Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Business Connection November 2024 by Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

Business Connection

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Bonnie Delaney CEO

Looking Back on October and Welcoming November

s October fades and November begins, it’s not just the cooler weather that marks the change. It’s also a chance to look back on our achievements and move forward into the new month with excitement and purpose. October was busy for the Chamber! The Education Committee hosted our annual Career Exploration, where local businesses came together to guide and coach our youth on the career opportunities awaiting them after high school and college—a rewarding and fun experience for all involved.

Additionally, the Chamber welcomed a new payroll and bookkeeping auditing company, Sides Bookkeeping. While we handle most of our bookkeeping in-house, we outsource our payroll and reconciliation. We’re thrilled to have the expertise of Amy Sides on board, as she’s a great addition to our team.

We also hosted a memorable Business After Hours at Beth’s Place, presented by The Community House and CORE Health. Beth’s Place is an amazing new resource for our community. Visit their website for donation and volunteer opportunities https://www.choblv.org/beths-placecommuntiyhouseonbroadway. Our weekly radio show continues strong with Elle Christensen, our Events Project Manager, and Katie Kenton from Realty One Pacifica co-hosting every

Bonnie Delaney

From page 1

Wednesday. Each show highlights a Chamber member, a community nonprofit, and updates on Chamber happenings. Missed an episode? We’ve included a link to the broadcast in our weekly member emails, so you can listen to that weeks broadcast.

Looking ahead, November feels like the beginning of the holiday season and a time for reflection. The Chamber’s November Business After Hours will be hosted by our friends at KLTV on the 12th. Later in the month, we’ll hold our quarterly membership meeting on November 20th, featuring a panel discussion with all Cowlitz County school superintendents. If you have questions for our superintendents, please send them to me at bdelaney@ kelsolongviewchamber.org. You can register for both events on the chamber website at https://chamber.kelsolongviewchamber.org/ events/calendar.

November always brings a nostalgic reminder of my grandma and her steadfast rule about her winter coat. Every year, no matter how chilly October got, she’d refuse to bring out her winter coat until November 1st. “It’s not time yet,” she’d say, even if the temperature dipped, and we’d insist she didn’t have to wait. This quirky tradition, which we teased her about over the years, has become a cherished memory of her gentle stubbornness and unique way of welcoming winter. I can guarantee that on November 1st, I’ll receive texts from my siblings and cousins reminding me it’s now officially time to get our winter coats out.

Here’s to another successful month as we move forward together into November!

Board of Directors

Jason Gentemann President Foster Farms

Sean Kiffe President Elect NORPAC

Pam Whittle Vice President Realty One Group Pacifica

Jason Meunier Treasurer Fibre Federal Credit Union

Michael Claxton Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Marlene Johanson Past President Heritage Bank

Rich Coleman Bicoastal Media

Diane Craft Koelsch Communities

Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD

Michelle Domenico St. John/PeaceHealth

Bill Fogarty Twin City Bank

Kristin Gaines Alcoa

Kelly Godden Specialty Rents

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso

Sabrina Kochprapha United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties

John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The Blitz

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

MaryAlice Wallis City of Longview

Dennis Weber Commissioner Cowlitz County

• World renowned speakers & experts

• Brew Mountain beer & wine garden

• Themed merch vendors

• Food carts

• Kids' Cave for young explorers

6:00

2:00

2:30

4:45

2:30

EVENT SCHEDULE

Sorted

AM Event Opens - Vendors Open in St Helens & Breakout Rooms

Followed by Q&A w/ Joseph Granda- Movie Loowit

w/ Dinner & Drinks Optional Followed by Q&A w/ Joseph Granda- Movie Loowit

6:45 PM 3rd Movie Showing w/ Dinner & Drinks Option Followed by Q&A w/ Joseph Granda- Movie Loowit

AM Kathy Strain Loowit 11:30 AM Matt Pruitt Loowit 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch Break Loowit 1:30 PM Tyler Bounds Loowit

