Business Connection by Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

Volume 4, No. 6

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Business Kelso Longview

June 2012

Connection Chamber of Commerce

Expo gives area’s businesses tools to cruise to success By Dannie Oliveaux For The Chamber With a tropical twist, more than 100 businesses set up tables and booths for the second annual Cowlitz County Regional Business Expo that took place Thursday, May 17, at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center in Longview. Both show rooms were decorated with palm trees and decorations for this year’s theme, “Cruise to Success.” The event helps local businesses display their services and products, along with creating networking among small businesses and their owners. During the Expo, business people had a chance to attend several seminars at the conference center. Most of the seminar series was focused on helping small businesses in the areas of start up, planning, hiring practices, marketing with social media and more. Most businesses had a variety of marketing materials at their booths and tables, such as pens, note pads, key chains and even tape measures. At the La Hacienda Real Grill, discounts coupons for dinner were available for the public. Some of those managing booths had fun at the Expo. Farmers Insurance employees took time out to demonstrate “hula-hooping,” while people stopping by On The Mark Associates’ booth got a chance to have their photograph taken with a cutout of Marilyn Monroe. The Expo ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the Kelso Longview Chamber

This year’s Business Expo drew hundreds of people through its doors May 17. Enjoy more photos, page 11. of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours event from 5 to 8 p.m. “I think this is probably the best Expo I’ve been to every year they have been held,” said Anne O’Connor of On The Mark Associates. “They just keep getting better and better.” O’Connor said she feels the attendance during the Expo was close to last year’s number. She said her company was able to make contacts and network with other businesses. “I really think it has been valuable and well worth our company being here,” O’Connor said. “We’re branding our business and letting people know we’re here.” Lesley Carrell, senior vice president of marketing with Fibre Federal Credit Union, said she was a little disappointed with the attendance, but felt the Expo was successful. “I feel overall it went pretty well, but it would be nice to get more people here,” Carrell said. “For us, it’s about letting people know we are here and we support small businesses and the community.” CenturyLink’s Martin Flynn said it was a great opportunity for his company to participate in this year’s Expo.

Please see Expo, page 12

Calendar « Tuesday, June 5, 5:15 p.m. – Ribbon Cutting, Banda’s Bouquet, 1310 Broadway, Longview « Thursday, June 7, 5:15 p.m. – Ribbon Cutting, Edward Jones, 2020 9th Avenue, Suite C, Longview. « Monday, June 11 – Chamber Golf Classic, Longview Country Club, 11:30 a.m. Registration « Thursday, June 14 – Quarterly Luncheon, “State of the County,” Conference Center Cowlitz County Commissioners « Tuesday, June 19 – Business After Hours, Goodwill Store, 1035 15th Avenue #200, Longview

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Membership Meeting

State of the County Featured Speakers Cowlitz County Commissioners

George Raiter

Michael Karnofski

James Misner

Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview June 14, 2012 11:45a.m. -1:30 p.m.

You are invited to attend the Kelso Longview Chamber’s 2nd Quarter Membership Luncheon. As the County moves into recovery find out about how you and your business may be affected by changes in service and budget. We would like reservations for the “State of the County” Quarterly Membership Meeting I understand if I make a reservation and am not able to attend, the fee is non-refundable. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Name: ______________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Business Name: _____________________________________ Number Attending: _______________ Card Number:______________________________________ Exp: ______________________________ Name on Card: ________________________________________________________________________ Please Invoice: ______________________________________ Amount $ ________________________ Please return to: Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 1563 Olympia Way, Longview, WA 98632 Fax: 423-0432 website: www.KelsoLongviewChamber.org Phone: 423-8400 For your convenience, we accept VISA/MasterCard.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Business Toolbox

‘When Business is Tough to Get ...’ By Chuck Nau

Your customers and potential customers should be aware of and familiar with you, your local business, service or company through past advertising campaigns. Leverage that awareness and familiarity to reduce (buying) reluctance while reinforcing the advantages of safety and security in shopping locally.

As we move into midyear 2012, all indications are that a SLOW recovery is occurring. Once again, despite the glimmer on the horizon, are you and your business associates asking each other the question...“Why Advertise?” Why advertise in a slow recovery period, when shoppers and buyers continue to be very cautious and when business is tough to get? Simply put ...those retailers, service providers, professional businesses and companies that maintain or increase their advertising spending during a challenging economic environment do, indeed, get ahead.

