Volume 4, No. 8
August 2012
Business Kelso Longview
Connection Chamber of Commerce
Port of Longview announces new CEO Calendar
Geir-Eilif Kalhagen to take over helm in September 1 Bringing more than 26 years of maritime experience to the position, Geir-Eilif Kalhagen was selected as the Port of Longview’s next Chief Executive Officer in a Special Commission meeting July 18th. Set to succeed longtime executive Ken O’Hollaren, Kalhagen will officially join the Port September 1st. Port of Longview Commissioners hired consultant Shey-Harding to lead a nationwide search, which lead them to local candidate Kalhagen. Kalhagen’s diverse maritime management experience and familiarity with the Columbia River made him the standout candidate. He has worked in operations management for both SSA and Star Shipping, and most recently served as the General Manager for Tidal Transport and Trading in the Columbia River. “Geir’s strong industry background, combined with his familiarity of our region made him a great fit for the Port of Longview,” said Commission President Bob Bagaason. “We’re looking forward to him joining our team and
Inside this Issue
carrying on the legacy of success.” “It is a great privilege to be joining the Port of Longview, I am looking forward to the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Kalhagen. “The Port has a strong foundation and I’m eager to work with all of the partners to keep the momentum going.” Kalhagen holds a bachelors degree in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of South Alabama. He also earned his United States Coast Guard Limited Masters Ticket. Kalhagen will spend the first several weeks on the job with O’Hollaren getting up to speed on Port issues and projects before assuming all official executive duties. O’Hollaren will spend the remainder of this year focused on customer relations and marketing before retiring in December. He joined the Port in 1980 and was promoted to Executive Director in 1988.
< Longview Celebrates Squirrel Festival, page 2 < Lower Columbia College Certificate Program Aids Businesses, page 4 < Multinational Company with EGT Project a Welcome Addition, page 7 < President’s Message: Joining Chamber, Visitors Center in Future?, page 8
Tuesday
August 7 – 5 to 7 p.m. Mega Mixer Parking lot adjoining Futcher-Henry CPA, Twin City Bank, Bowlby Chiropractic and Longview Radiology (see page 3 for details).
Wednesday
August 15 – 11 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Evergreen Home Loans 1340 Vandercook Way, Longview.
Tuesday
August 21 – 3:30 p.m. Lower Columbia CAP/Training Restaurant 413 South Pacific Avenue, Kelso (near Train Station).
Thursday
August 23 –5 p.m. Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Wilco Farm Store 200 Kelso Drive, Kelso.
Saturday
August 25 –All Day Squirrel Fest Longview Civic Center (see page 2 for details).