WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER?
Information
The Business Advocacy division keeps you aware of local, state, and national issues affecting your business because your time is already limited. Our year-long series of Business Development Programming presents relevant seminars and workshops to help you work smarter and positively impact your bottom line. The Weekly Progress Report e-newsletter keeps you connected to the Longview Chamber of Commerce and the community at large.
Recognition
We celebrate the businesses and company representatives whose service to the Chamber and Longview merit public acknowledgment. Special recognition is also given in the Longview Progress Report, our bi-monthly newsletter to Chamber members, current members with membership anniversaries, and members hosting ribbon cuttings and/ or groundbreakings.
Promotion
We make targeting a business audience easy for you through advertisement space in Uniquely Longview, our award-winning community publication and Membership Directory, which contains your free listing; underwriting opportunities in The Longview Progress Report, our bi-monthly newsletter; and a sponsorship campaign designed to help you better allocate your yearly marketing budget.
Building Connections
Events like our Membership Luncheons, monthly Business After Hours networking, annual Business Solutions Conference, and Business Development Programming offer your company an extra competitive advantage in the marketplace. Through involvement in any of our task forces and committees, you will begin developing key relationships with other local businesses and professionals while strengthening your organization’s ties to the community.
Build Relationships
We believe that an increased client/customer base is the result of businesses building relationships, not just passing out business cards. Taking advantage of just a few opportunities can get you plugged into Longview’s growing network of businesses. Remember: It’s not who you know, but who knows you.
Get Involved
We foster a volunteer environment designed to maximize business potential and profitability. The Chamber of Commerce encourages you and your employees to join any of our committees or attend our programs. Your level of involvement determines how much you can increase the value of your company’s annual Chamber membership investment. Can’t get away from work to attend functions? No problem. Stay up-to-date through our bi-weekly e-news.
Get Referrals
The Chamber promotes member businesses daily through inquiries received via phone, mail, email, and walk-ins. Membership has its privileges because we exclusively refer our member businesses to the public. As a Chamber member you also receive referrals from your complimentary directory listing, found online or on our mobile app, which are both working for you around the clock daily.
The Longview Chamber of Commerce is stronger than ever. By joining, you get members-only perks, exclusive advertising and networking opportunities, and a whole lot of exposure for yourself and your organization. Get on board and see the difference!
Success of Generations
Jessica LaRue from Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merrit | Attorneys at Law, talks about the importance of investing in The Longview Chamber of Commerce for protecting and promoting business and making an impact on generations to come.
What is an Advocate?
Mark Robinson, External Affairs Monitor | SWEPCO, tells us who an advocate is and how The Longview Chamber of Commerce advocates for businesses in the community.
Membership Application
You may use the convenience of joining online here. Thank You For Choosing to Join The Longview Chamber of Commerce!
Member Benefits
Your investment as a member opens up numerous opportunities for involvement in Chamber programs that bring benefit to your business. However, even if you do not have the time for involvement, the benefits of membership are significant.
Committed to Core Competencies
Five area of competency which are the core of all Chamber programs. Recent survey indicates that Longview Chamber of Commerce is on track with these core competencies which bring greater value to its members.
Membership Makes Cents
National Study of Chambers of Commerce: A national study by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based market research firm, reveals a number of important findings about how consumers and business owners perceive the local chamber of commerce and the businesses that are their members.
H.E.A.R.T Longview
The Longview Chamber analyzed Longview’s economic environment, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, resulting in the Strategic Initiatives for Leading Longview, H.E.A.R.T. That focus brought forth major initiatives in Health, Education, Advocacy, Redevelopment and Talent for the Longview trade area to support existing businesses while continuing to promote an environment that creates jobs and improves the quality of life in Longview. We continue the evolution of Leading Longview, H.E.A.R.T.: the Chamber’s contribution to ensure that next wave of economic progress.
HEALTH
Through the power of the collective impact of our member businesses, HealthyVIEW aims to advocate for real, tangible solutions to create a culture of health for our community.
EDUCATION
Seek new and innovative ideas that improve access to basic and advanced educational opportunities with the cradle-to-career collective impact to help our citizens reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly-educated workforce.
ADVOCACY
Advocate for legislation that promotes business and industry, economic development, job creation, and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government.
REDEVELOPMENT
Work with other stakeholders in Longview and use the City’s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community.