The best advice and the best value ... always come from someone you KNOW! • Maximize COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES. Seize the moment when your competitors, both new and old, may be cutting back or eliminating their advertising, by identifying and articulating what makes you and your business, service or company unique or different from others. Providing the community, the marketplace, with information about ‘who you are’ and ‘what you do’ will grow market share.

In a slow economic recovery, business is NOT bad. Rather, business is tough to get. For those local retailers, service providers, professional businesses or companies that take an assertive, yet well thought out, consistent and ongoing advertising program, opportunities do exist to increase sales and profits which in turn leads to an increase in market share.

• It’s all about LONG TERM. Implement your plan and the preparation you put in place when the business decline first began. With the economic uncertainty, continue looking to and designing the future, rather than seeking to reinvent the past or worry about the present!

A REDUCTION in advertising expenditures guarantees reduced profits, sales and lost market share due, in part, to three significant impacts ... LOSS of top-of-mind awareness, LOSS of image in the marketplace and local community and a CHANGE in attitudes and perceptions held about the retailer, service provider, professional business or company.

• Don’t buy an ad. Buy an IDEA, a CAMPAIGN. Talk to your local media professionals about investing in a series of ads, within a time frame, with a budget that you have allocated, to meet an identified need, problem or opportunity with a desired outcome ... rather than placing a one time, single shot ad or promotion.

Why should you advertise in a slow or slowing economy? To be successful, to grow and to survive, a retailer, a service provider, a professional business or company needs to have a constant presence in their community. This presence comes through a community awareness of that business of ‘who they are’ and ‘what they do’. This awareness and presence is achieved through a consistent and ongoing advertising program.

By creating a public awareness of ‘who you are’ and ‘what you do’, you help your community, your business, service or company and you GROW. © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based consultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate. He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com. or at 425-603-0984.

What strategy might you undertake to seize the opportunity presented by an economic downturn? Consider, if you will the following ... • Stress BENEFITS. Talk VALUE. Your customers and potential customers are looking for reassurances during these challenging and, possibly, uncomfortable times. Stress benefits and values, rather than just price, in your advertising message thereby reducing buying risk for your customers and potential customer. • Capitalize on your local AWARENESS and FAMILIARITY.

Ambassador Q & A

Kelso Longview Business Connection

Jeni Quiriconi Heartsong Massage 368 18th Avenue, Longview, WA Family: None How Long have You been an Ambassador? 8-10 years. What Prompted You to be an Ambassador? Desire to be involved in the community and build my business. What Do You Like Most About Volunteering with the Ambassadors? The interaction with other Ambassadors. Your Favorite Ambassador Story? When Rick Winsman arrived for his first day, the Ambassadors, including myself, greeted him in our pajamas. Do You Volunteer with Any Other Organizations? Squirrel Fest and A Women’s Affaire. What Are You Most Proud Of? My 7 years of active duty in the U.S. Army. What Do You Like To do for Fun? Dress as the Squirrel Fest mascot.

June 2012

Kathy Kyllonen Kindred Beacon Hill 128 Beacon Hill Drive, Longview, WA Family: Two children How Long have You been an Ambassador? 8 years. What Prompted You to be an Ambassador? The opportunity to network with local businesses. What Do You Like Most About Volunteering with the Ambassadors? Meeting new people and sharing the benefits of being a Chamber member. Your Favorite Ambassador Story? I guess it would be ringing the Salvation Army bells at the holidays. Do You Volunteer with Any Other Organizations? Yes, the Alzheimer’s Association. What Are You Most Proud Of? My children and years of professional service with my company. What Do You Like To do for Fun? Camping with my family and friends.

INDUSTRIAL SERVICES • Industrial Cleaning

• Emergency Response • Disposal • Sweeping

Hi-Rail/Industrial

Air-mover/Industrial

Jet Rodding/Hydro excavating and sewer cleaner

Sweeper

• Hydroblasting • Remediation • Environmental Construction 55 International Way Longview, WA

Toll Free: 1-888-423-6316

www.pnecorp.com/ccs.html

Call today to see how we can help you.

