Emcee Script
6:50pm
[Tammy turns off sponsor feed and goes to main screen.]
Floyd:
Good evening, ladies and gentleman and distinguished
guests. I am Floyd Mitchell, your evening’s emcee.
Tonight we are here to celebrate the Longview
Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet by honoring
outstanding organizations and leaders who are making
a difference. Our theme is “Unmask the Possibilities.”
Each of us has the ability to do just that, and you will
hear this theme continued throughout the evening. It is
with great pleasure that tonight we honor those who are
making a difference for the future of Longview.
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Floyd:
First, I’d like to ask Dr. Dale Lunsford, President of
LeTourneau University, to come forward and offer
tonight’s invocation.
Floyd:
Welcome Dr. Lunsford.
6:54pm
[Floyd moves back as Dr. Lunsford approaches the podium and
gives the Invocation. At the conclusion of the Invocation, Floyd
returns to the podium.]
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6:58pm
Floyd:
Thank you, Dr. Lunsford, for blessing tonight’s event.
At this time, I would like to recognize this evening’s
sponsors. Please join me in thanking our presenting
sponsor, Citizens National Bank. [APPLAUSE] I
would also like to thank our supporting sponsors, Henry
and Peters, PC and US Steel Tubular Products Lone
Star Tubular Operations. [APPLAUSE] Tonight’s
Prime Time Reception sponsor was Turn-Tex Machine
and Tool. Beverages for the reception were provided
by Coors of Longview, Harley’s, and R&K Distributors.
Thank you all very much! [APPLAUSE] We truly
appreciate all of your support of this event and what it
has done to make this evening possible.
Floyd:
Now, I’d like to introduce the dignitaries joining us
tonight! Please stand as I introduce you and if all of
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you would allow me to introduce everyone before we
welcome them with a warm round of applause.
Representing the office of United States Senator John
Cornyn, Louellen (Lu-ellen) Lowe;
Representing the office of United States Representative
Louie Gohmert, Jonna Fitzgerald;
Representing the office of Texas State Senator Kevin
Eltife, Dee Farmer
Our Texas State Representative, David Simpson
Floyd:
12th Court of Appeals Chief Justice Jim Worthen
Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt
Gregg County Court at Law #1 Judge Becky Simpson
Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano ('SIR-lee-'AH-no)
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Floyd:
and Longview City Council members:
Wayne Frost
Gary Smith and
Kasha Williams
Thank you to all our special guests for joining us this
evening.
[APPLAUSE]
Floyd:
I’d like to take quick a moment to mention that the City
of Longview is currently creating the Longview
Comprehensive Plan. Your input is needed to help
create our City’s roadmap for the future. Please share
your input at LongviewTexas.gov/plan. You can also
take part in the Comprehensive Plan Community Event
on Monday, February 10, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the
LeTourneau University Belcher Center. Get involved
and help shape your community!
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Floyd:
I hope everyone is enjoying your dinner this evening!
Help me give special thanks to Gerald Rodriguez and
his team with Tyler Street Bistro.
[APPLAUSE]
Floyd:
Finally, on behalf of everyone here, I’d like to thank the
people behind the scenes that help make it all come
together, the Longview Chamber of Commerce staff.
Staff members, as your names are called, please stand
and be recognized. Again, ladies and gentlemen,
please hold your applause until all names have been
called.
Floyd:
Kelly Hall, President/CEO
Paul Anderson, Senior Vice-President,
Communications Director
Elaine Reynolds, Vice-President of Special Event
Operations
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Leska (Less-kuh) Parker, Director of Development
Chelle (Shelly) Brown, Director of Entrepreneurship and
Advocacy
Mary Whitton, Community Development Director
Diana Northcutt, Retail Development Coordinator
Missy Saunders, Business Development & Special
Events Director
Lisa Null, Membership Services Coordinator
Kayla Cantey, Convention Meetings & Main Street
Manager
Margie Harris, Tourism Services Manager
and Carrie Fisher, Director of First Impressions
Thank you all for your hard work!
[APPLAUSE]
Floyd:
And now, please help me welcome your 2013
Chairman of the Board, Brad Tidwell!
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[Floyd returns to his seat as Brad approaches the lectern.]
7:03pm
Brad:
Thank you so much, Floyd. We’re so happy to have
you with us tonight! Let’s give Floyd a round of
applause for the great job he’s done so far.
[APPLAUSE]
[Brad segue ways into Chairman’s Remarks].
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2013 CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
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7:10pm
Floyd:
Thank you, Brad, for sharing with us the many
accomplishments of the Longview Chamber of
Commerce during your term. What a great year for the
chamber! Your dedicated service is to be praised.
Let’s give him another round of applause for leading the
chamber in such a successful year.
[APPLAUSE]
Floyd:
Now I have the pleasure of introducing our keynote
speaker.
Gary Hoover began his entrepreneurial journey at a
young age. He began subscribing to Fortune Magazine
at the age of 12, and he has acquired most of the
issues back to 1930. He also began keeping a list of
ideas for new businesses. At the age of 30, he took the
plunge with one of his ideas and launched book
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superstore BOOKSTOP, which helped change the
nature of book shopping in America. After selling the
business to Barnes and Noble for $41.5 million, he
began the company that became Hoover’s, the world’s
largest Internet-based provider of information about
enterprises. Over the years, he has continued to add
new ideas to his list of business ideas, now numbering
over 200.
