November 2017 Business Connections

November

2017

Business Connection

Volume 9, Issue 11

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

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Just under 100 Chamber maps are currently available. The Chamber will print 15, 000 of the new version.

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MARKETING SOLUTIONS NW "We Market your Business"

Dave Baker msnw@comcast.net

Scan to Like Us on Facebook or visit

facebook.com /MarketingSolutionsNw

Chamber CEO’s Message

By Bill Marcum Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock, Visitor Information Center, Office Manager and Project Manager 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 e-mail bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month

Map a positive direction for advertising dollars We are currently working on our new 2018-

19 Kelso-Longview Chamber map and have not covered all the cost to produce the map as of yet, so there are a few advertising positions still available for both the Longview and Kelso side of the map. This is by far the most sought after publication our Chamber does and I strongly recommend you consider looking into advertising in this publication. We do this map every other year so your advertising will be good for two years, and due to the success of our last map, we are printing 15,000 maps.

We are always being asked for this local map and we also send them out in our relocation packets.

Locals and people moving into our area, along with many visitors, use this map. They are distributed to local real estate offices, insurance companies, banks, credit unions restaurants, hotels/motels and many other high traffic locations. They are distributed as far north as Castle Rock and as far south as Vancouver. Dave Baker also produces the Woodland/Kalama and Battle Ground chamber maps and will be taking some of our maps to them for distribution.

I’ve included two graphics with this column as examples, but if you would like to see what this beautiful map looks like and how your ad would For more Map, see page 2

Map, continued from page 1

Calendar

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Monday November 6 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Speaker Scott Charpentier Pacific Coast Ferilizer Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview

LONGVIEW

Friday November 3 – 7:30am Ambassador’s Meeting Columbia Bank (due to road construction) 1225 Washington Way, Longview

Wednesday November 8 – 7:30am Education Foundaton Millennium 4029 Industrial Way, Longview

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Longview Library

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Tuesday November 14 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Stewart Title 1700 Hudson Ste 20, Longview $15 in advance; $20 at the door Wednesday November 15 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting Rodan & Fields with Brigette Chamber Office All are welcome Thursday November 16 – 5:30-7:30pm LCP – Bunco Longview Eagles 1526 12th Ave, Longview $20, proceeds go to scholarship fund Thursday November 30 – 5:30-7:30pm CEDC & Chamber present Legislative Forum – all 19th and 20th District Representatives Conference Center, Longview $25 in advance; $35 at the door

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This map is copyrighted. Reproduction by any means, either electronic or mechanical, in whole or in part, without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Contact the publisher to comment or report errors/omissions at msnw@comcast.net Marketing Solutions NW PO Box 433 Battle Ground, Wa. 98625 Marketing Solutions NW All rights Reserved 2014

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Ad sizes vary and start at just $175, or a penny a map.

be presented in its true form please give me a call or shoot me an e-mail and I will bring one to your office. We have less than 100 of our local maps left here at the Chamber office, so timing is critical.

Here are the ad sizes and prices:

If you are looking for a cost effective advertising vehicle you really should look into this publication – at pennies per map – for two years of advertising, 15,000 copies in our most requested product it is a great value.

4"x 3" – $475 or 3 cents per map

Saturday December 9 – 5pm Jingle all the Way Civic Circle Register at kelsolongviewchamber.org Tuesday December 12 – 5:30-7:30pm Holiday Mixer Monticello Hotel $20 in advance, $30 at the door All proceeds to LCC Foundation Scholarship Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4 pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

1"x 3"– $175 or 1.0 cent per map 2"x 3" – $280 or 1.6 cents per map 3"x 3"– $380 or 2.3 cents per map 4.25"x 3.5" – $550 (inside panel ad) only two available or 3.3 cents per map (only one left) 4.25"x 3.5" – $600 (back cover ad) only two available 3.6 cents per map (SOLD OUT)

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PORT TALK PORT OF LONGVIEW NEWSLETTER

EGT exports millions of metric tons of grains every year - ranging from wheat to corn to soybeans.

LINKING AMERICAN FARMERS TO THE PACIFIC RIM The Port of Longview is home to EGT, the state of the art export grain terminal that came on-line in 2012. With the capacity to handle more than 8 million metric tons annually, EGT is the most efficient grain terminal in the United States and plays a key role linking farmers to families around the Pacific Rim. EGT is located at berth 9 at the Port of Longview.

5 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AT THE PORT Soybeans: This commodity is a popular agricultural product exported by EGT. Originating in the Midwest, it is regularly exported to Asian countries.

Corn: Several different grades of this important crop are exported to Asian countries and used for both livestock feed and human consumption.

Think of it this way, grain is grown in fields across the Midwest.

Once autumn rolls around, the grain is harvested and loaded onto barges and trains bound for EGT. From there, the corn is stored in silos before being transferred by conveyors onto vessels bound for countries all around the Pacific Rim. When the vessel arrives at its destination, the grain is offloaded and eventually finds its way to families who can then use the grain as food or livestock feed.

EGT and the Port of Longview play a crucial role in exporting grain to the Pacific Rim. Grains such as soybeans, corn and wheat are constantly exported through EGT to major trading

Wheat: Like soybeans and corn, wheat (in its many different

Terminal to Australia, Japan and China.

CORN

Soda Ash: Soda ash is a component in fertilizer, and is also used in manufacturing soap, detergents and glass.

This cargo is frequently exported to countries around the Pacific Rim.

CORN

While EGT primarily exports corn for animal feed, today we’re imagining that they export cans of corn for a grocery shelf. Last year, the Export Grain Terminal exported approximately 2.4 million metric tons of corn. After some conversions, that is the equivalent to 5.7 BILLION cans of corn.

CORN

DID YOU KNOW...

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…EGT is able to unload 120,000 bushels (1 bushel = 149 cups)) of grain per hour, unloading a 110-car train in less than 5 hours?

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…EGT moved more than 6 million metric tons of cargo in 2016? That is the most cargo the facility has moved since coming on-line in 2011.

CORN

CORN

It’s hard to imagine one billion cans, let alone five billion, but this just shows the massive amounts of cargo moving across EGT’s docks every year. Including corn, wheat and soybean exports, EGT moved more than 6 million metric tons of cargo in 2016!

CORN

Now that’s a lot of grain!

COMMISSIONERS

COMMISSION MEETINGS

Jeff Wilson / District 1 Doug Averett / District 2 Bob Bagaason / District 3

Regular meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am and are open to the public. Meeting times are subject to change. For more information, visit portoflongview.com.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Norm Krehbiel

PORTOFLONGVIEW.COM

The perfect combination of the Columbia River’s connectivity to the world, the Port of Longview’s location on the River and a state of the art grain export facility, makes great impacts linking farmers to families. We are thankful for our location, transportation connections and relationship with EGT, which makes the Port of Longview a hub for grain exports around the world.

Picture this - you walk into a store and see rows and rows of standard, 15 oz cans of corn. You look to your left and then to your right and realize it is more cans of corn than you could possibly fathom.