TALENT
Seek to play an increasing role in bringing stakeholders to the table and continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies, government, and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations.
How Do I Use My Membership?
Membership in the Chamber gives you an edge with access to exclusive tools and marketing opportunities that put your business front and center, save you money and provide the information you need to stay a step ahead. In order to help you navigate your way through our many services, programs, events and opportunities for doing business, we have provided answers to some of our members’ most frequently asked questions.
How do I become a member?
Becoming a member is as easy as completing the online application and making payment with your credit card.
If you prefer you can stop by our offices at 410 North Center Street in downtown Longview and pick up a printed Membership Booklet/Application.
You can call our office and request a Membership Booklet/Application be mailed to you.
How does Chamber membership benefit me?
Information
The Business Advocacy division keeps you informed on local, state, and national issues affecting your business because your time is already limited. Our yearlong series of Business Development Programming presents relevant seminars and workshops to help you work smarter and positively impact your bottom line. The weekly Chamber Buzz e-newsletter keeps you connected to the Longview Chamber of Commerce and the community at large.
Recognition
We celebrate the businesses and company representatives whose service to the Chamber and Longview merit public acknowledgment. Special recognition is also given in our newsletter to new Chamber members, current members with membership anniversaries, and members hosting ribbon cuttings and/or groundbreakings.
Promotion
We make targeting a business audience easy for you through advertisement space in Uniquely Longview, our award-winning community publication and Membership Directory, which contains your free listing; underwriting opportunities in The Longview Progress Report, our bi-monthly newsletter; and a sponsorship campaign designed to help you better allocate your yearly marketing budget.
Building Connections
Events like our Membership Luncheons, monthly Business After Hours networking, annual Business Solutions Conference, and Business Development Programming
Value Without Involvement
- Publicize your business message
Get noticed with a Business Profile in the online membership directory on the Chamber website
- Let us announce your company’s news
The Chamber will announce accomplishments, promotions and new hires to the business community through the Business Briefs section.
- Reach business, customers and tourists
List your business in the Membership Directory and Save Local Now
- Stay up to date
Get informed about the Chamber news and the issues that affect business with your copy of the Longview Progress Report, our bi-monthly newsletter, the E-Buzz, our weekly e-newsletter and the Chamber website
- Let us be your resource
With the Chambers e-Learning Center you have access to professional development online anytime, anywhere.
- Membership Discount Programs
Allowing you to keep more money in your bottom line by providing access to exclusive members-only discounts and other products and services with companies like Office Depot.
- Commitment to Community
You’ll receive a plaque that shows your membership is current in the Longview Chamber and is a visible sign of credibility and connection in our community
If the business where I work is a member, does that mean I am a member, too?
Yes! When a company or one of its branch offices becomes a Chamber member, all employees of that company’s local branch are considered Chamber members and have full access to our programs and benefits.
If my business is not in Longview, can we still become a member of the Chamber?
Yes, your business is welcome where ever it is located. There are no city limits or regional boundaries that exclude any business which wants to join the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
How does the Chamber communicate with me about what is happening at the Chamber?
How does the Chamber share my business’s news?
What is Business Brief Online?
Business Brief is an online feature produced by the Longview Chamber of Commerce exclusively for Chamber members. The Business Brief posts and reports news submitted by its members about or related to their businesses. Business Briefs include an announcement a Chamber member would like other members and the public to know.
Is your company hosting an event or have they been recognized for recent accomplishments, received an award, hired a new executive, or planning an expansion? Send that information to the Longview Chamber of Commerce for inclusion in this Business Brief.
A Business Brief might include:
- Promotions
- Awards
- Accomplishments
- Expansion
- Recognition
- Development
- Events
- Programs
- or any news related to the submitting member’s company.
How to Submit a Business Brief
Is your business or company a member in good standing of the Longview Chamber of Commerce? Business Briefs On-Line is a benefit provided to chamber members to help their efforts to communicate news about their business.
The preferred method is a one-page electronic news release. Send your Business Brief to Suzanne Brown at the chamber of commerce. Second and third-party news releases are welcome if they are related to your company’s work.
PLEASE NOTE: Business Brief items announcing FUTURE EVENTS need to reach our office in a reasonable time before the event. A minimum of one week is requested. Less than a week’s lead time may result in the item not getting posted.
