Klc biz 10 14

Volume 6, No. 10

October 2014

Business Kelso Longview

Calendar Wednesday

October 1 – 7:30 a.m.

Education Foundation Committee Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave., Longview

Friday

October 3 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp – Sales 101 Lower Columbia College Heritage Room

Connection Chamber of Commerce

CEO’s Message

Greetings from

w e i v g Lon

Monday

October 6 – Noon Government Affairs Committee Teri’s 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview

Thursday

October 9 – 7:30 a.m.

Ambassador Committee Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave., Longview

Friday

October 10 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp – Customer Service Lower Columbia College Heritage Room

Basking in Visitor Center's good vibrations

By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday

Well, summer is gone and Amy, Karen, Lois and I had the pleasure of meeting more than 3,000 visitors to our area. The number is a bit lower than expected, but we believe that is due, in part, because the center did not exist for most of 2013, there was no signage on I-5, and poor sign visibility near the building, letting travelers know the Visitor Center was conveniently located RIGHT HERE!

Saturday

Great news for the future! Our signage was recently installed and we owe Cowlitz PUD a HUGE thank you. They agreed to allow the Visitor Center to put a 2-foot by 16-foot sign on one of their utility poles located almost in the Visitor Center parking lot. It looks great. Thank you PUD.

October 14 – 5:30 p.m.

Business After Hours Steele Chapel Longview Memorial 5050 Mount Solo Rd., Longview October 25 – 7 p.m.

Lower Columbia Professionals SPOOKtacular Halloween Party Hosted by Elks Membership Drive 900 Ash St., Kelso

Every Wednesday

Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 p.m.

Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com Local guest and current events

At about the same time, the city of Kelso was able to get a banner up on Minor Road displaying the Kelso Visitor Center.

During that same week, Gary Weiss, traffic operations engineer with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), stopped by to talk to me about signage on I-5 and what I would like to see happen. Gary explained all the hoops, hurdles and obstacles (sounds like the SandBlaster doesn’t it) we would have to navigate and that it

Please see Summer, page 2

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

A new Visitor Center, highway signs and Sasquatch will help draw people through the doors and deeper into the community next summer.

Summer from page 1

We had people staying as many as four days – visiting the coast, the mountain, the lake, Squirrel Fest and many other great events – just because we were able to convince them this was a great central location to stay. Mount St. Helens was still the number one source of information collected by our visitors. What we found was really fun! Nearly every visitor who stops by the center has to have his or her photo taken with Sasquatch (special thank you to Todd Wade with Woodford Realty for dropping the big guy on our doorstep).

Visitors would walk in and be amazed at our 8-foot Sasquatch and go back to their car to get their kids, their parents, their grandparents and come back in and all pose with Big Foot. We have taken a lot of photos and seen a lot of Facebook posts.

would probably have some cost associated with it. I told him we were ready for the challenge just let us know where the starting line is located. Less than a week later Gary sent me an e-mail with a photo of how the signs would be mounted, their size and the nice added line that WSDOT would supply these signs, and ramp signs, at NO CHARGE. I was shocked... not only at how fast the response was, but also the signs would be provided at both northbound and southbound I-5 locations, and both off-ramps, to help travelers find the center.

Thank you Gary!

We also had a lot of visitors stop in who were coming to our area to enjoy some of the great fishing we have to offer. Some of the best fishing in history is being reported. My favorite story comes from a couple from Missouri, Ray and Linda Vance. They stopped by about 5 p.m. catching me in the parking lot. They asked about the fishing in the area and if I knew of a guide who could take them out tomorrow...yes, tomorrow. He said he knew it was a long shot and if no one were available he and his wife would just continue toward Seattle. I was able to get Brandon on the phone (Brandon’s Guide Service out of Kalama). He happened to have an opening for tomorrow. I let Ray and Brandon talk on the phone and they made an agreement to meet. Next, the couple needed a hotel and they were hungry and looking for a restaurant. I gave them a brochure of hotels in the area and asked what they enjoyed eating? They said fish and chips. I told them to follow me and I led them to the Masthead on my way home.

Many of the visitors to the center were very impressed with how the center was put together and with the help they received. Our goal was to engage each person who come into the center, find out more about them – where they were from, what were some of their interests, and where they were heading. Our goal is to get these visitors to spend an hour to a couple days in our beautiful area. I would say we succeeded more often than not.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Karen Sisson, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400

Brandon called me the next afternoon, thanking me for the business and to let me know they limited that morning and that Ray booked a second trip for the next day. This couple spent two days and nights in our area – hotels, restaurants and services by local business such as Brandon’s.

To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or e-mail bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org.

Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.

About a month later I received a card from Ray and Linda thanking me for hooking (pun intended) them up with Brandon,

Please see Summer, page 3

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Summer from page 2 that the stay in our area was the “best” memories of their trip, that Brandon had shipped their fish home and they were sitting down right then to enjoy some of the best salmon they had ever tasted.

This is just one of many stories we could share about the many visitors who came from around the world – Germany, Switzerland, New Mexico, New York. Each with a special reason to visit us like the five sisters who came from across the United States to meet in Portland for the first time in 20 years. And, the family from Norway whose son attends the University of Washington and they were meeting in Longview/Kelso.

It was a great summer and I am sure that having the Chamber and the Visitor Center under one roof with a common goal of helping visitors see more of Cowlitz County helped our local businesses.

Can’t wait for next summer...

Business & Corporation Law

Attorney Michael A. Claxton

Walstead Mertsching serves businesses of many sizes and in various stages of development. Whether your company is a small sole proprietorship or a large corporation, we can provide assistance and guidance. Utilizing a solutions-oriented approach toward achieving defined objectives, our goal is to allow our clients to successfully execute their business plans.

• Complex Litigation • Formation, Reorganization, and Dissolution • Labor/Employment Issues • Mergers and Aquisitions • Purchases and Sales • Succession Planning

WALSTEAD MERTSCHING AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW

A Full Service Civil Law Firm for 89 Years CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR 1700 HUDSON ST., LONGVIEW, WA

(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

Books that brim with business basics

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

minutes), powerful, motivational, and, almost always, fascinating.