In September 2012, Gary was appointed the first
Entrepreneur in Residence at the School of Information
at the University of Texas. The diverse graduate school
focuses on information and society, and is ranked
among the top ten in the US. Now, you’ll find Gary at
home in Austin, Texas with his 55,000 book library.
Please help me welcome Gary Hoover!
[Floyd returns to his seat.]
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7:15pm
[Gary begins keynote address]
7:50pm
[Floyd approaches the podium after Gary’s address.]
[Tammy gets ready for AAON video.]
Floyd:
Wow, Gary, thank you for helping us all realize how
many possibilities we have! Gary told me earlier that
he usually allows time for questions, but due to the
magnitude of this event, the logistics were a little
difficult. So, Gary has agreed to stay after the program
and answer your questions near the stage area. Gary,
thank you again for being here!
[APPLAUSE]
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Floyd:
Now, I think it’s time we present some awards!
Tonight’s awards will be given to businesses and
individuals who stood out among their peers in 2013.
Brad, would you please make your way to the stage so
that our award winners can meet you on stage?
[Brad comes on stage.]
At this time, I’d like to ask you to turn your attention to
the screen as we honor the Manufacturer of the Year.
7:55pm
[Tammy plays video as Leska directs AAON to stage.]
[In case of technical difficulty, the script for AAON is found on the
next page.]
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AAON Script
AAON designs, manufactures and sells standard and semicustom heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment for
commercial and residential applications. The business model of
AAON focuses on total owner value by offering an increasing
breadth of customizable products, with attention to quality, energy
efficiency, serviceability, life expectancy, and environmental
issues. By combining the flexibility of more expensive custom
equipment with the manufacturing efficiency of mass production,
AAON customers receive a premium product that meets their
application’s needs at a reasonable price. This business model
has allowed AAON to steadily grow since the company was
founded 25 years ago.
AAON, Inc. is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma and AAON Coil
Products, Inc., a subsidiary of AAON, Inc., is located in Longview,
Texas. In 1991, AAON acquired the assets of Coils Plus, Inc. of
Longview,
Texas
to
form
AAON
Coil
Products,
which
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manufactures the heating and cooling coils for all of AAON. Coils
Plus had been founded in 1984 to design and make new and
replacement coils for the HVAC industry. The heat exchanger
manufacturing expertise AAON Coil Products has gained over the
years has lead AAON equipment to be the most energy efficient
in the industry.
Today, AAON Coil Products has expanded to both HVAC coil and
HVAC equipment manufacturing. A complete line of HVAC
systems
including
condensing
units,
air
handling
units,
geothermal heat pumps, chillers, and modular air handling units,
are now manufactured in Longview under the AAON brand. This
year the SB Series geothermal heat pump, built at the Longview
facility, was voted 2013 Product of the Year, by the readers of
Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine.
Over the last 22 years, AAON Coil Products has grown from a
49,000 sq. ft. leased facility to an over 260,000 sq. ft. 100%- 15 -
AAON-owned facility. Also, in 1991 there were 117 total
employees at AAON Coil Products. Today, there are over 300
employees and AAON Coil Products is a top 15 employer for the
city of Longview.
In 2013, AAON Coil Products partnered with the Longview
Economic Development Corporation in the implementation of
WorkKeys in the hiring process. The ACT WorkKeys is a job skills
assessment system that helps AAON select, hire, train, develop,
and retain a high-performance workforce. This has allowed AAON
to hire the right employees and place them in positions in which
they can succeed.
AAON Coil Products would like to thank the Longview Chamber of
Commerce for nominating the company for this award. This is just
the beginning of a powerful partnership that will lead to company
growth, a more developed and expanded AAON workforce, and
sustained economic prosperity in our East Texas community.
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[Video over. APPLAUSE while photo is being taken on stage.]
7:57pm
Floyd:
Congratulations AAON Coil Products! Now, please
direct your attention to the screen to learn more about
the Large Business of the Year.
[Tammy plays WARFAB video as Leska directs them to the
stage.]
Warfab is an innovative company driven by their focus of safely
delivering superior service and products that will help customers
better manage their business. Warfab strives to develop longlasting customer relationships and business alliances forged from
integrity and their endless focus on safety, quality, and service.
Warfab is a ISO 9001:2008 certified company providing complete
maintenance, repair, fabrication, and installation services
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worldwide for the coal, oil and gas, power generation, forging
press, and heavy industrial sectors.
Warfab has a long history of providing best-in-class dragline
components and upgrades worldwide. Their long history of
proven techniques in re-building and repairing draglines sets them
apart.
With advanced precision welding services and large capacity
CNC machining capabilities, they can efficiently handle your
manufacturing needs. Their facilities are also ABS certified to
meet your offshore needs.
Warfab also supports the forging and press industry. They are
experienced in small repairs to complete rebuilds. They provide
an experienced workforce with everything needed for a complete
onsite repair.
