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