October 2016 Volume 8, Issue 10
Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Business Back 2 School participants will arrive just like the students they will meet – on a big, yellow school bus.
Chamber Education Committee opens doors with Business Back 2 School For many, high school vocational education class-
es conjure up memories of pecking out the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog on a manual typewriter or using a belt sander for the first time.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Lindsey Cope, 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 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month
Today it’s called keyboarding and it leads into web design and computer-aided design (CAD). In 2016, students are working with automotive diagnostic equipment and catering events. Some students are enrolled in Tech Prep, a dualenrollment, dual-credit program that prepares students for high-skill, high-wage careers. Students earn college credit at Lower Columbia College while attending classes in high school. Coursework is focused and covers a wide range of areas from automotive to nursing. For those interested in checking out what today’s high school students are learning first hand, the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and Kelso and Longview school districts are teaming up to present Business Back 2 School. Business Back 2 School is an opportunity for business members in the community to see how vocational education classes have changed in the past 40 years. The first of these tours is scheduled for October 13 at Kelso High School.
Chamber CEO Bill Marcum credits Alyssa Joyner for bringing the concept to the Education Foundation Committee’s attention from a similar program in Vancouver, Wash. The Chamber’s Education Committee is made up of community business members and representatives from Longview-Kelso education. The program is three-fold, Marcum said. Business leaders often say the high schools are not teaching students the skills they need to fill their open, or future, positions. “But is that an accurate assessment?” he asked, and “hat if we gave them an opportunity to answer?” “The CAD program at Kelso High School, for example,” Marcum said, “is one of the premiere in the state of Washington and they want to show that off. That’s just one of the pieces.” The second piece – school districts want feedback. Some of their programs have state and federal mandates and they want to know if they are teaching the right subjects and skills. The third piece is the Education Foundation would like to create a website and other programs to connect businesses and students. They would like to see For more Back 2 School, see page 2
Back 2 School, continued from page 1 a place where the two could connect for tours, internships, apprenticeships and jobs. Times have changed, today's programs fall under the Career and Technical Education (CTE) umbrella or STEM – science, technology, engineering and math. Not just the name has changed, so have the courses that are offered. It’s all designed to keep current with the the job market and changing needs of employers – local and global. This is an opportunity, Marcum said, for 25 business members in the community to check it out. The October 13 tour begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Lowe’s parking lot on Ocean Beach Highway where participants will board a school bus headed to Kelso High School. The bus ride is mandatory due to limited parking at the high school.
Education Foundation Committee Chair: Hahli Clark Board Liaison: Linda DiLembo Staff Contact: Lindsey Cope Develop, implement and support programs that promote relationships between business and education. Coordinate the Business and Education Awards event which takes place in May, recognizing employer organizations and individuals that have implemented good programs for continuing education, including technology, for their employees. The event also recognizes excellence in education, specifically among teachers, administrators and support staff. Coordinate the Chamber’s Scholarship Program by setting criteria, selecting recipients and also determine ways to help fund the program. Assist and help maintain and strengthen the Chamber’s relationship with area education boards.
Participants will attend a work shop, tour Kelso High’s CTE facility, attend two classes and then enjoy lunch before returing via bus to the parking lot around 1:30 p.m. Class options include agriculture and natural resources, automotive, business, marketing and visual technology, industrial technology, family and consumer science and STEM classes. The cost is $15 and includes transportation, coffee and lunch. Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org. More information is available on page 3. Two more Business Back 2 School events are planned for the future, one at Mark Morris High School February 9 and the other at RA Long High School May 11.
Education Committee Members: Hahli Clark (LCC) Bill Marcum (Kelso Longview Chamber) Karen Sisson (Kelso Longview Chamber) Sandy Catt (Longview Public Schools) Melissa Boudreau (Kelso High School) Rachel Lowery (Kelso High School) Linda DiLembo (Three Rivers Mall) Peter Bennett (Millennium Bulk Terminals) Pam Whittle (Columbia Bank) Alyssa Joyner (Southwest Washington Workforce) Ryan Schopp (Country Financial) Tamera Bell (LCC) Jill Diehl (Longview Public Schools)
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Julie Rinard, President Community Home Health & Hospice
Joel Hanson, Past Past President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave
Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub
Lance Welch, President Elect PeaceHealth
Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College
Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company
Linda DiLembo Vice President Three Rivers Mall
Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic
Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank
Ken Botero Longview City Council
Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching
Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds
Diane Craft, Past President Koelsch Senior Communities
Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals
2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
Frank Panarra Foster Farms Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner
Business Back 2 School
Join us for a tour of Kelso High School Career & Technical Education! This is a great opportunity for you to see and experience how education has changed over the past 40 plus years.
October 13, 2016 Kelso High School
Tentative Schedule:
Class Options Include:
8:30 am – Meet at Lowe’s Parking Lot, Ocean Beach Hwy.
• Ag & Natural Resources
8:45 am – Bus departs for Kelso High School: Welcome and Review Class Schedule
• Automotive
9:00 am – Arrive at Kelso High
• Marketing & Visual Tech
• Business • Industrial Tech
9:15 am – 9:45 am – Period 1: Workshop
• Family & Consumer Science
9:50 am – 10:14 am – Period 2: Facility Tour
• STEM Programs
10:18 am – 10:58 am – Period 3: Attend your third period assignment 10:58 am – 11:28 am – Period 4: Attend your fourth period assignment 11:28 am – 1:30 pm – Lunch Period: Q&A, debriefing, evaluation 1:30 pm – Bus back to Parking Lot Cost is $15 and includes bus ride, coffee, lunch. Bus ride to the school is mandatory - parking is extremely limited
Sign up today at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Future
Business Back 2 School Mark Morris High School: February 9, 2017
Discovery High - R.A. Long High School: May 11, 2017
Chamber CEO’s Message
Calendar Monday October 3 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview
Tuesday October 4 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting Your Destiny is in My Hands Kelso Longview Chamber 105 Minor Rd, Kelso
Thursday October 6 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting Shear Warriors Hair Salon 600 Royal St, Ste B, Kelso
Friday October 7 – 7:30-9 am Small Business Bootcamp Manage the Managers – To Get Maximum Results LCC Heritage Room 1600 Maple St, Longview
Tuesday October 11 – 5:30-7:30 pm Business After Hours Mill City Grill 1260 Commerce Ave, Longview
Thursday October 13 – 8:30 am-1:30 pm Business Back 2 School Kelso High School 1904 Allen St, Kelso October 13 – 3 pm Ribbon Cutting WorkSource Cowlitz Wahkiakum 305 S. Pacific Ave, Ste B, Kelso
Friday October 14 – 7:30-9 am Small Business Bootcamp Inspect what you Expect – Managing Expectations with Managers and Staff LCC Heritage Room 1600 Maple St, Longview
By Bill Marcum
Take the initiative to learn about November's ballot issues The November ballot will have several initiatives that all businesses/owners should be paying attention. Here is a list and a link to find out more about these ballot initiatives. Initiative: The Initiative 732 would impose a carbon emission tax on certain fossil fuels and fossil-fuel-generated electricity. Our View: The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce opposes this initiative due to the major affects it will have on our local businesses, our manufacturers and our local PUD. Initiative: The Initiative 1433 would increase the state minimum wage to $13.50 by 2020. Our View: The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce opposes this initiative due to the major affects it will have on our local businesses. I have had several local members tell me how this could be the final nail that closes their doors. An $1.50 per hour increase January 1 and $13.50 by 2020 is just too much too soon. Oregon’s legislature came up with a four-year plan with $12.50 as the number by 2020. Washington’s legislature chose not to tackle this issue and just let the voters decide. The other part of this is the measure would also require employers to provide employees with paid sick leave. Employees would be able to accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Initiative: The Initiative 1464 would create a campaign-finance system allowing residents to direct state funds to qualifying candidates, repeal the nonresident sales-tax exemption, restrict employment of former public employees and lobbying, and revise campaignfinance laws. Our View: The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce opposes this initiative due to the major affects it will have on our local businesses. I again have talked to smalland medium-size, locally-owned businesses about the repeal of the nonresident sales-tax exemption and all have said it will hurt their
4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
business. One local owner told me it will cost his business more than $100,000 if this passes. Here is what BallotPedia says about democracy credits. What are “democracy credits?” Initiative 1464 would establish “democracy credits” for registered voters and other state residents eligible to contribute to campaigns under state law. Each eligible individual would receive three credits, each of a $50 value, to donate to qualified campaigns and candidates of their choosing during even-numbered years. The measure would specifically authorize credits to be contributed to state legislative candidates. However, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) could expand the program to statewide elected offices. If the Washington Attorney General deems it legal to apply credits to federal candidates, then the PDC could expand the program to federal elected offices. Furthermore, the PDC could expand the credits program to cover elections in odd-numbered years.[2] To pay for the credits, the initiative would repeal the nonresident sales tax exemption and require nonresidents to pay sales tax on purchases in Washington. Of course, this really only effects counties on the Washington side of the Columbia River from Long Beach to Walla Walla. This repeal of the nonresident sales tax from those few communities would give every registered voter in the entire state of Washington $150 to contribute to a qualified campaign. Really, every registered voter? This Initiative does not affect the number one driver of sales tax in the state of Washington...King or Thurston county. On the surface all these measures sound good for the State of Washington, but when you really look at how these will affect businesses in Washington and small local businesses in Cowlitz County you have to say NO to these three major business-impacting initiatives. 2 https://ballotpedia.org/Washington_State-Provided_ Campaign_Financing_Funded_by_a_Non-Resident_ Sales_Tax,_Initiative_1464_(2016)#cite_note-guide-2
Calendar Thursday October 20 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting The Freedom Market 971 14th Ave, Longview Tuesday October 25 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting Positive Child Care Solutions Kelso Longview Chamber 105 Minor Rd, Kelso
Friday October 28 – 7:30 pm-Midnight Lower Columbia Professionals Spooktacular Kelso Longview Elks Lodge 900 Ash St, Kelso
Tuesday November 1 – 5:30-7:30 pm Business After Hours Pacific Tech Construction 1302 Walnut St, Kelso
Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 pm Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com
Lower Columbia College By Chris Bailey
President
Get your hands dirty while you learn at LCC The evidence is clear that higher education, and community colleges in particular, play a critical role in economic development. A skilled workforce not only boosts productivity with existing businesses, it also substantially increases our ability to recruit new companies to the community.
