CHAMBER 0511

KELSO LONGVIEW

Vol. 3, No. 5 • May 2011

Business Connection

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Longview Downtowners • Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

An Evening with the Stars

Who will be coming down the red carpet?

The Kelso Longview Chamber’s Education Foundation will honor outstanding individuals and businesses that make a difference in the local education and business community at their 2011 Education and Business Awards Celebration – An Evening with the Stars on May 11, 2011 at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center.

This will be a special evening as we show appreciation to business and individuals going above and beyond in commitment and service to better our community. To make your reservation, contact the Chamber Team at 360.423.8400.

Judy Frandsen, Toutle Lake School District T.J.Frey, On-Track Academy Louise Emerson, Spanish teacher, Lower Columbia College Jerr y Zimmerman, Lower Columbia College Lisa Mustion, Teacher, Private School

PAID

Centralia, WA 98531 Permit #26

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632

Express Employment Professionals Jacki Masters, Longview City Utilities Goodwill Industries Lower Columbia Pathologists

Kevin Taylor, Chief Firefighter, Longview Fire Dept Brendan Glaser, Lower Columbia College Marissa Jimenez, Somerset Retirement

CRYSTAL APPLE

Presorted Std U.S. Postage

WORKFORCE BEST PRACTICE

WORKFORCE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

And The Nominees Are: Brian Mitchell, Choir, Mark Morris Rick Davis, DECA Marketing, Kelso High School Tamra Bell, Education Planner, Lower Columbia College Katrina Fuller, Longview School District Mark Hottowe, Kelso School District Greg Gardner, Kelso School District Brenda Crawford, Kelso School District

Norman Dick, Walstead Mertsching Russ Chittock, American Family Insurance - Russ Chittock Agency Julie Laird, Bicoastal Media Mike Claxton, Walstead Mertsching Jerri Henr y, Futcher-Henry Group Diana Loback, Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing

Bianca Lemmons, Cowlitz County Title Ted Spraque, Cowlitz Economic Development Council Sue Piper, Columbia River Reader Diane Fulton, Walstead Mertsching Dale Lemmons, Interstate Wood Products Marti Johnson, LifeWorks Phillip Jurm, Battalion Chief, Longview Fire Dept.

Cal Dowd, Prographyx Ginny Whiffen, Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Cathy Barr, St Johns Medical Center Dar yl McDaniel, Chief, Longview Fire Dept.

Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title Wendy Kosloski, Teague’s Interiors Frank Randolph, Walstead Mertsching Kim Newbur y, Weyerhaeuser

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Banda’s Bouquets Bob’s Sporting Goods Columbia River Reader CoPrintco Cowlitz County Title Estetica Day Spa Highlander Cycling Imports Longview Eye & Vision Longview Tire omOriginals Marketing!

Opsahl, Dawson & Company Prudential Northwest Properties Three Rivers Eye Care Walstead Mertsching Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

STATE OF THE COUNTY THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011 Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Membership Meeting Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview 11:45 am – 1:30 pm $30 until June 1 $35 after June 1 and at Door $45/ Not Yet a Member

Featured Speakers: Cowlitz County Commissioners:

Michael Karnofski James Misner George Raiter You are invited to attend the Kelso Longview Chamber’s 2nd Quarter Membership Luncheon. As the County moves into recovery, find out how you and your business may be affected by changes in service and budget.

Reservations for our Quarterly Membership Luncheon can be made by calling the Chamber at 360-423-8400.

Fibre Federal Credit Union Fred Meyer Interstate Wood Products LifeWorks Lower Columbia CAP Monticello Park Retirement Community NORPAC PeaceHealth PNE Construction St John Medical Center

ARE YOU READY TO PAR-TEE? Friday, June 17, 2011 Longview Countr y Club

9:00 am Shotgun Start Teams & Sponsorships filling fast!

It may seem like anything but golf weather lately, but it’s not too soon to get your foursome together for the Annual Chamber Golf Classic scheduled for Friday, June 17, 2011, at the Longview Country Club.

