Program of Work | Mission Statement | Committee Preference | Ambassadors
Civic Affairs | Education | Highways & Transportation | Industrial & Business Relations  Legislative Affairs | Presidents Council | Retail Business Committee
Sports Committee | Publicity Committee

Amid the confusion and excitement of the discovery of oil, the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau was established in 1931. The founding fathers gave the organization a purpose: To champion the interests of business and advance the general welfare and prosperity of Kilgore.

78 years later, there are approximately 500 businesses and individuals who believe in this mission by being members. They also realize that in order for the chamber to achieve its goals and help the community grow, people must work together, speaking as one voice rather than many. This philosophy and countless hours of work by the volunteers and staff has given Kilgore a strong economy and an excellent quality of life.

Program of Work
The work of achieving the goals outlined in this Program of Work begins with a 17 member Board of Directors.  The Board sets policy, directs the affairs of the chamber, and manages the finances.  The work to carry out the chamber's programs and projects is conducted by volunteers who serve on the 12 standing committees listed in the booklet.  A full time staff of three people manages the day-to-day operations of the chamber office at 813 N. Kilgore Street.

Leadership Kilgore, the Texas Scholars Program, Business After Hours Membership Mixers, the Business and Industry Seminar and other business related workshops are just a few of the programs that provide avenues for businesses to network and grow. The programs join on-going projects in the fields of tourism, economic development, industrial relations, retail business development, highway improvements, legislative affairs, and education whose sole purpose is to maintain a vibrant community and a strong economic climate.

Membership in the chamber is open to any business or individual who is interested in improving the economy and making Kilgore a better place to live. If you are not a member, consider joining the more than 500 members who believe the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau makes a difference in our community and works for a common goal to improve it. Complete the membership application in this booklet and return it with your investment to the Chamber office.

Join the team that is working together to continually make "Kilgore...A City of Stars."

Mission Statement
The mission of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is to improve the business climate of Kilgore through a cooperative effort of promotion, economic, and community development, and all action to ensure an environment exists which promotes the economic well being of all citizens.

Committee Preference
Every member of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau has a voice that helps determine the direction, the policies, and the projects of the organization. Among the ways a member can do this is through serving on one of the Chamber's standing committees. Every member is invited and encouraged to take an active role in the chamber by joining a committee. Be active in the area that interests you.

Committee Preference Form


Ambassadors
Theresa Ferguson, Chair

OBJECTIVE: To develop a strong membership base through recruitment of new members, maintain better communications between the Chamber, its members, and the community, and ensure the implementation and success of the Chamber's programs.

GOALS:

1. Recruit new members through year round solicitation.
2. Ensure retention of members through personal calls and follow-up.
3. Serve as the Chamber public relations team by attending grand openings of new businesses, providing greeters and ushers at selected Chamber activities, and informing the members and community of Chamber activities and services.
4. Coordinate the quarterly Business After Hours Membership Mixers with the sponsor and promote increased attendance.
5. Plan and stage the Taste & Trade of Kilgore.
6. Organize a new member orientation and breakfast to acquaint new members with other members and to promote the services of new member businesses.

Civic Affairs
Diana Ponder, Chair

OBJECTIVE: To bring the civic, church, and community organizations together for the purpose of developing and implementing programs which benefit the community and create a positive quality of life for our residents.

GOALS:

1. Promote the organization of block parties in local neighborhoods for Kilgore Night Out and encourage participants to collect food for Helping Hands.
2. Sponsor the "Welcome Reception" for the Texas Shakespeare Festival Company upon their arrival to Kilgore in May.

Education
Roger Nunnally, Chair

OBJECTIVE: To promote quality education in the public schools and Kilgore College, ensure students are prepared to enter the workforce, and promote public awareness of the important contribution education makes in our community and on our quality of life.

GOALS:

1. Honor the graduating Texas Scholars from Kilgore High School with a luncheon in the spring.
2. Take an active part in the Kilgore School-to-Work Task Force whose purpose is to create a partnership between business and education that will ensure a smooth transition for students from high school to work.
3. Co-Sponsor Kilgore College Career Day.
4. Assist wherever needed to improve educational opportunities in the community.