3:00 PM Amy Bue Loowit

4:45 PM 2nd Movie Showing w/ Dinner & Drinks Option Followed by Q&A w/ Joseph Granda- Movie Loowit

2:30 PM Tech Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral

3:30 PM Footprint Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral

2:30

6:45 PM 3rd Movie Showing w/ Dinner & Drinks Option Followed by Q&A w/ Joseph Granda- Movie Loowit

5:00 PM Tech Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral

2:30 PM Tech Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral

4:30 PM Ken Gerhard 05:30 PM – 6:00 PM Dinner Break 6:30 PM Cliff Barackman Loowit

5:00

6:00 PM Footprint Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral

3:30 PM Footprint Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral

7:00 PM Townhall Story Sharing - Craig Yahne Floral

6:00

5:00

8:15 PM sQuatch Calling Competition - Craig Yahne Floral Event Over

7:00

6:00

8:15

7:00 PM Townhall Story Sharing - Craig Yahne Floral

9:00

8:15 PM sQuatch Calling Competition - Craig Yahne Floral

9:00

9:30 AM Tech Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral 10:30 AM Footprint Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project Floral 12:00 PM Townhall Story Sharing - Craig Yahne Floral 1:15 PM sQuatch Calling Competition - Craig Yahne Floral 3:00 PM Tech Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project

4:00 PM Footprint Class - Shane Corson from the Olympic Project

5:00 PM Townhall Story Sharing - Craig Yahne Floral

6:15 PM sQuatch Calling Competition - Led by Craig Yahne Floral Event Over

Longview Public Schools

Rick Parrish

Executive

Director

of Communications & Operations Longview Public Schools

Longview Public Schools Safety Update

Longview Public Schools works diligently to continually improve the safety and security of our schools. Our effort in this area cannot be overstated, as the safety of our students and staff is a top priority.

Thanks to the support of Longview voters, we have significantly enhanced security in our buildings. All of our elementary school campuses now feature fenced perimeters, and every school in our system keeps exterior doors locked, and requires visitors to be identified and buzzed-in. Additionally, staff and students are trained in safety protocols, and new technology has been implemented to improve communication, surveillance and security.

The physical security of our facilities is only one piece of the work we do to help our students feel safe. All of our schools are actively working to develop personal connections between students and staff and to improve the climate and culture in our buildings, making our schools a place our kids want to be. It is our goal to ensure students feel as though they have at least one trusting adult they can turn to when needed. Currently 90% of Longview Public School parents believe that each student has a positive personal connection with at least one teacher or other professional staff member.

Together, our staff, students and families are working to ensure our schools continue to be safe and welcoming to all. Our commitment to a safe, secure, and orderly school environment where students can focus on learning, is and always will be a top priority at Longview

Getting what you need to move your business forward is faster and easier with a Heritage

To help our students feel a sense of belonging and become more engaged in their education and school community, our schools proudly offer a range of clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities. We know that the key to prevention is to ensure that students feel they belong and feel valued for their unique skills and talents. In our high schools alone, we offer 38 clubs and 21 athletic teams, as well as activities like drama, choir, band and orchestra. Student clubs have emerged in recent years, driven by student interest, helping make our schools more inclusive and the programs we offer more interesting to our students.

Equally important, we also encourage our students and families to support school safety by promptly reporting any potential threats to school officials and to refrain from sharing those threats on social media. Nationally, schools have seen an uptick in threats targeting schools spread through social media. We encourage families to talk with their children about the consequences of making social media threats and encourage anyone who becomes aware of potential threats to report them immediately and to refrain from sharing the posts on social media. This allows authorities to more quickly locate the origin of a social media threat.