Business Brief’s will be included in this online feature and will be promoted with links to this feature in the weekly Chamber BUZZ. They may also be promoted on other social media outlets the Chamber uses.
How Can I get a listing of Chamber members?
The Chamber’s membership directory is online and provides search by name or business category.
A complete current listing is available only to Chamber members for a $250 fee. New members receive a complimentary copy soon after joining the Chamber. The listing is sent by electronic file through email. Contact the Chamber’s Special Events & Projects Coordinator, Stephanie Raudales, to request a copy. Payment must be made with a credit card or by cash or check in advance.
Do you have to be a member to attend Chamber Events?
Some of our events and programs are for Chamber members only. However, some programs allow non-members to attend at a premium price.
How can I sponsor a Chamber program or event?
Why just buy advertising when there is so much more you can do to develop your company’s brand?
Advertising is great…but so are public relations and community affairs. Sponsoring events and programs at the Longview Chamber of Commerce includes all three branding strategies in one effective multifaceted strategy.
Sponsoring Longview Chamber of Commerce events and programs gives your company the publicity and brand recognition you need in a positive and receptive environment. Business leaders recognize and appreciate companies that help them gain knowledge and make important contacts.
When you sponsor a Chamber event or program, your company benefits from:
- Brand Association with High Profile Business Events
Companies that want to be recognized for being industry leaders and community partners welcome the benefits of association with important business events. If your company needs to have name recognition with high-income professionals, executives, managers, and other influential business decision-makers, Chamber events and programs may be just the answer. - Publicity
Public recognition can’t be purchased – it has to be earned. Fortunately, the Chamber makes it easy to ride on the Chamber’s 90+ year-old heritage. Chamber events and programs are highly publicized…and so are their sponsors. Your company’s brand name is included in collateral materials and print advertising to help you lock in this valuable public recognition. - Advertising
Chamber events are supported with their own advertising campaigns. Exposure in broadcast, print, and on-site advertising ensures heightened sponsor brand recognition among a carefully targeted audience of business owners and executives. - Access to New Business Relationships
The one-on-one marketing aspects of Chamber events and programs allow companies to open relationships with dozens of new clients and customers. Of course, these events are also ideal for renewing and strengthening relationships with existing clients and customers
Opportunities for sponsorship open each year during the Total Resource Campaign (TRC). The TRC provides the opportunity for your company to pick from a menu of available sponsorships and plan your commitments in advance for ease of annual budgeting. For more information on how to tap into the Longview Chamber of Commerce’s sponsorship opportunities please contact Stephanie Raudales at 903-237-4013.
Advertising Opportunities
The Longview Chamber of Commerce’s bimonthly newsletter The Longview Progress Report offers members advertising opportunities. The 16-page full-color format presents a fresh look that introduces new features while, ensuring favorite features, including ribbon cuttings, groundbreaking, and business spotlights. This premier publication is the business source for Longview and Gregg County.
The Longview Progress Report is direct mailed to all Chamber members. The Longview Progress Report is also featured at on our website and distributed through local member locations. Feature articles from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Main Street, and the Chamber of Commerce will further the strategic plan to communicate how the organization is promoting the community, enhancing the economy, and providing networking opportunities.
Full page, quarter page, and half-page spots available! For a complete media, packet contact Suzanne Brown at 903-237-4003.
How can I use the Chamber to market my business?
Does the Chamber have publications that can be of use to my business?
The Chamber publishes the annual printed Membership Business Directory which lists nearly 1,100 businesses with contact information. Businesses are listed by category and by name. The Membership Business Directory is also available online. Advertising space in the printed directory is available for purchase. The Chamber also publishes the Longview Progress Report which has current news about Chamber programs and issues of interest to Chamber members. The Progress Report also has display advertising space available for purchase.
What is the best way to use the Chamber to build my business network?
The best way to build your business network is to develop relationships with other Longview Chamber members. All Chamber programs are designed to give you an opportunity to make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships. The more events you attend and the more actively you participate, the faster and deeper your network will grow.
We produce a number of programs that are specifically designed for networking, such as Business Solutions Conference, Business After Hours, Chamber 101, Ribbon Cuttings, Membership Luncheons, and much more. Another way to build your network is through volunteering for the Chamber by joining a committee, This is an opportunity to increase your visibility and demonstrate your professionalism and expertise to a wide audience.
How can the Chamber help me build my professional skills?
