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Volume 7, No. 4 • April 2020 • www.kilgorechamber.com

New Members & Renewals

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Upcoming Events & Photos

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Published monthlyby the

Kilgore News Herald

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Kilgore Area Business Owners,

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kilgore Chamber of Com-merce & Visitors Bureau is committed to supporting your business. Whether you are facing financial struggles, challenges with your employ-ees/workforce, adapting to an age of virtual commerce, or seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation, we are here for you.

COVID-19 has created so many changes locally as well as globally. We have wit-nessed declarations of state and national emergencies, international travel restric-tions, the cancellation of events, local cases are on the rise, and a sudden and wide-spread emphasis on work-ing from home to slow the spread.

The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bu-reau remains open while exercising extreme caution at this time, when and if a

“shelter in place” order takes hold in Gregg County for essential businesses we will, at that time, begin working from home. As always, Your Chamber is working on our members behalf in multiple ways:• We have postponed the

Women In Business, Tex-as Tea until Thursday, August 27

• An increase in social media posts has occurred to en-courage local business and to inform the members and community on all of the rapidly changing details. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KilgoreChamber

• We have launched a Face-book group for Kilgore Ar-ea Take-Out where you can find all of our local restau-rants who are offering de-livery and to go meals. Join the group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kil-goreAreaTakeOut

• We have launched a page on our website for resourc-

es and information on COVID-19: https://www.Ki lgoreChamber.com/COVID19

• We have also been sending out regular emails to the members updating you on changes and pertinent information

• We have joined hands with the Longview Cham-ber of Commerce to bring you webinars to help your business navigate these uncertain times.

• We are involved in con-ference calls/emails with the US Chamber, Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives, and East Texas Chamber Executives.

• Working with our local strategic partners to en-sure their information is being communicated to the community.

Financial Assistance• Apply for the Small Busi-

ness Association Disas-ter Relief Loan that every Texas business can apply

for to receive support. Go to www.KilgoreChamber.com/COVID19/ for links.

• Contact your financial in-stitution. Current banking relationships that exist are essential during this time. If you are in need of assis-tance, contact your bank about the best options for your business. This could be looking at deferred pay-ment options, interest only payments, or other op-tions - www.sba.gov/fund-ing-programs/loans

• Consider utilizing a cred-it card. Companies such as Capital One, Citi and Wells Fargo have all is-sued statements indicat-ing that they are willing to work with customers that experience financial difficulties.

• Investigate Corporate Hardship Support. Com-panies are coming out of the woodworks to sup-port one another. The business community is mobilizing its expertise and resources to assist with the relief and con-tainment efforts. Visit www.uschamberfounda-tion.org/aid-event/coro-navirus-covid-19 to see the listing.

• More support is coming – we promise! Large com-panies such as Facebook are stepping up to support small businesses. These de-tails are coming in hourly, so please be patient as they work to craft these pro-grams basically overnight. For information on Face-book Grant please visit - https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grant

Other AssistanceFor assistance in the fol-

lowing areas, please visit our website listed above or contact the Kilgore Chamber of Com-merce directly at 903-736-1996 or email President & CEO, Jill McCartney at jmcca-rtney@KilgoreChamber.com• Employers who are looking

to hire individuals during this time

• Employers experiencing Workforce Challenges due to COVID-19 not re-lated to layoffs/reduction in hours

• Community Resources to share with your employees during this situation

• Teleworking support and resources

• Support in helping sell your business product/ser-vice onlineYour Board of Directors

is committed to working with our members during this time of business dis-ruption. We are calling and emailing all members to meet their personal needs. We welcome your feedback through calls and emails as to how we can be of assis-tance. Your Kilgore Cham-ber of Commerce is com-mitted to resources, respon-siveness, and flexibility as we all navigate this pandem-ic together. Please continue to SHOP & EAT LOCAL. Our businesses need you.