Registration is at 7:00 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 9:00 a.m

Our Golf Committee is hard at work to make this year’s tournament even more memorable than the last.

Mission impossible? Put together your foursome and come find out! All Chamber members and their guests are invited to participate. cont. page 6

IN THIS ISSUE Castle Rock Chamber . . . . . . 2 Around the Water Cooler . . . 3 Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . . 3 Longview Downtowners . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . 5 Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . . 6

PAGE 2

• MAY 2011

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Castle Rock rocks!

Energized Chamber sees new growth, bricks & mortar

C

astle Rock may seem like a sleepy little town. But based on the level of business activity there lately, you wouldn’t think so. The community is admiring two handsome, brand new commercial buildings and new businesses are popping up downtown, including an art and gift gallery, a candy store, and a photography studio.

The Chamber of Commerce is on the move. Castle Rock PRESIDENT’S CORNER rocks! ver the last several months our Cowlitz River DenCastle Rock Chamber of Comtal just moved into its new merce has been growing and having building at 358 Front Avenue a positive effect on the community.

N.W., opposite Red Canoe Monthly meetings have expanded to Credit Union’s newest branch over 35 participants who are engag(top photo). The buildings, ing other businesses, City officials separately owned but similar and residents to build relationships in appearance, were designed and improve the community as a by Collins Architectural whole. We are once again sponsorGroup of Longview, and built by BnK Coning community events, handing out struction of Gladstone, Oregon. scholarships and promoting a clean city and business-friendly environCall it “Tooth Acres” ment through active involvement Dr. Blaine Kennington and staff now enjoy with the implementation of the Stra50 percent more space than in their former tegic Marketing Plan and Castle downtown Castle Rock location. Ever since Rock Clean-up Days.

2002, Kennington and his wife, Carolyn We have engaged quality speakers Kennington, have been wanting to move who influence and affect our area, the practice. “We finally have been able to like Cowlitz County Commissioner make that happen,” she said. And they are Jim Misner and Mt. St. Helens Monpleased with their new digs. ument Manager Tom Mulder. We “We wanted to incorporate a feel of the are a friendly group and invite other Northwest,” said Kennington. “The Collins businesses, or anyone who would like to be part of the positive change happening in Castle Rock.

Storytelling Photography LLC

Annuity • Life Insurance Long-term Care • Group Health Auto Insurance • Homeowners Individual Health • Disability Business Insurance Substandard Life Individual Dental Medicare Supplement Short-term Medical

O

NEXT MEETING: May 12 (and the 2nd Thursday of every month) at 8:30 am at Castle Rock Visitor Center & Exhibit Hall, 147 Front Ave NW.

“Every photo tells a story ...”

To receive the agenda and minutes as a reminder before the next meeting, send your email address to: mcvorse@MinutemanPress.com

Melody Kranz 360.355.5426

Kindest regards,

With more than 100 years of experience our combined staff can offer professional service and advice second to none.

Wayne Lunday Group did a great job.” An upstairs space, known as the Clock Tower Conference Room, is available for use by the community for meetings and events (call 360-2749100). And the residents of Castle Rock, population estimated at 8,300, will likely find many occasions for getting together.

“I love the community feel,” said photographer Melody Kranz, who is fairly new to town. “Everybody seems to watch out for everybody else.” Kranz operated Storytelling Photography “out of a corner cont. on page 6

LUTCF, CLU, ChFC

360-274-6991 866-514-3356 Fax: 360-274-7247

wayne@highcascadesagency.com

25 A Street SW P.O. Box 310 Castle Rock, WA 98611

storytellingphotography@yahoo.com www.storytellingphotography.com

Mike Vorse

President, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

Journey.

Start a new path.

Personal Banking • Investments • Business Services • Home Loans

NOW OPEN IN CASTLE ROCK! 320 Front Ave., Castle Rock 800.562.5611 www.redcanoecu.com

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

business

Question: If you could change just one thing about Downtown Longview, what would it be?

