Business Beat: CenterPoint invests in Longview facility
Published 10:45 pm Friday, October 10, 2025
CenterPoint Energy expects to begin construction in December on an almost $23.5-million gas service and training center in Longview.
“This state-of-the-art facility will replace the company’s current leased location and serve as a vital resource for safety and technical training across the Longview region and surrounding areas,” company spokeswoman Grace Carter said in an email.
State records show the total 37,250-square-foot center will consist of two buildings at 5139 Tryon Road.
“As part of its commitment to workforce development, CenterPoint is actively training 391 employees across Texas to prepare them for future roles in the natural gas industry,” Carter said. “This investment reflects CenterPoint’s ongoing dedication to delivering safe, reliable, and resilient service to the customers and communities it serves.”
The facility will be used by CenterPoint employees and will not be a place the public will need to access.
“The crews responsible for maintaining and servicing Longview and surrounding areas will deploy from this facility,” Carter said. “ It will also function as a centralized hub where employees can access necessary equipment and supplies and prepare for field operations.
By strategically locating the facility, we aim to enhance response times and improve safety for our teams and the communities we serve.”
Budget Blinds expands with acquisition
Budget Blinds of East Central Texas, which is owned and operated by Sam and Melinda Dunn, has acquired Budget Blinds of Tyler.
The Longview-based business’ service area now includes Tyler, Henderson, South Lake Cherokee and surrounding communities.
With this newest addition, all three territories will now operate under the unified brand Budget Blinds of East Central Texas, creating consistency and strengthening the company’s presence across the region.
“We are thrilled to bring Budget Blinds of East Central Texas to Tyler,” Melinda Dunn said. “This expansion allows us to serve more families, builders, and designers with the same personalized service and innovative solutions we’ve become known for in Longview and Marshall.”
Laura Follin, designer and sales consultant, is a key part of Budget Blinds, the company reported. She has been with the company for nearly a year and brings more than 29 years of expertise in shutters and custom window treatments.
Unlike traditional retail showrooms, Budget Blinds of East Central Texas follows a shop-at home business model, bringing the showroom to clients. This allows homeowners to see how fabrics, textures and finishes look with their lighting, colors, and furnishings.
The company’s central location at 1409 Lake Harris Road, Suite 1004 in White Oak, houses the company’s warehouse, offices and a design room available by appointment.
Visit www.budgetblinds.com/longviewtx for information.
Council awards historical designation
The Longview City Council gave the final approval needed this month to designate the B. Franklin Martin House a Local Historical Landmark.
The home was built in 1933 at 800 N. Sixth St., inside the historical Nugget Hill District near downtown and at the northwest corner of Turner and Sixth streets.
Cody and Wendy Arnold became the third owners of the property when they bought the home in June. They are renovating a detached guest house and garage into an apartment they plan to live in while restoring and renovating the main house.
Mall bar wins approval
The Longview City Council this month also approved the necessary permit that will allow DeMarkus King to open The Plain Bar in Longview Mall.
The specific-use permit was required for a “neighborhood pub/tavern/wine bar” to locate in a general retail zoning district.
King also is seeking the necessary permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He anticipates the bar will open in the spring or early summer 2026.
— Business Beat appears Wednesday. If you have items for the column, email to newsroom@newsjournal.com; mail to Business Section, Longview News-Journal, P.O. box 1792, Longview, TX 75606; or call (903) 237-7744.