Toll free: 1-888-423-6316 4

We’re response ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Economic projects could represent boon to Cowlitz County By Ted Sprague President - Cowlitz Economic Development Council

for our innovative and proactive approach to utilizing the facilities at the mountain. Currently, Alice and our partners are designing scientific, artistic and recreational opportunities for tourists and Cowlitz County citizens to take advantage of. Please contact Alice – dietz@cowlitzedc.com for more information on these exciting programs.

As President of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC), it seems like every day I am asked, “When is the economy going to get better?” Over the last few years it has been increasingly difficult to come up with an answer. As an eternal optimist I always want to look at the bright side of the picture, but the picture was pretty dark for a while…Thankfully, over the last few months, light is beginning to shine again. We are working with several prospects from outside our community to bring here and several companies within the county that are looking to expand.

The CEDC is a private, not for profit, organization made up of dues paying members of the public and private sector. Our mission is to attract and retain businesses in Cowlitz County. In 2010 we created a new Strategic Plan and are actively working with the Chamber of Commerce and many other private/ public sectors to fulfill the goals of the plan. I would welcome you to learn more about who we are by going to our website – www.cowlitzedc.com – and join us for lunch on June 8th.

To let the community know some of the excellent developments taking place in Cowlitz County, the CEDC is holding a Membership Lunch on June 8th at the Cowlitz Expo and Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This will be an opportunity to hear from three representatives of projects in Cowlitz County that could amount to over $650 million in capital investment and many above average wage jobs. Please do your best to attend this worthwhile event and contact me sprague@cowlitzedc.com if you have an interest in sponsoring. Through our new relationship with the Forest Service, Alice Dietz recently accepted the Mt. St. Helens Partnership Award

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, President/CEO Debbie Brock, Bookkeeper Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632 • 360-423-8400 To advertise, call 360-749-2632 or email: nedpiper@comcast.net Ad Deadline: 15th of each month.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

President’s Message

Swing into June with golf tournament By Bill Marcum President and CEO

TUNE IN every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection

First of all, a huge thank you to all the businesses who attended the Business Expo on May 17th. Wow, 115 businesses attended representing the Longview-Kelso area. What a great turn out.

KEDO AM 1400 – 3 to 4 p.m. Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight

And, another huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped organize and facilitate the event. Pam Fierst, with the Red Lion, was the volunteer chair of this event and did an outstanding job coordinating all the different committees and volunteers to make sure this event ran as smooth as it did. Thank you Pam.

website: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org The next big event for the Chamber of Commerce is the Chamber Golf Classic, Monday, June 11th, at the Longview Country Club. If you have not registered your team by the time you are reading this you better call me right away. We have availability for 30 teams, so don’t hesitate. Teams are a four-person scramble, prizes for KP and Long Drive, a $10,000 hole-in-one prize and a $5,000 putting contest is offered for all participants. Lunch, awards dinner, raffle prizes, great silent auction items and one or two live auction items will be available. Come and enjoy a fun filled day. Lunch and the putting contest are ready by 11:30 a.m. and the balls start flying off the tee at 1 p.m.

The Business After Hours took place the same evening and was coordinated by Jessie Jones with Creative Creations. She was able to bring in the Hawaiian dancers and the Fire Dance to liven up our event. Great job Jessie and thank you. The committee will be meeting in early June to review the event: the things we felt went right, the things we think could have been better and how to make those things happen next year. If you have any suggestions please send me an email or give me a call.

Also in the month of June we will have our Quarter Membership Luncheon on Thursday, June 14th, the topic is the “State of the County” and Cowlitz County Commissioners will be on the stage speaking to us about the challenges, events and special projects the County is working on. Cost for lunch is $25; please contact the chamber to reserve your spot.

June 1st is the launch date for our new website. I am sure it will take the month of June to work out the bugs and tweak the details, but I am very excited to have a website that we can update right at our desks here in the office and allow our members and visitors to use with greater ease and better information. Again, suggestions welcome. We will be using the month of June to make those suggestions come to life on our new

As you can see we have a lot going on this June at your Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce so join in the fun.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Downtown Longview - $1 A Day Will Go A Long Way By Janice Forbes President, Longview Downtown Partnership Owner, Highlander Cycling Imports

The direct benefits to the business and property owners in the district will be increased foot traffic, residential and commercial vacancies filled, higher sales, more customers, property values on the rise and a consistent effort to achieve success.