Kilgore, Texas is here to sup-port your business! We will continue to work tirelessly to make sure that your doors stay open, and we adhere to our mission to be a great place to Live, Learn, Work, and Play. We will support and promote your business to continue the advancement of Kilgore, Texas and Gregg and Rusk Counties.

Jill R. McCartney, IOM, CCEO-AP

President & CEO

Letter to Kilgore Business Owners

833-986-1919

Call the toll-freeCOVID-19 Mental

Health Support Line

COVID-19 MentalHealth Support Line

Texas Health and Human Services

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“Where your familybecomes our family”

Skilled Nursing Facility & Rehabilitation Center

AVALONFAIRE10786 FM 1252W.903 985-0165

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Talking TourismEven though it’s spring, it’s

not the same here in the city of stars as we continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as we all work to-gether to slow the spread. But even though we are temporar-ily apart, we are still together as Kilgore has overcome many storms in the past. And though many of our events like the Kil-gore College Rangerette Revels and the Texas Shakespeare Fes-tival are canceled, they are not just history and will continue. Many of our fantastic food and

drink businesses, along with others, are being resource-ful and creative in this new climate and have remained open by offering carry out, delivery, and online shop-ping. To the Kilgore business owners, partners, we are here for you, and so is your community. In these chal-lenging times, I wrestle with my thoughts, and I think of lessons I learned from parents, grandparents, teachers, and colleagues. The experiences they faced and overcame and their advice is carrying me through to brighter times ahead. I’m counting my blessings and enjoying local comfort food because it will get better.

GOING FORWARD! #SUPPORTLOCALSAFELY As we move forward, we can continue to support lo-

cal businesses by practicing social distancing, shopping online, ordering over the phone, purchasing a gift card, ordering carryout, leaving a positive review, sharing their posts on your social media, and liking and subscribing.

ryan polkTourism Mgr.

See TOURISM, Page 4

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Brent Rice ChFC® CLU®

Agent

Good Neighbor Agent since 2001

1100B N Kilgore StreetKilgore, TX 75662-6056

Bus 903 984 2917 Fax 903 983 2895brent.rice.j13m@statefarm.com

(903) 663-3559 • 101 West Hawkins Parkway, Ste. 4 • Longview, TX 75605ExpressPros.com/LongviewTX

STAFFING SOLUTIONS TO FIT YOUR

BUSINESS NEEDS

Temporary or long-term, Express Employment Professionalshas skilled workers ready to fit your business needs.

Contact us and see how Express can help.

Member Investor RENEWALSMember Investor RENEWALSArbor Grace

Centerpoint EnergyEast Texas Preferred PropertiesEnerflex Energy Systems, Inc.

Express Employment ProfessionalsNoble Roofing Bullard Associates, LLC

Regions BankTeam National

Find a Chamber Member in the Business Directory at www.KilgoreChamber.com.

“The purpose of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is to cultivate a strong business and industrial environment in Kilgore, creating a vibrant

place to live, learn, work and play.”

KilGOre CHaMBer OF COMMerCe sTaFFJill McCartney, President/CEO

Lisa Morgan, Member Services Manager Ryan Polk, Tourism Manager

2019-20 CHaMBer OF COMMerCe BOard OF direCTOrs

eXeCUTiVe BOardDr. Chris Gratton, Chairman (Gratton Chiropractic)

Mark Robinson, Chair Elect (AEP/SWEPCO)

Robert Young, Vice Chair (Skeeter Products)

Bobbie Hurley O’Dell, Vice Chair (Arpco Valves & Controls)

Billie Mims, Treasurer (Austin Bank)

James Murphy, Past Chair (Republic Services)

BOard OF direCTOrsTim Capps, Gabriel/Jordan GMC Buick

Joe Stephens, Brookshire’s

Blayne Cole, Noble Roofing

Erin Brogoitti, The Ward Agency

Jack Moore, Whataburger

eX-OFFiCiORichard Nash, KISD

Dr. Brenda Kays, Kilgore College

Amanda Nobles, KEDC

Josh Selleck, City of Kilgore

David Cleveland, East Texas Council of Government

ADVERTISING/ MARKETING/MEDIA

• Forbes & Butler Visual Communications

• Global Graphics• KZQX - KDOK Radio• Lennis Design, LLC• Route2 Advertising

ANIMAL SERVICES/AGRICULTURE

• Kilgore Small Animal Hospital• New Generation Farms, Inc.

