The special guest keynote speaker, Sally Baskey, kept the audience's attention as she shared candid stories from her life.  Sally explained why humor is necessary and encouraged the membership to find humor in every situation, no matter how bleak life may get.

Thanks to the Longview Partnership Ambassadors, Coors of Longview, and Glazer’s Wholesale Distributors.  A big thank you also goes to Joe Terrell, with KLTV, who kept the evening rolling along with his humor and wit.

Please join us for next year's Annual Banquet!

2008 Annual Award Winners

Manufacturer of the Year – LeTourneau Technologies Inc – Randy Oertel 

Within the past three years, revenue for the Longview operations of LeTourneau Technologies Inc has more than doubled with 2008 being a year for record revenue and net income.  LTI is a member of Keep Longview Beautiful, a strong supporter of the United Way, and regularly participates in local blood drives.  This year's honoree is "Built On Experience" and "Driven By Vision".  Across eight decades and many projects, LeTourneau Technologies Inc has built a reputation of leadership, innovation, and reliability.

Large Business of the Year – Longview Regional Medical Center – Jim Kendrick

Ranked among the top ten employers in the Longview trade area, Longview Regional Medical Center is caring for our community in more ways than one.  Through the establishment of a corporate culture focused on achieving the highest possible outcomes, this year's honoree has experienced increased quality measures and continues to excel in workforce satisfaction.  Through such initiatives as the Stars Over Longview Program and the newly established Healthy Woman Program, Longview Regional is embracing the needs of women in East Texas and promoting active, healthy lifestyles that enable and empower them to impact their communities in numerous ways.

Committee Chairman of the Year – Jim Hughey

In 2008, it was Jim Hughey's passion for downtown Longview that was hard to overlook.  He has served as a volunteer on this committee for the past six years and shows no signs of quitting.  When Longview became recertified as an Urban Main Street community, he willingly took on the chairmanship of the newly formed One Hundred Acres of Heritage / Urban Main Street Advisory Board.  Longview's Urban Main Street program had a great first year in 2008, and we look forward to Jim leading the charge in 2009 to revitalize our community's downtown area.  

Ambassador of the Year – Teresa Swiney

Ambassadors serve as a liaison between the Longview Chamber of Commerce and its members.  They work very hard throughout the year accumulating points for member retention calls, attendance at events and volunteering their time to the Partnership. At the conclusion of each year, the LP recognizes the Top Producer of the Year.  The 200 Ambassador of the Year is Teresa Swiney of Capital One.

Chairman’s Award – Suzanne Cook

The Chairman’s Award is given to a person who has distinguished him or herself by contributing their time and talents to benefit the entire community.  The 2008 Chairman’s Award was presented to Suzanne Cook.   Suzanne has displayed great community involvement by serving as Chairman of the Longview Partnership Board; Program Chair, East Texas Builders Association; past President, Women's Council of Realtors; ordained Elder, First Presbyterian Church of Longview; and devoted volunteer with Opera of Longview and Kidsview.  Suzanne has been recognized by Longview Regional as a Star Over Longview, and she is a strong supporter of the arts (Longview Symphony, Longview Ballet, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, and the Shakespeare Festival).