CHAMBER 0212

KELSO LONGVIEW

Vol. 4, No. 2 • Feb. 2012

Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Longview Downtowners

around the

What could our Legislature do now to help your business?

Page 8

WATER COOLER Government Affairs

MONDAY MORNING BREAKFAST BRIEFINGS 7am Monticello Hotel LaRiviere Room

Breakfast Briefings draw members

I

s the public’s perception of gridlock in government accurate? Maybe not, says Sen. Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama).

“A lot of bills go across party lines. We sometimes disagree on solutions, but the (perception of) gridlock tends to get magnified on the national scale.”

“There’s more bi-partisanship work going on than meets the eye,” he said.

“Ninety-eight to zero (votes) is not a headline. Look a little deeper.” And a good place to look? The Chamber’s weekly Legislative Breakfast Briefings.

At the Jan. 23 briefing, 16 local business people gathered at the Monticello Hotel to hear from Washington State legislators. Sen. Orcutt was in the room, joined via teleconference by Sen. Brian Hatfield (D-Raymond) and Gary Chandler, chief lobbyist for Washington Association of Business.

CURRENT TOPICS OF INTEREST

PAID

Centralia, WA 98531 Permit #26

Presorted Std U.S. Postage

The Budget

“Our problem has nothing to do with Wall Street,” Orcutt said. “Changes are needed in what the State pays for.

We need major reform; it’s not about increasing taxes.”

“I haven’t seen any sense of urgency; While the State has a deficit of $1.5 billion, the governor proposes a $300,000 cut here, or a $200,000 transfer there.”

Orcutt blames the State’s financial woes on way the budget’s been done in the past. Money was dedicated to programs with one-time funding, then when the money “went away,” new funding was needed. “We need sustainability (by operating) within existing revenue,” he said, “not by increasing revenue.”

The current 128 different programs for economic development resulted from “the create-new-programs mentality,” Chandler added. “Then when the money runs out they just tax you more.” But there’s a hitch. “We all want less government, less taxes, but it comes down to it, (everyone says) ‘Don’t take MY program! Take somebody else’s.”

1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632

ALL vendors are automatically entered to win a GRAND PRIZE Multi-Media Marketing Package worth over $5,000 in graphic design work, printing, promotional materials, website design, video production, and online, print and radio advertising.

If your business doesn’t fit the format of Business Expo? Feel FREE to come and walk through the event and visit with other businesses in the area.

You may also buy separate tickets to the county-wide Afterhours Reception in

Machiner y versus People

“Employees are not greedy, evil people,” Orcutt said. However, “the higher the payroll costs, the more employers will turn to mechanization. And those (lost) jobs are gone forever.”

“An employer would rather give a pay raise or hire someone back than pay taxes to the State of Washington,” he said. cont. page 9

MARK YOUR CALENDARS February 1

“We need to get away from looking to the government for everything beyond health, safety, streets, road, sewer,” noted Longview businessman Chet Makinster.

“Government money equals taxpayer money. It’s crazy how it’s all labeled so it sounds good.”

Education Committee Meeting

“You pull the government out of it and you start looking around (for partners),” Chandler explained, and solutions can be found. In Moses Lake, for example, State cuts put the community college nursing program in jeopardy. The two hospitals got together and agreed to split the cost and co-sponsored the program.

February 8

“We need private sector investment, not taxpayer-funded projects; these are

Sign up, make Expo plans Businesses of Kelso and Longview, prepare for boarding the Cowlitz County Regional Business Expo 2012! Set your course and “Cruise to Success” by signing up as an exhibitor TODAY. This event is unique, not only because it provides the perfect opportunity to network business-to-business, but also because all the chambers in Cowlitz County are joining forces to cross city lines in support of local commerce!

short-term solutions with very serious, long term consequences,” said Orcutt.

Thursday, May 17th

Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 – 7th Avenue, Longview Business Expo: 11 am – 4 pm Afterhours Reception 5 – 8 pm

the evening; tickets are $25 per person and you’re automatically entered to win the GRAND PRIZE Cruise for two to a tropical destination!

Don’t miss your opportunity to jump on board and be a part of this exciting event. Your local Chambers of Kelso/ Longview, Kalama, Castle Rock, and Woodland invite you to move forward at full steam. For more information visit www.cowlitzcountybizexpo.com or www. facebook.com/CowlitzCountyBizExpo or contact Amy Johnson at 360-423-8400.

February 13

Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline

February 21

Longview Downtowners General Meeting Lower Columbia Professionals Committee Meeting

February 9

Ambassador Meeting

February 21

Business After Hours Location to be announced Legislative Briefing Breakfasts Every Monday morning 7:00 am Monticello Hotel during session TUNE IN every WEDNESDAY Your Chamber Connection KEDO AM1400 3:00 – 4:00 pm ****Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR ten-minute business spotlight*** FREE COUNSELING & GUIDANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS (existing or being formed) Provided by S.C.O.R.E., an adjunct of the Small Business Administration. Counseling is by appointment only. Call 360-699-1079.

IN THIS ISSUE Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . . 2 Business Briefs . . . . . . . . . . 2 Downtown Longview . . . . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . 6 Chairman’s Message . . . . . . . 7 Around the Watercooler . . . . 7

PAGE 2

• FEBRUARY 2012

business

BRIEFS

Opsahl Dawson adds new owner to the firm Opsahl Dawson announced that Matt Lee, has joined in ownership of the firm as of January 1, 2012. Lee has been a licensed CPA since 1989. He has managed Opsahl Dawson’s Vancouver office since joining the firm in 2010.