Potash: This fertilizer is exported from the new Bridgeview

...EGT was the first grain terminal built in the United States since 1983? The Port of Longview spent three years laying the groundwork for the new facility.

There are seven grain export terminals located on the Columbia River that annually export 26.5 million metric tons of grain combined. This makes the River the third largest grain export corridor in the world behind the Mississippi River and the Parana River in South America. Each year, grain exports on the Columbia River increase, connecting more and more farmers to the rest of the world.

CONVERTING CARGO TO CANS

varieties and grades) is regularly brought in from Washington, Montana and the Dakotas and exported through EGT.

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partners and is essential in maintaining connections with top trading partners - like China, Korea, Japan and the Philippines.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PORT Is there information you would like to see in Port Talk, or do you have questions related to a story that was featured? Please email info@portoflongview.com, or call 360.425.3305

T. 360-425-3305 F. 360-425-8650

10 PORT WAY LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632

Saturday, December 9 • 5:00 pm at the Civic Circle in

Historic Downtown Longview

Cost: $25 w/shirt or $20 w/o shirt.

$65 Family of 4 includes shirts. (more family registrations can be added for an additional $10 w/shirt) A portion will benefit the Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship Fund.

Prizes: First 3 Men finishers, First 3 Women, Best Group

Costume, Most Original, Griswold Brightest. Doors open at 3:30 pm and Costume Contest at 4:30

Packets: Pick-up Dec. 8, 10 am - 5 pm at Monticello Hotel

by Brigette

Company Discounts: $2 off per registration (25+

registrations or $5 off per registration (100 or more registrations) Company teams must sign up through the Chamber.

Registration Deadline: Thursday 11/30/2017 (to get shirt) Registration w/o shirt available through day of the race.

Registration: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Special Appearance by Santa at 4:00 pm!

by Brigette

Longview Chiropractic

Restored Monticello Hotel centerpiece for Longview holiday parade and tree lighting December 2 marks the Longview Downtown Partnership’s 37th annual Home for the Holidays Parade and Civic Circle Tree Lighting. In 2015, Cowlitz PUD’s Connect to Community committee began organizing the holiday parade with the hope of increasing participation, partnering with the community and to raise awareness of the economic vitality the historic downtown offers to the community.

terpiece, The Monticello Hotel. KLOG/KUKN/The Wave General Manager John Paul will serve as master of ceremonies and the Longview Downtowners will be front and center judging the floats. Santa Claus will turn on the lights and hear children’s Christmas wishes.

Please join Cowlitz PUD for this longstanding holiday tradition, sip a hot cocoa and listen to the sweet harmony of Lower Columbia College’s Bella Voce. To register for the parade simply go to: www. cowlitzpud.org/form/holiday-parade-registration

Grand Marshal Craig Dieffenbach will lead this year’s parade. Dieffenbach has led the effort to restore and revitalize the community gem and parade cen-

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12/9/17 5:00 pm - Fun Run Registration: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 5

Workforce Southwest Washington

By Alyssa Joyner Cowlitz Wahkiakum Outreach Specialist

10 ways your business can benefit from hiring veterans With Veteran’s Day approaching, it is appropriate to thank our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. One meaningful way to do that is to consider hiring veterans for your company’s open jobs.

In addition to a strong work ethic, many veterans have qualities, skills and experience that will benefit your business.

1. In addition to gaining a qualified new employee by hiring a veteran, your company may qualify for federal and state tax breaks.

• Federal Tax Savings. You can save money on your federal taxes when you hire eligible veterans through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. The amount of your tax savings varies from $2,400 to $9,600 depending on the individual you hire and the length of his or her employment.

• Wage Reimbursement. Your company may qualify for up to $5,000 in wage reimbursement if the veteran you hire receives onthe-job-training. WorkSource must screen the candidate and certify they are eligible for the program before their first day of work with your company.

• B&O or PUT Credit. Receive a credit against your Business and Occupation (B&O) tax or Public Utility Tax (PUT) from the Washington State Department of Revenue when you hire an unemployed veteran for full-time employment in Washington. Earn credits of 20 percent of wages and benefits paid to the qualified employee up to $1,500 per employee.

In addition to tax incentives, here are a few other ways your company could benefit by hiring veterans: 2. Accelerated learning curve. In addition to possessing transferable skills, veterans rapidly adapt to and adopt new skills and concepts.

3. Leadership. Veterans are trained to lead by example and understand how to manage behaviors for results in the toughest situations imaginable.

4. Teamwork. Serving in the military is all about teamwork. Veterans can blend individual and group productivity.

5. Efficient performance under pressure. Under the stress of tight schedules and limited resources, veterans know how to complete tasks correctly and on time.

6. Respect for organizational structure and procedures. By accepting responsibility and being accountable for themselves, their subordinates and superiors, Veterans understand their role within an organization’s hierarchy.

7. Current with technology. Veterans frequently have experience with the most advanced information and network technology.

8. Integrity. Veterans know what it means to do “an honest day’s work” and some have had security clearance meaning your company can benefit from their track record of trustworthiness.

9. Diversity and inclusion. Veterans have worked cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds regardless of race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion, economic status or ability.

10. Conscious of health and safety standards. Their extensive training makes veterans aware of health and safety standards for themselves and the welfare of others.

To learn more about these programs or for assistance hiring veterans, contact WorkSource Business Solutions Representative Donna Hughes at dhughes@esd.wa.gov or 360-578-4259.

Alyssa Joyner, a Navy veteran, is the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Outreach Specialist for Workforce Southwest Washington. She develops partnerships and improves the access of businesses, education and training providers and community organizations to public workforce system programs and services. Reach her at ajoyner@workforcesw.org or 360921-2966.

Locally Owned, Family Owned and Here to Stay!

Offering the best in quality and selection.

1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 218

1413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

1157 Longview, 3rd Avenue, WA Suite 98632 218 1157 3rd360.952.3100 Avenue, Suite 218 Longview, WA 98632 Longview, WA 98632 www.amadaseniorcare.com 360.952.3100 360.952.3100 www.amadaseniorcare.com www.amadaseniorcare.com

Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

By Bill Fashing Executive Director

The month of Thanksgiving

November is always a good time for reflection and for showing our thankfulness. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving holiday we have election time to be thankful for.

Some elections get more visibility than others, but every Election Day is critically important. For more than 240 years the United States citizens have cherished free elections. Some of us are thankful the crazy season is ending and the advertisements cease. We are thankful that the candidate we despised lost or the one who can do no wrong won. What we should be thankful for is that some among us are willing to serve.

People run for all kinds of reasons. It might be to right a perceived wrong or to be in a position to move a single issue agenda forward.

It might be because they want to give back and make the community a better place. Some candidates go into the process with a great deal of knowledge while others do not. Once in office, candidates learn quickly of the varied and sometimes overwhelming variety of issues and topics they need to learn about and eventually make tough decision on. Most are able to adjust perspectives and help to address the wide range of issues necessary to serve the community. Most of the candidates are able to rise above the clatter and work for the entire electorate. For them I am truly thankful.