Plus, lower the interest rate on your loan by 0.50% with automated payments from your Heritage Bank checking account. bankwithheritagenw.com/business-express

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Ted Sprague President

Community Connections: The Impact of CEDC’s Annual Gathering

On Tuesday, October 22nd the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) held its sold-out Annual Meeting in the Cowlitz County Expo and Conference Center in Longview. Networking, learning and laughs were the order of the day as over 240 private and public sector leaders gathered for the event. CEDC Board Chair and Kelso City Manager, Andrew Hamilton kicked off the event with a welcome and comments about the strength and importance of economic development. Mr. Hamilton also pointed out the critical contributions of the CEDC Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Mr. Hamilton is in the final months of his two-year term and has served as an excellent steward to the CEDC. Craig Anneberg, Chief Operating Officer of NORPAC will take over as Chair in the new year. Ted Sprague, CEDC President followed with comments of his own pointing out the impressive job growth numbers Cowlitz County has seen since the conclusion of pandemic restrictions. Finally, Don Walkinshaw JR., Cowlitz Tribe Assistant Chair was welcomed to the stage for a land acknowledgement and brief comments about the Tribe.

Following a short break for lunch service by the always capable and efficient Event Center staff, Andrew Hamilton returned to the stage to introduce Congresswoman Marie Glusenkamp Perez. The Congresswoman’s remarks centered around issues she is working on in Congress, past achievements and shared personal stories of why she decided to run for Congress in the first place. Her comments were well received as she spent time discussing the need to cut down on regulation and red tape. She also emphasized the important work by those in attendance as the real drivers of production and GDP in the United States.

The event not only sold-out, but it set a record for the number of sponsors who showed their support of CEDC by generously contributing to the success of the lunch. The CEDC is grateful for all who attended and sponsored the event as this is the only fundraiser the CEDC puts on each year. If you would like to learn more about CEDC or become a member, please visit our website at www.cowlitzedc.com or follow us on Facebook or Linkedin.

WorkForce

Workforce Southwest Washington

New resources available to aid Latine construction companies

Latine-owned and operated construction companies and entrepreneurs in Southwest Washington now have access to additional resources to help support and grow their businesses, through a new partnership between Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) and LatinoBuilt.

WSW, a nonprofit and the local workforce development board, is investing Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) funds into several new initiatives and launching new programs and services through WorkSource and other partners. The goals of CRP are to uplift communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs and create lasting economic benefits, build wealth and ensure everyone has a fair chance at success.

WSW’s new partnership will enable LatinoBuilt to expand its services into Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties to serve Latino construction companies and entrepreneurs through bilingual professional development classes in Contract Management, Estimating & Bidding, and Safety.

WSW’s Director of Business Services, Darcy Hoffman commented on the new partnership, “Our region is incredibly fortunate to have LatinoBuilt here to serve the Latine construction community! Our region is experiencing major investments in infrastructure, and this is one way we can ensure the Latine community in Southwest Washington benefits from these investments.”

LatinoBuilt is a nonprofit dedicated to aiding and empowering Latine construction contractors with bilingual support, mentorship and training to build a more equitable future, eliminate inequities and expand opportunities in the construction industry for Latine and other underrepresented groups.

“Advancing business opportunities and reducing barriers in construction is core to LatinoBuilt’s mission, and we are excited to advance businesses in partnership with Workforce Southwest Washington,” shared LatinoBuilt’s interim executive director Rosa Martinez.

LatinoBuilt began offering classes in Southwest Washington in October. Cowlitz County Latino contractors are invited to sign up for these free classes. Details are available online at Events from October 24 – November 12 – LatinoBuilt.

To learn more about how your business can participate in LatinoBuilt training visit www.latinobuilt.org or contact Dulce Perkins at dulce@latinobuilt.org or 503-889-0511

To further assist small businesses and communities

disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs, WSW has also launched a new partnership with Business Impact NW to expand Business Impact NW’s services into Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties to provide one-on-one, in-depth business advice, lending, and technical assistance services to small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow businesses that create jobs in rural communities. For information contact Domonique Juleon at domoniqueJ@BusinessImpactNW.org.