Previously, he held positions as manager of another local Matt Lee CPA firm, CFO of a multinational business, controller of a For tune 500 company’s division, and a business owner. A company spokesperson said Lee’s experience and motivation will strengthen their commitment to provide superior comprehensive accounting and tax services. His broad background provides the benefit of more than 20 years of real life experiences to share with his clients. Lee is especially passionate about developing business plans and banking strategies, as well as assisting with complex business combinations. Lee enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristi, and family, including his identical twin. When he is not in the office Lee can be found golfing, cycling, or donating time to the Vancouver Symphony as head of its finance committee.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

CEDC names new director of programs The Cowlitz Economic Development Council has named Longview business owner Alice Dietz director of programs.

Dietz and her husband, Doug Dietz, own The Brits, a restaurant located in historic downtown Longview. She comes to the CEDC through an innovative partnership with the U.S Forest Service. This full-time position will revolve around building a bridge between the Cowlitz County business community and the services and opportunities offered by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens monument.

“Alice brings a strong background of innovation in running her small busiAlice Dietz ness and has established connections throughout Cowlitz County that will allow her to bring benefits to our new partnership,” said Ted Sprague, President of the CEDC. Alice Dietz attended Kelso High School and earned a degree in community development from Evergreen State College The CEDC is a private, non-profit group whose mission is to attract, retain and expand businesses that enrich our community’s economy by creating employment opportunities and capital investment.

NORPAC’s Kathy Robinson retires After a 21-year career with NORPAC, where she served as executive assistant to mill manager Craig Anneberg, Kathy Robinson retired on January 13. She has been a vital force coordinating NORPAC’s health and wellness program, its Relay for Life fundraising and the company’s volunteer outreach Kathy Robinson to St. Helens Elementary School through Reading Is Fundamental, a United Way-sponsored program. Robinson’s replacement is Heidi Brown, who has been with the company for 19 years. NORPAC, a partnership between Weyerhaeuser Company and the Japanese firm, Heidi Brown Nippon Paper, has operated in Longview for more than 30 years, manufacturing newsprint and specialty papers, including the paper on which Kelso Longview Business Connection is printed.

business

TOOLBOX

Are you working ON your business ... or just working IN your business?

By Jerry D. Petrick

A

s a student of business, I’m constantly working with business owners and wannabe business owners who almost all fall into the same trap: They work almost 100% IN their business and precious little time working ON their business.

The following is a synopsis of some key points made by author and business consultant Michael Gerber in his book, E-Myth Revisited. I thought you would benefit from his clear, concise approach to guiding the entrepreneur.

Key principles which form the foundation for the E-Myth 1. Most new businesses are started by technicians -people who are skilled at what they enjoy doing, and who figure they’d rather work for themselves than for someone else. The popular concept of a noble entrepreneur who starts a business to make the world a better place is just a myth. In the majority of cases, businesses are started by people who are very good at doing something technical, and who one day have an entrepreneurial flash of inspiration and decide to start their own business rather than let someone else profit from all the good work they do.

2. Almost all new business owners assume that because they understand the technical work of the business, they understand how a technical business works. In reality, these are two completely different issues, and blurring the distinction between the two is a fatal error.

In a new business, being able to do the technical work required personally is a liability rather than an asset.

Why? Business building skills are far more important than the mere production of output for any new business.

The technician finds the work that he or she loves becomes a chore that has to be squeezed in with a lot of other stuff that is much less exciting and fulfilling, effectively making the business owner enjoy the technical work less and less. cont next page

•••

Got

NEWS?

Send info on promotions, expansions, significant happenings and personnel achievements to: ajohnson@kelsolongviewchamber.org Submissions may be edited for length, style and consistency.

New members: Call the Chamber office, 360-423-8400, to arrange to be interviewed for a “mini-feature” in an upcoming issue of the Kelso Longview Business Connection.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Business Toolbox Sooner or later, a business builder will realize the technical work can readily be contracted out to someone else to do.

The real added value is created by the business building tasks which are far less interesting and hard work. As a result, many new business builders become disillusioned and discouraged.

3. Building a business actually takes three unique skill sets: The entrepreneur -- supplies the vision. The manager -- supplies order and systems.

The technician -- supplies the output.

While all three personas want to be the boss, none want to have a boss. And yet, all three skill sets are ultimately required.

The entrepreneur turns every trivial matter into a huge commercial opportunity. Entrepreneurs are dreamers who focus on the future.

Managers are pragmatic. They bring order and put systems in place. In essence, managers focus on the past, and cling to the status quo.

Technicians like doing things. They live in the present. They are hands-on people who like to get the work done, and who don’t like any interruptions.

Typical business builder personality 10% - Entrepreneur 20% - Manager 70% - Technician A very good business builder would be: 33% - Entrepreneur 33% - Manager 33% - Technician

Most businesses go through three phases of growth Infancy: When the technician is to the fore. Expansion: When better management skills are required.

Maturity: When entrepreneurial perspective is needed.