Serving on city council, a special district, a school board or any number of other agencies is more than just attending a couple of meetings each month. It is a great deal of time and energy. It is meeting new people, learning the organization; it is collaborating with fellow elected officials, building connections with counterparts around the state, building relationships with state and federal staff members that have influence over the agencies’ operations and more.

Roads, water systems, sewers, social services, land use, airports, ferries, parks, wage freezes, economic development, environmental protection, historic preservation, fish management, rate setting and much more are among the issues successful candidates might need to engage in during their term. For each of these issues there will always be a wide spectrum of goals and ideas from constituents on how to move forward. Finding balance and the best route to move the community forward for the majority of the population can be challenging. Be thankful that people are willing to take on the issues, listen to the input from the public and walk through the grocery store and answer questions when we see them. Remember to offer your appreciation to your candidates and elected officials as you occasionally see them in our community. Don’t forget to vote!

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Lance Welch, President

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Nick Lemiere Edward Jones

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Chris Roewe Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Neil Zick, Treasurer

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Julie Rinard, Past President

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager

Joel Hanson, Past Past President

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

PeaceHealth

Linda DiLembo, President Elect Three Rivers Mall

Frank Panarra, Vice President Foster Farms

Twin City Bank

Walstead Mertsching

Community Home Health & Hospice KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

Howdy to newer sewer for manure “I love the smell of sewage in the morning,” said no one ever.

Sewage backups are an inherent part of operating a municipal sewer system, especially when a lot of your lines were installed before PVC was even invented. You might be surprised that utility-related claims are among the most common paid by the city’s insurance group.

Open invite to check out downtown Greetings from the Jewel of Southwest Washington, Longview.

We talk a lot about creating our quality of place here in the community and when taking a look at the achievements over the past several months I believe we see positive progress. The renovation on

Often misunderstood is where the responsibility of the city ends and the homeowner begins in dealing with water and sewer line issues. Residents may not know that they have responsibility for the water line on their side of the meter, or for the sewer line once it’s outside the right of way. When something goes wrong, and the citizen calls the city, only to discover that help is not forthcoming, happiness is not generally the typical response.

historic Commerce Avenue is complete at this time and several new

The Kelso city council recently heard from a company that provides insurance to utility customers to protect them in the event of water or sewer line failures. For something less than $100/year, a homeowner can be protected from the cost of sewer line failure. Another similar amount would cover exterior water line repairs.

dining. We have several new wine tasting facilities and brewpubs

The company wants the approval of the city to market these services, and to use the city logo in marketing materials. In exchange, they give the city an option to share in the revenue from the sales.

The biggest benefit to the city and our citizens, though, would be knowing that if a problem comes up, the resident isn’t going to be stuck with a bill that can blow their whole budget, and that the problem will be fixed correctly, by a qualified contractor. Repairs from unlicensed and unqualified individuals have occasionally caused our public works department trouble and homeowners huge additional costs.

WOW what a positive direction.

Interested residents can keep an eye out for more information over the next few months, should the council approve the licensing arrangement.

vation of the Lions shelter at Lake Sacajawea and the forthcoming

businesses have opened giving the downtown core a more positive image, the new fashion shops are a plus. The Outdoor Gallery has stepped up once again and provided the beautiful new sculptures that decorate the new streetscape, and the restaurants seem to be doing quite well, especially in the beautiful weather with their outside decorating the area and providing for public activity, and of course our historic Columbia Theater, Stage Works, and the Lower Columbia College with their productions, and our community symphony, Our city staff and council have also provided a positive move in creating our quality of place with the 15th Avenue renovation with ADA improvements. Your council, staff, a special committee, and our citizens have put the final touches on the long awaited ordinance for providing emergency shelters within the City of Longview, a very long but informative process. Activity taking place on the renovation of R.A. Long Park, better known as the Civic Circle, the renoway finding signs helping, not only our local citizens, but our visitors find their way around the community. We have the opportunity to provide a little extra touch toward community safety concerns with the much needed remodel of the Longview police facility providing much better work conditions for our officers and staff.

There are many more positive accomplishments driving our community to that quality of place, including education in the elementary system and our Lower Columbia College. I believe we can be proud of the positive direction that has been achieved and look forward to the participation of the community to move forward. If you

Residential & Commercial gro.n.control@gmail.com

are looking for a quality of place to bring your family and friends to, may I suggest taking a good long and positive look at the Jewel of Southwest Washington, LONGVIEW.

8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

Cowlitz County Commissioners

By Dennis Weber

Cowlitz County commissioners name Axel Swanson chief of staff

Former Cowlitz County Commissioner Axel Swanson has been named Chief of Staff for the current Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Swanson, a Castle Rock resident, was employed as the research director for the Washington State Association of Counties in Olympia and will join the county in mid-November.

“The Board of Commissioners looks forward to Mr. Swanson heading up the County Executive Management team upon approval of the contract,” Commissioner Joe Gardner explained. “With his depth of knowledge and experience, we have confidence that he will be successful in improving the quality of service delivered to the citizens of Cowlitz County. Gardner was first elected in 2014 and became chair last January.

The Commissioners decided to hire a Chief of Staff following the announcement that veteran budget director Claire Hauge, director of the Office of Financial Management, would be retiring in January 2018. To ensure this move is budget-neutral to the general fund, she recommended that two positions in OFM not be filled, including hers. Hauge recommended Mr. Swanson for the new position. “I am absolutely thrilled Mr. Swanson has agreed to join the county,” she said.

The changes come after years of discussion at the County on how to improve the coordination, communication, and effective decisionmaking among department heads, elected officials and the board.

“Under the current decentralized system, there was a lot of wasted time at staff meetings, department heads felt that direction from the board was inconsistent, and commissioners felt their decisions were constantly being delayed,” Commissioner Dennis Weber explained.

“It takes forever to make changes,” he continued, “It reminds me of steering an aircraft carrier. It takes a long time to change direction.”

Weber is the senior member of the Board of Commissioners, serving since 2013.

The Chief of Staff will be responsible for managing the executive and administrative functions between county departments and between those departments and elected officials. Directly reporting to

him initially will be managers and directors of Information Technology, Facilities Maintenance, Purchasing Services, Financial Management, Risk Management, Human Resources, Visitor and Community Services, Museum, Public Works and Building and Planning.

Law and justice agencies, other elected officials, and the health and human services departments will coordinate budget expenditures and personnel decisions through the Chief of Staff.

“With this hire, we are starting with a budget-neutral move toward a new structure which will eventually lead to all departments reporting to a traditional county manager,” explained Commissioner Arne Mortensen, who joined the commission last January.

Axel Swanson is currently the Director of Research for the Washington State Association of Counties. He has a law degree and master’s degree from Vermont Law School and a bachelor of arts, political science degree from Gonzaga University. Swanson grew up in Cowlitz County, graduating from both R.A. Long and Lower Columbia College. While an R.A. Long student, Swanson served as ASB president and welcomed U.S. President Bill Clinton at a huge campaign rally in 1996. He served for six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve earning the rank of sergeant. In 2006 Swanson was elected county commissioner and served a single four-year term. He then worked for Clark County as a Senior Policy Analyst.