“More activities . . . street fairs, car shows, outdoor markets . . . things that bring people downtown. We have such a great walking area.”

~Carey Mackey Business Development Representative Red Canoe Credit Union, Longview

“I’ve lived in Portland and San Francisco, where downtowns are more lively. It takes participation to make it happen. I’d like to see Downtown thrive due to participation . . . activities, along with sculpture, art and flowers.”

~Michael Montero, General Manager Longview Country Club “We might not have a lot of retail shops at the moment, but if we just had more vibrant window displays and better lighting — especially in the windows — it would make all the difference.

Upgrading our window displays could be relatively quick, easy and affordable. Maybe the Downtowners could organize a regular walking tour for retailers who are open to something like ‘peer review,’ a fun exchange with frank feedback and suggestions.”

~Kate Packard, Operations Managerr BeCause Business Resources, Inc., Longview

Kelso Longview

Chamber

of

Commerce Team

Rick Winsman, President/CEO Norma Davey, Director of Administration Amy Johnson, Program Director Debbie Brock, Bookkeeper

Kelso Visitor Center

Connie Parsons, Center Director Lois Sigurdson, Center Assistant

Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau “Blade signs and floral arrangements on all the store fronts. Makes a world of difference at a reasonable cost.”

~James Misner Cowltiz County Commisioner Kelso, Wash.

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

Mark Plotkin, Tourism Director Megan Wells, Tourism Assistant Natalie Haney, Tourism Assistant

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 360-636-1143 or 360-749-2632.

E-mail: nedpiper@comcast.net

• MAY 2011

TOOLBOX

around the

WATER COOLER

PAGE 3

By Susan Hoosier

What makes your banker tick?

I

t is unfortunate that business owners frequently consider their lender an adversary rather than a team member.

Mark Twain once wrote “A Banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back when it starts to rain.’” In today’s world, banker jokes are probably second only to lawyer jokes.

Business owners who do not understand the most basic facts about the business of banking.

I would,suggest that business owners reconsider this common attitude toward banking and, instead, consider the benefits of treating your lender as one of the members of your management team.

Failing to understand what makes your business “bankable.”

One of the first steps in building strength in your lender relationships is to become more knowledgeable about bankers in general. To this end, you might consider reading the book The Small Business Insider’s Guide to Bankers. This publication does a nice job of providing a synopsis of how the banking industry operates, how to speak the banker’s language and how to turn your banker into an advocate for the growth and success of your small business.

Not valuing a long-term relationship and how it can impact your survival as a business.

Uneasy relationships, with a lender, can be traced back to:

Using the wrong bank or the wrong financing.

Failing to understand the four P’s of a perfect loan proposal and what it means to “package” a loan.

Failing to understand your commitments and the implications of resenting your lender’s requests for information.

Turnover in the banking industry and the need to continually nurture new relationships.

Here are five steps you can take to improve the relationship with your lender: Consider reading The Small Business Insider’s Guide to Bankers to learn more about why and how your lender does business. cont. on page 6

PAGE 4

• MAY 2011

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

What’s happenin’

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS BITS

5:30 pm Tuesday, May 10th

Everyone is welcome.

Come mix and mingle.

Refreshments. Info: Doug Har vey

Las Rocas 1260 Commerce Updates & Discussion of the Future of Downtown Longview

Longview Downtowners

Celebrating Five events are planned during May to recognize Longview Historic Preservation Month. May 5, 7pm.

"Reading Between the Lines: the Stories Old Buildings Tell Us." Talk by Michael Herschensohn of Humanities Washington. May 7, 1pm. Opening events, including two films, at the Longview Public Library. May 14, 10am. Walking Tours of Lions Island

Janitorial &

NEXT MEETING

and Japanese Island. May 21, 10am.