Many problems arise when a business is run according to what the owner wants rather than what the business needs. In fact, the needs of the business will vary at different stages of its development.

cont page 10

Local CPA offers tax tips

By Jeri Henry

W

ith the beginning of a new year comes the season in which tax returns must be filed.

These tips will assist in making the process easier if followed:

1) Keep excellent financial records on a regular basis

Use a good computerized accounting program to keep track of all of your financial transactions.

2) Keep all invoices and receipts arising from business operations Your income has to be claimed for tax purposes but you can write your business expenses off against that income to lower the amount of taxes you will owe.

Documentation is the key to being able to prove the validity of the deduction.

Enter invoices & receipts into your computerized accounting program on a daily or regular basis.

3) Keep track of how much you use your car for business If you use your personal vehicle for business, you can deduct the mileage you drive for your business. The standard mileage rate for 2012 is 55.5 cents per mile. It is important that you keep a travel diary in your vehicle and write down your odometer readings each time you travel for a business purpose.

4) Keep in mind that you can write off assets purchased for use in the business When business assets are purchased, the cost may be written off entirely in the year they are placed in service, within certain IRS-defined limits, or they can be depreciated over a certain number of years. Sales tax paid on the purchase of a business asset is included in the cost of the asset for deduction purposes. If you buy an asset out-of-state or on-line and don’t pay sales tax as part of the purchase, be sure to report the purchase on your Washington State Excise Tax Report and pay the “use tax” at that time.

5) Deduct the interest expense from a business loan If you have taken out a loan to start up or operate your business, the interest on that loan is deductible.

Kelso Longview

Chamber

of

Commerce Team

Bill Marcum, President/CEO Amy Johnson, Program Director Debbie Brock, Bookkeeper

Kelso Longview Business Connection published monthly by Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce 1563 Olympia Way Longview, WA 98632 360-423-8400 Produced by Columbia River Reader To advertise, call 360-749-2632.

E-mail: nedpiper@comcast.net Ad Deadline: 25th each month

6) Keep all your tax documents for at least seven years.

This includes all documents that you file for your business and all supporting documentation (such as business receipts and vehicle mileage logs).

PAGE 3

• FEBRUARY 2012

Keeping the lights on.

It’s all in their day’s work. And night’s.

The Cowlitz PUD Board of Commissioners thanks PUD employees for their dedication and hard work during the long day of snow, broken tree limbs and power outages on Wednesday January 18th.

Over a 24-hour period, our workers dealt with power outages and downed power lines — from Ryderwood to Cougar and all points in between.

They responded to hundreds of calls and visited dozens of homes and neighborhoods, working to get the power back on. We appreciate their professionalism and dedication to complete the work efficiently and safely, maintaining the high quality of service our customers have grown to count on.

Thank you.

Paid for by Commissioners Mark McCrady, Buz Ketcham and Ned Piper.

Our Longview and Rainier Stores are merging and will become

One Oregon Store

So we’re having a

CONSOLODATION

SALE!

Come se the grea e selectiont !

CARPET • HARDWOOD LAMINATE • TILE NATURAL STONE VINYL • WINDOW FASHIONS

7) Get familiar with the IRS website: www.irs.gov/businesses This website has a wealth of information and access to forms you may need.

8) Hire a good tax accountant (Of course, I had to throw this one in!)

Jerri Henry is a CPA with Futcher Henry Group in Longview.

105 B Street • West Rainier, OR

Phone 503-556-0171 • Toll Free 800-886-0171 WA LIC. COLUMRF291QN, OR: 1145 www.Carpetone.com

PAGE 4

• FEBRUARY 2012

What’s happenin’

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS BITS

By Laurel Murphy

Not just another binder on the shelf CITY OF LONGVIEW’S 5-YEAR ACTION AGENDA

I

heard a lot of grumbling when another consultant came into town in late 2010. “Another waste of taxpayer money for a study that will just sit on a shelf,” said more than one businessperson.

ing, Brickey reported that 16 items have been implemented and 10 items have been initiated during the last six months. Brickey presented these accomplishments to the Longview City Council at a workshop on January 19.

But John Brickey, Director of Community Development, told the Longview Downtowners Association (LDA), more than once, that this time would be different. HyettPalma would not only develop a 5-year action agenda, he said, but the plan would assign roles and responsibility for implementation and the plan would be carried out.

HyettPalma presented the City with a 62-item action agenda in June 2011.

“Things are happening in baby steps but they are moving forward,” said Councilman Ken Botero. “People are jumping on the HyettPalma action agenda because they see it is workable.

We have people getting involved.”

If you have attended a Longview Downtowners’ general meeting or read this column lately, you know about the implementation of bits and pieces of the action agenda. At the January meet-

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(If you are rolling your eyes at this point, please bear with me: this information affects every business and property owner in downtown Longview.)

Parking: Good, bad, ugly?

I mentioned the changes in downtown parking last month. I recently talked to three businesses owners in the 1400 block of Commerce. One complained about the old parking regulations, one complained about the new regulations and the third said there was no problem because there was plenty of parking. Detailed information about the changes, as well as a map of each city parking lot, is available at the City’s website: www.mylongview.com. The City will implement these changes for two years and then seek input about whether the changes are good, bad or just ugly.