The Strategic Vision of the Downtown Longview Business Improvement District is to invest in the district so that more people live, work, shop, and play in Downtown Longview.

The four areas of focus are: • Street Beautification and Maintenance: Clean and well-maintained streets delivered by an ambassador team of people in brightly colored vests trained to keep the area looking fresh, and who are available to support local businesses and their customers with a wide variety of needs.

The Longview Downtown Partnership is excited to present a two-year Business Improvement District management plan and petition for Downtown Longview. Business Improvement Districts have been successful in this country for over 30 years, providing a funding tool for property and business owners to pool their resources to make significant achievements in the areas that are most important to downtown economic districts. The BID program for Downtown Longview focuses on results with clear goals, key objectives, and measurable results.

• Business Recruitment and Retention: Focused efforts on bringing the right businesses into the community based on current inventories, demographics and incentives; Retaining businesses already here through a variety of new programs that support owners and proprietors. • Marketing and Promotion: Creating and executing a campaign for the area as a whole to entice visitors to a sparkling Downtown.

Key issues that need to be addressed include: • Pedestrian areas aren’t consistently clean and attractive. Cleanliness and beautification initiatives will provide a visually stimulating lift in minds and spirits.

• Strategic Partnerships: Creating partnerships and leveraging resources to achieve the Strategic Vision. Funding for the proposed program will come from licensed business owners and property owners in the Downtown District. The assessment will be one fee of $1 per day for each business owner, and one fee of $1 per day for each property owner – regardless of the number of properties held. The term for the BID is two years. A new petition will be required to extend the program.

• Longstanding vacancies give a negative impression and must be filled. Recruitment and retention efforts for businesses, professionals and residents will serve to bring back vibrancy to the area. • In order to become the preferred destination in the region to live, work, shop and play, the downtown needs a strategic branding and marketing campaign.

If you are a business or property owner in the Downtown District, I ask that you read the program details, attend a presentation, or talk with one of the program development team members. You can also find and request more information on the BID website at http://bid.longviewdowntowners.org.

But here’s the good news: Downtown Longview today is still the largest center of independent retail and professional services in Cowlitz County. And economists recognize small business owners like ours as an engine for creating jobs. Along with existing infrastructure, density, available square footage and a strong sense of creativity, pride, and perseverance, the district’s potential for both stability and expansion is enormous.

Let’s be a part of this exciting opportunity to begin a viable and consistent transformation of our Downtown. It’s a low cost, low risk investment with the potential for powerful and positive returns. Janice can be contacted via email at janice@highlander-cycling. com or at 360-353-3790. Professional presentations for Downtown business and property owners will be held the first week of June. Please visit bid.longviewdowntowners.org for meeting times and locations. 7

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Kelso

Longview

Partners for Economic Growth

The Joys of Council

By Mayor David Futcher

By Mayor Dennis Weber

Why would anybody want to be a city councilmember? It will never make you rich or famous, and everybody’s looking over your shoulder. Praise is rare and complaints frequent. You’ll be the target of shots – figuratively, and maybe even literally. Okay, there might be a little ego stroke when you see your name on a ballot or in the newspaper, but you’ll earn it.

The City of Longview endeavors to be a good partner with local businesses. For example, we dramatically changed the hours at City Hall several years ago, now open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursday. Whether dealing with utility bills or building permits, business owners and contractors report that the extended hours are a great convenience. Of course, land-use planning can sometimes be contentious between developers, property owners and the city. But the expert staff in our Community Development Department has earned quite a local reputation for working with applicants, rather than against them. In addition, our Appeals Board of Adjustment, the Stormwater and Downtown Advisory Committees, and the Planning Commission are filled with veteran businessmen and women who understand the challenges facing entrepreneurs.

There’s really only one answer to that question: you’re a councilmember because you want to help make your community a better place. You get excited by the feeling inside when you see kids enjoying a park project you helped complete, or when you spearhead an effort that brings new business to your community. After spending a lot of time with five fellow Kelso councilmembers working toward the selection of our next city manager, I was reminded how strong of a team the citizens have assembled for our council. I got to work alongside these five people who work together reasonably, even when opinions differ, and who can listen to another viewpoint without feeling threatened.