Walking (or bus) Tour of Old West Side homes. May 22, 2pm. Family Bike ride around historic Lake Sacajawea. Info: Bill Kasch 360-423-6704.

Expanding

Highlander Cycling (1313 Commerce) which opened in December 2009, has expanded into the space next door and doubled in size to more than 6,000 square feet. Owners Scott and Janice Forbes are also planning for the August 6 Second Annual Grand Prix Maintenance Supply Criterium bike race. More Locally Owned than 200 riders are expected Earth-friendly Green Seal to participate in the 11 races Cleaning Products around the Civic Center traffic circle. 360-353-3760.

PAMSCO

Free Delivery 360-425-1989

Toll Free 877-472-6726 pamsco@qwestoffice.net 1426 12th Ave. • Longview, WA

Expanding and Celebrating Lord & McCord Art Works (1416 Commerce) is celebrating its first

anniversary this month. Owner Linda McCord has already had to forgo her art classes in order to expand her gallery space. Ms. McCord said she has “seen Downtown prosper in the past year. The streets are busy, and my November and December exceeded my expectations in sales.” She was also surprised by her business in January and February, ”typically slow months in the art business.” Lord and McCord will be celebrating First Thursday, May 5, from 5-7 with espresso, punch and many fine desserts. 360-423-9100.

Downtown Outdoor Market Redeaux The Longview Downtowners will launch a Community Market on Saturday, May 14 from 9-2 in the municipal parking lot at 79E 12th Avenue (across from Bob’s between Hemlock and Hudson). The market will offer produce, flowers, plants, prepared foods, arts and crafts and activities for children. When Downtown LIVE activities start on Fridays evenings in July, the market will also be open on Fridays from 4-9.

Bob Turner, owner of Beehive Enterprises, will manage the market. Reach Bob for information

360-636-4477

360-423-8403, ext. 401

and vendor application forms beehive-enterprises@teleport.com.

at

Free Help for Businesses Marcel Goulet, director of CAP’s Financial Independence Center, spoke at the April 12 Downtowners’ meeting about the Business Builder Program. The 11-week program is geared towards both the entrepreneur who wants to start a business and the business owner who wants to increase business knowledge. The core curriculum covers evaluating business potential, organization, the business plan, accounting, marketing and advertising and financing. Christy Payton, owner of Payton’s Produce, credits the program for her decision to open a second store. Info: 360-425-3430 ext. 248.

Your Chance to Win the Lotter y Teagues Interiors will host the 4th Annual Antique Appraisal Day on May 14 from 10–-2. Three certified appraisers will be on hand to tell you what your treasures are worth. Laurel Murphy had a vase appraised last year and discovered it was worth $250!

A $3 donation benefits the Downtown Street Decorations project.

Four Cowlitz Black Bears players are without a home for the summer.

They need beds for 10 weeks and will be on the road for 5 of those weeks.

While in town they will likely be at the ballpark the majority of the time and simply need places to lay their heads at night. Host Families receive season tickets to all Black Bears home games and other benefits. For info, contact general manager Grant Wilson, 360-703-3195 or 360-442-1037. cowlitzblackbears.com. Play Ball!

“Your business friendly florist”

Mother’s Day is May 8th Send her flowers ...

We deliver!

Employee Recognition • Plants Corporate Gifts • Events

360-577-3824

Visit us in Downtown Longview Or www.BandasBouquets.com

Print Options 1235 Commerce Avenue Downtown Longview

Serving Cowlitz County and Columbia County since 1987

Bonnie S. Woodruff

Escrow Officer, LPO

Office: 360-425-2950 Fax: 360-425-8010 Toll Free: 877-425-2950 Email: Bonnie@cascade~title.com Web: www.cascade~title.com

1425 Maple Street Longview, WA 98632

Lazy-Boy • Flexsteel • Best

20 OFF %

(except mattresses)

FREE DELIVERY

1413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

This Year Personalize Your Gifts Mothers Day Wedding Day Fathers Day Gifts for the Bride and Groom as well for the Ones You Love Customize Your Cake Topper Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Engravable Gifts Phone: 360-578-0844 • Fax: 360-578-0842 kensengraving@qwestoffice.net kensengravinginc.com

now you have choices!