In the book Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds, Carmine Gallo has analyzed more than 500 TED talks to discover what it is about them that has made them the new gold standard for public speaking. Her analysis gives readers a compelling look at what makes a great speech and while we don’t all have to make public addresses we almost all have to speak in front of a group of people at one time or another. Communication is critical in today’s world and there is a lot of useful information packed into this book that can help even the most timid public speaker effectively make their argument, whether it’s to potential funders, a board of directors, employees, or a local service club or chamber of commerce.

Next, I found that best-selling author and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin’s The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload also had a great deal of useful information. Levitin, the author of This is Your Brain on Music, explores the information deluge that is the 21st century and how brain science can help us stay organized and effective. Through practical strategies that work in concert with the mental processes of attention, working memory, and categorization we can become more organized, make more informed decisions, and increase our efficiency in all aspects of our lives. The author uses real-world examples such as company management structures, probabilities involved in medical diagnoses and treatments, and organizational strategies used by CEOs, celebrities (and their assistants), to illuminate his arguments. This is definitely a book that can help you manage your life.

Finally, I would like to mention an interesting book called The Buddha Walks into the Office: A Guide to Livelihood for a New Generation by Lodro Rinzler. While Rinzler is a practicing Buddhist this book is written for anyone and everyone who has ever worked with, people Rinzler labels, jerks and who doesn’t want their job to turn them into one as well. He uses Buddhist principles as a foundation and employs practical methods, and useful examples, for cultivating oneself, relating better to others, and doing compassionate works for improving society. The author argues that if we can bring mindfulness and compassion into our work lives, and the rest of our lives as well, we can avoid becoming the jerk and recognize that we can, and should, define ourselves not by what we do but by who we are.

This month I thought I would mention four books that have come out in the past few months that should be of interest to anyone with a business, starting a business, or even just toying with the idea. While they are not necessarily how to do business books per se, each has ideas, concepts, and plans for helping us as individuals to be successful in business and, more importantly, in life.

The first title is Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom and Wonder by Arianna Huffington. Huffington is the well-known co-founder and editorin-chief of the Huffington Post and nationally recognized columnist. In this book Huffington makes the argument that we need to redefine our definition of success in order to not only recognize the changes of the modern world, but also more importantly to give people a chance to be successful in a new, holistic, and fundamentally better way. She defines the first two metrics of success as money and power or what is traditionally seen as the large salary and the corner office. The third metric, a life of well-being, wisdom, and wonder, is the rest of our lives that don’t go on our resumes and the importance of this part of our lives to our overall feeling of success. She uses the oft-used description of a three-legged stool and all three of these metrics, and not only the first two, should define a person’s success. She begins with the story of her own discovery that there was more to life and success then money and power and interweaves stories from her own life that add a personal flavor to this fascinating book.

I think by this time almost everyone has heard of the TED Project, watched at least one TED talk, or if nothing else nods their head when everyone else is going on about the incredible, fascinating and motivational talk that they saw online. TED stands for technology, entertainment, design. They are speeches given at a global set of conferences and is owned by the private nonprofit Sapling Foundation. These talks are given by a wide variety of people from all aspects of life. They are relatively brief (never more than 18

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Business Toolbox

Appreciating Generation Y in the workplace

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

For the first time in history, we have 3-plus generations active in our economy at the same time.

This reality presents great opportunities for the institutions and businesses who pay attention to the needs and desires of these groups; especially Generation Y as they overtake the Boomers both in number and economic influence.

To help you further appreciate the opportunities presented by this demographic, let’s take a closer look at how and what they think, believe, and value.

We have more different generations in our workforce and our economy than ever before – what does that mean to your business? How can we build better teams; understand our customers; and thrive because of diversity rather than be distracted or confused by it?

What generations are we talking about?

Baby Boomers • Born 1946-1962 • Major life influence = parents who lived through the Great Depression • Beliefs about work = loyal to companies – value their job • Largest population demographic

Interesting Facts About Gen Y ➢ Teen arrests are down ➢ Teen drug use is down ➢ Teen drunk-driving accidents are down ➢ Teen pregnancy is down ➢ Teen abortions are down ➢ High school dropout rates are down

Generation X • Born 1963-1977 • Major life influence = saw parents laid off from long-term jobs • Beliefs about work = companies are not loyal – jobs are transitory; skeptical • Expect to move from job to job

The Truth About Gen Y • A generation of new confidence, upbeat and full of self-esteem • The most education minded generation in history • A generation paving the way to a more open, tolerant society • A generation leading a new wave of volunteerism

Generation Y • Born 1978-1998 • Influenced by internet • Information at their fingertips • Want to know WHY? • 2nd largest demographic (60-70 million) • Making their presence felt in the workforce

Gen Y is Education Minded • 90 percent of high school seniors expect to attend college • 70 percent of them expect to work in professional jobs • 70 percent believe college is necessary to achieve career goals • 40 percent of college freshman plan to get a master’s degree

Generation Z • Born after 1998 • Who knows what they will bring

They want to make a difference…

A 21-year-old machinist is excited about working in an electri-

Please see Petrick, page 7

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October 2014

Petrick from page 6

Although every generation exhibits ‘youthful impatience’; Gen Y demonstrates healthy impatience and when their tasks and responsibilities are at stake they ask…”How can I do my job when I don’t have the training, resources, and information to pull it off?”

Organizations that can’t or won’t customize training, career paths, incentives, and work responsibilities need a wake-up call. Gen Y people are more entrepreneurial than Gen Xers. Generation Yers are starting more successful businesses in high school than any previous generation.

How can you employ that entrepreneurial spirit in your workplace?

Here are some final tidbits you may find useful.

cal shop precisely because “it’s an environment where you can produce something useful, and you can see people glad they have this piece of equipment that never existed before.” It’s magic to them.

EMPLYOYER’S HINT: The magic for Gen Yers comes in making a difference; in making something worthwhile; while working with a great team and receiving the rewards they think they have earned.