The voice of local merchants and professionals are heard along with citizen activists through two additional ventures: Downtown Partnership and Project Longview. These groups work with city staff to create and inspire innovative changes that will lead to increased job opportunities and profits in Longview. One little-known program available through the city is the Revolving Loan Program which provides capital to new enterprises promising new jobs but falling just shy of commercial lending requirements. Managed by a Board that includes bankers and other business professionals volunteering their time, this unique program is jointly funded by the federal government and the City.

A team like that makes service a pleasure.

Finally, City Manager Bob Gregory partners with Weyerhaeuser in bringing development to our Mint Farm Industrial Park. Bob also serves on the Port of Longview Strategic Planning Committee and works closely with both the Cowlitz Economic Development Council and the Chamber in creating a positive climate for business growth and expansion.

20% OFF STOREWIDE

Take your relaxation seriously. Authorized Lazyboy Dealer

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

1413 Commerce Ave.

Longview is where opportunity knocks.

360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Business Toolbox

Please Scan Me!

Smartphone users get quick response with codes By Jerry D. Petrick

How you use QR codes depends on how you interact with your potential customer. It may make sense to start with the basics - include a QR code on your print material that links to your main website, displays basic information about your business (i.e. address, map, business hours, contact information) or delivers a message or greeting to your customers. You are limited only by your imagination.

If you are reading this article on your smartphone, then you are probably aware of some of the uses of QR Codes. QR, or Quick Response, codes originated in the automotive industry. They were invented by the Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the manufacturing process. It was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

A QR Code added to a mailed marketing brochure can boost sales. When scanned, a specific offer displays to the customer localized for the zip code to which the brochure was mailed. A restaurant could place a QR code on a bus billboard. The code links to a web page where menus can be reviewed or reservations made. An electrical contractor can place a decal on the side of his truck and customers can download contact information into a contact list. Special pricing can be given to people who scan a special code available only at the home and garden show.

The QR Code has become one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. QR codes are popping up on print ads, brochures, business cards, billboards, T-shirts - just about everything related to marketing a product or service.

QR codes can also be linked to text messaging, emails, videos, photos and even telephone numbers. QR code campaigns can create buzz and user participation. They remain novel and lead to unique interaction for your customers/visitors.

When scanned by a QR reader enabled smartphone, QR codes provide a means to distribute information about a product or service being advertised. A simple search for “QR Code Generator” will help you locate an online QR Code Generator. Some online services generate them for you automatically. There are many from which to choose. I like the generator found on the website www.qrstuff. com. Scan the QR code below to go to that site. It is a great tool to create your own QR codes, there are preformated data types where you can type your information and download the code.

Jerry’s vCard

SBDC Website

Jerry’s Email Address

This article was compiled by Jerry D. Petrick, Certified Business Advisor, MBA, PMP, SPHR as part of the Washington Small Business Development Center Network. Jerry serves Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties. He provides no fee, confidential business advising by appointment. Contact him at jerry.petrick@wsbdc. org or 360-442-2946

Most smartphones now come with a QR reader app preinstalled. If yours doesn’t, there are many downloadable apps available - most are free. There is a phone software page on www.qrstuff.com that discusses the choices for many phone types.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Letter

Business Improvement District $1 Not a Tax

make money, one has to spend money and this is really no different, except the value is in a unified collective effort to improve the whole downtown marketplace. Attracting more commerce will be achieved through downtown beautification; filling of vacancies with exciting stores; promotions and public events as well as expanded marketing and improved security.

Some downtown Longview folks believe that the business improvement district “dollar a day” program is just another tax. Quite possibly they haven’t taken the time to evaluate the program. Tax, defined as a “contribution in support of government” certainly misses the mark here since the BID has been specifically created to benefit the investors themselves. While it’s true that some downtown businesses may derive more immediate results than others, statewide cases from other towns prove that the downtown community as a whole is destined to prosper.

The Longview Downtown Partnership, a team of volunteers, has devoted countless hours of their time and energy to bring this project to life. It is for the benefit of all of those who share their livelihood in downtown and it’s for the community as a whole. For those who still believe that the BID is just a tax, I implore you to take the time to investigate the program more thoroughly. The time is now for all downtown merchants to join forces for the common good. Doug Harvey LDP Past President

Essentially, downtown business should look at this as a $1 business expense. All entrepreneurs know that in order to

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Black Bears announce the signing of four standout pitchers

The Cowlitz Black Bears have signed four outstanding pitchers for the upcoming 2012 season. Felipe Perez, Tommy Nance, Nick Richardson, and Ryan McCarthy have all agreed to contracts and will join the Black Bears for the West Coast League season.