ARCHITECTS/ENGEINEERS

• Adams Engineering• Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

• 1st Choice Personnel• 5S Rental & Sales, LLC• ActionCOACH of Longview• Business Computer Solutions• Cleaned Your Way

Janitorial Services• Complete Printing & Publishing• Curtis Blakely & Co., PC• Cynergy Technology• Datamax Inc.• David M. Hayes, CPA• Drug & Alcohol Testing

Compliance Services• East Texas Glass Company• Edge Office Products• Express Employment

Professionals• Halo Branded Solutions• Henry & Peters, P.C.• Hudson Printing &

Graphic Design• Kilgore Print Centre• Manpower• Overton Films• Parker’s Upholstery Shop• Rader Funeral Home• Remedy Intelligent Staffing• Rivers Recycling, LLC• SERVPRO of Longview• SMB Workify, Inc.

• Southwest Studios Photography• Team National• The Office Center, Inc.

COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP

• JOMAX• Mr. & Mrs. Bobby &

Wanda Bittick• Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd &

Evelyn Bolding• Mr. Bill Mishkind• Mr. Craig Jaynes• Mr. W.F. Smylie• Mr. Wilbur Yates• Ms. Sue M. Brown• Ms. Wilora Tucker

CONSTRUCTION/BUILDERS/HOME IMPROVEMENT

• Alford-Pace A/C & Heating, Inc.

• Ben Maines Air Conditioning, Inc.

• Big K Homes• Brogoitti Construction

Management, LLC• Cherokee Water Co• East Texas Lumber Company• Elliott Electric Supply• K.K. Mobbs Contruction• McKinnon Construction• Mobbs Builders• Morrison Supply Company• National Wholesale Supply, Inc.• Noble Roofing Bullard

Associates, LLC• RLM General Contractors• Woodbine Electric

DISTRIBUTION/WHOLESALE

• Made-Rite Co.• Orgill Inc.• R & K Distributors, Inc.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

• East Texas Christian School• Kilgore College• KISD• Region VII Education

Service Center

FINANCE/ BANKING/INSURANCE

• Austin Bank• Brent Rice - State Farm• BTH Bank National Association• Citizens Bank• Colton Meyers State Farms• East Texas Professional Credit

Union• Edward Jones - Emily Arp• Edward Jones – Joseph Wright• Edward Jones - Reece Nichols• Farmers Insurance - Toby Adams

Agency• Farmers Insurance Group• Laird Insurance Agency• Larry Perkins State Farm Insurance• Melissa Azzam Insurance - Allstate• MMI Insurance Agency, LLC• Regions Bank• Tara Harris State Farm• Texas Farm Bureau Insurance• VeraBank• Ward Agency, The• WSJ Investments

GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY

• City of Kilgore• Commissioner Gary Boyd• District Attorney Michael Jimerson• East Texas Council of Government

– ETCOG• Judge Bill Stoudt• Kilgore Economic

Development Corp.• Kilgore Fire Department• Kilgore Police Department• Kilgore Public Library• Sheriff Maxey Cerliano• State Representative Jay Dean

HOSPITALITY/LODGING/SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT

• Anytime Fitness• Comfort Suites• CrossFit Kilgore• Four Star Cinema• Hampton Inn Kilgore• In-Step Dance Co.