Many of our professional-technical students, particularly those in fields related to heavy industry, receive job offers before they even walk across the stage to get their diplomas. These individuals obtain a better life for themselves and their families, but also fuel the community’s economic engine.
The individual gains related to an increased educational level are also significant, and well documented. In spite of the potential benefits, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of being in school. There are many reasons for this, but an aversion to spending time in the traditional classroom environment is high on the list for some people.
We are committed to continuing to provide a pipeline of skilled workers, but we can’t do it alone. In order to grow the proportion of the population that is trained and ready for work, we have to reach farther into the ranks of the classroom averse. We also need to do more to help prospective students manage the cost of attending college. At LCC, we have a variety of special programs and scholarships available specifically for students interested in professional-technical degrees, in addition to traditional financial aid.
Lower Columbia College offers many wonderful opportunities for individuals who want to work with their hands, fix things, build things, help people, or just get dirty on-the-job instead of being stuck in a cubicle somewhere. This is where our professionaltechnical programs come in. Professional-technical programs encompass a range of certificate and degree options designed to prepare people to go to work. Unlike our academic transfer programs – which often do involve more time spent in traditional classrooms – our array of professional-technical programs typically include lab and field opportunities that mirror the working world. For example, students in our welding program spend a significant portion of their day learning about and practicing different welds in a variety of situations. Students in our machine trades program make parts in a setting that mimics industry. Diesel and auto technology students tear apart and rebuild engines of all different types and sizes. Some even participate in the production of bio-diesel. For all, learning how to be safe on the job is of paramount importance. Other programs are more geared toward the helping professions. We offer options for people who want to work with young children in daycare or preschool centers, interact with patients in a healthcare setting, get involved with law enforcement, or assist individuals struggling with chemical dependency issues.
Getting students through our programs more quickly is another way of reducing the cost of college, and is something we have been working diligently on for the last several years. This is particularly true for our preparatory English and math courses. At LCC, we have the ability to grant credit for prior learning in a variety of disciplines, which can stem from previous work experience, education, or military service. We also have strong relationships with our K-12 partners. This is important, because clearly defined pathways are critical to student success. We offer a variety of dual credit programs so that students can get both high school and college credit for their work, which can save both time and money. One of these programs is designed specifically for students taking professional-technical courses at their high schools. As an employer, co-worker, friend or family member, your encouragement of a potential college student can make a world of difference. If you know someone who could benefit from increasing their skills through obtaining a college education, please ask them to check out our wide range of professional-technical and other program options at lowercolumbia. edu.
October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 5
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Let’s step up and make our businesses look great to the many friends and guests that visit our community each year.
Mint Valley Golf Course
Does Your Business Have Curb Appeal? Your company’s curb appeal goes a long way toward winning customers over and growing revenue. Even if you are not a retail business your curb appeal sends a message to passer-buyers about the quality of your work. Your business appearance projects an image to potential customers and local residents making them more or less inclined to visit or otherwise support your business.
Win the Mayor’s Award for “Best Curb Appeal” All Longview businesses are eligible to win a Mayors award for Best Curb Appeal Improvement. During the months of June-July 2014, you can nominate a business that has made the be best improvement by posting a “before” and “after” photo. Go to our Facebook page: Make Longview Beautiful. Those visiting this page can “Like” the one they feel has made the best improvement. The one with the most “Likes” wins! Visit this page often and make sure you vote.
Thank you!
Go Here & Vote!
Lake Sacajawea
Japanese Garden
facebook.com/pages/makelongviewbeautiful
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All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: high resolution PDF, Tiff and JPEG. Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce please add 30% to above rates. To advertise or request additional information please contact Lindsey Cope at 360-423-8400 or lcope@kelsolongviewchamber.org or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org
City of Kelso
City of Longview
By Mayor David Futcher
By Councilmember Ken Botero
Vote. Locally it makes a difference The first Tuesday of November is always a big day. Not only is there an ever-entertaining Kelso City Council meeting that night, but we all get the opportunity to participate in the political process by casting a ballot. Sure, it may not be the same kind of event it once was when we had to physically get to the polling location, but having the opportunity to effect change in our government is important. The presidential electoral system might have essentially predetermined our state’s Electoral College choice, leaving you to believe there’s not much point in voting this year. I disagree. It’s great to vote for the president, but you’re one of millions when you do that. But when it comes to the local races like we have to consider this year, your vote makes a much more significant difference. Not only is local politics where “the rubber meets the road” in the political system, but local politics is much more likely to touch you on a day-to-day basis. The decisions you make and the people you vote for locally may help determine how responsive your fire department can be to your needs, or whether Kelso’s charter should be tweaked. Our state representative races this year are more likely than ever to make an impact on how Olympia is managed. I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir, but please take a minute to make sure you get your ballot submitted in time. You do make a difference.
Pointing people toward the positive Welcome to the beginning of our beautiful fall season here in the Northwest and especially here in Longview, Tree City USA. With all of the beautiful trees and shrubs changing color this time of year we have a relaxed feeling of our winter months ahead. And, while thinking about those changing seasons we need to remember that our young ones are back in school and we need to be extra cautious in our school zones. I would like to repost a letter I had posted on Facebook, as I believe this fits my concerns at this time: “With the feeling of home here in our community, we all should be proud of our community and look at how we are progressing toward the “Quality of Place” that we keep talking about. Each of us will make a difference in our future. One way to show our pride of our home is to get involved with our community leadership and improvement organizations such as our Longview Downtown Partnership, our new economic development director, and yes, those of us, YOU hired by your votes to work for you. There are many committees in our community that would love to have you participate in a positive direction. It seems like today we have too much negative media looking at the down side of things. I wonder if some of this would disappear if more positive would be presented. In my opinion, when all we hear is negative we become addicted to the negative atmosphere. Here in Longview, we are not sheltered from the negative of the world, but we take pride in our community and work to make a difference. There are many issues in the near future that we, as a community, need to be involved with such as work on the current budget for the city, road repairs, public services, our economic future and more. This can become a positive adventure IF WE GET INVOLVED. My comments today are hoping to spark a positive attitude toward making YOUR HOME, that Quality of Place that we all deserve. I am inviting you to join in on the POSITIVE ADVENTURE that lies ahead, and keep the negative out and build on the positive taking place.”
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8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
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360-575-9804
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Tuesday, Oct. 11th 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m.