• Offset Printing • Digital Printing • In-Line Booklet Making • Short Run Economy Printing

Proud Chamber Member for over 26 years!

(360) 423-1237

www.reproprinting.com 1444 12th Avenue • Longview, WA

We print envelopes!

FREE Local Delivery!

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Is exporting the “next best thing” for you?

As the area begins to see some posiRick Winsman tive signs of recovery, business should be getting a head start on finding ways to grow from the point they left almost three years ago.

One way to grow is to consider exporting products outside of this county. And, since we are so close, Canada is a perfect target.

Exporting can be a great opportunity to branch into a new market to increase revenue. For many businesses, exporting may be daunting because they believe they are too small; however, size shouldn’t necessarily factor into the decision. Nearly 97% of US exporters are small- to medium-sized companies and the ability for small businesses to expand internationally is only increasing as individual economies grow more global. However, exporting is not something that happens overnight or even over the course of several months; it requires detailed planning and strategizing. A business owner should ask some serious questions before venturing into a relatively unknown territory and putting the integrity of their business on the line, including: What will my company gain from exporting? Do I enjoy the sales part of the business? In other words, am I comfortable giving pitches, heading up marketing, being the face of the company? If I’m not, is there someone in the business who is?

Is my business financially able to take on the risk of investment in pursuing a foreign market? How much money am I able to dedicate to the venture initially without bearing too much risk? Are such resources better used elsewhere?

What is an acceptable timeline to see success? How do I measure success in the foreign market, using return on investment (ROI), market share, total revenues, profit margins, or other metrics?

Will sharing resources with another market jeopardize my current operations?

Financials aside, do I have the people, the know-how, and ability to spread my focus over additional markets? Does exporting align with company goals?

This is not an exhaustive list, but a good start to take an introspective look at your business. Once you can confidently answer the questions that are important to your business, you can pursue the next step of setting up the infrastructure to get your product into a foreign market.

The next step will require determining details and finding partnerships to get your product into the foreign market.

Now is the time to get down to business and hammer out some integral details.

You may need to know: •Is a product similar to mine already available in the foreign market? What degree of competition do I expect to face

from established products? What is my niche?

•What customers will I be targeting and how will I identify and reach out to them?

•How will I sell my product? Internet sales, retail locations, some other means?

•Who is going to ship/distribute my product?

•What are the border/tariff regulations of shipping goods into the foreign market?

•Are there regulations specific to my product in the foreign country that differs from the ones for my current market? Will I have to make modifications to meet these different regulations? Will these changes compromise my product or my buseinss as a whole?

•Can my current production capacity support higher demand? What is the expected demand for the new market?

•What retail locations are a good match for my product and are these stores frequented by my target market? More importantly, will these stores carry my product?

•What price will I charge in the foreign currency and what prices are my competitors charging for similar products? What is my pricing strategy? Will I price based on quality and differentiation, or value?

•What are the legal and tax implications of receiving revenue from a foreign country?

Are my current attorney and accountant able to handle this or am I going to need to find additional expertise?

Again, there are more questions that may need to be answered, but these cover a broad range of issues that may arise. The most important part of expanding into a foreign market is being prepared and having enough knowledge to be reasonably comfortable making decisions. You cannot know everything about your new market, so there will be some uncertainty. But you should reduce as much ambiguity as possible and be able to justify your decisions.

Two great resources for understanding exporting are www.export.gov and www. choosewashington.com.

Exporting is an option for many small businesses, viable for some but not for others. You won’t know where you stand until researching the opportunity. If your business would like help looking into the potential to export into foreign markets, the Center for Economic Vitality may be able to assist you in this process. Their team of business strategists and research analysts are available to assist businesses across Washington State. Information can be found at www.cevforbusiness.com or through our local Small Business Development Center or Economic Development Council.