The Chamber offers a variety of programs, seminars, workshops, and online classes to help you develop the skills you need to excel in business. The offerings range from a 9 month Leadership Longview program to monthly events and much more.
- Leadership Longview
- Leadership Longview is a nine-month program for 25-30 local professionals. The class members are trained in leadership, community education, and peer connections to help them better lead our community. The monthly sessions consist of Community and Economic Development, Tours of local businesses, Emergency Services, Education, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Quality of Life and Social Services and ends with a community project fully planned and executed by the class. After completion, a graduation ceremony is held in conjunction with the Small Business Awards Luncheon.
- Business Development Programs
- Business Development is a prime element of our Core Competencies. The Chamber offers classes and tools to its membership that will help develop their business skills and their business directly. Business Development Programs are held frequently at the Chamber office to enhance the professional development of our members. Programs range from Leadership to Social Media Training. Attendance is between 15 and 60 depending on the program offered.
- Business Solutions Center – NEW!
- It’s time to celebrate our Centennial with the launch of our NEW Business Solutions Center! By January 15, 2016 the chamber will have unveiled their new one-stop shop to finding business resource information.
- Business Solutions Conference
- The Business Solutions Conference (BSC) brings together CEOs, business owners, decision makers and front-line employees to offer a one-stop shop for continuing education, peer-group learning opportunities, interactive vendor presentations and special show floor only deals.
- Business Solutions Online Training Center
- The Business Solutions Online Training Center is a complete resource for Longview businesses. This unique feature of the Longview Chamber website offers online training for professionals, as well as other resources to help businesses grow. The online classroom offers workshops addressing critical business topics and offering tools to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing demands of the 21st century workplace. It’s professional development – anytime, anywhere.
- Discover Longview Training
- The Discover Longview Training focuses on teaching attendees to appreciate all the interesting and exciting things there are to do in Longview. This training serves as an employee engagement tool to help recruit and retain a quality workforce for Longview. Along the way, participants will learn important tips to ensure that visitors have a great experience and recommend the city to others. Training is offered at 3 times each year and class size is limited. Graduates receive course materials, tours of local and area attractions, lunch and a certificate of completion.
How do I use the Chamber for business leads and referrals?
As you attend Chamber events and programs and expand your network, you will have access to people who are in a position to provide you with business leads. As you get to know them and they gain trust in your professionalism, your fellow Chamber members can become an important source of referrals for your business.
In addition, the Chamber publishes a Member Business Directory annually, as well as having the online directory. Log on to look up member businesses by name or business category. Each week, the Chamber receives calls from all over the country looking for referrals on businesses or services in the Longview area. The Chamber representatives continuously promote our member businesses in answer to these inquiries.
How can I stay informed on legislative and community issues that affect my business?
Can the Chamber help me with a business issue that is being impacted by current or proposed legislation?
The Longview Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting and protecting the interests of our Longview area businesses through investigating and supporting legislative initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Combining our local voice, 1100 strong, with other chambers across the state and nation, leads to successful and impactful representation.
Key areas that this Chamber stands behind are outlined in the policy statement section and cover: Employment Relations, Economic Development, Education, Energy and Environmental, General Business, Health Care, Immigration, Taxes and Spending, Tort Reform, and Transportation. To address these issues and provide face-to-face interaction and education, the Chamber hosts Advocacy Summits bringing in legislative representation and subject matter experts on the local, state, and federal levels. Lead by our Advocacy Committee, these programs address issues impacting business and currently residing on legislative dockets.
The Chamber continues sending area leaders and elected officials to Austin and Washington D.C. to be the voice of our members. To ensure members have a voice with their elected officials, the Chamber create grass root campaigns providing members an avenue to directly contact their elected officials on issues and legislation. To further advance issues, the Chamber formed and maintains a general issues PAC.
What does the Chamber's Board of Directors do?
Our board of directors is a valuable asset. Our directors bring with them a sophisticated level of experience and expertise. They set the strategic direction of the Chamber and oversee the finances of the organization.
What is the R.E.A.C.H. Team?
A R.E.A.C.H. Team Member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce is a group of volunteers that strengthens member involvement by educating members about the benefits and services of their Membership.
The Committee offers extended business contacts to volunteers and provides support for Business After Hours, Membership Luncheons, Chamber events and business ribbon cuttings.
