CHAMBER 0711

KELSO LONGVIEW

Vol. 3, No. 7 • July 2011

Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Longview Downtowners

…and it didn’t rain!

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank the Sponsors, Players and Volunteers who made this year’s Golf Classic such a tremendous success.

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORS

Stewart Title Twin City Bank

Kelso Longview Chamber Tournament Results

Kelso Longview Chamber Field Prizes

1ST PLACE GROSS

#17 LONG DRIVE WOMEN

GOLF CART SPONSOR

Columbia Ford Hyundai Nissan TEE PRIZE SPONSOR

PeaceHealth

LeRoy Nelson Greg Nelson Barry Nelson Luke Nelson

2ND PLACE GROSS

19TH HOLE SPONSORS

Signature Transport, Inc. PUTTING CONTEST & DRIVING RANGE

Three Rivers Mall Columbia Bank

BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR

Express Employment Professionals BREAKFAST SPONSORS

Cascade Title Company Koelsch Senior Communities

Andrea Klingberg

#1 LONG DRIVE MEN

Luke Nelson

#12 K.P. MEN

Frank Panarra Tom Hendrickson Bruce Bailey Steve McClellan

Tim Amato

3RD PLACE GROSS

THANK YOU to our

Rick Hopkins Andre' Lindberg Dan Hiatt Dennis Bryan

LONGEST PUTT

Norm Becker

tournament sponsors!

See list of sponsors on page 6.

PAID

Centralia, WA 98531 Permit #26

Presorted Std U.S. Postage

Photo by Norma Davey

Congratulations!

SBDC UPDATE

2011 KLCC SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

2011 LCP SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Congratulations to the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce High School Scholarship Recipients.

Congratulations to the Lower Columbia Professionals’ High School Scholarship Recipients.

Susan Hoosier has left the Longview/Kelso SBDC to accept a position with a local financial institution. Her last day was Friday, June 17, 2011.

The SBDC is seeking approval from the State to move forward with recruiting a replacement for Susan. Until a new business advisor is hired, Jan Harte from the Vancouver SBDC will be providing service to Cowlitz County on a “circuit rider” basis.

High School Scholarship Recipients

Each of these three young scholars are the proud recipients of a $1,000 scholarship that was presented during each high schools award program.

1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632

Elle Mustion

Kelso High School

Lauren Salberg

Mark Morris High School

Sophie Kangus R. A. Long High School The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program is funded entirely by the generous contributions from our members.

Thank you!

Each of these three young scholars are the proud recipients of a $500 scholarship that was presented during each high schools award program.

Casey Birdsell

Kelso High School

Jeffrey (Jeff) Koss

Mark Morris High School

Britton Baker R. A. Long High School The Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship Program is funded entirely by the committee efforts and those who attend the events and support the Lower Columbia Professionals.

Thank you!

Dear Small Business Development Center Stakeholders—

Jan can be reached at 360-260-6372 or via e-mail at: jharte@vancouver.wsu.edu Thank you for your patience and continued support.

IN THIS ISSUE Open for Business ���������������� 2 Business Briefs �������������������� 3 Downtown LIVE �������������������� 4 President’s Message �������������� 5 Mark Your Calendar �������������� 6 Introducing Bert Jepson �������� 7

PAGE 2

• JULY 2011

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Chamber ambassadors, local dignitaries and friends celebrated milestones of local businesses with ribbon cutting and certificate presentation ceremonies.

Attention Cowlitz County Entrepreneurs

Congratulations, Copies Today, on your new location!

What is Cowlitz BizNet?

The idea for Cowlitz BizNet stemmed from the PubTalk events in Vancouver and Portland, wanting to have a similar format, but catering more to Cowlitz County entrepreneurs. The Cowlitz Economic Development Council has taken these events on, believing that entrepreneurship has become ever more vital in creating a stable and thriving economy.

Calling all Entrepreneurs, Investors and Business Professionals!

Cowlitz BizNet events are aimed at bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and business professionals in hopes of beginning conversations. Unlike other events, Cowlitz BizNet targets entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting a business or already have a business and would like more networking/business development opportunities.

The Future Looks Bright!

There is the possibility of expanding Cowlitz BizNet into an entrepreneur accelerator program, putting entrepreneurs on the fast-track to starting a profitable, well managed business through mentors in all facets of business development.

How do we find out more?

