Valued Partner Testimonials
Want to know what it’s like to be a member of the Kilgore Area Chamber?
Our valued partners say it best!
As General Manager of Republic Services, a thirty-one-year member of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and a top twenty major Kilgore employer, I felt it was my obligation to contribute and support the Kilgore Chamber, not just with the attitude, “What does the Chamber do for me?” but with, “What can I do for the Chamber and the economic growth of the Kilgore community?”
The Chamber provides the tools and resources to help with that and provides vital communication methods to know what I need to do to plan for future growth for my company.
Additionally, the Chamber facilitates networking with leaders in the community to progress in the same positive direction. The Governmental Affairs advocacy leverages our strength in numbers to keep us in the know and prevent legislation that could stifle local businesses.
I have been very pleased with my partnership and investment with the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and look forward to our future together. I encourage you to do the same and see how your business and your employees can benefit from the opportunities the Chamber of Commerce has to offer.
— James Murphy,
General Manager, Republic Services
Chairman of the Board 2017/18, 2018/19
CAN I GET A WITNESS?
Wow, what a bargain! Our Kilgore Chamber of Commerce has been tested by fire during this COVID-19 year and they have proven themselves up to the job. Always first to email members with information and updates on the quickly changing mandates; simplifying the instructions for how to file for relief grants and loans; keeping merchants informed with easy-to-understand COVID updates on their website including printable downloads; and first to offer downtown merchants city-funded grants to help us keep the lights on.
Besides all of that, they truly care about our downtown merchants and our city brand as a whole. Very connected and always available. Continually finding new affordable opportunities for us to advertise. Jill McCartney and her team are actively on the job of making downtown Kilgore the place to set up shop. We appreciate y’all, keep up the great work!
— Fred & Vivian Gebhardt,
Kilgore Mercantile & Music
Business with friends!
That’s what you get with help of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. In a small city connecting with people is how business serves well and how business grows. With the support of the Chamber here in Kilgore, connection to others in business and to those just learning about our fabulous city just happens. The monthly gatherings and the promotional efforts to help local businesses meet new clients and customers are a superb return on investment.
At J de Graffenried Dentistry relationships are critical. During the 30 years we have worked with the Chamber, the connections we have made have not only brought us patients, but have also built relationships with local businesses that provide so much of the support we need. And a huge side benefit is the fostering of other community relationships that do so much to make Kilgore the great town that people want to move their families and businesses to.
I always look forward to Chamber events and meetings. I hope I get to see you at one soon.
— Dr. Joey de Graffenried,
DDS Owner,
J de Graffenried Dentistry
and East Texas Implant & Surgical Center
My business, Gabriel/Jordan Buick GMC, has been a member of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce since July 2004. Over the years, I have watched the Chamber transform from an events organizer into a powerful voice and resource for all business in the Kilgore community.
Specifically, the Kilgore Chamber is recognized as a leader in East Texas at building legislative coalitions whose influence reaches deeply into Austin and Washington D.C. The Kilgore Chamber recognizes and cultivates leadership through E4 Leadership Programs, business incubation, and partnership with the nationally recognized Kilgore Economic Development Council. The Kilgore Chamber has worked to create synergies between industry and education in order to shape a future job market. And, the Kilgore Chamber has worked tirelessly to resource CARES Act and PPP information to all local and regional employers. Without this leadership, Kilgore would have lost a substantial number of businesses and jobs.
To say I love the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce would be an understatement. My business, and the City of Kilgore, is a better place because of their efforts.
— Tim Capps,
Managing Partner & President,
Gabriel/Jordan Buick GMC
AEP-SWEPCO and the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce have enjoyed a positive relationship for over 37 years (since I was six days old!) As a regulated company with a defined service territory, it is of utmost importance to SWEPCO that our business environment is robust and attractive to newcomers.
The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce has collaborated with its members and the City of Kilgore to create a business environment where current businesses can flourish and new businesses can thrive. Some of the Chamber’s most important work can be seen in their Advocacy work.
I’ve personally witnessed our Chamber advocate for our businesses in the areas of Education, Transportation, Economic Development and Health with our elected officials locally and from Austin and Washington D.C. We have been most recently impressed with the Chamber’s efforts to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on our members and their businesses.
Well done, Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. Lead on!
— Mark A. Robinson,
External Affairs Manager,
AEP-SWEPCO
2019/20 Chair Elect,
Kilgore Chamber of Commerce
The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce has been supporting our local business community in positive ways for as long as I can remember.
Even before I owned my own insurance agency I was involved and I served on the board for over 12 years helping the Chamber give back to the local business owners. The Chamber offers many services that a business owner can take advantage of and promote events of a local nature while working with the City of Kilgore to bring in new businesses and grow our local economy.
If you have not checked out what the Chamber can do for you, give them a call or go by and find out.
— Brian Bittick,
Agency Owner,
Farmers Insurance
2008 Chairman of the Board
The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce is creative, energetic and loves putting their members in the spotlight! Being a member is NOT just being a number! They learn about your business and offer lots of opportunities to show what makes you special.
If you want a chamber experience where you aren’t forgotten please give them a call :).
— Robert Brown,
Owner of Lennis Design, LLC
Web/Graphic/Print Designer
with 20+ Years of Experience