Longview Downtown Partnership (LDP) Board of Directors HyettPalma recommended that the Longview Downtowners restructure its board in order to direct the action

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KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

NEXT MEETING 5:30 pm Tues, Feb. 21, 2012 Las Rocas 1260 Commerce

PROGRAM: Anna Goff on the Cowlitz County Children’s Activity Museum Info: Doug Har vey 360-636-4477

Everyone is welcome!

agenda. President Longview Downtowners • 360-423-8403, ext. 401 Doug Harvey has appointed 17 individuals to the Partnership Board of The police department has impleDirectors. These new members repremented several action agenda items: sent various downtown businesses as increased police presence and retenwell as other affected organizations, i.e. tion of the Street Crimes Unit as well as LCC, CEDC, Chamber of Commerce, working with LCC students to develop City Council. a Downtown Guides Program. The City is working with social service agencies Downtown Business to make them more accountable for the Improvement Area (BIA) conduct of their clients.

HyettPalma recommended that the Next month, we will report on the LDA hire a Downtown director responaction agenda for 2012. sible for implementation of the action agenda, marketing, and other busiFor more information, please contact ness development activities. To fund LDP President Doug Harvey (360-636the position, the action agenda recom4477), John Brickey (360-442-5080) mended that the LDA re-launch the or LPD Parking Enforcement Officer effort to create a Downtown BIA (an (360-442-5800). effort in 2003 was unsuccessful.) A BIA allows business and property owners to assess themselves. The Downtowners hired former Chamber Commerce president Rick Winsman to work on Fashion Show establishing the BIA. He has defined Coldwater Creek is coming to down the assessment area, developed an to show women’s clothing at Teague’s annual budget of $89,000 and several Interiors (1267 Commerce) on Saturoptions for an assessment schedule day, February 11 from 2-3:30. (Disclo(i.e., 204 active downtown businesses sure: I am especially excited because I pay $37/mo; include 170 property ownbuy many of my clothes from the outers and the assessment is $20/mo. The let section of their website. Great Barnext step is to finalize the assessment gains!) fee and method and present it to every business owner, operator and property All Kinds of Puppies owner. Sixty percent of affected ownNow is a good time to check out The ers and operators must agree to the Pet Works (1257 Commerce). They proposed assessment. have remodeled the store and have the cutest puppies (live) in the window.

Safety (Disclosure: I was one of the judges that HyettPalma asked local residents and awarded The Pet Works a prize for their businesses owners to rate the “feeling holiday display of stuffed puppies on a of safety” downtown as good, fair or pink background.) poor. 51% of residents, but only 17% of business owners rated safety as good.

AND NOW: SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Squelching the Rumor

I had heard that Alice Dietz had sold The Brits (1427 Commerce). Although the Cowlitz Economic Development Council has hired Dietz as Director of Programs, The Brits will remain open under the management of Alices’s husband, Doug Dietz. This transition brings two changes: The Brits will no longer host WordFest after the February 7 meeting or sell books by local authors.

Laurel Murphy worked with other key volunteers to accomplish Downtown’s new Longview Outdoor Gallery of sculptures. She lives in Kalama.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Downtowners plan strategy for 2012

It was a dark and storm Sunday afternoon and these people were not lying on their couches in front of the TV. Instead, the 21 business owners, City employees and volunteers gathered January 22 for the Longview Downtown Partnership’s 2nd Annual Strategic Planning Session.

Janice Forbes (Highlander Cycling) facilitated the Sunday afternoon session centered on the organization’s mission “to work together to revitalize and reenergize Historic Downtown Longview for the purpose of fostering community and supporting business.”

“

Never doubt that

a small group of thoughtful,

committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

”

Calendar of Events A main purpose of the session was to establish a 2012 calendar of new and ongoing downtown events. New events are marked with an asterisk.

April 7 – Easter Bunny Hunt* May 12 – Mother’s Day Celebration* June 6, 7, 8 – Downtown Days* June 6 – Aug 31 (Friday evenings) – Downtown Live July TBA – Cardboard Boat Regatta October 13 – Har vest Fest and Zombie Apocalypse November 23 – Black Friday* December 1 – Holiday Parade Day Festival December 7, 14, 21 – Holiday Open House The purpose of these activities is to bring our community downtown to have fun.

“If people are having fun, they will spend money,” said Ana Goff (DIY Party Supply). Business owners are encouraged to actively participate in the planning and implementation of these activities and to share their ideas for additional ones.

For more information, contact Janice Forbes at Janice@highlander-cycling. com or 360-353-3790.

City offers $25,000 for Downtown Longview facade improvements The City of Longview invites downtown property owners to consider applying for a façade improvement grant to improve the exterior of their buildings.

The facade improvement program provides grants for making visible changes to commercial building facades and to restore buildings as close to their original exterior appearances as is reasonably possible. Approved projects could receive up to 50% cost reimbursement in grant financing.

The City recognizes the importance of preserving Longview’s buildings and facades with historic value and has budgeted $25,000 to encourage and support exterior building improvements in the Downtown Commerce Zone. The primary focus area will be along Commerce Avenue.

Applicants must be owners of property within the Downtown Commerce Zone and meet other eligibility requirements. It should be noted that this program is not for public streetscape or interior building improvements, but for exterior building facades. Applications will be reviewed by a Facade Design Review Committee during March and April 2012, with recommended funding to be announced in May or June 2012.

Applications will be reviewed in the order received to determine eligible candidates. Approved projects must be started within 60 days of the award of funding.