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) partners with organizations across the state to support economic development, reentry services, legal assistance, and violence prevention. In collaboration with community partners, CRP’s impact includes creating jobs in partnership with diverse small businesses and offering training programs to meet workforce needs.

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) leads the regional workforce development system in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties. WSW invests in workforce programs and services in collaboration with local partners to equip youth and adults for employment, career advancement, and self-sufficiency. WSW aids in business growth by funding and collaborating with high-quality companies to help with recruitment, training, and retention of employees. Learn more at www.workforcesw.org.

Lindsey Cope President

Fall Festivities in Kelso: Pumpkins, Homecoming, and More!

What a fantastic time to celebrate our community spirit and the exciting events happening in Kelso!

We recently wrapped up the KBCA Kids Pumpkin Giveaway in collaboration with Grocery Outlet and Copies Today, where local children were able to pick out pumpkins just in time for Halloween. This event was also made possible by our 2024 Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt Sponsors. It the event that just keeps giving!

Congratulations to the Kelso High Football team for a thrilling homecoming victory, celebrated in style with fireworks, the Fling, and extra bursts of Kelso pride and tradition!

We are also sending a big shoutout to the organizers of the South Kelso Kids Spooktacular for another memorable event, and a heartfelt thank you to the participating businesses and organizations who helped make it possible for local families.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events and fundraisers to support Kelso’s youth:

Children’s Discovery Museum Events

The Children’s Discovery Museum has officially moved back to Kelso, now housed in the historic Catlin School Building! They’re offering an incredible lineup of family-friendly events for all ages:

• CDM Teen Karaoke Night – November 1

• Painting with Porkchop from KUKN – November 6

• Young Inventor's Fair – November 9

• Family Talent Night – November 23

For more details, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/cowlitzcountychildrensmuseum.

Coats for Kids Fundraiser at Explorer Brewing

Join Cowlitz 2 Firefighters and Explorer Brewing on November 16 as they raise funds for the IAFF 3828 Benevolent Fund. This initiative, part of Operation Coats for Kids, will provide warm coats for Kelso Elementary students. Enjoy an evening of camaraderie while making a difference!

Parents of the Class of 2025 Fundraiser at Hop N Grape

On the same night, November 16 at 6 PM, the parents of the Kelso Class of 2025 invite you to Hop N Grape for a special evening to benefit Kelso's graduating seniors. The night includes a live and silent auction, dessert dash, and more! Tickets are $25, and space is limited, so grab yours soon here: https://square.link/u/Hwdoq5kQ

Mark your calendars for Kelso’s Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6, at City Hall, a magical event sure to bring joy and warmth to our community. More details will be available soon!

We’re also looking forward to the next Kelso Business and Community Association (KBCA) meeting on December 10 at 9:30 AM at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, where we’ll begin preparations for the 2025 Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt Fundraiser.

Learn more about the KBCA at www.letsgokelso.com or at www. facebook.com/letsgokelso.

Did you know the chamber has its own radio program?

Every Wednesday at 6PM or catch a recording of it on Sound Cloud

Listen Now

Cowlitz County Commissioners

Arne Mortensen County Commissioner, District 1

“Principle does not lend itself to bending or to compromising. It stands impregnable.” – Leonard E. Read (1898-1983)

(https://www.fff.org/explore-freedom/article/penalty-ofsurrender/ )

This article will be my last submission to the Kelso-Longview Chamber Newsletter. By the time you read this, we will know who the new commissioners are; as they cast their vote, I hope the public heeds the wise words of Leonard Read.

Writing articles always has been a challenge for me. I have a phobia about wasting people’s time, so I look for a focus that will serve the interests of the readers while not succumbing to the usual recapping of obvious or previously reported events. By nature, in conversations, I strive to follow the topic of the other parties; in honest discussions there always is something of interest and value; it need not be my topic. But an article is different; there is no feedback, and the author has the floor. I believe I take more time than most on the written word, and, for sanity checks, often I ask my wife to review and critique what I write. (Maybe it is my stuttering that drives me toward trying to be meticulously clear in my writing.)