Live Music Door Prizes Appetizers & Beverages
2nd Anniversary Celebration! An evening you won’t want to miss! Parking in back lot 1260 Commerce Ave., LV. Celebration upstairs. 21+
Cost: $15 advance / $20 at door Register at : www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments By Bill Fashing
Executive Director
Washington State Department of Transportation Corridor Sketch Initiative The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is developing corridor sketches on all state highways. Each sketch will contain information that describes the characteristics of each corridor, its current and future function, as well as its performance expectation. The corridor sketches will ultimately identify cost-effective strategies for future consideration and will inform future investment decisions. Corridor sketches will be a key component of Washington State Highway System Plan (HSP). The HSP serves as the basis for the six-year highway program and two-year biennial budget request to the legislature. These outline the projects that will be planned, designed and built in coming years. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPO) throughout Washington have been and will be active participants in WSDOT’s Corridor Sketch Initiative process. The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) is the Longview-Kelso-Rainier MPO and the state-recognized lead transportation planning agency for the five county Southwest RTPO. WSDOT will implement the Corridor Sketch Initiative in two phases. Phase I will focus on working with partners (cities, counties, MPOs and RTPOs) on documenting current conditions, function, and performance expectations for each corridor throughout the state, with the hope of beginning the process to identify the most cost-effective solutions for each corridor/project. During Phase I, WSDOT hosted a series of workshops and meetings to engage partners and collect information for each of the state’s corridors. Last fall, as part of Phase I of the Corridor Sketch Initiative, a series of meetings and workshops were held throughout the Southwest RTPO region. Throughout the collaborative and comprehensive process outlined for Phase II of the Corridor Sketch Initiative, the MPOs and RTPOs will be assisting WSDOT in the identification and rankFor more Council of Governments, see page 11
WSDOT Corridor Sketch Initiative Goals Integrate multimodal planning: Work with local, regional, tribal, state and federal partners to develop an integrated multimodal planning approach for improving the transportation system. Performance-based planning: Implement performance-based Least Cost Planning to achieve performance goals. Moving Washington forward: Develop cost-effective, integrated sets of strategies that first consider operational improvements, demand management, and policy change strategies before considering investments in capacity expansion to achieve mobility performance goals. Simplified corridor information: Provide a “one-stop shop” for background information for each corridor around the state that can be used by multiple agencies and organizations. Community engagement: Provide a framework to engage partners and transportation service providers around the needs of communities around the state. Corridor development strategy: Identify document and pursue appropriate strategies for every corridor. Include these strategies in WSDOT’s long-range Highway System Plan (HSP).
Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action
We are a membership based not-for-profit organization. Join us today! Resources • Access • Partnerships
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10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
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Council of Governments, continued from page 10 ing of cost-effective multimodal investment strategies that achieve the performance expectations identified in Phase I. CWCOG staff will be incorporating the Corridor Sketch Initiatives process and findings into the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan – Roadway Emphasis Area section. The plan was approved in 2015 and efforts are under way for an update to the plan expected for publication in 2018.
“Going in the Right Direction!”
The efforts undertaken through the Initiative and other transportation planning efforts in Washington are designed to support the goals of WSDOT’s Strategic Plan. The Plan includes the following key elements: Innovation in solutions; No compromises to safety; Community engagement for making decisions; Collaboration ensures a wide array of perspectives.
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Business Toolbox By Jerry D. Petrick
Certified Business Adviser
Five pillars of a strong business One thing all business owners have in common is their desire to build and manage a strong business. A strong business is: • one that can withstand the ups and downs of economic cycles • can replenish itself through profits • agile, flexible, and communicates well • can support the owner’s lifestyle A strong business is based on a true business opportunity and a sound business model. While a business opportunity is shaped by the market environment; a business model is shaped by the owner. An enlightened way of looking at and defining your business model can be found at: http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/canvas/bmc There are at least five keys to building a strong business:
Use Systematic Processes and Procedures Customers don’t really care how it’s done, they just want their needs met. However, to meet the needs of everyone-especially shareholders-production and delivery of goods and services must be efficient. The process of creating value to customers is based on a total management system originally used by Toyota and described in “The Machine that Changed the World” by J. Womack, D. Jones, and D. Roos. Use of a total management system eliminates waste, improves productivity, assures quality, and meets or exceeds the customer expectations. Better use of resources results in higher profitability and higher profits feed growth. An excellent example of applying total management systems to small business is described in “Better Thinking, Better Results: Using the Power of Lean as a Total Business Solution” by Bob Emiliani.
• the owner’s ability to lead and manage • a focus on customer needs and wants
Hire Right
• systematized processes and procedures
An owner soon realizes that building a strong business is tough to do alone. At a minimum, an external team including a banker, insurance agent, certified public accountant, and attorney may be required. At some point, though, employees will be needed to manage day-to-day functions as the business grows. An owner needs to assemble and lead people to apply principles and practices systematically and coherently. The key to assembling the right people is hiring well. This means selecting people for their talents and building on their strengths. Once people have joined your team the next order of business includes investing in their talents, listening to their thoughts, assisting them in their jobs, and rewarding them for work well done. In the book, “First, Break All the Rules”, authors Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman share the results of in-depth interviews revealing how the world’s greatest managers use these techniques.
• hiring and investing in the right people • manage cash effectively Lead and Manage Whether your business consists of one person or many, clear vision and mission are imperative. These drive goals and objectives that are timely, measurable, and accountable. Amid many distractions, it keeps the owner focused. If the owner can effectively engage employees to embrace the vision and achieve company goals, the probability of success is high. In fact, the most important things an owner can do are stay focused on what the company does well and help employees do their best work. These concepts are driven home in books like“Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber. One adage that is worth minding as a business owner: We manage things and we lead people. Maintain a Customer-Driven Focus A customer-driven business is one that is synchronized with what customers really want and need. Most important is what customers and prospective customers value. These can be many things: a fair price, convenience, fast turnaround, quality, etc. The reward for meeting their needs is predictable sales and growth. However, “customers” include more than the buying public. They may include shareholders, suppliers, bankers, employees, and others who rely on an owner’s ability to keep his or her promises. A strong business balances the needs of all these “customers.” 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
Manage Cash Effectively Every strong business depends on a predictable, consistent cash flow. A profit plan measures true profitability and is the best measure of efficiency. However, a cash budget that predicts and monitors cash flowing into and out of a business is a good measure of sustainability. If an owner can predict and budget cash flow, then he or she can make better decisions on how and when to use cash. When businesses extend credit to buyers, incoming cash lags behind sales. When sales are made, assets (like inventory or labor) are required to complete the transaction and these assets require cash. Therefore, a lot of cash is going out and not a lot of cash is coming in throughout seasonal or cyclical fluctuations. Since the business owner can’t pay bills with negative cash, he or she has to either borrow cash or inject it. Managing cash with a budget For more Business Toolbox, see page 13
Business Toolbox continued from page 12
Innovation is a benefit plan that benefits you.
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helps the owner predict cash shortages so funds can be arranged (often with a bank loan) to fill the gaps. When collections create excess cash, the short-term loans can be paid back. Even profitable businesses can go bankrupt if they haven’t balanced the cash flow cycle. While many factors contribute to building a strong business, these five deserve special attention. Strong businesses support their local communities and are the foundation upon which the economy grows. This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, SPHR, PMP and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University 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.
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October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13
Business After Hours
Service with a Smile
SERVPRO's Shawn Green was an enthusiastic Business After Hours host, handing out prizes to attendees like Victoria Skinner of Goodwill Industries, while SERVPRO's Ryan Grady took time to network with Chamber guests.
Chamber Ambassador Diane Craft made a new friend, Wildman Steve, at the Chamber's SERVPRO-hosted Business After Hours event September 20.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
State of the Cities
Future So Bright
Kelso Mayor David Futcher, left, and Longview City Manager Dave Campbell, below, were two presenters at the Chamber's State of the Cities Quarterly Membership Luncheon September 28 at the Kelso-Longview Elks.
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www.PNWR.com October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15
Mind Your Own Business (at the Library) By Chris Skaugset
Director – Longview Public Library
Life of United States' poverty stricken pours onto the page President Lyndon Johnson declared a war on poverty during his
and painstakingly gathered data, Desmond’s fascinating and heart-
time as president in the 1960s. Johnson pushed through the passage
breaking book transforms our understanding of extreme poverty
of four groundbreaking pieces of legislation that helped lead to a
and economic exploitation while providing his own ideas for solving
reduction in the nation’s poverty. Unfortunately, it was only a tem-
a devastating, uniquely American problem. Its unforgettable scenes
porary reduction and the numbers of people living at or below the
of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which
poverty line have continued to increase. The Great Recession of 2008
nothing else is possible.
exasperated this trend and the numbers of people affected by poverty continue to grow. The impact of poverty is not only felt by those who suffer from it but its impact upon the economy, and the nation as a whole, goes without question.