Team is Important Gen Yers expect to be part of a highly motivated team of committed people. They like working closely and learning from colleagues they respect. They hope to socialize and even form friendships with their coworkers. The human connection is what makes work ‘FUN’ for Generation Y. Reality Check for Business Owners – What happens to Gen Yers when you also employ crotchety old grouches who seem to have a negative outlook on everything?

Expectations of Gen Y: 1. Provide challenging work that really matters 2. Balance clearly delegated assignments with freedom and flexibility 3. Offer increasing responsibility as a reward for accomplishments 4. Spend time getting to know your people and their capabilities 5. Provide ongoing training and learning opportunities 6. Establish mentoring relationships 7. Create a comfortable, low-stress environment 8. Allow some flexibility in scheduling 9. Focus on work, but be personable and have a sense of humor 10. Balance the roles of ‘boss’ and ‘team member’ 11. Treat Yers as colleagues, not as interns or teenagers 12. Be respectful – respect will be returned 13. Consistently provide CONSTRUCTIVE feedback 14. Reward Yers when they have done a good job Let me close with a quote from Bobby Bowden, Florida State University head football coach, that I think captures much of the essence of the Y Generation: “I get the kids of today to do the same thing as 30 years ago…now, I have to tell them WHY.”

Money Matters, BUT… Gen Yers have lofty financial and personal goals and fully expect to meet them. The dilemma is that most jobs available to Gen Y will be at or slightly above minimum wage and meet none of their financial expectations.

Progressive employers will figure out a way to offer Gen Y incentives that their competitors are willing or able to offer. Gen Y will work for both financial and non-financial rewards.

What to Expect from Gen Y • Comfortably self-reliant • Want technology and everything else RIGHT NOW • Want infinitely thrilling opportunities • They have been micromanaged by parents, teachers, counselors, and others throughout their life • Coach them to manage their time but DO NOT over supervise or breathe down their necks • They don’t care about climbing company ladders, paying dues, or cashing out at retirement…they ask:

o What value can I add today?

o What can I learn today?

o What will you offer me today?

o How will I be rewarded today?

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, SPHR, PMP and Certified Business Adviser with the WSU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org 7

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Business After Hours

Teri's Was Terrific The ladies behind Kristi's Custom Cakes, Kristi and Kimmi, enjoy great food and networking with Chamber Ambassadors Chris Roewe and Nick Lemiere at the September 9 Business After Hours event, hosted

by Teri's. At left, host Teri Jensen welcomed Chamber President Joel Hanson to her Ocean Beach Highway restaurant.

See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Business After Hours

Lovve Jaffey of Berkshire Hathaway catches up with Cris Treptow and Diana Davis.

Cheyenne Magley of Berkshire Hathaway networks with Cora Siipola and Andrea Aberle of Ecological Land Services.

Sharing a few laughs are: Erika Agren, Peter Bennett, Dorothy Hansen, Cyndi Pollard, Michelle Alward and Gena Ramey.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Council of Governments

Executive settles into new post

By Bill Fashing Executive Director – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments I am excited to be writing my first article as the executive director of the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) for the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce.

The CWCOG is moving forward on many initiatives that will impact the region now and over time. The first few weeks on the job have brought about a strong realization of the significant work the COG has conducted over its history and confirmed the potential of the organization. I am pleased to have taken the helm of an organization with such a talented and dedicated staff team and board of directors.

The Council of Governments was established more than 50 years ago and today has 31 members. Our principal purpose is to provide a forum for public agencies to coordinate planning and decision making for issues which cross jurisdictional boundaries. The COG is a voluntary association and is governed by a board made up of elected and local officials from each of the member organizations.

As a planning team the COG is capable of working on a wide variety of projects and issues. Projects completed by the CWCOG staff team have included: environmental planning; land use planning, natural and cultural resource management; community and rural planning; geography; geographic information systems; parks and recreation; housing and homeless planning and transportation planning. We also assist with grant and finance administration, grant development and data and information services for member agencies.

Our goal is to provide exceptional service and assistance to our member organizations on a variety of projects and programs that benefit the region. I look forward to working with the Chamber and its members as the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments continues its efforts to help build a stronger regional community.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Anne O’Connor onthemark associates

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company

Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Chet Makinster Longview City Council

Jerri Henry, Past President Futcher-Henry CPA Group Joel Hanson, President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Michael Claxton Walstead Mertsching

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Lance Welch PeaceHealth

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager

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Diane Craft, Vice President Koelsch Senior Communities Linda DiLembo Three Rivers Mall Julie Rinard Community Home Health & Hospice Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

It's OK to let go

By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Management Trainer Murray & Nau, Inc.

it all themselves. A successful business owner, manager, or staff should be willing to accept and ultimately initiate some action to encourage, motivate and support accomplishing some things through the efforts of others.

It's OK to let go... to break down some of your identified key goals and objective into smaller tasks, duties, or responsibilities and delegate them to others. It’s OK to trust and encourage others to take on those activities, to be responsible for various tasks to be completed within an agreed upon timeframe. In the process, you help others learn (...by encouraging and coaching) to undertake a new adventure and further develop their abilities.

Delegate... “A person sent with authority to represent or act for another or others. To commit or entrust powers or authority”. That's right. When you delegate, you are empowering and motivating others to accomplish a specific activity, task or duty, which in turn meets a desired result that you have identified as a key goal or objective.

Let's explore some of the basic elements and considerations for 'delegating'...

“I don't have time.”

“I'm running from here to there.”

“I need to do it myself because resources have become limited.”

“There is no one else who can do it.”

“I'm not running my business, our website and its growing audience, my staff, or my suppliers and vendors. They are running me…”

Does some of this sound familiar? Let's pause and take a breath for a minute!

Let’s explore some minor changes that may have major impacts...and build on them as the year continues and the new year appears on the horizon!