In 2013, Swanson graduated from Leadership Clark County and was recognized by the Vancouver/Southwest Washington Business Journal as a member of their 2014 class of Most Accomplished and Under 40. He lives with his wife and daughter in Castle Rock.

“I am so excited for Axel,” said Eric Johnson, executive director of the Washington State Association of Counties and Mr. Swanson’s current supervisor. “Axel’s work on county issues from a statewide perspective will serve him well in his new role in Cowlitz County.

Axel has been an excellent member of our staff and phenomenally respected by county elected and appointed officials throughout our state. While it is a tremendous loss for our organization, I am thrilled he is staying in the county family and will be a tremendous asset for Cowlitz County.”

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9

Thursday, November 30th Cowlitz Conference Center 5:30pm - 7:30pm It has been a crazy election this past few months and still no capital budget and the Hirst issue hangs over every residential building permit issued in the state of Washington involving a well on the property. This will be a great opportunity for you to speak with our legislators, ask questions about predictive scheduling, the new family paid leave bill passed last session, B&O manufacturing proposal rate and the power of the ecology department.

$25 in Advance (by Nov. 27th) $35 at the door.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres, coffee, sodas and a no host bar.

Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Dean Takko State Senator, 19th Legislative District

Brian Blake Representative 19th Legislative District

Ed Orcutt , Representative 20th Legislative District

Richard DeBolt Representative 20th Legislative District

John Braun State Senator, 20th Legislative District

Applied Applications Inc.

Jim Walsh State Representative 19th Legislative District

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

By Ted Sprague

Executive Director

Find the good in our neighborhood

One of my favorite quotes is from world-renown author Alex Haley when he said, “Find the good and praise it.” It is a simple statement that seems lost in the noise and nonsense of our social media lives.

While the concept of “if it bleeds, it leads” is nothing new, it seems exacerbated by the masses having access to the world through social media, comment sections and blogs.

I never imagined a day where “fake news” would become a commonly known phrase. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the good and praise it when there is so much negativity and anger being spewed forth online. After living in Cowlitz County for more than 17 years, I have witnessed many good times and many difficult times in our economy. Currently the Cowlitz County unemployment rate is at an all time low of 5.4 percent (2,486 people unemployed) and new businesses are starting up at a fast pace. I do not think we take the time to think about the progress we have made since the great recession when our unemployment rate in January of 2010 hit 15 percent with 7,115 unemployed.

We are experiencing great frustration with the permitting pro-

cess in the state and the setbacks for two projects in particular that could bring more than $2.5 billion in capital investment to Cowlitz County. Despite that we are still seeing economic activity with the location of Columbia PreCast and expansion of PackSource as two recent examples. The retail sector is seeing high growth with investments made by Panera Bread, the Red Kitchen, Posh on Commerce, Antidote Tap House, Tibbetts Mercantile, Siam Spice, Kyoto Sushi Steakhouse, McMenamins, J Squared Barrel House, the Monticello Hotel and many other local favorites that are thriving.

Progress is being made on many fronts and behind the scenes the CEDC is seeing an uptick in industrial and manufacturing projects that will meet the needs of those looking for work or those trying to improve their work situation.

I encourage everyone to put down the mobile device, set aside the laptop, get off the computer and engage in your community the old fashioned way. Have a conversation at one of our many fine restaurants, coffee shops or retail stores with a friend or colleague and appreciate all that Cowlitz County has to offer.

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

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

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

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11

1700 Hudson Street, Suite 102, LV

Tuesday, November 14th 5:30pm ~ 7:30pm

Tickets $15 advance / $20 at door Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call 360.423.8400

Business After Hours

All Smiles

General Manager Rick Little and Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park hosted our October Business After Hours.

Thank you Red Kitchen for catering, and all those who provided prizes for our drawing.

There were plenty of winners like Michelle from Millennium.

More than 60 members attended the event.

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

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13

Business Toolbox

By Jerry D. Petrick

Certified Business Advisor

Can your business survive a major construction project or emergency?

Plan now for slow seasons or unforeseen events Can your business survive a family medical emergency, unplanned weather event or eight months of road construction?

Hope is not a strategy What would you do differently if you knew your business was going to bring in half of the income for the next eight months? What would happen if a key employee suddenly became ill or moved? Do you have enough reserves to survive a major equipment break down?

There are things that a business owner can do to prepare for planned slow-downs or emergencies. This article by ThriveHive has some great tips for marketing in a slow time.

Here are a few other suggestions and ideas: Budget and plan ahead Work with your business advisor to plan out the next year. Look at different best and worst case scenarios and see what changes you can make to lower expenses or increase revenues. If you will need a line of credit to get through a major construction zone,

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now is the time to prepare.

Band together Businesses in certain neighborhoods or districts may look at partnering up for special events to draw customers in during a slow time. For example, think about hosting a pop-up jewelry or art show at a brewpub, or a sports team fundraiser at a restaurant.

Identify and support your regular customers Your current customers can be your best advocates in a downturn. Think of ways you can engage your neighborhood customers – maybe a passport or reward program specifically for a time when the streets are a mess. Engage in social media to let them know your hours, parking lots and construction routes. Think about: flash sales, locals nights, or private parties.

The bottom line is to be proactive. Develop a budget or strategy to keep the doors open during a difficult time. Fall is a good time to plan for the next year, let’s get together today to work on your business.

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, and Certified Business Advisor 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 e-mail jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

2017 Holiday Mixer Save the Date!

The Monticello Hotel circa 1925

The Monticello Hotel circa 2017

Grand Ballroom 1925

Grand Ballroom 2017

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Ticket includes two beverages and delicious food from the Monticello Hotel as well as entry into some great raffle prizes and celebration with over 200 holiday attendees!

Register today at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

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Local. Local. Local.

It's all about your local community With the holiday season soon to be upon us, your local retailers, service providers and small businesses in the Kelso-Longview area continue to find themselves in an ongoing battle to keep their customers, both old and new, at home, in town rather than going down Interstate 5 or unto the Internet!

These local retailers, service providers and small businesses know that LOCAL awareness to “who they are” and “what they do” will grow and enrich their local business, service or small company AND the Kelso-Longview community.

That LOCAL awareness, the information and guidance about their business and themselves happens through a LOCAL advertising and marketing investment in their LOCAL media. That LOCAL media provides and creates the information resource and marketplace for your community through LOCAL news and advertising.

You know, as a local business professional, the importance of investing in your LOCAL hometown or community.

What about your customers and clients? What about your community’s retailers, service providers, small businesses, and shoppers (and buyers)?

Why should you, your associates, your friends and your neighbors shop locally?

Good question!

Here are five responses and five community benefits to share with your associates, your friends and your neighbors about the importance and value of shopping at home…shopping in your local Kelso-Longview community...shopping with your hometown retailers and service providers.

• It’s an Investment in Your Community! Shopping and buying in your community is an investment. Your dollars spent locally for goods and services STAY IN YOUR COMMUNITY, helping to build schools, hospitals and fund essential services like police, fire, parks and recreation.

