Longview, TX, September 20, 2023 – Today, the Longview Chamber of Commerce kicked off LongviewREADS, an initiative designed to further the Chamber’s goal of promoting projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area. The campaign kickoff took place during the annual State of the Workforce address.
“LongviewREADS will engage our Chamber members to ensure every Longview-area child can read at grade level by the pivotal 3rd-grade milestone,” Longview Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kelly Hall said. “Looking to the future and devising strategies that will impact businesses for generations to come is the best way to keep our business community thriving,” she continued.
Driven by a shared commitment among school districts, educators, business leaders, and local organizations to bridge the gap in reading proficiency among students, the initiative will harness the power of Chamber members and point it toward ongoing, proven resources in the local community addressing early literacy. Examples include matching businesses with schools that need sponsorships for reading programs, connecting employees with the Boys & Girls Club to “read on the hour” with local students, and even sharing resources from education professionals with parents seeking direction on how to support their children.
Currently, 43% of Longview-area students do not read at grade level. Recognizing the importance of reading for the future of our workforce, LongviewREADS aims to come alongside educators to support students and improve this statistic.
Dana Rutland, Longview Chamber Board Member and Vice President of Human Resources at Sealing Technologies Group, EnPro Industries, introduced LongviewREADS at the luncheon saying, “LongviewREADS is an initiative I am passionate about as a parent, community member, and businessperson. Helping students learn to read will fundamentally improve their lives and will create opportunities for ongoing growth for our business community well into the future.”
To learn more about LongviewREADS and to sign up to participate visit LongviewREADS.com.
