Longview Economic Development Corp (LEDCO)

10/22/2026

🌊 Riding the Waves of Opportunity 🌊

Yesterday concluded a great week in San Diego with the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones at their Annual Conference & Exposition (the largest FTZ-related event in the US).

Did you know that there are only 35 foreign trade zones across the state of Texas and one of them is in Longview? This helps eligible businesses navigate international trade and strengthens their global competitiveness. It's one of the many assets we are glad to have as we compete for new international projects.

10/21/2026

Behind every product made in Longview are people with skills and ideas. Our manufacturers provide career opportunities, develop talent and help build a stronger workforce for the future, but oftentimes there are many misconceptions about what a career in manufacturing looks like.

This Manufacturing Month, we’re highlighting what modern manufacturing actually looks like in the workplace:

⚙ Manufacturing careers bring STEM to life by applying science, technology, engineering and math to create real-world products.

⚙ Manufacturing careers include engineering, robotics, welding, logistics and more.

⚙ Manufacturing professionals turn ideas and raw materials into everyday products.

⚙ Many manufacturing careers offer entry paths through apprenticeships and technical training.

⚙ Modern manufacturing combines hands-on skills with advanced technology.

⚙ Teamwork and problem-solving are essential skills in manufacturing careers.

Today’s manufacturing industry is about much more than machines and assembly lines. It’s about people, and we happen to have the best here in Longview.

10/14/2026

🏢 FEATURED PROPERTY: 1740 Callahan Rd

✔ 22,560 SF Office/Warehouse Building on 2.7 Acres with 202’ Frontage on I20 service road.

✔ 2,810 SF Office Space recently renovated including new floors and ceilings

✔ 19,750 SF Warehouse/Production Space includes a paint booth and an explosion testing chamber

✔ Bldg has 1000 amps, 440 Volts, 3 phase electricity served by AEP/SWEPCO

✔ 1 Mile East of Eastman Rd/US Hwy 259

✔ Directly in front of Eastman Chemical Main Entrance

https://longviewusa.giswebtechguru.com/?sorting=featured&showpropertyonmap=true&activebasemap2d=Navigation&mapextent=-10540028.788697053,3824065.9492090973,-10541813.115576133,3822360.44801544&mapzoom=15&PropertyId=2374022110

10/08/2026

October is Manufacturing Appreciation Month and we want to celebrate the manufacturers who invest in our community, create jobs and opportunities for our workforce and contribute to Longview’s $20.024 Billion GDP.

Manufacturing is a major part of what makes Longview’s economy strong and we are so proud of the company partners who choose to make Longview their place to grow and thrive.

10/06/2026

This is huge news for East Texas and Kilgore College! 🎉

Kilgore College is among the first colleges in Texas approved to offer programs eligible for the new Workforce Pell Grant, expanding financial aid opportunities for students pursuing short-term, career-focused training.

Through this approval, eligible KC students can use federal Pell Grant funds for the Electrical Power Lineman, Phlebotomy Technician and Pharmacy Technician programs. This creates another pathway for students to gain in-demand skills and prepare for careers while helping reduce the financial barriers associated with workforce training.

KC President Dr. Staci Martin highlighted the impact of the approval, saying, “By reducing financial barriers to short-term training, Workforce Pell will expand opportunities for our students to pursue rewarding careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce our state's economy depends on.”

Read the full announcement: forth.news/lists/deptofed/CfK5D1y2vzYeCbgt1Mu1i
View KC's Workforce Pell Grant Resource Page: kilgore.edu/workforce-pell-grant-at-kc/

10/02/2026

At our September board meeting, we recognized three outgoing LEDCO board members with plaques honoring their time and service to the Longview Economic Development Corporation.

Their leadership came during a record-breaking year for economic development in Longview, and they were integral parts of the work that helped make that success possible. From supporting business growth and investment to helping shape the future of our community, their time, expertise and commitment made a meaningful impact.

We are grateful for their service to LEDCO and for the role they played in helping cultivate a legacy of economic opportunity in Longview.

09/24/2026

Good food AND a good cause? Yes please.

Tomorrow’s special: The Dolly Plate 💕🦋

Two meats, your choice of one side + a slice of our strawberry cake.

We’ll also have Strawberry Soda Pork Belly on the block 🍓

A portion of every Dolly Plate sold will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, helping put books in the hands of local kids. 📚

We’re celebrating 9 to 5 on 9/25, and you can join us! Donate $1, $25, or anything in between directly to Imagination Library here: https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/?country=US&affid=TXGREGG

Come hungry, do some good, and help us put a few more books on the shelf. 🤠💕

09/23/2026

Two members of our team joined the Longview Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 InterCity Trip to Tennessee’s Tri-Cities region; Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol.

The trip provided an opportunity to learn from another region, explore economic development strategies and strengthen relationships with business and community leaders. One especially valuable stop for LEDCO was Eastman’s headquarters in Kingsport, a company with an important connection to Longview’s business community.

Trips like these give us the chance to bring back new ideas, build relationships and continue learning from communities facing many of the same opportunities and challenges we see here at home.

We’re grateful to the Longview Chamber for creating opportunities like this to connect, learn and grow together.

09/21/2026

Eastman’s presence in Longview dates back to 1949. Today, the site produces over 40 different products used in automobile interiors, food preservatives, cosmetics, toys, paint and personal care items. Eastman currently has around 1,400 employees at its Longview location. The plant is like a small city with its own wastewater treatment plant, landfill, fire department, medical department, cafeteria, park, and nature center (with an observation beehive).

Eastman has continued to be a valued corporate partner for Longview and the surrounding region for nearly eight decades and LEDCO is grateful for the many wonderful things they do for our community.

09/17/2026

Our team was glad to attend Mentoring Alliance’s event in Longview yesterday and celebrate their mission of connecting young people with mentors who can help them thrive.

With one of our own serving on the Mentoring Alliance advisory committee, we’re especially excited to support their work as they continue developing their Longview program.

Investing in young people today helps build the strong, connected community and future workforce that Longview needs for years to come. We’re grateful to partner alongside Mentoring Alliance and wish them continued success as they grow their impact in Longview!