• It Fosters Economic Growth Today and Tomorrow! Shopping dollars spent locally help small businesses, owned and operated by your neighbors and friends, GROW. New businesses, both retail and service providers, start up when encouraged by the local economic and vitality. Business growth and new business startups increase variety offering a broad assortment of goods and

16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

services...All COMPETITIVELY PRICE. • It’s Giveback! When you shop and buy locally you’re helping your community’s business men and women support a wide range of needed community services and charitable projects... senior centers, local food banks, day-care facilities...with time, talent and money.

• It’s FUN and It’s Personal! Errands to run…things to pick up are FUN, easy and convenient to do inasmuch as local merchants and service providers KNOW your community, KNOW you and are AVAILABLE to meet your day-to-day needs helping to solve life’s little problems.

The best advice and the best value, always come from someone you KNOW! • What Goes Around...Comes Around! Investing in local businesses with your shopping dollars fosters growth in your community...adding additional employment opportunities for your family, friends, neighbors and maybe even YOU! Shopping dollars invested locally stay in your community, funding essential services, while possibly REDUCING your tax dollars.

Helping the retailers in your community create a public awareness of “who they are” and “what they do or sell” helps your community, your retailer, your business, your family and you GROW. LOCAL advertising and marketing dollars invested in LOCAL media best represent your community through a LOCAL environment of news and advertising creating an information source and marketplace for your community. © 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 e-mail: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.

Lower Columbia College

By Chris Bailey

President

Our open door is our greatest strength

Community colleges in Washington are open enrollment by law.

That means we serve anyone and everyone who comes to the door.

While this might seem like a challenge, it is, in fact, one of our greatest strengths. Perhaps our greatest strength.

and graduated from LCC with honors in 2015. Cheyenne received a full scholarship to Washington State University Vancouver, where he graduated with an engineering degree (again with honors) in May 2017.

It means we get to meet and receive inspiration from amazing people like Cheyenne DeFrates, a 2015 Lower Columbia College graduate who just landed his dream job with JH Kelly after some productive networking at the LCC Foundation’s recent gala event.

KapStone Paper and Packaging offered Cheyenne an internship the summer after his junior year at WSUV, which led to another internship after he received his engineering degree. However, it wasn’t until Cheyenne was invited to speak at the LCC’s Foundation gala in September of this year that he met representatives from his current employer, JH Kelly. They set up an interview, and Cheyenne was offered a position the next day. He was thrilled to accept.

Cheyenne’s path to success was decidedly nontraditional. After his parents divorced he lost the steady influence of his father, and Cheyenne started drinking and smoking marijuana regularly. At 18, he received his first of many driving-under-the-influence violations. All told, Cheyenne was booked into the Cowlitz County jail 23 times.

Becoming a father while still in his teens provided something of a wake-up call, and Cheyenne landed an electrician’s apprenticeship.

The lure of drugs and alcohol was too strong at that time, however, and eventually led to his dismissal from the program. Afterward, the downward spiral of addiction continued with his introduction to heroin and meth.

After several years of doing drugs and surfing couches, Cheyenne once again decided to try to turn his life around. He moved to Alaska to work, but his addiction woes merely transitioned to severe and chronic alcoholism. Eventually his behavior landed him in prison in Oregon. Not wanting to return to his previous life, he wrote to LCC from prison and requested an enrollment packet.

In 2010, Cheyenne moved into the local Oxford House and started attending classes at LCC. Although he initially placed into the lowest level of pre-college math, he rigorously applied himself to his studies

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Although he is the architect of his own life, Cheyenne credits LCC with giving him the tools he needed to be successful. He writes: None of this would have been possible without the skills and mindset I received at LCC. I went from being lazy and unorganized to finding a purpose. I learned discipline, how to meet deadlines, how to set goals, and even more important, how to meet them. Every bit of success made me hungry for more, I accepted nothing less than the best I could do.

When I went to WSUV I found that we were better prepared than our other classmates. All 6 of us who transferred earned a 3.0 or better, and even more importantly, we all have careers!! What LCC meant to me was a lifeline when I was drowning, calm from the storm that was my life, stability, and an opportunity to realize my dreams, which is something I had given up on long before. LCC did nothing short of help lay the foundation for the man I am today, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Everything good in my life has been a direct result of the changes I made while at LCC. I am no longer my past. ~Cheyenne DeFrates

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In The News

Community Home Health & Hospice hosts Light Up Your Night! November 10 The public is invited to Light Up Your Night! November 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the E. Kenneth Henderson Memorial Garden, 1000 12th Ave., in Longview. Visit the garden to light a luminary in memory of a loved one and enjoy refreshments. Special luminaries will be available to honor veterans. Those who are not able to attend may stop by the business offices at 1035 11th Ave., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 10 to create a luminary.

Community members may also contact Michelle Honey at 360-4145408 or michelle.honey@chhh.org to request staff light a luminary for a loved one during the event.

Community Home Health & Hospice (Community) has cared for Cowlitz County patients and families for 40 years. In 1984, they opened the state’s first freestanding hospice care center in Longview.

Through the years, thousands of lives have been touched by their hospice programs and received grief support. Grief support is free for everyone in the community, not only hospice families.

Community’s president and CEO Greg Pang said, “Hospice combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing the end of life. Through this specialized quality care, we see many patients and their families experience more meaningful moments together.

Our highly-trained hospice staff ensures that patients find dignity, respect, and love during life’s most difficult journey.”

For more information about Light Up Your Night! contact Honey at the number listed above. To see all Community Home Health & Hospice events go to www.chhh.org/events/.

sion President Doug Averett. “I’m looking forward to a long-term partnership that will bring additional economic vitality to our region.”

The Port sought a new operating tenant for Bridgeview Terminal following the expiration of its contract with Kinder Morgan. The process included issuing both a Request for Interest and for Proposal to ensure maximized use of the terminal

Pickup of leaves from City owned trees runs through January From October through January, leaves from City of Longview maintained trees may be placed in the street for pick up by the City’s Stormwater Division.

“It is important that we remove fallen leaves from these areas so that vehicles and pedestrian traffic can move safely throughout the city, and to minimize flooding due to clogged catch basins,” said Stormwater Supervisor Mike Ward. “Our crews use shovels and pitchforks, and street sweepers, front-end loaders and dump trucks, to load and haul leaves to pre-designated areas for composting.”

Ward asks that the following guidelines be followed when placing leaves in City streets, which are considered public rights of way: •

Place only leaves from City-maintained trees. Yard debris is

For more News, see page 19

eBill

Port of Longview inks lease with International Raw Materials The Port of Longview Board of Commissioners recently entered into an agreement with International Raw Materials (IRM) to lease the Port’s Bridgeview Terminal. IRM previously operated at the Port from 1981-2001.

IRM, headquartered in Philadelphia, Penn., proposes maximizing throughput of existing terminal infrastructure – focusing primarily on the export of bulk minerals, fertilizers and grains. While they operate several West Coast facilities, IRM intends to make Longview their flagship location for dry-bulk cargo exports.