For more information, contact Mary Brown, Vice President at Cowlitz Economic Development Council, 360.423.9921. Follow us on Twitter:CowlitzBizNet or on Facebook: Cowlitz BizNet

Congratulations , Highlander Cycling Imports, on expanding your business!

COPIES TODAY SPEEDY LITHO 1305 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA www.copiestoday.com

What can one expect at Cowlitz BizNet events?

Each of the Cowlitz BizNet events are themed, with the intent of giving information through speakers specializing in the themed topics. The first Cowlitz BizNet event theme was “Market Yourself to Lenders” and the second was “Use Acquisitions to Accelerate Growth.” And, of course, you can also expect Networking! Networking! Networking! - Increasing the opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with potential business partners and investors. Both events were very well attended and the feedback has given the Cowlitz Economic Development Council the momentum to continue forward in planning a third Cowlitz BizNet event this Fall, 2011.

Please be sure to visit and congratulate these businesses

cong

! s n o i t ratula

HIGHLANDER CYCLING IMPORTS 1313 Commerce Ave. • Longview, WA www.highlander-cycling.com

Highlander Cycling Imports is the recipient of KLCC’s Rising Star Award

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Live United!

Join us for the 2011 United Way Day of Caring • Sept. 14

O

n September 14th local companies and individuals will come together in projects that help people and non-profit organizations within our community, demonstrating the entire scope of the local United Way mission of uniting people and resources.

providing the paint and supplies and the volunteers doing the work.

Volunteer make a

“It seemed like a good way to give back to the community,” McLain ... recalled. And it was fun. “Everybody chatted and got along and got the work done.”

Miller Paint’s group plans to paint another house on this year’s Day of Caring, he said.

DIFFERENCE

The Day of Caring is a key event of United Way’s annual campaign. Last year, the event brought together more than 200 volunteers from 39 local businesses and organizations in support of many different projects.

The day yields immediate satisfaction in tangible work accomplished, like building playgrounds, sorting food and clothing, doing yardwork and landscaping and making and serving meals. Often there is a deeper satisfaction, too.

“It’s an especially meaningful time for employees of the plant,” said Mike Banigan, site manager at Solvay Chemical, which has taken part in United Way’s Day of Caring for many years. Lately, they’ve made their ongoing RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) visits to Wallace School part of the company’s annual Day of Caring activities. “It’s not necessarily just an opportunity to read to the kids,” Banigan said, “but also . . . to spend some time with kids who sometimes just need to know that someone cares to listen.”

Jim McLain, a salesman at Miller Paint in Longview, joined co-worker Wade Harmon and six other volunteers last year to paint a house owned by a local non-profit, with Miller Paint

Kelso Longview

Chamber

of

Commerce Team

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

Treana Storie, public relations assistant at Cowlitz PUD, has led its Day of Caring team for six years. “It’s always a very rewarding feeling,” she said. “We’re here doing something they (social service agencies) don’t have time to do. It allows them to focus on the people they’re trying to help.” And it’s a learning opportunity, she said. “You get to go inside facilities and learn about what types of services they provide to our community.”

Consider joining this year’s Day of Caring as an individual volunteer, a workplace-based team and/or an event sponsor. Whichever way you participate, you’ll have the unique chance to be seen as a community leader, while helping local citizens and organizations.

To sign up and be “matched” to a project suited to your skills and interests, contact the United Way office at 1338 Commerce Avenue, Suite 201 in Longview, or call 360-423-5320.

Got

NEWS?

Send info on promotions, expansions, significant happenings and personnel achievements to: ndavey@kelsolongviewchamber.org Submissions may be edited for length, style and consistency. New members are invited to be interviewed for a “mini-feature” vignette in KelsoLongview Business Connection.

Call 360-423-8400.

Kelso Visitor Center

Connie Parsons, Center Director Lois Sigurdson, Center Assistant

Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau

Produced by Columbia River Reader To advertise, call Ned Piper 360-749-2632 (nedpiper@comcast.net) or Bert Jepson 503-320-9435 (bertjepson@hotmail.com) Ad Deadline: 25th each month

BRIEFS

OPSAHL, DAWSON & COMPANY, PS WELCOMES LOCAL TALENT TO THE FIRM

Michele Weber has joined the accounting firm Opsahl, Dawson & Company, P.S. in its Longview office as manager of the bookkeeping department. Weber brings to the firm 30 years bookkeeping experience, working with a wide variety of businesses. She enjoys helping her clients learn more about accounting for their business and assisting them with their QuickBooks and payroll needs.