As a retailer, service provider, small business owner or staff member, you strive to achieve certain goals (enhancing your business, meeting revenue objectives, or selling a new idea, product line or customer). These goals may be set by you or others or both. Typically, you have outlined your goals (generating additional revenue as compared to last year) and then defined some objectives and set action steps to meet these objectives, and plan to measure your results.

As you move through this process of identifying goals, you have undoubtedly clarified what is necessary or important to your business (... and to you!) to assure success, growth, and ultimately, survival in the changing Kelso-Longview community and its evolving competitive environment.

In reviewing your key goals and objectives, it’s become increasingly clear to you what needs to be done and what doesn't need to done. Once you have identified those activities that will take you to your goals, the next question is, who will do them?

The first response might be ME!

• • •

•

It's OK to Let Go. It's not only OK to let go, it is often necessary for both your professional and personal well-being. No one can do

Assess your cohort’s attitudes and skills for various jobs, tasks, or projects.

Identify those tasks, jobs, or projects that may be completely or partially delegated.

Assign those tasks to be delegated to an appropriate individual, based on that individual's ability and potential, and direct it to one who would welcome the assignment, see it as a challenge, and whose personal development would benefit.

Let go! Relinquish the responsibility for the task, job or project. Clarify that it has been explained fully, in terms of its importance to the individual’s development AND overall business goal. Double check that the individual understands the assignment, intended results, deadline and is committed to its completion.

Last but not least, express your confidence in the individual's ability to accomplish the desire outcome.

Please see Nau, page 13

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Nau, from page 12 •

Give support... as simple as words of encouragement.

•

Encourage independence. Let the individual develop her own method of handling the assignment, expecting her to identify and resolve any barriers to completion.

“Business is Blooming, Thanks to Fibre Federal.”

Fibre Federal has been great to work

Be available for support, encouragement, and advice.

Establish a series of checkpoints or one on one meetings to monitor the status of the assignment.

•

Give timely and honest feedback.

•

Acknowledge, both privately and publicly, their contribution.

Don't hesitate to delegate. Start slow, testing your methods, and each other’s acceptance of the delegation plan. Anticipate some anxieties and problems, both yours and theirs.

with as a partner. They have given us

Persevere. Keep fine tuning, and remember leading and

tools and valuable suggestions in start-

overall to grow and to meet those identified goals and objec-

ing our business. Thank you, Fibre!

delegating helps both you, your cohort and your business tives.

It's OK to let go.

-Victor Cianci, Owner, Bargain Mart © 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 Bring your business to Fibre Federal for Business Plus Checking, Business Online Banking, remote deposit, low-cost loans, and incredible member service.

360.423.8750 1.800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com

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 e-mail: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-6030984.

Federally insured

by NCUA

Banking made easy

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Lower Columbia College

LCC named national Leader College for student success efforts

By Chris Bailey President – Lower Columbia College For the second time in two months, Lower Columbia College (LCC) has received national recognition for its innovative work in helping our students complete their college goals. LCC is one of just 16 community colleges nationwide selected as a Leader College by the Achieving the Dream organization. Leader College is a national designation awarded to community colleges that commit to improving student success and also present clear evidence their efforts have resulted in improved student performance.

Achieving the Dream (ATD), Inc., a national nonprofit funded in part by the Gates and Lumina Foundations, is dedicated to helping more community college students stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. LCC was selected through a competitive process in 2011 to participate in the program which includes just 208 of the 1,200 U.S. community and technical colleges.

“Leader College distinction recognizes the innovative work and the dedication to helping our students that is demonstrated every day by LCC faculty and staff. It also qualifies the college for select grant funding to supplement our current budget. But most important, the award shows that our efforts are helping more students complete college studies and prepare for good jobs in our community.”

Award Recognizes Math Success Efforts

Specifically, the Leader College designation recognizes efforts here at LCC to assist students in completing college math requirements. Historically, the ability to be successful in math has posed a significant barrier for many students pursuing a college credential at LCC and across the nation. In order to address that barrier, a significant portion of LCC’s involvement in the ATD program has focused on math pathways.

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LCC math faculty have redesigned the pre-college math curriculum and placement process to increase the number of students reaching and completing college level math. Reform efforts included eliminating duplication of course content and reducing the precollege math sequence from four fivecredit courses to a three-quarter series of two- and three-credit modules, so students learn just what they need.

Reducing the proportion of students who withdraw from a math course is also a significant aspect of this goal. Over the past four years, LCC has decreased the withdrawal rate for pre-college math from 12 percent to 9 percent. Opportunities for students to take practice placement exams and study math concepts online have also been greatly expanded. Math Boot Camps are regularly offered to help prepare students at the lower end of the pre-college spectrum for pre-college coursework and/or re-testing.

Additionally, LCC faculty have provided the leadership to form strong K-12 partnerships in math. The result has been significant and ongoing curriculum alignment and the adoption of high school transcript (math placement) agreements that allow students earning a B grade or higher in specified high school math classes to move directly into college-level work without a placement test.

The impact of this partnership can be seen in the 20 percent decline in the number of recent high school graduates placing into pre-college math. Instead, they are going directly into college level math. In the future Math Boot Camps will be extended into the high schools as well.

Increases in enrollment into college-level math courses for all students further illustrates success as the following statistics demonstrate: • Enrollment in college level math* in fall 2013: 315 students

Please see LCC, page 15

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

LCC, from page 14

Helping students succeed and stay in school is believed to be part of the reason enrollment at the college has increased to 119 percent of its state-funded target this fall, up almost 4 percent over last year. This is especially significant since enrollment is falling at most community and technical colleges in Washington. Higher enrollments bring increased tuition funds for the LCC operating budget and help offset 26 percent in state funding reductions that occurred during the recent recession.

• Enrollment in college level math* in fall 2014: 429 students (36 percent increase) *Math or Math& courses numbered 100 or above • Enrollment in Math& 141 (College Calculus) in fall 2013: 68 students • Enrollment in Math& 141 in fall 2014: 91 students (34 percent increase) Over the past three years, LCC has also redesigned its precollege English program to help students move faster into college-level courses and to pass those classes; developed a firstyear seminar course to provide additional support for students whose placement test scores are below college level reading and/or writing, and created a mandatory orientation for new students to insure they begin their studies at the right level and with the services needed to succeed.