Extreme poverty is also the subject of “$2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America” by Kathryn Edin and H. Luke Schaefer. The authors discovered in their research in 2011 that there are nearly 1.5 million households (which includes around 3 million children)
Barbara Ehrenreich’s 2001 book “Nickel and Dimed: On (not)
in the United States who are living on no more than $2.00 per person
Getting By in America” was the bestselling book that began to shed
per day in any given month. Most Americans are probably unaware
light on this continuing crisis. The author hid her identity and tried living on just over $300/week after taxes. She observes many of the things that we continue to see with people working more than one job just to try and make ends meet or living in their car to save on housing. It was this engrossing book that began the modern conversation about extreme poverty. She doesn’t have any answers, but her work shed light on this all-too invisible reality. But that was
that this level of extreme poverty exists in this place and time and it’s everywhere not just the inner cities or in remote, rural areas. With a mixture of academic seriousness and deft journalistic storytelling, the authors tell the stories of many of those who are trying to reach the level of working-poor and adding new evidence and new ideas, and potential solutions, to the current national debate of income inequality.
only the beginning of works addressing this critical issue. Below are
A more personal experience can be found in Linda Tirado’s “Hand
three more recent titles discussing poverty that you can find at your
to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America.” In this gripping mem-
Longview Public Library.
oir, Tirado, author of the viral online essay “Why I Make Terrible
“Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Harvard sociology professor Matthew Desmond looks at the issue of housing. The author spent a year living in the poorest neighborhoods of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and examined the housing situation. It is clear that affordable housing is an issue, especially here on the West Coast and the lack thereof is a leading cause of poverty. Desmond tells the
Decisions, or, Poverty Thoughts,” shows that even with the best-laid plans, poverty can happen to anyone. While her fascinating story is a very personal one, and she does not try to hide any of her own faults or bad decisions, it is, unfortunately, not unlike millions of others’ in the United States today; and hopefully her strong, articulate voice has the opportunity to bring this story to new ears.
stories not only of those people who were impacted by eviction and
Poverty is all too real in today’s America and while people may ar-
homelessness but also the landlords. Neither glorifying the poor
gue about its causes and its potential solutions, there is little room
nor demonizing the landlords, the author simply tells their stories.
for disagreement that extreme poverty has become a part of the
At the same time he is exposing an aspect of life that is becoming
American landscape. You can discover more about this topic and
much too common. Based on these years of embedded fieldwork
much, much more at your local library.
October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 17
Boot Camp
Hiring Tips
It was a full house at Lower Columbia College for the Chamber's September 23 Boot Camp class. Julie Nelson and Tracy Robbins from American Workforce Group offered sage advice on Hiring the Right Person.
E V A S e th ! E T A D
12/10/16 4:00 pm - Rudolph Run 5:00 pm - 5k Run/Walk Registration: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
Sponsored by $100 All Six Classes, Up to Three people can attend from your business. $25 per class á la carte. How can you not attend...???? Friday’s, 7:30 – 9am in the Heritage Room at LCC.
FALL SMALL BUSINESS BOOT CAMP Friday, September 9th L&I - How to Reduce Your Workers Comp Rating Facilitator: Karinsa Holmes – Solo, ASAP Solutions Friday, September 16th Safety Programs for your Office/Company Facilitator: Karinsa Holmes – Solo, ASAP Solutions Friday, September 23rd Hiring the Right Person Facilitators: Tracy Robbins and Julie Nelson, American Workforce Group Friday, September 30th The One Minute Manager – Organization, the key to success. Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, SBDC Friday, October 7th Manage the Managers – to get maximum results. Facilitator: Frank McShane, Cascade Networks, Inc Friday, October 14th Inspect what you Expect – managing expectations with managers and staff. Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, SBDC Call today to get signed up 360-423-8400 or www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Kelso School District
Longview School District
Director Student Support Don Iverson
Superintendent Dan Zorn
Student attendance counts We are Kelso! Attending school regularly is essential to students gaining the academic and social skills they need to succeed. Reducing absenteeism is a simple, cost-effective, but often overlooked strategy for improving academic performance. Starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, chronic absence – missing 10 percent of the academic year – can leave third graders unable to read proficiently, sixth graders struggling with coursework and high school students off track for graduation. In the Kelso School District, chronic absence affected 14 percent of the student population during the 2015-16 school year. Eight hundred and twenty students missed 10 percent or more of their academic year. Nearly 50 kindergarten and first grade students each missed a month of school due to chronic absenteeism. Compounded, these students could accumulate up to a half year of missed instruction before they finish third grade, a full year by sixth grade, a year and half by ninth grade, and two years by their senior year, if they haven’t already dropped out. We must break that cycle. Not surprisingly, research shows children with chronic absences are more likely to struggle with reading, repeat a grade and develop bad attendance habits. By sixth grade, chronic absence becomes an early warning sign that a student will drop out of high school. Across the country, chronically absent students miss more than 135 million days of school every year. The numbers are particularly high among children in low-income families and in communities of concentrated poverty. Missing too much instructional time has significant, negative and lasting consequences beyond the obvious effects on student performance. Why student attendance matters to business leaders • The soft skills challenge: Regular attendance is the precursor to the “soft skills” (communication, enthusiasm/attitude, teamwork, networking, and problem solving/critical thinking) that employers will continue to expect and require. Students who don’t develop the habits associated with good attendance in the early years will find it difficult to develop them as adults. • The productivity challenge: Children who are sick miss school. And their parents miss work. Employers have a real stake in reducing the numbers of days that children stay home due to preventable illnesses. How YOU – business leaders – can make a difference • Nurture a culture of attendance • Work with a local school to provide incentives for good or improved attendance, such as gift certificates, healthy snacks or backpacks. • Talk to other business leaders about the role attendance plays in For more Kelso Schools, see page 21 20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
Team designs guide for excellence In the Longview Public Schools we are working hard to increase our student achievement levels while improving the climate and culture of each of our schools. Our Design for Excellence is providing the strategic framework for all of our improvement efforts. The goals outlined in this design have had a significant impact on the work of our district’s Cabinet, our senior leadership team. This group of educators includes our Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, Chris Fritsch; our Executive Director of Leadership and Learning, Ken Hermanson; our Director of Communications and Technology, Sandy Catt; and our newest Cabinet member, Director of Human Resources, Ron Kramer. Each year we sit down and create our Cabinet Platform, which serves as our leadership guide for the coming year. In doing so, we have determined to focus our efforts on the following actions: •
Collaborating with our schools’ leadership and staff to implement school driven efforts to support increased student achievement and improved climate and culture.
•
Promoting enhanced reading and writing opportunities in all of our district’s classrooms.
•
Guiding the creation of clear learning targets in each of our district’s classrooms.
•
Recruiting and retaining high quality staff members.
•
Removing obstacles that inhibit the performance of our staff members.
•
Providing the technological tools that enable schools to increase student achievement.
•
Communicating effectively with all staff members and our community regarding our district’s goals and the direction we will take to meet our goals.
•
Collaborating with building administrators and program directors to create a sustainable budget that promotes student achievement and mission of the district.
•
Developing and implementing a long range facility master plan that supports the educational goals and vision of the District.
We believe that we can positively impact the education provided each of our students by guiding the creation of a culture that supports and empowers the district toward constant improvement of the education we provide each student. Through this belief and our subsequent actions, we are convinced that we can help make the Longview Public Schools the district of choice for families and educators.
