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).
Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Plenty to go nuts about at Squirrel Fest Mark your calendar for Squirrel Festival coming on August 25th! A full day of fun, food and entertainment are promised by the ‘Fest committee.
local favorite Raeann’s Groove followed by highly regarded Elvis Impersonator Steve Segura. A beer and wine garden will be open at the Monticello Hotel parking lot for adults between 4:00 and 10:30 p.m. This venue should allow great viewing for the Unique Tin Car Cruise as it passes by two sides of the garden. Admission is free with your Squirrel Festival button ($2.00).
The local business community has generously underwritten the event to allow free admittance. Thank you to the Chamber for accounting assistance and continued marketing support. Business financial support has made it possible to bring more professional entertainment to the all-day event this year. We will kickoff the day with the Kiwanis Kids day parade and continue through the day concluding with fireworks from the roof of the Monticello Hotel at 10:30 p.m.
A full slate of vendors will sell quality items and food favorites. Altrusa elephant ears, Kiwanis salmon, and Lion’s Club burgers will tempt attendees. Criterium bike races will take place all day long on Maple Street with awards presented on the Squirrel Festival stage at the conclusion. The Free Medical Clinic raffle drawing will be
Professional entertainer’s L-Bow The Clown and Caspar Babypants appear on stage during the day followed by games and activities open to all children. The evening stage includes
Please see Squirrel Fest, page 12
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Individualized Certificate Program boosts employees’ know-how By Dani Trimble Work Based Learning Manager Lower Columbia College
State will remain unfilled due to gaps in education1. As our local economy begins to rebound, this is an opportune time to create a training program that will meet your industry needs. The Individualized Certificate Program (ICP) at Lower Columbia College is an innovative training program that incorporates traditional classroom-based instruction with onthe-job work experience. Unlike most traditional college programs, ICP certificates are quick to create and are customizable to meet the requirements of a specific occupation or employer.
Is your business having a hard time recruiting or retaining employees with the right skills? As technological innovation in business seems to move at the speed of light, the labor market has struggled to keep up with the demand for skilled workers. It is projected that up to 9,000 available positions in Washington
Existing ICP certificates include the following fields: Biology Technician, Chemistry Technician, HVAC Maintenance, Legal Office Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Veterinary Assistant, to name a few. Each ICP certificate requires on the job training – either through an internship or paid employment. In addition to requirements such as communication, math, technology, and human relations, job readiness courses help to prepare students for entry into the workforce.
Monticello Hotel
Whether you are interested in expanding your labor pool or training your existing staff for upward mobility, ICP is flexible enough to offer educational options for a variety of pathways. Credits earned through this program may be used toward continued education such as an associate or transfer degree. As an additional benefit, financial assistance may be available to assist employers and students alike. By investing in education, your business can help to equip tomorrow’s workforce and contribute to the continued vitality of our local economy and community. For more information on starting an ICP certificate or how to utilize an existing certificate program, please contact:
Announcing our Hotel Re-launch! September 1-30, 2012
❦
Dani Trimble
New Management ❦ Newly Remodeled Rooms ❦ New Menu
Work Based Learning Manager Lower Columbia College
Book your next event now by calling 360-425-9900
dtrimble@lowercolumbia.edu
Bring in school supplies in support of the Longview Outreach Program, and get 10% off your meal in the restaurant or lounge for the entire month of August.
360-442-2332 www.lowercolumbia.edu/icp Washington State Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board: http://www.wtb.wa.gov/HighDemandFields.asp
1405 17th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 ❦ http://www.themonticello.net Phone: 360-425-9900 ❦ Fax: 360-425-3424
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Local, Local, Local
...It’s All About Your Local Community helping your community’s business men and women support a wide range of needed community services and charitable projects... senior centers, local food banks, day care facilities...with time, talent and money. • It’s FUN, Saves Time and Energy, and It’s Personal! Errands to run... things to pick up are FUN, easy and convenient to do inasmuch as local merchants and service providers KNOW your community, KNOW you and are AVAILABLE to meet your day to day needs helping to solve life’s little problems. The best advice and the best value ... always come from someone you KNOW! • What Goes Around ... Comes Around! Investing in local businesses with your shopping dollars fosters growth in your community... adding additional employment opportunities for your family, friends, neighbors and maybe even YOU! Shopping dollars invested locally stay in your community, funding essential services, while possibly REDUCING your tax dollars. Helping the retailers in your community create a public awareness of ‘who they are’ and ‘what they do or sell’ helps your community, your retailer, your business, your family and you GROW. Local advertising and marketing dollars invested in local media best represent your community through a Local Environment of news and advertising, creating an information source and marketplace for your community.