According to Carol Lincoln, Achieving the Dream senior vice president, “The work of improving student success is critically important to our education and economy.

“These 16 institutions have demonstrated that better student outcomes are possible when institutions focus on policies and practices that help students learn at high levels and overcome challenges life throws at them. These colleges are working hard to move the needle for whole cohorts of students, and deserve recognition for their relentless efforts and promising accomplishments.”

More Recognition For Student Success

Earlier this year, in August, LCC was recognized by the White House for its student success efforts, including the creation of a unique $1.5 million Student Success Endowment Fund providing $50,000 annually to help an estimated 150 students facing financial hardship to stay in school by covering extra expenses including tuition, textbooks, testing fees, emergency childcare and transportation.

New data indicates all these interventions are working well.

The percentage of LCC students who lost eligibility to receive financial aid for Summer 2014 due to poor academic performance dropped by more than 60 percent compared to Summer 2013. Likewise, the percentage of students placed on academic warning for poor performance comparing the same periods was down 25 percent.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

In the News

Washington Small Business Credit Initiative lands $31.5 million in private funding The Washington Small Business Credit Initiative has attracted $31.5 million in new private investment to support loans to small businesses around the state, the Department of Commerce announced recently. Commerce contracts with Craft3, a Community Development Financial institution, to manage a loan fund which helps small businesses, particularly those in economically disadvantaged communities, get the credit they need to grow.

“Small businesses account for about 40 percent of private-sector employment, and over $200 billion in gross revenue last year, yet many small business owners still struggle to get loans since the banking crisis that accompanied the Great Recession. The success of this innovative public-private partnership has attracted additional support from the private financing sector, helping to ensure that financing is available for qualified businesses to expand and

create jobs,” Gov. Jay Inslee said.

The investment is from a consortium led by Wells Fargo.

“This is, by far, the largest loan and single source of capital Craft3 has negotiated in its 20-year history,” Craft3 President and CEO John Berdes said. “It fulfills our promise to the state of Washington that we would significantly leverage Small Business Credit Initiative resources to increase investment in small businesses to support job creation and retention, and economic opportunity across the state.”

“I commend Craft3 for their hard work in shaping a successful investment structure that is helping accomplish the job creation objectives of the State Small Business Credit Initiative,” Commerce Director Brian Bonlender said.

Please see News, page 17

Port of Kalama Where business lives

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8,850-20,000 sq.ft. available

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24’ clear height

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Truck docks & truck doors in all

•

480V 3-phase power

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$0.35NNN - No common area fees!

360-673-2325

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www.portofkalama.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

In the News News, from page 16

Washington Small Business Credit Initiative The federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 directed $1.5 billion to state programs that improve access to capital for small businesses so they can grow and create new jobs.

Washington state received $19.7 million and created several distinct credit programs. Working with private partners, the state expects to leverage these funds and by the end of 2016 drive up to $300 million in new capital to Washington small businesses. In July 2014, Commerce launched a Collateral Support Program, a selfsustaining loan program that helps small businesses secure SBA 504 financing with their lenders when collateral support is a concern.

For information about the Small Business Credit Initiative in Washington state or other Commerce programs, visit http://www. commerce.wa.gov/Programs/business/SmallBusiness/Pages/default.aspx To read small business success stories and learn more about Craft3, visit http://www.craft3.org

Since the start of the Washington Small Business Credit Initiative in 2012, Craft3 has made 25 loans totaling $31.2 million to 20 small businesses.

“The partnership between Washington State Department of Commerce and Craft3 has used $9.2 million in funds from the U.S. Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative to leverage $31.5 million in private lending, which will provide more resources to Washington’s small businesses. SSBCI allows each state to design its own small business support programs to help businesses grow and create jobs, and that is what Washington State has done remarkably well with the $19.7 million in total SSBCI funds that they have received to date,” said Cliff Kellogg, director of the State Small Business Credit Initiative. “The SSBCI program is spurring new private sector lending and investments in small and new companies by leveraging private capital along with the federal support offered by the program.”

sidewalk sale

october 16 - 19 | all mall hours

BIG SALES. TIME TO SHOP.

sidewalk sale

october 16 - 19 | all mall hours BIG SALES. TIME TO SHOP.

BIG SALES. TIME TO SHOP.

Regis salons | “clip for the cure” Oct. 18 | mall hours

regis salons “clip for the cure”

• WHO everyone wants to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer • WHAT help raise money during Regis Corporation’s annual “Clip for the Cure”. The first 50 who stop by to show their support receive a free goody bag. Those who book a hair service receive a special bonus gift courtesy of Three Rivers Mall.

• WHEN Saturday, October 18, 2014, Mall hours • WHERE Three Rivers Mall Regis Salon • HOW Regis donates 10% of the proceeds from every haircut to help raise money for the Regis Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

oct. 18 | mall hours

regis salons “clip for the cure”

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threeriversmall.com |

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Veterans and businesses benefit from tax credit program

By Julia Maglione Communications Manager – Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council Would your business like to hire military veterans, but you don’t know where to start? WorkSource can help!

The business services staff are experts in the local labor market and can help advertise your jobs and recruit qualified veterans. In addition, your business may qualify for incentives to hire veterans, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), available to employers who help put America back to work by hiring veterans.

labor market.

For assistance hiring veterans (or any new employees), contact Donna Hughes at the Kelso WorkSource at 360-578-4259 or DHughes@esd.wa.gov Julia Maglione is Communications Manager at the SWWDC. She can be reached at jmaglione@swwdc.org or 360-567-3176.

Services for Veterans Veterans can get help taking their next employment and career steps at WorkSource. On any given day, WorkSource has as many as 15,000 Washington job listings. Veterans and spouses of veterans may receive priority referrals to jobs and other services.

The amount of federal tax savings varies, depending on the individual hired, length of unemployment and whether or not he/she has a service-related disability.

