KELSO LONGVIEW
Vol. 3, No. 12 • Dec. 2011
Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Longview Downtowners
FAREWELL TO RICK WINSMAN
Chamber leaders express gratitude, fond memories as executive director retires
T
he three Board Chairmen who served the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and worked with Rick during his tenure as CEO shared their thoughts as we prepare to say “Good-bye” to Rick. According to rumor, however, it will prove to be a short “Good-bye,” as he will still be seen around the community in new capacities.
Dr. Jim McLaughlin, Chairman 2005-2007
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It seemed that Rick was the right fit for Kelso and Longview right from the start. He developed a quick understanding of our community and established a strong rapport with the Chamber Board. He brought new ideas for us to consider and helped the board to bring some of our own ideas to fruition.
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He went right to work selling himself and the Chamber to businesses, government and the not-for-profits. Our membership climbed, we developed a series of robust strategic plans, and truly became the recognized “voice of business” in Cowlitz County. We never could have accomplished all that in so short a time without Rick. His ability to listen, collaborate and work with so many us with respect, humor — and more than a few old one-liners — will be missed! Best of luck, Rick!
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Shop ANY business in Cowlitz County Nov. 26–Jan 7. Take receipt(s) for ANY AMOUNT to the Chamber office, 1563 Olympia Way, Longview (next to the Longview Post Office). Kelso Longview Chamber will log in the name of the store, the location and the amount and then return your receipt(s). For every receipt, you’ll receive a ticket to enter the Shop Local & WIN weekly drawings. (Non-winning tickets will roll over till the end of the campaign.)
Shop Local and W in! A Partnership We
Can All Win Wi th
Economic Summit – Quarterly Membership Meeting Cowlitz County Conference Center December 5
Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline December 6
Longview Downtowners General Meeting December 7
Education Committee Meeting December 7
Lower Columbia Professionals Committee Meeting December 8
Ambassador Meeting December 13
Holiday After Hours/ LCP Coat Drive @ Lower Columbia College TUNE IN every WEDNESDAY “Your Chamber Connection” KEDO AM1400 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight!
• Bring receipts for any purchases fro
m a Kelso or Long view business, dated Nov. 25, through Jan. 6, 2011 2012 to the Cham ber office. Receive a ticket for our Shop Lo cal incentive dra Each Friday, wi wing for each rec nners will be an eipt. nounced on You The Final Grand r Chamber Conne Prize “Relaxatio ction. n Pa ckage” drawing All prizes are do wi ll be held on Jan nated by local are . 6. a businesses.
• • • •
When You
• Help rebuildShopcomLomucanitl Yoy u: • Support yourtheneighb • Contribute to the localorstax base
For More Inform ation: 360-423-8 400 www.KelsoLon gviewChamber.o rg
Sponsors: Banda’s Bouquets Hospice Thrift Sho Copies Today ppe (CHHH) Knotty Wares Cowlitz River Rigg ing Koelsch Sen ior Commun Edward Jones Lemondrop Photogr ities Elder Options aphy Mama Nano’s Esteem Salon Mr.C’s Photograph Exclaim Media y OmOriginals Mar Farm Dog Bakery keting Parr’s Cars & RV’s Global Images Grap hic Twin City Ban k Design & Marketi ng Valley Bugler Highlander Cycling Zojo’s Coffee Roa sting
Graphic Design and Marketing
Chamber’s Holiday Campaign runs through Jan 7 How to win:
1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Design: Global Image s
PAID
Centralia, WA 98531 Permit #26
Presorted Std U.S. Postage
Who is dressing “Chris” in Longview’s Outdoor Gallery? HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES DOWNTOWN Page 2-3
HOLIDAY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS ...
WINNERS will be announced every Wednesday on the radio show, “Your Chamber Connection” (AM1400) from 3 – 4pm and on facebook: www.facebook.com/ KelsoLongviewChamber
“Thank You” to our current sponsors: Banda’s Bouquets, Capstone Cellars, Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Cowlitz River Rigging, Nick Lemiere – Edward Jones, Elder Options, Esteem Salon, Estetica Day Spa, Exclaim Media, Farm Dog Bakery, Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing, Heritage Bank, Highlander Cycling, Hospice Thrift Shoppe, Judy’s Restaurant & Catering, Knotty Wares, Lemondrop Photography, Mama Nano’s, Mike Wallin – Realtor Prudential Northwest Properties, omOriginals Marketing, Paisley Duck Quilting & Design, PAMSCO, Parr’s Cars & RV’s, Payton’s Produce, PSA Healthcare, Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center, Twin City Bank, Umpqua Bank, Valley Bugler Newspaper and ZoJo Coffee Roasting, Office Depot, Cascade Title and Regis Salons. For more info or to become a sponsor, contact Amy at the Chamber: 360-423-8400.
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 Downtown Longview . . . . . . . 2 Open for Business . . . . . . . . 3 Around the Watercooler . . . . 5 Chairman’s Message . . . . . . . 5 Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . . 6 Business Briefs . . . . . . . . . . 6