If you are interested in applying for this program, please submit an application to the Community Development Department, c/o John Brickey, PO Box 128, Longview, WA 98632. The application packet is also available online at www. mylongview.com. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2012.

Please call 442-5092 if you have any questions.

Facade Improvement Grants

Apply by Feb. 28

PAGE 5

• FEBRUARY 2012

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE HIRING

Economic news sparks optimism for 2012 job growth

By Lisa Straughan, PHR, CSP

M

any business leaders are expressing optimism heading into 2012 on the heels of recent economic news from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The national unemployment rate decreased from 9.8% in November of 2010 to 8.6% in November 2011. The downward unemployment trend and increase in job growth seems to be providing encouragement to the business community.

As businesses begin to hire, whether they are in start-up mode or in a growth phase, it is important to have a hiring process in place and that all hiring managers be trained. Diligent and consistent use of a process will lower the risk of costly turnover. Though there are several elements that enable effective hiring, here are three tips to consider:

Tip #1: Classify employees correctly The IRS has continued to crack-down on employers for misclassifying workers as independent contractors. There are several risks of misclassification, which include: paying retroactive payroll and income taxes, plus penalties, wage and overtime claims, workers’ compensation claims and unemployment insurance claims. Classification is determined on several factors, which include but are not limited to: • The length of job / permanency • The worker’s investment and supply of tools, equipment and materials used to perform the job • The ability of the worker to determine his/her own schedule and hours • The insurance/financial responsibility maintained by the worker to support his/her business (includes filing business tax returns)

Tip #2: Screen applicants thoroughly by using resumés, job applications, background checks and reference checks Screening tools are a vital piece of the hiring process that should not be overlooked. Always have an applicant complete a job application in addition to submitting a resume.

Key areas of applications and resumes are: • Frequent job changes • Professional goals stated and how applicable are they to the position and company

• Gaps in employment dates or vague dates noted on their resume/application. Salary history and how it relates to the pay range you are offering • Reasons for leaving jobs • Incomplete applications Reference and background checks not only help gain additional information concerning a candidate’s fit, but they can also help avoid negligent hiring practices. For reference checks, keep the inquiries job related, and talk with supervisors and professional connections.

Tip #3: Use behavioral & situational-based questions during the inter view Most people need training on how to effectively interview candidates. Two techniques that are highly recommended are behavioral based questions and situational based questions. Questions should not only be related to the essential job functions, but also company culture. Be sure to prepare for the interview by reviewing the resume and application in detail, by having specific questions based on the desired knowledge, skills, abilities and culture fit, and by doing more listening than talking.

Situational Questions (“What if…”)

• Asking the candidate to describe how they would handle a certain situation applicable to the role for which they are applying.

Behavioral Questions (“How did you…”)

• Asking the candidate to describe how he/she has handled specific situations in the past By following these basic guidelines and ensuring hiring managers are trained on strategic and legally appropriate practices, employers significantly improve their chances of hiring the right candidate and protect the company from unnecessary risk. A thorough and objective hiring process will provide efficiencies to recruiting and retaining excellent candidates to insure a productive and successful workforce.

••• Lisa Straughan owns Express Employment Services, located at 1208 Washington Way Suite 140 in Longview. Reach her at 360-4141200 or 360-7713117. Join her on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/ pub/lisa-straughan-phr-csp/5/6a9/786

PAGE 6

• FEBRUARY 2012

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Happy to be back, looking forward to meeting KLCC members

W

hile I know many of you, I know there are some of you who do not know me… so allow me to introduce myself.

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My name is Bill Marcum, I was born in Nyssa, Oregon, a small rural community in eastern Oregon. I attended College of Idaho in Caldwell, Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario and graduated from Southern Oregon State College in Ashland.

In September, Brenda and I were married in Longview at the Longview Country Club. Brenda spent nearly 19 years living and working in the area and is extremely happy to be coming back. In late December after nearly a 31-year career in newspapers I was awarded the opportunity to return to the Longview-Kelso area as your new president and CEO of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce.

All of this experience has I started my newspaper career Bill Marcum given me a great understandin 1981 in Ashland working of what it takes to help our ing with The Daily Tidings. business community be more In 1986 I was transferred to successful and profitable.

Albany where I spent the next Kelso and Longview are wonfour plus years with the Demderful places to live, work and play and I ocrat-Herald. From there, in December of am grateful for the opportunity to return 1990 I accepted a position at the Heraldand partner with local business people.

Republic in Yakima, Washington. In 1992 Ted Natt contacted me about a position On the recreational side of my life you with the The Daily News, where I became will find me on the golf course, watching the Advertising and Marketing Director local high school sports and following until December of 2000, when I went to the Mariners and the Seahawks. If you work for an Internet company owned by are in the woods you will find me in full a group of newspapers and traveled the camo, archery hunting for elk and deer. northwest consulting with newspapers on I also love to grab one of my shotguns how to use this new form of media. and chase a pheasant, duck or goose. I am a member of Ducks Unlimited, the After 100,000 air miles and 150,000 road Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and I miles David Natt offered me the opporam a Rotarian. I am also passionate about tunity to publish the Enumclaw Courierhealth and healthcare, spending 10 years Herald. In November 2003, I started a as a board trustee for the Enucmlaw free weekly newspaper, the Bonney Lake Regional Healthcare Foundation.