Oh…did I mention that this assistance is free?

••• Rick Winsman is President of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

business

BRIEFS

HERITAGE BANK PROMOTES TWO

Laurie Buhl became senior vice president, regional branch manager.

In this role, Buhl manages the 13 Heritage Bank retail branch offices from Thurston/Mason County and south to Oregon. Buhl began her employment with Heritage Bank in May 1988 as a part-time customer service representative with the Lacey branch. She transfered to the Shelton branch and advanced progressively to sales system administrator and branch manager, VP and senior VP business banking loan officer. Buhl received the 1994 Employee of the Year Award.

Blake Lindskog became senior VP, regional lending manager. In this role, he manages the commercial lending teams from Thurston/Mason County and south to Oregon. Blake joined Heritage Bank in April 1990 as assistant VP, branch manager of the Lacey branch. He advanced steadily, becoming senior vice president, business banking team leader for Thurston County in April 2002.

Lindskog received the 1997 Employee of the Year Award and the 2007 Donald V. Rhodes Excellence in Community Banking Award.

PAGE 5

• MAY 2011

PORT CONTINUES STREAK

2010 was the third consecutive recordsetting year at the Port of Longview.

In 2008 the Port topped $23.4 million, in 2009 reached $27.1 million and in 2010 grossed more than $27.7 million in operating revenue.

“Our team has worked hard to battle the economic climate,” said executive director Ken O’Hollaren in a press release. “We have found our success in our willingness to be flexible. Whether it is finding new uses for equipment or innovative means of handling cargo, we always fulfill our commitments to our customers.”

Net operating income (before depreciation) was $2,997,693 in 2010, when the Port recorded 2.3 million metric tons of total cargo, up 55% from 1.4 million metric tons in 2009. While imports were down, exports soared nearly 70%, with the increase attributable to a rapid increase in demand for logs and agricultural exports, primarily bound for Asia. The decrease of import tonnage by 16% includes an anticipated decline in wind energy cargo.

In 2010, construction continued at the new export grain terminal at the Port’s Berth 9, which will boost jobs and revenue to the region. The $200 million private development is expected to be online for the fall 2011 harvest. Last year the Port also signed new tenant Skyline Steel, a subsidiary of ArcelorMittal, to its West Industrial Park.

Publicize your promotions, significant happenings and personnel achievements here.

Send info to: ndavey@kelsolongviewchamber.org

spE cia LO FFE R

Comfort for Life 99 year LimitedWarranty* * LIFETIME Unit Replacement Limited Warranty to original, registered owner.

• The last heat pump you’ll ever need! 99 year limited warranty on compressor.

• Savings on energy bills! This heat pump technology reduces energy use.

• Special financing of as little as $17 per week!

Doug Clay,

Wizard of Comfort

$0 Down, Low Interest & Low Payments With Your Good Credit.

No terms, no penalty for early payoff.

Special Financing as little as $17 per week. caLL 360-423-1924 TOday TO schEduLE a nO-ObLigaTiOn appOinTmEnT TO LEaRn mORE abOuT This spEciaL OFFER. We’re available 7 days a week, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with no extra charges for weekend appointments.

TUNE UP TIME! Tune-Up Your Furnace or Heat Pump only $72. $189 Value. Limited time offer.

WA LIC# YOURCCE901J9

We look forward to hearing from you!