By Chuck Nau As the economy struggles, your local retailers, service providers and small businesses in the Kelso-Longview area continue to find themselves in an ongoing battle to keep their customers, both old and new, at home, in town, rather than going down the road! These local retailers, service providers and small businesses know that LOCAL awareness to ‘who they are’ and ‘what they do’ will grow and enrich their local business, service or small company AND the Kelso-Longview community. That LOCAL awareness, the information and guidance about their business and themselves happens through a LOCAL advertising and marketing investment in their LOCAL media. That LOCAL media provides and creates the information resource and marketplace for your community through LOCAL news and advertising. You know, as a local business professional, the importance of investing in your LOCAL hometown or community. What about your customers and clients? What about your community’s retailers, service providers, small businesses, and shoppers (and buyers)? Why should you, your associates, your friends and your neighbors shop locally? Good question! Here are five responses and five community benefits to share with your associates, your friends and your neighbors about the importance and value of shopping at home...shopping in your local Kelso-Longview community ... shopping with your hometown retailers and service providers. • It’s an Investment in Your Community! Shopping and buying in your community is an investment. Your dollars spent locally for goods and services STAY IN YOUR COMMUNITY, helping to build schools, hospitals and fund essential services like police, fire, parks and recreation. • It Fosters Economic Growth Today and Tomorrow! Shopping dollars spent locally help small businesses, owned and operated by your neighbors and friends, GROW. New businesses, both retail and service providers, start up when encouraged by the local economic vitality. Business growth and new business start ups increase variety offering a broad assortment of goods and services...All COMPETITIVELY PRICED. • It’s Giveback! When you shop and buy locally you’re
© 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.
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Ambassador Q & A
Kelso Longview Business Connection
Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank
Myrna Rak
Family: Husband of 21 years Keith; Children, Jennifer McCraye, Sarah Johanson, Willie Johanson; Son-inLaw Jeremy McCraye; Grandchildren, Taylor and Bentley.
Family: Charles Rak (husband); Jeff Galovin, Josh Galovin and Jessica Galovin (children); Moe, Bailey and P-Lot (cats).
August 2012
SignMasters Awards ‘n More, Inc.
How Long Have You Been An Ambassador? I have been an Ambassador since 1995. I guess that would be about 17 years.
How Long Have You Been An Ambassador? About 18 months What Prompted You to be an Ambassador? The change from Cowlitz Bank to Heritage Bank left an open Ambassador spot when Lynda Larabee left. So I submitted the paperwork to become an Ambassador.
What Prompted You to be an Ambassador? Work related, of course. I had just become a sales person at KeyBank and was encouraged to get involved in the community to help me get more acquainted with the people I would be assisting in my line of work.
What Do You Like Most About Volunteering With the Ambassadors? I love all of it. Ribbon cuttings, volunteering at events, and meetings etc.
What Do You Like Most About Volunteering with the Ambassadors? I like being associated with a business related entity. As a business owner, it gives me a way to let myself be known to the people in our community. It also allows me to promote my business among business people.
Your Favorite Ambassador Story? I don’t have one yet. Do You Volunteer With Any Other Organizations? Yes, I volunteer for Meals on Wheels. I teach Money Smart classes for CAP and I am on the United Way Board.
Your Favorite Ambassador Story? I don’t really have a story, but the thing that I like most is the friends I have made during the time I have been an Ambassador. They are wonderful people!
What Are You Most Proud Of? Professionally, I am proud to be a part of Heritage Bank and the success we are having in Longview/Kelso. Personally, I am proud of my three kids and the adults they have become. Each is striving to be successful and find their place in the world.
Do You Volunteer With Any Other Organizations? Currently, I am too busy seeing to the operations of my business to be involved in another organization. In the past I was involved with CASA and really enjoyed it. I hope to do that again someday.
What Do You Like to do for Fun? I LOVE to travel. Some place tropical is preferred, but if I can’t do that I love to go on road trips with my family. I also LOVE reading and hiking.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team
What Are You Most Proud Of? Not business related... I am most proud of my children. They and my husband are the most important things to me and bring me the most joy. (Though, at the moment, I am sure my kids would say it’s my grandson who brings me the most joy.)
