Leading Longview - R.E.A.C.H STRATEGIC PLAN

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1 Leading Longview - R.E.A.C.H STRATEGIC PLAN R.E.A.C.H. is the Chamber s five-year strategic plan to support existing businesses while creating an environment that promotes jobs and the high quality opportunities Longview has to offer. By leveraging our many strengths, we believe we can improve the local economy and further enhance quality of life. R.E.A.C.H. is the the framework for achieving these vital goals. R = Redevelopment E = Education A = Advocacy C = Collaborations H = Health Creating a thriving sustainable business environment requires commitment, passion, and leadership, especially in times when we find ourselves facing an increasingly challenging global economy where competition is intensifying for talent and other resources. Communities around the country are working strategically to reinvent themselves. As Longview s business leaders, we are committed to aggressively leveraging our assets and capabilities to further unite our pursuit of a more prosperous community. The following pages outline the details of, R.E.A.C.H The goals, strategies, and objectives contained within this plan are achievable. Working together, we can move Longview aggressively forward and realize a more vibrant community for the generations who follow us. Richard Manley, 2017 Chairman of the Board Kelly Hall, President/CEO Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 1

2 BOD Listing and Photos ( ed new board members to provide photo by Nov. 22 nd ) Brad Tidwell Ken Cunningham Wade Johnson David Hayes Brett Lindig Ron Hutchison Meredith Todd Rodney Overman Dr. Roger Johnson Craig Schmidt Richard Manley Dana Parr Kevin Hood Chuck King Sam Neale Appointed Voting Members Natalie Lynch, Austin Bank TBA Elected Official Commissioner Ronnie L McKinney Casey Robertson, LRMC Cheryl Jaskiewicz Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 2

3 STRATEGIC INITIATIVES: R.E.A.C.H. REDEVELOPMENT Work with other stakeholders in Longview and the City s Comprehensive Plan to aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of 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. COLLABORATION 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. HEALTH (Organizational Health Administration / Finance / Operations) Deliver outstanding service to members, equipping them with the tools to be successful. Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 3

4 Our Strengths & Opportunities The Longview area has several strengths to capitalize upon and opportunities to pursue over the next few years. Leveraging our strengths and preparing for these opportunities will create business growth and prosperity for all who call Longview home. Strengths Listed by Forbes Magazine as 12 th in the country for cost of doing business in their Best Small Places for Business and Careers ranking (2016) and the 6 th most booming city in area growth since 2000 (2014); Milken Institute ranks Longview in the top 50 Best-Performing Small Cities (2015); NerdWallet ranks Longview in the top 40 communities in Texas to start a business (2015). 67 th in WalletHub s report on 2016 s Best Cities for Families in Texas, US News & World Report ranks LeTourneau University #27 in Regional Universities West and #157 Best Small Places for Business and Careers in the Country (2016) Diversified economy with comparable share of employment in education, health services, government, manufacturing, and retail Wage increases have been accelerating over the last few years The area s economic base is diversified with manufacturing, professional services, oil & gas, construction, healthcare, education, and retail Cost of living is on average 4% lower compared to the rest of the country Proximity to Dallas and Shreveport Opportunities Attract and retain skilled workers and degreed individuals in the area to meet the workforce needs of businesses. Job growth in construction, while relatively flat the last couple of years, should be primed for a resurgence, which creates an up-tick in new housing development and growth in the area. Leverage existing high-tech companies to create an incubator or offer technical skills training through partnerships and expertise from the local college and university. Growth in the area will expand the tax base which could create more government services for Longview area residents. Collaborations on redevelopment/revitalization initiatives to revamp the downtown district will bring new businesses to Longview and increased activity by residents. Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 4