A question you might have of me is “what did you accomplish in your time in office?” I will devote the rest of this article to providing an answer.

Preface:

Because I have lived on four continents, I was exposed to ground truth (actual experiences and personal observations), and my natural curiosity to understand became focused on understanding what made one nation or group of people better able to provide the necessities for their society.

Fortunately, the world has diverse societies (which appeals to me on many fronts). I thoroughly enjoy seeing the various customs and social structures around the world. When possible, I try to put myself in the shoes of the host, and, for the time I am there, I seek to accept the morés and to behave myself accordingly. If I don’t like it, I can move on.

Years ago, I concluded that principles and their honest application explained the great variation in performance (ability to provide food, shelter, and medicine) between societies. Even earlier in my journey, I learned that humans have intrinsic characteristics that are common across all societies. I publicly have expressed that thought by stating that laws which do not take human nature into account create more problems than solutions. The key characteristics I have in mind are: love of family, desire for independence, repulsion to mandates, opportunistic self-interest, and looking for the “easy button.”

Those who followed my election campaigns, particularly the first one (2016), know that my only promise was/is fidelity to principles, particularly those embodied in the US constitution, with a particular emphasis on individual rights. I expressed these as accountability, responsibility, and transparency. I frequently remind people that our form of government is a constitutional republic, not a democracy.

Any specific accomplishment was possible only as the product of teamwork and under the control of the Board of Commissioners, not any one commissioner and largely resulting from the efforts of productive and motivated staff.

Two Key Goals:

A primary goal is to bridge the divide between the public and the county administration. The public sees a monolith out of control; the administration sees itself as a buffer from chaos, but also sees itself often subjected to gratuitous public abuse. The overall distrust and discontent harbored by the public is a key issue. Unfortunately, the administrative staff is forced to live in a system that can be described as corrupt and self-serving. I hoped that using the microphone (bully pulpit), I could plant seeds of change for a civil discourse while bringing back the largely disenfranchised public.

Public participation

I was petrified for my first formal Tuesday meeting. I had noticed that when the board met, the commissioners wore ties and, often, coats. I asked one commissioner if there was a standard covering attire; I was told there was nothing officially mandated, but that the dress up was for the dignity of the office of commissioner. I Knew then that I would not wear coat and tie for the meetings. A commissioner is an employee of the people; being elected confers no super-powers nor super-privileges on the commissioner.

Changes take time, but you all notice know that the meetings of the Board of County Commissioners rarely have a suit or coat or tie in use.

I also observed that while lip service officially was paid to the public, the BoCC treated the public as an obstacle. No public comment or request ever resulted in a change of the prepared voting. The people providing testimony were forced to declare their name before allowing them to speak. (This is a violation of an RCW.) Additionally, the BoCC never engaged the people and limited the speaker to 3 minutes.

One advantage of being a commissioner is that of having equal rights to the microphone as the other commissioners. I began to interact with the public and that was the beginning of the process we see today. Some local city councils still labor under the old restrictive rules.

Arne Mortensen

From page 10

Staff and BoCC interactions

It was clear that staff had fallen into the concept that the BoCC was not a part of the solution, and that, in fact, they were a hurdle to overcome. That led to some disingenuous efforts to get the answer they wanted.

The salient example that comes to mind (those involved are no longer at the county), is the closing (sometime before 2017) of the west Longview Public Works shop. The argument was that the roof at the shop was about to fail, so the staff suggested closing that shop and using the money to build up the Kelso shop. The Longview shop was closed, and the Kelso shop refurbished. Then circa 2018, a citizen contacted me asking us to open the Longview shop again. I looked into it, and by then, with nothing having been done on the roof, the roof was found to have as much as another 25 years of life expectancy!

The BoCC lacked understanding of technical issues, and that also was used to push some bad decisions such as in IT.