Courier-Herald.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Natt family and I decided to sell those two weekly newspapers in June 2008 to Black Press out of Canada. I continued to work for Black Press at the newspapers until October 2010 at which time I was hired to the position of Advertising Director of the East Oregonian and the Hermiston Herald.

My day normally starts about 7am, so if you are driving by, on your way to work stop in, introduce yourself and enjoy of cup of coffee with me.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Bill Marcum is the newly-appointed President/CEO of Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. He replaces Rick Winsman who recently retired.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

PAGE 7

• FEBRUARY 2012

In with the New!

A

s we welcome in 2012, there are a number of new things going on relative to the Chamber and our regional business community.

Finally, with the selection of a new leader for the Chamber, we will be reviewing all aspects of the Chamber’s operation and service to our members and to the communities within our region. Bill will be reaching out for your feedback and ideas on how to best help our members succeed. Please look for his call or email and please provide him your time and honest input.

Frank McShane

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Thanks!

Frank McShane is chairman of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Make your Valentines Day reservations now!

RESTAURANT & WINE CLUB

Second, the new Washington State Legislative session is in session. Our Monday Morning Legislative Briefings are underway at the Monticello Hotel at 7am each Monday morning of the session. The turnout of both legislators and Chamber members has been very good so far. I encourage you to try out this unique opportunity to address our legislators directly. It is very important to reinforce the need for our State Legislature to help incent our businesses to grow long-term rather than just look for the short-term patches of tax and fee increases.

The Bistro

First, we are welcoming our new Chamber President, Bill Marcum, and his wife Brenda back to Longview. You will find Bill’s introductory article in this edition (facing page). The Chamber Board is excited to have Bill in place and we look forward to helping him get re-engaged with our membership.

Next, we have changed the timing of this year’s Business Expo from late February to May 17th at the Cowlitz County Expo Center. This will allow for planning an even bigger and better Expo at a more weatherfriendly time of year. Event sponsorships, activity sponsorships, as well as display booth opportunities will provide great marketing opportunities to your regional target customers.

Enjoy our special Valentines menu Tuesday, February 14th. ~ Romantic live music by Avi ~ Seating is limited and reservations are strongly recommended.

ted # VoFine Dining

1

Longview Daily News 2011

1329 Commerce Ave. Downtown Longview Wed–Sat 5 pm ‘til . . . ?

Make your reservations online at www.thebistrobuzz.com or call 360.425.2837

PAGE 8

• FEBRUARY 2012

TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN

Why be a Chamber member?

T

he start of the year. The continuous flow of membership renewal invoices in your mail box. The request for money, resources, and merchandise for a lot of great causes. And your time. Always someone requesting your time for meetings, projects and worthwhile events.

Even the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

So this month, let’s take just a minute to look at some of the reasons you should be a part of the Kelso Longview Chamber. Here are the “Top 10 Reasons

to be Part of the Chamber” 10. The Chamber needs you!

Your commitment and financial support enables the Chamber to continue to be a strong, action oriented organization.

9. We offer something for ever yone No matter what your interests are, there is a Chamber task force, group or committee working to support your individual effort. Why not join forces with other concerned business members?

8. Your involvement makes a difference in helping to reach

important community and membership goals.

7. Networking socially with other business members is fun!

6. While there is a cost to membership, there is no cost to volunteering and the rewards are priceless.

5. Task force/committee involvement is a unique members

only benefit and offers valuable leadership experience and collaborative problem solving skills.

4. It doesn’t take much of your time. In most cases only an hour or

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

around the

WATER COOLER

“What could our Legislature do now to help your business?”

“No new taxes! We need to create tax stability for businesses. I need to know if I spend money on new equipment, I can pay for it. I’m looking out five years for confidence I’m not going to be taxed out of business in the meantime.

Dale Lemmons

President, Signature Transport, Kelso

so each month.

3. You will have increased opportunities to have your opinions known and suggestions acted upon.

2. You will be more informed regarding issues that involve your business.

And the #1 reason you should be a part of the Chamber: 1. Involvement will benefit your business by making you more visible in the business community, increasing your business contacts and giving your customers and clients the perception that you are a community leader.

“Stay reasonable with taxes and don’t restrict businesses from growing.”

Craig Collins, Architect Collins Architectural Group, Longview

“Continue to invest in transportation infrastructure with an emphasis on freight mobility. We’ve shown that pays off in creating new ecoomic development.”

Ken O’Hollaren

Executive Director, Port of Longview

“Reduce government intervention and return to a capitalist management.

Government (state and federal) needs to stop removing the consequences of porr decisions.”

Dean Piotrowski

We are looking forward to your leadership.

Welcome back, Bill Marcum!

Resources • Access Partnerships

VP /Commercial Banking Officer Columbia Bank, Longview

“Update the recently promoted 80-plus NAICS codes to include Green Alternative businesses like EcoTech Recycling, a Materials Recovery Center (MRC) recovering precious metals from manufacturing, semiconductor, medical, military and government business that give preference to woman, minority, and veteran businesses for bidding on government contracts. There are no recycling or sister NAICS opportunities for anything that promotes clean and green. Adding as needed and keeping current NAICS codes to an established list by the stroke of the pen and voting to approve is a no- or low-cost way to bring new emerging niche businesses to the table that help pay the tax base.”

