longview progress report
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Business MagazineTRANSCRIPT
Longview CVB Partners with TripAdvisorRESTORING THE BALANCE AND
SECURING COMMON SENSE
REGULATIONS 3
CVB LAUNCHES ONLINE STORE 4
EMBRACE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN 5
EAST TEXAS OUTDOOR EXPO
BRINGS THOUSANDS TO TOWN 6
FINAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
TO PRESENT ECONOMICS 7
LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW
HOSTS FALL EVENT 10
THE BUZZ ON RETAIL
DEVELOPMENT 11
CHAMBER OFFERS CONNECT
TO SUCCESS EVENTS 12
FEATURED AMBASSADORS 14
Departments
RIBBON-CUTTINGS 8
ANNIVERSARIES 9
NEW MEMBERS 9
CALENDAR 15
Don’t Miss…
Also in this issue…
Leadership Longview visits EnochStomp, p. 10
Longview Progress Report is published by:
410 N. Center Street / Longview, TX 75601903-237-4000 / www.longviewtx.com
November/December 2011 Vol. 5 Issue 6
Chamber of Commerce J Convention and Visitors Bureau J Downtown Development
TripAdvisor is one of the most usedtravel information websites in the
world. This is what TripAdvisor says abouttheir traffic and site:“With more than 40million uniquemonthly viewers andmore than 50 millionreviews and opinionson site, TripAdvisorhas officially becomethe single largesttravel website in theworld.”
Longview has justbecome partners withTripAdvisor. The oncegeneric “VisitingLongview, Texas”page on TripAdvisoris now sponsored bythe LongviewChamber ofCommerceConvention and Visitors Bureau. Thissponsorship provides six key advantagesand opportunities to advise travelers on therewards of visiting Longview.
• Photos and Videos submitted by theLongview Convention and Visitors Bureauwill always be in the first 12 spaces of theheadline photo frame. Visitors browsingthese photos will see 10 photos and canview two videos about Longview.
• Longview CVB website, email anddownload of Longview’s Visitors Guide arein the prime location – upper right corner.
• Two banneradvertisements willpromote the eventsand our Real EastTexas Experience.
- Currently the EastTexas Outdoor EXPOis being promoted inthe banner on theright side,
- and an animatedvertical bannershows the beauty ofLongview and ourregion on the leftside.
• Five events willbe displayed withthumbnail photos.The events will rolloff once the event is
over and new events will appear. • Value and Promotion Links will appear
under the map. These five links can bechanged whenever needed.Any of the six features on the TripAdvisorpage for “Visiting Longview, Texas” can bechanged by the staff of the Longview CVB.
Take a trip to TripAdvisor and see thenew presentation of Longview, Texas.
novdec11 10/28/11 1:01 PM Page 1
Restoring the Balance and SecuringCommon Sense Regulations
BOARD OFDIRECTORS
Richard AndrewsLEDCO Past Chairman
Edward BanosGood Shepherd Health System
Shane BestTexas Bank & Trust
Cathy CaceJohnny Cace’s
Seafood & Steak House
Jon CoxSTEMCO
Keith HoneyAEP Southwestern Electric
Power Company
Anne HugmanHugman Architecture &
Construction
Jim KendrickLongview Regional
Medical Center
Dr. Dale LunsfordLeTourneau University
David McWhorterGans & Smith Insurance
Agency Inc.
Darrell RachelsEastman Chemical Company,
Texas Operations
John RayLively Cadillac-GMC Car Co.
Dave SpurrierWells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Dianne SwankSuzanne Cook & Company
Tim VaughnTVaughn Properties, LLC
APPOINTEDDIRECTORS
Jay DeanCity of Longview
Judge Bill StoudtGregg County
Shelby SnellOleum Operating Co., LLC
www.longviewtx.com
From the President
The Longview Progress Report 3
Heightened concerns of a double diprecession was the topic at a recent US
Chamber of Commerce conferenceattended by Advocacy co-chair and boardmember Tim Vaughn and ChamberPresident Kelly Hall. Strong messages weredelivered by presenters challenging localchambers to educate and engage businessleaders tocommunicate withelected officials thatit is time to “WakeUp Washington.”