360-423-1924 • TOLL FREE 1-877-706-7272 • www.72degreesac.com

PAGE 6

• MAY 2011

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

May 4

Education Foundation Committee

May 9

Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline

May 10

Longview Downtowners

May 11

Business & Education Awards – An Evening with the STARS

2011-2012

Board of Directors OFFICERS Frank McShane, Chair Cascade Networks, Inc. Dale Lemmons, Immediate Past Chair, Interstate Wood Products Jerri Henr y, Treasurer Futcher - Henry Group Mike Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Ambassador Committee

DIRECTORS John Anderson, Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC

Business After Hours - KLTV

David Campbell, City of Longview

May 12 May 17 May 26

Lower Columbia Professional Event Copies Today/Speedy Litho

June 17

Julie Rinard, Community Home Health & Hospice George Raiter, Cowlitz County Commissioner

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

Castle Rock rocks

cont. from page 2 of my husband’s shop,” until moving recently to 113 SW First, next to Castle Rock Pharmacy.

Attending her first Castle Rock Chamber 10-attendee meeting six months ago, Kranz felt doubtful. “It was, literally, in a portable at the elementary school,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘Oh, dear, there’s not a lot going on.’” But since then, Chamber meetings have moved to a new venue and are drawing three times the attendance.

“Business owners are very much on the same page,” she said. “There’s a pride of ownership. We are energized about keeping it up and running.”

“I give a whole lot of credit to Mike Vorse,” said Carolyn Kennington. “He’s been doing a lot of work contacting people . . . we’ve pulled in a lot of new people.”

Pro-business The reception in Castle Rock at its grand opening exceeded Red Canoe’s expectations. “The welcoming from the town was overwhelmingly a true sense of community,” said Amy Davis. Red Canoe’s VP of marketing. “Castle Rock is very probusiness.”

“We relied on sources like the Chamber of Commerce, the Senior Center and the School District” to promote the grand opening. “They really supported us and helped us generate a lot of energy,” Davis said. “We didn’t have to market this event.” Red Canoe pledged a donation for each signature added to a “We Support Schools” banner displayed in the credit union’s lobby, resulting in a $3,000 gift to Castle Rock schools.

LONGVIEW HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH

Four fun events offer historic view of Longview’s landmarks Longview Room. Two films: KLTV’s “Early Longview” and the making of “Ours to Give.”

Saturday, May 14 Walking Tours of Lions Island and Japanese Island, 10 am (takes about 1.5 hours).

Meet at front gate entrance to Lions Island. Former City of Longview park superintendent Al George will lead tour explaining history of totem pole, Lake Sacajawea. Commentary

by Willapa Hills Audubon Bird Panel representative.

Joel Hanson, KLOG/KUKN/TheWAVE

Mega Mixer

Your Chamber Connection KEDO AM1400 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Diane Craft, Koelsch Senior Communities Mike Julian, Kelso Theatre Pub

Every WEDNESDAY

Sarah Cave, PeaceHealth

KLCC Annual Golf Classic

August 24

Bianca Lemmons, Cowlitz County Title

Denny Richards, City of Kelso Spencer Partridge, PNE Construction & CCS Ted Sprague, Cowlitz Economic Development Center Rick Winsman, Kelso Longview Chamber Neil Zick, Twin City Bank

Red Canoe in Castle Rock

“We’d been talking about it for a couple of years,” said Davis. “After the success in Kelso (where a new branch was opened in February 2009), seeing how fast we could grow a branch in an area where we already had a strong member base,” confidence was high, she recalled. Members in the Castle Rock area totaled 3,800 then.

“Why not repeat that in Castle Rock?” credit union leaders asked. “We had a lot of loyal members in that area and wanted to make it more convenient for them,” Davis noted. And so, the Front Avenue branch was built.

It’s a very good location “right in the middle of town,” she said. The primary consideration when locating a bank branch is location. Despite the rising use of personal computers and media devices for online banking and loan applications via the Internet, she explained, “People still prefer the brick and mortar approach to banking.”

“Everybody is feeling the effects of the recession,” Davis said, but “Red Canoe is a strong company. We are moving forward.”Management is now considering adding a new branch in the PuyallupFederal Way area. Davis likes working for a credit union which uses members’ pooled savings to make loans to other members.

“It’s a true co-op,” she said. Despite a sluggish economy, “we intend to continue reaching out to our members and make loans.” That’s how the credit union makes money, she said.

