KELSO LONGVIEW
Vol. 3, No. 2 • Feb. 2011
Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Longview Downtowners
S EXPO
ES BUSIN Win an 2011 ... Cruise! n
Alaska
The Social and Business Event of the Year!
T
he time to support our regional economy and position your business for a successful 2011 is now. On Friday February 25th the Cowlitz County Regional Business Expo, co-sponsored by 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating and Prographyx, will host close to 100 businesses from the area for a one day, business-to-business networking event. It is easy for managers and owners to become busy with the everyday maintenance and upkeep of their businesses, leaving little time to make connections in the community that could benefit them substantially. The Business Expo will provide a place for you to step out of your business and into an arena with other professionals looking for the same growth and prosperity through face-to-face networking.
A variety of businesses are onboard and include flower shops, lawn maintenance companies, real estate agents, credit unions, technical support companies, physicians’ offices, insurance businesses, area ports, cities, chambers and many more. Booths and table spaces are still available and registrations are accepted through the day of the Business Expo. The event will be held at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center in the Mount St. Helens and Loowit rooms from 11am to 4pm on February 25th. The layout includes booths surrounding the outer areas of each room, and tables lined up in rows at the center. A stage will be set up in the Mount St. Helens room with a big-screen behind it where organizers
DON’T LET THE NEW YEAR GET YOU DOWN ... Five Ways to De-Stress Your Work Week
PAID
Centralia, WA 98531 Permit #26
Presorted Std U.S. Postage
By Julie Nelson, Express Employment Professionals Cautious optimism seems to be the theme for 2011. This new year offers particular hope to workers and job seekers ready for progress in their careers and a fresh start as the economy begins to change.
1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632
Throughout 2010, the recession took its toll on the workforce, a fact underscored by widespread economic uncertainty in a variety of sectors. Survey results confirm that many have felt increased pressure over the past year. In September 2010, Express Employment Professionals surveyed 9,340 current and former clients and 49 percent of respondents reported that their work stress increased, while 36 % rated their stress as “overwhelming” or “very high.” That tension also has a tangible result. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Job stress is estimated to cost U.S. businesses $300 billion a year in absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover, and direct medical, legal and insurance fees.” The APA also notes increases in substance abuse and domestic violence throughout the past year - destructive behaviors sometimes associated with stress. It’s not always possible to resolve daily stressors, but you can choose how to react to issues that cause tension. Having a strategy for the workweek can
get it off to a great start. Follow these five tips for a less stressful new year:
Monday
Write yourself a roadmap: Take a proactive approach to the week by prioritizing your main tasks. Divide each task into manageable steps. Post your list in a visible place where you can check off each item as it’s completed. An organized approach will help you to feel more oriented and know that you’re making positive strides.
Tuesday
Step up your exercise regimen: Try attending a fitness class a few times each week or hitting the pavement with a brisk jog. Exercise doesn’t just keep you in shape and reduce your risk of preventable illness. It also releases stress-fighting endorphins that can boost your mood. Add variety to your routine with other less traditional activities, like ice skating or ballroom dancing.
Wednesday
Take a break from technology: Society is now more connected than ever, and it’s easy to feel bombarded by news. Give yourself permission, mid-week or whenever your work allows, to turn off your TV, mobile devices, and computer for an evening. A little break goes a long way. cont on page 2
will give away gift baskets and announce the two grand prizes. During the Business Expo, a multimedia marketing package worth over $6,000 in gift certificates will be given away to one exhibitor. The package includes certificates for radio advertising, promotional materials, graphic design work, print ads, website design, printing and online advertising. For businesses of all sizes, new and established, winning this prize would put you above and beyond your competition and keep money in your pocket. The second grand prize will be given out during the regional Afterhours Reception in the evening; one ticket holder will win a cruise for two to Alaska that includes a double occupancy stateroom with an ocean view on Norwegian Cruise Line, select dates from June through September, meals including sit down dinners and buffets, and onboard entertainment. Following the Expo is the regional Afterhours Reception. The chambers of Kelso Longview, Kalama, Castle Rock and Woodland have agreed to make this their afterhours event for the month of February. Tickets come with exhibitor packages and extra tickets are available cont. on page 6
IN THIS ISSUE Around the Water Cooler . . . 3 Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . . 3 Longview Downtowners . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . 5 Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . . 6 Kalama Chamber . . . . . . . . 7