As many of usknow, a risk whenattending advocacyconferences is theongoing rhetoric,but not this year.Speakers such asAndy Card Jr.,former WhiteHouse Chief ofStaff, set the toneby leading one ofthe discussions with “we actually likerules, but we need a significant debateabout what common sense regulationsmeans to business and our economy.” Thediscussion continued with a robustdialogue on why and how Chambers ofCommerce and our members can helppoliticians and bureaucrats gain a betterunderstanding of how the rules they passand/or considering to pass stiflescreativity, innovation and entrepreneurism.Card looked at the audience and asked“where is the leadership?” He was notreferring to elected officials. He was askingChamber professionals and key leaders,“Will we enable floundering politicalignorance or will we demonstrate change?”
IT’S TIME FOR ACTION:We need your help (our members) to
understand the consequences ofregulations in practice rather than theoryso we can better inform our electedofficials with these examples. The role of
the Chamber is to help our electedofficials understand the unintendedconsequences before it becomes amandate. We also want you to share withus the impact of current regulations andhow it impedes your ability to sustainand grow your business. Using yourexamples allows us to help our elected
officialsunderstand bothsides of an issue.Help us arm ourelected officials tohelp us bringreformation andbalance back tothe regulatoryprocess. Exampleshelp us explainthe hard COST ofcompliance theseregulations placeon businesses,plus, it will enableus to look forward
at the regulations in the pipeline to seehow they could impact jobs, investments,and growth. It is YOU the businesscommunity who still have peripheralvision to understand the consequences ofregulatory agency’s actions on jobretention and expansion.
As the Voice of Business we have anobligation to help our elected officialsmake, revise and/or remove regulationswhich creates a strong economic climate.We also have an obligation to encourageelected to have the political courage tostop job killing regulations and let theeconomy grow. It is the Chamberresponsibility to promote a commonsense approach that enhances oureconomic environment that allowsbusiness to invest and hire.
(If you would like to submit an example ofhow an existing or proposed regulationimpacts your business please [email protected] or contact Kelly at903.237.4004)
Tim Vaughn – Business Advocacy Co-chair visitswith Andrew H. Card Jr., Acting Dean of The BushSchool of Government and Public Service andFormer White House Chief of Staff
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 3
The Chairman’s Club
STAFFKelly HallPresident
Paul AndersonSr. Vice President
Elaine ReynoldsVP Downtown Development
Leska ParkerChief Operating Officer
Mary WhittonCommunity Development
Director903-237-4003
Mitzi BarnesConvention Sales & Services
Coordinator Executive Director
East Texas Outdoor EXPO903-237-4021
Diana NorthcuttCommunity Development
Coordinator903-237-4029
Lisa NullMembership Services Clerk
Kim DroegeExecutive Director
Keep Longview Beautiful903-212-4552
Margie HarrisTourism Services Manager
Carrie FisherDirector of First Impressions
www.longviewtx.com
Strengthening a Strong Economy
4 November/December
Platinum
Silver
Gold
The Longview Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau has announcedthe launching of its “Longview Stuff” on-line store. The store has t-shirts and caps;tumblers and wine glasses; folios and clips; playing cards and post cards, just to name afew of the items available.
The easiest way to become familiar with what is available is to go to the on-line storeand SHOP! Each item has the Longview logo on it. These items are excellent gifts forfriends, members of the family, or business associates. The store Internet address ishttp://Shop.VisitLongviewTexas.com. Do notuse the traditional 3W when entering theaddress. If you live in Longview, you mightwant to save postage by picking up yourpurchased items at the Longview Chamber ofCommerce. Otherwise the LCVB staff will behappy to ship it to you for the cost of postage.
Save the DateAlleyFest - May 11-13, 2012
CVB Launches Online Store
novdec11 10/28/11 1:02 PM Page 4
Promoting the Community
www.longviewtx.com The Longview Progress Report 5
Embrace the Holiday Spirit … Discover Downtown
Gather up friends and family and head to DowntownLongview for the Christmas Parade,
Thursday, Dec. 1. The official lighting of the Gregg CountyCourthouse is at 6:15 pm and the parade starts at 6:30 pm.Thanks to the dedication of Longview AMBUCS for doingsuch a great job getting the line up complete and workingto get everyone lined up on parade night!