Renie Duvall, Owner, EcoTech Recycling, Kalama

“Around the Water Cooler” is a regular feature of KelsoLongview Business Connection. Watch for our roving reporter this month at a water cooler near you.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Research shows: Personal fulfillment at work boosts return on labor investment

By Abby Herrera, Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest

T

he factors that contribute to employees’ happiness at work may surprise you. While salaries and a corner office may appear on wish lists, both employers and employees may focus on the wrong incentives. It turns out that an employee’s desire for personal fulfillment may well be the key to maximizing the return on a labor investment.

Motivation through corporate volunteering In the groundbreaking Harvard Business Review article, “One More Time: How do you motivate employees?” author Frederick Herzberg suggests that companies should look beyond traditional forms of employment incentives and identify opportunities for advancement, recognition, achievement, more responsibility and personal growth.

Feedback and encouragement play a role, indicated by Herzberg's findings, and it is no surprise that corporate volunteering opportunities appear in today’s management toolkit.

The article is compelling but how does the academic work translate to the dayto-day operations of your company? Reallife examples of Herzberg’s findings can be found in action right here in Cowlitz County. One of them is at Fibre Federal Credit Union in Longview.

When Shannon Cahoon, FFCU’s community outreach coordinator, was first hired, she was amazed by the encouragement given all employees to get involved in a cause. Finding her passion via Big Brothers Big Sisters did not take long, as Cahoon took inspiration from her own childhood and her relationship with her own big sister.

When she was 13 years old, Cahoon’s parents divorced and she went to live with her sister, Jamie, Jamie’s husband and their five children. This was a trying time for Cahoon, whose life had been turned upside down. During the time she lived with her sister, Cahoon found in Jamie more than just a sister: she also found a friend, confidante and mentor, providing structure and setting boundaries.

Today, Cahoon is a Big Brothers Big Sisters ambassador board member, donor and new Big Sister to a young girl named Caylie.

It’s easy to understand why Fibre Federal supports the time Cahoon spends volunteering: It makes business sense. Research has found that employees who volunteer through their workplace report a more positive attitude toward their employer, as well as toward colleagues.

Fibre Federal Credit Union employee Shannon Cahoon and her “little sister,” Caylie.

PAGE 9

Breakfast briefing from page 1

Proposed Transportation Bill This would raise $3.1 billion over 10 years for operation and maintenance; most funding would go to bridge preservation, including those on I-90 where weight restrictions are now in effect, and come from a “barrel tax” of $1.50 at the refinery. This would not be protected by the 18th Amendment and, therefore, could be dipped into by the State for other uses later. As a “fee” and not a tax, it would not be subject to voter approval.

Washington businesses would be at a di sadvantage since fuel suppliers in neighboring states would not impose the fee.

A preferred funding alternative: Additional 10¢ per gallon tax at the pump.

Also proposed: $100 fee for electric cars, since they also wear out roads but are not currently paying gasoline taxes; 15 percent increase for heavy commercial vehicles, additional passenger fees, and an optional local one percent tax or $40 license fee increase.

Profitability boost

Changes in paid family leave

Employee engagement is defined as the individual’s degree of positive or negative emotional attachment to his or her organization and job. Increased levels of employee engagement positively impact business performance numbers: research

by Gallup discovered that in companies with a high level of employee engagement, profitability jumped by 16 percent.

Employers of up to five would be required to pay for sick leave of one hour per 40 hours worked; for employers of more than 250, one hour sick leave accrued per 30 hours worked. Employee manuals would need revision to comply with broader guidelines for what and whom sick leave could be used, patterned after what has been enacted in Seattle.

Fibre Federal Credit Union’s Community Service Committee composed of staff volunteers, meets monthly and is responsible for coordinating various fundraising and volunteer projects throughout the year.

Staff contribute hundreds of volunteer hours, supporting more than 50 local civic, educational, and charitable organizations.

Business responsibility “I believe it is the responsibility of business to take care of the community they operate in," said Fibre Federal Credit Union CEO Larry Hoff. “Fibre Federal does its part to facilitate and encourage philanthropic efforts. We’ve seen the benefit of this through a more engaged and happy staff, and an inspired membership.”

Through her work as Big Brothers Big Sisters ambassador board member — and with support from her employer, Cahoon is on a mission to bring more life-changing friendships to children in Cowlitz County.

Your business, too can also get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest. Give Tobie Crocker a call in the organization’s Longview office, 360-636-2765, to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to help the community and also benefit your company’s bottom line.

••• Abby Herrera is marketing director with Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest.

The organization hopes to develop more companies to partner long-term in the program and more business professionals to join the Cowlitz Big Brothers ambassador board. For more info, visit bbbsnorthwest. org.

• FEBRUARY 2012

Minimum Wage, Energy, Etc. Three minimum wage bills are in the hopper but not expected to garner enough support to progress.

Energy Independence Act needs revision to control power costs.

Sen. Hatfield said he is working on bills to preserve agricultural lands from environmental controls, water rights in legislation dealing with Washington grown food, and license fees for warehousing.

Health care for school employees A health care reform devised by a nonpartisan group would merge school employees into a statewide pool and result in $90 million administrative savings to the State and local districts while still offering hundreds of plans to choose from.