Kelso Schools continued from page 20 improving achievement and school success. • Educate your own employees about the importance of good school attendance. Chronic absence is a solvable problem. Working together on promoting strong attendance across our schools and workforce we can add immediate value to our community. Why we should care • Stronger Economy: Good schools are key to creating a healthy and vibrant city that attracts businesses as well as new residents. Chronic absenteeism can undermine our efforts to improve school performance and can contribute to higher dropout rates, meaning more youth are unable to hold good jobs or make enough to support their families. • Stronger Education: Students who attend school more regularly
have better grades and higher test scores. When too many students miss too much school, chronic absenteeism can bring down an entire classroom, as teachers slow down instruction to help absentee students. • Safer Communities: Students who aren’t in school are more likely to be involved in a crime, either as victims or perpetrators. Better attendance means safer streets and safer children in our cities. The effort to increase attendance at school and within the workplace isn’t about blame; everyone plays an important role in improving attendance. It’s about the effect, the impact on students and the impact on our community. Tackling chronic absence is the right strategy for improving our great city. Attendance is a simple, common sense metric that is relevant to both students and parents. Promoting regular attendance is one of the simplest and best investments an employer can make in their work force. Attendance is a winnable strategy that we can overcome together. We encourage you to “Be the We!”
Your Locally Owned and Operated Community Bank • Checking, Savings and CDs • Business Loans • Construction Loans • SBA Loans 729 Vandercook Way, Longview
(360) 414-4101 www.twincitybank.com
There’s a Difference. October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21
PeaceHealth
By John Schapman
Wellness Service Coordinator
Protect your employees this flu season Each flu season, nearly 111 million workdays are lost due to influenza. That translates to approximately $7 billion per year in sick days and lost productivity. Through education and planning, you can help protect your employees. Encourage your staff to get a flu shot early. It’s best to get vaccinated before the flu begins to spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide full protection. So the sooner employees get vaccinated, the more likely it is they will be fully protected when it begins to circulate within our community. Even if your employees are healthy, they still need immunization. Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease which often affects the lungs and can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia. Pregnant women, young children, elderly, and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease are at increased risk of serious flu-related complications. Therefore, getting a yearly flu vaccination is exceptionally important for them. Flu vaccinations are recommended for two reasons. First, the flu viruses are constantly changing and the vaccine is updated each year. Second, an individual’s immunity from the vaccine declines over time. The CDC recommends annual vaccination for optimal protection.
The Washington State Department of Health reports that nationally less than 40 percent of Americans received the flu vaccine, compared to the 80 percent necessary to best prevent the virus from spreading within the community. Remember, flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of 3,000 to a high of almost 49,000 people. If our community should experience a flu pandemic, the impact would be significant both in loss of life and productivity. The time taken for employees to get a flu shot is insignificant, relative to lost work time or passing the flu on to others in the community who may be more at risk for complications. There are many options for flu vaccination to include your doctor’s office, pharmacies, local flu clinics or occupational health programs you may contract with. It is a safe and an effective way to keep all of us healthier this season.
Just 30 minutes That’s how long the average mammogram takes. One 30-minute screening could save your life. Now that’s time well spent.
Prevention n
Screenings n Treatment peacehealth.org/ kearneybreastcenter
22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
By Chuck Nau
Retail Consultant and Sales and Managment Trainier – Murray & Nau, Inc.
'Don't tell, instead coach and A-S-K!' “How Am I Doing?” Remember those moments earlier in your life when you may have asked that question or a similar one of a teacher, friend, or confidant? In many instances, those questions were being asked to open a dialogue, and gather some outside information to confirm that your assessment of your current situation was accurate. In these challenging, tough and, at times, frightening economic times are you being asked these same questions today by your staff or an employee? Then again, do you model and encourage your staff to ASK (Always Seeking Knowledge) you questions? How are they doing, coach? “Coaching” or conversations with your staff are important, particularly in these rapidly changing times, as you develop a concept of team and teamwork. Fostering an “asking” rather than “telling” environment will give support and encouragement to your team. “Coaching” is not talking to your employees or staff. Rather it is a two-way dialogue or discussion looking at performance, identifying performance obstacles or problems, and developing solutions and action steps. Coaching helps to clarify goals and priorities; minimizes misunderstandings; increases the sense of teamwork through involvement in planning, problem solving, and increased responsibilities; and develops creativity and innovation while enhancing productivity. All of your staff, both those who are performing well and the rookies, those who are anxious to move to a position of increased responsibility or those who have performance related issues will benefit from coaching. Remember, too, that coaching occurs at a variety of times, in the work environment, in meetings or other group dynamics, in the field, and, of course, one on one. “Coaching” or opening that two way dialogue with your staff involves three action components – preliminaries (listening), probing (asking), and feedback. Preliminaries are typically icebreaker in nature and help to put individuals at ease. They also open the conversation to a give and take by identifying the reason or goal for the meeting. Probing or Always Seeking Knowledge (Asking) works to narrow the focus, review the situation, identify the problem and its potential impacts, elicits your employee’s or staff ’s input and ideas, and encourages your employee or staff to develop and review various solutions. Feedback helps to clarify new learning, develop and gain consensus on needed action steps, and reinforce your confidence and support of the plan. The need and benefits for coaching on a one on one basis are
numerous. Coaching the individual calls for personal contact. On a daily basis, with all the demands on your time, personal contact with your staff can suffer. It’s important to remember that your personal contact with your staff members is vital to them. Personal contact conveys a sense of importance, and with the personal contact comes a sense of identity ("congratulations on your service call to...”), which in turn is an entree for positive reinforcement and individual motivation. Coaching affords YOU the opportunity to LISTEN, and foster an atmosphere of open communication. Your people are not the only ones to benefit from coaching (listening). You also get the benefit of free information, which, again, has the added benefit of building your sales, management or operations team. Coaching gives your people a regular barometer on their progress, and in some cases, may break their job into various components for reflection, review, revision, and growth. Failure demoralizes an individual and threatens your team and YOU. Coaching enables you to offer direction and guidance and the opportunity to model behavior that BUILDS on successes rather than learning from MISTAKES. Most importantly, it gives emotional support and reinforces the importance of the individual to you and your team. Last but not least, coaching helps YOU. Coaching empowers employees to build their skill level, operate independently, enhance their performance (due to a clear understanding of goals, expectations, and needed action steps), work as a team, and take risks. “Coaching”. As the coach, you are the leader. How you work with each ‘team’ member, the team as a whole as you deal with the day-to-day problems and setbacks, is watched closely. When you handle all these in a resilient, productive, and healthy manner your team will admire and mirror that attitude with your small business’ customers, clients, vendors and suppliers. © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based consultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate. He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984. October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 23
Longview Downtown Partnership By Gary Fadden
President
Fall into an art project downtown What’s happenin’ Downtown Longview... Wine and Design Come create some fun, fall decor with The Vintage Square on Broadway October 6. The $35 fee includes paint and supplies, and the host will take participants step by step through the design. Participants bring a shovel or similar item to paint (wood boards will be available if you don’t want to bring a shovel). Food and drinks are available to purchase from the MiLL CiTY GRiLL menu. Space is limited, call the store to sign up 360-353-3145. A Storm’s a brewin’ at the Columbia Don’t miss Storm Large – musician, actor, playwright and author – for an awesome performance at the Columbia Theatre October 7, 7:30 p.m. For tickets, or to see what’s coming up, go to www.columbiatheatre.com Say “oui” to ART at Teagues First Friday in October – crepes, Chihuly and glass painting – try your hand at painting on glass (wine glass or coaster) or enjoy a crepe made on the spot (with donation for ART) while enjoying Chihuly videos of his work from all over the world. All October 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Teague’s,
24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
corner of Hudson Avenue and Broadway Street. Drop-ins welcome but RSVP appreciated to cowlizart@gmail.com New LCC art exhibit An exhibition by painter Maria Boyle will run through October 13 at The Art Gallery at the Rose Center for the Arts at Lower Columbia College. Life in the Northwest is a strong influence in Boyle’s work. Gallery hours Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery events are free and open to the public. LDP monthly board meeting The LDP Board will meet October 13, 8 to 9 a.m., in the Merk, Third Floor, Room 304. All are welcome. More information is available at the LDP website, www.MyLDP.org Check the online updates for advertising and event promotion information. Anyone interested in having their business featured can send photos, specials, etc. to Dawn at LongviewLDP@gmail.com. Businesses are featured on a first-come, first-served basis. The websie is also a great place to see current events and find something to do downtown. Be sure and check out the Facebook page too at www.facebook.com/LongviewDowntowners
County Commissioners By Dennis Weber