Perez, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds from Fullerton, Calif., is a UCLA signee. He was a member of the U16 National Team and is rated the No. 9 high school prospect in California by ESPN. The Fairmont High School prep star has put up amazing numbers this spring. He is sporting a 1.63 ERA in 34 innings of work with 64 strikeouts and only five walks. Three of his outings have resulted in double digit strikeouts, two of which were 17-strikeout games. Perez is also hitting a cool .649 while playing shortstop for the Huskies. “This young man is a special talent. He has played in big games throughout his career and we expect a lot of him this summer. He’s a projectable righty with great stuff and a fastball that sits in the low 90s,” said Black Bears head coach Tim Matz. Nance, 6-4, 200 pounds., is a junior at Santa Clara. He is the Broncos No. 1 starting pitcher, leading the team with 75 innings pitched and two complete games. He is 4-3 with a 3.24 ERA.

“We are looking forward to having a workhorse like Tommy on our staff. Not only is he a solid pitcher, but it’s nice to have a guy that can really eat up innings,” said Black Bears general manager Grant Wilson. Richardson, a sophomore lefty from UC-Santa Barbara, is red-shirting this spring, after transferring from Hendrix College. McCarthy, a right-hander, is a red-shirt freshman at Rice University, playing under legendary coach Wayne Graham. 2012 Cowlitz Black Bears Ticket Packages are available by calling 360-703-3195 or please visit us online at www. cowlitzblackbears.com The Black Bears are members of the West Coast League, the Diamond Standard among summer college baseball. The nineteam, professional style wood-bat league features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 120 WCL alums played affiliated professional baseball last season, and 15 ex-WCL stars played in the Major Leagues. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Anne O’Connor On The Mark Associates

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Co.

Micheal Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Chet Makinster Longview City Council

Frank V. McShane, Past Chair Cascade Networks, Inc.

George Raiter Cowlitz County Commissioner

Diane Craft, Vice Chair Koelsch Senior Communities

Jerri Henry, Chair Futcher-Henry CPA Group

Joel Hanson, Chair Elect KLOG KUKN The Wave

Ginny Whiffen Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center

Michael Claxton Walstead Mertsching

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Center

Julie Rinard Community Home Health & Hospice

Sara Cave PeaceHealth

Neil Zick Twin City Bank

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Cruise to Success Expo from, page 1 “It was a great opportunity to be here locally and support local businesses,” said Flynn, marketing and public relations manager for Oregon and southwest Washington. “We are a local organization and it was nice to meet people from some of the other organizations and network.” Throughout the Expo, prizes – including several gift baskets – were given away along with the Grand Prize – a $5,000 Multi-Media Marketing Package – won by Twinstar Credit Union. During the Chamber’s Business After Hours, about 200 people made their way to the conference center to enjoy an entrée table, dessert bar and drinks. The featured entertainment was Joshua Wolfgram, a professional Polynesian fire dancer, who flew up from Arizona. Highlighting the BAH was the presentation of the Grand Prize of a $2,500 travel voucher from Kings Travel awarded to lucky winner David Spies. The next BAH is June 19 at the Goodwill Store in Longview. 12

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Spotlight Jerri Henry - Treasurer Futcher-Henry Group, Longview, Wash.

Longtime member takes on role as Board Chair By Dannie Oliveaux For The Chamber

‘I fell in love with it in high school and knew this is what I wanted to do. It’s been a great career for me.’

Since joining the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, Jerri Henry has been busy within the organization, first, as an Ambassador, then as Treasurer, and now in her new role as Board Chair.

Jerri Henry on being a CPA

Henry said she has filled the role of Treasurer since 1996 and took over as Board Chair May 1.

“I think people that had to leave the Chamber will start coming back,” Henry said. She became a CPA in 1983, started her own business in 1997

“The treasurer before me said she was tired of doing it and asked if I would take over, and I said sure,” Henry explained. “And I have done it ever since. They just won’t let you go.”

and merged with David Futcher in 2004. “I fell in love with it in high school and knew this is what I

Henry said this is the second leadership transition of the Chamber since 2002.

wanted to do,” she explained. “It’s been a great career for me.”

