By Joycelyne Fadojutimi/infinitieplusmag.com

Photos by Isaac Wells, Kept By Jesus Productions

The Longview Chamber of Commerce began the year with its Annual Meeting and Banquet, a red-carpet evening that brought together business leaders, community partners, and civic stakeholders to celebrate achievement, leadership, and the Chamber’s 110th anniversary.

The high-profile event featured keynote speaker Travis Fisher of the Cato Institute; a leadership transition, and an awards ceremony recognizing businesses and individuals whose work continues to strengthen the Longview community and regional economy.

Outgoing Chairman Lori Ivey opened the program with welcoming remarks and reflections on the past year before formally passing the gavel to incoming 2026 Chairman Andy Hill. Hill shared his appreciation for the Chamber’s legacy and emphasized collaboration, growth, and community engagement as priorities for the year ahead.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Chamber’s annual awards, honoring excellence across business, manufacturing, service, and volunteer leadership. The 2025 award recipients were:

· Manufacturer of the Year: Energy Weldfab

· Large Business of the Year: Joyce Crane

· Community Impact Award: The Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center

· Chairman’s Award: Michael Clements Jr. and Jack Post

· Reach Team Member of the Year: Kelsey Hopkins

Each honoree was recognized for contributing to economic vitality, workforce development, and community well-being throughout East Texas.

In his keynote address, Fisher spoke about the importance of reliable energy as a foundation for community prosperity and business growth. He emphasized that East Texas industries, particularly manufacturing and energy that rely on consistency and dependability to support jobs, innovation, and long-term investment. His remarks focused on how stability, infrastructure, and thoughtful leadership help communities remain competitive and resilient.

Fisher also highlighted the value of collaboration between business leaders, policymakers, and communities to ensure that economic growth remains sustainable and inclusive. He noted that regions with strong infrastructure and cooperative leadership are better positioned to weather challenges and seize new opportunities.

The evening concluded with a celebration of the Chamber’s 110-year history, recognizing its longstanding role as a champion for business, a connector of community partners, and a driver of regional progress. Attendees reflected on the Chamber’s legacy while looking ahead to continued growth, innovation, and shared success in the years to come.

The Annual Meeting and Banquet reaffirmed the Longview Chamber’s mission to support local business, strengthen community ties, and lead with vision, honoring the past while building momentum for the future.

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