Purchasing Department debut saving money with small changes Public Works: Worker Safety – Public Works Director Brad Bastin reported that his department has exceeded 825 days without a lost time accident. Safety training and awareness remains an important value for this work group, the largest group of employees for the county. In addition to maintenance and repairs to county roads and bridges, Bastin’s group operates numerous small water and sewer systems, manages non-city stormwater management, as well as the mammoth Headquarters Solid Waste Landfill, and oversees a number of diking, drainage, and flood control districts, as well as a schedule of culvert replacements. “Take Two” is a safety review reminder all employees are encouraged to use before starting each job task. Information Technology Advances – IT Director David Wallis is overseeing an office remodel that will enable the department to welcome two new employees as the county acquires ever more sophisticated technologies to improve customer service and service delivery. A major financial software package known as PeopleSoft 9.2 is replacing an aging system that is no longer supported by the company. Law Enforcement Records and the Jail are also reviewing new technology to improved processing of Public Records Requests. Another “legacy software system” being replaced will bring the processing of property assessments and tax collection information up to 21st Century standards. And the State of Washington is introducing a new Superior Court records processing system to Cowlitz County this spring. Labor Relations: Binding Arbitration and Comparables – Human Resources Director Jim Zdilar is responsible for negotiating contracts with more than 10 employee groups. These agreements range from one to three years and for a few public safety groups final decisions can come from a state agency. Because these group work 24/7 such “binding arbitration” is in exchange for the prohibition of strikes. In negotiations the use of comparables often means referring to pay rates and benefits used in other similar-sized counties. Frequently, we are compared with Clallam, Grant, Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Skagit counties, all smaller than Cowlitz. Others used include Island and Benton counties. Because of our local economy, we often can’t compete with what Clark and Thurston counties offer. Historic Preservation Commission – Imagine the surprise when Cowlitz County was informed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that it was not a “Certified Local Government” (CLG)! A littleknown provision of federal law requires consultation with CLGs
whenever an environmental impact statement requires a cultural survey. Simply explained, a CLG is a government with an established Historic Preservation Commission. Last year when a permit from the Corps was sought as part of the site clean-up activities at the old Reynolds Metals location, it was discovered that only the City of Longview was a CLG. Their commission declared Reynolds a historic site even though the site in just outside Longview city limits. This triggered a history mitigation effort for Millennium Bulk Terminals – Longview. The company reached to the county for assistance and I participated in negotiating the final agreement. County Commissioners has since established our own county historic preservation commission and members will soon be appointed. Office of Healthy Communities – Within the Departments of Health and Human Services an Office of Healthy Communities strives to address the new trends that communicable diseases are no longer the leading cause of death, chronic disease is. Healthy Communities Lead Michael O’Neill is charged with developing strategies to address this significant shift in public health by increasing “Healthy Starts” for children, increasing “Healthy Habits” of youth and adults, and increasing “Economic Opportunities” for Cowlitz County. He is building relationships and coalitions with local organizations such as “Cowlitz Community Network,” “Walkable Cowlitz,” and “Lower Columbia School Gardens,” as well as PeaceHealth and Kaiser Permanente. This office is almost entirely funded through grants from the State of Washington and private foundations. Purchasing Department Debut – In Cowlitz County’s on-going efforts to become more cost-effective, a major review of purchasing policies and practices has led to the creation of a new Purchasing Department. Headed by Purchasing Manager Matt Hanson, the department has been responsible for streamlining purchasing through a small works roster ($98,670 in savings in 2014). A new fleet leasing programs was established, saving labor costs as well as taking advantage of fuel efficiency technologies of recent models and repair warranties. Outfitting of new Sheriff ’s vehicles was brought back from an Oregon vendor. A new debit card purchasing system is now in place to take advantage of bank rebates ($282,290 in savings in 2015). The sale of surplus county assets has produced unanticipated revenue and a streamlined “Request for Proposal” process has resulted in advantageous bid awards, often piggybacking on negotiated prices by other local governments ($99,659 savings so far in 2016).
October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25
September Ambassador of the Month Marlene Johanson
Heritage Bank
Building relationships on the job aids in Chamber assignment As branch relationship manager for Heritage Bank, Marlene Johanson knows a bit about getting to know, and help, people. It is part of the reason she was selected as the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s September Ambassador of the Month. At Heritage Bank, Marlene is responsible for ensuring the branch grows its relationships with existing customers, and meets with prospective customers to share the Heritage story, with an ultimate goal of achieving loan and deposit growth. “I also assist with empowering my team to grow in the knowledge which allows them to better assist our customers,” she said. Marlene has been a Chamber Ambassador for five years and often mentors new members. When she is not sporting her red coat, she is
working with the United Way, CAP and LeTip of Longview. She and her husband Keith have been married for 25 years and have three adult children. For fun, she enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest either by car or hiking. She also enjoys reading and can often be found paging through up to three books at a time. 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.
Business & Corporation Law
Attorney Michael Claxton Licensed in WA & OR
Attorney Brian Brault LL.M. in Taxation
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. • Formation, Reorganization, and Dissolution • Mergers and Acquisitions • Purchases and Sales • Succession Planning
26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
WALSTEAD MERTSCHING AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW
A Full Service Civil Law Firm for over 90 Years CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR 1700 HUDSON ST., LONGVIEW, WA
(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com
WorkSource CowlitzWahkiakum
You’re invited!
WorkSource Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Ribbon Cutting and Open House Please join us for an open house at our new location!
When: Thursday, October 13, 2016 3:00 p.m. - Ribbon cutting 3:00-5:00 p.m. - Open house Where: WorkSource Cowlitz-Wahkiakum 305 S. Pacific Avenue, Suite B Kelso, WA 98626 Enjoy refreshments and learn about no-cost employment and training services available to businesses and individuals. No cost to attend. Please RSVP by October 10. RSVP to Lindsey Summerhill 360-735-4952 or lsummerhill@esd.wa.gov
WorkSource is an equal-opportunity partnership of organizations that provide employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to people with disabilities. Washington Relay Service: 711
In The News
Community Home Health & Hospice receives gift for grief support center Local businessman Don Heimbigner has made a $1 million gift to the Community Home Health & Hospice (Community) capital campaign for a grief support center, conference center and memorial garden in the Salmon Creek area of Clark County. The 9,000-square-foot project will be constructed next to Community’s 10-bed hospice care center, which will now bear the name Elaine and Don Heimbigner Hospice Care Center. “Throughout our 58-year marriage, everyone referred to us as ‘Don and Elaine Heimbigner.’ Now she will finally be first," Heimbigner said. Greg Pang, president and CEO said, “It is an honor to name the existing hospice care center for Elaine and Don. Elaine was a long time patient for whom we provided in-home care and hospice until her passing in February 2016. It is a privelege to continue our relationship with the Heimbigner family in this wonderful way. The Heimbigner’s gift will enable us to expand our nonprofit mission to thousands more in our community who need our support. We are excited to accept Don’s extraordinary gift for the grief center, conference center and memorial garden. As a nonprofit agency, it is our mission to extend grief care to everyone in the community, not only hospice families. As has always been the case, our grief support programs are free of charge. The grief center is modeled after our successful James Avery Grief Center in Longview and will include specialized rooms for children, teens and adults. This will become a community destination for healing and hope. The conference center will be open for a variety of community-wide uses. With just over
$3.0 million raised, the project is now in the design stage with groundbreaking planned for spring 2017 and grand opening scheduled sometime in late 2017 or early 2018.” Heimbigner enjoyed a long career in the sports industry. He employed many young people in their first jobs at Don’s Sports Center and patented a bowling ball finger grip that was highly successful. For more information, contact Julie Rinard at 360-414-5406 or jrinard@chhh.org.
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WWW.M-Y-AGENCY.COM 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
In The News
Longview Police invite community to second scheduled Cop Chat
ple to reactivate or start Block Watch in their neighborhoods as a way to get to know each other and reduce crime.
Longview Police Department is holding its second “Cop Chat” this year to hear and discuss community concerns from 6 to 8 p.m. October 5 at the Cowlitz PUD auditorium, 961 12th Ave.
The department will have a resource table of information of policerelated interest to the community.
“We’re making time to meet with community members to discuss issues they’ve expressed concern about and to share information about what our department is doing to respond to those issues,” said Longview Police Chief Jim Duscha. The first, which took place in July to discuss policing concerns across the country, drew about 70 people. “We were very pleased with the turnout at our first Cop Chat session during the summer. We hope we get as many or more people to attend to share their concerns with us,” Duscha said. “The more we hear from citizens, the better job we as a police department can do to address issues of concern.” During the meeting, two Street Crimes Unit detectives will talk about the work they do. They will share information about drug issues, gang activity and will introduce drug K9 Max to the audience. The department also will suggest how to deal with graffiti, whether or not it is considered gang-related tagging. “We tell people to record it, report it and remove it,” Duscha said. There are different ways to report graffiti and other vandalism, which will be explained during the meeting. Before opening up the meeting to topics not on the agenda, a member of the department’s Community Services Unit will encourage peo-
For more information, please contact CSU Sgt. Doug Kazensky at 360-442-5850 at the Longview Police Department Highlands Satellite Office.