“It’s amazing how the Chamber takes on the personality of the Director,” she said. “Rick (Winsman) was very political driven, and that is the direction the Chamber rotated to and became political, and more involved.”

spare time likes golfing, reading, traveling and lifting weights.

But she feels Bill Marcum is more membership-driven and expects the Chamber to get back into the membership mode to reach small businesses.

“It’s a car ride and not a plane ticket, and I can live with that,”

Henry, who became a grandmother two years ago, in her She and her husband have a second home at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Ore. Both of their sons reside in Bellingham. Henry said. The Idaho native attended Boise State University and is a

“Different people bring different desires and likes, and it takes on its leadership,” Henry said. “We are picking up on Bill’s energy level. I feel like we are turning the corner, but it has been tough with the economy. When times are tight, things like membership dues just have to go away.”

Broncos fan. They are season ticket holders to Bronco football games. She said her husband was a member of Boise State’s 1980 Division II national championship team. “Bronco football is first, NASCAR is second and NFL football

Henry said the membership has been down, but expects an increase in new membership as the economy improves.

is next,” Henry said.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2012

Get ready to swing in the Chamber’s ‘biggest fundraiser of the year’ By Dannie Oliveaux For The Chamber Start polishing your clubs for the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic set for Monday, June 11, at the Longview Country Club. The 1 p.m. shotgun start kicks off the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year. The format is a 4-person scramble – all play the best shot and each player must have three drives during the round. The entry fee – $500 per team or $150 individually – includes lunch, driving range, putting contest, a pair of carts, tee time, photos, contest, awards ceremony and a barbecue dinner. Prizes will be awarded to the three low net and three low gross teams, along with hole-in-one, closest to the pin and long-drive contest. “This golf tournament has been going on forever,” said Chamber member David Taylor, who owns Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc. in Longview. “The first time I played in it was in 1970 and it has been going a long time.” Taylor, the tournament chair, said the event has “always been fun,” but along the way it also turned into a major fundraiser. He said the Chamber is looking to raise about $12,000 this year. “The community has really supported all of our hole and raffle

sponsors,” Taylor said. “Now we are trying to get as many players as we can.” He said the tournament can handle up to 144 players in the shotgun format. “In the old days,” Taylor said, “if you didn’t get your request in early, you couldn’t get in.” Each team will be allowed four mulligans. Most players will be using it on the 4th hole because of the out of bounds, said Taylor, referring to the hazard as a “golf ball magnet.” “The guy who lives near there must make a lot of money selling golf balls,” Taylor laughed. He said during past years the tournament was moved around to different location. “The course is in great shape, and back at Longview Country Club were it should be,” Taylor said. Taylor said the committee working on his year’s event, “has been great.” According to Taylor, plans are to conclude the tournament around 5 p.m. followed for the awards ceremony and dinner. “We are going to make sure everyone has a good time,” Taylor said. “If we can raise money to keep dues down and have fun, it’s a win-win for everybody.”

2012 Golf Classic Sponsors

Title Sponsor – Stirling Motors

Hole Sponsors Hole 1 – Red Canoe Hole 2 – Longview Eye Clinic Hole 3 – Heritage Bank Hole 4 – Riverwoods Chiropractic Hole 5 – Cowlitz River Rigging Hole 6 – Three Rivers Eye Clinic Hole 7 – State Farm Insurance Hole 8 – Futcher-Henry CPA Hole 9 – Twin Star Credit Union Hole 10 – Edward Jones, Nick Lemiere Hole 11 – Fibre Federal Credit Union Hole 12 – H & S Enterprises Hole 13 – Shamrock Tavern Hole 14 – Les Schwab Tire Hole 15 – Longview Tire Hole 16 – Ocean Beach Storage Hole 17 – B & B Entek Hole 18 – Koelsch Senior Communities Beverage Cart – Express Employment Professionals Putting Contest – Chase Bank Tee Prize Sponsor - PeaceHealth Lunch Sponsor – Cascade Networks Driving Range Sponsor – Columbia Bank Photo Sponsor – PNE Corp, Propel Insurance, Millennium Bulk Terminals, Mr. C’s Photography and Reprographics 19th Hole Sponsor – Signature Transport Cart Sponsor – Columbia Ford Raffle Sponsor – Cascade Title Hole in One – McCord Bros. Dinner Sponsor – Twin City Bank