Weber moved to Longview from Santa Clarita, California, in 2008, with her husband, Larry Weber. Michele Weber enjoys traveling, ceramics, and supporting community events.

She is the current treasurer of the annual Longview Go-4th Festival, past committee member for the annual St. John Medical Center Foundation

• JULY 2011

Gala, past chair for the annual United Way Gala in 2009, and is a member of the Longview Country Club.

COLUMBIA THEATRE APPOINTS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Michelle Musso has joined The Columbia Theatre Association for the Performing Arts’ executive team and will manage the theatre’s fundraising and financial development.

Musso brings a wealth of experience in development and a demonstrated commitment to the community. She worked for 10 years at Lower Columbia College, where she was instrumental in creating strong industry and community support for a new federally-funded program.

Musso will partner with executive director Gian Paul Morelli, the board of directors and the rest of the staff to develop the Columbia Theatre as the premiere venue for highquality entertainment in Southwest Washington. She will be the primary contact for friends and sponsors of the Theatre in its community outreach efforts.

“I am honored to be a part of the Columbia Theatre and to work cont. on page 5

7Wonders Creation Museum Join us for two Summer Learning Events!

You will be amazed at our Mount St. Helens displays and other evidences for creation at the 7Wonders Creation Museum!

What? No simple cell, ever?

July 16th • 10am “What Cells Do Tell” Learn more from teacher and scientist Chris Ashcraft as he unveils the intricate molecular machines that operate inside our cells. See his bio at nwcreation.net/ ashcraft. He’s qualified!

The Big Freeze Does Global Warming have you in a sweat?

Saturday, August 13 • 2pm

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

business

PAGE 3

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

What scientists believe about the age of the earth affects their interpretation of global warming. Hear Atmospheric Scientist Dr. Larry Vardiman explain why “Some like it hot” - No matter what your position, Dr. Vardiman may help you see why you believe what you do. Then, no sweat!

You may also attend a 10am session on “The Big Freeze,” a youth-friendly session about the Ice Age.

We are located 9.5 miles from I-5, exit 49 • 4749 Spirit Lake Hwy. Silverlake, WA

Pre-register by calling, or emailing us

360-274-5737 Email: mshcreationmuseum@yahoo.com

PAGE 4

• JULY 2011

Visit us in Downtown Longview Or www.BandasBouquets.com

D

y in Every Frida

I

f you are looking for something fun to do on a Friday evening this summer, look no further than Downtown Longview! Downtown LIVE is set to go LIVE July 1st and will run every Friday night through the end of August.

Other events on the calendar include:

• July 8: Eat and Greet

Hosted by Downtown Longview Businesses

• July 15: Sip and Stroll

Hosted by Roland Wines

• July 22: Pug Parade

Cannondale • Schwinn • GT KHS • Scott • Felt • Santa Cruz Kona • Rocky Mountain

360-353-3790

Hosted by Petworks and Lynn's Burgers

• July 29: Sidewalk Sculptures

Hosted by Longview Outdoor Gallery

• Aug 5: Commerce Bicycle Races

Hosted by Highlander Cycling

• Aug 12: Urban Adventure

Hosted by Cowlitz Valley Runners

• Aug 19: Special Surprise Event

Hosted by Do it Yourself Party Supplies

• Aug 26: Slow Car Crawl

Hosted by the Grand Prix Chapter of America

Downtown businesses will be rolling out the red carpet for you every Friday night. Expect music,

Serving Cowlitz County and Columbia County since 1987

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1413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804

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July and

Everyone is welcome.

Come mix and mingle.

Refreshments available.

By Janice Forbes

The first event of the season on July 1st features the Cardboard Boat Regatta, a public showing of some of the cardboard boats that will be racing on Lake Sacajawea the very next day. Come take a close look at these unique cardboard boats and meet the teams that made them “seaworthy.”

Rental Bikes Now Available!

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

pm • Music 9 l i t n e p ps o MANY Sho motions o r p l a i c Spe

Special eventsare scheduled for every Friday night, shops will stay open and the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Commerce Avenue will be closed to through traffic to provide a casual setting for guests to enjoy the warm summer evenings. A new addition to the fun this year is the Downtown Community Market featuring FREE outdoor movies for the kids, courtesy of HDCCTV Sales and Blockbuster Video, fresh produce and locally made products such as soap, bird cages, fresh bread, BBQ sauce, face painting and more!