“We have money to lend.”

•••

Saturday, May 7, 1 pm Opening Event, Longview Public Library (1.5–2 hours) “Clyde Shadiow’s Historic Photos” from the Long-Bell Reading Room. Refreshments served in Koth Gallery; Mr and Mrs R.A.Long arrive in 1931 Model A Ford, greeted by Longview Mayor Kurt Anaggnostou.

Presentations by representatives of Longview Library, ‘23 Club, Longview Historic Preservation Commission. etc.

Film, photos, showcase viewing. Visit

Business Toolbox cont. from page 3 Invite your lender to visit your business and help him or her gain a better understanding of your operation.

Provide your lender with accurate, timely financial information. Not only is it a good idea to have this information for internal use, it is also a condition of your loan commitment to the lender.

If you want to communicate more knowledgably about your financial status, consider the Profit Mastery Program offered through the Small Business Development Center.

Do not blind-side your lender. Be sure to keep your lender informed of critical issues affecting your business.

If you need assistance in the development of a loan package or would like to explore the Profit Mastery Program, you can access services through the Small Business Development Center in Longview.

•••

Susan J. Hoosier is a SBDC Certified Business Advisor with the Longview Small Business Development Center, part of the 24 statewide offices of the Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC). The network offers in-depth, confidential, and no-cost management advice to businesses within Washington State. Contact Susan Hoosier at shoosier@ wsu.edu or 360-442-2946.

Saturday, May 21 Walking (or bus) Tour of Old West Side homes (takes about 1.5 hours). Meet at Vandercook Park.

View about half the homes listed in Doris Disbrow’s guidebook.

Sunday, May 22 Family Bike Ride around historic Lake Sacajawea (takes about 1.5 hours).

2 pm, meet in front of Monticello Hotel. City officials, Highlander Cycling, Boy Scouts explain route, speak to or escort cyclists, etc.

Golf tourney cont. from page 1

We will have a 4-person scramble format, allowing both the accomplished players and the duffers to have a great time. To help make things more interesting, you can register for mulligan and/or pink ball. Each team will have the opportunity to purchase a special pink ball, which must be played by some team member on every hole. Those balls still in play at the end of the tournament are entered into a 50/50 raffle.

The registration fee includes a chance to win $5,000 in our putting contest, 18 holes of golf, lunch, carts, tee prize, golf club for each player and team photos, all followed by an awards presentation with hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. Prizes will be awarded for holes-in-one, closest to the pin and longest drive, as well as team prizes for low net and low gross scores.

Not certain golfing is your “fore”tay but you would like to have your business recognized? The Chamber has several opportunities for sponsorship still available and would like to take a moment to discuss those opportunities in more detail with you, so give us a call at 360-423-8400.

Be sure to sign up early and take advantage of this fun networking opportunity! Find the registration and sponsorship forms online at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or contact Amy, 360-423-8400.

•••

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

PAGE 7

• MAY 2011

Utilize I.T., Inc. Computer Services • Business Networking & Service • Mobile Workforce • Security & Backups • Computer/Laptop Repairs • New Systems & Upgrades

Since 1998

www.UtilizeIT.com

820 Ocean Beach Hwy. Suite 216 • 360-423-8200

Cowlitz PUD can help you reduce your electric bill

Our CEEP-Plus Lighting Program offers business customers CASH INCENTIVES to improve inefficient lighting systems.

Call us to find out more and arrange for an energy audit.

(360) 577-7514 • www.cowlitzpud.org

PAGE 8

• MAY 2011

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

6TH AVENUE COMPLEX • CAMAS, WA

• Design/Build

• Petroleum Construction

• Commercial Construction

• Tenant Improvements

• Municipal Construction

• Licensed in 36 States

1081 Columbia Blvd. Longview, WA

Toll Free: 1-800-533-2867 360-423-2245 www.pnecorp.com

Call today to see how we can help you.

PNE CONSTRUCTION