Christmas at the Courthouse plans have been in fullswing since the snow melted on the Gregg CountyCourthouse lawn last December! Our 2011 holiday seasonis quickly coming together with plans for a thrillingparade, two snow hills, entertaining children’s activities,movies on the courthouse lawn, Mrs. Claus, and Santa ofcourse. Holiday Downtown Market and ArtWalk will alsooccur on December 2.
Come on downtown and enjoy Christmas at theCourthouse on Friday and Saturdays, Dec. 2 and 3 andDec. 9 and 10. Times of this free family fun event will be 6p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Don’t miss the holiday fun!
Thursday, Dec. 16:15 p.m. - Light up the Gregg
County Courthouse6:30 p.m. - Parade begins
Friday, Dec. 25:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - ArtWalk
Longview and HolidayDowntown Market
Friday and SaturdayDec.2 and 3
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm - Family and Children’s activities
Friday and SaturdayDec. 9 and 10
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm - Family and Children’s activities
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 5
East Texas Outdoor EXPO Brings Thousands to Longview
www.longviewtx.com
Promoting the Community
6 November/December
It’s an East Texas Outdoor tradition that continues tosupport Longview’s economy. The 30th Annual East
Texas Outdoor EXPO will get underway January 27-29,2012. More than 40 vendors will display 150 boats, 100RV/travel trailers, and ATVs and motorcycles during theweekend at Maude Cobb Activity Center and Exhibit Hall.You can stock up on the latest innovations in campinggear, invest in a relaxing spa, and find out how to financesome of those big ticket items you’ve been dreaming of.
The EXPO is fun for the entire family. There will beclowns and the Royal White Tigers. For the little anglers,they won’t want to miss the KIDFISH tank. The KIDFISHfoundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated toeducating young anglers about the environment,conservation of our natural resources, and simply helpingto make memories for families to enjoy a lifetime.
With an estimated attendance at nearly 10,000 people, itcomes as no surprise this EXPO is the largest boat andtravel EXPO east of I-35. That’s quite a change from where
it started back in 1982. At that time, exhibits were mostlyfrom the dealers’ right here in our own back yard. Today
vendors from all over thestate travel to the heart ofthe Texas Lake Countryevery year. They knowEast Texans will alwaysenjoy and support thisEXPO, after all, it’stradition.
Doors open Friday at noon-8 p.m. Saturday you cancatch the action from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday the funcontinues from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. An adult pass is just $6.Children ages 6 – 12 are $2, and kids 5 and under areFREE. Admission is good in both the Activity Center andthe Exhibit Hall. A shuttle bus is provided by Tri CityCharter take attendees to both buildings. Visitwww.easttexasoutdoorexpo.com for more information orcall Mitzi Barnes at 903-237-4021.
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 6
survey and demographic studies, economic research andinformation, and feasibility studies and business plans, aswell as speeches, presentations, conferences, andassistance with capital acquisitions and transactions. Dr.Perryman will analyze all aspects of our national, state,regional and local economies.
In addition to Dr. Perryman’s presentation, the eventwill showcase members of our Perspectives Panel: KellyHall, President/CEO. Longview Chamber of Commerce;Chuck Ewings, Assistant City Manager, and SusanMazarakes-Gill, Executive Director, Longview EconomicDevelopment Corporation. These community professionalswill address the roles their organizations play in the areaof local economic development and the impact on ourcommunity.
Individual tickets are $25 for members and $40 fornonmembers. Company table sponsorships are $300 formembers and $400 for nonmembers. Call the chamberoffice today at 903.237.4000 or register online atwww.longviewchamber.com.
www.longviewtx.com The Longview Progress Report 7
Strengthening the Local Economy
The final Membership luncheon of 2011 will feature Dr.Ray Perryman, President and CEO of The Perryman
Group. Presented bySouthside Bank, this year’sluncheon will be December 8from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. atPinecrest Country Club. For more than 15 years, ThePerryman Group has met thechallenges of thousands ofclients through a systematicapproach and a level ofperformance that assures aconsistent standard ofexcellence.