• Meadowbrook Golf & Events Center• Raw Iron• Reel East Texas Film Festival• Shallow Creek RV Resort• Tempest Golf Club• Texas Defense Articulations• Texas Museum of Broadcasting &

Communication

LAWYER/ATTORNEY

• Phillips & Gilchrist, LLP• Schleier & Brown, Attorneys

MEDICAL/HEALTH CARE

• Ancor Health Center, PA• Arabella of Kilgore• Arbor Grace• CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic - Kilgore• Deluxe Dental• Dr. Joey DeGraffenried, DDS• Dr. Rocco DeSantis, DDS• Dr. Surya P. Lanka• East Texas Treatment Center• Flint Orthodontics• Good Shepherd Emergency

Department Kilgore• Gratton Chiropractic• Heritage Hospice• Hospice of East Texas• Insight Eye Care• Kilgore Dental Care• Kilgore Eye Care Center• Kindle Dental• Leading Edge Medical Associates• Megan Hamner, DDS• Sherman & Briscoe Orthodontics• Willow Rehab & Nursing

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION/CHURCHES

• First Baptist Church• First Christian Church• Forest Home Baptist Church• Grace Baptist Church• Grace Fellowship of Kilgore• KHPF• KIBA• Kilgore Rotary Club• Lions Club• Northeast Texas Habitat

for Humanity• St. Luke’s United

Methodist Church• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

REAL ESTATE

• Coldwell Banker Lenhart Properties, Inc.

• East Texas Preferred Properties• Julie Woods & Associates Real

Estate Firm• Mobbs Real Estate Group

REAL ESTATE SERVICES/LEASING

• Central Title Company• Cleaned Your Way

Janitorial Services

• Expert Lawn Care• Express Lawn & Tree Service• Glen Hollow Apartments• Hedrick Land Surveying Company• Josie’s Haven• Lexington Court LTD• Linda Melton, LLC• Thieman and Associates, Inc.• Tip Top Home Inspections• U.S. Title Company -

Kilgore Office

RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/FOOD

• 19th Hole Grill• Back Porch, The• Bodacious Bar-B-Q• Brigitta’s Hungarian Restaurant• Burger King/ Meritex• Charburger Stockade• Chicken Express• Circle Cafe• Country Tavern Inc.• Downtown D’Lites and Cafe• Edgar’s Big Taco #2• Fillin’ Station Donut & Deli Cafe• Kilgore Crawfish and Seafood• Lilly Enterprises, Inc.• Loco Meaux Brew Pub• McKay’s Ranch House Restaurant• Schlotzsky’s• Simply Southern Catering• Sonic Drive-In• Ted Kamel Foods, LLC• The Burrito Shop• The Tackle Box• Val’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza• Wendy’s• Whataburger #650• Wingstop

RETAIL

• Atwood’s• Chem Serv• Clayton’s East• De Rigueur• East Texas Fireworks• Everything That Blings• Gateway Travel Plaza• Hope’s Closet• Kilgore Mercantile & Music, LLC• Pinnacle Coating of East Texas• Sam’s Club• Sherwin-Williams Company• Workingman’s Outfitter, LLC

TRANSPORTATION/AUTOMOTIVE

• ABC Auto Parts• All Star Ford - Kilgore• Automotive Supercenter #5• East Texas Regional Airport• East Texas Tire & Service Center• Five Starz Magic Detail• G & B Boat Repair• Gabriel/Jordan Buick GMC• Hayes RV Center

• Kelly Tractor & Equipment• Kilgore Tire & Truck Center, Inc.• Kilgore Tire Center, Inc.• Martin Resource Mgmt. Corp.• McDaniel’s Quality Body Works• Mr. D’s Driving Center• Nichols Transportation• Oil Exchange• Patterson Motors of Kilgore, Inc• Skeeter Products, Inc.