We know that unelected agencies make rules to satisfy their provincial goals, and so it was with some county departments, such as Building and Planning.

That was one of my targets for improvement, but I was unable to do that until Rick Dahl came on board, and the BoCC appointed Traci Jackson as director of B&P. That is now a can-do department with a customer favoring attitude and clear teamwork with the BoCC. Of course, it still labors under useless and burdensome regulations that come from the legislature or agencies.

A technique to combat the “hurdle” attitude is to expose all issues for discussion, and that requires asking questions upon questions. But asking pressing questions, while a natural way to understand a problem and possible solutions, was a rarity. At first the departments were upset and felt harassed, but in time, they realized that was a proper avenue for discovery, and that it did not embody malevolent motives. And, as the departments began to receive positive public acknowledgement, the interactions became informative and exploratory.

In Closing:

All solutions have short term as well as long term consequences, and often these time frames are at odds. Expediency of the moment often has negative future consequences. Wisdom is required to choose wisely, and in all cases having to discuss this in an open meeting is proper and useful. In seeking solutions, diversity of thought provides opportunity for good solutions.

There are many crucial details about what qualities make for a good Commissioner. Certainly, going along to get along is the tool of entrenched interests; a good commissioner represents the people in accordance with principles espoused during the campaign for office.

I believe I was elected because of the principles I embraced, and I hope I did not disappoint.

There are many people in the public and in the county staff who helped me perform my job. Whatever good I was able to do was done because of them.

Hosted by:

Reflecting the interests and needs of our community

KLTV started as a class at Lower Columbia College in 1973 and evolved into the Kelso Longview Television Inc. a er local citizens formed a nonprofit. United by a commitment to access television, KLTV operated without a budget until 1980, when Longview provided funding from its franchise fee.

With a minimal membership structure, KLTV aims to keep access open to all Cowlitz County residents. The station's mission is to o er programming that reflects the community's diverse interests while upholding free speech. KLTV supports residents and nonprofits in producing high-quality content, fostering a platform for entertaining and informative programming that resonates with the entire community.

Tuesday, November 12 | 5 PM - 7 PM Don’t miss out

Career Exploration Expo

Local Employers, Local Students | Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties

Connecting Students with Local Industries

On Thursday, October 24, at Lower Columbia College (LCC) the Chamber hosted its annual Career Exploration event, where over 500 high school students and several hundred LCC students had the invaluable opportunity to connect with local businesses, explore potential career paths, and gain insights into the skills required for various industries. The event brought together students, educators, and a wide range of local companies to foster a greater understanding of career possibilities within our community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our local businesses and members of the Chamber Education Committee for their enthusiastic support and participation. Their commitment to engaging with students and sharing their expertise made the event a resounding success. These community leaders are instrumental in guiding young talent toward fulfilling careers, helping to ensure a strong, locally rooted workforce for the future.

Special recognition is extended to PeaceHealth and Alcoa for their generous sponsorship, which made this event possible. Their dedication to supporting educational initiatives and fostering community engagement is deeply appreciated.

Bonnie Delaney CEO

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Membership Luncheon

Wednesday November 20, 2024

Join a panel discussion with our county’s school superintendents

Matt Seimears

Lower Columbia College President

Dr. Seimears became the 13th President of Lower Columbia College on January 3, 2024. With extensive experience in grants, fundraising, and academic initiatives, he played a key role in making Eastern Oregon University the Pacific Northwest Hub for the Rural School Collaborative while serving as Dean and Interim Provost.

Mary Beth Tack

Superintendent of Kelso School District

Mary Beth Tack has served the district for over three decades, starting as a math teacher in 1991. Now in her seventh year as superintendent, Tack is dedicated to fostering relationships and ensuring academic success for all students. She values community involvement and aims for 100% graduation and post-secondary readiness.