They may also qualify for intensive case management and additional services, if they have one or more of these significant barriers to employment:

For example, your tax credit could be: • $5,600 if you hire a veteran unemployed at least six months • $9,600 for a veteran unemployed at least six months with a service-connected disability

1. Discharged under other than honorable conditions.

WOTC reduces your cost of doing business and applying is easy. There is no limit on the number of individuals you can hire to qualify to claim the tax credit; just be sure to get a certification from the Employment Security Department to deduct the credit on your tax return.

2. Homeless or in danger of being homeless (i.e., living on someone’s couch, in a trailer, etc.).

The WOTC program benefits not only the veterans and businesses involved, but also increases the region’s economic growth and productivity.

6. Between the ages of 18-24.

3. Receiving or pending VA compensation for a disability.

4. Incarcerated in the past 12 months.

5. Receiving public assistance.

7. Wounded warrior or caregiver of a wounded warrior.

8. Discharged in the past three years and unemployed for 27 consecutive weeks or longer in the past 12 months.

Veterans are excellent job candidates as they are experienced and have:

Veterans or their family members that would like to learn more should contact Daniel Ledgett, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist, at the Kelso WorkSource office at 360-578-4212 or DLedgett@esd.wa.gov

• The ability to rapidly adapt and adopt new skills.

• A strong sense of personal integrity and accountability.

• Training in many skills that can be invaluable in today’s

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Breaking Ground Dignitaries from Longview and Kelso join Aaron Koelsch, Koelsch Senior Community's president and CEO, to officially begin construction on their new 33-unit, $7.2 million addition to Canterbury Park.

Cyndi Pollard, executive director of Canterbury Park, welcomes the nearly 100 guests and dignitaries to the groundbreaking September 22.

Trusted.

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

We are a membership based not-for-profit organization.

Join us today!

Resources • Access • Partnerships

Since 1982, Cowlitz County Title has been the company the community turns to when buying, selling or refinancing a property.

Whether you need title, escrow or property search information, come in for our exceptional service. Leave with the confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and protected.

1452 Hudson St. • US Bank Building Suite 208 • Longview, WA 360.423.9921 www.cowlitzedc.com

Bianca Lemmons Vice President/Manager

1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Phone: 360.423.5330 ■ www.cowlitztitle.com

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Ambassador of the Month

Chamber kicks off autumn with a pair of seasoned volunteers Eric McCrandall and Nick Lemiere were named Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce's September Ambassadors of the Month.

McCrandall is the facilities manager for Drug Abuse Prevention Center, also known as DAPC, for the past six years.

He has been with DAPC for 10 years.

Originally from Alpena, Mich., McCrandall served four years in the Army then moved to Washington state. He September is a Community House board memEric McCrandall ber, volunteer for Emergency Support Drug Abuse Prevention Shelter, an eight-year volunteer with Center United Way, an active volunteer at the Sandblaster event and recently joined the Chamber's Ambassador Committee.

He and his wife Carlene have four children and nine grandchildren. An avid archer and hiker, McCrandall, who was also August's Ambassador of the Month, enjoys spending his free time in the outdoors.

Lemiere is also a previous Ambassador winner, earning the honor in July. He is an Edward Jones owner and financial adviser. His office is located at 2020 9th Ave., in Longview. % 20 OFFIDE STOREW

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He joined the Ambassadors in 2007 hoping to meet new people and help them get settled into the business community. He also volunteers with the Southwest Washington YMCA Board, Pioneer Lions, The Bridge Church, and Community Home Health and Hospice Foundation.

He is married to Tiffanie and has a son Levi. For fun, Lemiere likes September to play music, and walk or bike Nick Lemiere around Lake Sacajawea with his Edward Jones family.

Chamber Ambassadors, known as The Red Coats, are an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Ambassador team is made up of active Chamber volunteers whose responsibilities include meeting and greeting at Chamber events, welcoming new members and assisting at ribbon cuttings and community events. Ambassadors juggle busy professional careers while making time to assist the Chamber at a variety of events year long.

If you would be interested in wearing a red coat and representing the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the Chamber office.

Saturday 12-20-14

Saturday, 12-20-14 in Historic Downtown Longview

Saturday December 20, 2014

It’s back with bells on! Jingle All the Way to this annual mega holiday event! Run, walk and be entertained by local musicians. Visit Santa and his holiday friends. Experience the downtown shops and eateries. Festive holiday costumes are encouraged as prizes will be awarded to best individual and group attire. Get on board for a magical evening!

4:00 pm The Rudolph Run/Kids Event

Saturday December 20, 2014

Kids Run put on by the Sandbaggers at Commerce & Broadway COST: FREE for Kids 9 and under. No registration required*

It’s back with bells on! Jingle All the Way to this annual mega holiday event!

*Parents must sign waiver for children to participate between 3-4 p.m. at race location.

Run, walkAwarded and be entertained by localofmusicians.

Visit5 and Santa and heat his PRIZES: to top 3 finishers 9-6 heat and under holiday friends. Experience the 5:00 pm 5k Run/Walk

downtown shops and eateries. Festive

holiday costumes are encouraged as prizes Historic will be awarded At Commerce & Broadway in Downtown Longviewto best COST*: shirt/$20 noonshirt / $65 4 including 4 shirts individual$25 andwith group attire. Get board for aFamily magicalofevening! (more family registrations can be purchased for additional $10 with shirt) *A portion will benefit the Chamber’s Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship Fund

Company Discounts**: $2 off per registration (25-99 employee registrations) or $5 off per registration (100+ employee registrations)

4:00 pm The Rudolph Run/Kids Event

**Company Teams must sign up through Chamber Office directly

PRIZES: Awarded to by 1stthe three male and female finishers Kids Run put on Sandbaggers REGISTRATION DEADLINE: at Commerce & Broadway Friday, December 5th (to get a shirt) COST:forFREE for Kids andavailable under. Nothrough registration Registration no-shirt will9be dayrequired* of race *Parents must sign waiver for children to participate between 3-4 p.m.