We’re off to the races!

2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix Criterium Aug 6 at the Civic Circle!

! e v i L n owntow August

“Your business friendly florist”

Celebrate with a RED, WHITE and BLUE Bouquet!

360-577-3824

laughter, food, drinks and fun!

Bring your family and friends and experience all that Downtown has to offer.

Downtown LIVE is proudly sponsored by Teague's Interiors, Highlander Cycling , Red Rooster Bakery, Petworks, Ken's Engraving, Scoops Ice Cream and Candy, County Folks Deli, The Bistro, The Gift Cottage, Pets, Pawns and Instruments, Banda's Bouquets, Do it Yourself Party Supplies, HDCCTV Sales, Global Images Design, and Ganesh Indian Cuisine.

NEXT MEETING

5:30 pm Tuesday, July 12th Las Rocas 1260 Commerce Jeanette Palfy on Downtown Market and Downtown LIVE! updates & other topics of interest

Info: Doug Har vey 360-636-4477 Longview Downtowners 360-423-8403, ext. 401

To keep up with all the events and happenings, follow us on Facebook: Longview Downtowners

NATIONALLY-KNOWN AUTHORITY WHO PRESENTED AT THE KELSO LONGVIEW CHAMBER RELEASES BOOK ON SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ESSENTIALS AND STRATEGIES The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce invited locally based social media authority Frank J. Kenny to come and speak on Social Media and Internet Marketing for small business in April 2010. Since that presentation, Mr. Kenny has presented or trained on social media marketing to more than 200 business associations and groups. His recently-released book is based on his research while visiting certain chambers, ours being one of them.

The new book, titled The 7 Secrets: Laws of Society, Social Media Essentials and Strategies for Small Business and Associations, discusses Frank’s own experience of struggling in business until he discovered the strategy of “Give Gifts. Be Generous.” He combined that ancient strategy and new social media marketing strategies; resulting in a doubling of the size of his 45-year-old business organization over an 18-month period.

Frank J. Kenny

The manuscript goes in-depth on what Frank calls “The 7 Secret Laws of Society.’ The laws include using social media to show your customers and prospects acceptance and respect; seeding for reciprocation; social proofing; being an expert and authority; knowing, liking, and trusting in business, and several other little-known human “laws”.

The book, over the course of 170 pages, is available as a free digital download courtesy of the Kelso Longview Chamber and Frank’s national sponsor, ChamberMaster. He also covers telling your story, choosing the right niche and target market, knowing your businesses social media goals and how to measure progress, building your online brand, knowing the rules of the road, and 27 social media strategies for providing value and building relationships.

As a gift, the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to download the free digital version at FrankJKenny.com.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

PAGE 5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Business Briefs

MEGA MIXER 2011 August 23 5:30 – 8:30pm Its baaaaaaaaaaack…………

Rick Winsman

W

e are pleased to announce the second annual opportunity to partner with the Chambers of Commerce in Cowlitz County and the Longview Downtowners to bring local businesses and business people together in one location at the same time.

vides the opportunity to reach out and network to current and prospective clients and customers.

This year’s edition of MEGA MIXER 2011 will be August 23 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on 16th Avenue between the Chamber building and the Longview Post Office. Business display booths, tables, food, beverages and entertainment will again make this a memorable and fun networking event. Cost is $15 per attendee.

For Cowlitz County Chambers of Commerce: MEGA MIXER 2011 provides all Chambers the opportunity to raise non-dues revenue by selling individual tickets to the event and keep 100% of all sales proceeds for your Chamber’s use!

Businesses within Cowlitz County, are eligible to participate in the Mega Mixer 2011. And, if you are a member of any of the Chambers in Cowlitz County or a member of the Longview Downtowners, you are eligible to sign up under the “member rate.” The MEGA MIXER 2011 pro-

Sign up your business as a sponsor or a vendor at the Mega Mixer 2011 and take advantage of the opportunity to share your business information with more than 200 business professionals.

Join us at the best networking event in Cowlitz County for 2011, where you will connect business to business and build lasting relationships!

For sign-up or other information, visit www.KelsoLongviewChamber.org on FB@ KelsoLongviewChamber or call the Chamber team at 360-423-8400.

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

WE ’vE MO vEd !