Karen Cloninger

Superintendent of Longview School District

Dr. Karen Cloninger became the new Superintendent of Longview Schools on July 1, 2024. With a strong alignment with the district’s mission, Cloninger brings a commitment to student and community success. She is enthusiastic about contributing to the future of the Longview community.

Wesley Benjamin

Superintendent of Kalama School District

Dr. Wesley Benjamin brings over a decade of administrative experience. Previously at Forney High School in Texas, he held roles from Associate Principal to Executive Principal. With a focus on collaborative leadership and instructional improvement, Benjamin holds degrees in Theology and Educational Leadership.

Asha Riley

Superintendent of Woodland School District

Asha Riley, former Assistant Superintendent at Woodland Public Schools, has held roles such as Director of Teaching and Learning, principal, and professional development administrator. She has led school reconfigurations and successful initiatives. Riley holds multiple advanced degrees and is actively involved in community leadership.

Chris Schumaker

Superintendent of Toutle Lake School District

Chris Schumaker has over twenty-three years of educational experience, Chris is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and academically excellent environment. Passionate about collaboration and open communication, Chris looks forward to working with the community to advance the district’s success.

Chris Fritsch

Superintendent of Castle Rock School District

Fritsch, Pendleton School District Superintendent from 2017 to 2022, brings extensive experience from his roles as principal in Ocean Shores and over 20 years in Longview Public Schools as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent. At Pendleton, he established partnerships to enhance student safety and success.

Wednesday November 20, 2024 | 12 PM - 1:30 PM

A big THANK YOU to all the new and loyal members who have started or continued their partnership with us this month:

• J.S. Chappell, LLC

• Pape' Material Handling

• Employer's Overload

• Sides Bookkeeping Services

• Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington

• Apogee Longview

• The Main Event Party Store

• Reliques Longview

• BBSI

• Hop N Grape Longview LLC

• Tierra Interpreting

• Cacao Kingdom, LLC

• Urban Bungee

• Roofing Systems Northwest

• Arbor Vancouver - Equus Workforce

• Red Canoe Credit Union - Kelso

• Teevin Bros. Land & Timber

• Trammell Crow Company

• Elite Electrical Contracting

• Rollins Utility Locating LLC

NEW MEMBERS

Add your business to our growing membership Call 360-423-8400 Today!

Membership packages to fit your needs

Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

• Annual Meeting and Banquet

• Networking Events

• Committee Participation

• Business Contacts

• Quarterly Membership Meetings

• Civic Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.

• Mailing Labels

• Membership Window Decals

• Member Referrals

• Ribbon Cutting

• Website Links

• Member to Member Discounts

• Membership Directory

• Tax Deduction

• Newsletter

• Business Card Display

• Use of Chamber Logo

Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.

• Legislative Representation

• Issues Tracking and Information

• Task Forces

• Candidate Forums

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Demographics Publication

Membership Packages

• Diamond

• Platinum

• Gold

• Silver

• Bronze

• Standard

• Nonprofit

Hosted by

Beth’s Place

Presented by

Beth’s Place Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours Marks New Shelter for Youth in Cowlitz County

October’s Business After Hours, presented by Community House on Broadway, featured a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of Beth’s Place, a new shelter dedicated to unaccompanied minors ages 13-17 in Cowlitz County. The mission of Beth’s Place is to provide a safe haven and unwavering support for youth experiencing homelessness, empowering them to overcome adversity and thrive in society.

Beth’s Place was named in honor of Mariah Beth Morrison, who passed away on August 10, 2023. Known for her compassion and dedication to helping others, Mariah previously worked for Community House on Broadway and CORE Health since 2018. The name “Beth” carries special significance, meaning “home” in Hebrew, symbolizing the center’s goal of providing a comforting space for youth in need.

Beth’s Place aims to be more than a shelter; it is a place of hope, where young people can find stability and envision a brighter tomorrow. To support Beth’s Place, visit choblv.org/donatetocommunityhouseonbroadway.