5 Overview After analyzing Longview s economic environment, strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of the business community, we are proud to present our Strategic Plan for Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. Longview needs to ensure the next wave of economic progress. We recognize that our local economy will need to rely on attracting new employers and enticing existing businesses to fuel growth. Businesses of all size will need to be bold and entrepreneurial to seize growth opportunities. The Longview Chamber is committed to being a driving force and reaching out to other partners in our region and state to develop an environment that cultivates business growth and increased economic opportunities. Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. The strategic plan for the Chamber was developed through the efforts of the Board of Directors as they embarked upon a new 5-year strategic plan. Over the past several years of planning board members, and staff have asked themselves two Critical questions that they believe must be addressed in defining the roles and responsibilities of the Chamber. Our Big Questions 1. Why does the Chamber exist? 2. What is the Chamber s role in shaping Longview s future? Other questions worth considering also included, How can the Chamber s leadership initiatives assist in achieving the community s goals?, What is the Chamber s role in attracting, supporting, and retaining young families in Longview (professional and skillstrade)? Implementing this plan will require a long-term commitment, as building a strong entrepreneurial community will take time and patience. Success will not be easy to gauge or achieve. The plan is designed to provide a clear strategic direction for the organization. It is not meant to be static. Instead, it is made to be flexible, responding to lessons learned and emerging issues. Each year, the Chamber staff will develop a business plan with tactics to advance the strategies. There are also a number of strategic concerns that we, as a resource for community prosperity, must address to ensure accomplishment of our stated mission. These Strategic Concerns include: Developing Quality of Place (zero-in on actionable things) Promoting leaders that represent the community Expanding Leadership programs (nurture young leaders) Strengthening public/private partnerships Diversifying membership importance of diverse points of view Determining the Chamber s primary roles (non-duplicative, key areas) Effectively executing ongoing advocacy Sharing best practices between members Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 5

6 Our Mission Statement To engage in and promote projects that have a positive economic impact on the Longview Trade Area. 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. Our Core Ideology and Values CORE IDEOLOGY We believe that, together, we can have a stronger voice and influence positive outcomes. We believe Longview is a great place to live and work. We believe that, together, we can develop leaders to shape Longview s future. CORE VALUES Strengthen the local economy by researching and providing available resources to grow our local businesses. Promote the community by marketing Longview as a destination for new businesses, tourists, active older adults, and potential employees. Provide networking opportunities by organizing and hosting a myriad of seminars, events, etc. for our chamber members. Represent the interests of business with government by building relationships with governmental agencies and effectively voicing the needs of area businesses. Build community-wide leadership by encouraging and developing a shared vision for the future of Longview and collectively influencing stakeholders to make it happen. Where We re Going Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. is a five-year initiative to promote our assets, strengthen our existing businesses and business opportunities, and significantly improve the economic future for all who call the Longview Area home. ADVOCACY Represent the interests of the business community at the local, state, and federal levels by advocating for issues of importance to economic and business development. BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND RETENTION Continue to target to fill retail and commercial gaps. Work with existing businesses to ensure they continue to thrive in the Longview Area and provide employment opportunities for the county s citizens. IMPROVE PERCEPTIONS Collaborate with other organizations to attract and retain a skilled workforce by leveraging Longview s assets. Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 6

7 ENHANCE VALUE FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURS Promote innovative practices, new business formation, and opportunities for business growth. MEMBER SERVICES Provide membership benefits and services that give our members an operational and financial competitive advantage. SKILLED WORKFORCE Lead, coordinate, and support activities that produce a globally competitive, educated, and skilled labor force and that provide quality employment opportunities. Priority Areas / Strategies / Objectives: PRIORITY 1: REDVELOPMENT Launch a campaign that will aid in the transformation of underutilized areas of our community. "The Longview Chamber of Commerce understands that a community is only as strong as its ability to support the well-being of its residents. We believe the most critical part of our mission is to help facilitate and support the growth of our local and regional economy. With economic growth comes more jobs, a growing and diverse tax base, commercial and retail development and an improving education system and quality of life for our residents (Brad Tidwell, CEO, Citizens National Bank)." The board will form a leadership team that will champion developing a plan which complements the work of the City and LEDCO to complete redevelopment initiatives. PRIORITY 2: EDUCATION Continue to focus on executing a cradle to career collective impact that supports helping individuals reach their potential and become skilled contributors to our highly educated workforce. The Chamber believes we must prepare for the demands of tomorrow s skilled and competitive workforce environment. Businesses have an important role in leading and advocating for Career Readiness; a business-led approach for implementing cradle to career education systems. Our leadership is committed to being proactive to ensure our academic standards are raised so students are successful in making progress toward important transitions to either college or careers. ASKED CHUCK KING on Lead the management of the newly formed Education Collective Impact. Develop a regional action plan in partnership with key stakeholders. Convene stakeholders to sign a covenant that communicates shared vision and key principles that focuses on solutions to increase attainment levels and employment. Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 7