A New Location To better serve you!

Doug Clay,

Wizard of Comfort

Due to phenomenal growth this past year we have moved our offices to a larger more prominent location. Although our address has changed, what remains the same is our competitive pricing, dedication to quality, and the highest levels of customer service.

Visit us at 1146 15th Avenue in Longview.

WE aRE nOW LOcaTEd On ThE EasT sidE OF 15Th avEnuE bETWEEn FLORida and hEMLOck sTREETs. Call or visit in person or online. We’re available seven days a week, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with no extra charge for weekend appointments.

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cont. from page 3

with the team on further enriching the community through the arts, education and community involvement, said Musso in a press release. “I am fortunate to join an organization that is truly a part of the fabric of our community.” Musso completed her bachelor’s degree in political science and course work for her master’s degree in public affairs at Washington State University.

• JULY 2011

appointment. Visit www.creationism. org/sthelens and click on “Newsletter #16” for directions and this season’s special events which include Northwest science experts discussing global warming, the Ice Age, dinosaurs, and the intricate inner workings of human cells.

“This is a significant step forward for the Columbia Theatre,” noted Executive Director Gian Paul Morelli. “Our ability to connect with communities throughout Southwest Washington is critical to our success. Michelle is an important addition to our staff.” Westby and Associates of Vancouver, Washington, con- “Precipice” acrylic panel by Leslie Peterson sulted on the search.

LCC ART GALLERY TO FEATURE

7WONDERS CREATION MUSEUM & BOOKSTORE The 7Wonders Creation Museum, located at 4749 Spirit Lake Highway in Silver Lake, has announced special summer learning events (see details in ad on page 3.) Stewards and property owners Lloyd and Doris Anderson have developed the property and the Museum over the past 13 years with the help of volunteers and donors. They operate as a 501(c)(3) corporation under the legal business name, Mount St. Helens Creation Information Center.

The Museum spells out the geology of past ages through the “eyes” given the world by the eruptions of Mount St. Helens, explained Doris Anderson. Poignant and artistically designed displays reveal how seven explosive events of the 1980s —which happened in minutes, hours, days or a few months — made way for useful canyons, riverbeds, new life and clues to the past in a short time.

Although the Museum’s emphasis is MSH volcanism, Anderson said more than 200 book and DVD titles discuss how the interpretation of the age of the earth becomes important in all fields of science, including psychology, philosophy and religion.

The 7Wonders Museum & Bookstore is open Mon-Sat, 9–6, and Sundays 12-6 during the tourist season, or by

PAINTINGS BY LESLIE PETERSON Painter Leslie Peterson will exhibit her work June 27 through July 26 at the Art Gallery at Lower Columbia College. Peterson, a member of Gallery 114 in Portland, works mostly from photographs, using the photograph as inspiration for a distinct piece of art, rather than attempting to copy or emulate it.

She writes: “My technique is based on pared-down simplicity. The images are simply and boldly drawn. I paint thinly, and I try to keep the drawing visible if possible. I work directly on wood panel. The colors are rich and yet subtle, based on a limited palette, working off of the color of the surface I work on.” Peterson characterizes her style as based on the American Regionalism, American Realism, and Modernist movements, with their sense of timelessness, and a tradition of depicting the human condition and civic life.

For more information about Peterson’s work visit lesliepetersonpainting.com. The Art Gallery, located in LCC’s Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Avenue and Washington Way in Longview, is open this summer on Mondays, 10–4; Tuesdays, 1–4 and Wednesdays 10–6. More information about the gallery is at lowercolumbia.edu/gallery. cont. on page 6

PAGE 6

• JULY 2011

MARK YOUR CALENDARS July 1 - 4 Go Fourth Festival July 4 Chamber office Closed July 11 Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline July 12 Longview Downtowners July 14 Ambassador Committee July 19 Business After Hours – Acupuncture Northwest July 25 Government Affairs Committee August 6 Squirrel Fest Grand Prix Criterium Terry/Taylor Sale August 24 MEGA MIXER Every WEDNESDAY Your Chamber Connection KEDO AM1400 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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

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 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 Mike Julian, Kelso Theatre Pub Bianca Lemmons, Cowlitz County Title Julie Rinard, Community Home Health & Hospice George Raiter, Cowlitz County Commissioner 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