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Warfab employs highly-skilled, specialized welders. their craft
personnel produce some of the lowest weld rejection rates in the
industry. They maintain National Board “R” and ASME “U”
stamps. They will exceed your requirements on high-pressure
piping or vessel repair, in their shop or at your location.
In addition to design and development, their team also provides
stress analysis and finite element analysis services.
As they continue to expand to meet their customer’s needs, they
will never lose sight of their commitment to safely provide
exceptional service and value every day.
[Video over. APPLAUSE while photo is being taken on stage.]
Floyd:
Congratulations WARFAB!
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8:00 pm
Floyd:
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to present the
next award, the Ambassador of the Year!
The Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors is a group of
professionals who give of their time and resources to see that
businesses succeed. They greet you at events, mentor new
businesses, and celebrate with you at ribbon cuttings. They are
the most recognizable faces to the membership and to the
general public as well.
Through-out the year the Chamber Ambassadors must meet a
rigorous set of guidelines to maintain their active membership in
the program.
Because of their dedication and service, the
Ambassadors are a vital link between the members and the staff
of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
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At this time, I would like to ask all active Ambassadors present
tonight to stand. Let’s give them, as well as the companies they
represent, a round of applause.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you all for being so dedicated to the Longview Chamber of
Commerce and the membership we represent. You may be
seated.
Through-out the year, Ambassadors accumulate points for
various activities including volunteering their time, attending
Chamber events and providing leads on prospective Chamber
members. Each month we honor the top performing Ambassador
for their service. At the conclusion of the year, we recognize and
celebrate the Top Producer of the Year.
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Our recipient this year gives consistently of his time and
resources to the Longview Chamber of Commerce membership.
He has emerged as a leader, and the Longview Chamber should
be proud to have such a great volunteer representing the
organization. This year, please join me in congratulating the
2013 Ambassador of the Year Award, Mr. Chapin Miller with
Citizens National Bank.
[Chapin has photo on stage]
[APPLAUSE]
8:03pm
Floyd:
At this time, I’d like to ask Brad to join me. On behalf of
the board of directors, and the membership at large, I’d
like to take this time to thank you for your service as
Chairman of the Board this year. You continue to help
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us drive the organization forward, and we appreciate all
of your efforts.
[Take plaque beneath lectern and present to Brad.]
[APPLAUSE]
Floyd:
Now, as your last official duty, would you be so kind as
to introduce the new leadership for 2014?
[Floyd steps back.]
[Tammy prepares Anne’s video.]
Brad:
Thank you all very much again for a great year! It is
with great honor I introduce your 2014 Board of
Directors. Please stand as I call your name. I ask that
all applause be held until the entire board has been
acknowledged.
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First, the officers on the executive committee are:
Chairman, Jeremy DuMond,
US Steel Tubular Products Inc
Chairman-Elect, Ken Cunningham,
Good Shepherd Medical Center
Vice Chairman of Finance, Roy Eon,
Texas Bank and Trust
Vice Chairman Brett Lindig,
Sysco Food Services of East Texas
Vice Chairman Dr. Dale Lunsford,
LeTourneau University
Vice Chairman, Keith Honey, AEP SWEPCO
and President/CEO, Kelly Hall
The directors joining us on the board are:
James Barron with Barron’s
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Jill Bayless, Longview Regional Medical Center
Kara Bolster, Stemco
Pat Britton, Eastman Chemical Company
David Hayes, Hayes RV Center
John Ray, Lively Cadillac GMC
Tim Vaughn, TVaughn Builders LLC
Darwin Winfield, Atmos Energy
and
Lester Lucy, BancorpSouth
[APPLAUSE]
8:05pm
Brad:
Thank you, again, for your commitment!
Brad:
Now it’s time to present the final award of the evening.
Please turn your attention to the monitor.
[Tammy plays video. Script will be inserted at event in case of AV
trouble]
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[Floyd makes his way to the stage on the side of the podium to
come up after Anne’s remarks.]
[Video ends]
Brad:
Anne, will you please join me on the stage to accept
this award?
[Anne comes to stage for photo and makes remarks.]
[After remarks, Brad escorts Anne off the stage and returns to his
table.]
8:20pm
[Floyd approaches the lectern for final remarks and adjournment.]
Floyd:
Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners! Many thanks
to our keynote speaker, Gary Hoover. Please
remember, he will be near the stage to answer your
questions after we conclude.
Once again, we’d like to thank tonight’s sponsors,
Citizens National Bank, Henry and Peters PC, US Steel
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Tubular Products Lone Star Tubular Operations, TurnTex Machine and Tool, Coors of Longview, Harley’s
and R&K Distributors.
To outgoing board members, thank you for your
service. And to those serving in 2014, best wishes.
Floyd:
To the Longview Chamber staff, thank you for hosting
another great Annual Banquet.
Finally, thank you for having me as your emcee this
year. I hope you enjoyed the evening as much as I
have. Thank you all for coming out this evening. Have
a great night and drive safely.
[Tammy to run sponsor feed on front screen.]
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