Bill Marcum, President/CEO Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper Brooke Fisher, Project Manager
Business related... I am proud to be standing by my husband operating a business that has been part of this community for over 24 years.
Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632 • 360-423-8400
What Do You Like to do for Fun? I really enjoy spending time with my grandson. I also love to shop with my daughter. I enjoy golfing and exercising (I know, it’s a sick person that says they enjoy exercising). I like to read and take walks in the sun. I especially like to spend time with my husband sitting on our deck sipping cocktails.
To advertise, call 360-749-2632 or email: nedpiper@comcast.net Ad Deadline: 15th of each month.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Multinational company with EGT Project a welcome business addition By Ted Sprague President - Cowlitz Economic Development Council On July 9th the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) was invited along with guests from around the world for the Grand Opening of the EGT project at the Port of Longview. The event was highlighted by remarks from Ambassador Islam Siddiqui, the Chief Agricultural Negotiator from the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
EGT CEO Larry Clarke cuts the ribbon during the recent project Grand Opening at the Port of Longview. p.m. Enjoy close up views of Mount St. Helens while listening
EGT is a joint venture between Bunge North America, the North American arm of Bunge Limited, ITOCHU International, a US subsidiary of Japanese trading company ITOCHU Corporation and South Korea-based STX Pan Ocean, one of the top major bulk carriers in the world.
to a family friendly performance by Robbie Laws Band. Robbie Laws recently performed at Portlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waterfront Blues Festival! The music and views are free, food and soft drinks
We are thrilled to have this multinational company in our community.
will be available for purchase. All that attended our first concert had an excellent time at one of the most beautiful settings
Music on the Mountain
in the world.
Please join us for our next Music on the Mountain event. This is the second concert of three planned. The concert is scheduled for August 4th at the Johnston Ridge Observatory at 6:30
For more information or to get in touch with staff, please go to our website â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.cowlitzedc.com.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message
Joining Chamber, Visitors Center in the near future?
closed. By combining our employee pool the Chamber and the Visitors Center should never be closed during business hours and allow for both to be open seven days a week. We would also be able to utilize volunteers much easier with one location. All in all, I think it makes the most sense. We have a long way to go and many things to research and discuss among the Chamber Board of Directors, the City of Kelso and possibly County Officials. The existing temporary structure is in bad shape. We need to continue with a temporary type of structure due to the land being owned by the State of Washington and it is a right of way for the expansion of I-5 if that should ever happen, which is unlikely. So, for now, we are all discussing the options and doing our due diligence to make sure this move would be in the best interest of the Kelso Longview Chamber.
By Bill Marcum President and CEO I have been asked several times over the past couple weeks why the Kelso-Longview Chamber would be interested in moving out of downtown Longview. So, I thought I would use the opportunity to explain why we are looking at this as a possibility.
Our goal is to help businesses be more successful and if this move is a positive step in that direction, it would be the right thing to do.
In many cities across Washington and Oregon the Visitors Center, Tourism Center and the Chamber of Commerce are all located in the same building. We all have similar interests and objectives when it comes to visitors/tourist. The Visitors Center has approximately 12,000 visitors each year. My hope is that we can talk to all of those visitors about what is happening in Longview and Kelso that day, or that weekend. It would be nice to hand them a book of coupons for lunch or dinner at our local restaurants, brochures about Lake Sacajawea, historical downtown Longview and Kelso, the concert at the lake and so much more. The three days after the 4th of July, more than 200 people visited the Kelso Visitors Center compared to nine people visiting the Chamber of Commerce on Olympia Way. As the Chamber, I would like to have more opportunity to talk to visitors and explain the wonderful things we have in our two communities, with an ultimate goal of getting them to stay the night, eat in our restaurants, attend an event and when they leave have had a wonderful experience and want to return. On the financial end of this possibility is that all three of these entities can share resources and better staff the facility. The Visitors Center and the Chamber each have two people on staff. At the chamber if Brooke and I are out of the office meeting with one of our members, at a board meeting, attending a Ribbon Cutting, Open House or any other city event, the Chamber office is closed. The same with the Visitors Center, if Connie is at lunch or at an appointment the Visitors Center is
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Business Improvement District offers common sense approach By Janice Forbes President, Longview Downtown Partnership Owner, Highlander Cycling Imports
erty values, square feet or number of employees. The Downtown Longview BID is just $1 a day for two years, and everyone pays the same rate!
Many downtown business and property owners who have taken the time to look at the details of the proposed Business Improvement District program have been pleasantly surprised at the common sense approach to addressing the immediate needs of the Downtown area through the legal structure of the Washington RCW 35.87A.
A $1 a day is about the cost of a quarter cup of premium coffee, or a tip on a cup of coffee, or a nice one-day advertisement. In return rate payers receive clean and well-maintained streets, a useful and updated website and improved communication to name a few. This will result in increased sales, pedestrians and property values while at the same time reducing vacancies, crime and vagrancy. It truly is low cost and low risk – with the potential for big returns on investment.
The Downtown Longview BID is unlike any other in the way it assesses ratepayers. Other BIDs assess on gross sales, prop-
CH A E B N A E E G C A O R TO S F L SE
Most of us who are business and property owners generously donate our dollars, services or goods to support our community and the local groups who advocate for important causes in our community. Let’s do the same thing for our Downtown.
ls siona rofes P E RAG STO
URE SEC r u o Y • Camera Surveillance System
Let’s work together as a team of champions for the revitalization of our Downtown Core. And even if you think that your dollar a day will not have a direct impact on your business or property, do it for the common good of the community. Once we take this first positive step by claiming our intention for revitalization with solid actions, additional good will come flowing in. That’s just the way it works!
• Resident Manager • Completely Fenced, Lighted & Paved • Lots of Room Between Units • 24-Hr Computer Controlled Gate Access • Large Variety of Unit Sizes Available • Carports and RV/Boat/Trailer Spaces • RV Sewage Dump Available • Credit/Debit Card Accepted
To learn more about the program, or to read the petition, go to http://longviewdowntowners.org/bid/ or feel free to drop me an email at janice@highlander-cycling.com.
360.577.1760
TUNE IN every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Kelso
Longview
Politically Correct? Maybe Not
City of Longview’s Pursuit of Quality of Place
By Mayor David Futcher Ever get tired of political correctness? Prefer to hear your politicos speak their mind? Well, here you go, before I change my mind:
By Bob Gregory, City Manager “Making a first impression is a lasting impression”…that was a recommendation of Destination Development, Inc. when a community assessment of Longview was conducted in February 2008. The assessment was an evaluation of the community through the “eyes of a visitor” and provided numerous recommendations to the City on local marketing efforts, signage, attractions, critical mass, retail mix, ease of getting around, customer service, and curb appeal. Following the assessment, the Chamber of Commerce led a task force to review and prioritize the recommendations to create an action plan that was completed in December 2008.
• Why support West Main Realignment? Just look at that intersection at the end of Ocean Beach. That is just wrong. I know it’s a lot of money to make a couple streets line up, but if you wouldn’t build it that way today, why leave it? At the very least Kelso gets a repaved Catlin Street out of the deal. • Please, people, don’t call the police for everything in the world. If your neighbor’s stereo is “too loud,” go talk to them. The PD is here for emergencies, not to referee every disagreement you have. We’ve already had to reduce the number of officers we have, and that trend is not likely to stop. Please, let’s be a little more self-sufficient.
Project Longview, a committee of local citizens, has been volunteering time to work on implementing the action plan. To date, Project Longview has developed a downtown façade improvement program and two local businesses have begun improvements; participated in completion of the R.A. Long Master plan and Civic Circle traffic/pedestrian plan which was implemented in 2011; developed a final design for city entry way signs on Tennant Way at 7th Avenue, Oregon Way at the termini of the Lewis and Clark Bridge, and on Ocean Beach Highway near Coal Creek Road; and is the primary focus group for oversight of the development of streetscape plans for Tennant Way and downtown Longview. The downtown streetscape plans are nearing completion, and the City has secured $500,000 for the first phase of construction. The City is awaiting a decision on an application for additional funding for another phase of construction.
• To those who think the airport “should be paying for itself ”: Do the streets pay for themselves? Our sewer system? The interstate? Heck, no. These things take incredible amounts of investment and maintenance. But do you want to get rid of them? Of course not, because you need infrastructure to support economy. The airport is part of that infrastructure.
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Great lasting impressions of our community are positively reinforced through the commitment, spirit, and efforts of groups like Project Longview. Hard work and community dedication like this contributed to Forbes naming Longview as one of the 10 prettiest towns in America. And we have to agree!
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Business Toolbox
See Your Business Through Your Customer’s Eyes By Jerry D. Petrick
burned out lights, torn awning, sidewalk clean and safe, windows clean etc.)? Amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to spruce up your business.
How would your customers grade your business? Is it an exciting and inviting place to enter? Can they find what they are looking for efficiently? Do they make multiple purchases on each visit? People judge your store by its cover; treat your business front as an impulse item intended to stop them in their tracks.
This time of year is a perfect time to refresh and renew the look and feel of your business. Try this: Invite at least five people (employees, fellow retailers, customers etc.) to help. Have them approach your business from across the street – ask them to write down the first five things they see; don’t stop or dwell. Have them do the same as they enter your place of business. The result of this exercise is great insight to the natural focus points and clues about placement of items outside and inside your business.
Color scheme (attractive, fits your surroundings and business brand)?
•
Does your business stand-out or blend in?
•
Customers read your business like a book – looking left to right – and research tells us that the ‘sweet spot’ is the space from straight ahead to about 45 degrees to the right.
•
Try a chalkboard near the front door announcing specials, new products, bundles etc. Just like the restaurant, we are conditioned to read the ‘daily specials’ to pique our interest.
•
Are complementary items displayed together? Doing so can greatly increase average sales transaction and tends to help customers ‘remember’ the accessories they really wanted anyway.
The great news is that most of the eye catching sprucing up and rearranging can be done with little or no investment and is totally within your control. A side benefit of re-energizing and freshening your business is the boost you will feel in your mood as well as the mood of your employees and customers! This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Advisor, MBA, SPHR with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview, WA. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org.
At the front door: •
Is there a welcoming message like: “Welcome, Please Come In and Browse” or “Through These Doors Walk the Nicest People in the World.” We all like to be greeted.
As we head into the back-to-school and holiday seasons your vendors/suppliers will be contacting you for pre-orders. It is common that vendors will have programs and tools to help you create impact in your store. Never hurts to ask.
From across the street:
•
•
What to do next?
What will you learn? Signage (clear, clean, attractive, illuminated if appropriate)?
Window displays (attractive, clean, changed/refreshed regularly, uncluttered, current).
Inside:
When was the last time you took a fresh look at your place of business? Now is a good time to get honest with yourself about how your business appears to others. You may have been coming into the same building (maybe even through a back door) for years and you can’t remember the last time you actually took a REAL look at the impression your business communicates.
•
•
Building maintained (moss, chipped paint, missing or
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Squirrel Fest, from page 2 held at 8:30 p.m. (2012 Nissan Veloster). Longview’s newest squirrel bridge will be unveiled providing your only opportunity to see it up close. An exciting day of family fun. Don’t miss it – August 25th. Be there!
SQUIRREl FEST EvEnT SchEdUlE TImE
AcTIvITy
most events at Longview CiviC CirCLe 10:00 KiwaniS KidS Parade 9:00-4:00
grand Prix Criterium biKe raCeS
10:00-9:00 CraFt and Food VendorS Melissa Nusbaum
noon unVeiL new SquirreL bridge
Northwest Properties
noon-5:00 KidS Corner
Broker/REALTOR®
1118 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview, WA 98632 Direct 360 442-7802 Cell 360 904-6272 E-Fax 360 442-7831 mnusbaum@prunw.com
1:00 & 5:00 L-bow the CLown 1:00
www.mnusbaum.prunw.com
bmx x-treme Show
2:00 CaSPar babyPantS Stage Show
An independently owned and operated member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Not affiliated with Prudential. Prudential marks used under license.
11:00-5:00 aCtiVitieS Line & Tap Dancers • Chainsaw Carving Model Railroad Display • Music 4:00-11:00 beer & wine garden 5:00-9:00
unique tin Car CruiSe
5:30-8:30 raeann’S grooVe roCKS your Sox 8:30 Free CLiniC Car raFFLe 9:00 eLViS headLineS our Stage Show 10:30 FireworKS Light the SKy
www.lvsquirrelfest.com
LVSquirrelFest
media sponsors:
CoPrintco, KLOG, KUKN, The WAVE, Valley Bugler, Signmasters, Columbia River Reader, omOriginals, Global Images Graphic Design and Marketing. Community Health Partners
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Business After Hours Chamber Ambassadors Jason Meunier, Shannon Cahoon and Carrie Medack, and Sandy B. McNutt (Squirrel Fest Ambassador) share a chuckle.
Business After Hours at the Humane Society of Cowlitz County. Executive Director Rick Johnson and his team did an outstanding job of hosting and facilitating tours of their establishment July 17. Rick and his staff are dedicated professionals with a big heart for animals.
Joey is one of Rick's success stories. Joey broke both front legs and was told he had no hope for recovery, but Rick found a vet to heal Joey, and Rickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family cared for him until he made a full recovery.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Anne Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Council
Julie Rinard Community Home Health & Hospice
Sara Cave PeaceHealth
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Neil Zick Twin City Bank
Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
New Members
Membership has its privilege Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation • Annual Meeting & Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and
Welcome
Evergreen Home Loans Wilco Farm Store Pie @ Trios Pizzeria Roland Wines LeTip of Kelso System Alternatives access to Chamber publications and research data • Mailing Labels • Membership Plaque • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Web Site Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Spotlight Bianca Lemmons - Board of Directors Cowlitz County Title Company
Business leader builds ties through Chamber By Brenda Sexton For The Chamber
“I realized the importance of being involved in the Chamber and taking advantage of what the Chamber offers,” she said.
As a high school senior, Bianca Lemmons found her part-time receptionist job in the escrow and title industry interesting and the people fascinating.
For Lemmons, the top advantage the Chamber provides is networking. Meeting other business owners and making connections with the public help her as a leader and offer her a venue to tell people about her company and the service it can provide.
That was 26 years ago. Today that interest in the industry still drives Lemmons as she leads Cowlitz County Title Company.
Cowlitz County Title celebrates its 30-year anniversary in December. Lemmons is proud the company remains locally owned and operated, by a family that knows its employees, a loyal, knowledgeable group.
The desire to continue to grow keeps her involved in the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, where she sits on the Board of Directors, and working with the Cowlitz Economic Development Council. Her enthusiasm and knowledge bring people in the door and drive them to nominate her for honors like Business Person of the Year and Cowlitz County Title as Small Business of the Year.
“The majority of our employees have been there a longtime,” she said. “They’re a great staff.”
Lemmons said it was an easy progression from teenage receptionist to Vice President/Manager. She spent the first part of her career in Phoenix before venturing up to the Northwest 13 years ago with her husband Mike Lemmons, a mortgage lender, who is from the Kelso area.
Lemmons said she’s seen a huge improvement in the Chamber the past four years, first with Executive Director Rick Winsman working the political and governmental side and now with Bill Marcum focusing on the membership. “Our Chamber expands and grows where the need is, especially the past four years,” she said. That growth excites Lemmons and, she said, makes sure every member is receiving value. “You can’t continue to grow if you think you are done with whatever it is you set out to accomplish,” she said.
Yes, she said, she traded sunny skies for Washington rain, but as an outdoor enthusiast the damp weather doesn’t stop her from golfing, hiking or visiting the beach – when she can find the time. Lemmons started with Cowlitz County Title as an Escrow Officer and moved up to Escrow Manager. She slid into the Vice President/Manager seat 4 ½ years ago and with that position came a board position with the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. “I was thrilled to be asked to continue my term,” she said. “I wasn’t involved in the Chamber until I became the manager,” Lemmons said. It didn’t take long before she understood the role the Chamber played in not only her business success, but also the success of Cowlitz County Title.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
August 2012
Ribbon Cutting
New Location Dave Taylor cuts the ribbon July 18 in front of Taylor Insurance’s new location at 1104 14th Ave., (the Florida Professional Building), Longview.
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Where healthy leads to happy. the right care, right here. As PeaceHealth Medical Group – Lakefront celebrates its first year, we want to say “Thank You” for the privilege of being your health care partner. Lakefront was built with your comfort and convenience in mind by offering onsite imaging, lab services and convenient parking. Our experienced Family Medicine providers offer compassionate care and advancements like our Patient Connection tool. You can schedule an appointment, communicate with your doctor, and view your test results all online. It’s convenient, easy and offered free of charge to our patients. COMMUNITY CLASSeS
Heart Health 101
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Friday, Aug. 10, 1–3 p.m.
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