“IRM appreciates the opportunity to return to a Port and a community that played a significant role in our company’s history and intends to grow and sustain commodity volumes through the facility and increase job frequency and revenue,” said IRM Vice President Tim Mahoney. “We have immediate intentions to improve existing components of the bulk loadout facility, while working to expand the on-site rail footprint.”

In April of 2016, the Board of Commissioners adopted the Strategic Business Plan as a roadmap to generate jobs and economic growth for our region. By signing with IRM, the Port is working in fulfillment of its goal to maximize use of under-utilized assets, as identified in the plan.

“Based on their previous operating record at the Port, I’m confident IRM will successfully operate Bridgeview Terminal,” said Commis18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

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•

the property owner’s responsibility. Leaves from non-City owned trees can be taken to the Waste Control Transfer Station through April 15 for a fee.

ter supervisor at 360-442-5621.

Place leaves in rows about one foot from the curb to allow for drainage. This also makes it easier for the street sweeper to pick them up. If the sweeper is unable to pick the leaves up, a street crew will remove them with a front-end loader.

City seeks proposals for governmental relations/legislative lobbying services

•

Do not put branches or sticks in leaf piles as it may damage the sweeper.

•

Be patient. Leaf pick up is on a structured schedule and will be picked up as soon as possible.

•

Help prevent flooding on your street by clearing leaves from catch basin grates until City crews are able to pick up the leaves on your street.

Any questions about leaf pickup may be directed to the stormwa-

The City of Longview is seeking proposals from qualified consultants/firms/individuals to represent the City’s state legislative interests. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. November 8. The City will receive all proposals at the Longview City Hall Executive Office, 1525 Broadway St., or PO Box 128 Longview, Wash., 98632. For information, contact Dave Campbell at 360-442-5004 or david.campbell@ ci.longview.wa.us.

Complete details are available at www.mylongview.com/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3247.

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Kelso School District

Longview Public Schools

Director of Teaching and Learning Kim Yore

Superintendent Dan Zorn

Educating the educator in district One in five Washington teachers leave the profession within the first four years of their teaching career. Of all levels of experience, attrition rates for beginning teachers (at 22.4 percent) are the highest. According to a 2016 study by the Learning Policy Institute, new teacher induction and support is a major factor. The Kelso School District is doing something about that.

With robust professional learning and mentoring programs, Kelso School District is becoming known throughout the state for its extensive system of support – particularly for new teachers.

First-, second- and third-year teachers in the Kelso School District benefit from BEST (Beginning Educator Support Team) and the City University Inspire Grant. Facilitated by Kelso School District and supported by Educational Service District (ESD) 112, BEST is a state-sponsored program to attract, train and retain novice teachers. New teachers are paired with experienced mentors who observe them, offer feedback, and even model teaching on occasion. Then once a month the new teachers come together with their mentors and colleagues in the evening for a group learning session, where they’re fed dinner and paid for their time.

While many districts offer the BEST program, Kelso is one of the few to engage ALL their new teachers throughout the teacher induction experiences. Another way Kelso’s support of teachers stands out is with appointed Teacher Leaders.

“Teacher Leaders are present in most districts,” said Mike Esping, coordinator of Educational Initiatives and Professional Learning at ESD 112. “What’s different in Kelso is that they’re designated, involved in the monthly professional learning sessions and teachers can call on them for support.” Kelso has 62 Teacher Leaders on the roster, spread across the district.

“They’re breaking barriers of isolation by creating communities of learning,” acknowledged Esping.

The district has been busy all summer putting together pages and pages of professional learning support opportunities for novice and experienced educators, alike, for every subject, specialty and grade level. In addition to the impressive quantity, offerings are also customized.

“All professional development is differentiated based on what the teachers need,” said Kim Yore, director of Teaching and Learning for Kelso School District. Every month, teachers are asked what instruction they would benefit from most? Subsequent trainings are based on those responses. “We really listen to our teachers.”

Kelso’s professional learning support, by the numbers: • 3 times a year teachers get Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) training • 52 teachers traveled out of town for intensive AVID training this summer For more Kelso Schools, see page 21 20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

Strategic plan and review complete On October 27, the Longview Pubic Schools conducted its annual strategic plan review process, which culminated in three teams made up of community, staff, and school board members visiting our district’s schools. These tours are designed to allow committee members firsthand insight into the action steps being taken by each of our schools to meet the goals that are outlined in each school’s improvement plan. Our schools’ goals are built around two districtwide goals: 1. Improved student achievement levels, and 2. Improved climate and culture.

These goals focus on achievement in reading and mathematics with a district wide emphasis on improving our district’s graduation rates.

We believe literacy is the most important thing we do. To that end, we are focused on improving literacy levels of all students and challenging our teachers, regardless of grade level or content area, to provide rigorous reading and writing opportunities each day. All teachers share in the responsibility of assuring our students read and write effectively and are able to engage in intelligent and critical discourse.

Additionally, we seek to improve instruction through: 1. Adherence to clear and rigorous curricular standards, 2. Providing quality instruction, and 3. Providing effective feedback.

Our school improvement plans assure the three instructional focus areas are priorities and our delivery of these ideals is always improving. We recognize that we have much work to do to improve student achievement levels and that the quality of our focus and the clarity of our actions will have a tremendous impact on our students’ future success.

Our school improvement plans are also reflective of our belief that the high school diploma is our student’s first ticket to success. Graduation rates are driven, in part, by the degree to which we are able to provide a positive, caring, and nurturing climate and culture for the students we serve. The relationships we build with students and the relevance and responsiveness of the curricular and extra-curricular opportunities we provide are of paramount importance in our efforts to improve graduation rates. We embrace our responsibility to provide a system that is responsive to the needs of the students we serve.

I am grateful for the community members who are volunteering their time to provide an audience for the sharing of our school and district improvement efforts. Together we have the best opportunity to provide the excellent education each of our students deserves.

Kelso Schools, continued from page 20 • 3 times a year every kindergarten through fifth grade teacher gets trained on Full Option Science System (FOSS) kits for science • 62 teacher leaders get subject-specific trainings during the year, then they teach the other teachers in their schools • 9 schools have Instructional Coaches onsite that meet with every teacher, and take extra time with struggling teachers, even helping them teach if needed • 100 percent of Kelso teachers, kindergarten through fifth grade, receive Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) training from the district’s nationally certified trainer.

• 4 Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSA) in the district provide on-going support for other teachers. Two for English Language Learners (ELL), one in assessment, and one for special education • 3 times each month trainings are offered for highly capable cluster teachers

• 4 times a year teachers receive specialized training on the Teacher/ Principal Evaluation Process (TPEP) so they understand how they’re being evaluated • 3 Instructional Criteria Framework and Feedback Specialists (ICFFS) in the district (most districts have one) provide training indistrict and statewide • 3 times a year third through fifth grade teachers get trained on gap analysis • New teachers receive continuous training and mentoring throughout the year from experienced teachers through the BEST (Beginning Educator Support Team) and Inspire Program to help them • 3 times a year trainings are offered on co-teaching for special and general education teachers who team up for some subjects • Instructional Coaches receive monthly training

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PeaceHealth St. John – Wellness in the Workplace Susie Griffin

Wellness Services Coordinator

5 steps to a balanced, stress less life In August, I introduced the first of the five essential steps we will be covering over the remaining months of 2017; saying goodbye to this year and hello to a more balanced, stress less life. Hopefully you found time between meetings, employee reviews, conference calls and putting out corporate fires to read the article. If you did, congratulations!