The Marriage Bill This is a distraction from important issues, both Senators agreed. “I’m OK with people voting,” Hatfield said. “I’m not comfortable dealing with it solely in Olympia. I’d just as soon pass it with a referendum clause, get it out of the way and let the public decide.”

Dinner in Olympia Longview City Councilman Ken Botero reminded legislators of the upcoming Association of Washington Cities. Sen. Orcutt expressed interest.

Meatballs and cheese,” he said. “That’s called dinner in Olympia.”

PAGE 10

• FEBRUARY 2012

Business Toolbox

cont. from page 3

Stage 1 -- Infancy For a business in its infancy, the technician is the business. That is, remove the technician and the business would disappear. The technician does everything himself or herself.

Infancy ends when the technician gets sick of juggling everything and realizes something has to change if the business is to make some forward progress. If the technician is unwilling to make those changes, the business will close. Otherwise, the business will enter adolescence or expansion.

Stage 2 -- Expansion Every business owner has a comfort zone — a collection of responsibilities which he or she feels comfortable personally delivering on: For a technician it is how much work he or she can do. For a manager, it is how many people he or she can supervise.

For an entrepreneur, it is how many people buy in to the vision.

Once a business grows beyond that comfort zone, there are four possible responses: 1. Get small again -- effectively taking the business back to its infancy again when things were easier. (This is the natural inclination for most Technicians-turned-Owners).

2. Go for broke -- try and grow the business fast enough that it will generate enough cash to hire the resources needed to manage itself.

3. Hang in there -- in the hope that some sort of order will ultimately emerge from all the chaos and carnage the business has become.

4. Move the business through to maturity -- by the business owner being willing to learn new skills and assume different priorities for the use of his or her time.

So, the realities are not what one might desire, but they can be expected and worked with. It may be ime for you to determine how to proceed — continue to work primarily IN your business, or begin to work more ON your business.

I encourage you to read Gerber’s books and learn more about this clear, methodical approach to building a thriving business.

The Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help.

••• Jerry D. Petrick, MBA, PMP, SPHR is a Business Advisor with the WSU SBDC in Longview, Wash., where he provids confidential, business advisory services by appointment. Contact him at 360.442.2946 or e-mail jerry.petrick@ wsbdc.org

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

2012 Board of Directors OFFICERS Frank McShane, Chairman Cascade Networks, Inc.

Lower Columbia Professionals Committee Aaron Dawson Opsahl Dawson & Co.

Dale Lemmons Immediate Past Chair Interstate Wood Products

Carey Mackey Red Canoe Credit Union

Jerri Henr y, Treasurer Futcher - Henry Group

De De Brill Community Home Health and Hospice

Mike Claxton, Legal Counsel , Walstead Mertsching Bill Marcum, President Kekso Longview Chamber of Commerce President/CEO DIRECTORS John Anderson, Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC David Campbell, City of Longview Sarah Cave, PeaceHealth Diane Craft Koelsch Senior Communities Joel Hanson KLOG/KUKN/TheWAVE

David Schaafsma

Erik Guttormsen Fibre Federal Credit Union Gretchen Taylor Stewart Title Jason Meunier Twin City Bank Jennifer Dawson, Opsahl Dawson & Co. Julie Laird Keri Verhei Elder Options Lonnie Knowles Stewart Title

Mike Julian, Kelso Theatre Pub

Nick Lemiere Edward Jones

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title

Nita Rudd, Cascade Title Company

Julie Rinard Community Home Health & Hospice

Russ Chittock, Russ Chittock American Family Ins. Agency

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

George Raiter Cowlitz County Commissioner

Stephanie Bullock Heritage Bank

1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632

Denny Richards, City of Kelso

Steve Moon, Foster Farms

Membership Application

Business Name:

Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone:

Company Website:

Primary Contact:

Title:

Contact Email:

Gold Circle (Premium): Business name highlighted in directory, 50% off mailing label purchase, brochure insertion in relocation packets, special recognition plus Basic.

Basic: Direct marking through business mailing lists, referrals to visitors, potential new residents & businesses, listing in the annual Preferred Business Directory, monthly newsletter to keep you informed, networking opportunities, Advocacy through action committees, Candidate Forums and Action Alerts.

(Call Chamber office for specific benefits) Basic Membership $238 $264 $292 $323

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Membership cost is based upon number of employees and level of membership.

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Mailing Address (if different from above):

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One-time enrollment fee $50

Contact the Chamber office at 360-423-8400 for detailed explanation of benefits at each level and exact costs

Chamber Ambassador Committee Russ Chittock American Family Insurance Lisa Allen, Banda's Bouquets Nick Lemiere, Edward Jones Sherr y Bean, Employers Overload D'Dee Kuanoni Express Employment Professionals Diana Loback, Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing Jeni Quiriconi, HeartSong Massage Jim Zonich, Kelso Hardware Marine

Tom Iverson, KLOG/KUKN Diane Craft Koelsch Senior Communities Carrie Medack National City Mortgage Kathy Kyllonen NW Continuum Care Center Aman Wasu Prudential NW Properties Pam Fierst Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Myrna Rak, SignMasters, Inc. Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title Glenda Ashe, Twin City Bank Jason Meunier, Twin City Bank Donna Hughes, WorkSource

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

PAGE 11

• FEBRUARY 2012

Welcome back Bill!

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PAGE 12

• FEBRUARY 2012

Lipid Testing and Treatment

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION