Volume 4, No. 9
September 2012
Business Kelso Longview
Connection Chamber of Commerce
Family returns to its roots with Pie@Trio’s Pizzeria
Thursday September 13 - 11:45 a.m. to
By Brenda Sexton For The Chamber In 1957, the Longview husband and wife team of Norm and Tiny Kolln created a recipe for pizza and an atmosphere for good times and turned it into Pietro’s Pizza. The couple expanded the business into Oregon in the early 1960s with Pietro’s Gold Coast, a destination restaurant offering pizza and pizzazz. The business grew to include nearly a dozen restaurants in Oregon and Washington before they sold them in the 1970s to the Campbell Soup Company. Fast-forward to four years ago, when the latest generation tossed its first pie in decades at Pie@Trio’s Pizzeria, in the same location – 614 Commerce Ave., Longview. “It’s the three grandsons, hence the Trio’s,” said Sam Miller, who serves as general manager and minority owner partner of the business with his parents Mitch and Jennifer Kolln. Brothers Tim and Mark, who live in Seattle and Portland, are the other corners of the triangle. “It was supposed to be Trio’s for three brothers, but mom kept saying, ‘Pie at Trio’s,’ and it just stuck.” Through the years, the building stayed in the family, leasing it to other businesses with the intent, Miller said, to return to the business one day. “The timing was right for me,” said Miller, who was working as a commercial photographer when he decided tossing pizza was a better way to weather the economy in 2008. “The idea was always to get back into it.” The gamble paid off from the start. “We were slammed the first year or two,”
Calendar
1:30 p.m. Red Lion Hotel Quarterly Membership Luncheon State of Our Cities
Tuesday September 18 - 5 to 7 p.m. Business After Hours Monticello Hotel 1405 17th Avenue, Longview
Wednesdays Sam Miller and crew have brought back the family tradition of pizza to Pie@Trio’s in Longview. Miller said. “It was just like the old days with standing room only and with lines out the door.” Opening the pizzeria has also has worked for the local economy. Although not a large employer, Pie@Trio’s keeps about 20 on its payroll. The location isn’t the only familiar offering. Pie@Trio’s website touts its dough and sauce are made in-house with grandpa’s original recipe.
Please see Pie@Trio’s, page 12
Weekly – 3 to 4 p.m. Chamber Connections Check out the website to see who’s talking about their business To get on the schedule and talk about your business, what’s new, what’s cool and what’s hot. Call Brooke, 360-423-8400, ext. 16.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Membership Meeting Red Lion Hotel 510 Kelso Drive, Kelso
September 13, 2012 • 11:45 am – 1:30 pm 25.00 Advance Purchase • $35.00 At the Door
$
“State Of Our Cities”
Steve Taylor New Kelso City Manager
David Futcher Kelso Mayor
Dennis Weber Longview Mayor
You are invited to attend the Kelso Longview Chamber’s Third Quarter Membership Luncheon.
Bob Gregory Longview City Manager
Please join us as we learn from our city officials how the cities are faring during the recovery of the economy. What changes we can expect in the coming months, years and how the city is dealing with less revenues and continued pressure to provide more services.
Register Today! www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
NOW ONLINE
All Credit Cards Accepted
Advance Purchase: $25.00 • At the Door: $35.00 (Fee is non-refundable)
Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Benches and trash cans Iron Horse rally spruce up downtown Kelso pulls into Kelso The Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association has teamed up with two local organizations to place benches and trash receptacles throughout downtown Kelso. Because of the generosity of the Kelso Rotary Club and Kelso Lions Club, three benches and trash cans were installed in July. The benches sport the club logos and City of Kelso logo, all in Kelso blue. The project has been a partnership with the City of Kelso and local clubs to enhance the urban streetscape of downtown. If you haven’t had a chance to head to Kelso to check out the benches, we encourage you to do so. KDRA is looking forward to next year’s project. For more information contact: Carol Zonich 360-636-3300 or Rick Roberson 360-423-7181.
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The Kelso Highlander Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally will take place Saturday, September 1, at the Kelso Commons with a poker run leaving at 9 a.m.; a band, vendors and games opening at 10 a.m.; a free bike show at 1 p.m. and contests throughout the afternoon. Sunday, September 2, there will be a Swap Meet with live music and food from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Once is Not Enough By Chuck Nau
business?’) and once you have developed some answers and identified some problems, needs, and opportunities, plan to meet with your local media (newspaper, radio, cable) sales staff. Share, on a confidential basis, your business strategies with your media contacts. Solicit their input and ideas. Look for ways to match their media benefits and strengths to your goals, needs, or problems. CHALLENGE them to offer a business solution, an idea, a campaign that will be here not only today, but tomorrow, too! Be sure to share with them how you will SUPPORT the campaign (e.g. prominently displaying the merchandise, signage, sufficient inventory on hand) and what your expectations are (e.g. increased store traffic, selling the advertised merchandise, reaching new customers). Double check that your media contacts understand and benefit from the need to plan, plan, plan your advertising strategy to produce the desired results. Demonstrate to them that sporadic and infrequent advertising does not work, rather that consistent advertising, in good times and slow times, delivers the ongoing results and business growth your business and YOU desire! Selling an idea, a campaign, rather than a single ad or two has NUMEROUS BENEFITS for your business and you. Let’s explore some selected benefits. The potential benefits to YOU include time savings (less time conceiving, developing and handling various ad elements), dollar savings through better ad costs control, planned sales events and elimination of last minute poorly executed promotions, and improved utilization (both in planning and payment) of available co-op funds. Most importantly, better response will be achieved in terms of sales, and improved name recognition (... top of mind awareness!) on individual ads and related marketing efforts. The potential benefits to your media partners, much like your own, include time savings through less ad handling, reduced ad ERRORS (and impacts to your business), dollar savings through improved time management which translates into enhanced planning and selling time and stronger media relationships. This will lead to better campaigns, more ad SUCCESS, and the resulting available ad dollars being
Did you buy an ad, a commercial, or a single (direct mail) mailing for your retail business or service today? If you did, you may be wasting some of your own time, your business’ time and profit, and your media salesperson’s time. More importantly, you may be impacting positive results for your advertising expenditure. In essence, your ‘one at a time’, single ad strategy may be impacting the success of your advertising in your community and the GROWTH of your business. A strategy of buying only a single ad just does not work in building your business, developing a strong (and loyal) clientele, or helping you reach and achieve your marketing goals. It does not work for your business or YOU! Let’s explore a much better advertising strategy for you and your business...namely, an advertising campaign strategy. An advertising campaign selling strategy affords you and your business a number of benefits. Two major benefits are saving time and creating, if not enhancing, results. But first, let’s step back and clarify what we mean by an advertising campaign strategy. An advertising campaign strategy consists of five components and affords your business and YOU five key benefits. The elements of an advertising campaign include a series of advertisements, within a time frame, with an allocated or set aside budget, to meet an IDENTIFIED need, problem or opportunity with an anticipated goal or OUTCOME. If one of these elements is NOT present at the onset of your advertising schedule, in all likelihood, you will find yourself wasting valuable time, business resources and dollars on a start – stop – start again advertising program. As you may know, one of the major elements in any successful advertising campaign is CONSISTENCY, not necessarily repetition of the same message, but rather a consistent planned advertising program. It is consistent inasmuch as your business’ name and overall message are before your potential target customers on a regular basis. Developing that consistency takes both time and patience. First and foremost, step back and do some REFLECTIVE thinking. Ask yourself (and your employees) to clarify your business goals, strategies and, quite frankly, your hopes and dreams for your business endeavor. Ask questions (‘Who are our best customers?’, ‘What is our competitive advantage?’, Who are our competitors?’, ‘How do we plan to grow our
Please see Nau, page 12
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Ambassador Q & A
Kelso Longview Business Connection
Jason Meunier
September 2012
Carrie Medack PrimeLending
Twin City Bank
Family: Married to Dave for 32 years; two grown sons, Brandon and Andrew.
Family: Mother, Tara; Father, Al; Brother, Marc; Sister, Lisa; all live in eastern Washington and Oregon.
How Long Have You Been an Ambassador? Since the committee was formed.
How Long Have You Been an Ambassador? Almost four years here, previously in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and Hood River, Ore., areas as well.
What Prompted You to be an Ambassador? The opportunity to meet more people.
What Prompted You to be an Ambassador? I have enjoyed my previous experiences as Ambassador and it’s always a good way to begin meeting the right people when you are new to an area.
What Do You Like Most About Volunteering with the Ambassadors? I enjoy getting to meet people new to the area as well as people that have been longtime residents and new to the Chamber. The Ambassadors have always been a fun group and there is never a dull moment.
What Do You Like Most About Volunteering with the Ambassadors? I enjoy seeing the other Ambassadors, meeting local business people and seeing their business locations.
Your Favorite Ambassador Story? When we went to Walt Naze’s place of employment to initiate him as an Ambassador with a mock ribbon cutting. I found the ugliest pink jacket I could at the Goodwill and made him recite a pledge that Walt still has a copy of. Knowing Walt, he still has the jacket as well.
Do You Volunteer with any Other Organization? Current Chairperson of Lower Columbia Professionals, do a number of volunteer opportunities with other organizations, but not a regular member of anything else.
Do You Volunteer With Any Other Organizations? I enjoy helping out at the Kelso-Longview Elks with the various fundraisers and enjoy helping out as a server at the various dinners. What Are You Most Proud Of? I am proud to be the only ‘original’ Ambassador that is still on the committee. I am proud of that fact the I have managed to stay in the same field of work for 30-plus years and have been successful through the tough economy.
Join the Ambassadors Today! Call 360-423-8400
What Do You Like to do for Fun? Heading out with our fifth wheel, traveling with friends, entertaining and cooking.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Committee formed to support infrastructure work and be advocate for region’s progress By Ted Sprague President - Cowlitz Economic Development Council
ing driven by coal export. The first study of modernizing this corridor was completed in the 1980s. This resulted in the roadway being designated as a state highway. The second study, completed in 2001, resulted in a series of short- and long-term network improvements. The major long-term project completed was the modernization of Exit 36. The latest study was completed in 2008 and calls for grade separation, improvements to key intersections, modernization of local rail switching and increased rail capacity over the Cowlitz River. The 2008 study did not consider coal export as part of its study. These improvements have been necessary for decades due to the increased worldwide reach of our export markets and improved channel capacity in the Columbia River system.
Recently a small committee made up of Cowlitz Economic Development Council Board members was formed to help support the important work being done in the area of infrastructure (mainly road, rail and river) improvements along the Route 432 corridor. The committee, entitled “Transportation Committee for Family Wage Jobs” is investigating other areas of the county where they can be advocates for progress. Such potential projects are: supporting changes at the Scott Avenue interchange, continued dredging of the Columbia River and enhancements to the entrances of our communities. In April, the CEDC Board of Directors heard a presentation from Rosemary Siipola of the Council of Governments, updating us on the progress of the SR 432 intermodal corridor. The project will require significant time and attention of the leaders of our public and private sector communities. The purpose of the project is to improve rail and highway safety, mobility and capacity and to provide congestion relief. The industrial waterfront along the SR 432 Corridor needs to be upgraded from the 1940s era of manufacturing to a modern 21st century bulk commodity trading center.
The continuing development of our community and industrial properties along this corridor require us to upgrade the system. The committee will be creating a website where you will find links for more information and will be an advocate for the overall project. More information will be made available as we progress – stay tuned!
Let me put to rest any idea that these improvements are be-
For more information or to get in touch with staff, please go to our website – www.cowlitzedc.com.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team
Trusted.
Bill Marcum, President/CEO Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper Brooke Fisher, Project Manager
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Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632 • 360-423-8400 Bianca Lemmons
To advertise, call Brooke Fisher, 360-423-8400 ext. 16 or email bfisher@kelsolongviewchamber.org. Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.
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1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Phone: 360.423.5330 ■ www.cowlitztitle.com
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
President’s Message
Cross promoting drives traffic By Bill Marcum President and CEO
cross promoter’s business. Customers always like to receive something from you after the sale. It could be a pen, a candy cane or better for you, a reason to come back to your business and purchase something else. Every business should be doing this, it’s easy, it says thank you and again, invites your customer to come back.
As most of you know I have spent the past 31 years in the newspaper business, most specifically the advertising business. I always felt my job was to help businesses be more successful. If you asked my employers my job they would probably say to generate revenue for the newspaper. But, I always believed that if I could help your business by driving more customers to your door it would not matter to you if I was selling advertising, window signage, chamber memberships or computers. That is how a business relationship begins.
The tendency is to do things extra special during the Christmas holiday season. The more successful businesses do the extra specials throughout the year and reap the benefits of that extra work during the holiday.
Here are a couple ideas that developed out of those relationships that had nothing to do with selling advertising, but everything to do with helping businesses be more successful – cross promoting and inviting your customer back. Sounds simple but you would be surprised how many businesses do not do either of these two traffic drivers.
Extraordinary: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little EXTRA effort.
Cross promoting with another business can drive traffic to your business and to your cross promoters business. Example: You own a furniture store and across the street is a wine store. The two of you work out an agreement that your furniture is inside the wine store with pricing and business cards located on the furniture. In your store the furniture has wine bottles, wine decorations and other products from the wine store. Cross promoting. It really cost you nothing, but can more than double the visibility of your products or services.
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Another part of this is a coupon with both businesses, one each side. This coupon is given to each customer upon a sale. One, inviting them back to your business to use the offer stated and also inviting them to use the other offer at your
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Revitalizing downtown at the Partnership’s core By Janice Forbes President, Longview Downtown Partnership Owner, Highlander Cycling Imports The Longview Downtown Partnership (LDP), formerly The Downtowner’s Association, updated its name and reorganized the Board of Directors to better support the revitalization of Longview’s Downtown District. The change to the organization happened as a result of a recommendation from the Hyatt-Palma Study conducted in the Spring of 2011. The newly expanded Board was voted in in May 2012 and currently consists of 23 community leaders in key areas of activity. The Board, along with an engaged membership, are positioned to carry out the Mission of the organization and fulfill the three Core Strategies determined in the annual Strategic Planning Session. (See insert) This new structure has also proven to be effective in oversight management of Business Improvement Districts, which are a separate entity. A
great example of a successful downtown partnership is the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP). To learn more about Spokane’s achievements, and to glimpse the possibilities of our future downtown, please go to: http://www.downtownspokane.org/about. php. The Downtown Longview Business Improvement District petition is in its final month of circulation. If you are a downtown business or property owner I again encourage you to sign on. The BID is a critical piece of the larger plan to bring Longview’s downtown back to life. The LDP Board meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8:00 a.m. at the Olde Creekside Cafe and is open to LDP members. The General Membership Meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Olde Creekside Cafe. If you are not a member, I invite you to attend one of our meetings. They are a great way to network, share ideas and learn about what is happening downtown!
Longview Downtown Partnership Board of Directors • Janice Forbes, President and Owner of Highlander Cycling • Dick Van Sickle, Vice President and Consultant • Gitta McKinster, 2nd Vice President and LCC Bookstore Manager • Wendy Kosloski, Secretary and Owner of Teague’s Interiors • Marcel Goulet, Treasurer and Executive Director of the Kalama Housing Authority • Doug Harvey, Past President and President/CEO of Colsec Security • Tim Cusick, Board Member and President of Longview Stageworks • Lee Starr, Board Member and Owner of Red Rooster Bakery • Alice Dietz, Board Member and Director of Programs, CEDC • Bill Marcum, Board Member and President/CEO of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce • Nolan Wheeler, Board Member and Vice President of Administrative Services - LCC • Retha Porter, Board Member and Communication & Public Relation Specialist - Peace Health St. John Medical Center • Norma Davey, Board Member and Media • John Brickey, Board Member and Community Development Director City of Longview • Ken Botero, Board Member and Longview City Council • Kathy Bates, Board Member and Director of Operations - Lower Columbia CAP • Bob Davis, Board Member and Property Owner • Ann Goff, Board Member and Owner of DIY Party Supplies • Bob Metke, Board Member and Community Member • Dan Oullette, Board Member and Owner of Zojo’s Coffee • Rick Winsman, Board Member and Consultant • Ron Kosloski, Board Trustee and Property Owner • Tom Bert, Board Trustee and Property Owner
Longview Downtown Partnership Mission Statement To work together to revitalize and re-energize Historic Downtown Longview for the purpose of fostering community and supporting business. Core Strategies Membership We engage members in worthy projects and events. We support our members in all that we do; We actively recruit new members by offering value and delivering measurable results. Our members are the foundation of our success. Community We serve our community with a variety of well-organized events, excellent customer service and a unique environment. We work as a team to accomplish our goals. Marketing We develop a professional, consistent brand that speaks to the unique history of the area and sparks the interest of many. We utilize new and innovative guerilla marketing tactics to achieve an inviting and successful image.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Kelso
Longview
Keep It All in Perspective
Partnership brings change to airport
By Mayor David Futcher
By Mayor Dennis Weber
My family and I just completed a cross country road trip of about 6,500 miles, checking to make sure the Grand Canyon was still there before heading to Tennessee and back.
The Southwest Washington Regional Airport is known locally as the Kelso Airport. But it is transitioning into a truly regional institution run by a joint operating board made up of representatives of the cities of Kelso and Longview, Cowlitz County and the Port of Longview. For years the Kelso Airport was a department of Kelso city government, but recently the four local governments agreed to a new partnership under which the airport will be independently operated beginning next year.
While things like standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, and visiting the extended family were fun, one thing that struck me was the difference in the standard of living between our area and some other parts of the country. It’s easy to take things for granted when you live in a nice place. You think your street has potholes? You should see some of the state highways in the southwest. There are certainly problems with roads in our area, but they are generally not on the major thoroughfares. The state highways are in good shape, and major streets in Kelso like Grade and Allen are also well-kept.
Why the change? The local governments all agree the airport has great potential for being a jobs incubator, an economic engine, and an employment center. But key to that growth is a longer runway enabling small jets to land and take off fully fueled. Construction money from the federal government is available – and a master plan has been completed – but the local match is possible only through the new partnership.
You think we’re having a tough economy? Some of the towns we saw had no discernible means of supporting a population, and were filled with shuttered gas stations and shops. They made even our smallest burgs look like bustling economic engines.
During this transition year the new operations board meets at the same time as Kelso’s Airport Advisory Board (3 p.m. the second Thursday of each month). Mayor Futcher joins me as the two cities’ representatives, Commissioner George Raiter represents the County and serves as chair, and Darold Dietz represents the Port. A fifth member representing citizens at-large is Norm Kreihbel, who also serves on the Public Facilities District Board and works for the Port.
A close friend of mine said that a trip to Africa showed him how lucky he was to be living in this country. My trip to another part of our country made me appreciate our area, too. It’s easy to lose perspective when we’re stuck inside our bubble, and forget to appreciate what we have right in front of us.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Business Toolbox
Make This Holiday Season Better Than You Expect - Hire Early, Hire Smart! Seasonal Hiring Best Practices
By Jerry D. Petrick The last quarter of the year for some businesses is filled with anticipation, hope, and more than a little nervousness. If you are in a retail business the October through year-end period can represent THE opportunity to show a profit for the year. No pressure! Right!
1. Hire a specialist. Unless someone is a former employee or at the very least has worked in a competitor’s store, the chance of a seasonal employee stepping in and doing the job as well as your regular employees is rare. And if they do, either you’ve hired an amazing seasonal employee or your standards for your staff are way too low. The most valuable seasonal specialists are cashiers. They don’t require much product knowledge, the good ones already have the right skills and just need to learn your system, and a great one can make a huge difference when it counts the most.
If you have been in business for more than two years you know how you have handled your peak season in the past. My challenge to you is to potentially rethink your approach to this holiday season. For starters, what do your sales projections look like for the quarter and year to date? How well have your projections compared to your actual results thus far this year?
2. Recruit your customers. Who better to work in your store this holiday than someone who already knows the products and people? Send out a special message to your email/mailing list on the benefits of joining your holiday team. 3. Don’t compromise your standards. Most of your customers won’t know or care if an employee is a seasonal employee or not, but they will know if they want to return based on the quality of the help they received. A sub-standard employee will not only cost you sales, but customers, too. It is usually better being short staffed than compromise on this.
Naturally, if the true answer is…“I don’t know” you will probably have some challenges achieving your goals if you aren’t clear what they are or what strategies you need to execute to make them reality. If this is your situation – all is not lost – we just need to do some preliminary work to develop a workable plan to succeed this season.
4. Reward your staff for recruiting seasonal help. Some of the best seasonal hires were friends and acquaintances of employees. One caution here: Don’t be shocked if people who have a relationship outside of work bring it with them into the workplace. Just be clear with your expectations in the workplace regarding things like texting, phone calls, and non-work related activities.
Before you start to think about staffing or other investments for a seasonal increase in business take a moment to decide: •
What season(s) are you planning for? (Halloween, Christmas, New Year)
•
Why are you making this investment? (Restocking, on the floor sales, cashiering, social media marketing/sales)
•
How will this investment affect cash flow?
•
How will you know if the investment is working?
•
What did you or your competitors do last year that you want to avoid or make sure you do again?
One very effective strategy to reward your team is to pay a two step seasonal recruiting bonus. Pay out the first bonus to the regular employee when the person they’ve recruited is hired. If the seasonal employee makes it through the holidays pay out a second bonus. This way the regular employee has a vested interest in the success of the person they recruit.
Please see Petrick, page 11
OK, let’s get down to some specific best practice suggestions.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Petrick, from page 10
Finally, many employers bypass standard HR policies and related processes for seasonal employees. Such mistakes can lead to trouble such as non-compliance with labor laws and the like. WorkSource can be a valuable partner in planning, recruiting, screening, and selecting candidates with/for you. Contact business services at 360-578-4219 or bsucowlitz@esd. wa.gov for assistance.
5. Recruit former employees. It’s worth a phone call or email to see if a former employee, one who left in good standing, would like to make some extra money this holiday. This can be a real win for everyone. 6. Hire early and start your seasonal employees sooner rather than later. We’re all tempted to delay hiring and starting seasonal staff to save money but that’s shortsighted. The amount of money you save is peanuts compared to the difference a more experienced employee makes during the holiday season. Hiring earlier allows you to: •
Pick the best talent available, choosing candidates who have potential for long time employment if required.
•
Provide enough time to conduct a reference check, an indispensable process for any employer.
•
Train the staff in operational aspects and expose them to the company culture. Many companies place seasonal hires on the job straightaway, hoping they will learn on the job. Seasonal hires placed to cater to the extra rush in the first place have neither the time nor the motivation to learn on the job, and they need a proper induction and training about the company’s products, operational procedures, and culture.
For help with sales projections and other planning activities please contact your Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Advisor – Jerry Petrick, 360-578-5449 or jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org. Have a prosperous fourth quarter! This article was compiled by Jerry D. Petrick, Business Advisor, Longview SBDC. Jerry can be contacted at 360-578-5449 or jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org.
Monticello Hotel
Hire for Temperament There is an adage in Human Resources circles: ‘We hire for skill and fire for fit.’ Does this ring true for your business? Most seasonal hires come into direct contact with your customers, and the biggest challenge of seasonal hiring is to find workers with a good attitude and temperament. The seasonal employees need to reflect the company’s brand image and culture, and behave as the company’s representative. Customers do not forgive poor service just because it was given by a temporary employee. •
Ensuring you have accurate job descriptions and job specifications during the hiring process is half the job.
•
While a previous relevant work experience is handy, attitude and temperament take preference, for much of the seasonal work will require flexibility and speed rather than requiring some elaborate skill set. A crash-training program usually takes care of the skill requirements.
Announcing our Hotel Re-launch! September 1-30, 2012 ❦ New Management ❦ Newly Remodeled Rooms ❦ New Menu
Book your next event now by calling 360-425-9900 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
September 2012
Nau, from page 4
nity, partner with your local media, planning and executing an advertising campaign (three months plus) that will benefit you both.
reinvested since campaigns are conceived, refined (e.g. flexibility does exist in campaign selling), planned and executed in a more timely, efficient manner that generates results. The potential benefits to everyone include control of planning and making choices, having time to identify those opportunities and activities in your market that will be responsible for generating results and leading you to your goals. You will be spending more creative and FUN time and less production and crisis reactionary time – acting, NOT reacting. There will be the opportunity to spend more time getting to know and understand your advertising and marketing (media) resources to help you succeed, and enhance BOTH your personal and professional growth. To GROW your business and be successful in your commu-
© Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a retail consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising and marketing workshops with retailers, chambers of commerce, community marketing groups, and retail organizations throughout North America. Based in Seattle, Nau 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. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com. or at 425-603-0984.
Pie@Trio’s, from page 1
“It’s a work in progress,” Miller said, noting the addition of a patio, which will eventually include a waterfall and fire pit, and
In addition to the traditional favorites, Miller notes there are a host of different and fun hearth-baked oven pies like a Denver omelet and barbecue chicken, while many others are smothered in healthy ingredients not usually considered pizza toppings like broccoli and spinach. Pie@Trio’s also features a lavish salad bar and offers three additional pizza sauces. Beyond the traditional tomato offering patrons can find garlic ranch, barbecue or refried bean sauces layered on top of their crust.
plans for the addition of an outdoor miniature golf area. With Mark and Tim north and south of Longview, there are also dreams of expanding to those areas. Pie@Trio’s opens daily at 11 a.m. with a daily lunch buffet until 3 p.m. and serves pies until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Anne O’Connor onthemark 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, Treasurer Twin City Bank
Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Howdy!
Mixing It Up The atmosphere was light at the Chamber’s Mega Mixer August 7. omOriginals and Woodford Commercial Real Estate dig in to a barbecue meal grilled up by the Kelso Rotary. The set-up crew gets into the longhorn spirit, while the Fifty Fifty Line Dancers show Chamber members how to toe the line.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Spotlight Neil Zick - Treasurer President/CEO Twin City Bank
President banks on local connections By Brenda Sexton For The Chamber
very beneficial,” he said.
Zick also belongs to Community Bankers of Wash-
The past four decades have brought change to the banking industry and Twin City Bank’s Neil Zick has been there through the ups and downs.
ington and is a member of Independent Community Bankers of America, which provide him the opportu-
From what Zick remembers as the “biggest changes” in the 1970s, through some very good years to today’s more competitive environment and the industry’s consolidation.
nity to be a voice for banking institutions like his with regulators and Legislators.
“We’ve weathered the storm,” said Zick, who serves as Twin City Bank President and CEO.
“I found you can actually effect the outcome of how something works through Congress,” he said.
With a world of banking giants out there, Twin City Bank was started in 1999 by Longview-Kelso business people to better serve the area. And that’s what Zick and Twin City Bank does. “Locally owned means locally processed,” Zick said. “We are more responsive with decisions since we are locally based. We are tuned in to the local business community and the area’s economics.” Zick started in the banking business after college and a stint in the U.S. Air Force. In his 40 years, he has been a part of the industries ups and downs.
you
health.
You know . We know Let’s get together!
Those twists moved him up the West Coast. He started his career in California, moved on to Oregon and in May 2007 landed at Twin City Bank, where he first served as Chief Financial Officer before filling the top spot.
For class information or to register, visit www.peacehealth.org/st-john or call 360-501-3701.
“In all the different places I’ve been I’ve learned it’s important to know the community and how it functions,” Zick said. Joining and participating in the Chamber of Commerce is a good way to get to know the community.
Join us for one of our FREE events:
Kidney Health 101: The Silent Disease
Wednesday, September 12, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Talk With A Doc: Prostate Health
“The Chamber, to me, it’s a way to give back to the community,” he said. “It puts you in touch with the people that are influential in the community.”