TPG's practice areas include economic modeling andforecasting, litigation and regulatory support, businessvaluation, economic development and strategic planning,and impact assessment. The firm also provides marketand industry analysis, statistical modeling and analysis,
Final Membership Luncheon Presents Lessons in Economics
Chuck Ewings Kelly Hall Susan Mazarakes-Gill
Dr. Ray Perryman
PERSPECTIVES
PANEL
PERSPECTIVES
PANELPresented By:
novdec11 10/28/11 1:02 PM Page 7
www.longviewtx.com8 November/December
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings
Audubon Behavioral Health is located at613 Clinic Drive. Call 318-797-6785.
Big Dave’s BAR-B-Q is located at 2407Judson Road. Call 903-663-3227.
Big O Burger is located at 2718 GilmerRoad. Call 903-297-3338.
Audubon Behavioral Health Big Dave’s Bar-B-Q Big ‘O’ Burger
Builders Carpet and Design Center islocated at 3052 N. Eastman Road, Ste.104. Call 972-540-6600.
Builders Carpet & Design
Fleur Décor’ is located at 121 E. Tyler St.Call 903-232-2295.
Fleur DécorGraystone Haunted Manor is located at13481 FM 968 W. Call 903-918-3889.
Graystone Haunted Manor
Pat’s Diner is located at 2900 Tuttle Blvd.Call 903-663-1154.
Pat’s DinerState Representative David Simpson islocated at 1705 Judson Road, Ste D2. Call 903-553-9226.
DAVID SIMPSON
Texas Spine and Joint Hospital is locatedat 725 N. Fourth St. Call 903-525-7002.
Texas Spine & Joint
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 8
www.longviewtx.com The Longview Progress Report 9
Promoting the Community
Allegiance Home HealthServices, LLCDarrell Sheridan112 E Line Street Ste 20Tyler, TX 75702(903) 593-1737
American Home PatientSherri Fluellen2920 TuttleLongview, TX 75605(903) 663-3020
Best Western Regency Inn &SuitesErika Bauer707 North Access RdLongview, TX 75602(903) 212-3333
Big O BurgerOmar Rumsey II2718 Gilmer RoadLongview, TX 75604(903) 297-3338
November ‘11 - 1 YEARAmerican General Finance
Services
Austin Bank Texas NA – Pine
Tree Branch
Auto Pronto
Cilantro’s
Jordan Health Services
Pro-Lube Distributing
Timeless Additions
Window World of NE TX
Builders Carpet and DesignCenterMonty Goodwyn3100 Alma RoadMcKinney, TX 75070(972) 540-6600
Care First Medical CenterLongviewMiguel Milan101 W Hawkins Pkwy Ste 7Longview, TX 75605(903) 343-8355
Charles N. RichardsonEnterprise, Inc.Rocky RichardsonP.O. Box 1358Kilgore, TX 75662(903) 984-6231
David Simpson StateRepresentativeDavid Simpson1705 Judson Road Ste D2Longview, TX 75601(903) 553-9226
Anniversaries
New Members
November ‘11 - 5 YEARSCitifinancial
REMAX First Choirce
RHW Metals Inc
November ‘11 - 10 YEARSSummer Brook Apartments
Watkins Insurance Group
Yahama Sports Center
November ‘11 - 15 YEARSWellness Pointe
December ‘11 - 5 YEARSCartridge World
Inhouse Associates
December ‘11 - 25 YEARSPegues-Hurst Motor Company
Texas Bank and Trust – Pine
Tree
December ‘11 - 30 YEARSSummit Club
Wal-Mart #399
December ‘11 - 35 YEARSOakland Heights Baptist
Church
December ‘11 - 40 YEARSTalley Oil Company
Fleur DécorEmily Thomas121 E. Tyler StreetLongview, TX 75601(903) 232-2295
Knowledge Nook The ToyPlacePaul Allegrezza114-A Johnston Longview, TX 75601(903) 753-8741
Longview VaultBrandon Adams2350 W. Marshall Ave.Longview, TX 75604(903) 669-1884
J LeGrande Northcutt408 N. Fredonia Ste. 101Longview, TX 75601-6466(903) 757-5021
Remedy Intelligent StaffingJohn Harper2700 Gilmer Road, Ste 3Longview, TX 75604(903) 295-3702
Sittin’ PrettyCrystal Bowles1825 WellingtonLongview, TX 75605(903) 663-7629
Stream Flo U.S.A. LLCDorothy McGuire701A Glencrest LaneLongview, TX 75601(903) 234-1880