REGISTER: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org at race location PACKET PICK-UP: December 19th at the MERK building PRIZES : Awarded to top 3 finishers of 9-6 heat (Commerce & Broadway) 10am-5pm and 5 and under heat

5:00 pm 5k Run/Walk At Commerce & Broadway in Downtown Historic Longview COST*: $25 with shirt/$20 no shirt $65 Family of 4 including 4 shirts (more family registrations can be purchased for additional $10 with shirt) *A portion will benefit the Chamber’s Lower Columbia

Professionals Scholarship Bronze Bell Sponsors: Family Health Center,Fund ServPro, Humane Society, Onthemark, Summerland Catering, Company Discounts**: Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care, Ashtown Brewing Co., Americana Health & Rehabilitation, Gallery of Diamonds, Cowlitz Valley Runners, Wilco, The Merk,registrations) American Medical Response, Scoops & Sweets $2 off per registration (25-99 employee

or $5 off per registration (100+ employee registrations) **Company Teams must sign up through Chamber Office directly

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Kelso

Longview

My home sweet home

Updates to keep moving

By City Councilman

By Mayor David Futcher

Ken Botero

A few updates on recent events:

When was the last time we, you or I, took a good look at the place we call home?

The definition of “home” is a place of security, PRIDE, and happiness. At times I forget about the positive, beautiful things in our community, or city, and dwell on the negative thoughts and remarks presented on a daily basis.

• The intersection at Ocean Beach Highway and Catlin Street is going to be more clearly marked, with the lane signals on Ocean Beach moved to line up better with the applicable lanes and a “straight through” signal added to clarify that the center lane is no longer a turn lane. This should be done by early October, and probably would have been five weeks sooner if the Washington State Department of Transportation were not involved at this intersection.

There is a reason why I am here, not for the job I held for more than 40 years; not for the cost of living which is better than most of the comparable cities in the state of Washington. This is my home because of the feeling I have of success in raising my family; being able to support and work for the citizens of our home, community or city; for the opportunity to work side by side with you the citizens, community leaders and yes, our Longview city staff and council to try and provide the tools needed to stand out in the state of Washington as a Quality of Place.

• With the realignment complete, the best use of the turn lane is for folks headed to Columbia Heights, North Kelso or the Mt. Brynion area. Those headed for Lexington, the interstate, Allen Street and south or east Kelso are best served going straight through the intersection on the newly realigned West Main/Catlin corridor.

When we take a look at the Quality of Place being created in our home, Longview, we remember the past and what made this an exciting community and wish that it would suddenly re-appear. We know that the past is history. The present is what is here at this precise minute. But the future is ours. Do we want to sit by and incorporate the negative remarks into our future, or, do we have the courage to make this OUR QUALITY OF PLACE?

• Kelso recently hosted the EPA Region X Administrator as part of a two-day effort to plan for the revitalization of south Kelso. The event also included representatives from Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Ecology, and other federal and state agencies as consultants funded with an Environmental Protection Agency grant worked with locals to establish a plan for economic development in south Kelso.

I invite each citizen to join me in promoting our Quality of Place in Longview by actively taking part in the beautiful experiences of Longview. The staff and leaders of YOUR HOME have provided enhancements to assist each of us in making this dream a reality for our families, friends and visitors. We have an exciting college campus with new and growing programs including the new science building, the

• All of the work you might have enjoyed sitting through on Allen Street and in the Minor Road area was related to the county’s installation of their leachate line from the landfill to the treatment plant. Comments related to the correlation of the work with the first days of school can be directed to the county folks, not the mayor.

Please see Longview, page 23

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Longview, from page 22

businesses in the downtown core. Look at the proposed Tenant

physical fitness center and advanced technology programs. We have the historic Columbia Theatre for the performing arts and Stageworks Northwest providing local theatrical talent.

There’s our newly added Black Bears baseball program. We have educational programs including sports. And look at the summer activities, especially at the lake, which by the way is classified as the “Jewel of southwest Washington,” and contributes to the outstanding tag, “One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the Untied States”.

Way streetscape project and the opportunity to provide for a

Your community leaders and staff are working to make a difference cosmetically by remodeling the downtown corridor and giving that sense of pride to the community and to the

pride-enhanced entry into Longview.

Sure, we have some problems in Longview; however, I feel that the positives outweigh the negatives when we stop long enough to look through the rose-colored glasses that belong to US. With all of the positives in our Quality of Place, WE ALL need to step up and thank our inner pride for giving US a HOME that we call ours. Don't let the negatives overtake our desire and drive to make this OUR Quality of Place and our home.

The Sky is the Limit!

We started in a garage in April 2007. Twin City Bank has provided us the necessary funding to grow our business into a multi-million dollar company.

By early fall Twin City Bank will help us move into our new 15,000 square foot facility with room to continue our growth.

Jon Hansen General Manager Fabricast Valve

729 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 1-800-319-2265 | 360-414-4101 twincitybank.com

Creating products to fuel the world

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Ribbon Cutting

Red Coats for Red Canoe Kim Gallagher, branch manager, cut the ribbon for Red Canoe Credit Union's new Washington Way branch September 26. The branch is located in the former home of Cowlitz Credit Union.

Letting Loose Chamber Ambassadors got a real treat welcoming Todd and Lea Buzalsky of Uncaged Cycles. They received tours of the shop and retail space, sat behind the "wheel" and the owners even started up a Harley for all to enjoy! The shop is located at 537 14th Ave., Longview.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Welcome New Members

Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate new Chamber members with us

Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

* Cellular Plus dba Verizon Wireless * Nternet Candy, LLC * Mundial Group, Inc. * Mount St. Helens Institute * Kendall's Pioneer Distributing

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation

• Legislative Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

• Issues Tracking and Information

Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.

• Task Forces • Candidate Forums

• Mailing Labels

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Membership Window Decals

• Demographics Publication

• Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links

Packages

• Member to Member Discounts

Basic Membership Package – $275 or $26 per month.

• Membership Directory

Bronze Membership Package – $500 or $46.66 per month.