8 Develop partnership opportunities with ISDs and secondary education organizations that support the development of a skilled workforce for Longview. Leverage community resources, align strategies, and improve policies. PRIORITY 3: ADVOCACY/LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Advocate for legislation that has a positive impact on business and industry, economic development, job creation and community quality of life at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Advocating the business perspective on key issues is a basic and vital function of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. The voice of business is much louder when amplified through the combined voice of over 1100 members and 45,000 employees. With the new LBPAC in place, we are moving to an even higher and more focused and concentrated level of advocacy on behalf of our members (TBA). ASKED MERIDETH TODD Promote and protect the interests of our Longview area businesses. Advocate support for the City of Longview s Comprehensive Plan Influence public policy on specific local and state issues through the LBPAC. Influence public policy at all levels of government. PRIORITY 4: COLLABORATION Continue to build a network that fosters an environment where our agencies and employers work in concert to build a thriving community for future generations. Longview is a desirable, regional destination. It provides a great business environment to conduct business. By virtue of being one of the largest cities in the East Texas region, our economy thrives. But being one of the largest isn t good enough; Longview must be the best by offering a dynamic urban setting and quality of life that is viewed as the finest East Texas has to offer. This will only occur when key stakeholders across the area work in concert with one another to make the right things happen. SENT TO RON HUTCHISON on Create a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous local economy. Remain the lead in convening key stakeholders to drive Longview s future. Continue to practice economic inclusion by encouraging participation from Longview s diverse business community. Remain a key partner for entrepreneurial activity by utilizing the Business Solutions Conference to celebrate entrepreneurism Continue to provide exceptional Leadership Training. PRIORITY 5: HEALTH - (Organizational Health Administration / Finance / Operations) Deliver outstanding service to members, equipping them with the tools to be successful. Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 8

9 The Longview Chamber of Commerce has made organizational sustainability a top priority in its Strategic Plan. We are working in the present, using evaluation and innovation, to be certain that the Chamber s future is strong, allowing us to be the solution leader for Longview area businesses for years to come (Dana Parr, Copeland Insurance Group.) Position the organization and the staff for long-term success Provide cutting-edge technology to achieve increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. Protect and improve the Chamber facilities to create a safe and efficient work environment, and provide a warm and welcoming environment for visitors. Attract and retain executive-level Chamber professionals and support team members. Remain the number one choice as THE SOLUTION LEADER for access and resources for Longview area businesses. Staff Listing & Pictures Kelly R. Hall, President/CEO Suzanne Brown, Senior Vice-President Lisa Morgan, Business/Office Manager Misty Amaya, Special Project & Event Director Dave Jochum, Business Development Director Leska Parker, Information & Resource Development Director Amy Canton, Leadership Coordinator Courtney Gill, YEA Coordinator Summary To be successful, we need leadership as well as involvement from a broad base of community leaders. The Longview Chamber of Commerce will provide the staffing and overall management of this plan, but the execution of these priority goals and the opportunity to succeed rests with leaders who serve as the ambassadors of Longview. This plan is distinguished by its aggressiveness, transparency and commitment to evaluating its progress by established benchmarks. The plan will be achieved through strong leadership, dedication, and broad collaboration. We will know which goals we are achieving and which need more attention, but we need your leadership to make Leading Longview. R.E.A.C.H. happen. Join our efforts to Lead Longview. Five-Year Strategic Plan ( ) Page 9