Join the Chamber
The Longview Chamber of Commerce
Please complete the following online application.
Have questions? The Director of Membership, Dave Jochum is here to help! Give him a call in the Chamber office at 903-237-4023 or send him an email, djochum@longviewtx.com.
WHY JOIN?
To 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.
To 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. Your level of involvement determines how much you can increase the value of your company’s annual Chamber membership investment.
To get Referrals
The Chamber promotes member businesses daily through inquiries received via phone, fax, mail, email, and walk-ins. Membership has its privileges because we exclusively refer our member businesses to the public. As a Chamber member
Membership Edge
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.
FAQs
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 bimonthly 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 want 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 on-line feature produced by 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 any announcement a Chamber members would like other members and the public to know.
Is your company hosting an event or have they been recognized for recent accomplishment, 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 reasonable time before the event. Minimum one week is requested. Less than a week lead time may result in the item not getting posted.
Business Brief’s will be included on 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.
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.
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.
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.
How can I use the Chamber to market my business?
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.
Still have questions? Contact the Chamber offices at (903)-237-4000 or email chamber@longviewtx.com