You just implemented the first step concept: you stopped. Although reading the article isn’t a complete indoctrination, it shares a vital component: breaking out of our habitual way of thinking and doing by making a conscious decision to stop. Making a conscious decision will lead us directly to the second step, forgive. Forgiving your negative thoughts actions and behaviors and replacing it with empathy, compassion and peace. Your mind and body will thank you, which brings us to our third step: Asking and Giving.

Navigating the road of difficult conversations within the workplace either with staff, coworkers or management can be bumpy. One important piece of consideration to help smooth out those bumps, make your communication clearer and save everyone’s sanity is to pay attention to the way in which you ask for what you need. Regardless if your need is a certain task to be completed in a certain timeframe or to incite brainstorming to resolve a problem, asking in a way that is respectful helps create a culture with less resistance, more compas-

sion and connection.

NVC, or Non Violent Communication, created by Marshall Rosenberg, PhD in the 1960s is a communication process that helps transition conflict into connection within dialogue and conversations. In Marshall Rosenberg’s own words, “When our communication supports compassionate giving and receiving, happiness replaces violence and grieving.” Sounds easy but how do we get there? Begin by asking yourself this question, do you Request or Demand someone to do something? To help answer this question, describe your reaction to your question when the answer was no or that person hesitated or there was a begrudging or reluctant “yes.” Did you become defensive?

If your answer is yes, then your question was probably asked in a Demanding way rather than a Requesting way. To differentiate the importance between these two, “demanding” someone to do something elicits immediate resistance and eventually resentment. It also can imply consequences and seem threatening. “Requesting” someone to do something heightens creativity and brings fresh eyes and ideas to problem solving. It still allows the requesting party to communicate a need that requires attention and at the same time it invites the requested audience to come up with possible innovative approaches For more PeaceHealth, see page 23

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PeaceHealth, continued from page 22 to fulfilling the need. It minimizes being seen as controlling and manipulative.

Some in business may see requesting needs in this way as being a sign of weakness and lack of leadership. They would be wrong. In a recent article in Forbes magazine, “Every leader has vulnerability. The greatest leaders have the self-awareness to recognize this fact.

They also recognize that showing their vulnerability is a sign of courage and strength.” A leader who expresses their needs in a requesting way shows a bit of vulnerability. Being this authentic, genuine and open, resonates throughout the workforce and allows them to reciprocate communication in the same way.

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“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.”

Sigmund Freud Another important tool to help smooth out that communication road is extending gratitude to your staff and peers. The benefits of gratitude are not only helpful in the workplace, but healthful as well. According to Robert A. Emmons, professor of psychology at University of California-Davis, the leading researcher on the effects of gratitude, some of the impactful health benefits include: •

Improved restful sleep

•

Increased empathy

•

Lowered rates of PTSD

•

Reduced depressive and anxiety bouts

•

Increased self-confidence and self esteem

While thank yous written in e-mail form or left on voice mail are one way to acknowledge a job well done, personal notations make a lasting impression. Thank you notes and saying so in person is positively impactful. This deepens the sense of connection, trust and loyalty. And those qualities are helpful to any business’s bottom line. www.nvc.org https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidkwilliams/2013/07/18/the-best-leaders-arevulnerable/#254afe703c1d http://emmons.faculty.ucdavis.edu

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October Ambassador of the Month Carrie Medack Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation

Chamber treats Medack to October honor Getting into the Halloween spirit of the recent Spooktacular was just one of the reasons that cemeted Carrie Medack as the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s October Ambassador of the Month.

Medack is a mortgage loan officer with Diamond Residential Mortgage, where she believes in walking each customer through the origination process and remaining actively involved with them through closing. She tries to make the process painless and is motivated by the smile on a

customer’s face when they take ownership of their new home.

She has been a mortgage lending professional since 1998 and a Chamber Ambassador since 1991. She donned a red coat as a way to network with other business leaders.

In addition to her Chamber Ambassador duties, Medack is a member of the Kelso-Longview Elks, Ladies of the Elks, where, from time to time, she shows off her hidden talent of lip-sync performances.

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.

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Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

By Chris Skaugset

Director – Longview Public Library

SCORE one of many tools to help

small business/entrepreneurs thrive We have some exciting things to tell you about this month. First of all, we have been reaching out to the small business/entrepreneur community for the past few years, hence this column, and have built some positive and useful tools and resources for current business owners and all of the future small business/entrepreneurs and want to let everyone know what the Library has to help you in your quest to open, grow, finance, or manage your own business. Second, we are looking to partner with more organizations in the community to bring more resources to potential small business owners. Last, but definitely not least, we want to show off two of the many new books available for small business/entrepreneurial growth you can check out from our in-house and digital collections.

Since January of this year, the Library has been hosting a number of small business related classes presented by SCORE (Mentors to Small Business) at no charge to the attendees. We will be hosting a series again next year – free to attendees again – beginning January 27. SCORE representatives have also been available for one-on-one mentoring for starting a small business. If you are interested in becoming a SCORE mentor for small business, they can always use your expertise and you would be able to mentor future entrepreneurs in our community.

Also, beginning very soon, we will be offering access to a brand new database, the Gale Small Business Builder. Gale Small Business Builder is a step-by-step online planning tool for starting, managing and optimizing a business or nonprofit. The program’s intuitive dashboard walks users through five areas of exploration in order to develop a business plan focused on long-term success. Areas include the Entrepreneur Profile which helps users explore what they can bring to the table as an entrepreneur and assess where they stand in preparing to start a business. A one-page summary of them as an entrepreneur is generated. With The Business Ideation users can employ tools such as Lean Canvas, SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, and more to plan the high-level framework in which their business will operate. The Break-Even Analysis delivers insight to determine when a user’s business will be able to cover expenses and begin to realize a profit. Business Plans creates a plan that can be presented to potential investors and lenders, including Executive Summary, Lean Business Plan, Full Business Plan, and Strategic Marketing Plan. And finally, there is Financial Projections, a robust analysis of a company’s financial future encompassing capital expenditures, sales, equity, and inventory. It’s a relatively new database that we believe will be a great benefit to those in our community who are ready to take the next step toward small business ownership, especially when added to the market research database Reference USA, which allows potential business owners to gather information about already existing business/markets in the area. Both of these databases, plus others, are/will be available at the Library and through the Library’s

web page for cardholders.

In our effort to provide the best resources and tools available, we are reaching out to the community to find partners to work with to make the Library the small business hub/incubator in Longview.