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

THANK YOU TO OUR GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS

Business Briefs

Acupuncture Northwest • All Out Sewer & Drain • Banda's Bouquets • BiCoastal Media • Cascade Networks • Cascade Title • Columbia Bank • Columbia Ford Hyundai Nissan • Columbia River Reader •Columbia River Rigging • Columbia Theatre • Community Home Health & Hospice • Costco Wholesale • Country Village Nutrition Center • Cowlitz Container & Diecutting • Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau • Cowlitz Title • Diamond Showcase • Esteem Salon • Estetica Day Spa • Express Employment Professionals • Fibre Federal Credit Union • Fire Mountain Grill • Futcher -Henry Group • H&S Enterprises • Heritage Bank • Highlander Smiles Dental • Island Sun Tanning • Kathy's Flowers • Koelsch Senior Communities • Les Schwab Tires • LifeWorks • Longview Country Club • Mama Nano's • McCormack Tire Factory • Minute Man Press • Mr. C's Photography • Newrock Homes • Nick Lemiere, Edward Jones • NORPAC • Opsahl, Dawson & Company • PeaceHealth • Pediatric Clinic • Pets, Pawns & Imports • PNE Construction • Prographyx • Propel Insurance • Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center • Riverview Community Bank • Signature Transport Inc. • Solvay Chemicals • State Farm Insurance, Bob Beal • State Farm Insurance, Scott Fischer • Stewart Title • SW Washington Symphony • Swanson Bark & Wood Products• The Dog Zone • The Pro Shop • Three Rivers Mall • Twin City Bank • TwinStar Credit Union • US Bank • Utilize IT • Walstead Mertsching

cont. from page 5

Special Thanks Michael Montero, Jonnie Slater, Lance Satcher & Staff, Longview Country Club, Mr. C’s Photography, Kelso Longview Chamber Ambassadors & Volunteers.

•••

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Chamber Ambassador Committee Russ Chittock American Family Insurance Lisa Allen Banda's Bouquets Nick Lemiere Edward Jones Sherr y Bean Employers Overload D'Dee Douglas 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 Walt Naze, Retired Shannon Werner, Sign Smart USA Myrna Rak, SignMasters, Inc. Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title Glenda Ashe, Twin City Bank Jason Meunier, Twin City Bank Donna Hughes, WorkSource

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RENOVATION UNDERWAY ON WASHINGTON WAY LANDMARK BUILDING Local businessmen Eric Pucci and Bob Davis have purchased 842 Washington Way with plans to completely renovate the commercial space. The building will become the new home of Newrock Homes, RE/MAX Premier Group, and Life Mortgage.

Constructed in 1971, the building contains more than 7,000 square feet of space in a prime commercial location.

“The first rule in real estate is location, location, location,” said new co-owner Eric Pucci in a press release. “We’ve needed more room to expand.” Pucci is the president of Newrock Homes and the broker/ owner of RE/MAX Premier.

The space is being completely gutted and will feature the latest technology and energy efficient construction, including a new heating/cooling system and high-performance windows and insulation.

Interior spaces will be improved with flexible conference spaces, raised ceilings in the private offices, and a modernized facade.

•••

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632

Membership Application

Business Name:

Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

Mailing Address (if different from above): Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone:

Company Website:

Primary Contact:

Title:

Contact Email:

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

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)

Costs for Membership: Number of Employees 1-4 5-10 11-15 16-20

Gold Circle $356 $394 $442 $485

Basic Membership $238 $264 $292 $323

One-time enrollment fee $50

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

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

PAGE 7

INTRODUCING BERT JEPSON

Chamber contracts new membership & advertising representative

We are pleased to announce that Bert Jepson is recruiting new Chamber members and helping with advertising sales for our monthly publication, KelsoLongview Business Connection.

Jepson, 58, grew up in Medford, Oregon, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Oregon University and moved to Longview in 1981. He served as executive director

for the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Chapter of the American Red Cross before moving to Alaska in 1996 to lead the Anchorage Red Cross Chapter. For the last several years, he lived in St. Helens, Oregon, but is happy now to be back in Longview.

“It’s always felt like home,” Jepson said.

You’ll find Bert Jepson personable, visionary, creative and fun to chat with.

Call him at 503-320-9435 to suggest prospective new Chamber members, or to discuss advertising possibilities in Kelso-Longview Business Connection.

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Property Management, Commercial Sales, Leasing &

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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

• JULY 2011

PAGE 8

• JULY 2011

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

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• 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