Highways & Transportation

Randy Brogoitti, Co-Chair Brogoitti Construction Co.

Jack Ward, Co-Chair The Ward Agency

Objective: To work with the Texas Department of Transportation, Gregg, and surrounding counties and the City of Kilgore in the promotion and maintenance of an efficient network of highways in and around the Kilgore area; and in the promotion of quality air transportation and facilities.

Goals:

1. Work with the East Texas Gulf Highways Association in the development and promotion of the "Green Carpet Route," specifically the widening of SH 135 between Kilgore and Gladewater.
2. Work with the Texas Highway 31 Association in the widening of Highway 31 to four lanes from Kilgore to Tyler, and to encourage the Texas Transportation Commission to add this section of highway to the Texas Trunk System.
3. Communicate, and testify when necessary, about the transportation needs of Kilgore to the Texas Department of Transportation.
4. Promote the development of the East Texas Regional Airport, and specifically, the continuation and expansion of commercial air service.

Industrial & Business Relations
Bill Mishkind, Chair

OBJECTIVE: To develop, promote, and support Kilgore area business and industry with programs that foster a positive business climate, provide networking opportunities, and assist in addressing issues and concerns impacting the Kilgore industry and business community.

GOALS:

1. Identify needs of business and industry by conducting quarterly business/industry network breakfasts.
2. Sponsor one Business and Industry Workplace Seminar.
3. Sponsor one current topic seminar in the spring.
4. Work closely with the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation in their retention efforts of local industry.

Legislative Affairs

Judge Alvin Khoury

OBJECTIVE: To influence legislation that affects business and industry, provide information on legislation to the membership and maintain a cooperative relationship with elected and public officials.

GOALS:

1. Contact federal and state officials, agencies, and elected representatives on issues affecting Kilgore and actively take positions on such issues as needed.
2. Encourage local citizens to become involved in the legislative process.
3. Keep members informed of pending federal and state legislation through the Legislative Fax Network, thus enabling them to communicate their view on issues to our elected representatives.
4. Network with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Texas Association of Business, the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives, and other business organizations to stay informed on legislation of importance to the community.
5. Sponsor Kilgore Day in Austin during each regular legislative session.  We will work with the staff of our state senator and state representative to make local arrangements in Austin.

Presidents Council
Brian Bittick, Chair
Farmer’s Insurance Group

OBJECTIVE: To advise the Board of Directors on projects pertinent to the operation of the Chamber and to carry out tasks as deemed necessary by the Board. GOALS: Provide a representative to the Board of Directors to act as a liaison between the Council and Directors. Hold two meetings during the year to familiarize the Council on chamber activities and to address issues of concern in the community. Act as advisory council when requested by the Board of Directors; Utilize the Council's experience and talents to aid in completion of annual goals of the Chamber.

Retail Business Committee

Jimi Mankins, Chair East Texas Lumber

OBJECTIVE: Ensure the Kilgore Trade area remains a vital sector of the economy through the promotion and attraction of retail business.

GOALS:

1. Sponsor "Tax Strategies for Small Business" seminar for retail and small businesses in Kilgore.
2. Develop a group to exchange business leads so members can attract new customers and increase business.
3. Promote retail business in Kilgore and attract new retail businesses.

Sports Committee

Bryan Johnston, Chair

Charlie Gauntt, Co-Chair

OBJECTIVE: To promote and assist local sports activities and events that will enhance the community image and generate tourist dollars for the local economy.

GOALS:

1. Work with sports associations in hosting tournaments.
2. Support KISD and Kilgore College athletic programs
3. Support KISD and Kilgore College in their efforts to host playoff games, tournaments, and track meets.
4. Initiate and coordinate the pursuit of grant funds to be used for the improvement of community athletic and park facilities.
5. Plan and stage the Chamber's annual golf tournament.

Publicity Committee
Archie Whitfield


OBJECTIVE: To market and promote the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau and its events and programs throughout the year.

GOALS:

• Provide time sensitive information about the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau to the Kilgore Community.