Longview Fire Department open house presents learning opportunity Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15 and to help the community learn more about fire safety and have tons of fun in the process, the Longview Fire Department is hosting an open house October 15 at Longview Fire Department’s main station, 740 Commerce Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family-fun activities include fire safety demonstrations, firefighting equipment displays, automobile extrication demonstration, antique fire engine, public safety agency booths, Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog, junior firefighter hose challenge, button making, Life-Flight helicopter landing, and a fire sprinkler system demonstration. Refreshments will be served. This year’s national theme of “Don’t Wait, Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years” is designed to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes.
State announces 6-cent increase in the minimum wage
Fall Special
102 Minor Road by Starbucks and Jack in the Box Two wash bays – One touchless and one soft touch Spot Free Rinse Four different washes to choose from State of the art and fully automatic Three vacuums under cover
FALL SPECIAL $2.00 OFF Drive up to the Pay Station and enter the code. Station will show $2 credit. Select wash & pay balance with cash or credit. Will prompt you to drive forward.
Enter Code: 92016
Offer expires 10.31.16
The statewide minimum wage will increase 6 cents to $9.53 an hour on January 1. As required by Initiative 688, Labor and Industries calculates the state's minimum wage every September based upon changes in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Voters approved the initiative in 1998. The Washington State Employment Security Department estimates the change will affect nearly 51,000 workers. Workers under age 16 can be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, or $8.10 an hour next year. The cities of Seattle, Tacoma and SeaTac have approved minimum wages higher than the statewide minimum. Read more of L&I’s announcement of the increase at http://lni. wa.gov/News/2016/pr160928a.asp. From the Washington Information Network Newsletter. October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 29
Welcome New Members
ROTO ROOTER SEWER & DRAIN SERVICE Paul Cozad Owner 6150 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview, Wash. 98632 Office: 360-577-1400 info@rotorooterlongview.com
WAITE SPECIALTY MACHINE, INC. Steel Fabrication Steve Waite President 1356 Tennant Way Longview, Wash. 98632 360-577-0777 swaite@waitespecialty.com
SAVE UP TO 50% ON
Your Electric Heating Bill!
LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO leeroy@cascade-title.com
Ductless heating and cooling systems provide year-round comfort and saves you up to 50% on your electric heating bill. With an $800 rebate from Cowlitz PUD, installing a ductless heat pump has never been this easy and affordable.
Get started now by finding an experienced local installer at GoingDuctless.com 30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
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
1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632 360.425.2950 www.cascade-title.com
Connie Bjornstrom Receptionist/Typist connie@cascade-title.com
Join the Chamber Today! Call 360-423-8400 Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.
• Use of Chamber Logo Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.
• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events
• Legislative Representation
• Committee Participation
• Issues Tracking and Information
• Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership
• Task Forces
Meetings
• Candidate Forums
• Civic Representation
• Legislative Update Breakfast
• Monthly Business After Hours
• Demographics Publication
Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.
Packages
• Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display
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. 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. Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.
Positive Child Care Solutions • Licensed In-Home Childcare & Preschool • Ages: 4 weeks to 5 years.
Isabelle Zehnder
Licensed Childcare Provider Text or call 360-903-3951 isabellenicole@gmail.com Kelso, WA - DEL License 333010 www.postivefamilysolutions.com
Your Destiny is in My Hands • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Mobile Notary (360) 921-7303 October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 31
Chamber Connection
Jeans and Jewels
Wendy Keegan from Life Works dropped off a poster for their Jeans and Jewels fundraiser that took place September 24.
Groove On
Tina Hart with Life Mortgage gave Lindsey and Karen the 4-1-1 on the Longview Early Edition Rotary Club's Grapes, Grains & Grooves event.
After Hours
Shawn Green stopped by to remind everyone that SERVPRO was hosting the Chamber's Business After Hours event for September.
Good Hands
Destiny Taylor with Destiny In Your Hands discussed her new business, which offers bookkeeping and other business services, with Carey and Lindsey.
“Your Chamber Connection� EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fisher-Clark, United Way; and Karen Sisson, NORPAC Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection or to have more information about the qualifications of an open house or ribbon cutting? Contact Bill or Lindsey at the Chamber 360-423-8400 32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
Chamber Connection
New Kids in Town
Hollie Hillman and Lisa Abbott, with Mary's Bar and Grill, plugged their new restaurant and Chamber ribbon cutting, and Gretchen Schwinn was introduced as the latest Certified Nurse Midwife at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. She is taking new patients, call 360-414-2800.
Spook, Shred and Seniors
The Lower Columbia Professionals kicked off their new season this month and Teedara Garn gave us the scoop. She also noted the next scholarship fundraiser is the Spooktacular October 28 at the Kelso-Longview Elks. Marlene Johanson let listeners know about the Shred Fest Heritage Bank was hosting and Kim Crosby and Molly Monroe with Amada Senior Care updated us on their new business.
Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com Local guest and current events
October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 33
Chamber Connection
Something to Share
Kyle Strum and Country Financial Longview Agency hosted Financial Peace University, which began September 7. Jarrett Skreen and Ashtown Brewing Company invited Carey and the whole town to its third anniversary block party September 17.
Fore A Good Cause
Carey met with Chaplain Tom Hann from the Cowlitz Chaplaincy about its September 24 golf tournament.
Shear Delight
Kristin Xhepaj, Mariah Cloke and Kendra Kincaid are the women behind Shear Warriors, a hair salon in Kelso.
34 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
Welcome Back!