Texas Spine and Joint ClinicDru Crenshaw1814 Roseland Blvd.Tyler, TX 75701(903) 525-7002
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 9
10 November/December www.longviewtx.com
Developing Community Leaders
Wayfinding encompasses all of theways in which people orient
themselves in physical space andnavigate from place to place. By January1, 2012 our residents and visitors inLongview will be able to enjoy our Phase
Chamber, City Partner for Wayfinding Signage
Leadership Longview Hosts Fall Event
The Leadership Longview Alumni Network hosted afall event on October 22 at Enoch’s Stomp. Fall was in
the air as attendees enjoyed the beautiful surroundings ofthe winery. The event included dinner by Perfect Catering,a silent auction which included original artwork by SpringHill ISD art teacher, Bud Dunn, and the creativecaricatures of Cory Carlson. The silent auction was a hugesuccess with the Class of 2003 being recognized with theannual Spirit Stick by raising the most money during thesilent auction.
Graduates of the Leadership Longview program whoare not alumni members may join for only $75.00 per year.The 2012 upcoming programs include a Lunch and Learnin February, Leadercast in May and monthly luncheonsand networking opportunities. To learn more about howyou can become a member, contact Mary Whitton at903.237.4003 or [email protected].
I Wayfinding signage. Working as acollaborative group, including the City ofLongview Public Works, LongviewConvention & Visitors Bureau, OneHundred Acres of Heritage Main Streetand some dedicated volunteers; this longawaited project is going to be completed.
Top right: Attendees at theOctober Leadership LongviewAlumni Network event posefor a photo.
Right: Leadership Longviewalumni and guests enjoy theevening at Enoch’s Stomp onOctober 22.
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 10
The Longview Progress Report 11www.longviewtx.com
Strengthening our Local Economy
The BUZZ on Retail Development
Commercial/Retail Development can bedefined as a concerted effort of a
organization topromote theeconomic health in acommunity.When we promotecommercial/retaildevelopment, we areenhancing the overallbusiness climate tomake Longview amore advantageoussite for business
development. The Longview Chamber of Commerce
maintains a database with retail and padsites and provides retail studies and
CheeBurger CheeBurger“I joined the Chamber because it is a greatopportunity to be part of the community.”
If you are looking for a great fund-raiser,contact CheeBurger CheeBurger. Theywill donate 15% of sales to your cause.Call 903-663-8600 for more information.
Redneck Rockstar Boutique“The Chamber gives me the opportunityto get the scoop on all the events that aregoing on. It’s also a great way tonetwork!”
If you are looking for something unique,try Redneck Rockstar Boutique.
research for anyone who is interested ininvesting in Longview.
Retail growth is a foundational part ofour local economy and it cannot beneglected. Communities that do notaggressively market their local retailpotential are simply passed over.Marketing communities is one of the mostcompetitive aspects of economicdevelopment.
The Longview Chamber of Commercelooks forward to promoting Longview atthe ICSC trade shows in San Antonio andLas Vegas.
If you have any suggestions as to whatretailers you would like to see come toLongview, please contact me at 903-237-4029or e-mail: [email protected].
WHAT IS COMMERCIAL/RETAIL DEVELOPMENT?
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING …
What Businesses DoYOU Want to See in
Longview?