UTILITIES & INDUSTRY

• AEP/Swepco• Anchor Safety, Inc.• Arpco Valves & Controls, LLC• Baker Hughes / Lufkin• BASA Resources• Berith Equipment, Inc.• Bob Davis Sales• Buffco Production, Inc.• Centerpoint Energy• Charles N. Richardson Enterprises• Closure Systems International• Conterra Networks• Cricket Wireless• D & D Industrial Welding

Supply, Inc.• Daco Equipment Inc• Drover Energy Services, LLC• East Texas Salt Water Disposal Co.• Enerflex Energy Systems, Inc.• Energy Weldfab• Falcon Resources, Inc.• Freedom Communication

Technologies• General Dynamics SATCOM

Technologies• Gulf Coast Chemical LLC• Halliburton Energy Services• Halliburton Energy Services• HD Hydraulics LLC• Hydessco, LLC• Jananna Foods, Inc.• Jim’s Rental Service, LLC• Kilgore Cable TV Company• Kimray Sales & Service, Inc.• Lone Star Specialty Products• P & W Sales• Pak-Sher Company • Pride Pump & Supply, LTD• Republic Services• Rusk County Electric

Cooperative, Inc.• Rusk County Well Service Co., Inc.• Sabine Pipe, Inc.• Shale Flow Specialties, LLC• SSI Maxim Company, Inc.• Steelman Industries• Stream-Flo USA• T. H. Anderson Pump Co, Inc.• Telephone Directory of Texas, Inc.• Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative

Corporation• Waste Connections, Inc.• Waukesha-Pearce Industries, Inc.• WrapMaster, Inc.

The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is committed to focusing on our business community and supporting them during this time of uncertainty.

We are almost 300 strong and alone we can do so little, but together we will conquer this pandemic. If there is a business in the community that you do NOT see on the list, please encourage them to join today. Please use our hashtags as you support local.

#WeAreKilgore #KilgoreChamber #shoplocalList of 2019-2020 members are listed below. Please be aware that the Kilgore Cham-

ber will be sending information for 2020-2021 membership investments in the coming weeks. You can join the Kilgore Chamber simply by going to www.KilgoreChamber.com/business/

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Proud Chamber Member for Over 25 Years2611 N Hwy. 42 Kilgore2815 N Hwy. 42 Kilgore

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Many of our restaurants and small business have changed how they operate to accommodate customers in whatever way they can. Even places that have never offered take-out or delivery options are making it happen. You can get growlers filled, at Loco-Meax, curbside pickup at Kilgore Mercantile, food-to-go, online shopping, and more!

#EXPERIENCESPRINGSAFELYAnother way you can enjoy Kilgore is to get outside and

enjoy some of our scenic parks and trails. You can enjoy a good dose of vitamin D while practicing social distancing and following recommendations by local, state, and health officials. Avoid groups or crowds and always stay at a min-imum of 6 feet from the nearest person. Texas State Parks are currently closed until further notice.

#VISITKILGOREVIRTUALLYJust because you aren’t there in person doesn’t mean you

can’t experience at home! Thanks to our advanced technol-ogy and modern shelter-in-place living, some of our attrac-tions are allowing us to bring them into our living room. The Texas Shakespeare Festival at Kilgore College had to make the tough decision to cancel its 2020 summer season due to the COVID-19 crisis. However, like many of the great art organizations around the world, the only profes-sional theater in East Texas is staying true to its mission by bringing world-class theatre to you by streaming past TSF productions online. If you would have purchased a ticket to the upcoming season, you” may consider purchasing a “vir-tual ticket” to these online productions. We want to thank the Texas Shakespeare Festival for 34 spectacular seasons right here in Kilgore! And also, thank you to Raymond Caldwell for putting Kilgore on the art and culture map in Texas and America when it comes to the performing arts.

We are looking forward to 2021!With its rich archives of photos and stories, the East Tex-

as Oil Museum is sharing a Virtual Tour Series on its Face-book page. If you haven’t liked their page, do it now. www.facebook.com/EastTexasOilMuseum/

During these uncertain times, it’s helpful to focus on the everyday things that bring us joy. The sights and sounds of spring are happening all around us, better days ahead. It’s more important than ever to stay connected, so remember to stay safe, stay in touch, and stay home. We can’t wait to gather again in Kilgore, Texas!

In the meantime, here are some of our favorite City of Star moments you’ve shared with us!

We Will See You Soon!

Continued from Page 4

Talking Tourism