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum

Council of Governments

Matt Seimears, Ph.D. President of LCC

A Journey through Kelso/Longview and Lower Columbia College (LLC)

When I decided to apply for the presidential position at LCC, I was unaware of the excellence on the other side of my cover letter and curriculum vitae. When I was a Mig Tig Welder, I knew I wanted to attend a community college, so I did. That path slowly led me to Kelso/Longview and LCC. The college’s selection committee utilized a thorough process supported by Academic Search, a firm specializing in higher education based in Washington, D.C. I was selected by a unanimous LCC Board of Trustee decision and took the helm on January 3, 2024; I became the 13th head of the college over its 90-year history and the fifth president since LCC joined the Washington Community and Technical College system in 1967.

My arrival in Kelso/Longview on January 1, 2024, marked the beginning of a beautiful journey, one that was enriched by the warm embrace of the community. Led by the knowledgeable Mike Karnofski and Ted Sprague, I embarked on a tour of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. This was followed by numerous delightful lunches with the likes of Don and Clara Lemmons, Jackie Evans, Joe Fisher, Mrs. Rodman, Don Correll, Dr. Richard Nau (great pizza), Paul Laufman, Dan Meyer, Steve Vincent, Kirk Olsen, Cherese Brenes, Andy Hamilton, and many more. These interactions and connections have been the heart and soul of my journey at LCC.

In the past 10 months, I have witnessed LCC enrollment grow 22% over the previous year. There have been new opportunities for collaboration with the K-12 schools in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, a live fire training in Kelso on March 23, traveling to Washington D.C. with two of my board of trustees, watching an LCC trustee give the commencement keynote, and the list goes on.

Choosing LCC as part of my future has been the best employment decision I have made, and I'm looking forward to growing LCC’s partnership portfolio with the community and the Pacific Northwest region.

Ceramics & Paintings Showcase

November 7 | 5:30 PM - 7 PM

Join us for a 1st Thursday reception on November 7 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM! Enjoy the artistic talents of featured artists Rosemary Powelson (ceramics) and Arlys Clark (painting). Delight in light snacks and beverages while listening to music by Dennis Harris. Don’t miss this festive evening of art and community!

The Broadway Gallery 1418 Commerce Ave, Longview, WA 98632

Veterans Dance

November 8 | 7 PM - 9:30 PM

Join us for a Veterans Dance featuring square dancing! Caller Craig Avercrombie and cuer Susan Healea will guide the evening. This event is free for all veterans. Come enjoy a fun night of dancing and camaraderie!

For more information, contact Craig at 503-410-5482

The Broadway Gallery 1418 Commerce Ave, Longview, WA 98632

Christmas Bazaar

November 8 | 9 AM - 4 PM

Attention local artisans, small businesses, and vendors! The Canterbury Inn is hosting a festive Christmas Bazaar. Showcase your unique creations and connect with the community this holiday season. Join us for a celebration of local talent!

For more information, call Canterbury Inn at 360-425-7947

The Canterbury Inn 643 Ocean Shores Blvd NW Ocean Shores, WA 98569

2024 Fall Gathering

November 9 | 6 PM - 9 PM

Join us for live music, seasonal food from school gardens and local farms, apple cider press, and local beer and wine; hosted by School Garden staff, board, volunteers and students.

Lower Columbia School Gardens invites you to our annual Fall Gathering gala fundraiser, to celebrate our accomplishments and sustain this good work into the future. Come and enjoy the best food, beverages, and company this season has to offer.

Cowlitz County Event Center Floral Building

1900 7th Avenue Longview, WA 98632

Ribbon Cuttings

On October 3, Apogee of Longview held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch its new full-time learning center. Dedicated to equipping young leaders with the character and skills to pursue their unique callings, Apogee focuses on developing both competence and leadership. The center aims to prepare students for purposeful lives and impactful futures. Apogee thanked the community for its support and looks forward to fostering growth and engagement among local families. Welcome New Members!