratings and social networks — to create a comprehensive patent-pending approach to connect users and services providers. The website also works in business-to-business transactions, with requests for proposals and generation of business for larger firms, general contractors and government agencies that require widespread bidding.

 “Even though our service may soon be nationwide,” said Hicks, “our company embodies true community entrepreneurship, building commerce at the local level.”

 For more information, sample posts, categories, tutorials and locations coming soon, visit http://www.whocanhelp.com.

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