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to give a SHOUT OUT and a big THANK YOU to the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us. *American Medical Response *Beacon Hill Sewer District *Cascade Title Company *CCS *City of Kelso *City of Longview *Comcast Spotlight *Costco Wholesale *Cowlitz County *Cowlitz County CASA *Cowlitz County PUD *Cowlitz County Title Company *Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments *David E. Houten, DDS *Diamond Showcase *Document Management Archives *Dorothy Bain Hanson *Emerald Kalama Chemical *Express Employment Professionals *Freddy’s Just for The Halibut *Gordon Sondker *Interwest Benefit Consultants *KapStone *Koelsch Senior Communities *L.G. Isaacson Company *Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory *Lower Columbia College *Miller Paint *Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. *Port of Longview *Rodman Realty, Inc. *Steel Painters/Railco *Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc. *The Golden Palace *The Red Hat *Three Rivers Eye Care *Walstead Mertsching, PS *Watkins Tractor & Supply Co. *Columbia River Carpet One *Compendium Consulting *Cowlitz County Guidance Association *Estetica Day Spa *State Farm Insurance – Scott Fischer *Diamond Residential *Applied Application *Broderick Gallery *American Legion *Coleman Cellular
*Port of Woodland *Cowlitz Credit Union *Industrial Packing *Pacific Fibre Products *Errand Girl *American Family Kari-Ann Botero *Guild Mortgage *Hometown National Bank *Island Sun Tanning, Inc. *Kemira Water *Sterling Insurance *U.S. Cellular *United States Army *Lexi’s Pizza *B & B Air Conditioning & Heating *Community Health Partners/Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic *Pro-Caliber Longview Motorsports *Red Canoe Credit Union Washington Way *Red Leaf Coffee *BA Design *American Red Cross *Esteem Salon *Hydraulic Service, Inc. *ProBuild *B & R Mini Storage *Banda’s Bouquets *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Best Western Aladdin Inn *Busack Electric *Calportland *Columbia Security *Copies Today Speedy Litho, Inc. *Cowlitz Container & Diecutting *Edward Jones-Nick Lemiere *H & S Enterprises *Habitat For Humanity Cowlitz County *Hart Radiator *Heartsong Massage *J. L. Storedahl & Sons, Inc. *Kaiser Permanente *Les Schwab Tire Center *Longview Timber Corp *Longview Urology *Ocean Beach Self Storage *P. T. Northwest *Pacific Office Automation *Papa Pete’s Pizza – Longview *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
*Pets, Pawns & Imports *SW Washington Symphony *The UPS Store *TSYS Merchant Solutions *Washington State University Vancouver *Zip Local *Berkshire Hathaway *Cowlitz River Dental *Advanced Message & Dispatch *Beacon Hill Rehabilitation *Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc. – State Farm *Building Industry Association of Clark County *Cascade Networks, Inc. *Cascade Select Market *Columbia River Reader *Davis & Associates, CPAs, PS *Eldon Robbins Auto Sales, Inc. *Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region *Longview Downtowners *Longview Pawnbrokers & Bail Bonds *North Pacific Paper Corporation/NORPAC *Performance Sheet Metal, Inc. *Prographyx *Snap Fitness *Stageworks Northwest *Stewart Title *Super 8 of Kelso/Longview *Three Rivers Mall *Youth & Family Link *Altrusa International Inc. of Longview-Kelso *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Canterbury Inn *Columbia Ford Hyundai Nissan *Ecological Land Services, Inc. *Eoff Electric Company *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Main Branch *Jansen Flowers & Gift Gallery *KLOG/KUKN/the WAVE Radio Stations *Longview Radiologists, P.S., Inc. *Omelets & More *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation *Suburban Propane *Take Shape for Life with Brenda Courser
October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 35
Welcome Back! *Teri's Restaurant *Dream Dentistry *Reality Homes *Longview Eagles *Service Master *Ricoh *Planet Fitness *WA Division of Vocational Rehabilitation *Acupuncture Northwest *Budget Blinds of Longview *Columbia Bank - Longview Branch *Columbia Funeral Service *Columbia River Mill Outlet *Columbia Wellness *Continental Investors Services, Inc. *DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS *DSU Peterbilt *Fire Mountain Grill & Summerland Catering Services *G L Booth ~ J G Davis & Associates *Green Hills Crematory - Cascade NW Funeral Chapel *Kay Green *Lower Columbia Contractors Association *Signature Transport, Inc. *State Farm Insurance - Scott Fischer *Teague's Interiors *ASAP Business Solutions *My Agency *Area Agency on Aging Disabilities of Southwest Washington *Dino Doozer *Windemere Kelso-Longview *Advanced Dental Services, LLC *All Out Sewer & Drain Service, Inc. *Baker Lumber Company, Inc. *Brusco Tug and Barge, Inc. *Carl's Towing Service & Repair, Inc. *Carlson's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. *Cascade Natural Gas Corporation *Coldwell Banker Bain *Cole's Appliance Repair *Comfort Inn *Community Home Health & Hospice *Cutright Wholesale Plumbing Supply *Family Health Center *Interiors Plus *Life Works *Longview Housing Authority *Longview Orthopedic Associates, PLLC *Longview Public Schools *Masthead Restaurant
*McDonald's of Longview *McDonald's of Longview II *Nipp & Tuck Inc. *Ocean Beach Animal Hospital *Pacific Fibre Products, Inc. *Paperbacks Galore, Inc. *Rush Insurance/Financial Services, Inc. *Schlecht Construction, Inc. *Somerset Retirement Home and Assisted Living *T.C.'s R.V. & Mini Storage, Inc. *United Finance *Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company *Wasser & Winters Company *William (B. J. ) R. Boatsman *Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce *Interstate Wood Products, Inc. *Kalama Chamber of Commerce *Lower Columbia CAP *M & R Painting, Inc. *Mint Valley Federal Credit Union *Newrock Homes, Inc. *Northwest Auto Specialist, Inc. *Retirement Strategies *Simpson Timber Company - Longview Lumber Operations *Superior Tire Service, Inc. *Woodland Chamber of Commerce *Longview Outdoor Gallery *The OM Home *Triangle Bowl *Cowlitz County Chaplaincy *Biggs Insurance Services *Clay Bartness *Comcast *Dick Hannah Toyota *Fred Meyer, Inc. *Heritage Bank - Kelso *Heritage Bank - Longview *Longview Engineering And Design *McCord Bros. Nissan Dodge *Millennium Bulk Terminals *Minuteman Press *Professional Communication Services *Servpro of Longview/Kelso *Sierra Pacific Mortgage *Twin City Bank *Waste Control Recycling, Inc. *Woodford Commercial Real Estate *Bicoastal Media LV DBA KLYK/KRQT/ KEDO/KBAM/KPPK *Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts
36 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016
*Craig Stein Beverage *Dahl McVicker Funeral Homes *Entek Corporation *Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center *Gibbs & Olson, Inc. *Humane Society of Cowlitz County *Lemondrops Photography *Life Mortgage *Music & More D.J.s *Noelle McLean, PS *Office Depot Max *Pacific Lumber & Shipping Co. *PapĂŠ Machinery *PNE Construction *Red Canoe Credit Union *Red Canoe Credit Union - 30th *Safway Services, Inc. *Searing Electric & Plumbing *Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park *The Dog Zone *Umpqua Bank *Utilize I.T., Inc. *Walmart *Animal Health Services, Inc., PS *Arnitz, Suzanne *Baxter Auto Parts Inc. *Behrends Body Shop *Bob's Sporting Goods *Burger King - Longview (Main) *Collins Architectural Group, PS *Country Village Nutrition Shoppe and Cafe *Day Wireless Systems *Ethnic Support Council *Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill & Cantina *Foster Farms *Gallery of Diamonds *Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing *Hilander Dental *Kelso Rotary *Les Schwab Tire Center *Longview Tire Sales, Inc. *Northwest Motor Service *Overhead Door Company of Southwest Washington *Peter C. Wagner, DMD, PS *Propel Insurance *Shamrock Spirits & Grill *Shirley L. Smith *Stirling Honda *Sweet Spot Frozen Yogurt
Welcome Back! *Taco Time *The Daily News *The Roof Doctor, Inc. *Twin City Glass Co. *Twin City Service Co. *Weatherguard, Inc. *Wilcox & Flegel Oil Company *WorkPlace Wellness *WorkSource - Cowlitz/Wahkiakum *Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance *Corwin Beverage *Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc. *Educational Service District No. 112 *Emergency Support Shelter *Fairway Collections *Futcher Group *Hart C's Steakburger & Thai Food *Kelso School District *Kelso Theater Pub *Kelso-Longview Television, Inc. *KeyBank *Longview Early Edition Rotary *Longview Eye & Vision *Longview Physical & Sports Therapy *Longview Self Storage
* Mobile Mic Entertainment *Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. *Opsahl, Dawson & Company, P.S. *Renaud Electric Company, Inc. *Reprographics, Inc. *Solvay *Southwest Washington Blood Program *United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties *Willamette Dental OUR LATEST RENEWING MEMBERS *Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC *Better Business Bureau *C's Photography *Cadillac Island Casino *Cowlitz County Museum *Cowlitz Economic Development Council *Cowlitz Indian Tribe *Epson Portland *Erickson Glass Co. *Estetica Day Spa *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Castle Rock Branch *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Kelso Branch
*Fibre Federal Credit Union - Ocean Beach Branch *Fibre Federal Credit Union - West Kelso Branch *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Woodland Branch *Guesthouse Inn & Suites *Kellogg Supply, Inc. *Longview Country Club *Lower Columbia Economic Development Council *Motion Industries, Inc. *Mount St. Helens Creation Information Center *N.W. Deli Distribution, Inc. *Pathways 2020 *Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park *Progress Center *Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center *Riverview Community Bank *Sessions Plumbing & Heating, Inc. *Three Rivers Christian School *Timothy E. Nelson, DDS *Weyerhaeuser
We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction. Our Escrow Team… Why Our Service is the Difference! Since 1982, Cowlitz County Title has been the trusted 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 exceptionalservice. Leave with the secure confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and protected. Title Insurance Escrow Service ■ Residential & Commercial ■ 1031 Exchange ■ Locally Owned
Bianca Lemmons VP/Manager/LPO
Deanna Cornelison Escrow Officer
Shelby Caufman Escrow Officer
Linda Comley Escrow Officer/LPO
Leah Stanley Escrow Assistant
Rita Lawrence Escrow Assistant
Kristy Norman Escrow Assistant
■ ■
1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 ■ Phone: 360.423.5330 ■ www.cowlitztitle.com October 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 37
Ribbon Cuttings
Come On In
Kathleen Nelson, Hollie Hillman and Breanna Alleman-Nelson were front and center for the opening of Mary's Bar and Grill. Owner Kim Crosby cut the tape on Amada Senior Care, in-home care service in Longview.
38 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2016