• Tax Deduction

Silver Membership Package – $1,000 or $86.33 per month.

• Newsletter

Gold Membership Package – $2,500 or $211.33 per month.

• Business Card Display

Platinum Membership Package – $5,000 or $416.66 per

• Use of Chamber Logo

month.

Diamond Club Membership Package – $10,000 or $834 per

Representation through action committees, Candidate Forums and up-to-date Action Alerts.

month.

Join today! Call 360-423-8400 25

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

State of the Cities

In Fine Shape Bob Gregory presents a thank you award to Rob Harris, JH Kelly, for the company's support for the new entry way sign on Tenant Way. Thank you JH Kelly! The ceremony took place at the State of the Cities Quarterly Membership Luncheon September 18 at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center. Nearly 100 local leaders attended the event.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

PeaceHealth

Breast Center provides quality service October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Providing quality services and products to customers is what most businesses provide. Healthcare is the same and our customers are our patients who desire and deserve quality in their experience with us.

To continuously deliver these quality services and products, we must stay competitive in the local healthcare market. Like any other businesses, we maintain and update our facility, invest in the latest technology and seek to continuously improve. The newly renovated Kearney Breast Center at PeaceHealth St. John is a great example to showcase outstanding quality. It’s also timely with October being Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Through local support and resources, the Breast Center received a total remodel that not only provides a beautiful, comfortable environment for our patients (customers), but also brings the most advanced technology to serve them – 3D imaging technology. 3D mammography finds 40 percent more invasive cancers than 2D, better visualizing abnormalities and may reduce the number of breast biopsies and call backs for additional views. This truly is the most advanced mammography imaging available in the area.

care. Together we can continue to bring technology and quality health care that is second to none, serving patients and families for decades to come.

Thank you for choosing local.

We’re not stopping in our continuous quest for quality and are hoping to soon have new imaging software, known as C-View to enhance the patient experience. “This new software upgrade will reduce the radiation dose to our patients in half, resulting in less time under compression and producing a high quality image that uses the 3D technology,” said Clinical Operations Supervisor Ruth Melvin, RT (M).

As with any business, it’s important to get the word out about the benefits for your customers. This month, please encourage a women you care about to get a mammogram and invest in their own health. To learn more about the Kearney Breast Center go to www.peacehealth.org/kearneybreastcenter.

Investing in the health of our community is good business.

Health care is one of the key sectors that businesses and professionals look at when considering whether to locate in a community. More business means more dollars spent locally and reinvested directly into our local economy, including local health care.

Of course, all businesses and organizations need the support of their local community and each other to sustain and remain viable. At PeaceHealth St. John we are grateful for the many ways our community supports us and the trust you place in us for your

LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO leeroy@cascade-title.com

Alison Peters Bonnie Woodruff Diane Kenneway Dennis Bird Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Assistant Senior Title Officer alison@cascade-title.com bonnie@cascade-title.com diane@cascade-title.com dennis@cascade-title.com

Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording recording@cascade-title.com

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1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632 360.425.2950 www.cascade-title.com

Connie Bjornstrom Receptionist/Typist connie@cascade-title.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2014

Longview Downtown Partnership

What's happening Downtown Longview Singing in the rain and more!

(designs by Screen Print NW). Shirts are currently being sold at the Cowlitz County Museum on Allen Street, the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor's Bureau at I-5 exit 39, and through the Friends of Longview by calling 360-575-8586. Shirts are available in adult and children’s sizes and various colors in both sweatshirts and T-shirts. Special orders of colors and sizes are available. Price depends on size.

Now that the rain is coming and the kids need something to do, consider the Columbia Theatre's LIVE performance series for young families. The Rainy Months Series takes place on select Sunday afternoons during the “rainy months” of January through May. This series is an expansion of the Columbia’s educational programming and emphasizes a shared experience for both children and the adults in their lives. Tickets are priced at $5 per or a family pack of six tickets for $25.

Like LDP

Learn more and buy tickets at www.columbiatheatre.com

If you haven’t already, please click the link below and ‘like’ our page. You can also check out our latest post and ‘share’ it on your page. This will continue to improve our reach into the community. https://www.facebook.com/LongviewDowntowners

Project Longview

Project Longview meets at 6 p.m. October 7 on the second floor of City Hall to discuss ongoing projects around the community focused on making the city the best it can be.

Longview Downtown Partnership Social

LDP New Website

The LDP Social event is open to all downtown business people and is a great opportunity to get to know neighbors and build valuable relationships with peers in the business community.

The location varies month to month. Refreshments are served.

The cost is $10 for members, $12 for non-members. This month's event is set for 5:30 p.m. October 21 at a location yet to be determined.

Longview Downtown Partnership has a new web www.

MyLDP.org (formerly www.longview-downtown.Blogspot. com). The old one still works, but the new one is much shorter and easier to remember. Watch for the featured business each week. If interested in having your business featured, send photos, specials, etc. about your business to Dawn at LongviewLDP@Gmail.com. Business are featured on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Downtown Streetscape

The downtown streetscape project is progressing. Demolition is under way and sidewalks have been removed in the 1400 block of Commerce Avenue on the east side. Crews have started to install new street curb and sidewalks on Broadway Street. Construction continues to proceed to the north and the contractor will begin demolition of the sidewalk in the 1500 block on the east side soon. Anyone with concerns about construction is welcome to attend one of the “Coffee Talks.”

Construction updates are available on the LDP website.

LDP Monthly Meetings

LDP hosts its regular board meeting the second Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. at Teague’s. The next meeting is October 9. Longview Downtown Partnership meets to discuss and plan improvements downtown. All are welcome to attend.

Go Downtown!

Preserve Local History

This is an abbreviated version of the Longview Downtown Partnership E-weekly, which can be found on the website at www.

MyLDP.org under the Weekly Newsletter heading.

Support Longview’s historic Shay locomotive project by getting your limited edition sweatshirt or T-shirt featuring either the historic Shay Locomotive or the Nutty Narrow’s Bridge

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