This new space will be at the Library where you can not only access the first-rate databases described above, but find out who and what you need to connect to as you’re planning to start your own business.

The premise is that whether it’s the City of Longview or the State of Washington, you will be able to find the information you need in one convenient place. Help will be available to you in the form of books, flyers, business cards, checklists, etc. and also through monthly drop-in sessions where you could speak to someone in community development, SCORE, the local Small Business Development Centers representative, or local banks and credit unions to get answers to your questions. As our building study continues, we are including ideas about what this space might look like in the future and what it will contain. Some ideas discussed include shared workspace and access to technology. Whether you would like to partner in some way, or if you have any ideas as to what we could offer to help you, please contact me and let me know.

Finally, I want to point you in the direction of a couple new books you can access through the Library. The first is “Upside: Profiting from the Profound Demographic Shifts Ahead” by Kenneth Gronbach. Demographer Gronbach argues that generational differences have always had a profound impact on markets and economies. In this interesting book he synthesizes a great deal of demographic data discussing the upcoming changes as the Baby Boomers retire and the Millenials, increasingly, join the workforce and how to best target new and promising trends. Whether you’re an investor, marketer, executive, or entrepreneur, this book helps you spot the potential for profits in our world of ever-shifting demographics. Carrie Green’s book “She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become and Wildly Successful Entrepreneur” is the other book I wanted to mention this month. Green has written an excellent book for women who want to take control of their ideas, their lives, and their future by starting their own business. The author has presented a book full of personal stories, tips and exercises to inspire the reader to get into action toward achieving their dreams. This is a realistic and practical guide that should speak to today's creative, ambitious and talented generation of female entrepreneurs, as well as those who wish to join their ranks by following their dreams. You can download this book to your digital device through Hoopla. All you need to do is create an account using your library card number and pin through the Hoopla app, which you can download wherever you get your apps, and check it out. With Hoopla you can check out up to five items per month and you don’t have to wait in a long hold line or pay any fines because it can never be late.

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25

Ribbon Cuttings

Roll Out the Barrel

In addition to a ribbon cutting ceremony, Janel at J Squared Barrel House gave Chamber Ambassadors some tips on the business.

It's a Snap

Chamber Ambassadors flexed some muscle as they welcomed Scott Whitten and the team at Snap Fitness.

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

26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

Ribbon Cuttings

Bridal Bliss

Ambassadors welcomed Grace's Bridal Boutique to the Chamber. The shop is located at 1315 Hemlock St., Longview.

New Kid in Town

Welcome to the Chamber Tibbetts Mercantile

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27

Chamber Connection

Vote Yes!

Jo Brewer with Vote YES! for Longview Public Schools talked about supporting the upcoming bond to fund new and upgraded elementary schools, and Longview City Councilman Ken Botero stopped by for a chat about volunteer opportunities.

“Your Chamber Connection� EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fisher-Clark, United Way, Karen Sisson, NORPAC, and Lindsey Cope with the Chamber.

Stream live at www.kedoam.com Local guest and current events 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2018

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

Chamber Connection

Business as Usual

Peter Bennett with Millennium Bulk Terminals came on the air to say, "The report of our demise is greatly exaggerated."

A group of great kids from the Youth and Family Link Afterschool Programs stopped in to chat about the free magic show they were hosting that night.

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

November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 29

New Members

Add your business to our growing membership – Call 360-423-8400 Today!

Tibbetts Mercantile Marnie Harris 1215 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA 98632 360-430-2609 My Teriyaki and Sushi Michael Gaspard 902 14th Ave. Longview, WA 98632 360-423-6441

Square Peg Consulting Frank McShane 2655 Pacific Way Longview, WA 98632 360-562-1077

Action Business Furniture Michelle Fetzberger 2316 4th Ave. E. Olympia, WA 98506 360-539-7622

Highlander Place c/o Inlivant Russ Chittock 114 Courderoy Rd. Kelso, WA 98626 360-636-2319

Summerland Enterprises dba Red Kitchen Cocktails & Taps Mike Cosetta 848 15th Ave. Longview, WA 98632 360-957-1025

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

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

Summerland Enterprises dba Fire Mountain Grill Mike Cosetta 9440 Spirit Lake Hwy. Toutle, WA 98649 360-957-1025

Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.

• Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication

Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours

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

• Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo

30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | November 2017

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

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

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

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.

Lower Columbia Professionals

Hosted by

Longview Eagles #2116 Thursday, November 16, 2017 1526 12th Avenue, Longview 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm $20 per person (includes food) Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org All proceeds go to the LCP Scholarship Fund

BE

S! E G A VER

PRIZES!

FOOD!

FUN!

Night

2018 Thank you to everyone who signed up to host a Business After Hours in 2018. We appreciate your support!

January 9: Stirling Honda February 13: PeaceHealth St. John’s March 13: J2 Barrel House April 10: Monticello Park May 8: Columbia Bank June 12: Fire Mountain Grill July 10: Community Home Health & Hospice August 14: Community September 11: Cowlitz Indian Tribe October 9: KUKN/Cinema of Horrors November 13: Tibbetts Mercantile December 11: Monticello Hotel (Holiday Mixer)

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.

Advanced Message & Dispatch Beacon Hill Rehabilitation Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc. – State Farm Building Industry Association of Clark County Cascade Select Market Columbia River Reader Davis & Associates, CPAs, PS Eldon Robbins Auto Sales, Inc. Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region Last Mile, Inc. Longview Downtowners Longview Pawnbrokers North Pacific Paper Corporation/NORPAC Performance Sheet Metal, Inc. Prographyx Stageworks Northwest Stewart Title Super 8 of Kelso/Longview Three Rivers Mall Youth & Family Link November 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 33

Q

s

uatch Fest

Saturday, January 27, 2018 Cowlitz County Convention Center 10 am - 10 pm SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Mount St Helens Event Sponsor • $10,000 or (2) $5000 Available Logo on all marketing material as “Event” Sponsor. Named in all radio, print and social media advertising. Prime booth space at the event.

Banner at event, logo on website & facebook as “Event” Sponsor.

Also includes 100/50 tickets, lanyards and shirts. Value:$25,000/$12,000

Hoffstadt Bluff Sponsor • $2500

Logo on marketing material, website, social media. 25 tickets to sQuatch Fest, display your banner at event. Booth space. Be the exclusive sponsor for Brew Mountain under the Hoffstadt Bluff Sponsorship level.

Columbia River Sponsor • $1000

Print ads, mentioned on social media, display your banner at event, 10 tickets to sQuatch Fest, vendor table. (3) $1000 Speaker Sponsors available under the Columbia River Sponsorship level.

Ape Cave Sponsor: $500

Print Ads, exposure on social media, vendor table and 5 tickets to sQuatch Fest.

Elk Meadow Sponsor: $250

Logo on print ads and 2 tickets to sQuatch Fest.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Rd Kelso, WA 98626 (360) 423-8400 www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

The Port of Kalama strives to balance the economy, environment and quality of life to make Kalama the best possible place to live. www.portofkalama.com 360.673.2325