Monday, September 17, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Sleep 101: Teens and Sleep
Zick recently became treasurer for the Chamber’s Board of Directors and also recently joined Rotary.
Wednesday, September 26, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Menopause 101:
“It’s the association you have with the other people in the community,” he said of participating in civic groups and organizations. “I enjoy spending time giving back to the community and trying to help it grow.”
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Wednesday, October 3, 6:00 p.m. (Social time) 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Presentation)
The Longview area provides the perfect backdrop for Zick, who likes to take in its outdoor recreational activities. “It’s a close-knit community with a lot of civic pride which I find
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Director’s Message
Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council is the COG that keeps the region running By Steve Harvey CWCOG Director We all know the adage, be careful what you ask for. Well, Bill asked me if I was interested in writing a column and, assuming it would be about what I do and who I work for, I agreed. So, here we go! I serve as director of the CowlitzWahkiakum Council of Governments or “COG,” a regional planning agency with a board comprised of folks from local governments: two counties, five cities and towns, special districts like ports, schools, utilities and fire districts and seven other public and non-profit entities like Lower Columbia College, Kelso Longview and Wahkiakum chambers, Cowlitz Economic Development Council, Longview Housing Authority, and Community Action Program. We are a public entity created according to state statute and, like a chamber, are a voluntary association.
accomplishments. Renamed the Council of Governments in 1992, we formed and staffed several regional efforts: Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Cowlitz-Lewis Economic Development District and Cowlitz Substance Abuse Coalition. We, a staff of 15, carry out direction from our board and various program committees. As a region, we are continually faced with a litany of challenges to grow and enhance our physical, social and economic environments. Through future issues, I will report on what we’re doing to meet the challenges coming at us. I welcome your comments and ideas about how we can meet these. You can contact me at steveharvey@cwcog.org.
Business Checking Done Right!
The agency, established in 1961, has gone through many transitions. The COG got its start as the Cowlitz County Regional Planning Commission serving the county and its cities with planning services. The commission was broaden in form and function as the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Governmental Conference in 1971, tackling a variety of federal and state housing and planning programs. We were the regional clearinghouse, evaluating local grant applications for housing, public works, and social services to ensure coordinated planning and service provision. We produced a comprehensive housing plan that guided funds to many projects during the next 20 years. With diminishing federal influence in the 1980s, we assisted with regional issues like solid waste and water system planning, shorelines management, Mount St. Helens aftermath help and more planning services. We geared up the urban area transportation program to guide funding for road, street and bridge improvements of which there are a number of
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
New Members
Join the Chamber
Welcome
Wilco Canyonview Cyclery Ashtown Brewing Company (Opening in October) Dr. John Richards Five Don’s Brewing Company (Opening in October)
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 • Monthly Business After Hours
Packages Basic Membership Package - $275 or $26 per month. Bronze Membership Package - $500 or $46.66 per month.
Silver Membership Package - $1,000 or $86.33 per month.
Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data • Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Web Site Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo Representation through action committees, Candidate Forums and up-to-date Action Alerts • Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication
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Gold Membership Package - $2,500 or $211.33 per month. Platinum Membership Package - $5,000 or $416.66 per month. Diamond Club Membership Package - $10,000 or $834 per month.
Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Ribbon Cutting
Gearing Up for Good Times Canyonview Cyclery was the scene of a Chamber ribbon cutting August 17. Canyonview Cyclery’s Mark Plotkin did the ribbon-cutting honors.
Perking Up Employment Grounds for Opportunity’s ribbon cutting took place August 21. The cafe is a part of the Lower Columbia College’s Community Activity Program.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
September 2012
Ribbon Cutting
Home Warming
Kelso Longview Cha mber Ambassadors gave the folks at Evergreen Home Loans a big new member welcome August 15. The Am bassadors are excited to have Tamira Bradley and her team join the Chamber team .
Will Do ber Red-jacketed Cham out Ambassadors turned in force to welcome agricultural supply the coopertive Wilco to family August 24.
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