Tell us today at:www.websurveymaster.com/s/
Longview Chamber
Follow us on:Facebook
To feature a story inThe Buzz, contact:
Diana NorthcuttCommunity Development
Coordinator
Longview Chamberof Commerce
410 N. Center St.Longview, TX 75601
Tel: [email protected]
Diana NorthcuttCommunity
DevelopmentCoordinator
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 11
www.longviewtx.com
Providing Networking Opportunities
12 November/December
8 8
Chamber Offers ‘Connect to Success’ Events
TAre you a new member to the Chamber or have youbeen a member for a while but want to stay up-to-date
on the programs, events, products and services that yourchamber offers? The Longview Chamber of Commercewill be hosting several networking opportunities duringthe months of November and December.
Member2Member will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, from11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the chamber office.Member2Member is the one meeting that you don’t wantto miss. It is a great opportunity to market your businessto meeting attendees as well as learn about your chamberand the opportunities we can offer your business.
There is no charge for new members. A small fee of $10is the only charge for seasoned members. Reservations arerequired so contact the Chamber office at 903-237-4000 toregister today!
The final two Business Development Workshops for 2011are scheduled for November 16 and December 13. In
November the chamber will be presenting the seminar,Customer Service Training – Are you Delivering the WOWFactor? In this workshop attendees will learn 20 concreteways for employees to make emotional connections withtheir customers. Attendees will walk away from thisworkshop with realistic ideas for improving the customerexperience and the inspiration to try to commit toWOWing your customers at every touch point.
The December Business Development workshop onDecember 13 is 7 Social Media Mistakes Your CompanyMust Avoid (as you monitor and engage consumers insocial networking communications. This workshop is forevery business who is engaged in social media. A mustattend workshop!
Registration for both workshops is $25 for members and$50 for nonmembers which includes workshop materialsand lunch. Online registration is available atwww.longviewchamber.com or call the chamber office at237.4003 today!
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 12
www.longviewtx.com14 November/December
Developing Community Leaders
Chamber Names Ambassadors of the MonthName: Dianne MartinEmployer: Drug andAlcohol TestingCompliance ServicesPosition: Sales/MarketingHow long have you beenan Ambassador? 3 monthsWhat do you enjoy mostabout being anAmbassador? Getting tomeet all the new members.It is a great networkingtool.How has being anAmbassador helped yourbusiness? It seems to be anideal way to meet all the
human resource andmanagement professionals.I have gained severalbusinesses that are nowdoing testing with us.
Name: Jennifer BarnettEmployer: CitizensNational BankPosition: Financial ServicesRepresentativeHow long have you beenan Ambassador? 3 monthsWhat do you enjoy mostabout being anAmbassador? I enjoynetworking within ourcommunity and buildingboth business and personalrelationships.How has being anAmbassador helped yourbusiness? It has provided
opportunities to getCitizens’ name out into thecommunity as well as theproducts and services wehave to offer as acommunity bank.
Jennifer Barnett Dianne Martin
novdec11 10/26/11 4:57 PM Page 14
November4 10:00 a.m. Music on the Plaza/Downtown Market
9 11:30 a.m. Leadership Longview Committee Meeting
4:30 p.m. TRC Victory Party
14 3:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting
16 Noon One Hundred Acres of Heritage Main Street Advisory Board Meeting
17 4:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting
24/25 Chamber Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
29 4:45 p.m. Business After Hours sponsored by Hampton Inn and Suites North
December1 6:00 p.m. Longview Christmas Parade
2/3 6– 8:30 p.m. Christmas at the Courthouse
8 11:30 a.m. Economic Luncheon at Pinecrest Country Club
9/10 6– 8:30 p.m. Christmas at the Courthouse
12 3:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting
14 11:30 a.m. Leadership Longview Committee Meeting
4:45 p.m. Chairman’s Reception
22 11:30 am. Member2Member at Chamber Office
23/26 Chamber Office Closed for Christmas Holiday
30 Noon Chamber Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday
CALENDAR
www.longviewtx.com The Longview Progress Report 15
THANK YOU!Made-Rite Company, Coors of Longview andGlazer’s Distributing for producing our 2011
Business After Hours. WE APPRECIATE YOU!
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